With the launch of Bingo Friendzy, the first ever gambling app on Facebook, it seems that the social media giant has landed itself in hot water. Only a day after the Monday launch of the game, critics already allege that it lures children to gambling and may pose a risk for compulsive gamblers.

The gaming app, which is currently available in the UK only, allows users to stake a minimum of 10 pounds on the virtual Bingo gambling machine. Critics say that the gambling game lures users into risking huge amounts of money for a chance to win a jackpot worth 50,000 pounds.  

"Real money gaming is a popular and well-regulated activity in the UK and we are allowing a partner to offer their games to adult users on the Facebook platform in a safe and controlled manner," said a Facebook spokseman. Facebook chose to launch the game in the UK due to relaxed restrictions on online gambling compared to the U.S.  

Facebook's younger users are at the center of the frenzy around Bingo Friendzy. The game allegedly offers an open gambling platform for where age is practically no bar.  Although Facebook claims that it maintains a strict 18-and-over age limit for those who participate in the game, lying about one's age on social media remains notoriously easy. Experts predict that the game will see active participation from all age groups, especially the young crowd which stays connected nearly 24/7.   

"It is through [virtual] gambling that children are introduced to the principles and excitement of gambling. I had extreme concerns about the graphics and imagery.The whole thing about gambling is that it should not appeal to children or adolescents in any way. How that squares with the idea of not promoting gambling for children and adolescents, I've no idea at all. They're effectively a front for a gambling operator," said Mark Griffiths, professor of gambling studies at Nottingham Trent University. The app features cartoon characters which resemble popular a children's cartoon, Moshi Monster, which critics have labelled as a marketing ploy aimed at younger users.

Facebook is currently seeking innovative ways to build up its revenue, and this bold move is expected to earn the company a substantial amount of money.

What are your views about the app? Do you think that it is "child-friendly" or that Facebook has landed itself into a dicey situation with this? Please share your views in the comments below.