Popcap releases Lucky Gem Casino beta

Popular game developer Popcap recently launched an open beta for its newest virtual money gambling game, Lucky Gem Casino. The newest version of Lucky Gems Casino marks Popcap's fourth release in Facebook.

Lucky Gem Casino is just one among the fleet of social gambling games coming out recently. Game developer Zynga, creators of Facebook hits Zynga Poker, Farmville, and Cityville, recently teamed up with Slingo to create Zynga Slingo, a bingo-slots hybrid game for Facebook. Aside from Zynga Slingo, Zynga is also preparing its upcoming Zynga Casino franchise that will integrate both Zynga Poker and an upcoming title, Zynga Bingo.

Even land-based casinos are getting into the social gaming platform with Caesars Interactive Entertainment releasing Caesars Casino.

Popcap reiterated the current status of the social gaming market as being one of the fastest in terms of growth in Facebook.

"Casino-themed social games are one of the fastest growing genres on Facebook," said Popcap executive Dennis Ryan.

Popcap, which was acquired by Electronic Arts last year, is the company behind several wildly popular games such as Bejeweled, Zuma, and Plants vs Zombies.