Social casinos provide an engaging experience for users. These platforms simulate traditional casino games, allowing users to play with virtual currency or rewards, with some offering occasional real money options.
According to bV1sion, social casinos worldwide are projected to generate $7.5 billion in revenue in 2024, indicating continued growth in the sector.
In 2020, key players in the market included Playtika (22% market share), Aristocrat (13%), SciGames and DoubleU Games (10% each), and Zynga (8%).
Other companies held the remaining 37% of the market. While the daily average revenue per user is $0.67, projected to decline by 2026, the number of users is expected to continue rising.
The increasing user base suggests a growing interest in social casinos in New Zealand, where players can explore games and potentially earn rewards.
Table of Contents
Highest-grossing games in the US (iOS and Google Play)
| Rank | iOS Game Title | iOS Publisher | Google Play Game Title | Google Play Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Slotomania: Vegas Slots Casino | Playtika | Slotomania: Vegas Slots Casino | Playtika |
| 2 | BingoBlitz: Live Bingo | Playtika | Jackpot Party – Casino Slots | Phantom EFX |
| 3 | Cashman Casino Vegas Slot Game | Product Madness | Cash Frenzy – Slots Casino | Grande Games |
| 4 | Cash Frenzy – Slots Casino | Grande Games | Pop! Slots – Las Vegas Casino Slot Machines | Playstudios |
| 5 | DoubleDown Casino Slots Games | Double Down Interactive LLC | Cashman Casino Vegas Slot Game | Product Madness |
| 6 | Jackpot Party – Casino Slots | Phantom EFX | Lotsa Slots – Free Vegas Casino Slot Machines | SpinX Games Limited |
| 7 | WSOP – Texas Holdem Poker Game | Playtika | Vegas Slots DoubleDown Casino | Double Down Interactive |
| 8 | Slots: Lightning Link Casino | Product Madness | Huuuge Casino Slots Vegas 777 | Huuuge Global |
| 9 | Jackpot Magic Slots & Casino | Big Fish Games | Slots: House Of Fun | Playtika |
| 10 | Big Fish Casino: Slots & Games | Big Fish Games | DoubleU Casino: Vegas Slots | DoubleUGames |
What are Social Casinos?
Social casinos are online platforms where users can play casino-style games using virtual tokens or credits.
Some social casinos provide the option to win real money through alternative reward systems, such as Sweeps Cash or promotional mechanisms. In contrast, others use virtual coins that have no real-world value.
These platforms typically offer a low-risk environment for entertainment or practice, though they may also include in-app purchases for additional virtual currency.
For example, platforms like Stake.us, Chumbacasino.com, and Fortunecoins.com provide players with $1 in virtual currency to use daily.
Users may be able to cash out real money after reaching certain thresholds, such as accumulating over $50.
Users may accumulate rewards over time depending on the platform’s rules and conditions. Social casinos’ legal and operational framework varies depending on the jurisdiction and the platform’s business model.
1. Cashman Casino
Cashman Casino is a social casino on Facebook, with 368k likes and 397k followers.
The website link for Cashman Casino could not be located, suggesting that users may need to download the app to play.
Fact – Cashman Casino has apps available on the Google Play Store and App Store.
It can be accessed via its official Facebook page as a social casino. The app is free to download and does not require real money to play.
It is a play-for-fun casino, meaning it does not involve real money gambling or any financial risks.
The absence of a website for direct play may be a drawback for users who prefer not to download apps.
The app features titles from Aristocrat. As a welcome bonus, new users can claim 5 million free virtual coins to play Vegas-themed games.
Users can join the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/cashmancasino/.
The app has over 10 million downloads and is compatible with many devices. It is free to download but includes in-app purchases ranging from $0.99 to $249.99 per item.
Terms and Conditions
Players should review and comply with Cashman Casino’s terms and conditions before playing. These may include age restrictions, country limitations, and responsible gambling policies.
2. Slotomania Casino
Slotomania is a popular platform for players seeking free-to-play casino games that are accessible through social media channels like Facebook.
Slotomania is a good place for players looking for fun-playing casinos that can be played on social media, such as Facebook.
The platform features Las Vegas-themed pokies, providing a gaming experience inspired by the popular casino destination.
Some of the free pokies available at Slotomania include
Some of the free pokies available at Slotomania include
- Get Me A Prince
- My Dear Puppy
- Big White
- Cubs & Joeys
- Happy Paws
The apps are in the Google Play Store, App Store, and Facebook. However, its social media reach is much greater than Facebook’s, including Instagram and YouTube.
Slotomania offers 1 million free coins as part of its welcome bonus, with potential winnings up to X2700 for certain bets.
Terms and Conditions
Players should review and comply with Club Vegas—Casino 777’s terms and conditions, which may include age restrictions, usage limitations, and responsible gaming guidelines.
3. Big Fish Casino
Unlike the two previously mentioned, Big Fish Social Casino is accessible via any browser without downloading an app.
The website has some areas that could benefit from improvement. Creating an account requires an email, password, and confirmation from your email address.
Players receive 500,000 free chips upon sign-up to access games. In addition to the online website, Big Fish Social Casino has apps available on the Google Play Store and App Store.
Fact – Big Fish Social Casino has a broad social media presence, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube, covering multiple platforms.
Big Fish Social Casino has 433,000 likes on Facebook and over 10 million downloads on the Google Play Store, with a rating of 4.4 stars out of 5.
Additionally, more than 16 billion chips are distributed daily in jackpots. Players can redeem free chips every 30 minutes and access daily free games and bonuses, with the opportunity to win up to 100,000 free chips upon logging in.
Terms and Conditions
Players should review Big Fish Casino’s terms and conditions before engaging in its social casino games. These may include age restrictions, geographic limitations, and responsible gaming measures.
