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The popularity of social casino games has dramatically increased over the past decade. These free-to-play games, available on social media and mobile platforms, allow players to purchase virtual coins or tokens to mimic casino gambling games like slots, poker, blackjack and more. As social casino gaming at Madison Casino has grown, it has also begun to shape trends in the real money online gambling world.

Social Casino Growth and Engagement

According to research firm Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, the global social casino games market generated around $6.4 billion in revenue in 2021, up 21% year-over-year. This growth has been driven by increased usage and revenues per paying player during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their analysis shows social casino accounts now account for 80% of total casino-style gaming revenue in the U.S.

While these games do not offer real money winnings, they provide the look, feel, sounds, and community engagement of traditional casino games. Approximately 80 million people played a casino-style social game at least once a month in 2021. Of these players, over 1 million spend money to enhance their experience. These virtual purchases allow game providers to generate average revenue per paying user of $78 per month.

Key Social Casino Gaming Statistics

The prevalence of social casino games demonstrates their effective use of casino gaming mechanics layered with social engagement and loyalty incentives. Game developers have successfully created an entertaining “freemium” experience alongside potential revenue growth.

Impact on Online Gambling Brands and Products

With increasing consumer exposure to and acceptance of social casino games, some trends and player expectations are crossing over to real money online gambling. Social casino provides a smooth entry point to casino-style games, acting as a feeder to regulated gambling markets. Additionally, traditional online gambling brands are implementing social casino titles to cross-promote their real money options.

For example, in 2021, BetMGM launched a social casino app to complement its existing online sports betting and casino products. Players can switch between the real money and play money versions to preview BetMGM’s user experience. Similar moves from top operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars signal the influence social casino is having on customer acquisition tactics.

Social games also offer insights for real money online gambling products to enhance the player experience. Features like gamification, loyalty programs, and social sharing functionality are now prevalent across real money casinos, sportsbooks, and poker platforms. These mechanics boost engagement, retention, and activity among players.

The Future of Social Casino and Online Gambling

While differences still remain between social casino and regulated online gambling, the popularity of these games continues to shape the global gambling landscape. As more states legalize online betting products, top social casino developers are primed to expand into real money as well.

For example, DoubleU Games recently obtained an online sports betting license in Virginia. Its parent company, DoubleDown Interactive, went public in 2021 at a $2.8 billion valuation thanks to DoubleDown Casino. Similar moves from leading social developers like PlayStudios, Huuuge Games, and Playtika show they recognize the brand equity and players accumulated from social games can convert to real money gambling.

Additionally, the types of social casino titles and their features will steer trends in the online gambling industry. If a new game mechanic like in-play betting proves popular, regulated operators may adopt this functionality faster to meet player demand. The boundaries between these converging sectors will likely continue blurring over the next 3-5 years.

Summary

The meteoric rise of social casino has shaped various online gambling trends so far. And with increasing acceptance of real money betting in the U.S., the influence of these games is poised to expand even further. Their impact on brand strategy, product features, and player expectations will continue modernizing this lucrative industry in the years to come.