What are Social Casinos? Your FAQ for social fun at the games table.
by Alex J. Coyne © Great Bridge Links
Social casinos combine the excitement of gambling with the interaction of social media. If you’re looking for the thrill of casino gaming without the potentially high stakes (or losses) in a real money online casino, then you will love the social casino.
A social casino is a quick, easy way to play blackjack, slots, roulette, and other traditional casino floor games. There are social casino apps and social casino websites where you can play for virtual credits instead of cash.
What are social casinos? Are social casino games legal everywhere? What sets them apart from other gambling websites or games?
Here’s a detailed guide to social casinos, and why you might want to join in the fun.
What are social casinos?
Social casinos are websites or apps for social gaming.
The difference is, a social casino plays for virtual credits, instead of real money. Sometimes virtual credits are given to players for free, other times these tokens have to be purchased for use as in-game credits. But even if you purchase your credits with real money, you aren’t able to sell them back. It’s all just for fun.
Social casinos offer all the games that “traditional” casinos do. You can still find blackjack, poker, roulette, and other games at social casino websites.
There’s also a social networking aspect to social casinos. Players can chat with other players, usually during the game or in a separate chatroom lobby.
Social casinos have other cool attributes, like High Scores for top-performing players, or groups for gaming with friends.
How do social casinos work?
Social casinos are websites or apps where you can play traditional casino games.
Some social casinos are directly accessed from your browser, while others work from downloadable apps.
You can join most social casinos for free.
Are social casinos legal?
Yes!
Social casinos are gambling simulations, which play for credits instead of cash. This way, they’re subject to mobile gaming laws – and not strictly within gambling law jurisdiction.
If you’re only playing for credits, you’re gaming and not gambling.
It’s made social casinos popular for people who enjoy the gaming thrill without the gambling risk.
How are social casinos different?
The answer lies right in the name: social casinos are more social than going out to a casino, and meant to work more like a social network or group of friends who all happen to like the same games.
Social casinos have High Scores, the ability to create groups and add friends, individual in-game achievements or levels, and often chatrooms.
A social casino can even be a great way to meet new people.
You can play poker with some of the best players in Texas – and from anywhere in the world.
Are social casinos online gambling?
Technically, no.
Social casinos are online gamintg, which can be an important legal distinction for countries with strict laws against online gambling.
You can still join a social casino website.
Are there social casinos for mobile?
Yes, plenty of social casinos exist for various mobile platforms.
DoubleDown Casino, Big Fish Casino, Slotomania, and Zynga are some of the most popular social casino games.
You can also access some social casino games from your computer or console.
Portable gaming has made social casinos especially popular for mobile gaming fans.
What is meant by ‘Live’ Social Casino
A live social casino is similar to any social casino but features Live Dealer games:
- Virtual Currency: Players use tokens or fake money that cannot be exchanged for real cash. These currencies are often used to play games or buy in-game enhancements.
- Live Dealer Games: These casinos feature live dealers streaming in real-time. Players can interact with these dealers and other players via chat, making the experience more social and engaging.
- Social Interaction: Players can invite friends, share their results on social media, and interact within the game, promoting a community atmosphere.
- Entertainment Focus: The primary purpose of live social casinos is entertainment. There is no financial risk involved, as the currency used does not hold real-world value.
Live social casinos provide a social experience that mimics real casino play but without the financial implications, making them accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience.
Are social casinos regulated like other online casinos
Yes, social casinos are subject to country-by-country regulations, although these regulations are generally less stringent than those for real money gambling. The key differences in regulations stem from the fact that social casinos do not involve real money gambling. Here are a few aspects of how they are regulated:
- Age Restrictions: Many countries enforce age limits to ensure that only adults or individuals over a certain age (often 18 or 21) can play these games, similar to other types of gaming and online content.
- Advertising Standards: Social casinos must comply with local advertising laws, which may include restrictions on targeting certain age groups or making misleading claims about games.
- Consumer Protection: Regulations may also focus on consumer protection, such as preventing deceptive practices and ensuring data privacy.
- Platform Regulations: Since many social casinos are accessible through social media platforms, they must also adhere to the regulations and guidelines set by those platforms.
Different countries may have varying levels of scrutiny and regulatory requirements based on their local laws concerning online activities and gambling-related content, even if it does not involve real money.
Do social casinos ask credit card details?
Most social casinos don’t need credit card details for signing up.
However, some social casinos work via purchased credits, which could require your credit card details.
You should only give your details to reputable, registered websites. Verify your chosen website before signing up.
Do social casinos have an age-limit?
Most social casinos have an over 18 or 21 age-limit, though this doesn’t apply to all casino-style websites and apps.
Even though games are only simulations, most companies aren’t allowed to endorse or advertise underaged gaming.
How do you join a social casino?
Download an app or visit the website, create an account, and you’re good to go. Some social casinos ask for a simple profile picture or avatar, and some might ask you to add a short bio.
You could join a social casino in just a few minutes from now.
As of 2024, some of the most popular social casinos in the United States include:
- Stake.us – Known for its extensive library of premium slots, table games, and live dealer games. Stake.us also features a VIP Club and offers a variety of daily bonus drops.
- High 5 Casino – Offers over 800 games including slots, table games, and live dealer games. High 5 Casino is notable for its large selection of games developed by its parent company, High 5 Games.
- Slotomania – One of the longest-standing social casinos with a significant welcome bonus and a wide array of slot games. Slotomania is favored for its progressive unlock system, where new games and features become available as you play.
- House of Fun – Provides a variety of free bonuses daily and has a robust selection of slot games. This casino is ideal for players who enjoy frequent updates and new gaming content.
- WOW Vegas – Offers a massive selection of over 700 games, mostly slot titles, with new games added weekly. WOW Vegas is known for its active community and regular social contests.
Why are social casinos so popular?
Social casinos are popular because they offer users the thrill of gambling-style games, but with the excitement of playing for credits not your personal bankroll. It’s competitive, and you can rise through the ranks to become one of the best! It’s a good way to meet other players with similar interests as you get to connect with others just like social networking platforms. You can also practice your skills at poker, blackjack, or slots without risking any real losses.
Chasing the high score has never been more fun!
Join a social casino and find out!