888 first in queue for Facebook gambling license

Facebook are looking into adding real money casino games for users in the UK according to a report at dailymail.co.uk.

The world’s biggest social network already has ‘fun play’ games like Gamesys’ Jackpot Joy slot that allows users to spin the reels for virtual credits (as if real money slot games aren’t boring enough!), used by as many as 1.7 million Facebookers.

Now they want to introduce real money games, and have decided that Britain will be the testing ground for the controversial move.

They’ve already been in discussions with a bunch of online gambling operators vying for the right to supply them with games, eight of whom will be awarded licenses early in the new year. 888 Casino is said to be first in line.

Understandably, there’s plenty of opposition to Facebook’s plans.

Over 3 million of their British users are aged 13 to 17.  Another million are estimated to have lied about their age to gain membership and are in fact under 13 years of age. The challenge for Facebook and their gambling partners will be to make sure none of these young members can play the real cash games…and convince the powers that be that the’re up to the task.

Concern has also been expressed that Facebook will be perceived by young members to be endorsing gambling as a trivial pastime.

“Protecting children from the normalisation of gambling is vital,” says Lauri Moyle from Christian Action Research Education (CARE).  I’m tipping Lauri would be just as unhappy about live roulette being broadcast on Channel Five every evening!