The latest developments from Zynga just further points out the ever narrowing line between online gambling, like online scratchcards and that of social games which millions play for free.
According to reports in the New York Post the social gaming giant Zynga is in talks with the casino giants Wynn Resorts. According to reports Zynga is looking to take advantage of the new legal situation in the U.S. after the much talked about change of stance of the Justice Department on the Wire Act of 1961.
Currently the U.S. online scratch card community is still in limbo and is not allowed to enjoy their scratchies online in their country. The mood in the U.S. scratch card community is certainly shifting as progress seems inevitable.
Zynga is just one of the many players who see the U.S. as one of the most profitable online gambling markets in the world. Currently Zynga is the main supplier of social free-to-play casino games for Facebook which enjoy millions of committed and loyal fans.
Scratchcards are generally accepted as more of a social form of gambling and with the endless scratchcard based social themes it is not hard to understand why this is so. Scratchgames like Love Birds and Keep Smiling are just two examples of how fun and social scratchies truly are.
CEO of Zynga Mark Pincus has openly stated his intention of converting their loyal fan base of virtual free online casino players to real money players. He has been quoted as stating that the prospects are “mind-blowing” should Zynga succeed in converting their virtual poker into real-life betting.
Zynga is actively seeking partnerships in various U.S. states that are also looking to generate income from tax revenues on online gambling legalization.
There are daily changes as many states desperately need scratch card revenues to fund their state economies. Scratchies are a welcome alternative for politicians over unpopular tax hikes.
Industry experts believe that the existing casino operators like Wynn Resorts are more likely to be awarded online gambling licenses. It is for this reason that Zynga is seeking such beneficial partners like Wynn who already have an established foothold and are trusted by the local authorities.
For potential online scratch card site operators in the U.S. it will be easier to sell the scratchcards format as it is not associated with other heavy gambling casino games.
It is important to remember that Facebook themselves have been rumored to be in talks with major online gambling operators such as William Hill and Ladbrokes in an effort to provide Facebook users access to their sites.
It is fascinating to see how the likes of scratch cards games have become an acceptable and popular social pastime that is enjoyed by millions worldwide.