Social Casino is new Buzzword
April 26th, 2012 at 2:47:37 AM
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Social Casino is new buzzword for those who turn the virtual worlds of Farmville into the selling of virtual goods.
Kontagent CEO to Speak at GiGse on Strategies for Monetizing Social Casino Players on Facebook
Social Casino Gaming Category Now Represents 13% of Entire Social Gaming Market Share
SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Kontagent, the leading user analytics company for social and mobile app developers, today announced that CEO, Jeff Tseng, will be speaking at GiGse, the 11th Global iGaming Summit & Expo, on April 26th. His session will provide the audience of mainly land-based and online casino operators with insights into how to succeed on Facebook, and more specifically, on monetization strategies that are unique to the social platform. Social casinos are a highly attractive genre right now due to its fast growth and higher-than-average revenue per user, which is estimated as at least 40% higher than a typical social game.
As land-based and online casino operators rush to gain a foothold in this burgeoning market, industry leaders from both sides are turning to Kontagent for the data science and know-how needed to succeed in this game genre.
Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/24/4438592/kontagent-ceo-to-speak-at-gigse.html#storylink=cpy
Kontagent CEO to Speak at GiGse on Strategies for Monetizing Social Casino Players on Facebook
Social Casino Gaming Category Now Represents 13% of Entire Social Gaming Market Share
SAN FRANCISCO, April 24, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Kontagent, the leading user analytics company for social and mobile app developers, today announced that CEO, Jeff Tseng, will be speaking at GiGse, the 11th Global iGaming Summit & Expo, on April 26th. His session will provide the audience of mainly land-based and online casino operators with insights into how to succeed on Facebook, and more specifically, on monetization strategies that are unique to the social platform. Social casinos are a highly attractive genre right now due to its fast growth and higher-than-average revenue per user, which is estimated as at least 40% higher than a typical social game.
As land-based and online casino operators rush to gain a foothold in this burgeoning market, industry leaders from both sides are turning to Kontagent for the data science and know-how needed to succeed in this game genre.
Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/24/4438592/kontagent-ceo-to-speak-at-gigse.html#storylink=cpy
April 26th, 2012 at 11:42:33 AM
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Are you sure "social casino" doesn't mean something like Double Down, which is just a "free" casino, and the social aspects are (a) you can play poker and blackjack with/against other people, and (b) your "friends" can send you gifts of coins? (You can also pay cash for more coins, which I am assuming is how the "casino" makes most of its money.)
April 26th, 2012 at 1:22:24 PM
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I've played these games on Facebook. They give you a starting bankroll (play money), you can buy cute little add-ons like emoticons with your "chips". They hope that you will blow through the bankroll they give you then paypal them (5 to 50 dollars depending on how many chips you want) to keep playing. They also give you free chips every couple hours, either via a scratch ticket or free spin on a slot machine, but you generally don't win a lot. These games are fun, and while I wouldn't pay to play with all of the other free games out there I do think these are fun. Somebody is making a lot of money off them. I did an internship in a bank call center and when customers wanted their statements read to them I was amazed how many people had 10-20$ charges to Facebook Games.
April 26th, 2012 at 2:07:56 PM
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Zynga and Facebook are gambling sites IMHO as one DOES have to buy chips. Other sites like pogo are subscription sites where the odds are tilted to the player.
However, I would also add that an on-line gaming site with low limits like $0.50 to $20 might be called socially priced, as opposed to standard or professional pricing.
The intent of these low-limits are to offer gaming at a price level below B&M Casinos. IMHO the internet is the correct place to play $2 21, $1 Craps, $2 PaiGow Poker, etc., as the B&M Palaces can't afford to operate them.
However, I would also add that an on-line gaming site with low limits like $0.50 to $20 might be called socially priced, as opposed to standard or professional pricing.
The intent of these low-limits are to offer gaming at a price level below B&M Casinos. IMHO the internet is the correct place to play $2 21, $1 Craps, $2 PaiGow Poker, etc., as the B&M Palaces can't afford to operate them.
Some people need to reimagine their thinking.
April 26th, 2012 at 2:59:55 PM
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Are you saying you can buy chips for money on FB in the US
and win and cash them in? Isn't that illegal?
and win and cash them in? Isn't that illegal?
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
April 27th, 2012 at 1:48:12 PM
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You can buy chips for pretty much any Facebook game with real money, but, as far as I know, no Facebook games pay out cash, or any "real" prizes for that matter. I know that Pogo lets you convert chips into raffle tickets and gives you the opportunity to win prizes, but I can't remember if you can also buy Pogo chips with real money or not.
