Zynga and Bwin.Party Renegotiate Online Gaming Deal with Facebook

UK players could stand to benefit from newly negotiated deals between Zynga and Facebook that would expand the reach of online gambling giant bwin.party, who previously entered into a social gaming agreement with Zynga.  The two companies announced a five year deal back in October that would supply UK players with online poker and online slots within the first half of 2013, and plan to work with Facebook to expand the reach of their online gaming service.

Last week the partners filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission to reword the initial agreement reached between Zynga and Facebook.  The revamped agreement would remove clauses restricting the two sides from expanding their business, and withdraw the requirement that Zynga must promote Facebook in advertisements linked to the games on its gaming platform.  The new agreement also includes a clause which is likely to help UK punters expand who they are able to play against.

“If Facebook allows real money gambling games on the Facebook web site in countries where Zynga has real money gambling games, Zynga will subsequently launch such games on the Facebook web site, if certain conditions are met by Facebook.”

This clause stipulates that Zynga and by extension bwin.party will be able to promote their games and platforms through Facebook, provided they meet certain requirements.  Zynga has also announced plans to introduce UK gamers to its popular Farmville game branded within an online slot machine, which is expected to go live on Facebook with other bwin.party games sometime in the first half of 2013.

Bwin.party representatives have said the partnership with Zynga provides the launch of a new social gaming platform with a new look, feel, and features which they expect will help recapture lost online gaming market share.

“Our objective is to once again make PartyPoker the world’s favourite poker room and return poker to growth.”