When Internet gambling debuted in the '90s, it was viewed as a form of solitary entertainment where players could enjoy online slots for money and other casino games by playing on their desktops and laptops in the comfort of their own homes. Even when the online casino turned mobile, it remained a private experience that gamers found no need to share. Each player could pick his or her game and play in the way that suited him/her in an atmosphere of relaxation and solitude.

Over the years, the online platform has grown and changed. New games have been introduced, new bonuses offered and new banking options presented. It's now easier than ever to log into an online casino account and play at your leisure for free in the casino's Free Mode or for cash prizes in the Real Mode.

As Internet gaming has grown, so has social media, and online casino operators have taken note of players' increasing interest in finding ways to combine the two forms of entertainment.  As the second half of the 2020s debuts, there's more collaboration than ever between the two sectors which is a win-win for players who are finding that, today, the online casino can better meet both their gaming and social expectations.

What is Social Gaming?

Social gaming involves online games that prioritize player interaction, community, and shared experiences. The play itself is solitary but elements are added to the gameplay that facilitate communication with other players as well as competition with/against others.

For many years, social gaming meant video gaming. Sometimes it involved players in competition against one another and at other times it referred to streaming gameplay where viewers would watch, chat with and comment on the gameplay that they were watching. Social gaming wasn't a part of real money casino gambling action.

Online casino gamers, however, have been expressing interest in integrating elements of social media in their gaming activities and the online casinos are starting to meet this need. Many new casino games include elements of social gaming such as leaderboards and social trophies. Players have expanded their gaming events from experiences where they simply win money  to  encounters where they win "status."

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For instance, the player can see when a fellow gamer's name appears atop a leaderboard and accept the "challenge" to try to outdo the fellow. Some new casino games where leaderboards are featured include SlotoCash's Crash Games such as Under Pressure, Ripcord Rush and Galaxy Blast.

Another area where social gaming is growing at the online casino is in the Tournaments Lobby where more and more popular online games are being offered as tournament competitions. In online slots tournaments, participating players compete to earn the highest number of points within a set timeframe. Many gamers enjoy tournaments because their participation earns them  "status" hits that are viewed as being even more important than monetary wins.

Online casinos are experimenting with a bet sharing and "copy betting" feature in which players can "follow" influencer gamers by matching wagers to the influencer, or to a different high-profile player. In casinos where this feature is available, a gamer can click on a button to "copy" the influencer's bet. The gameplay continues with a "we're in it together" outlook that creates bonds between followers and influencers.

What to Expect

As the concept of social gaming grows within the online casino sector, new and exciting features are emerging.

Customers may soon be invited to choose or unlock unique frames, avatars and badges that will represent them during their gaming events. These elements can be used on leaderboards and in chat rooms as each player builds his or her own "digital identity" that characterizes him within the casino.

In-game chats and gamer communities where players celebrate wins together are on the horizon at many casinos.  Players will be able to "hang out" digitally while watching  "winner feeds" in an atmosphere of "ambient sociability" that mirrors a brick-and-mortar Vegas casino. You'll be able to see notifications about wins which creates a atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.

More collaborative gaming may be coming in the form of shared bonus rounds in which everyone playing a specific game will receive a valuable bonus prize. With shared bonuses, everyone benefits when one person hits the "Big Event" as all participating players win the bonus prize as a group.

The success of TikTok-type clips in the video gaming world may be moving to the online casino. Featuring the games, the bonus rounds and the jackpots on streaming video will allow gamers to join in the joy and the excitement of their fellow players.

Bankroll Management

Bankroll management is as important in the world of social gaming as ever. The social features that are being introduced to the online casino can facilitate an environment of heightened excitement and expectations that make it more difficult to manage your casino budget.

The "herd mentality" and emotional responses created by social features may make you forget your commitment to logical financial planning. You may find yourself overspending. Feelings of "distorted reality" could lead you to place bets that are above your budget. You must be aware of these emotional responses and plan accordingly.

Keep your eye out for social gaming features that can add to your real money gaming entertainment and enjoyment.

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