How Social Features Are Transforming Online Gaming And Betting

Over the last few decades, the gaming world and online betting have completely transformed. What used to be a solo activity is now a lively social experience, thanks to new social features. These elements are a key part of how players connect with games and each other.

How Social Features Are Transforming The iGaming Scene:

Social features have completely revolutionized the gaming scene, but what are these features?

Well, for the unversed, features that promote community and engagement among players are referred to as social features in online gaming and betting. These features are responsible for increasing players’ experience and for increasing engagement.

“Social features have transformed online gaming from a solitary activity into a shared experience. By integrating these elements, operators can not only engage players on a deeper level but also build communities that keep players coming back. The future of online betting and gaming lies in these social interactions.”
– Homeghi Constantin, Senior Author at Bogdan Cazino

The Growth Of Social Features In The Gaming World:

Social features in the gaming and online betting world are the elements that let people connect, experience, share, and engage in community activities. These social features, which range from leaderboards and live chat to social betting and watch parties, increase the immersion and fun factor of gaming.

As the online betting and gaming industry evolves, social features play a crucial role. Operators that embrace these features are likely to see higher player satisfaction and retention, helping them stay competitive in a constantly changing market.

Boosting Player Interaction:

Social Betting: By using this feature, players can place bets with their friends, share their bets on social media, and follow each others’ bets. This feature makes betting more interactive and personal by adding a sense of competition, as players can directly compete with their friends and people they know.

“The rise of social features in betting and gaming can be attributed to a few key factors: The online side of the industry has traditionally viewed gambling as a very solitary activity but is starting to realize the social nature of online gambling: People have always enjoyed the social aspects of betting, discussing picks with friends, celebrating wins and commiserating over losses. Online platforms are catching up by offering features like multiplayer games, chat, videochat and group bets, making the entire experience more engaging. Features such as tournaments, leaderboards and general gamification add a layer of competition, making the whole betting experience more exciting. It’s not just about the potential win; it’s about bragging rights and climbing the ranks.”

– Jean-Pierre Houareau

Live Chat and Messaging: The feature of Live Chat and Messaging has become an important tool now. This social feature in gaming brings a sense of togetherness, that was missing before. From sharing strategies, celebrating wins, or enjoying their game with friends, with the help of this feature, players can communicate with each other in real-time

Leaderboards: This social feature also adds a sense of excitement by showing how players rank against each other by motivating them to improve and play more often.

“Leaderboard and tournaments offer a sense of competition and accomplishment, bringing an extra layer of excitement to gaming that we haven’t seen before. If you can deliver a simple product that feels rewarding, then players are going to be more engaged with the promotion and your brand. With the addition of achievements and milestones, you still get that positive experience even without necessarily winning a prize.”

– Lauren Wood

Building Community and Engagement

Another important element is the growth of community forums and groups where players exchange tales, discuss strategies, and offer advice. Because of the sense of community these groups foster, players are more inclined to come back.

The game has also altered with the addition of watch parties and live broadcasting. Together, players can watch live events, discuss their reactions, and place wagers. This experience adds interest to online betting by mimicking the thrill of watching sports with friends in person.

Furthermore, options for virtual goods and gifting allow players to customize their experience, whether by buying unique items or gifting them to friends. This boosts social interaction and can create additional revenue for operators.

Importance of Community for Retention:

Adding social features benefits not only players but also operators. By creating a sense of community, these features help keep players coming back. When players feel connected to others, they’re more likely to stay with a platform.

 

“To me, social betting is about playing against peers, and in some cases with peers, which happens in poker – as it has a big community aspect despite being an individual game, we learn together outside of the table,” says May Maceiras, a former professional poker player and now PokerStars’ Senior Commercial Advisor.

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