Online gaming is one of America’s favorite hobbies, but it’s not available to everyone. Many US states hold anti-gaming laws and limit their residents’ access to popular games. Thankfully, the rise of social gaming provides an alternative — free-play casino games. If you haven’t heard of this gaming format before, this article comprises all you need to know. Read on to uncover the secret behind top social casino games and how they work.
What Is Social Casino Gaming?
Social casino gaming refers to playing casino-like games in a social environment, such as sweepstakes or social casinos. It emerged alongside the first online games and experienced a steady rise in popularity. It’s currently one of the most prominent social gaming branches. Experts suggest the market will be worth almost $9 billion in the next few years.
The main difference between social and regular casino games is their structure. Casino-style games you can find on social gaming sites imitate popular casino titles for the most part. However, they include rules and gameplay variations you won’t find in standard versions. For example, a social variant of craps may use cards instead of dice.
The other aspect that makes social casino games unique is their free-play mode. These games never use real funds — they only work with casino credit called gold coins or sweeps. Social and sweepstakes casinos allow players to obtain virtual currency without making purchases, so you can always play for free.
Top Social Casino Games
Online gaming markets offer a wide selection of social casino games. This sector’s best social website casinos host slots, tables, and specialty games from famous developers. The following sections explore each of these game categories and how they work on social platforms.
Social Casino Slots
Slots are the largest and most numerous game category in social and sweepstakes casinos. Like their regular casino counterparts, they’re easy to play, fast-paced, and entertaining. They also come in various formats, from retro-inspired fruit- and gem-packed titles to payline-heavy games with innovative features.
Social casino slots gameplay doesn’t differ from the one you’re used to playing in standard casinos. They feature reels covered in symbols that you can put in motion by pressing the Spin button. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll land the right combination of symbols and win a prize. Various special features like scatters, wilds, multipliers, and others can help you boost your winning chances. Some games also include a bonus round that opens on top of your base game and offers additional rewards.
Social Casino Table Games
Table games sit right behind slots on social platforms’ popularity scale. They typically include casino classics like blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat. However, some sites also offer exclusive titles that mix gameplays of more than one game or offer completely novel rules.
The selection of table games will vary depending on the site where you’re playing. Most offer several video poker variants, a few blackjack versions, and an odd roulette and baccarat game. The rules and gameplay typically mirror the ones you’d find in their standard equivalents but minor differences. Most social and sweepstakes casinos offer a short introduction or guide with their games, which will help you get started.
Social Casino Specialty Games
Specialty games make up social gaming sites’ smallest game group. Still, they’re well-made and provide engaging gaming experiences. You’ll find the best ones include keno, Wheel of Fortune, Deal or No Deal, bingo variations, and so on. Some websites also include scratchcards, although they’re less common than the previously-mentioned options.
There is little difference between social casinos’ take on specialty games and their originals. Depending on the chosen title, you’ll have to choose the number combo, spin the wheel of luck, or scratch lottery cards. The game will reveal the results immediately, and you’ll be free to redeem your prize or give it another go.
What Makes Social Casino Games Special?
Social casino games feature several benefits for US players. Take a look at some in the list below.
- Availability — As discussed in the beginning, gambling regulations vary from state to state. For instance, Illinois casino-approved games won’t match those approved in Alabama or Maryland. These differences make many online casinos illegal in many states. However, social casinos’ infrastructure makes their games compliant with various laws and available to numerous US players.
- Free play — Social games’ use of casino credits allows players to enjoy an array of games completely free of charge. They can play for hours and try all the games the site hosts without risking any capital.
- Generous prizes — Even though they play without real funds, all social casino games offer prizes. The value of these rewards varies depending on the chosen platform. Sweepstakes will let you win coins you can redeem for funds, while social sites enable you to play more games or prolong your gaming sessions.
