There's something of a quiet revolution going on in the world of gaming on Facebook.
In particular, the world of free slot machines is growing very rapidly indeed. For the uninitiated; yes, this does mean the kind of slot machines you may have been used to in pubs and clubs over the years - but with many differences from the old fashioned one-armed bandit days of yore and their gradual evolution into all singing and dancing brightly-lit electronic boxes of tricks.
The single main difference is that free slots, as the name implies, are free to play. The only money involved is virtual coinage. And yet, this is growing hugely in popularity. So why is this happening?
The reasons seem to be that people enjoy playing the games for the sheer fun of it. The other crucial difference between free slots online with Facebook and some other online versions or the more traditional physical variety of slot machines is the social aspect - about which more later. But first a few facts and figures...
One of the fastest-growing of the free slots giants is Jackpotjoy, the online gaming brand which was helped made famous by its use of Barbra Windsor (former "Carry-On" films star and ex landlady of the Eastenders' Queen Vic pub).
Jackpotjoy first launched its free Facebook slots during June of 2011 and it's grown quickly to become one of the most popular free slots games on the world's favourite website. In fact, well over eight million people have already enjoyed playing since then.
The reason Jackpotjoy seems to be doing particularly well is a combination of its high profile branding, the creativity of its games - and, more than any other factor, the socialisation possibilities for users.
As players try out the free slots, they can win virtual coins, but they also gain experience points through which they can reach new levels and, in turn, open up new free slot games. Also, players can opt to take part in slot tournaments against their friends in tournaments. Each tournament costs coins to buy in, but the fwinners can take home big coin rewards, so it's a calculated risk. There's an in-tournament leaderboard and a chat room, where players can chat with friends and make new friends.
All these features, as well as the creativity in the various games' content, seem to be key to the brand's remarkable success. It seems we all like having a little fun on Facebook whilst doing other things at the same time. And these free slot machine games are certainly fun.
If Facebook and free slots don't tickle your fancy, at Jackpotjoy.com, you can also enjoy a huge range of exciting and entertaining games like bingo and rfeal money slots with fantastic jackpots.