Paddy Power Opens Up A New Page By Turning To Facebook

Founded in 1988 by three existing Irish high street bookmakers, Paddy Power, Ireland's largest and most successful  bookmaker, is turning to Facebook and Twitter in hopes of adding yet another big money generator to its resume.

Best known for its money-back specials, the gambling group has announced that it's launching its first product to offer "real money" sports betting on the social network. A beta version of their betting platform, which has been available only to desktop UK computer users, is currently being tested and should be launched in coming weeks.

Social Interaction Meets Online Betting

A spokesman for Paddy Power said "The app will add social engagement to online betting, enabling customers to bet on a wide variety of sporting events through Facebook, while also giving them visibility of, and the opportunity to engage with, other users. Player participation will be subject to strict age verification checks."

Paddy Power's new games were developed by their team in Bulgaria and the company already monitors various sites such as Twitter and Facebook to keep tabs on how much it is being talked about by consumers. This is done with the purpose of keeping an eye on how effective marketing campaigns truly are.

Besides the website, which went online in 2005, Paddy Power's online/telephone division operates Ireland's largest telephone sportsbook, Paddy Power Dial-a-Bet.