Online gambling has often been seen as an isolated, lonely activity. The stereotypical image is of someone gambling alone late into the night, chasing losses and isolating themselves from friends and family.
But the reality is that online gambling at casinos like LuckyWins has a huge social side. In fact, the social elements are one of the main drivers behind the growth of online gambling in recent years. Platforms and operators have cottoned onto this and increasingly integrate social features into their offerings.
Let’s take a closer look at the different ways online gambling brings people together.
Playing with Friends
Many online casinos and betting sites now offer multiplayer games and tournaments. These let you play popular games like poker, blackjack and slots alongside or against friends.
The technology behind this is impressive. HD video and audio feeds with no lag allow for seamless interaction. Features like live chat add to the social experience.
Multiplayer games often have leaderboards, allowing some friendly competition. They can help recapture the atmosphere of playing in a real-life casino or poker room.
This social gambling trend is especially popular with younger demographics. Over half of millennials say they have participated in multiplayer gambling games.
Social Betting
Another way online gambling brings people together is through social betting. This involves making bets and challenging friends, rather than betting against a casino or bookmaker.
It taps into the competitive nature of betting and allows groups to turn gambling into a social activity. Bets can be placed on anything from sports matches to video game competitions.
Sites like Pickswise make social betting easy. Friends can create betting groups, track bets and view leaderboards on their smartphones. It helps capture some of the camaraderie and banter you see in places like sports bars.
The global social betting market is predicted to grow around 10% per year up to 2028.
Gambling Streamers & Communities
Watching other people gamble online has become a popular pastime in itself. Live streaming sites like Twitch are full of people broadcasting slots sessions, poker games and sports bets.
The most popular streamers develop strong communities around their channels. Hundreds or even thousands of viewers discuss strategies, share wins and losses, and debate gambling topics in real-time chat.
Streamers get donations from their fans. Some high rollers contribute huge sums to the gambling fund and influence betting decisions. This brings further engagement and interactivity.
While only a small share of viewers tend to donate, streaming channels create a shared social gambling experience. For some, they provide community and combat loneliness.
Influencer Marketing
The power of streaming and gambling influencers is being harnessed by operators. Campaigns involving high-profile streamers and pro players help raise brand awareness.
Sometimes this involves sponsorship deals where the influencer promotes the operator’s games. In other cases, brands pay to have their logos and ads featured on popular streaming channels.
Influencer marketing gives a more authentic edge to gambling promotions. Viewers have existing loyalty and engagement with the individual rather than the brand. They also get to follow along as the influencer interacts with the games.
According to research, 63% of consumers are more likely to try a product or service if an influencer promotes it. Gambling firms are keen to leverage this influence.
Shared Experiences
Ultimately, much of online gambling’s social appeal comes from shared experiences. Players discuss big wins and losing streaks, recommend games and strategies, and swap industry insights.
Forums and communities built around online gambling foster these interactions. Popular examples include cardschat.com for poker players and VegasSlotsOnline for slot enthusiasts.
Their forums see huge volumes of discussion between seasoned players, casual punters and total newcomers. Threads can receive thousands of replies and build a sense of community.
Even among friends, bonding happens through gambling stories and mishaps. Shared highs and lows bring people together, even when playing separately online.
Final Thoughts
Far from being isolated, modern online gambling has a thriving social side. Multiplayer games, social betting, streaming and forums are all bringing players together.
For operators and platforms, integrating social features helps drive engagement through community. For players, it makes gambling more interactive, competitive and enjoyable.
So don’t consider online gambling to be a solely solitary activity. An ever-growing range of social elements means players can share experiences and connect.