Lockdown Has Proved to Be a Boon For Social Casino Apps

Apple mobile gamers spent about $1 billion on social casino apps according to a survey that targeted the period between Q3 2020 all through to Q2 2021.

This latest study for 2021 reveals that mobile gamers have quite invested in social casino apps. Apple consumers spend the most on these games, followed by Android users. Over half of mobile social casino gamers are over the age of 45, proving that this market is not just for millennials or younger players.

Apple Users Spend More Than Anyone Else on Social Casino Apps

It's no secret that the world is currently in a pandemic. The same applies to mobile games, as players are now opting for social casino apps to fill their need for entertainment and gambling, instead of buying games with upfront costs.

According to data collected by Liftoff and GameRefinery, iOS users spend more than anyone else on social casino apps; this includes $990 million spent during the survey period from Q3 2020 to Q2 2021.

Head of game analytics at GameRefinery, Joel Julkunen mentioned that:

“As we examine the effects the pandemic has had on gaming, it’s no surprise casino apps are soaring in popularity around the globe.”

Julkunen further explained that with the recent survey, app developers have been able to see who their current customers are and what types of games they like to play. This data allows them to create long-term strategies for the market and future audiences.

The gambling industry has been going through a major shift in recent years. The numbers of people visiting land-based casinos have been steadily declining, and while this could be because of the rise in online gaming options, it seems that one reason for the decline is that social casino apps are now available on iPhones and other mobile devices.

These games are often branded as “for fun” gaming options but may often ask gamers to deposit for real money to fuel the gameplay through native currencies

Even after the COVID-19 Pandemic, Growth Remains

Casinos were one of the hardest-hit businesses during the pandemic, with close to ninety per cent of casinos shutting down. However, even as in-person casinos started to reopen and lift some of the COVID-19 restrictions, the online gaming industry remains strong.

During the period of COVID-19, the Entertainment Software Association reports that there have been 13 million new gamers. Social casinos enjoy little scrutiny from regulators and some companies like Facebook have come under fire from disgruntled consumers.