The iGaming landscape is increasingly varied, as it aims to cater to various player preferences as well as regulatory environments. Two of the fastest-growing niches within the iGaming scene are social casinos and sweepstakes casinos. Both of these offer state-of-the-art online casino experiences using slightly different models and legal frameworks to a conventional online casino operator.
Within this article, we’ll explain what each subsector provides and how they differ to help you weigh up if either option would suit your casual casino gaming requirements.
A brief overview of social casinos
A social casino offers online slots and classic table games such as roulette, blackjack, and poker. However, the key factor in a social casino is about playing and having fun here rather than real-money gains. Social casinos usually give players virtual currency to play with which can be earned through gameplay or acquired with real-money transactions online.
This virtual currency can’t be converted into real, withdrawable cash. That’s why many social casinos thrive in areas where iGaming regulations remain highly strict. In fact, since no real-money gaming is involved at all, social casinos are usually free to serve anywhere. It’s a no-risk entry into the world of slot and table gaming, feeding the growing casual gaming craze, as well as those who may consider depositing their hard-earned money and playing at a real online casino one day.
In terms of a social casino’s monetization strategy, they allow users to make real-money transactions of additional virtual currency and other coins or boosts to enhance their overall gaming experience.
A brief introduction to sweepstakes casinos
Sweepstakes casinos are similar to social casinos in that they offer the same range of casino slots and table games but they do allow users to win prizes or even real-money payouts. In many ways, sweepstakes casinos are viewed as free real-money casinos, since you play with virtual currencies, some of which can be converted into cash or used to enter prize draws.
Let’s explain the “dual currency” system in operation at sweepstakes casinos in more detail. There’s usually a mix of “sweeps coins” and “gold coins”. Gold coins are the basic virtual currency needed to play and wager on your favorite slots and table games. Sweeps coins are won through gameplay or granted as part of a real-money transaction of gold coins. Only sweeps coins can be exchanged for cash prizes or other rewards.
How social casinos and sweepstake casinos differ
As you might expect, the biggest difference between social and sweepstakes casinos lies in the currency and payouts. With social casinos, none of the currencies used on their games have the potential to yield real-world value. Meanwhile, some currencies at sweepstakes casinos can be redeemed for cash or alternative prizes.
Both platforms are increasingly popular due to their ability to serve regions where conventional online gambling is restricted or even prohibited outright.
The motivations for visiting social and sweepstakes casinos clearly differ. Social casinos are best suited to those looking for casual entertainment with no risk of financial loss. Sweepstakes casinos have a dual appeal as you can play using virtual currencies and still be in with a chance of winning real prizes.
With the demands for mobile-first gaming in all its guises online, both types of casinos are usually fully responsive, powered by HTML5 technology to appeal to casual gamers accessing via any device.
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