🇺🇸 The Rise of Social Casinos in the US: Tracing the Journey From Traditional Casinos

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Even though the online casino market generates billions of dollars, the US scene does not offer the same opportunities to players across the country: in fact, online casinos are legal in just seven states at the moment. Luckily, social casinos are more widespread — only three states forbid this type of casino-style gaming.

Based on the stats and numbers alone, one could say that social casinos are taking over the niche. Still, this guide will help you understand the bigger picture, as well as differentiate between the two casino types.

Origins of Social Casinos in the US

The concept of social casinos goes back a few years, but it peaked on the US market between 2020 and 2023. During this period, social casinos grew rapidly, which is why local players have so many options nowadays.

You could say that the rise of social casinos was partially caused by the pandemics and strict rules for online gaming in most US states. However, social casinos have many benefits that made the market even more attractive, first of which is free play.

Unlike traditional casinos, their social counterparts allow you to play with on-site virtual coins. While there is no way to make profits from these games, it is also impossible to lose money. Think of it this way — social casinos give true enthusiasts a chance to play official slots and casino games from leading providers without having to spend a dime.

Of course, these platforms also became popular because of the community engagement aspect and a chance for players to compete with their friends and share their results. We may even see a more frequent use of VR on these sites in the next few years, which should further enhance the authenticity of the casino experience.

Social Casinos vs. Sweepstakes vs. Traditional Casinos

The concept of social casinos has also led to sweepstakes, which are somewhere in between social and real casinos. Think of it this way — traditional casinos allow you to play with your own money, social casinos only allow virtual currency gaming, while sweepstakes allow both to some extent.

You can’t make a deposit on sweepstakes sites, but you can earn Sweeps Coins through rewards and promotions, which can then be redeemed for cash rewards and gift cards. A perfect example of that is the Fortune Coins casino. You can see how rewarding the experience can be visiting the https://www.fortunecoins.com/promotions/promo/daily-bonus/ page with daily bonuses. Keep in mind that you don’t have to play with Sweeps Coins on these sites, as they also offer standard virtual coins (or Gold Coins) like any social casinos.

As you probably know, the sites that follow the standard social casino model have no redeemable rewards or coins — the whole point is to have fun and engage with your friends and other players.

Benefits of Social Casinos for US Players

Based on CAGR forecasts, the social casino industry in the US alone will grow into a multi-billion dollar market over the next few years. In fact, it’s already developing rapidly, which is why it’s useful to know that some of the main benefits are:

  • Free play on slots by prominent iGaming software providers;
  • Reduced likelihood of developing gaming-related issues;
  • Integrated social media sharing options;
  • Leaderboards, chat windows, and other social engagement tools;
  • Possibility of purchasing more virtual coins through coin packs;
  • Higher accessibility compared to traditional online casinos in the US.

As you can see, there’s more good stuff than bad, but there are also some areas where traditional casinos shine brighter. For instance, they feature a larger collection of casino games and real money bonuses and promotions. Still, social casinos are available in almost every state besides Idaho, Nevada, and Washington, which makes them a more reliable option.

Drawing the Line — Are Social Casinos Worth It?

Social casinos are getting increasingly popular in the US, especially due to their high coverage on social media. While they don’t offer real rewards, the thrill of the game is still there, with releases from renowned providers and a variety of social aspects and incentives that keep players engaged.

Last Updated on April 4, 2024