We use social media extensively for posting photos, networking, and sharing everything that’s on our minds. On some of these platforms, you can also play games that resemble casino-style mechanics, including cheap entry casino options not on GamStop, whether it’s in a large group or one-on-one. Can you win money with these, or are these social media games not meant for gambling?
Social Networking & Gambling
Chances are you have a Facebook account too. The social media platform is primarily used to connect and stay in touch with friends, old acquaintances, and family. In 2019, the social media platform had over 10 million users in the UK. Besides networking, Facebook is also used for other purposes, such as relaxation. Many people spend their time on Facebook playing games and discussing experiences, including UK players’ thoughts on Spicy Jackpots, as part of broader conversations around online entertainment. For example, there was a time when almost everyone played Farmville. Playing casino games via social networking sites like Facebook is becoming increasingly popular these days. However, such games can only be played for free and therefore for fun. It’s not possible to play with real money on social media. And winning money is precisely one of the most appealing aspects of casino games.
The potential problem here is that Facebook is a young social network with many players who are legally prohibited from playing casino games online. Nevertheless, Facebook is working with game developers like Zynga (the producer of popular games like FarmVille and Facebook Poker) to find a way to find social networking site players without the risk of minors accessing the games.
Social Media Gambling Is a Gap in the Market
If a solution is found, social networks could be an extremely profitable market for gambling operators. Five of the most popular games played on Facebook today are Bingo Blitz, DoubleDown Casino, Texas Hold’em Poker, Siotomania, and Best Casino. Furthermore, statistics indicate that more than 11 million players regularly log in just to play these games at non GamStop casinos. If the games could be played for real money, gaming operators could potentially generate billions of dollars per month. By operating in the social networking space, gaming operators can reach potential players who might otherwise never join a casino.
Risk of Shady Gambling on Social Media
The Geldbloem game proves that gambling on social media isn’t always innocent or fair. The UKGC issued a warning about this somewhat shady scheme at the end of 2018. People were approached via social media channels like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp to participate. Each player had to put in a deposit. Anyone who managed to recruit a new player to the Geldbloem game received a financial reward. This, in turn, encouraged players to promote the game. The catch: a minimum number of participants had to be found first. In most cases, this wasn’t successful, and players lost their stakes before the game was even played.
The game exhibits all the characteristics of a so-called pyramid scheme. A pyramid scheme is always a bit tricky and is even prohibited in the UK because it’s considered a game of chance. If you come across a game with similar characteristics on social media, we definitely recommend you steer clear!
Relying on Casino Websites
For now, the only legal way to gamble online is through gambling websites such as non GamStop casinos, poker sites, bingo sites, bookmakers, and so on. Many of these undoubtedly have social aspects with features like chatting with other players and the dealer. What about live casinos without GamStop? Here, you can play familiar table games from the comfort of your own home, guided by a real croupier, and chat with other players. However, social networking sites like Facebook would undoubtedly take this to the next level with the option of playing against Facebook friends and similar platforms.
Others have suggested that a great alternative would be a social networking site with gambling as its sole purpose. This would eliminate many of the potential problems associated with introducing real-money gaming to a social network like Facebook. Such a site would implement the same strict ID checks that a regular casino site does. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens. Will real-money gaming become available through Facebook, or will a new social network with gambling as its sole purpose prove more successful?
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) & Unique Author
Annamae Solanoric is the Chief Marketing Officer and a distinctive voice within the company as a unique author. Combining her passion for storytelling with her deep expertise in branding and digital marketing, she not only leads the company’s marketing strategies but also crafts compelling narratives that engage and inspire audiences. Her work as an author has been widely recognized, and she seamlessly integrates her creative vision into building the company’s brand. Annamae’s leadership in both marketing and content creation drives innovation and helps establish strong connections with clients and partners alike.