It's a little easier to describe in terms of a game like Farmville. There are two types of currency; "coins" and "bills".
You can earn coins by farming, and most things can be bought with coins.
Bills, on the other hand, are available pretty much only by paying cash for them (you can even buy Farmville gift cards at places where you can buy, say, Best Buy or iTunes gift cards); there are some things that can be bought only with cash (for example, when the game first introduced dogs, there were only two or three breeds that could be bought with coins, but a number more that could be bought only with bucks).
Actually, there is another way to get Farmville bucks; by buying stuff from companies that have deals with Zynga.
BTW, I have been playing VP at Double Down for months, and have yet to pay anything in real money. There is a daily bonus depending on how many of your Facebook friends are also playing at Double Down; presumably, the idea is, in order to increase your bonus, you will get more of your friends to play, and hopefully (for the casino) at least one of them will decide to pay real money for chips.
It's a little easier to describe in terms of a game like Farmville. There are two types of currency; "coins" and "bills".
You can earn coins by farming, and most things can be bought with coins.
Bills, on the other hand, are available pretty much only by paying cash for them (you can even buy Farmville gift cards at places where you can buy, say, Best Buy or iTunes gift cards); there are some things that can be bought only with cash (for example, when the game first introduced dogs, there were only two or three breeds that could be bought with coins, but a number more that could be bought only with bucks).
Actually, there is another way to get Farmville bucks; by buying stuff from companies that have deals with Zynga.
BTW, I have been playing VP at Double Down for months, and have yet to pay anything in real money. There is a daily bonus depending on how many of your Facebook friends are also playing at Double Down; presumably, the idea is, in order to increase your bonus, you will get more of your friends to play, and hopefully (for the casino) at least one of them will decide to pay real money for chips.
April 27th, 2012 at 2:41:11 PM
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I thought I read you can cash out chips and get gift cards to
places like StarBucks and Target.
places like StarBucks and Target.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
April 27th, 2012 at 5:51:01 PM
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The pogo system has changed a bit... one no longer exchanges the tokens for raffle tickets. By merely playing, one is entered into the daily draw... then that changed, and you have to click an entry button. One could lose tokens or not play at all under this newest system.
I would ask if theres a Black Market in any of the FB, Zynga, pogo tokens. I know there are spammers in pogo that will give you X amount of tokens for Y dollar amount. They are not even authorized to distribute the chips, let alone charge $'s for them. And then theres pogo gems that you DO buy, or can win. These buy goodies for your avatar(s). You can win them, but are usually sponsored. One cannot convert gems back into cash, but the prevailing selling rate is about 16 = $1, when you legally buy them from pogo.
I would ask if theres a Black Market in any of the FB, Zynga, pogo tokens. I know there are spammers in pogo that will give you X amount of tokens for Y dollar amount. They are not even authorized to distribute the chips, let alone charge $'s for them. And then theres pogo gems that you DO buy, or can win. These buy goodies for your avatar(s). You can win them, but are usually sponsored. One cannot convert gems back into cash, but the prevailing selling rate is about 16 = $1, when you legally buy them from pogo.
Some people need to reimagine their thinking.
April 27th, 2012 at 6:03:52 PM
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I looked at the roulette and it had a button
that said 'buy chips'. If you win, how are
they redeemed?
that said 'buy chips'. If you win, how are
they redeemed?
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
April 27th, 2012 at 10:02:30 PM
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They aren't redeemed. You are playing simply for the entertainment. Quite a rip in my opinion, but thousands of people spend a few bucks to play these online games just as kids pay $50 to buy the latest game for their xbox.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:06:51 AM
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Converting Virtual Reality into Actual Dollars does not have to be done at parity. Whatever points or game dollars or merchandise there is in the virtual world the owner is raking in REAL dollars for the activity.
October 2nd, 2012 at 3:12:27 AM
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Boyd Gaming seen as nimble leader in Social and Mobile Gambling.
Law Vegas Sun.
"...Boyd has recently won significant marketing awards for its "B Connected" program from business organizations such as the American Gaming Association and Internet Marketing Association. Most recently, it took home top honors in the Ninth Annual International Business Awards with a Gold Stevie Award for its website..."
Law Vegas Sun.
"...Boyd has recently won significant marketing awards for its "B Connected" program from business organizations such as the American Gaming Association and Internet Marketing Association. Most recently, it took home top honors in the Ninth Annual International Business Awards with a Gold Stevie Award for its website..."
October 2nd, 2012 at 3:28:45 AM
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Clarification of terminology:
>Zynga and Facebook are gambling sites IMHO as one DOES have to buy chips.
