One of these moves is the growing number of casino-based applications and games. Having just released their App Center last month it is essential to take note that of their top grossing 10 apps the casino games dominate and are proving to be the most sought after games on Facebook.
As scratchcard fans we believe that there can be a balance struck between offering social games and those of softer social gambling like scratchies. If people are already looking to have a punt, the scratch card offers both the element of an entertaining social game yet offers real money gambling options that do not require large cash layouts.
The list includes Zynga Poker which is the world’s largest online poker game and boasts over 7 million players a day. Other titles include DoubleDown Casino, Slotomania,Texas HoldEm Poker Deluxe and Bingo Bash just to mention a few.
The fact that these free-to-play casino based games are the top grossing and popular games on the world’s largest social network is something that cannot be ignored and is an obvious indication that millions enjoy the thrill of online gambling.
The situation has reached levels where experts are starting to question what the impact of these games could have on children as millions of Facebook users are under the age of 18.These concerns have reached as far as Australia where a report in the West Australian warns about the possible addiction of younger players through Facebook.
With all the top rated Facebook apps like Zynga Poker and Slotomania available through all Android and iOS platforms, the danger is a real threat according to experts, like Julian Dooley of the Sellenger Centre who was quoted as saying, “gambling apps could ‘normalise’ gambling and potentially lead to addictive behavior.”
Responsible gambling is an integral part of the online scratch cards industry. All reputable scratch card siteshave the strictest controls to ensure that all online players are of legal playing age in their respective countries which make for a fair and responsible scratchcard industry.
While online scratchies are a global hit with those looking for cheap methods to have a flutter, the need to observe any worrying patterns among children playing these social casino games on Facebook is essential.