Paddy Power to Offer Real Money Sports Betting on Facebook
British bookmaker Paddy Power become the first sports gambling company to launch their product for real money on Facebook. It's a huge move them and Paddy Power - In Play! will be the first app of its kind and sees a turning point in businesses that are attempting to capitalize on their Facebook following, and of course the millions of other users. With gambling laws being very relaxed in the UK that's exactly where it's being rolled out and over the course of the next few weeks users will see that there will be soccer matches and horse racing real money wagering available via the app. Paddy Power does in fact utilize all social media channels to the maximum and has a big presence on Facebook and Twitter, ad it has always kept it's followers entertained with more than just the latest odds and upcoming events.
Facebook Gambling Criticism
Just last year Facebook faced a barrage of criticism due to the fact that children were allowed to use virtual money to gamble on casino games with however Paddy Power have insisted that their app will provide secure age checks and that the app will not even be on view to those under the age of 18. The age on signing up to Facebook is set at 13, however, there has also been concern that there is no age verification on that either and it is in fact well documented that many users have false dates of birth etc. However, as with signing up with any bookmaker in the UK, there is very strict age verification required, and this will be the case on the Paddy Power app. Managing Director of Paddy Power Peter O'Donovan said that, "The launch of the first real money sports betting product on Facebook is testament to Paddy Power’s e-commerce and technology capabilities, we are pleased to partner with Facebook on this pioneering work." Head os social gaming at Facebook, Will Collins added, "Given the popularity of sports betting in the UK, we're delighted to be welcoming Paddy Power onto the Facebook gaming platform with an innovative gaming experience." There are already statements regarding the regulations of UK gambling and age verification, and Facebook cleared things up a little with, "Online betting is a popular and well-regulated pastime in the UK. Our carefully chosen partners work within stringent regulatory guidelines to ensure their products and services are used safely and responsibly by adults. These products will be invisible and inaccessible to people aged under 18 on Facebook."
