Facebook to Host Real-Money Gambling in UK

Facebook, the world's leading social network, will allow its millions of British users to play real-money gambling, in a trial that could change the face f the entire online gambling industry.

Facebook and independent gaming partner Gamesys launched a real-money version of online bingo for British Facebook users over the age of 18 Tuesday. Facebook confirmed that it was partnering with Gamesys to allow the gambling service, and the two also announced plans to offer virtual slots on the social network.

There are no current plans to offer gambling in any other countries or with any other partners aside from Gamesys, a Facebook spokeswoman said. She also devlined to disclose what portion of the revenue the social network would take from the Gamesys games, but acknowledged that the two companies have a revenue sharing agreement. 

Regular readers will know that this news has been a long time coming. Last year Facebook amended its advertising guidelines to enable online casino advertisements to be posted on its website. And early this year it agreed to pay up to $500 million for Double Down Interactive - which develops casino-style games for the social network.

Zynga, the largest provider of online poker and gambling style games to Facebook, has broadcasted several hints to the public about its future entry into the world of real-money gambling, and it can only be assumed that the door has been opened following the news of this week.