The NEXT Social Casino Summit, recently held in New York, provided some enlightening insights into sweepstakes gaming.
What was once a niche subculture has rapidly transformed into a multi-billion dollar business. The projected market growth for social gaming is expected to reach $11.2 billion by 2028.
Globally, the U.S. and Europe are leading the sweepstakes pack with the sector forecast to be worth $157.8 million by 2032.
At the summit, industry leaders said increased competition will further drive social gaming growth. However, regulatory barriers remain a challenge for the sector.
Forbes reports that several U.S. states have taken steps to ban the sweepstakes model. The reasons cited were consumer protection concerns and lost tax revenue.
Nonetheless, industry roleplayers stressed the importance of regulatory and legal clarity. Despite the hindrances, more players are joining social gaming platforms, particularly sweepstakes gaming. Casino-style games attract up to 80 million people daily.
What’s driving the boom? We’ll explain further below.
Risk-Free Rewards
The biggest benefit of joining an online social casino is peace of mind.
We’ve heard horror stories of people losing their winnings in the blink of an eye when playing real money online casinos. Instead of real money, players use virtual currency to play poker, blackjack, and other live dealer games or slot machines.
Tokens vary depending on which platform you’re playing on but most live casino games issue gold coins or sweeps coins. Rebet says there are no charges to participate in free-to-play sweepstakes casinos, making them a safer option.
In some cases, coins are redeemable as real-world prizes and gift cards.
Free Gameplay
You don’t need to be a hardcore gamer to enjoy the advantages of social gaming. Many individuals join purely for the free gameplay features to replenish their coin balances.
Promos like daily bonuses, social media games, and mail-in requests are the fastest way to rack a positive balance.
Government Regulated
Although there’s been some debate around regulations, federal laws apply to any giveaway or contest, especially if conducted online.
No purchase or payment is required to enter or win a sweepstakes. Your chances of winning are the same whether you order or not. It’s the law!
Community
The social side of online gaming is more than making pals in chatrooms or versing others in a multiplayer battle.
It’s about making meaningful connections, and not only in a virtual sense. The rise of online communities has turned online gaming into a shared experience, says Co-Optimus.
Gaming is no longer about entertainment; it’s an opportunity to socialize, collaborate, and be a part of something bigger.
More Engagement
Players are presented with an assortment of games. From live slot games to table games social gameplay is easier and more accessible.
The engagement element comes in with social media contests and challenges. You can invite friends to play and chat in real-time.
Described as the online equivalent of a bingo hall, chat rooms are becoming conversation pieces, enhancing the player experience.
Adding Value
Social gaming platforms are realizing the power of player feedback.
Deep vertical integration enables product development teams to produce positive change. Prioritizing the player experience gives them a voice, making them feel empowered, heard, and valued.
It’s a symbiotic relationship where an engaged community benefits the most.
The End Game
The entertainment value of social gaming is its biggest drawcard. Playing in a safe and risk-free environment alleviates the worry about losing it all or falling victim to cons or scams.
Social connections help foster a sense of community and belonging. Many times players are lonely or isolated. This allows them to meet others in a social setting, albeit virtually.
Casino-style games like poker and blackjack require strategy and cognitive memory skills. Playing these games is a fun way to keep the brain active.
Free sweepstakes games have an educational aspect as well. Players are encouraged to learn the rules of the game without losing real cash.
Social casino companies create jobs in game design, programming, marketing, and customer support, boosting the economy and supporting the tech industry.
So, to answer the question of why more players are attracted to social casino games? People want to be entertained. They crave interaction and community. It’s as simple as that. The bonus is the chance to win cash prizes, play instant win games, and receive virtual credit.
If you’re considering joining the legions of players, remember to learn the rules of engagement. Always be a gracious loser, and keep the aggression at bay, even when you win.
Be mindful of your behavior and regard your safety and that of your fellow online players.