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Facebook launches real-money gambling game in U.K.

Facebook launches real-money gambling game in U.K.

Facebook leaped into the world of online gambling today with the launch of Bingo Friendzy, an app that allows users to play games for cash prizes.

Facebook online gambling app Bingo FriendzyFacebook leaped into the world of online gambling today with the launch of Bingo Friendzy, an app that allows users to play games for cash prizes.

Right now, the app is available only in the United Kingdom to players ages 18 and up, according to BBC News. Bingo Friendzy is the work of developer Gamesys, which also runs the U.K.’s top bingo and slots website, Jackpotjoy.com.

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“Real-money gaming is a popular and well-regulated activity in the U.K., and we are allowing a partner to offer their games to adult users on the Facebook platform in a safe and controlled manner,” a Facebook spokesperson told the BBC.

Gamesys said players can set spending limits. The developer is also providing self-help tools to reduce the risk of gambling addiction.

Social gaming giant Zynga also plans to launch a real-money online gambling poker game sometime in 2013. That game will likely be offered overseas as well, since real-money online gambling is still illegal in the United States.