Scientific Games Attacked For Social Casino Games

By Brian Cullingworth, Last updated Dec 29, 2017

Guardian newspaper points to US developer’s use of children’s cartoon characters

The UK newspaper The Guardian, which is becoming well-known for its numerous anti-gambling articles, has focused its latest attack on US developer Scientific Games, pointing out that in addition to providing FOBTs to Ladbrokes and casino games for several online gambling websites, the developer makes a variety of its games available in the social casino gaming sphere, particularly on Facebook.

One of these social gaming apps features theme cartoons that may appeal to children such The Flintstones, while another is themed around the Rapunzel fairy tale and a third is called OMG! Kittens, The Guardian observes.

The newspaper also references SG’s Jackpot Party Casino Slots and a game titled Toys for Tots, and reminds readers that just weeks ago online gambling operators were warned about the unacceptability of such themes following an investigation by the Sunday Times (see previous InfoPowa report).

Canvassing views on the issue, The Guardian obtained a response from deputy Labour Party leader Tom Watson, who condemned the use of themes that appeal to children and their use in the social casino gaming vertical, and urged Facebook to take action.

InfoPowa readers will recall that in social gaming real money is not wagered, won or lost because players use virtual money that can be won as prizes or bought.

The Guardian notes that a recent report from the UK Gambling Commission listed social casino gaming as one of the emerging risks in problem gambling, finding that children who played social games were more likely to bet money on adult gambling products.

The newspaper claims that no age verification is required, but that the SG app’s T&Cs advise that the game is aimed at persons over the age of 21years. In testing the app from a mobile phone the newspaper found that there was no barrier to fast registration and the creation of an account, which subsequently generated emailed promotional offers.

Tim Miller, the Gambling Commission’s executive director, said in response to a request for comment:

“In regulating gambling, we actively seek views and evidence about the risks children face so we can improve protections, and we think the social gaming industry should do the same, listening to the concerns of parents and others.”

Facebook and Scientific Games did not respond to The Guardian’s invitations to comment.

[You can read the full Guardian article here: “Gambling-style apps offered on Facebook without age checks” (Ed.)]

Brian Cullingworth

Infopowa news was a staple of Casinomeister’s news from 2000 until 2019. Brian Cullingworth was the main writer, contributor, and was one of the most knowledgeable persons I have ever known involved in the online casino industry.

We first met in January 2001 at the ICE in London where I observed him going booth to booth interviewing online casino, software, and licensing jurisdiction representatives. Brian was also heavily involved with our forum as “Jetset“, he was involved as an informal consultant to eCOGRA, the OPA, and was a player advocate who assisted countless aggrieved players with his connections to industry folks. He also published “Casino Cautions” via Infopowa news for quite a number of years. These can be found in our news archives.

His passing in February 2019 was a dark day for us. He will be forever missed.


Latest News

It’s That Time of the Year Again: Casinomeister Awards 2024

It’s that time of the year again! Casinomeister Awards for 2024 have been announced, and we give you all the highlights.

By Natasa Milojevic, Last updated Feb 5, 2025
It’s That Time of the Year Again: Casinomeister Awards 2024

New Rating System for Sweepstakes Social Casinos — Now Live!

Casinomeister has a introduced a detailed new rating system for sweepstakes casinos, making it easier to find the right place to play.

By Filip Colovic, Last updated Feb 3, 2025
New Rating System for Sweepstakes Social Casinos — Now Live!

Evolution’s License Getting Dissected by the UKGC Over Suspected Black Market Activity

The big-name live casino provider Evolution Gaming is facing the UKGC’s investigation for suspected black market activity.

By Natasa Milojevic, Last updated Jan 16, 2025
Evolution’s License Getting Dissected by the UKGC Over Suspected Black Market Activity

Spin Into the Festive Spirit With Pragmatic Play and Unwrap an Amazon Voucher

Get in the holiday spirit with Pragmatic Play’s festive tournament and claim up to four €200 Amazon vouchers.

By Natasa Milojevic, Last updated Dec 18, 2024
Spin Into the Festive Spirit With Pragmatic Play and Unwrap an Amazon Voucher

Oshi Casino Exclusive Xmas Promo: 200% Match + 100 Free Spins

Take advantage of this exclusive Christmas offer at Oshi Casino — a 200% match up to $200 and 100 free spins. Grab your promo code here!

By Filip Colovic, Last updated Jan 16, 2025
Oshi Casino Exclusive Xmas Promo: 200% Match + 100 Free Spins