Madison Genthry 
Did you know that real-money online casinos are not legal in every state? It might seem like they are considering the immense popularity and financial power surrounding the American iGaming industry. But when you deliver over $60 billion in revenue, the demand for 24/7 online casino games reaches a fever pitch. That’s where social casinos continue to climb the popularity ladder. Available in over 40 states, social casinos, through their games and signature no-deposit bonuses, are quickly becoming the first and only option for many online players.
What Is A Social Casino
The concept of sweepstakes dates back to the 1960s when Americans watched sweepstakes raffle contests on television or received offers in the mail about sweepstakes. The concept behind sweepstakes is to receive cash prizes through raffles or other participation. It was also common for American television shows to promote sweepstakes prizes to help popular companies and corporations become more appealing to the general public.
Building on the sweepstakes concept, in the early 2010s, as American online casinos became legal, casino brands began applying those basic concepts to work and operate legally under state laws so they wouldn’t have to wait for the state legislature to approve legislation for online casinos.
Benefits of Social Casinos
While there are many parallels between sweepstakes casinos and traditional iGaming sites, social casinos excel in many areas, which we’ll discuss below.
No-Deposit Games
While you have traditional online casinos that offer new players the chance to win real money without making a deposit, the fact is that no-deposit bonuses are rare. However, social casinos offer no-deposit bonuses beyond new member sign-ups. The elite social casinos load up the gold coins in their starter packages, making it hard for prospective members to say no.
A Wide Selection of Games
For the most part, the top social casinos offer many leading and cutting-edge five-reel slots from their traditional online casino counterparts. That means you can expect to find reputable game developers like Pragmatic Play, Betsoft, and Habanero on the gaming roster. While it is sometimes possible to find table games, that’s not the case for most social casinos. Also, you won’t normally find live dealer games that are staples at traditional online casinos.
But, to make up for the gap, social casinos are key to having a wide selection of five-reel and even six-reel games so you don’t feel left out. Those who want flashy graphics with their video slots can find hundreds of these titles with top bonuses like free spins and re-spins. Believe it or not, social casinos also have a growing progressive jackpot section. Fans of classic slots can also find a modest three-reel lineup if they want to experience Vegas-style slot games.
Join the megaways craze, where top-tier games like Gonzo’s Quest are available. Social casinos have an entire section devoted to megaways, extending into six and sometimes seven-reel slots like Gates of Olympus and Sugar Rush. With those no-deposit bonuses, you can enjoy the free avalanche and cascading reels feature, where new symbols tumble onto the reels to replace the ones that were part of the winning combination. Also, the pay lines expand, and the winning multiplier increases.
Social casinos continue to step up their game, pun intended, with a growing slingo section. Slingo is a bridge between classic bingo games that operate and look like slot machines. The results continue to be impressive, with slingo games growing as social casinos look to add new games to remain competitive and inviting for new and established members.
The Concept of Free Social Gaming
You can use gold coins or sweepstakes coins when playing at social casinos. This two-tier playing system also sets them apart from traditional online casinos.
Gold Coins vs. Sweepstakes Coins
Gold coins are the lifeline and currency for sweepstakes casinos. They are super abundant, beginning with the no-deposit bonus for new members. Gold coins are the means where you play the games for free, with many advantages. Playing for free lets you master the game, especially the rules, without risking any money. But playing free games can also be therapeutic for players who struggle with compulsive gambling.
Winning Cash Prizes
To operate legally, sweepstakes casinos can’t offer games to win real money. Instead, they allow players to compete for cash-prize equivalents. Through sweepstakes coins, you can play your favorite games to try to redeem enough coins for gift cards and other similar prizes. If you have enough sweepstakes coins, you can also redeem them at a 1:1 ratio.
Gold Coins Promotions
Because gold coins are such a precious commodity, leading social casinos let their members buy gold coins in different denominations. Sometimes, as low as $1.99, you can become 10,000 gold coins richer. Normally, when you buy gold coins, you pick up a handful of sweepstakes coins, so it is a win-win deal.
Also, gold coins let you advance through a social casino’s VIP club. These loyalty clubs come with many levels, with each one offering unique perks like cash-prize boosters and monthly gold and sweepstakes coins.
Common Questions Addressed
The world of social casinos is fascinating and growing. Below are some of the top tips and questions.
Are Social Casino Games Rigged?
No. Sweepstakes Casinos like High 5 use random number generators to determine wins and losses.
Can I Win Real Money with Social Casino Games?
Unfortunately no. This is because state gaming divisions don’t officially license social casinos. So, to legally operate in those states, they offer the chance to win cash prizes.
Are Social Casinos Mobile-Friendly?
Absolutely. Most social casinos have dedicated apps that are free to download in minutes and hassle-free for Apple and Android phones and tablets.
Final Remarks
While social casinos offer the thrills of winning cash prizes, the first move is to play for fun. Even when playing with gold coins, practicing responsible gaming habits is wise so you don’t develop gaming disorders. Happy gaming!
