The ultimate guide to social casinos

So, are you ready to dive headfirst into the world of social casinos? Let's do this! Now, for all intents and purposes, we don’t see ourselves as high-stakes gamblers per se - but if we were, we’d surely be curious about what these online playgrounds have to offer. Real-money social casinos differ from physical casinos, so learning how to make the most out of your gameplay could diversify the way you maximize your winnings. So, sit back, relax, and let's take a deep dive into the world of social casinos, discover new social casinos in the market, and check out our social casino list must-tries!

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Joey Dacillo

⏳ 16 mins read

📖 Published: June 27th, 2023

✍️ Updated: 8 months ago

What's the deal with social casinos?

Well, my friend, online social casino games are like the friendly neighborhood poker games of the online world. In other words, these are spots where folks can get a kick out of casino games -without betting a dime of real money. You can play slots, table games, and even some poker, all from the coziness of your abode. And the best part? You don't have to worry about losing the proverbial shirt on your back because there's no real money involved.

Now, you might be thinking, “What's the fun in that?" Well, let me tell you, these social casinos are more than just spinning wheels and flashing lights. They're like a big ol' family reunion. You know, the standard places where folks gather to play, compete, and shoot the breeze. It's like a night on the town at the casino, minus the smoke, the big crowds, the racket, and, more importantly, the dent in your wallet.

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Latest Social casino News

Department of Consumer Protection Issues High5Games Suspension for Illegal Operations Online
March 18th, 20254 mins

Department of Consumer Protection Issues High5Games Suspension for Illegal Operations Online

The Department of Consumer Protection in Connecticut has issued a suspension of license for High5Games, which it says also illegally operated another online casino. High5Games is a legal licensed service provider in the state of Connecticut - but in a recent investigation conducted by the DCP, it was found that High5Games also illegally operates High5Casino, which is unlicensed.

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (Gaming Division) has submitted a suspension of the Online Gaming Service Provider license held by High5Games following an investigation that revealed the company was illegally operating another online casino which remains without a license, High5Casino.

High5Games, a licensed developer and provider of slot content for legal gaming platforms, was found to be running High5Casino without proper authorization. The platform was falsely marketed as a legally licensed casino and was also accepting wagers from Connecticut residents, including persons who had voluntarily signed up for the Voluntary Self-Exclusion List in the state.

Violation of Connecticut gaming laws

Connecticut law permits only two platforms to offer iCasino wagering within the state: DraftKings and FanDuel, which operate under agreements with Foxwoods Casino and Mohegan Sun, respectively. The DCP Gaming Division's investigation stated that High5Casino had accepted deposits from 1,100 players in Connecticut, with 911 individuals collectively losing $937,938. Alarmingly, 108 of these individuals were on the state's Voluntary Self-Exclusion List, and they lost nearly $300,000 on the illegal platform.

As a result of these violations, High5Games is now facing 1,065 criminal counts of illegal gaming activities. Each count is classified as a Class A misdemeanor under Connecticut law, carrying a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail as well as a fine of up to $2,000 per violation.

DCP pledges consumer restitution and enforcement

DCP has stated that it will seek compensation for eligible consumers who suffered financial losses due to the misleading marketing of High5Casino as a legitimate platform.

"Thank you to our Gaming Division team for their hard work to hold this licensee accountable," said Bryan T. Cafferelli, DCP Commissioner. He went on to say that holding a gaming license is a privilege, and they expect their credential holders to take that responsibility seriously. But High5Games took advantage of their credential to mislead consumers into believing they were engaging in legal gaming when, in reality, they were breaking the law. Furthermore, he stated: "We remind consumers that there are only two licensed online casinos in Connecticut - DraftKings/Foxwoods and FanDuel/Mohegan Sun. If you choose to participate in online gaming, ensure you use only these licensed platforms."

Kris Gilman, the DCP Gaming Division Director, echoed this sentiment, expressing disappointment that a licensed service provider exploited Connecticut consumers. "It is difficult to recover funds from illegal platforms," Gilman said. "Gambling on licensed platforms is the only way to guarantee recovered funds in the event of an issue with a game or platform."

Immediate suspension and removal of High5Games content

The suspension of High5Games' Online Gaming Service Provider license is effective immediately. Additionally, all games provided by High5Games to DraftKings and FanDuel will be removed from their platforms. A copy of the official summary suspension order has been made available to the public.

