Online sweepstakes casinos may have started as a relatively unassuming part of the gaming world. Still, since the beginning of this decade, they have picked up momentum and now appeal to a much wider range of customers. Several factors have contributed to this, and although today’s focus is on the psychology of why people play online sweepstakes, that’s not to say that there aren’t other factors at play here.
A platform's look will sway some sweepstakes gamers. Others prefer to seek expert opinion, trusting those who know what they are looking for and have decades of experience in the industry. WSN fits the bill and has entrusted its experts to browse the characteristics and variables that separate the highest-rated platforms from the rest of the chasing pack, for example Chumba Casino, which is rated among the top in the US.
It’s not just expert opinion that can influence people's decisions, though; the psychology of casino gaming includes the look and feel of a site, what other people have been saying about the brand on social media, and how it is marketed.
Exploring the impact of the audiovisual
It might seem coincidental, but a casino game's look, feel and sounds are all carefully constructed elements that game designers spend years perfecting. Positive, vibrant colors include yellows, reds and vivid primary colors.
For instance, slot games that focus on candy themes, by design, are looking to channel into this imagery. Some businesses and brands focus on the importance of color schemes as part of their marketing strategy, so the power they hold from a psychological point of view cannot be understated.
When people think of slot games, it’s natural for their minds to jump to traditional casinos, but sweepstakes casino gaming mechanics are virtually identical. Only the payment method has changed. Sweepstakes use unique gold coins and sweepstakes cash, currencies that can’t be used on any other site. However, from an audiovisual perspective, the games channel into the same marketing strategies that have proved so fruitful for brands operating in the traditional market.
Taking the edge off
There’s no denying that traditional online casinos have a lot to offer. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be a globally thriving industry. However, there is a downside, and with the growing number of casinos and games available, a percentage of casino gamers are susceptible to problem gambling.
Now, anyone who has a serious gambling issue should not attempt to offset this by playing sweepstakes games instead. They trigger the same reaction, involving prizes, sweepstakes and casino coins that can be purchased on several sites.
However, if you can bet within a sensible framework, then the psychology of not having to concern yourself with potential monetary loss every time you play at a sweepstakes casino could be the main attraction.
Nobody likes to lose money, and given that traditional online casinos have an edge and accept real-money wagers, it’s not a surprise to see the surge in demand for sites that focus more on the foundation and structure of casino games rather than simply looking at them from a financial perspective.
Longer time window to play
Traditional casinos will have a time limit if you’re looking to sit back and play a few casino games. Even if you have a good session and come out in profit, you should always ensure that your gambling remains within a suitable framework. Sweepstakes casinos, however, operate in a slightly different manner.
Nobody is saying you should sit there and play at a sweepstakes site all day and night. Still, similar to the point we made about monetary loss, the fact that you are spending less money on these sites means you can spend more time exploring the platforms you like the look of, see what bonuses and promotions they have for new customers, and browse a broader range of games.
From a psychological perspective, these games still have the same look and feel as traditional games. Because there are fewer issues with setting traditional constraints, there’s a longer time frame to continue playing. Ultimately, more game time equals an intrigued, sustained customer base.
A lighter form of entertainment
While sweepstakes might draw on the conventional casino gaming model, as we have already detailed, they’re a much lighter form of entertainment. Given that online casinos now dominate the casino industry, entertainment as a whole continues growing into the never-ending digital universe, and there’s more of an emphasis on genuine creativity and ingenuity in the online casino gaming market.
For casino gamers, being able to sit down and play games they enjoy, but with an added positive variable, allows them to experience something unique in a familiar market. It doesn’t create psychological stress and provides a lighter way to access a similar market, and from a marketing point of view, this is ideal – and it is a big reason sweepstakes have found such success recently.
Conclusion
If we boil it down to the basics, sweepstakes evoke a positive psychological reaction because they are cheaper to play. The fact that they don’t use real money also provides a better scope of gaming options, freeing up time constraints and broadening the horizons.
Crucially, they do not lose the audiovisual or gaming aspects that have made traditional casinos a huge hit. As long as sweepstakes providers continue to operate in massive markets and provide a service where traditional casinos cannot, there will be a growing demand for these platforms.