One-to-many or one-to-one communication is the most elementary form of social life through the internet. Through social gaming and video conferencing apps, spatial distances have been made largely irrelevant. As virtual reality spreads into the physical world, online gaming has simply moved from playing a game with friends to become a complex form of social life.

The internet and booming technology, along with the development of social media platforms, has facilitated gambling opportunities. With the advancement of online casino games, the internet continues to provide a variety of virtual communities for gamers, including monetary features such as microtransactions.

Online gambling: the social dimension of gaming communities

Humans have a basic need for social interaction and belonging, which is one of the key reasons behind the success of social media and online communities. 

A virtual community of like-minded people has important consequences for any individual. Internalizing the group’s norms and identifying with its shared social identity affects user behaviour. Particularly when dealing with potentially addictive behaviours like gambling, identifying with an online community can influence attitudes and intentions toward the harmful direction to help normalize maladaptive behaviour.

When it comes to playing at an online casino for real money, social gaming helps in covering several virtual spaces. They can be video conferencing apps, social network sites, as well as discussion forums where gamblers can interact. This is not limited to online platforms; in particular, video games are typically formed around interactive elements. For instance, MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) are characterized by joint playing and other community aspects.

How social media has impacted online gaming

Social media and other internet-related features have extended and facilitated the exponential growth of online gambling opportunities. Consequently, internet users are increasingly exposed to gambling-like activities and gambling content.

Social Media today is quite different; from its market reach, what it used to be, and more, there has been a remarkable change. For instance, when Facebook first came live, people could share photographs and stay connected to friends and family on a real-time basis. Today, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube impact the lives of people in many ways, including the gambling industry.

Here are some of the ways social media eases online gambling:

1 – Information sharing

The most important information for many online casinos is flashed on their social media networks where they have their official pages. This includes sharing of promotional offers, as well as displaying new games that have been launched, explaining the type and kind of games. Promotional offers are usually valid for a limited period; new and existing customers can greatly benefit from this. By learning that one can play for real cash with a free bonus or very low stake, potential new customers are easily lured into trying registration with online casinos.

2 – Expanding customer base

Online casinos use social media platforms to reach out to people interested in online gaming. They present advertisements on the platforms to highlight the benefits of playing and the options available. When players notice these social media advertisements, many are impressed and are tempted to try their luck as they enjoy the games.

3 – Sharing reviews and feedback

Sharing experiences on social media has become increasingly common. Contacting people who are actual users of various products and services has become easy due to the availability of various groups and communities in several categories. Positive or negative feedback shared on such websites gives users a point of reference while making a buying or sign-up decision. People can use the feature to get a problem resolution in time or highlight their good or bad experiences. The same applies to online casinos, where players share all the good and bad information and feedback for others to read.

4 – Viral videos

While the concept of viral videos isn’t very new, online casinos are using it to provide potential customers with a real-time experience of playing games. For example, searching for any online game on YouTube provides sample videos that have some reviews and top features; this could be how it looks when you win big, challenges you may encounter, and more. This comes in handy for novice players who want to understand a game before playing with real money. 

Undoubtedly, social media and video conferencing apps have changed things for online casino sites, which has eased things in the gaming industry. Contrary to a common opinion in society, gaming has been found scientifically to deliver several psychological and cognitive benefits. And, whether good or bad, online games have been a huge part of the digital age; they play a positive role in shaping a person’s social capability and personality.