Facebook’s decision to explore the 13-and-under market may present more opportunities for social game companies than the potential legalization of online gambling, but it is not generating nearly as much buzz. I think it is inevitable that Facebook finds a way to allow children under 13 to legitimately use the Facebook service. As the Economist pointed out, a recent study found that 5.6 million US children under 13 were already using Facebook (and undoubtedly millions more throughout the world). If Facebook does not address this issue, not only are they missing out on a business opportunity, they are leaving themselves open to litigation.
The Business of Social Games and Casino 