I believe only in the UK are payoffs in money. USA-Facebookers are still only playing various slots or poker games for fun.
>However, I would also add that an on-line gaming site with low limits like $0.50 to $20 might be called socially priced, as opposed to standard or professional pricing. The intent of these low-limits are to offer gaming at a price level below B&M Casinos.
>the internet is the correct place to play $2 21, $1 Craps, $2 PaiGow Poker, etc., as the B&M Palaces can't afford to operate them.
There is some merit to your assertion (similar to the way NYC's Off Track Betting liberated real Bookies from "two dollar Bettors"), however the marketing types and casino executives see Social Gaming as the source of REAL customers once legislation in in place for online poker and online slots. Social Gaming is the "training ground" for future gamblers who will do their gambling either inside a Brick and Mortar casino or OnLine with a Brick and Mortar casino. Often, some sort of tie-ins and linkage is available to give online gamblers tokens that are redeemable at a B&M facility.
The current thinking of the Marketing World is that outreach to the Video Game Generation is the proper way of acquiring future bettors for a B&M casino and that such future bettors will then be both playing online for money as well as playing for money inside an actual casino.
>Zynga and Facebook are gambling sites IMHO as one DOES have to buy chips.
I believe only in the UK are payoffs in money. USA-Facebookers are still only playing various slots or poker games for fun.
>However, I would also add that an on-line gaming site with low limits like $0.50 to $20 might be called socially priced, as opposed to standard or professional pricing. The intent of these low-limits are to offer gaming at a price level below B&M Casinos.
>the internet is the correct place to play $2 21, $1 Craps, $2 PaiGow Poker, etc., as the B&M Palaces can't afford to operate them.
There is some merit to your assertion (similar to the way NYC's Off Track Betting liberated real Bookies from "two dollar Bettors"), however the marketing types and casino executives see Social Gaming as the source of REAL customers once legislation in in place for online poker and online slots. Social Gaming is the "training ground" for future gamblers who will do their gambling either inside a Brick and Mortar casino or OnLine with a Brick and Mortar casino. Often, some sort of tie-ins and linkage is available to give online gamblers tokens that are redeemable at a B&M facility.
The current thinking of the Marketing World is that outreach to the Video Game Generation is the proper way of acquiring future bettors for a B&M casino and that such future bettors will then be both playing online for money as well as playing for money inside an actual casino.
October 25th, 2012 at 8:26:31 AM
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Wall Street: Market Watch SF "Investors were buoyed by news from Zynga, the downtrodden social-game maker, about its deal to offer online gambling for real money in the United Kingdom market."
Farmville players are literally betting the farm!
Farmville players are literally betting the farm!
October 25th, 2012 at 4:28:26 PM
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Yah, heard also on Bloomberg.
If Casinos think video gaming at home will lead to revenue in the B&M Casino, they're jerking themselves off, plain and simple. Once gaming goes in the household, it will stay there. What was once a casino will turn into a Hotel Resort offering the same gaming at their WiFi Nodes. Limiting the gaming to their own gaming would violate free speech, IMHO.
If Casinos think video gaming at home will lead to revenue in the B&M Casino, they're jerking themselves off, plain and simple. Once gaming goes in the household, it will stay there. What was once a casino will turn into a Hotel Resort offering the same gaming at their WiFi Nodes. Limiting the gaming to their own gaming would violate free speech, IMHO.
Some people need to reimagine their thinking.
October 25th, 2012 at 4:40:55 PM
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Perhaps, but some casino executives think there is no alternative and others think it will indeed bring revenue.Quote: 98ClubsIf Casinos think video gaming at home will lead to revenue in the B&M Casino, they're jerking themselves off, plain and simple.
The situation is that the Twenty Somethings are addicted to computer gaming consoles.
Presently, many who come to Vegas seem to do everything but gamble or only gamble moderately.
Many executives hope the online gaming will capture customers. Points earned at home can be redeemed in B&M casinos, which is a lure to get the Gaming Generation to become the Gambling Generation.
Already many casinos provide terminals to guests who prefer to gamble from their rooms, the pool, the cafe, etc. Blackjack during a concert intermission may seem strange to Old Fogeys such as myself but just might seem quite reasonable to the younger generation.
One casino went 100 percent electronic in their poker room... but then it couldn't survive, so perhaps social interaction is still an advantage in the Gaming Generation.
Bring visitors to Vegas is great for all the bars, restaurants, hotels and nightclubs, but the casinos want to bring gamblers to Vegas and perhaps this is a way of doing it.
