Rise of Social Gambling Apps: How Social Media is Changing the Gaming Industry

The gaming world is rapidly evolving thanks to advancements in technology and internet connectivity. One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen is the rise of social gambling apps and platforms. Games at Oz Win that integrate social media and online gambling are becoming increasingly popular, especially among millennials.

Growth of Social Casino Gaming

Social casino games, also known as social gaming, first emerged in the late 2000s with the launch of platforms like Zynga Poker. These apps allowed users to play classic casino games like slots, poker, blackjack, and more with virtual currencies.

According to a report by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, the global social casino gaming market generated an estimated $6.6 billion in revenue in 2021. This marked a 23% year-over-year increase. The research firm predicts social casino revenue could reach $9 billion by 2025 as the market continues expanding.

Driving this growth is an increasing number of people downloading and playing social casino games on their mobile devices. Social casino apps consistently rank among the top-grossing game apps in major app stores.

Appeal of Social Gambling

So what’s behind the rising popularity of social gambling apps? There are several factors at play:

Mobile Technology

With smartphones now in the hands of over 5 billion people globally, mobile gaming is more accessible than ever.

Social gambling apps are designed from the ground up for mobile, making them easy and convenient to use on the go.

Social Engagement

Whether playing with friends or strangers, social gambling incorporates interactive elements like chats, leaderboards, and gifting into the gameplay. This social engagement enhances the entertainment value.

Familiarity

Millions of people already enjoy gambling activities like poker nights or casino trips. Social gambling apps allow them to capture that nostalgic feeling in a digital format. The games mimic familiar real-money gambling experiences.

Rewards

Random rewards and level-up perks activate the brain’s reward system. Social casinos incorporate variable reward schedules to keep users coming back. Even without real money, players still get a psychological rush from “winning.”

Role of Social Media Platforms

One trend propelling the popularity of social gambling is its integration directly into social media platforms. Major social sites have launched their own versions of social casino gaming.

For example, Zynga operates social gambling games playable through Facebook, such as Zynga Poker. In 2020, Zynga generated $1.97 billion in bookings, largely thanks to its social casino franchises.

YouTube also got into social gaming with the 2021 launch of YouTube Shorts. The TikTok-style video app lets creators add playable gaming elements like lotteries, giveaways and more to their short-form videos.

Blurring the Lines with Real Gambling

While most social casinos use virtual currencies, some platforms are now integrating cryptocurrency wagering and cash prizes into the mix.

For example, the Skillz mobile platform enables players to enter paid tournaments to compete for cash jackpots. This business model blurs the line between entertainment gaming and licensed gambling.

The integration with cryptocurrencies also opens the door to blockchain-based games with financial rewards. Platforms like Decentraland and The Sandbox allow users to monetize virtual real estate or in-game assets.

As social gambling gains mainstream appeal, real-money betting applications are likely to rise. With affordances for winning cash prizes, social casinos could potentially act as a gateway to online gambling.

The Future of Social Gambling

As technology evolves, so do the ways we game and gamble. The rise of multi-player augmented reality could take social gambling to the next level by blending virtual gameplay with real-world environments.

And with virtual reality headsets becoming more affordable, VR casinos could allow friends to simulate Las Vegas-style gambling from their living rooms. Social gambling may eventually replicate brick-and-mortar experiences.

Gamification is also coming for industries like finance and fitness. Imagine stock trading apps with gameplay elements, or betting on your own health goals. Social gambling mechanics could spread into other sectors.

While controversial, nothing captures attention like the thrill of winning big. The human attraction to gambling makes social casino gaming ripe for growth. And with smart integration of social features, the future looks bright for platforms betting on this trend.