Browsing for casinos in the app store or scrolling through the gaming ads, you might have stumbled across the terms “social casinos” and “real-money casinos”.
While they may seem identical at first glance, with all those flashy slots, spinning wheels, poker tables, jackpots, and whatnot, the visuals feel the same. If they offer a very similar experience, then what’s the actual difference between these two? The truth is that there’s quite a lot.
In this article, we will be discussing the nuances social casinos vs real-money casinos, and what separates them. We’ll also take a look at how each works, what risks and benefits are offered by both, and which style of game suits which type of player.
A social casino is an online casino game, played purely for entertainment purposes, and not for making monetary winnings. The player can buy in-game coins with real money or earn them, but can’t cash them out or win prizes. With the available virtual coins, you can play slot games, play poker or blackjack, join public challenges, and enjoy reaching the top of the leaderboard.
Even if you hit the jackpot in a social casino, the value is only applicable within the game and can’t be withdrawn.
Social casinos can cost you money, only if you choose to pay or make in-game purchases. Most of the social casinos are free to download and come with a starter coin pack. You can either buy more coins when you run out of them, or you can collect them by doing simple tasks like watching ads, just like any other mobile game.
While you may have to spend money in certain cases, remember that you can’t and won’t be able to win real money back.
Real-money casinos, be it online or physical, are the place where you bet or gamble with actual money, and win actual prizes or money. While the main difference might seem obvious, it comes with certain risks, such as:
In a real-money casino, everything has an actual financial outcome, in contrast to social casinos, where there are at most in-game purchases and wins.
Types of games offered at a real-money casino include slots, baccarat, roulette, poker, live dealer tables, etc. These casinos that use real money for gambling must follow the strict legal guidelines of the country they are operating in, verify the player identities before the gameplay, and ensure that fair play is practiced.
| Feature | Social Casino | Real-Money Casino |
| Purpose | Entertainment and casual gaming | Gambling and the desire to win money |
| Wagering | Virtual coins with no cash value | Real money is used to make bets |
| Payouts | No payout, in-game winning only | Real money can be withdrawn |
| Playing Cost | In-app purchases, free of cost | Requires actual money to start playing |
| Risk Level | No risks | High risk, chances to lose wagered money |
| Legality | No legal requirements, considered a casual game | Regulated strictly by the authorities and laws |
| Fairness of the Game | Not mandatory | Should strictly adhere to certified RNGs and pass regular fairness tests. |
| Rewards | Daily free coins, top-ups, and achievement rewards | Deposit bonuses, welcome bonuses, free spins, cashbacks, rakebacks, loyalty programs |
| Financial Outcomes | No financial consequences | Can result in financial loss or gain |
Let’s break down the key Differences in Social Casinos vs Real-Money Casinos to understand how each one stands apart:
Now that you understand the Differences in Social Casinos vs Real-Money Casinos, you might be wondering which option is best for you. The choice ultimately depends on your goal, whether you want pure entertainment or the thrill of playing for real rewards.
In the case of a social casino, you might wonder why anyone would want to play casino games if you can’t win real money. Turns out a lot of players love the idea of a social casino, and for all the good reasons.
If you are someone who loves the thrill of a casino, minus the risks attached, then my friend, a social casino is the one for you. In a social casino, the player can get the excitement of spinning the slot machine without worrying about losing their hard-earned money.
People find the social casinos to be more relaxing, and play them the same way they play other mobile games. They offer free entertainment, as you can enjoy the casino without spending a dime. Also, you can join clubs and challenges for that community vibe. Elements like multiplayer options make the game more of a social experience, and less of a gambling.
As there are no legal complications, you don’t have to worry about getting caught for being involved in gambling. For the people who choose social casinos, it is the perfect balance between fun and low-pressure gameplay.
Real-money gambling attracts players who want an actual gambling experience, with the thrill of risking, along with the possibility of winning big.
In real-money casinos, the chance to win real money is always there, and that’s, being honest, its biggest appeal. Moreover, some players are all in for the authentic experience of a physical casino, and these casinos, with their sophisticated platforms, live dealers, and licensed games, replicate the experience of an actual casino.
For many, it’s about the excitement that comes with higher stakes. The emotional rush of winning or losing real money is valued by many of the players, and they find it completely different from losing virtual coins with no actual value.
The bonuses and promotions are another attraction of the real-money casinos. Compared to the physical casinos, the online casinos offer bonuses in abundance, including deposit bonuses, free spins, cashbacks, rakebacks, and loyalty rewards.
A common query among most players is whether a social casino will prepare them for real gambling with money. Fascinatingly, the answer is both yes and no.
Yes, because the game mechanics of a social casino are similar to those of a real-money online casino. So, the players can get familiar with the gameplay styles, more like a practice session.
No, because the social casinos are often more generous with the payouts (virtual) to keep the players engaged. The player won’t feel the pressure of losing real money, and may develop an unrealistic expectation about easily winning the games.
So, while the social casinos may seem quite similar to the real-money casino, the psychological stakes and the overall experience are very different.
While casino games are loved for their dopamine rewards, both social and real-money casinos come with their own sets of risks that the players should be aware of before getting started.
Even though there’s no real gambling, risks are still present in a social casino game, such as:
That said, the financial risks are minimal until the player decides to spend more money on in-app purchases.
The risks and challenges of a real-money casino are more serious, and the player has to be really careful.
While responsible gaming tools and limits exist, the players are supposed to use them wisely, eliminating the chances of potential risks as much as possible.
Though both casinos may look similar at first glance, the Differences in Social Casinos vs Real-Money Casinos become clear when you look at their purpose and outcomes. While a social casino’s objective is purely fun and socializing, a real-money casino comes with real financial risks and stakes.
Understanding the primary goals of these two can help you make an informed decision about the right choice for you. Whatever your game style is, make sure you play responsibly, and keep in mind that only gamble what you can afford to lose.
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