November 9th, 2012 at 5:00:56 AM
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Social Casinos Bring In 1.6 Billion
Of the $1.6 billion total, North America contributes $660 million. Europe is second with $446 million and Asia comes in third with $311 million. Australia lags behind somewhat. It comes in fifth place at $59.8 million behind Latin America’s $180.7 million. Most play is via Facebook with social gamblers spending twice the amount of social gamers.
Of the $1.6 billion total, North America contributes $660 million. Europe is second with $446 million and Asia comes in third with $311 million. Australia lags behind somewhat. It comes in fifth place at $59.8 million behind Latin America’s $180.7 million. Most play is via Facebook with social gamblers spending twice the amount of social gamers.
November 9th, 2012 at 7:16:08 AM
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I listened in on IGT's conference call yesterday. They had great earnings and Double Down (which investors were not thrilled about the initial price tag) is finally starting show strong earnings and improved efficiencies. Patti Hart (IGT's CEO) received a lot of pressure from investors specifically related to the high price tag of the Double Down acquisition, but I give credit to the leaders at IGT both for making the move and withstanding the intense pressure from investors who were not initially sold on the concept.
This is a great thread and a lot of insightful comments have been made. But that's not characteristic of most people's old-school mentality when it comes to the wisdom in investing in this type of approach to online gambling.
http://www.igt.com/company-information/investor-relations/earnings-events.aspx?ReleaseID=1756611&PostBack=False
I think most investors and pundits who cover IGT only had really negative things to say about the Double Down acquisition. It's easy once the numbers look favorable to say "great move" but there weren't a lot of supporters for this initially.
Disclosure: I am long IGT and an IGT employee.
This is a great thread and a lot of insightful comments have been made. But that's not characteristic of most people's old-school mentality when it comes to the wisdom in investing in this type of approach to online gambling.
http://www.igt.com/company-information/investor-relations/earnings-events.aspx?ReleaseID=1756611&PostBack=False
I think most investors and pundits who cover IGT only had really negative things to say about the Double Down acquisition. It's easy once the numbers look favorable to say "great move" but there weren't a lot of supporters for this initially.
Disclosure: I am long IGT and an IGT employee.
aahigh.com
November 9th, 2012 at 8:12:22 AM
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Quote: ThatDonGuyYou can buy chips for pretty much any Facebook game with real money, but, as far as I know, no Facebook games pay out cash, or any "real" prizes for that matter.
Myvegas on vegas which is sponsored by MGM is a relatively new game on facebook that does give out real prizes. Anything from used dice/decks of cards, food, show tickets, up to free rooms including resort fee. I'm not associated with them at all, but just thought I'd mention it in case anyone is interested. I"ve earned enough points for 2 nights free at Monte Carlo, but will probably use my points for free shows, food, attractions on my next trip. Yes these games are a grind and I am only doing it for the rewards and not any enjoyment from playing the slots on my computer.
March 13th, 2018 at 3:09:44 AM
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From the PR wire:
The social games website, hardrocksocialcasino.com, for Hard Rock Casinos is designed to reflect the Hard Rock brand and allows players to link to their favorite Hard Rock Casinos in the United States. Free games include versions of popular slot machines and table games, such as blackjack and roulette. Players also have the option of linking their social games play to their Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Wild Card rewards account or linking to other Hard Rock properties' rewards programs to earn more points for merchandise or casino dining rewards and other prizes and gifts.
The social games website, hardrocksocialcasino.com, for Hard Rock Casinos is designed to reflect the Hard Rock brand and allows players to link to their favorite Hard Rock Casinos in the United States. Free games include versions of popular slot machines and table games, such as blackjack and roulette. Players also have the option of linking their social games play to their Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Wild Card rewards account or linking to other Hard Rock properties' rewards programs to earn more points for merchandise or casino dining rewards and other prizes and gifts.
March 13th, 2018 at 3:09:44 AM
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It seems Social Gaming is the casino's way to deal with the aging demographics of casino patrons.
Its a marketing technique to capture the youth market and to shape its "loyalty" to certain brands.
It embraces everything from taking the Burger Beer and Video Poker joints in Vegas and linking their players club cards to "real" casinos as well as taking the more Beer Pub places and letting their players cards have value at 'real casinos'. As real casinos start using the electronic "mailing lists" for invitations to events taking place at a casino it will transform the small, well-upholstered "After Work Video Poker" crowd into a subset of real casino patrons.
Facebook and other social media platforms provide a source of future customers to be educated and groomed by the casinos to replace the aging gambling generation they now deal with.
Its a marketing technique to capture the youth market and to shape its "loyalty" to certain brands.
