Imagine playing a casino game without the risk of losing money. Sounds like a dream come true, right?
Well, now it is possible with social casino games. This is not something new, but in the past couple of years, the social casino industry has advanced to a point where casino games are more immersive, entertaining, and full of social interaction features.
For those that don’t know, social casino games are basically an exact replica of real casino games but with one big difference. Instead of depositing and wagering real money, you get virtual coins when you sign up. You then use those virtual coins to place bets totally for free.
The main focus of social casinos is entertainment. You play your favorite casino games like slots, poker, blackjack, and roulette without the risk of losing money.
Another important aspect of social casinos, like billionaire-casino.com, is the social interaction
features. Most social casinos are available on multiple platforms, whether it is through an app, directly on their website, or through a social media platform like Facebook. This enables you to connect with your friends, share achievements, compete to see who has better casino skills, and climb the leaderboard.
But since social casinos don’t use real money, how do games operate with RNG (random number generators) like slots? Is the payout frequency the same as in real-world casinos? Do they also use RNG to power the algorithm or is it more generous?
Let’s find out.
The Money Factor: Real vs. Virtual
Pay-To-Play Casinos
In pay-to-play casinos, money is the name of the game. You deposit real cash, place your bets, and if Lady Luck is on your side, you walk away with real winnings. This setup is straightforward—it’s all about the moolah.
These casinos often entice players with welcome bonuses, cashback offers, and other incentives that carry real monetary value. The excitement here is tied to the risk and the potential for reward. Win big, and you’re cashing out real dollars.
Social Casinos
On the flip side, social casinos use virtual currencies like tokens or credits. These credits mimic real money but are purely for entertainment. Players can earn or buy these credits, but they can’t cash them out.
The thrill in social casinos comes from the gameplay itself and the social interaction rather than monetary gain. Think of it as playing for fun, not profit. It’s about enjoying the games without the fear of losing real money.
Algorithm
Pay-to-Play Slots
Traditional online slots where you have to deposit money in order to see the reels spinning are based on a strict algorithm (RNG) that generates a random outcome for every spin. The algorithm goes through every single slot combination and comes up with an outcome that is independent of previous events.
There is no way of telling when you are going to win, and there is no strategy that can help you increase your winning chances.
Traditional slots also have RTP (return-to-player), which indicates the amount of money the slot returns to players over an extended period. For example, if the RTP is 96%, the slot will hand over $96 for every $100, but in the long run.
Social Casinos
On the other hand, social casino slots also use RNG, but it is safe to say that the algorithm is much more generous than pay-to-play slots. After all, social casinos don’t lose any money if they reward you more frequently.
With that said, their main monetization tools are in-game purchases of virtual coins. People use real money to buy virtual currencies that can be used for gambling. Therefore, if you win more frequently, you’ll have a lot of virtual coins in your wallet, which means that you won’t purchase additional coins.
So, social casinos are trying to balance the reward in slot games, making it a more realistic experience.
The Social Element
Pay-To-Play Casinos
While pay-to-play casinos do have some social elements, such as live dealer games and chat functions, the focus is still primarily on winning money. The social interactions are more incidental than integral to the experience.
Social Casinos
Social casinos take the social aspect seriously. These platforms are designed to be social hubs where players can connect, compete on leaderboards, share achievements, and even gift credits to friends.
The emphasis is on community and interaction, making the experience more about shared enjoyment than solitary gambling.
Game Design and Creativity
Pay-To-Play Casinos
Pay-to-play casinos tend to stick with tried-and-true game designs that replicate the experience of physical casinos. The focus is often on classic games like slots, poker, blackjack, and roulette, with themes that appeal to a broad audience.
Social Casinos
Game developers for social casinos have more creative freedom. They can experiment with quirky themes, unique game mechanics, and innovative features.
This creativity stems from the lack of financial risk involved, allowing developers to push the boundaries of traditional casino games.
Rewards and Incentives
Pay-To-Play Casinos
In pay-to-play environments, rewards often come in the form of cash bonuses, free spins with wagering requirements, and loyalty points that can be converted into cash. These incentives are designed to keep players betting real money and chasing real rewards .
Social Casinos
In contrast, social casinos reward players with additional credits, special items, or leaderboard positions. These rewards enhance the gameplay experience but don’t translate to real-world value. The incentives are geared towards prolonging engagement and enhancing the social experience rather than financial gain.
