The app by UK gambling giant, Gamesys, enables adults Facebook members to play with real money on Facebook
Although Facebook already has a number of gambling-like apps available the new ‘Bingo Friendzy’ app is the first one that will allow members to actually use and win real cash to play.
The gambling game ‘Bingo and Slots Friendzy’ is currently only available in the UK due to Britain’s legal stance for gambling. In the U.S., where the company is based, gambling services on social media sites are not allowed.
"People love playing new types of games with their friends on Facebook and real money gaming is a popular leisure activity in the UK," said Julien Codorniou, Head of EMEA Gaming Partnerships. "We’re delighted to be working with Gamesys to enable them to offer their games on Facebook so that people can enjoy playing more games with their friends."
Facebook users will have to go thorugh a number of strict acceptance controls to verify their identity and confirm they are over 18 as well as located in the UK.
Facebook’s age-gating and geo location technology will ensure the activity from the application will not appear in the newsfeeds of users under the age of 18 or outside of the UK.
The application was developed by UK gambling giant, Gamesys, which also operates Jackpotjoy.com. The gambling app has a selection of 90 different bingo and slots games that can be played with real money instead of Facebook credits.
Users will also have the chance to win free bingo tickets as well as enhanced cash rewards for inviting friends.
As the UK’s leading online Instant Win and Bingo operator we are committed to extending our products to a wider adult audience," said Jackpotjoy Managing Director Michael Saunders, "So we’ve reinvented our exclusive Bingo and Slots games to appeal to the UK Facebook community. This marks an exciting turning point for the industry and a milestone for the Gamesys business."
All Facebook members using the gambling app will be able to access a number of self-help tools to help control their spending and time spent playing.
Social gaming company, Zynga, is also planning to launch a real money gambling app on Facebook next year. The company was responsible for 12% of Facebook revenues in 2011.
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