It embraces everything from taking the Burger Beer and Video Poker joints in Vegas and linking their players club cards to "real" casinos as well as taking the more Beer Pub places and letting their players cards have value at 'real casinos'. As real casinos start using the electronic "mailing lists" for invitations to events taking place at a casino it will transform the small, well-upholstered "After Work Video Poker" crowd into a subset of real casino patrons.
Facebook and other social media platforms provide a source of future customers to be educated and groomed by the casinos to replace the aging gambling generation they now deal with.
Last edited by: FleaStiff on Mar 13, 2018
March 13th, 2018 at 3:09:45 AM
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Social Gaming website launched by Hard Rock:
From the Press Release:
The social games website, hardrocksocialcasino.com, for Hard Rock Casinos is designed to reflect the Hard Rock brand and allows players to link to their favorite Hard Rock Casinos in the United States. Free games include versions of popular slot machines and table games, such as blackjack and roulette. Players also have the option of linking their social games play to their Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Wild Card rewards account or linking to other Hard Rock properties' rewards programs to earn more points for merchandise or casino dining rewards and other prizes and gifts.
Hard Rock International
With venues in 75 countries, including 180 cafes, 25 hotels and 11 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company's two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, FL., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida. www.hardrock.com.
From the Press Release:
The social games website, hardrocksocialcasino.com, for Hard Rock Casinos is designed to reflect the Hard Rock brand and allows players to link to their favorite Hard Rock Casinos in the United States. Free games include versions of popular slot machines and table games, such as blackjack and roulette. Players also have the option of linking their social games play to their Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Wild Card rewards account or linking to other Hard Rock properties' rewards programs to earn more points for merchandise or casino dining rewards and other prizes and gifts.
Hard Rock International
With venues in 75 countries, including 180 cafes, 25 hotels and 11 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company's two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, FL., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida. www.hardrock.com.
March 13th, 2018 at 3:21:58 AM
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I might check it out later. In the meantime, does anyone know if this is something like Myvegas?Quote: FleaStiffSocial Gaming website launched by Hard Rock:
From the Press Release:
The social games website, hardrocksocialcasino.com, for Hard Rock Casinos is designed to reflect the Hard Rock brand and allows players to link to their favorite Hard Rock Casinos in the United States. Free games include versions of popular slot machines and table games, such as blackjack and roulette. Players also have the option of linking their social games play to their Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Wild Card rewards account or linking to other Hard Rock properties' rewards programs to earn more points for merchandise or casino dining rewards and other prizes and gifts.
Hard Rock International
With venues in 75 countries, including 180 cafes, 25 hotels and 11 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company's two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, FL., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida. www.hardrock.com.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
March 13th, 2018 at 3:31:01 AM
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Quote: AxelWolfI might check it out later. In the meantime, does anyone know if this is something like Myvegas?
MyVegas is MGM's attempt at this but it involves a massive FaceBook crowd and dwindling "value" in the points awarded/room reservation discounts/ meal discounts/ etc. at MGM properties.
Its all a way for the casinos to deal with the fact that younger generations spend hours at computer terminals and have to be "captured" as customers by the Brick and Mortar casinos just as the early evening TV shows "capture" viewers for the rest of the night.
Its simply that the "capture' is more a long term effort and, the casino hopes, has a more long term effect.
March 13th, 2018 at 2:33:46 PM
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I imagine the social gaming sites are better than not having them but I doubt they are anything that will lead to significant real world comps.
April 10th, 2018 at 10:02:14 PM
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On the heels of a strange appellate Big Fish decision a Seattle law firm has filed rather identical complaints in Seattle and in Tacoma seeking class action status for the online free games that offer free or low cost "chips".
From GeekWire
Casual games like the casino offerings are big business. The lawsuits cite a figure from JP Morgan saying that these free “games of chance generated over $3.8 billion in worldwide revenue,” in 2016, with expected growth of 10 percent annually.
Online gambling lawsuits are fairly common. The game companies have come out victorious in past cases, but the Big Fish ruling last month was an exception.
That broad “something of value” phrase in Washington law made the difference in the Big Fish case. There are no federal laws governing online gambling, meaning each case is subject to a different set of state laws."
From GeekWire
Casual games like the casino offerings are big business. The lawsuits cite a figure from JP Morgan saying that these free “games of chance generated over $3.8 billion in worldwide revenue,” in 2016, with expected growth of 10 percent annually.
Online gambling lawsuits are fairly common. The game companies have come out victorious in past cases, but the Big Fish ruling last month was an exception.
That broad “something of value” phrase in Washington law made the difference in the Big Fish case. There are no federal laws governing online gambling, meaning each case is subject to a different set of state laws."
