In the world of iGaming, social casinos and lottery casinos offer unique experiences for players looking for an alternative form of casino entertainment. While social casinos and lottery casinos share some similarities, such as giving you access to casino-style games and using virtual currency to play, there are several key differences as well.
This is what we are here for. Below, we'll explore the differences between social and lottery casinos, as well as the type of player each option is best suited for.
Lottery casinos
Lottery casinos operate in a different framework than social casinos, enabling them to offer games of chance for the possibility of winning real money prizes. Unlike traditional online casinos, which require users to deposit cash to play, lottery casinos allow users to play using virtual “play money” currency or lottery entries.
Entering sweepstakes is the main difference here between lotteries and social casinos. You can use these entries or accumulated virtual currency to increase your chances of winning – the more entries or currency you have, the better.
Lottery casinos also offer a similar gaming experience to traditional online casinos, with a wide range of games to choose from. In fact, the best lottery casinos are often provided by the same iGaming software studios as those that provide games to traditional real money iGaming operators.
Social casinos
On the other side of the coin, social casinos allow players to enjoy a range of casino games for free, using virtual currency or credits, just like lottery casinos. As you might expect from the name of these sites, they encourage social interaction in ways similar to lottery casinos. You can expect live chat boxes, social leaderboards, achievements, and even the chance to compete in multiplayer modes.
This social aspect adds an extra layer to the gaming experience, making it a viable option for anyone looking to connect with others while playing their favorite casino games.
Although social casinos offer free to play, they usually also offer the opportunity to purchase additional virtual currency or credits via in-app purchases. They are 100% optional, and are often used to enhance the gaming experience or access special features. However, it must be emphasized that no matter how many virtual coins or credits you win or purchase, you will never be able to exchange them for real money prizes. They have no value in the real world.
Suitability of players
In short, social casinos are best suited for players who enjoy social interaction and community engagement, as well as those looking for free and casual gaming experiences on any device, as most platforms are now HTML5-powered ensuring full compatibility with any smartphone or tablet.
Lottery casinos, on the other hand, are more suitable for those who want the chance to win real cash prizes without having to risk anything upfront. In many respects, lottery casinos are almost based on the concept of social casinos, providing interactive elements with real money potential.
In short, each place focuses on different gaming experiences. Social casinos are centered around the free and casual nature of their casino game, while lottery casinos dangle a carrot with a potential pot of gold at the end of the virtual currency rainbow.