Should Social Casino Gaming be Regulated?

[GambleThenWin]

Hi Guys,

I didn't find a thread regarding social casino gaming (there is one, but it doesn't go into the depth of social casino gaming).
I was inspired to write an article and publish it on my site regarding social casino gaming: why is it popular and should it be regulated? ----> http://gamblethenwin.com/why-is-soci...ng-so-popular/

So, what are your thoughts on this? Should social casino gaming be regulated?
Estimates show that this "industry" will be worth $3 billion by the end of 2015 (which is now). As far as I understand, social casino games are free games, but, they do offer the opportunity for players to spend money and buy chips. So isn't this actual real-money gambling? Can it be classified as real-money gambling?

While it's evident why is popular, because it offers careless gambling stimulation compared to real-money casinos, but why shouldn't it be regulated? And, have your tried to target these kinds of players and have you had any luck?

[ARZ]

Hi

Can you win real money playing these games? If not, it´s not gambling, doesen´t matter how much you deposit, I think.

[Triple7]

If we use the same arguments that are used for regulate online gambling, yes. No matter if the thing to win is money or just some honour at Facebook.

[GambleThenWin]

As far as I know you can't win money, you can just brag about your virtual winnings and buy coins to play some more casino games It's a good point, but, I don't know, it still seems fishy...

[Triple7]

As far as I know you can't win money, you can just brag about your virtual winnings and buy coins to play some more casino games It's a good point, but, I don't know, it still seems fishy...

True, but instead of money you van win "social media status", which for some people seem to be more attractive than winning some bucks. Also social media are full of people below 18 or 21 years old and this social media games seem to be free (while a slot machine doesn't) and are attracting people that do not want to gamble or play for money.

[TheGooner]

I don't think that social "casino" gaming is worth $3 billion by end of 2015. I don't think that "casino" is a large part of social gaming at all.

I note that your graph starts with 2012e, which I assume is shorthand for an estimate, so the data is 3-4 years out of date and extrapolates from a very small base with no sign of an actual check for real values in the last 3-4 years. It might be true - but overall casino games are a very small part of a vast social gaming universe.

As I understand it by far the largest part of the social gaming segment are the games involving facebook or apps that use a facebook link for high scores. So games like angry birds, mafia wars, clash of kingdoms, crystal crush etc, where you can pay for power-ups or extra lives to do better.

I DO NOT think that these games need the same sort of regulation as casino games.
They MAY involve an online purchase but the actual gaming is a long way from gambling.

[GPWA Aaron]

In order to be considered gambling under most legal definitions, there needs to be chance (i.e., outcome depends at least in part on luck), consideration (you put up something of value to have the opportunity to play), and prize (you can gain something of value if you win). Since social casinos offer no prize, they aren't considered gambling, even though they utilize the same games.

As for the revenue considerations, I wouldn't poo-poo it. Caesars Interactive Entertainment's social gaming offering (Slotomania) brought in a whopping $555 million in the first 9 months of 2015, and that's just one operator. There are loads of social casinos, so it wouldn't surprise me at all if there was $3 billion spent on social casinos this year.

My guess is most social casino players don't feel a stigma associated with playing the games, especially since 97-99% of the people who play those games don't spend a penny. Personally, I'd rather play a play-money game at a real money casino, because even if I never intend to make a deposit, there's a chance they'll throw a free bet or two my way in an attempt to get me to do so.

[VHF]

To win social media status sounds a bit like for the younger generation? Or am I totally wrong here? Cant really see the benefits of "earning" social media status and what good that will do... "Yooppiee, I just got 15 likes in FB!" Maybe its a way to start playing for real then?

[GambleThenWin]

If you go to some of those social casino apps on Facebook and browse the 'likers' you will notice that 90% of them are somewhere around senior age. I haven't noticed (from the profile pictures at least) that there are teenagers that play at social casinos.

[VHF]

Ahh, okok! I stand corrected! Thanx for info mate! It´s gonna be interesting to see how popular it can become 2016. Happy new year btw!

If you go to some of those social casino apps on Facebook and browse the 'likers' you will notice that 90% of them are somewhere around senior age. I haven't noticed (from the profile pictures at least) that there are teenagers that play at social casinos.

[ARZ]

Social media gambling is a bit different from classic gambling Coz you climb on experience ladder when playing slots (good idea indeed). The more you play, the more you will get (potentionally). I think, tak the sum mentioned here can be real, because many people like to virtually improve, even in pushing "SPIN" button.

[VHF]

Yes! Ok sounds like one has to really look inte it further then! Thank you for answer!

[BitCasinoNoel]

If you regulate social casino games where no real money is won, they should also regulate all social games. If you look at Candy Crush as an example, it's practically a slots game.

[VHF]

That is true!