The DCP encourages consumers to report any gaming-related issues or concerns by contacting [email protected]. For individuals experiencing gambling-related issues, confidential support is available through the Connecticut Council on Problem Gaming's 24/7 Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-888-789-7777 or by visiting ccpg.org. Additional information about self-exclusion programs and resources for those struggling with gambling addiction can be found at portal.ct.gov/problemgaming or ct.gov/selfexclusion.

As regulatory authorities continue to uphold gaming laws in Connecticut, consumers are reminded to exercise caution and only engage with legally licensed online gaming platforms.

More Sweepstakes Casinos Pull Out of West Virginia and Maryland
February 28th, 20255 mins

More Sweepstakes Casinos Pull Out of West Virginia and Maryland

As more states place sweepstakes casinos under closer scrutiny, some online sweepstakes operators have already made their exit from certain states. Hello Millions and McLuck have exited the states of West Virginia and Maryland, and three other sweeps casinos have pulled out of Maryland as well, namely Mega Bonanza, Spree, and Jackpota.

The exodus of online sweepstakes casinos from West Virginia and Maryland continues, as regulatory scrutiny intensifies against the controversial gaming vertical. Leading brands like Hello Millions and McLuck have now added both states to their growing list of restricted territories, while three additional platforms - Spree, Mega Bonanza, and Jackpota - have officially ceased operations in Maryland as of February 21. These five brands now block users from a minimum of 12 US states.

The recent departures align with growing regulatory pressure in both states, as lawmakers and enforcement agencies take decisive action against online sweepstakes casinos. Maryland, in particular, is considering an outright ban, while West Virginia's Attorney General is reportedly investigating the industry's operations.

Maryland lawmakers push for ban following cease-and-desist orders

Senator Paul Corderman from Maryland has introduced Senate Bill 860 (SB860), which explicitly seeks to prohibit sweepstakes casinos. The bill defines these platforms as online gaming sites that employ a dual-currency system - one that utilizes both free and real money - mimicking the experience of traditional online casinos or lottery-style gaming. If passed, SB860 would criminalize not only sweepstakes operators but also service providers that support these platforms.

SB860 is set for a committee hearing on the 5th of March, with its House counterpart, House Bill 1140, scheduled for discussion the following day. The bill was introduced following a series of cease-and-desist letters issued by the gaming regulator of Maryland to several unauthorized online gambling operators, which included some offering sweepstakes-based gaming products.

The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency has confirmed that it issued a cease-and-desist order to McLuck but has not publicly disclosed enforcement actions against the other four brands that recently exited the state.

West Virginia investigates sweepstakes operators

On the other hand, West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey is reportedly leading a probe into the operations of multiple sweepstakes casinos. While specific details remain undisclosed, industry sources suggest subpoenas have been issued to several sweepstakes gaming companies as part of an ongoing investigation.

Mega Bonanza, one of the recently withdrawn brands, confirmed in a statement that it has ceased operations in Maryland but did not provide additional details regarding its decision or its standing in West Virginia. The state's regulatory authority has not yet commented on whether further enforcement actions are forthcoming.

Industry-wide retreat from US markets

The sweepstakes casino sector has been facing increased legal scrutiny across the US, leading to multiple market withdrawals beyond Maryland and West Virginia.

Just last week, High 5 Games, a major online gaming entity, announced it would shut down its operations in six states that currently have legal online casino gaming, which includes West Virginia. Similarly, Stake.US has also recently exited the Mountain State and several other jurisdictions.

Beyond these two states, the national outlook for sweepstakes casinos remains uncertain. Mississippi recently became the first state legislative body to approve a full ban on online sweepstakes gaming. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, lawmakers are exploring an alternative approach - proposing to regulate sweepstakes casinos under a framework similar to online casino gaming and sports betting.

What's next for sweepstakes gaming?

With mounting regulatory pressure, it is unclear how many more states will move to restrict or ban online sweepstakes casinos in the coming months. The industry, which has long operated in a legal gray area, is now facing an increasing number of legal challenges that could reshape its future in the US market.

For Maryland and West Virginia players who relied on these platforms for entertainment, the closures mark yet another shift in the rapidly evolving gaming arena. As legislative efforts and enforcement actions continue, the industry will closely monitor how these developments impact the wider regulatory environment for online gaming across the nation.

High 5 Games Directed to Pay $24.9 Million to Consumers in Washington State
February 20th, 20254 mins

High 5 Games Directed to Pay $24.9 Million to Consumers in Washington State

A recent class action lawsuit was filed against High 5 Games by players in the state of Washington who alleged that they lost money while playing the games on High 5 casino. A previous court ruling has classified High 5's social casino games as illegal gambling under state law, and the evidence submitted in court has claimed that High 5 Games has targeted players who spend more - including those with gambling addictions.

