Of course, it’s nice to win a little cash when you’re playing online casino games, but it’s not always about that. Free casino games give players the chance to get involved with online casino action, without needing to put real money on the line. It goes without saying that you can’t win big money playing free casino games, but that’s not to say they aren’t worth your time. Intrigued? We’ve got everything you need to know about free online casino games.
Why play free games
You might be wondering why you’d choose free online casino games over their real money counterparts. Every player has their own reason for playing free casino games, but these are some of the reasons free games are so popular:
Less pressure
Sure, having real money on the line can be exciting, but it does also mean there’s more at risk. This is fine if you’re a high roller and you can truly afford to lose what you’re gambling, but it’s not ideal for everyone. Free games give you the chance to get a feel for real casino, without having real money on the table.
Practice makes perfect
There’s an element of chance in every casino game, but a handful, like blackjack and poker, involve an element of skill and strategy. The more you play these games, the better you’ll get at knowing which moves to make. We aren’t saying that playing free games will make you an expert and guarantee you a win on real money games, but it can help you make better-informed decisions when it comes to the real deal.
Test the waters
Perhaps you’re a complete casino newbie, or just want to see what the fuss is about on the latest slots, free games are a great place to start. Playing free casino games is the perfect way to test the waters before you make any financial commitment. This means you’ve lost nothing if you decide a game isn’t for you after all.
Play these games for free
You might think that playing for fun means you’ll have to compromise on the range of games you can play, but that just isn’t true. It’s up to every casino site to create its own games library, but you can expect to see these casino games in free play mode:
Slots
Whether you simply want to play slots for fun or try the newest slots titles before you put your own money on the line, free slot games are ideal. Most slots sites have a free game for everyone to enjoy, be that classic fruit machines or branded video slots. You won’t get to play progressive slot games for free, but that’s about it.
Blackjack
When it comes to free blackjack you won’t be limited to the classic game. Most blackjack sites give players the chance to play their favourite blackjack variations, including Blackjack Double Exposure and Blackjack Switch for free. These free blackjack games are an ideal opportunity to work on your blackjack strategy when there’s no money on the table.
Roulette
You can make your red or black, high or low or line bets for free with free roulette games. Fancy experimenting with different bets on a classic European roulette game, or want to try your luck with American, multi-wheel and other roulette variations? The choice is yours at most free roulette sites. Of course, as roulette is a game of chance, practising on free games won’t increase your chances of making a winning bet in real money roulette.
Baccarat
You don’t need James Bond’s budget to play his favourite game. Free baccarat games are available the best online casinos, which means you can get to grips with this game of chance without betting real money stakes.
Poker
Looking to perfect your poker strategy? Free poker games are the best way to learn when to stand and when it might be worth risking another card to make a better hand. The best poker sites feature a range of poker variations, from Texas Hold’em to Seven Card Stud. This means you can try out different games to find out which suits you best, without putting a load of money on the table.
The exact selection of free games will vary depending on the casino site you choose, but you might also see free sic bo, free craps and free keno.
Free games vs real money games
You’re probably wondering what the difference is between free games and real money games. In fact, there’s very little that differentiates the two, except that you won’t be playing with real money stakes. You’ll have access to the same range of casino games, often including the more niche variations, with the exception of live dealer games. Free games often don’t give access to the same bonus rounds and novelty features as real money versions.
Play free games on your mobile
These free casino games aren’t exclusive to desktop players- you can play casino games for fun wherever you are, thanks to free mobile games. Pretty much every top UK casino site has a mobile-friendly website or a native mobile app, which means you can access the same range of free games even when you’re out and about.
How to play free casino games today
Play free games in just three easy steps
- Compare casinos. We’ve picked out the best online casinos with free games, and put them into one list help you find the best for you. Our genius casino reviews cover everything you need to know about a casino before you sign up, from the games library to mobile gaming. Every casino we recommend holds a valid UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence, so you’re in safe hands, whichever you choose.
- Sign up. So, you’ve found your favourite casino site. Now it’s time to sign up. While you’ll need to create an account to play free casino games at most sites, a handful let you get started straight away. Even if you do need to create an account, it’ll only take a couple of minutes- you’ll simply need to provide some basic personal information.
- Play. Now the fun can begin. Simply browse the casino’s games library to find a title that catches your eye and start playing.
Good to go?
Now that you’re a genius when it comes to playing free casino games, you’re probably ready to get in on the action for yourself. The best thing is that, if you decide you don’t like a game, you’ve made no commitments to it and can just move on. Of course, it’s important to establish responsible gambling habits when you play free games to set you on the right path if you do move onto real money gambling in the future.
Frequently asked questions
Got a question? Someone might have asked it before!
Can I play real money casino games for free?
Sure, if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a no deposit bonus deal. These bonuses are pretty few and far between, but they give you the chance to play casino games for real money, without putting real money on the line. But a no deposit bonus isn’t just a free ticket to winning the jackpot, you’ll usually have to complete some pretty steep wagering requirements in line with games restrictions and time limits before you can access any winnings.
Do I need to make a deposit to play casino games for free?
No. All you need to do is create an online casino account to start playing. In fact, at some online casinos you won’t even need to sign up to play free games, simply visit the site, select your title and you’re good to go.
Are free casino games fair?
Yes, if you’re playing at a licensed casino. Whether you’re playing for free or with real money stakes, you can rest assured that games are subject to the same high standards when it comes to random number generators (RNG) and fair play.
Do all online casinos have free games?
Pretty much. Basically every online casino has a free demo version of each of its real money games, which means you don’t need a huge bankroll to get a taste of what the casino has to offer.
Will I need to download software to play free casino games?
No, at most casino sites you can play free casino games without downloading anything. These instant-play games mean you can get into the action right away. If you choose to play free games on your mobile, you might need to download the casino app, but this is almost always free.
