Talking about social aspect..
Back to History, I would guess that early forms of gambling was done socially. I mean there would not be anybody from the early ages that would play alone. That would be what a looney would do.
Want to socialize while you gamble, check out bitsler.com and/or primedice.com
Lol, gambling always needs two different parties to complete wagering. It wouldn't be a gamble if you play it alone, since the core mechanics of gambling is betting against, not betting within.
Because of the technology, the way we gamble also changed. Now, it's not necessary to go to physical casinos in order to play because online gambling made it possible to still have fun wherever you are as long as you have a gadget and internet. Just like what @serjent05 mentioned, some online casinos are coming up with new feature to change what we used to and it's up to the players if they want to try this new way to gamble.
With casinos and gambling, it has happened as in other spheres of our lives: they have become digitalized. Although it is still possible to bet live, online gambling has taken market share from live gambling and is growing steadily, as people can bet 24/7 from their cell phones.
Online gambling allows people to gamble wherever they are and is not bound by place. This is the main attraction for gamblers and people who are new to gambling, so this can make new people addicted after knowing it for a while. Especially nowadays, people can buy gadgets at affordable prices and are supported by internet connections available in many places, allowing them to play gambling wherever they want.
Also online gambling is the main attraction to people who is lazy traveling. Those people who wanted to do things with the click of their mouse are basically enjoying what online gambling brings. People are lucky today that technology had created the internet else. We are able to enjoy what the physical casino has to offer without going out of our homes. Ambiance and environment may be missing but it is compensated by the access we have since online gambling game can be accessed anytime, anywhere 24/7, which I think weigh more.