In a historic ruling, a Washington state jury has ruled against High 5 Games, indicating the first class action verdict to win against a social casino operator. The jury awarded $24.9 million in damages to consumers in Washington who lost money while playing the company's online casino games. This verdict follows a prior court decision that classified High 5 Games' social casino products as illegal gambling under the law of Washington state.

Social casino model deemed illegal

Social casinos operate by offering digital casino-style games and slot machines where players may buy virtual chips using real money. Although these chips hold no cash value whatsoever, plaintiffs argued that they functioned as gambling bets as players had to purchase more chips to continue their gameplay. Last year, a court found that High 5's social casino model breached Washington state gambling laws.

The jury determined that the customers of High 5 in Washington had lost almost $18 million through its games. In addition to this amount, the jury awarded $7 million in statutory damages, bringing the total payout to nearly $25 million.

Targeting high-spending users

During the trial, evidence presented in court revealed that High 5 Games specifically targeted high-spending users, often referred to as 'whales.' The company allegedly provided free chips to entice these players to continue playing. One of the most alarming revelations was that a player who had requested their account to be closed because of gambling addiction was instead offered incentives to keep playing.

This approach, combined with the financial losses suffered by Washington players, played a crucial role in the jury's decision.

A crucial moment for the social casino industry

The verdict against High 5 Games comes on the heels of multiple settlements in similar cases, where social casino operators have collectively paid more than $650 million in compensation to affected players. However, unlike other companies that opted to settle, High 5 Games chose to fight the allegations in court, ultimately leading to this significant jury verdict.

The ruling is expected to influence current litigation against major tech companies, including Meta, Amazon, Apple, and Google. These corporations allegedly profit from these social casinos because they process payments and collect transaction fees, positioning themselves as financial intermediaries in the industry.

Todd Logan of Edelson PC, the law firm that represents the plaintiffs, emphasized the implications of the case, stating: "Big Tech isn't just standing by - they're cashing in. This verdict is a milestone, but it's only the beginning."

High 5 Games expands amid legal battles

Despite its legal challenges, High 5 Games has continued its expansion in the US online gaming market. In July of 2024, the company arrived in West Virginia, marking its fifth regulated market in the country. Its gaming portfolio includes popular titles such as Da Vinci DeluxeWays, Green Machine Deluxe, and 88 Drums.

The outcome of this case could have far-reaching consequences for the social casino industry and the tech giants that facilitate its operations. With regulators and legal experts closely watching, this ruling may serve as a reason for further action against social casino operators and the platforms that support them.

As more lawsuits emerge and legal scrutiny intensifies, the industry faces mounting pressure to reassess its business practices and regulatory compliance, particularly in states like Washington that have taken a firm stance against social casinos operating in a legally gray area.

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The nitty-gritty of social casinos

Now, let's get down to brass tacks. How do these social casinos work? Well, when you hop on board, you're handed a certain amount of virtual coins. These coins can be used to play the games on the site. You can't cash them out for real money, but you can use them to play and compete with other players.

And here's where it gets interesting. Some of these social casinos offer real-world rewards. That's right, by playing the games, you can earn points that can be redeemed for things like hotel stays, meals, and even tickets to shows. It's like getting the royal treatment at a brick-and-mortar casino, without having to gamble away your hard-earned greenbacks.

Social casino games

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Now, let's talk about the games. Social casino games are the heart and soul of these platforms. They're the whole reason you log in, the reason you compete, and the reason you keep coming back for more after all is said and done. From slots to poker to blackjack, these games bring all the thrills of a Vegas casino minus the risk.

The cherry on top? You can play these games without spending a single penny. Yes, you heard it right - you can spin the slots, deal the cards, and roll the dice without it costing you a dime. But if you're looking for a little more excitement, some social casinos offer games where you can wager and win real money. It's the best of both worlds, and these are what we call social casino games real money.

Are social casinos the future of gambling?


The social casino industry is a booming market in the US, with an increasing number of players flocking to these platforms for a no-risk, sociable gaming experience. As technology keeps pushing the boundaries, we can expect to see an influx of even more creative and captivating features in social casinos.

However, it's also important to note that while social casinos offer a fun and risk-free gaming environment, they should still be enjoyed responsibly. Even though real money is not at stake, players can still become overly invested in the games, leading to excessive play. As with all forms of gaming, moderation is key.

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5 Best Social Casinos in the US in 2024

While you’re busy finding more reasons to play on social casino apps, here’s a list of social casinos; we think it’s high time you start exploring, don’t you agree?

