Indian players and their obsession with online casinos is on another level. But there is a variety and not everyone is familiar with that. Two popular ones among them are social and real casinos. So, if you are wondering what is the difference between a social casino and a real casino? We are here to clear your doubts.
Despite offering exciting games and amazing designs, they work very differently, especially when it comes to money, offers, and risks. One is all about fun and social play, the other involves actual money and an opportunity to win.
In this blog, we will tell you the meaning and the difference between them to help you decide which one is better for you. Let’s get started!
What is a Social Casino?
Social casinos are online gambling sites that are designed to offer casino-style games without the risk of real money. Unlike real-money gambling sites, social casinos do not allow people to play for cash.
However, they use virtual currency (like Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins). There are slot machines to spin, blackjack tables to play, and roulette wheels to try your luck, all in the comfort of a risk-free room.
When you join a social casino, you get some virtual coins so you can start playing slots. Daily rewards, mini-games, leaderboards, and missions round out the experience for fun. If you run out of coins, wait for a “reload” offer from the cashier or purchase more with real money. Social casinos share several characteristics:
- Free-to-Play Model: Players receive free coins or tokens upon enrolling and can play without spending money. Optional in-app purchases allow the purchase of virtual currency for extended playing, but do not guarantee a financial return.
- No Real Cash Winnings: Social casinos are for entertainment purposes only. You can earn virtual points and compete against your friends, but you won’t be able to cash out the winnings.
- Safe and Legal: Social casinos don’t involve real money betting or gambling; they are legal and available to players in most Indian states as well as other parts of the world.
- Social Features & Community Play: A lot of social casinos are tied to platforms, including Facebook, where users can play against friends or take part in tournaments, send virtual gifts and share their successes.
- Multiple Platforms & Devices: You can play social casino apps on Android and iOS, desktop sites or Facebook itself. Also, multi-device flexibility makes them convenient, even on the go.
- No Financial Loss: Since you’re not betting real money, the risk of losing money is very less. These are sites that people go to for distraction, entertainment and social fun.
What is a Real Casino?
Real money casinos are online platforms where you can play casino games and place bets using real money and get real money rewards. These types of casinos are both online and land-based.
Real money casinos, as opposed to social casinos which use virtual coins and prizes, are played using actual cash. You sign up for an account, add money and place bets. The following are some of the characteristics that make real money casinos stand out.
- Real Cash Wagering: Players fund their accounts with their money and gamble on a wide variety of casino games. If you win, it’s real cash that can be withdrawn.
- Licensed and Regulated Platforms: Reputable real money online casinos are licensed by a regulatory body to make sure your gambling is safe at all times and the games you play with real money will be fair and random.
- Variety of Games: Real money casinos offer many fun and amazing games from slots to live dealers. All these games are developed by top software developers.
- Transactions & Payment Flexibility: There are multiple payment methods available to make deposits and process your winnings.
- Higher Risk, Higher Reward: Gambling at real money casinos means taking a total gamble with your cash, because it’s risky.
- Bonuses and Promotions: Real Casino players get a generous welcome bonus, deposit bonus, referral bonus and other amazing promotions.
What is the Difference Between a Social Casino and a Real Casino?
Here is a tabular differentiation table between the Social Casino and a Real Casino:
| Concept | Social Casino | Real Casino |
| Currency Type | Virtual Coin (Gold coins, silver coins), Tokens, free credits. | Real money is used to place bets on games. |
| Withdrawal Options | No real money cashing out option is available, you can only claim the prize points. | Players can withdraw money with the help of different payment options like UPI, NetBanking and crypto. |
| Regulatory | Mostly legal and regulated in many countries and many states in India. | Legality varies from country to country and state to state. A valid license is required to operate. |
| Age Limit | 18-21 years at least | 18+ (Strict Age Restrictions) |
| Risk | There is no financial risk involved. So, there is a low risk. | Higher risk and higher rewards. |
| Revue Idea | Earns via selling the coins to the players. | Makes money through the house edge and by placing bets. |
How to Choose the Right Casino: Real or Social Casino
Choosing between a social and real money casino depends on your goal, the level of risk you want to take, and how quickly you expect the game returns. Here’s how to choose the right casino:
- Reason for Playing: Your goal defines your choice. If your preference is to simply play free games, choose a social casino, and if you want to gamble for real money rewards, choose the real casino.
- Check Legal Status: Social casinos are allowed in most Indian states since you’re not actually investing money or gambling. But the availability of real money casinos is totally dependent on the area and the licensing body.
- Consider the Risk Level: Playing at social casinos has no financial risk, as you are playing with virtual coins. On the other hand, you have real money casinos, which are all about gambling your own cash, and there is always a possibility that it can be lost.
- Payout Expectations: In social casinos, nothing can be redeemed; the reward is restricted to coins (virtual) within the game or ranks or entertainment experience. Real money casinos, however, can also offer you winnings that are real; they come with terms and wagering requirements.
- Check Age and Identity Requirements: Most social casinos require you to be 18 years old, and only ask for a simple sign-up. However, when playing with real money in casinos, KYC verification and the majority of platforms also require players to be 21 or older.
FAQs
What is the actual difference between the real casinos and the social casinos?
Real Casinos are based on real money gameplay, whereas Social casinos only feature virtual money in the form of gold coins. The only difference between these two is that one is based on real money and the other is free.
Are Real Casinos legal in India?
Maybe, the answer to this question is not a direct yes or no because the legality in India varies according to the different state laws. Also, the legality and safety are totally dependent on the licensing body of the casinos.
Are Social Casinos Legal?
Yes. Social casinos are mostly legal in India and around the world because it doesn’t involve real money and are safe to play online games for fun.
Read Also: What are Casino Games?
Conclusion
There are casinos of different types available. So if you are also wondering, what is the difference between a Social Casino and a Real Casino? Our blog made it clear to you. Social casinos are great if you want to play for fun without using real money.
These games are free, and there is no possibility of losing money through a game. However, real money casinos would be a better fit if you are a gambling type and want to win real money.
Always go with a license and a legal one that you feel comfortable using. Whether you join social or real money casinos, always play with the idea of having fun.