What Is a Social Casino? – A Comprehensive Guide to Free Social Casino Games

The online gaming landscape is massive. It features a wide range of gaming options one of which is social casino gaming. Social casinos are essentially free versions of online casinos, known as an offshoot of social media games. They have enjoyed widespread popularity in recent years because they offer the fun and enjoyable experience of standard online casinos without the pressure of gambling for real cash. So how exactly does social casino software work and how does it differ from regular casinos? This post explores the concept of social gaming and all you need to know about it. 

• Social casinos are free-to-play versions of online casinos where players use virtual currency instead of real cash, providing entertainment without financial risks. 
• Social casino games can be played on social media or on standalone apps. They feature rich game catalogs with leaderboards, tournaments, community events, and other social features. 
• Social casinos attract a diverse audience, particularly older generations and casual gamers. 
• The risk-free, competitive, and interactive nature of social casinos makes them appealing to those who want to enjoy a casino gaming experience without risking money.

What Is a Social Casino?

Let’s begin with the most important question – what are social casinos?

A social casino is a free-to-play version of a conventional online casino. They allow players to play regular casino games but operate on a freemium model. In social casinos, players don’t bet with real cash. Instead, they use bonus credits in the form of chips or coins which they get through welcome bonus offers, or a sign-up bonus, and a daily login bonus among other promotions. However, players can also buy virtual currency if they use up the ones they got through bonuses. 

Based on this model, we can say a social casino provides the excitement and pleasure of playing online casino games, but without the inherent risks associated with it. This makes them more appealing and accessible to a bigger audience, including people who would normally not play in regular casinos. Social casinos are also not affected by gambling laws that prohibit real money gambling in many jurisdictions. 

Key Features of Social Casino Games

Social casinos have a number of key features that distinguish them from regular casinos and help to captivate players. These features are summarized below.

Free-to-Play

The defining attribute of social casino games is that they’re free to play. Social casinos typically give players a generous amount of virtual coins after they register. These sites also offer a daily login bonus and other promotions that increase the amount of coins a player has. While there’s always an option to purchase more coins, most players will find that the free coins they get are enough for them. 

Game Variety

Social casinos have a rich catalog that is just as extensive and varied as regular casinos. They often have a large library of slots, which is naturally the most common game in online gaming platforms. You will also find traditional table games like blackjack, roulette, and poker, but no live casino games or sports betting options. The games on social casinos are based on the same rules and mechanics as regular casino games. The only difference is that bets are placed with virtual currency and not real cash and the casino gives virtual prizes as well. 

Social Engagement

As the name suggests, social casinos have a social side to them. These casinos actually found their initial roots on social media platforms such as Facebook where they served as a source of entertainment and connectivity. Even though there are no dedicated casino platforms that operate outside of social media, they integrate features such as multiplayer modes, leaderboards, and friend lists. These features add a community-like experience to casino gaming. Social casinos also offer social media integrations and bonuses for players to participate in contests or promotions posted on social media. 

Types of Social Casino Games

A social casino is designed to mimic the experience of playing in real money online casinos. As a result, you’ll find quite a huge diversity of game types on these casinos similar to what you’ll find on traditional gaming sites. In fact, social casino games are the same set of games produced by the software providers used by regular casinos. Some of the most common game types you can expect to find are described below.

Slots

Slots are a standard favorite on both real money and social casino sites. They are the most common type of casino games. Known as an online version of traditional slot machines, online slots are played by spinning reels to match identical symbols on a payline. In social casinos, a virtual currency is wagered on the outcome of reel spins instead of real cash. 

Table Games

Like traditional casinos, social casinos often feature a handful of classic table or card games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker. Unlike slots, table games involve some amount of skill and strategies, but they also include an element of luck since cards are drawn randomly, too. On some social casinos, the gameplay of these table games mimics real-life versions with players facing off against each other. 

Bingo and Scratch Cards

Bingo and scratch cards are popular casino games in online social casinos. In bingo, you mark numbers on a card as they are called. The goal here is to create a set pattern and wins are given based on the patterns revealed. Scratch cards, on the other hand, are like digital cards with hidden marks. Players scratch to show the marks and win prizes. People enjoy these games in social casinos because they’re easy to play and offer a chance to grab an instant reward. 

Crash Games 

This is a category of online casino games that have become popular in recent years. In crash games, a multiplier appears on the screen and increases over time (typically as a plane or rocket flies). The goal of these casino games is to place bets and cash out before the multiplier crashes down to zero. This is usually demonstrated by the plane crashing or flying off. The value of the multiplier at the time the player cashes out determines the win for that round. 

How Social Casinos Differ from Online Casinos

The main difference between social casinos and traditional online casinos is in how players place wagers. Unlike online casinos, social casinos do not support real money gaming. Instead of playing with real cash, social casino gamers bet with virtual currency provided by the casino. Since these coins are granted through bonuses and purchasing more coins isn’t compulsory, social casinos are essentially free. 

