The line between social and real money casinos has never been more blurred. Social casinos have exploded in popularity, offering players the thrill of casino gaming but with the sense of real risk.
Meanwhile, real money casinos continue to dominate, attracting those who crave the excitement of actual stakes. Are social casinos simply a gateway to real gambling, or do they stand on their own as a separate form of entertainment? And what is it about real money casinos that keep players coming back?
Joonas Karhu, Co-founder of the popular UK gambling affiliate Bojoko, has spent years analysing player behaviour and industry trends. In this conversation, he discusses how these two worlds intersect, why players choose one over the other, and what sets real-money casinos apart in the long run.
Social casinos have seen a massive rise in popularity. How do they compare to real money casinos?
Social casinos offer similar games and mechanics, but the motivations behind playing are different. They appeal to people who love the thrill of casino games but don’t want to risk large sums of money. The focus is purely on entertainment—players can spin slots, play blackjack, or join a poker table without financial consequences. However, this can be short-sighted, as social casinos tend to require you to purchase in-game currency, and real money is still spent.
On the other hand, real money casinos bring a completely different energy. When you play with your own money, every decision carries weight. The stakes create an emotional connection that social casinos simply don’t have. Winning a big jackpot in a social casino is fun, but when there’s actual cash on the line, it’s an entirely different feeling. And, of course, when you win with your real money, you can cash out your winnings.
Social casinos are attempting to replicate this with prizes that can be cashed out, but at that point, they are really just real money casinos with extra steps.
Social casinos offer similar games and mechanics, but the motivations behind playing are different
Do you see social casinos as a stepping stone to real gambling, or do they attract a different audience?
It's a bit of both. Some players start with social casinos, get comfortable with the games, and eventually transition to traditional real-money gambling. It’s a natural progression for those who want more of a challenge or are drawn to the idea of winning real money.
But many social casino players never make that jump. They’re there purely for entertainment, and the absence of financial risk makes the experience enjoyable for them. That’s why I see social casinos as their own distinct form of gaming rather than just a gateway.
For those who do transition, what’s the biggest difference they notice when moving to real money casinos?
The level of intensity. In a real money casino, every bet matters. You’re no longer just spinning for fun—you’re making decisions that could result in real winnings or losses. That shift creates a completely different mindset.
Bankroll management becomes important. In a real money casino, you have to think strategically about how much you’re willing to risk and when to walk away. In a social casino, if you run out of chips, you can often just wait for more - though here, there is also that push towards buying more chips, which can get expensive and, again, acts in a very similar way.
There’s also the psychological aspect. The thrill of a big win in a real money casino is unmatched, but so is the discipline needed to handle losses. That’s why responsible gambling is key.
What is it that keeps real money casino players coming back?
The risks, the chance of winning actual money, and the entertainment value are the main draws. For many, it’s about more than just the chance to win money—it’s about the experience of taking calculated risks and making decisions.
There’s also the social aspect, especially in live dealer games. Real money casinos offer a more immersive experience, where players interact with dealers and sometimes even with each other. Social casinos can partially replicate that, but it’s not the same when there’s nothing tangible at stake.
With so many real money casinos out there, how do players find the right one?
It’s all about trust and fit. A good real-money casino should be properly licensed, have a strong reputation for fair play, and offer fast, reliable payouts. Those are non-negotiable. This is also the very basis of my business. We founded Bojoko so that players would come to us and immediately get the answer as to what the best online casino that pays real money is, based on their criteria.
We cover every relevant piece of information, from the bonuses to the payment methods, fees, payout times, game selections, customer support, user experience, and more. The goal is that players can then make an informed decision.
It is not just about us saying that one casino is better than another, as the best real money casino depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Some players want a wide variety of games, there are entirely different bonus preferences, and some mainly care about live casinos and high-stakes tables. There are low and high rollers, as well as people in between. Some want all-out gamification; others want something simple and traditional. There is never a one size fits all.
For someone debating between social and real money casinos, what’s the most significant deciding factor?
It all comes down to what kind of experience you want. If you’re looking for entertainment with little financial risk, social casinos are perfect. If you want something more intense, where every decision matters and there’s potential for real rewards, real money casinos are the way to go.
There’s no right or wrong choice—it’s about what fits your preferences. That said, I think social casinos can make you spend a lot of money with little reward if you end up constantly buying chips. There are some risks here, as players gambling at social casinos may not see it as gambling, or at least not as being as risky, and thus, not be on their guard.
I would urge everyone to practice responsible gambling and set a weekly or monthly budget for gambling, regardless. This way, you never spend more than you can afford.
