Social Casino – Where Community and Casino Entertainment Meet
The casino and gambling industry is a highly competitive and lucrative sector, generating billions of dollars annually. Whether in physical establishments or online platforms, casinos provide players and enthusiasts with opportunities to engage in various games and forms of gambling. Despite some negative perceptions surrounding gambling in certain regions, the undeniable truth is that casino gambling is a persistent and enduring industry. Recent statistics project that brick-and-mortar casinos alone will generate over $317 billion in 2016.
Several factors contribute to the growing popularity and revenue of casino gambling. The expansion of online casino games has played a significant role in driving demand, while advancements in technology have enabled the creation and delivery of new services. However, there is a burgeoning segment within the industry that is poised to shape the future of casino gambling: social casinos. Research indicates that the social casino market is currently valued at $3.4 billion and is projected to surpass $4 billion by 2017. So, what exactly is a social casino, and how does it differ from the traditional land-based casinos that players are familiar with and fond of?
What is a Social Casino?
Social casinos have been in existence since the 2000s, but they gained significant momentum around 2012 and 2013 when social media became increasingly popular. During this period, social media platforms experienced unprecedented growth, attracting millions of users and generating billions of tweets, likes, and messages. Capitalizing on this large user base, social media websites took a creative step by integrating games, marking the official emergence of social casinos as a lucrative niche market within the casino industry. These platforms aimed to cater to the communication and entertainment needs of millennials and young professionals.
Today, numerous social media platforms offer games as part of their service offerings. Prominent examples include Facebook, Google+, and Bebo. Initially, most games were available to play for free. However, the landscape of social casinos shifted when real money-based poker games were introduced to the public.
What are the Types of Casino Games You Can Play?
There are several distinctions between traditional land-based casinos and the popular online social casinos available today. One notable difference lies in the selection of games offered and the accompanying gameplay and rules. Here are some of the games that players can find in a social casino:
- Slot Games: Slot machines have evolved significantly, transitioning from the classic “one-armed bandits” found in pubs and casinos to popular online instant win games. Social casinos now feature slot video productions designed to provide instant win entertainment for players on the go. While most games are rented from established software providers, some social casinos create their own slot games from scratch. As social casino games, these slots often include tournaments where players can compete against each other for significant wins.
- Poker: Alongside slots, poker has played a pivotal role in shaping the social casino landscape. Classic poker games and tournaments are now hosted on social media platforms. Additionally, poker tours have launched their own poker-focused social casinos, contributing to the growth of the industry.
- Bingo: Considered a “social game,” bingo has become a staple in these new casinos, offering players an opportunity to play, chat, and compete with others.
Social casinos also feature other exciting and colorful games such as Roulette, Keno, Blackjack, Solitaire, and more. Different social media websites offer a variety of games, with Facebook leading the way. However, the availability of real-money gameplay on Facebook depends on the player’s region, as only a limited number of regions allow it on this platform.
What are the Advantages Associated with Playing in a Social Casino?
Joining a social casino membership can revolutionize your perception of casino gaming and action. While social casinos may not surpass land-based casinos in terms of an authentic casino experience and game variety, they do offer an almost-real experience. In a social casino, players can freely browse and explore games while chatting with friends, play directly in their browser, enjoy on-the-go gaming, and even win real prizes.
Compared to traditional casinos, social casinos utilize software that enables players to chat and interact with each other while playing games. It is the social aspect of these games that appeals to many players, particularly millennials and young professionals. Beyond the opportunity to connect with fellow players, some social casinos provide players with engaging adventures where they can collect achievements, points, and trophies along the way. This allows players to showcase their skills and compete with others. Even when not pursuing cash prizes, players can compete for points, glory, and bragging rights. In essence, social casinos have embraced the concept of gamification, enhancing their overall appeal.
Another advantage of social casinos is the ability to play anywhere, as long as you have a suitable mobile phone or device. The inclusion of mobile-friendly platforms caters to highly mobile players, busy professionals, and business owners who may lack the time to visit physical casinos. While some games in social casinos require downloading, many can be played directly in the browser.
Social casinos are still in their infancy, which means that casino enthusiasts can anticipate even more exciting developments in the near future. Experts and industry insiders predict that live dealers will become the norm in social casinos. Live casino dealers, who were previously exclusive to land-based casinos, will soon take charge of table games, with poker likely being one of the first games to feature live dealers, further enhancing the social aspect. Moreover, as technology progresses, wearable devices and new technologies will likely emerge. With the growing popularity of virtual reality and devices like the Oculus Rift, there is a strong possibility that social casinos will intersect with these wearable devices, creating immersive experiences for players.
Are There Disadvantages Associated with Playing in a Social Casinos?
Like any other casinos available today, there are both advantages and limitations associated with the gaming environment of social casinos. One notable aspect is the need to engage with a community and interact with other players. If you prefer playing alone without distractions, the communal features of a social casino might impact your mood and playing style. Chat features, forums, and competitions could divert your focus while playing online.
Additionally, many social casinos require a complete profile to facilitate interactions with other players. This means you may need to share certain personal information. If you prefer to maintain anonymity while playing, the requirement of a complete profile or the possibility of being interrupted by other players in the chat can be a concern.
Setting aside these considerations and disadvantages, social casinos are reshaping the way casino action is experienced and are considered the future of casino gambling. They offer better playing options, excitement, and opportunities for improved winnings. For casino players and regulars seeking high-octane entertainment, social casinos provide a superior way to enjoy online gambling while connecting with fellow players.
Read our other introductions to different Casino types
- Live Casino – Get an Authentic Online Casino Experience Without Leaving Your Home
- Mobile Casino – The Flexible and Mobile Casino Experience for Busy and Active Players
- Virtual Casino – Bringing Casino Entertainment Wherever You Are
