The Online Casino Industry Embraced the Power of Social
Here is a fun bit of trivia you likely do not know. Online casinos have been around since 1996 when CryptoLogic implemented its secure transaction software into its InterCasino platform. Once this site broke the digital gambling ice, dozens of competitors soon appeared, and now, the internet is home to a few thousand online casinos.
Player sign-ups are increasing year on year, and harnessing the social aspect of playing games of chance online is pivotal in operators attaining/retaining users. You may think that land-based venues are the only gambling hubs that foster human interaction between roulette wheel spins and hands of blackjack, but that is not accurate. Over the past decade, top-name brands have invested millions in bringing a higher level of social interactivity in online play, and it is paying off massively.
The online gambling industry should close to double in size over the next six years, and as sociability on these platforms swells, brick-and-mortar establishments may face a situation where they have to turn off their lights.
Casino-Style Games on Social Media Platforms
Have you heard of the term social gambling? It is the activity of playing casino-style games using virtual currency. The list of social casinos you can enjoy with play money today is vast. They are fun-play gaming services, which come in two forms, dedicated apps and games on social networks. However, most of these products are identical, as companies utilize the same core software ported for different types of usage. For example, Funstage’s GameTwist is a Facebook game and a dedicated app for Android and iOS users. It is a social platform that lets you play a myriad of gambling games, such as roulette, blackjack, and slots. The interaction element here is leaderboard challenges, where you pit your skills against other players.
GameTwist is one in a slew of hundreds of social casinos you can find on Google Play and the Apple store. These two also feature apps that incorporate a video conference option. Comunix’s Poker Face is one such popular choice. Thus, when using this software, users can share emojis and trash talk while playing cards. These options are why these apps are so popular with the Generation Z demographic. Know that many of the social casinos listed on Google Play/Apple are also available on Facebook.
On-Platform Chat Rooms & Forums
As mentioned, operators have expanded the level of social interaction on the online gambling platforms themselves. One of the ways they have gone about this is by incorporating public chat rooms. Crypto gambling sites mainly utilize these rooms. They are usually left or right-side pull-out panels where all active members can talk and share tips.
Furthermore, moderators lurk there, acting as customer service representatives, answering questions, and resolving issues. Every few hours, an algorithm may provide a select few users active in the chat with something called rain. It is a small bonus amount that gets randomly awarded for participating in the platform’s community. A few select casinos also have a classic forum akin to Reddit, where users congregate.
Live dealer casinos have exploded in popularity in recent years, and they also feature a chat option. It lets players speak to the croupier they are playing against, who verbally interacts with them. Players at a table can also chat amongst themselves in this window.
Decentraland & the Rise of Virtual Casinos
If you know what NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are, then you may have heard of Decentraland, the virtual world that runs on the Ethereum blockchain. Launched in 2017, Decentraland is a metaverse, where players can explore a vast map, interacting and transacting with other users.
In March, legendary video game developer Atari shook the gambling world by announcing they will be behind the world’s first virtual casino. The Decentraland establishment should launch in May of this year in the metaverse’s Vegas City district. Plans are for it to feature an arsenal of classic gambling games and Atari-themed ones that will incorporate a skill-based aspect. It will be a place that Decentraland users can visit via their custom avatar, test their luck, or socialize in a casino-like setting.
Final Thoughts
Nowadays, entertainment consumers seem to care about two things more than anything, interactivity, and convenience. Online casinos strive to provide both in spades by boosting sociability and ease of use.
They also utilize social media to stunning effect, as you would be hard-pressed to find a gambling platform that does not have a Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram profile. Some even go an extra step by having a Youtube channel, as well as a Discord group. They use these social networks as tools to connect with clients and market their products. Twitter giveaways are an industry standard, and free-play games are gateways into the world of online gambling.
About the Author
Shelly Schiff has been working in the gambling industry since 2009, mainly on the digital side of things, employed by OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos.com. However, over her eleven-year career, Shelly has provided content for many other top interactive gaming websites. She knows all there is to know about slots and has in-depth knowledge of the most popular table games. Her golden retriever Garry occupies most of her leisure time. Though, when she can, she loves reading Jim Thompson-like crime novels.
This article has been published in accordance with Socialnomics’ disclosure policy.
