When someone asks you what social gaming is, would you be able to answer without hesitation? If your answer is doubtful, don’t worry! We have you covered in the following article.

What is Social Gaming?

Social gaming stemmed from social networks, where players could have fun and connect with friends who became family and strangers who became friends. Over the past few years, some games have become more popular on different social media platforms. These games include Farmville, Mafia Wars, and Words with Friends. Facebook has been a pioneer in the social gaming sector. 

The social gaming phenomenon has two sides. On the left are virtual farms, wordplay, and some fascinating crime games, while on the right are social casino games. 

Social Casino Games

Most social casino games are free-to-play versions of the real online casino game with the same features, themes, and song tracks. Some social casino games give players free daily bonus credits, like chips or spins, to play with. However, you can purchase chips or spins when you run out to keep playing. 

These games can either be blended into a social media platform or can be a stand-alone app. When you think of the uses or benefits of social casino gaming, the answer is “open” and quite simple, as some of the top motivators are entertainment and the social factor. 

Gaming Options

The popular options in the gaming market are KamaGames’ Pokerist and Slotomania, which are free-to-play slot machine heaven. The publisher of the social game Words with Friends, Zynga, is multi-talented, as they also have a line of social casino games, including poker and slots.

But as the old saying goes, “the biggest fish in the pond” will go to Playtika. 

Playtika stands proudly with 22% of the entire app market share and has a portfolio that includes Slotomania, BingoBlitz, and the World Series of Poker of the 6 highest iOS social casino games in the US. 

Types of Social Casino Games

Here are the most popular casino games available at social casinos:

• Slots – Players widely recognise this type of game. Sit back, spin the reels and enjoy the exhilaration without losing money.
• Poker – Social poker games are similar to the “real world” game, where you can compete against other players or even enjoy a tournament.
• Blackjack – This is a very famous game which involves cards. You must try to outplay the dealer without going over 21.
• Roulette – The only difference between the actual game and the social version is the virtual chips you use. You can place your virtual bet where you think the ball may land on the roulette wheel.

During each of these games, you are met with HD graphics, special features, and other elements, like the leaderboard, and you also can showcase your achievements.

The Psychology Behind the Appeal of Social Casino Gaming

For us to understand the psychology behind social casino gaming, there are various intricate psychological factors to keep in mind. From the appeal to money to the excitement of winning. Several factors contribute to the attraction of casino games. The one that stands out above the rest is the need for social interaction and belongingness. 

Casinos are known for their rich social environments, and social casino games on the internet are not far behind. These games allow interaction with others and engaging in friendly competition.

The market for social casino gaming also has a distinct appeal where online casino gambling is restricted by law. Major iGaming operators in Australia offer versions of their online casinos, which are modified minus the deposits and withdrawals to imitate the legal, social casino games. This allows them to generate earnings legally in a closed market.

A 2015 report from the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) on social gaming concluded that it does not pose any societal threat regarding toxic behaviour commonly associated with gambling. The UKGC made a statement in 2019 that social casinos would not be subject to regulation if the operators demonstrated social responsibility.

Social casino games attract millions of players, not only younger adults, as you might think. According to Mobile Games Index 2023, a player’s most common demographic profile is people in their 40s. 

What is the Future of Social Casino Gaming?

We can ask ourselves: Are social casino games a good or bad thing? Looking at the question with an open mind, we can certainly mention positive and negative points. The growth and success of social casino gaming are uncontested, as the current market shows no signs of stopping.

Global Social Casino Games Market Analysis has revealed that from 2021 – 2028, the social casino games market will steadily climb at a CAGR of approximately 6.3% from around $6 billion registered in 2021 to $9.82 billion over 2028.

Conclusion

In today’s world, with advanced technology, social media and the internet have become important in our daily routine, with over 3 billion users active on social media. How long before we all jump onto the new trend, The Rise of Social Casino Games? These online platforms exceed all expectations when it comes to fostering social interaction, which, in fact, boosts your gaming experience. Are you ready to jump into the pool of endless entertainment?

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