Social and sweepstakes casinos are mostly an American phenomenon, although they are getting a little bit more traction overseas recently. Still, in the US, this type of casino gaming online has become a huge success, offering a viable alternative to real-money casinos.
The basic premise of online sweepstakes casino games is that real money is not wagered directly. There is a system of virtual currencies in place – gold coins, sweeps coins. Under certain circumstances, the latter can be exchanged for prizes, but the upshot is that the focus is on entertainment.
That’s a highly interesting prospect when you consider that the raison d’être of casino gaming since its existence has broadly been centered on wagering money for the chance to win more.
Games have evolved to become more entertaining
Yet, arguably, the rise of sweepstakes platforms has showcased that casino games have evolved to become more entertaining. Slot games, in particular, have more features and interesting bonus games than in the past, as well as improved graphics and gameplay options. Overall, they will feel much less repetitive than the games of the past.
iGaming studios seem to be well aware of this, releasing new titles that rip up the rulebook of what we have been accustomed to for decades. Slots may no longer have reels and paylines; they may be themed on just about anything, including, in some cases, more adult-oriented themes; there can also be more control for players, including choosing characters and themes, as well as adjusting levels of volatility.
Some iGaming providers feel like they are in the vanguard for this – Relax Gaming, Hacksaw Gaming, Pragmatic Play – constantly innovating and changing players’ expectations. Relax Gaming, which is a major supplier of games to sweepstakes and social casino platform McLuck, has countless examples of unique approaches, including the fabled Great Western/Money Train series.
Game shows have conquered the live casino
We should also note that there has been a significant change in the live casino, which has traditionally been dominated by table and card games. Yes, the big hitters like roulette and blackjack still get plenty of attention, as has been the case for decades, yet a new genre of live casino gaming termed “game shows” has gotten a lot of traction. There’s a little bit of theatre thrown into the mix, and these types of games have been hugely popular at both sweepstakes at real-money sites.
These game show titles completely reinvent the idea of the casino experience. The croupiers are more like game show hosts, as is the action. The games are played with spinning wheels and other game show-style equipment, looking more like The Price Is Right studio than a typical casino floor. The games are much more social, sometimes even raucous, compared to traditional casino games.
And that, in fact, is the point here: Casino gaming online has become more entertainment-focused, regardless of whether you play at real-money sites or sweepstakes platforms. The games have evolved to offer something a little different from the traditional land-based casinos. Wagering money can still be an important element, sure, but sweepstakes players are demonstrating that that is only one part of the entertainment equation.