Of course, this also changes what prices social casino gamers can win and how they redeem these prices. Since there’s no betting real money in a social casino, you also can’t win real money (at least not directly). Some social casinos offer no real money wins at all, focusing instead on entertainment and socialization alone.

However, many social casinos have special premium coins that players cannot purchase but can get through bonuses. Social casino gamers can win more of these coins by staking them on free casino games and if they win enough, they can redeem them for virtual rewards or real cash prizes. 

If you’d like to learn more about the differences between these two forms of online gaming, we have detailed articles about them on our blog. You can read our article about “Social Casino vs Real Money Casino” or “Sweepstakes Casinos vs Social Casinos” to learn more about how they work. 

Player Demographics and Behavior – Who Plays Social Casino Games

According to data from the Mobile Games Index, social casinos appeal to the older generation of players. The majority of people who play on social casinos are 40 years and above and they spend an average of 17 minutes per day playing. 

The main demographics that play social games actively value playing for entertainment purposes over playing for money. The increased interaction offered by these social casinos makes them quite appealing. Casual gamers who prefer to play casino games occasionally may also find these platforms to be a better alternative as they offer free entertainment with no money commitment. 

But this isn’t to say younger generations of players don’t participate in social gaming. Young social casino gamers seek out social casinos mainly for the social and competitive elements they offer. They get to search out their friends on these platforms and compete with them by comparing points on leaderboards or playing directly against them. These social elements are critical to the popularity and adoption of social gaming. 

Social casino gaming is rapidly growing popular in the gambling industry. Of the 800 million people estimated to engage in online gaming every month, up to 173 million people play on social casino sites. Social casinos are popular in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, but are generally less popular in the Americas where traditional online gambling still holds sway. 

Social Interaction and Gaming Experience – Why Do People Play in Social Casinos?

People find social casinos appealing for a wide range of reasons. The fact that they’re free to play is the primary driver for their popularity. However, these sites are also not lacking in entertainment value. Some of the reasons why people prefer to play social casino games include: 

Free-to-play Mode

Social casinos offer casino-type entertainment without the commitment of real money gaming. Most social casinos provide the same types of casino games. They also offer a gambling experience that mirrors that of real money casinos. In fact, even the graphics, aesthetics, and features of these sites are the same as those of social casinos. However, social casino gamers don’t need to wager money on these sites.

Zero Risk 

By eliminating real money play, social casinos carry significantly less risk. As a result, there’s a lower chance of gambling addiction or huge money losses. The fact that these sites don’t offer the promise of life-changing wins means people are less likely to get hooked on them. This makes them an ideal alternative for people who have reservations about gambling for money due to religious, moral, or personal reasons. 

Social and Competitive Elements

What social casinos lack in real cash wins, they make up for with the opportunity to connect and compete with other players. These sites have elements like leagues, tournaments, and leaderboards that allow players to track their performance against that of other players. These social elements add an entertaining edge to social gaming. 

Responsible Gambling at Social Casinos

Social casino gaming tends to be very popular in markets where online casinos are prohibited or limited by law. Since they do not require players to bet with real money, social casino sites are not considered gambling sites in most jurisdictions. It is also believed that these casino games carry lesser risks of gambling addiction or huge financial losses to players like regular casinos. As a result, social casinos are permitted by law in many places (including regions where other forms of gambling are not allowed). 

However, social casinos are still expected to register and get a license from gambling authorities in the locations where they operate. Operators are also expected to ensure that the gambling elements on their sites adhere to responsible gambling practices. Compliance with these basic rules is necessary to maintain an operator’s license and protect the well-being of players. For more about the rules and legal requirements for social gaming, read our article “Is Social Gambling Legal?”

Getting Started with Social Casinos

As an operator looking to venture into the social gaming scene, there are some things you should know. While a social casino is slightly easier to set up compared to conventional casinos, it still requires meticulous planning and execution. Some of the steps to follow include: 

Legal Research and Compliance

The first step in setting up a social gambling site is to know what the law says about it in your target market. It is legal in many jurisdictions, but in some cases, you’ll still have to obtain a license. The law may also require you to put measures in place to ensure responsible gambling, identity verification, and anti-money laundering. 

Defining the Scope of Your Business 

Since the social casino is a type of business venture, you’ll need a detailed plan to define the casino’s structure, monetization plan, and long-term goals. You’ll also need to research several key trends and competition to find a unique angle that’ll set your social gaming business apart from others. 

Choosing Casino Software

The software or casino games on your platform are an integral part of the gaming experience. You’ll need to partner with reliable software providers that can integrate the wide range of games needed to run your platform. It’s best to work with multiple suppliers that can provide several casino games. Alternatively, you can consider partnering with an aggregator platform.

