4 minute read
There’s something about betting on a game you’re watching that makes it electrifying. It might be that when our wallets are on the line, we care more about things we’d normally overlook. If you had been on a given player to score, I guarantee you that your eyes will be fixated on them until the bet is settled. It must be the adrenaline.
The closest way I’ve experimented with getting this “high” without actually risking real money is playing sweepstakes games. What started as a simple curiosity revealed it was about replicating that rush and a bit more. What more?
Entertainment that doesn’t just peak your interest, but will be on your mind all day. The type of thing that seamlessly fits into your daily schedule; invites others to join in on the fun; and creates instant memories of the little pockets of time you have together. This post is on why (I think) we love these games.
We don’t have to build our routines around them
Because there isn’t a need to allocate large blocks of time to sweepstakes games, we can simply fit them into the minute breaks we take in each day (e.g., at the grocery store checkout line, during the half-time break in an event, or as a last look before bed). There’s no requirement to continue playing once you’ve completed a session.
So unlike traditional movies, tv shows, etc. where you have to set aside dedicated time to watch them, sweepstakes games are more akin to how we currently casually interact with our phones. We’ll open TikTok just for the sake of it. Rather than scheduling time out in advance, users will come and go from these products throughout the course of the day.
Over time, playing these games at a free casino becomes a time killer; just like checking social media apps or chatting on WhatsApp.
They’re a source of social energy without all the noise
We interact socially with one another through sharing results, commenting on outcomes, and extending discussions throughout events. This mimics the energy associated with watching a sports game with friends, regardless if you’re actually sitting next to them.
Unlike most social environments found within competitive gaming communities (i.e., Twitch chat), the tone for sweepstakes games is significantly lower key.
We comment on what’s happening in a casual manner; quickly respond to what’s occurring; and experience a collective sense of excitement related to an event without having to deal with toxic or high-pressure communication that may come in more competitive environments.
As time passes, sweepstakes platforms create their own unique cultural identities including inside jokes/humor; common practices/habits; and identifiable characteristics/patterns of play. We discuss our experiences similarly to how we discuss a television series we are following or a favorite sport we support.
More engaging than passive consumption
Although passive consumption (i.e., scrolling) may capture your attention for some period of time, sweepstakes games provide a mid-point – something more stimulating than viewing, but less intense than fully engaging in gameplay. Within sweepstakes games you are constantly making decisions.
By providing a level of interactivity that allows you to experience events and situations in a new light, even mundane events such as a regular sporting contest, your typical evening routine, or down time become opportunities for mental involvement and engagement. I
It’s a stress-free form of enjoyment
Another major lifestyle shift provided by sweepstakes games is the lack of actual financial risk. Because there is no chance of loss, the overall experience remains enjoyable and relaxed.
In turn, this has altered how we users behave. For example, we are more willing to test different products and games rather than sticking to the ones we “know” .
We tend to stay engaged out of genuine fun instead of trying to recoup lost funds; and users maintain a positive attitude toward their experience. Additionally, they eliminate much of the anxiety that exists in normal gambling.
There’s no learning curve
Sweepstakes does not target “gamers”, it targets anyone with a mobile device and a spare 5-10 minutes. We do not want to have to spend their time figuring out how to play; we simply want to begin playing. Sweepstakes games embrace formats that most gamers already know how to use: slot-style reels, simple pick style and tap-based gaming.
Most of us will catch up within seconds of opening it up and understanding its basics without having to watch a tutorial or set anything up.
