In recent years, the rise of social casinos has created a new paradigm in online gaming. So-called social casinos are platforms that users interact with, similar to real online casinos in terms of formats and looks, but without real money for betting.
Instead, players use Gold and Sweeps Coins to play with. However, the good news is that all casino games are available to play, made by the biggest software providers in the industry, such as Hacksaw, Microgaming, and NetEnt.
In this article, we explore what social casinos are and why they’re becoming so popular.
What Are Social Casinos?
A social casino is an online platform where anyone over 18 can enjoy popular casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker. The difference compared to regular online casinos is that they can play these games for fun without having to play with real money in the process.
The latter is made feasible by the absence of wagering real cash and the presence of virtual coins or credits in its place. In-app purchases of Gold Coin packages are usually offered on these platforms to allow players to acquire more credits.
Because the casino games are not for real money gambling, social casinos are not illegal. In the United States, these platforms have gained popularity due to the ban on real-money online casinos in most states.
Why Are Social Casinos So Popular?
What makes social casinos a big hit today? Here are a few reasons to consider:
Accessibility: Everybody who has a smartphone or a Facebook account is able to play a game without any account verification, bank details, or a gambling license. The process is easier and much more comfortable.
Social Integration: A key component is that players can give and receive gifts, take part in the competitions, and share their progress, thus feeling part of the community of the game. The aspect of competition and the communal feeling are simultaneously satisfying.
No Financial Risk: As they do not stand to win any real money, players have the enjoyment of a typical casino play without being at the risk of losing any real money.
Gamification: By using such things as loyalty levels, daily rewards, and themed events, the developers follow the design philosophy seen in mobile games. This makes sure that the players are always engaged and regularly come back for more.
Games to Play at Social Casinos
Slots are the lifeblood of social casinos, encompassing a wide variety of games ranging from 3-reel classic machines to sophisticated video slots filled with diverse features.
There are thousands to choose from at social casinos, where you can play slots free with no download required. What’s more, when you use comparison sites to pick one, you’ll be able to read impartial reviews about all the games, while also claiming a generous welcome offer.
Let’s explore the main types of slots you can enjoy at social casinos:
Classic Slots: The fruit machines with 1-3 paylines and basic gameplay. Such machines are suitable for beginners or for those who reminisce about the good old times.
Video Slots: Slots packed with features and a name corresponding to the game’s theme (such as Ancient Egypt, Irish Luck, Las Vegas). Among the features in these slot games are bonus rounds, wilds that expand, and free spins.
Cluster Pays: Symbols do not pay along paylines, but pay when they form clusters. This gives the game a puzzle-like aspect.
Megaways-Style Games: Megaways mechanics, designed by Big Time Gaming, give players a whopping 117,649 ways to win.
Although less prominent than slots, table games are widely available in social casinos and include both classic and unique variants.
Below are the main types of table games you can play at social casinos.
Blackjack – You can enjoy the classic single deck blackjack or play switch, multi-hand, or Spanish 21. Live dealer games are also available at some social casino sites.
Roulette – At social casinos, you’ll find the classic American, European, and French variants. However, be on the lookout for mini roulette or 100/1 roulette.
Baccarat – You’ll find Punto Banco or versions of Sic Bo to enjoy.
Craps – Craps games aren’t as common as other table games, but you’ll still find some games made by leading developer, Pragmatic Play.
Data Collection and Behavioral Insights
One of the lesser-discussed, but highly valuable, aspects of social casinos is the data they generate. Game developers can track user preferences, game time, spending behavior, and engagement levels. This will improve the games in the long run for the player.
These insights help inform everything from ad targeting to future game development. In the larger gaming ecosystem, this data is invaluable for understanding user psychology and refining monetization strategies.
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