No link between social and RMG, report finds
Social gaming trade body finds insufficient evidence that social casino games convert players to real-money gambling
There is no link between social casino games and real-money gambling (RMG) with no evidence social players convert to RMG, according to a new report commissioned by the International Social Games Association (ISGA).
The industry trade body today released independent research, conducted on its behalf by consulting and research firm Harvest Strategy, to analyse the evolution, use and impact of social games.
Among the report’s key findings were that there was insufficient evidence playing social games leads to problem gambling, typical in-game expenditure was low and that the demographic of players shows no gender bias.
The report also estimates the overall social games market will reach US$7bn in revenue by 2015 and concludes that social casino games should be categorised as a subset of social games.
ISGA chief executive Luc Delany said he was pleased by the findings of the report after announcing the launch of its research last October.
“This report helps to explain what the social games sector is and who are playing social games, and what it will bring clarity to the discussion surrounding social games, forming a solid base for constructive dialogue between industry and key stakeholders,” he said.
“We are reassured that Harvest’s research demonstrates that there is no link between social casino games and real money gambling and that the two practices are entirely separate, with very different audiences and player demographics,” Delany added.
The ISGA also today announced the launch of a new independent research project to assess any issues concerning social games and younger users.
The body was formed last September following a merger between the International Social Games Coalition (ISGC) and the Social Gaming Association and currently consists of 14 members including Zynga, IGT, Playtika and Big Fish Games.