Click here to find the latest games on offer at this casino
4. Double Down Casino
DoubleDown is a popular social and play-for-fun casino. Its website is well-regarded among similar platforms in New Zealand.
Players can access the website using their email or Facebook ID. New players receive 1 million free chips, which can be used to play games for fun.
The platform offers over 200 free pokies that simulate an online casino experience. Players can access the games via the website or apps available on Google Play Store, App Store, and Amazon App Store.
DoubleDown Interactive provides a platform that adheres to industry safety standards. DoubleDown Casino is on social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
The platform offers several well-known games from online casinos for free, including titles like
- Cleopatra
- Golden Goddess
- Davinci Diamonds
- Wheel of Fortune
- Fishing Bob
DoubleDown Casino does not provide real-money gambling, but players may need to purchase virtual chips to access certain pokies.
The platform offers guidance for new players. It also features Diamond Club, an 11-tier loyalty program that provides benefits.
5. House of Fun Casino
House of Fun, owned by Playtika, is designed for players aged 21 and older.
House of Fun does not offer real-money gambling; however, players may need to purchase virtual items, such as chips, to access certain games.
Like DoubleDown Casino, House of Fun provides a well-developed website with features for a no-download gaming experience.
House of Fun could be included in a list of top social gambling apps, as its website offers a solid user experience.
Players with a Facebook ID can easily access the platform by selecting the “Play Now with Facebook” option. The platform also offers daily free gifts.
Some of the popular free pokies available on the platform include
- Dingo Gold Pokie
- Frau’s Fortune: Elsa’s Beirfest
- Fu Man Fortune
- Vegas Classic Link
- Bank of Jackpots
- Vile Vixens
The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and App Store, providing mobile access for players who prefer gaming on the go.
PokiesMobile Suggestion – For players seeking a casino-like experience for fun, House of Fun offers free play options without real-money gambling.
How do you play on social gaming platforms?
Numerous social casino apps can be downloaded to mobile devices or accessed through Facebook.
PokiesMobile Suggestion – A quick web search for “Social Casino NZ” can provide a list of popular options, or you may refer to the list above.
Gameplay:
- Social casinos use virtual currency (such as coins or chips), with some platforms occasionally incorporating real money elements. Players typically receive a starting amount and can accumulate more through daily bonuses, levelling up, or optional in-app purchases.
- The games available on social casinos often mirror those found in real-money casinos, including pokies, roulette, blackjack, and poker.
- While the gameplay remains similar to real-money casinos, players typically win virtual rewards rather than real-money prizes. Some platforms feature leaderboards and other achievements for recognition within the game.
- These platforms’ social features enable players to connect with friends, send virtual gifts, and participate in tournaments.
Important Notes:
- In New Zealand, players must be over 20 to participate in social casino games.
- Although these platforms do not involve real money gambling, they can still be habit-forming. It’s important to engage responsibly and take regular breaks if necessary.
Additional considerations include the following:
- Safety: Choosing reputable social casino apps with positive user reviews is advisable.
- In-App Purchases: Players should know the in-app purchases required to obtain additional virtual currency.
Social casinos are designed primarily for entertainment purposes rather than for winning real money.
These apps are free to download, making social casinos accessible through app stores on mobile devices.
Interactive casino apps can be downloaded from the Google Play Store for Android users and the App Store for iOS users.
Social casino apps are also available for Windows users to download from the Microsoft Store.
Fact – Players use virtual coins to place bets, and in most cases, these coins are restocked on an hourly or daily basis if they run out.
Online vs. Social Casinos
- Real Money Winnings: You can win real cash in online casinos.
- Competition: Expect stiff competition as players vie for cash prizes.
- Who it’s for Online casinos are for those who love the excitement of real-money gambling.
- Getting Your Winnings: If you win, you can easily withdraw your earnings to your bank account or other payment methods.
- What Matters: The main goal of online casinos is to provide a platform for winning real money.
- Occasional Real Money Winnings: In social casinos, you won’t win any real cash; it’s all about virtual rewards.
- In-Game Purchases: You can spend real money on chips or other goodies, but there’s no cashing out.
- Casual Fun: Social casinos are perfect for casual players who want fun without the pressure of winning money.
- Just for Fun: These platforms are all about entertainment; there’s no real gambling involved.
- Socializing: Some casinos offer social media features, letting you interact with friends and other players while you play.
Takeaways
Social casinos have become increasingly popular among New Zealand players due to their free-to-play options and the ability to interact with other users.
Social media platforms are more prevalent than other platforms, and social casinos integrated with these platforms have a broader reach.
Although these platforms do not offer real-money rewards, they remain popular among players because they provide casino-like entertainment experiences.
These platforms have many pokies and games, including bonus rounds and jackpots, without requiring real-money wagers.
For mobile gaming in New Zealand, popular social casino apps include Cashman Casino, Slotomania, Big Fish Casino, Double Down Casino, Cash Frenzy Casino, and Double Win Casino.
FAQs
Are social casinos legal in New Zealand?
Social casinos are not illegal in New Zealand. The law restricts only real-money gambling without a license.
Can you win real money on social casinos?
No, you can’t. Social casinos are considered Play for Fun, so you can’t win money.
What is the minimum age requirement for fun casinos in NZ at play?
Social casinos are becoming increasingly popular among Kiwis. They offer a fun and risk-free environment for playing casino-style games. These games allow players to socialize with other players, earn virtual rewards, and progress through levels to unlock new features.
Can I withdraw my winnings from these casinos?
Absolutely not. If there are no real money winnings, withdrawing winnings isn’t a question. Real money at these casinos can only be used for in-game purchases.