It has been called the new frontier in online gambling, and while some gambling games are by nature more social than others, this new zeitgeist promises to make playing virtually any gambling game a social experience. It has become such an important factor to the industry that a conference has been specifically called for dealing with what seems to have become another sector of this incredibly successful industry. We’ll take a wager that when the first gambling game went live online, the developers/operators had absolutely no idea just how big this genre would become!

The first Social Gambling Conference takes place on 16th November in London – Dexter House on Tower Hill. iGaming Business is the host.

As experts in the field of gambling online claim they see huge opportunities opening up in the social space, the big question is "where is the money?" Of course this question is as relevant to operators as it is to social gamers who are keen to win prizes. It is the online gambling part of the equation where attention should be focused, but there also has to be a way to get the balance right. This gathering hopes to address the intricacies and interesting facts of a rather complex subject.

As we see social gambling transform into real money gambling online, the same is taking place from the real money online gambling point of view, where this business is becoming more social. So, like in all instances of just about everything, there are two sides to the coin… thank goodness for that…that is how we achieve balance.

Implications include legal and regulatory requirements as the social gaming market unfolds. But as the experts tell us, there are a great many opportunities presenting themselves. All we need to think about to grasp the idea; is the fact that Globally there are close to 1 billion Facebook users. Already more than 11 million regular (daily) users have made social media platforms the place play to win, and it is estimated that 50% of Facebook users play social games.

Facebooks five top casino games are Texas Hold Em, Slotomania, Double Down, Bingo Blitz, and "Best Casino", so, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that a huge new market is readily available for existing online gambling operators – but, and here is the rub, they have to make the games social. The five games we mentioned attract a fairly incredible 11,240,000 daily players; who wouldn’t want a slice of that pie?

The two sides of this global online gambling and social gaming equation has become a classic "you scratch my back, and I will scratch yours" scenario. Each business sector is being offered the opportunity to accelerate one-another’s growth. Money is made from the sale of virtual goods, such as coins to unlock more advanced features. It is in this aspect that money is made. Getting ahead appeals to the need for personal achievement and status, so, players spend the money. Social gamers are therefore not so much different from online gamblers, and in fact many play both types of games.

A brand new Facebook Poker app seems to be hot in the news – driven by actor Kevin Pollak and his apparent love for this game. For those of you who don’t know who Kevin Pollak is don’t feel alone, neither did we. However, after conducting a little research we found that he certainly has a very well-known face; claims to fame roles in A Few Good Men, The Whole Nine Yards, The Wedding Planner and more. He hosted the first season of Celebrity Poker Showdown, and regularly invites friends over to his house for poker nights.

Anyway it seems he is also the host for the brand new Facebook poker app, which has been aptly named – Hollywood Poker. The app debuts on the 8th October, 2012, and basically offers players a chance to win into star-studded poker games. This is not a “play for real money” game, but apparently does offer great prizes.

So far the names being dropped include: James Woods, Dennis Quaid, Peter Facinelli of Twilight fame (he plays Dr. Carlisle Cullen), John O’Hurley from Seinfeld, Scott Baio, Tim Busfield of The West Wing, Dean Cain of Las Vegas, Rob Riggle of 21 Jump Street, and of course plenty more. While we did not see Ben Affleck or Matt Damon on the list, and they are well-known for their celebrity poker antics, there is still a whole load of shining stars who seem keen to participate in this game, and have also committed themselves to playing Hollywood Poker.

While Hollywood Poker launches on Facebook on the 8th October, the tournament won’t start right away. Members will be playing their best game of poker to win entry into the first tournament which takes place on the 20thOctober. It offers a "rare and exciting chance to play Texas Hold’Em Poker" with Kevin Pollak and his chosen celebrity friends. Three lucky winners will get to play in this single table event. What a rush?!

This is one of the first poker games to be launched by Facebook themselves, and no poker player worth their salt is going to want to miss out on the chance. It is their first ever celebrity games, and over 160 stars of movies, TV, Sports and Media have pledged to play Hollywood Poker. Films and shows such as Too Big to Fail, Saturday Night Live, Vegas, Vampire Diaries, Revolution, News Radio, Charles in Charge, 7th Heaven, Melrose Place, 30 Rock and more to be confirmed will be represented.

Hollywood Poker is easy to use – its designed this way – and fun for everyone. Fans get to interact directly with stars, rub virtual shoulders and chat with them, while playing poker. Visitors can follow the action, as well as become a member, and prizes include trips to star-studded events. This game is playable on most devices which includes mobile for iPad, with support for iPhone and Android being well on their way.

The MyPokerLab/Facebook promotion is giving away a total of $1000 in November. Players can not only earn while they play but also learn while they earn.

Players at PokerTime online poker room have the chance to not only ‘plug their leaks’ at the poker tables but also earn while doing so. The MyPokerLab/Facebook promotion is giving away $250 every week for players who use the MyPokerLab tool.

MyPokerLab is a one-of-a-kind online poker enhancement tool that will assist players in becoming the best poker players that they can be through comprehensive analysis of their game as well as live monitoring by world-class players and experts. MyPokerLab also offers video content of poker fundamentals and report cards that track their progress as well as entry into a poker community like no other with forums, social networking and promotions.

The promotion runs throughout November with a MPL/FB Freeroll every Friday, instead of every second Friday. Players stand the chance of winning their share of a $250 weekly prize pool and entry varies from free to 1 poker point. The top 50 players will receive payouts.

The MyPokerLab/Facebook promotion is in good company. There are a host of other promotions for players to partake in this November such as the Cluedo Bounty promotion, adding some more intrigue to the poker tables. The Bankroll Boosta promotion gives players the chance to increase their rewards the more they play.

These PokerTime promotions will keep players entertained, while upping their game and, if luck suffices, in the money.