Website Design and User Experience

The next phase of your project involves defining the user experience on your social casino site. Ensure the site is user-friendly and has a professional layout which would allow it to deliver an experience that is almost on the same level as regular casinos.

Payment Methods

Although social casino gaming platforms don’t take direct money deposits, players still need an option to purchase virtual currency if they want to. This means you’ll have to find and integrate secure payment solutions to your platform – preferably one that meets the needs of most players. 

Marketing and Customer Acquisition

Finally, you need to develop a plan for customer acquisition. For this, you can implement all kinds of marketing strategies including affiliate marketing, SEO, and promotions. Social media is an important part of the social gaming experience and you should leverage this as well.

Benefits for Social Casino Operators

• Portfolio expansion: Casino operators can expand into new markets or appeal to new demographics by offering a freemium model for players to access casino games. 
• Revenue stream: They can be monetized in different ways (through in-app purchases and other methods). While it isn’t a money factory, social casinos can be quite profitable with significant revenue from various sources.
• Access to a broader audience: Social casino sites appeal to a large audience base which includes people who may be hesitant about real money gambling.
• Loyal customer base: The interactive and social gaming elements make these casinos more likely to get repeat customers. 
• Simpler regulations: The strict regulations that apply to conventional online gambling don’t apply to social casino sites. This allows online casino operators to venture into restricted markets without issues. 
• Data: Data collected from player interactions can help operators formulate marketing strategies and improve their products. 

Monetization Strategies for Social Casinos

Social casino sites don’t take real money deposits like traditional online casinos. So how exactly do they make money? There are a number of monetization strategies available for these casinos. They include in-app purchases, advertising, or offering subscriptions to players.

In-app Purchases

This is the primary method used to monetize social casino platforms. These casinos operate on a freemium model, meaning the online casino is free-to-play but there’s also an option to pay-to-play. Players get a generous amount of virtual credits to play with, but the casino also sells these tokens if they wish to get more. Players can also play to unlock special features that can improve their playing experience such as special avatars, new game modes, and unique in-game items.

Advertising 

Social casino sites can also be monetized through ads. These mobile apps or websites can integrate various forms of advertisement into the gaming experience, generating substantial revenue in the process. Of course, these ads have to be relevant to the player base to be effective. Some ads also offer players an option to pay for an ad-free experience, generating money in the process. 

Subscription Model 

Social casino apps may also operate on a subscription model where players pay a monthly fee to earn a steady stream of benefits or unlock special features like daily free coins or in-game assets. This provides a recurrent revenue stream for the social casino while also increasing the site’s retention. 

The Future of Social Casinos – Market Outlook and Trends

The social casino market is currently worth about $7.73 billion. This is expected to reach up to $12.46 billion by 2032 at a projected annual growth rate of 6.15%. These statistics show that the industry is likely to continue in its current uptrend, gaining popularity as a preferred gaming method for many players. 

Advancements in the gaming industry such as Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality will provide an immersive experience to players, making social gaming a lot more enjoyable. Social iGaming platforms are also introducing innovative game types that go beyond traditional slots and table games into their game catalogs. 

Another technology that is transforming the iGaming scene is blockchain. This technology has introduced new standards of security and transparency into online casinos. The emergence of Non-Fungible Tokens may also allow players to earn assets in casino-style games with real-world value. 

Furthermore, as the legislative landscape for real money gaming also changes in various regions, it will likely affect the social gaming industry which is fast becoming a popular alternative to these prohibited gambling methods. 

Top Social Casinos

There are a large number of social casino sites and apps operating across various international markets. Some of the most popular ones that have emerged in recent years include: 

• Zynga Poker: Zynga is a social gaming platform focused on the game of poker and other casino-style games. It is still one of the largest poker-playing sites in the world.
• Big Fish Casino: Big Fish Casino is a social gaming platform focused mainly on slot games. However, players can also play blackjack, roulette, and other table games on this site as well. 
• Slotomania: Slotomania is one of the world’s first social gaming sites offering over 170 online slot games. The site also offers other fun features including mini-games and free bonuses. 
• High 5 Casino: Popularly called the home of slots, High 5 Casino offers one of the largest libraries of games you’ll ever find on a social casino site. The site has over 1200 games that gamers can play to earn cash prizes. 
• DoubleDown Casino: DoubleDown is a social casino platform with over 200 free slots. The site also offers bingo, poker, blackjack, and other table games all for free. With over 5 million monthly active users on Facebook, this is one of the biggest social casino sites. 

Conclusion – Build Your Own Social Casino with CrustLab

Are you looking to appeal to a larger user base or generate revenue through social casino gaming? You should work with a trusted iGaming expert like CrustLab. We are a software development company focused on the iGaming niche. You can leverage our expertise in iGaming technologies and knowledge of the social gaming industry to build a platform that is secure, scalable, and high-performing. Contact us today to get started.