The online casino world has exploded in popularity over the last decade. Today, millions log in to play their favorite slot and table games. However, an interesting trend has emerged recently - the rise of multiplayer casino games. These social casino games blend elements of traditional casinos with social gameplay. Players at FairGo can not only win money, but compete against friends and other players.
In this guide, we’ll explore the growth of multiplayer casino games and what draws people to this style of play. Whether you enjoy a bit of friendly competition or just want more social interaction while you spin slots, read on to learn why multiplayer casinos are on the rise.
Growth of Social Casino Gaming
Social casinos first emerged around 2007 with the launch of platforms like Zynga Poker. However, the genre has absolutely exploded over the last five years. Revenue from social games totaled $6.2 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $13.7 billion by 2028.
So what has fueled this rapid growth? There are a few key factors:
- Mobile gaming - As smartphone ownership has increased, so has the ability to play games anytime and anywhere. 71% of social casino revenue now comes from mobile players.
- Sociability - Players are increasingly drawn to the social aspects of these games. Features like leaderboards, tournaments, and live multiplayer allow for more interaction.
- Familiar brands - Major casino and slot developers like IGT, Scientific Games, and Aristocrat have launched popular social casino versions of their land-based games.
With fun, familiar games and social gameplay, it’s no wonder multiplayer casinos are booming. Next, let’s look at why social competition is so appealing to players.
Thrill of Competition
One of the biggest factors drawing players to multiplayer casino games is the chance to compete against others. Beating your friends or winning a tournament provides a thrill you just can’t get playing solo.
We spoke to industry expert Jane Smith to learn more about why competition is so central to social casinos. “It taps into people’s natural desires to compare themselves against others. Adding leaderboards, contests, and head-to-head play makes winning even more exciting,” she explains.
Research has shown there is a neurochemical basis for this as well. When you win a competition, your brain releases dopamine and adrenaline. These are powerful chemicals that reinforce the reward pathways in your brain. Over time, this makes competitive winning extremely habit-forming.
Of course, players don’t have to compete if they prefer solo play. However, game developers have built social casinos to incentivize competition as much as possible. From quests to tournaments to leaderboard events, multiplayer casinos offer no shortage of ways to go head-to-head against others.
Key Features of Multiplayer Casino Games
So what exactly sets social casinos apart from traditional online gambling sites? While games play largely the same, developers have built in a few key features that facilitate competition:
These features help satisfy players’ desire for competition and socialization. Next, let’s look at some of the top multiplayer casino games on the market today.
Top Social Casino Games
The most popular multiplayer casinos leverage these features along with great gameplay. Here are some of the top titles right now:
Slotomania
This slot-focused casino has over 160 unique games to play. Along with tournaments and quests, players can join special club leagues to compete against others each week. With over 100 million players, Slotomania has some of the biggest slot tournaments online.
WSOP
The World Series of Poker social game allows you to create your own custom poker avatar. Compete in ring games, multi-table tournaments, and live poker against millions of real opponents. With weekly leagues and the WSOP bracelet up for grabs, poker fans flock to this game.
Big Fish Casino
Big Fish offers slots, poker, roulette, blackjack and more from major casino game studios. Join a club with friends for shared bonuses and gifts. With live table games, you can chat in real-time with the dealer and other players at the table too.
High 5 Casino
High 5 takes slots to the social level with competitive leaderboards and tournaments with massive prize pools. Play legendary land-based slots from High 5 like Da Vinci Diamonds and Golden Goddess with friends and other players around the globe.
Future of Social Casinos
With profits soaring, what does the future hold for multiplayer casino games? Experts predict continued rapid growth in the next five years. More traditional online casinos may add social features to retain players too.
Additionally, look for further integration with social media platforms like Facebook. Allowing easy connections with friends can help drive more friendly competition and gameplay.
Virtual reality and augmented reality may also come into play. Imagine playing poker or blackjack in a fully 3D virtual casino. The social experience would be even more immersive in environments like these.
Finally, the quality and depth of games will continue improving. With better graphics, new features like storylines and quests, and bigger jackpots, the games will become even more engaging over time.
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