 

1. WOW Vegas Social Casino

  • Welcome Bonus: 3 Million WOW Coins and 50 Free Sweepstakes Coins ($24.99)
  • Number of Games: Over 350
  • Operator: WOW Entertainment Ltd.

Your social media ads are probably already stacked with a bunch of social and real money casinos from industry giants like WOW Vegas. Of course, they’re not one to shy away from giving their players a platform for fun social casino gaming and sweepstakes play. It’s one of the top social casinos in the market today and boasts a variety of free casino games to try out.

Now, if you’re a noob at taking advantage of free social apps like most non-gamblers, then WOW Vegas shouldn’t be such a bad choice, right?

Their app can be downloaded from Google Play and the App Store, which is great if you prefer playing from multiple devices. What we like about this social casino app is that it’s affiliated with Novomatic and Pragmatic Play which are no strangers to the gaming industry. We personally enjoy jackpot slots, and WOW Vegas doesn’t fall short in terms of game variety, with more than 350 games in its arsenal, and, what’s more, it has no deposit requirement for first-time customers.

 

2. Vegas Gems Social Casino

  • Welcome Bonus: Max of 1000 Gems and 50% Extra Gems on First Purchase of Shards (registration)
  • Number of Games: Over 360 free slot games
  • Operator: JSP Media Holdings Limited

Don’t let this one out of your radar, because as one of the top social casino apps in 2024, Vegas Gems might be one of the newer social betting apps to check out, and it shows a lot of promise in terms of offerings and game range. With more than 360 free social casino games, you definitely won’t have a problem dealing with finding new games to try. 

The best part? You get a welcome bonus once you register, up to 1,000 gems, and a little extra 50% gems on top of the first shards you opt to spend a little more money on. While they offer a bunch of slot games, Vegas Gems is currently working on adding table games to their app, to liven up the mix, expand their user base, and give social gamers more long-term options. What we find quite interesting is that this new social casino supports crypto payments, giving anyone on the ether a chance to spin their way to success!

 

3. Chumba Casino

  • Welcome Bonus: 2,000 Gold coins and two free sweep coins for new players
  • Number of Games: More than 150
  • Operator: VGW Malta Limited

Operating mainly in the US and Canada, Chumba is a social casino site that comes with an app also called Chumba Lite, which is a crowd favorite with its scintillating draw on engagement and its social media prowess.

Well, if you’re one of those doom scrollers who fell for it and enjoys the free social casino app, then join the club! What we can’t get enough from Chumba is the wide variety of slot games, video poker, baccarat, and slingo games we can try out for free. They’re also pretty generous about their welcome bonuses, giving first-time players a lot to work with when fumbling with those baccarat games.

 

4. Pulsz Social Casino

  • Welcome Bonus: 2.3 redeemable sweeps, coins, and 5,000 non-redeemable gold coins
  • Number of Games: Over 300
  • Operator: Yellow Social Interactive Limited

Great for video slot enthusiasts, Yellow Social Interactive Casino is the virtual place to be if you enjoy exploring multiple slot games on one platform. We think the best part about YSI’s free social casino is the Megaways games and jackpot slots that can be found in more than 300 of its free slot games. Table games and other “hold and win” slot games are available on this platform. Their nifty little app is also perfect for on-the-go players who like to kill time with a few sweeps here and there.

 

5. High 5 Social Casino

  • Welcome Bonus: 600 diamonds, 250 game coins, and 5 free sweeps coins (sign up)
  • Number of Games: Over 800
  • Operator: High 5 Entertainment LLC

Recently awarded the best social gaming operator in 2023, High 5 Social Casino aims to please you with a whopping 800 slot games, table games, and jackpot slots combined. It’s perfect for folks who love to try multiple free social apps at once since they offer a generous welcome bonus package.

In addition, you could max these bonuses out after signing up and get offers to purchase more sweep coin packages for more chances to win in sweepstakes games. If you stay a while, you might even get access to gaming credits and more VIP points! What else could you need, right?

The Best of the Best: Top Social Casino Games at Your Disposal

Now, there are a lot of social casinos out there, but some are a cut above the rest. Sites like Pulsz Casino, Wow Vegas, and Double Down Casino offer a wide variety of games, great social features, and even those real-world rewards we mentioned earlier. They're the cat's pajamas, the big kahunas, the... well, you get my drift.

 

The legality of social casinos

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room - legality. You might be wondering, "Are these social casinos even legal?" Well, the short answer is yes. Because there's no real money involved in the games, social casinos are legal in most places.

