The internet has revolutionised the way we live. We shop, book holidays, watch movies, and do just about everything else online, and the idea of an unconnected world today seems distant. Two of the areas which the proliferation of online services has most influenced our lives have undoubtedly been gambling, and communication.
Gaming transformed
The global worth of the online gambling industry was estimated at $550 billion for 2024, and predicted to rise to $1 trillion by 2024. Clearly, people have fallen for the convenience of being able to place wagers on events, or play classic casino games at home. It was around 2003 that the industry boomed for the first time. Advances in security technology, and improvements to programmers’ abilities to produce a worthwhile software base for games created a tinder box, primed for sparking, ready to catapult the then-niche pastime of online gambling into the mainstream. The ignition would come in 2003, when aptly-named, average Joe, Chris Moneymaker, won the World Series of Poker. People saw this regular guy beat table after table of the world’s best poker players and it captured their imagination — “if this guy can do it, why not me?” – type stuff. More recent game changers for the industry have been the proliferation of smart phones, allowing punters to take their favourite games with them wherever they go. This tech innovation leads us neatly on to our next point too.
Connecting the World
As well as providing exponentially more opportunities for people to game at home, work, on the train, or basically wherever, the internet and mobile technology have revolutionised the way we communicate with one another. Now, we can easily hold regular dialogues with old friends from school, relatives in faraway countries, and even people we’re incredibly unlikely to ever meet in the flesh. What’s more, we can do it all from the palm of our hands. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter also allow a two-way relationship between publishers of content and their audiences, causing shifts in the way we communicate with the media, as well as each other. Thanks to these innovations and others, never in the history of human existence has the planet felt so small.
A likely union?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, gambling and communication have come together on the planet’s most popular social network, Facebook. Developers have been busy creating a wide range of apps inspired by classic casino games. Many of these offerings have a social element to them, and let players interact with friends during gameplay. We’ve tried and tested a great many of the games with the highest ratings, and largest active player pools. Here are our favourites.
Our favourite social casino applications in South Africa right now
There’s almost as many dedicated casino applications are there are real-money casino operators these days. Facebook users can play against friends bringing a social element to these fun replications of casino classics.
Best for Poker: Zynga Poker: Texas Hold ‘Em Poker
Whilst it might not be as exciting as playing for real cash over at PokerStars, players can challenge their friends to a good old game of Texas Hold ‘Em with this stylishly designed game. The game is supported on most operating systems (mobile or otherwise), and is one of the most popular on the Facebook platform. As the name suggests, the options are limited to Texas Hold ‘Em poker, meaning fans of more niche games may feel let down. Mirroring its real-money counterparts, Zynga offers VIP programs, and varying challenges to keep players interested. Whilst technically a free game, there is the option for players to buy chips, as well as to compete in the Zynga Poker League for a chance to win one of many amazing real-life prizes. Expect to see massive tournaments, and the wildest action – learn a preflop strategy and prepare to go big!
Best for Slots: Real Casino
If you’re more of a slot jockey than a high-stakes shark our next selection should be more your kind of thing. Real Casino features almost as many great takes on the traditional one-armed bandit as real money casinos do. Examples like Wolf Jackpot, Imperial Garden, Millions of Hearts, and Return to Oz offer players a great taste of the world of online casinos, without requiring them part with any cash.
Real Casino borrows many conventions from the world of real-money online gambling. These include bonuses (such as their daily spins on a Wheel of Fortune style application. There’s also a great VIP program too for players to work their way through, receiving additional perks throughout.
The game introduces a social element by encouraging players to share their scores and invite friends to join in. There’s no shortage of reminders of this fact throughout the whole experience. They also show the whole community’s top games, to keep players up-to-date with all those machines trending at the virtual casino each day.
In terms of visual presentation, each slot is stunningly crafted, and they’re competitive with industry leaders in real-money online slot design. The soundtrack adds to the overall casino atmosphere too with its foot tapping, swinging beat.
Overall, this one is a great way to enjoy the often-solitary pursuit of playing the online slots, only with friends, and without the risk of ever busting out of your hard-earned cash.
