Facebook takes a gamble to boost revenue

By Wire services | August 8, 2012 | Last updated on August 8, 2012
1 min read

In an attempt to bump up its revenue, Facebook is now allowing its adult users in the U.K. to play at online gambling, reports TechCrunch.

The first app to hit the network is called Bingo Friendzy, which offers various bingo and slot machine games. Players put real money on the table rather than site credits.

A spokesperson told TechCrunch, “Real-money gaming is a popular and well-regulated activity in the U.K., and we’re letting a partner offer games to adult users on the platform in a controlled manner.”

Forbes says the main problem isn’t the introduction of the game. They’re most concerned about its particular user interface; most gambling apps imitate reality and use human players, but this game features cartoon animals and appears kid-friendly.

Britain’s Daily Telegraph newspaper has quoting church groups as saying that the app’s visual marketing is concerning, and a blatant breach of the regulations surrounding online gambling.

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Wire services