They're not considered gambling, so they don't fall under the same laws and regulations as online casinos. However, it's always a good idea to check the laws in your specific location just to be on the safe side.

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Social Casino USA: Factors to Consider when Choosing a Social Casino for Your Gaming Needs

Many operators continue to break the monotony of the same games by developing free social casinos and social betting sites that give players variety and access beyond compare. Finding an exciting and wide-scale US social casino can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to look out for, so trust us - as a newcomer to free social betting sites and apps, a quick guide could make a world of difference.

 

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Flexible Payment Options

You could be playing from Texas or New Jersey and payment methods could be limiting. So, an important factor to consider is how much flexibility a social casino can give you in terms of how you can keep playing. From Neteller to crypto payments, there’s a bunch you can look into so you don’t have to get stuck with the same games over and over.

 

Game Variety

Now, who doesn’t want more games to play, right? Exploring social casino games is always the best part of signing up for social betting apps. Having game options from jackpot games and table games to free online slots, finding which selection of games best suits you is key.

 

Operator Reputation and Reviews

As I said, a lot is coming from social casinos and social betting sites that are trying to make their way into avid iGamers’ radar. While trying them all out one sign-up at a time seems like a practical way to go about it, it’s not always the smartest. Make sure you do your research, double-check the legitimacy of the apps, and read through user reviews before committing to anything.

 

Data Security

Your information, especially your banking details, requires severe protection, which some operators fail to acknowledge without even realizing it. Read about security reviews on personal data, and read through the terms and conditions so you won’t fall for any scams targeting your financial information.

 

Mobile Experience

Convenience, user-friendly features, and navigable interfaces make a big difference when playing on social casino apps. If you’re after free slot games on social casino sites, make it a point to explore certain features that are best suited for iOS and Android devices. Depending on your preferences, make it a point to do your research on which features and games work best for your mobile gaming preferences.

Pros and cons of social casinos

Like everything in life, social casinos have their ups and downs. On the upside, they're a fun, risk-free way to enjoy casino games. They're a great way to meet new people, compete for bragging rights, and even earn some real-world rewards.

Plus, you can play anytime, anywhere, without having to set foot in a real casino. Some new social casinos, give users a more intricate virtual currency system that may not give out real winnings to withdraw but credits that can be applied to real rewards in some partner establishments. If you’re new to playing new social online casinos, these games are great for practicing your game at slots and unlocking new levels before trying out real money casinos with actual deposits involved.

On the downside, because there's no real money involved, the stakes can feel lower than in a real casino. Some folks might miss the thrill of risking real money. Plus, while you can earn real-world rewards, you can't cash out your winnings like you would in a real casino. Another con could be the monotony some players may experience because of the limited selection of games in some social casinos online.

Pros

A risk-free way to play casino games online

An avenue for social interaction and global competition

Convenient access and user-friendly features

Virtual currency system convertible to real rewards and credits

Good practice round for real money casinos

Cons

Low stakes: No real money involved

No cash-out options

Monotony due to limited game selection

Experience Social Casinos!

Immerse yourself in the world of social casinos with our expert reviews. Discover a vibrant community of players and enjoy a wide variety of social casino games. From slots to table games, explore the best social casino sites and join the fun!

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The Bottom Line

So, there you have it. Social casinos are a fun, risk-free way to enjoy the thrill of casino games. They're a great way to meet new people, compete for bragging rights, and even earn some real-world rewards. So, why not give them a shot? Who knows, you might just hit the jackpot.

Well, that's all for now. Remember, the house always wins, but at a social casino, you can still walk away with a smile. Happy gaming, my friends!

FAQ

What is a social casino?

A social casino is an online platform where you can play casino games like slots, poker, and blackjack with virtual coins. There is no actual cash on the line, but you can go toe-to-toe with other players and rack up points for rewards you can use in the real world.

Can you win real money at social casinos?

No, you can not win real money at social casinos. However, some social casinos offer real-world rewards you can earn by playing the games. In some cases, there are social casino real money games where you can wager and win real money.

How do you get coins to play at social casinos?

When you sign up at a social casino, you are usually given a certain amount of virtual coins to start playing with. You can also earn more coins by playing games, competing in tournaments, and taking advantage of daily bonuses.

What are some of the top-dog social casinos?

Some of the top-rated social casinos include Pulsz Casino, Wow Vegas, and Double Down Casino. These sites dish out a smorgasbord of games, top-notch social features, and rewards that you can use in the real world.

Author
Joey Dacillo
Writer | Content Strategist

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