To say the social casino apps industry is 'enormous' is a gross understatement when you consider that in 2015 it was reportedly worth US$3.4 billion globally, and growing. That's equates to an astoundingly high number of App and Play Store downloads and in-app purchases. This is very particularly impressive considering you can't win a cent on free-to-play games on social and/or mobile platforms.
Social casino apps are popular because their games are free to download, they boast engaging graphics and themes, they're entertaining and easy to play, they encourage you to interact with other players and your friends and, importantly, they all involve play money. In fact, the only time you'll ever have to reach for your wallet is if you want to purchase in-app coins or credits or send gifts.
This article on social casino apps covers:
It's unsurprising that leading social casino game developers are amongst the top 100 grossing apps in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store considering how popular 'play for fun' casino games have become. Despite offering purely for fun games, these apps attract players who are more interested in the social and entertainment element of playing these games, than winning actual money.
Where real money instant play HTML5-powered real money casino operators generate money via depositing players, social casinos generate money via in-app purchases. In fact, according to an UK Interactive Gambling study (2014), 67.84% of all UK social casino players use in-app purchases. Here are more interesting stats revealed by the Investigation of Social Casino Gaming in the UK (2014):
Demographic of UK Gamblers*
| Gender | Social Casino Gamers | Real Money Casino Gamers |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 61.9% | 51% |
| Female | 38.1% | 49% |
| Age | Social Casino Gamers | Real Money Casino Gamers |
|---|---|---|
| 18 to 19 | 3.3% | 1.4% |
| 20 to 24 | 10% | 2.8% |
| 25 to 29 | 7% | 3.2% |
| 30 to 34 | 8.5% | 4.5% |
| 35 to 39 | 13% | 8.6% |
| 40 to 44 | 12.2% | 8.4% |
| 45 to 49 | 13% | 9.4% |
| 50 to 54 | 8.1% | 10.2% |
| 55 to 59 | 8.9% | 11.7% |
| 60 to 64 | 7.8% | 10.7% |
| 65 and older | 8.1% | 29% |
| Work Status | Social Casino Gamers | Real Money Casino Gamers |
|---|---|---|
| Work full time | 45.9% | 33.5% |
| Work part time | 16.7% | 18.5% |
| Self-employed | 5.6% | 8.5% |
| Unemployed and looking for work | 4.8% | 2.1% |
| Full-time student | 3.3% | 2% |
| Full-time home duties | 3% | 4.3% |
| Retired | 12.6% | 28.2% |
| Sick or disability pension | 5.2% | 1.9% |
| Other | 3% | 1% |
| Born in the UK | Social Casino Gamers | Real Money Casino Gamers |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 87.8% | 78.3% |
| Home Internet Access | Social Casino Gamers | Real Money Casino Gamers |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 97.8% | 86.8% |
Playing casino social app games are straight forward. Simply visit the app store that corresponds with your device (the Apple App Store if you have an iPhone or an iPad or the Google Play Store if you an Android phone or device) and search for 'social casino games' or 'casinos'. Next, download your chosen casino and follow these easy steps:
What you need to know about social casino games:
Social casino apps are popular because they offer the excitement and exhilaration of real money casino games, but without the financial responsibility that comes with real money gambling. Add to that, they're designed to be social so people can boast about and share their achievements on Facebook, and enjoy the status that comes with big winnings and reaching high levels.
Although there are many social casino app developers, this billion dollar industry is dominated by just a handful of firms. Between them, they're responsible for the majority of the world's most popular and lucrative casino apps that attract players from all over the world, including Down Under. Here are a few social casino giants and their most popular offerings: