Zynga is to introduce two real-money versions of its casino and poker games in the UK this week, heralding the company’s first foray into online gambling.
The first two games to launch are ZyngaPlusPoker and ZyngaPlusCasino, and are a result of Zynga’s partnership with Bwin.
The games are launching on the web and for desktop client download for now — not yet on Facebook or mobile. Barry Cottle, Zynga’s chief revenue officer, said the staged launch is the company’s way of seeing how the market reacts, and how it should proceed from there.
With New Jersey and Nevada taking firm steps towards regulating online gambling, Zynga’s UK venture is also being regarded as something of a test bed for services which could ultimately migrate to the US market.
In the hours following the announcement, shares in Zynga rose around five per cent.
