Although social casinos are not new concepts in the gambling industry, they have been steadily gaining popularity among players in recent years. This leads players to have a good understanding of them and what they can bring to online casino operators.
How do you define a social casino?
Social casinos are where players can play casino games such as slots, poker and bingo, but with virtual currency rather than real money. In social casinos, all play is done with in-game currency, unlike online casinos where you can bet and win real money. It can either be bought or earned during the game, but cannot be exchanged for real money.
Social casinos were created for people who want to have a fun time without considering the financial risks associated with visiting regular casinos. Because they provide a safe gaming experience, they are becoming more accessible to more people.
A brief history of the transition from social gaming to social casinos: when game developers saw an opportunity to combine popular games with casino-style games, social networks emerged.
Over time, social casinos became one of the most popular genres of mobile games in the world. Today, they offer a wide range of games, from classic slots and blackjack to more innovative and exciting game formats.
How it all started in 2000
The early 2000s saw the emergence of social gaming and social networks such as Facebook and VKontakte.
With millions of users playing virtual activities such as FarmVille and Mafia Wars, which combine strategy, interaction and competition, they became a true cultural phenomenon. These games actively utilized the power of social networking: players could invite friends, send gifts, and post achievements in their news feeds.
Through invitations and “social proof” – for example, if a friend recommends a game it means it’s worth checking out – this strategy helped retain old players and attract new ones. It soon became apparent that the social component was a powerful tool for engaging players and creating a loyal community. The success of these games led to the merging of online gambling and social media, which eventually led to the emergence of social casinos.
Innovation and Development (2010s)
Social casinos have attracted both traditional casino players and gamers seeking a new gaming experience, opening up a new market segment. Increasingly sophisticated social features that allowed players to interact and compete for virtual rewards were driven by the popularity of these games. These features helped create a closer community of players, adding depth and excitement to the games.
