The question of whether to play free or real slots is one that goes on in every online gamblers' mind. Each type has its own positives and negatives for both consumers and providers (and operators), but what we’re talking about here is the consumer’s experience.
So read on to find out whether you should be spending your time playing demo slots or whether you’d be better off spinning the reels and wagering real money instead.
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The case for real-money slots
Real-money slots aren’t just the most popular slots on the market; they’re amongst the most played casino games on the planet.
No game, from poker to live roulette in Las Vegas, can boast as many regular players as real-money online slots, which are played remotely from the beaches of Brazil to the gaming floors of Beijing and just about everywhere else in between.
So what is it that draws so many people to play real-money slots?
Positive 1: ‘Jeopardy'
It’s international friendly season in football, and what better example could we ask for to illustrate jeopardy than that? England vs. Brazil and Spain vs. Colombia were, at least on paper, great games.
But, in reality, they just weren’t that exciting – and that’s because there was no jeopardy, or nothing to lose really, unlike the experience of a major tournament.
A World Cup knockout game between Serbia and the Ivory Coast would doubtless have been more entertaining than either of those two matches because of the jeopardy involved in knockout football.
👉 Real-money slots are similar; there’s the constant jeopardy and risk of losing the real cash you invested in the game.
Clearly, this adds an extra level of excitement to playing although, on the other side of the coin, (forgive the pun), you clearly have far more to lose in real-money slots.
Positive 2: The wins
The average slots player loses money; that’s just a mathematical fact. But, for a small minority, there are big wins to be had. With their progressive jackpots, real-money slots give you the escapism of daring to dream, and that’s a powerful thing.
Just as you can while away the hours imagining how you would spend your lottery winnings, real-money slots allow players to daydream about winning life-changing sums of money. A select few manage to turn those daydreams into reality.
Positive 3: Selection of games
You’ll find a greater selection of real-money slots than free ones, due to the simple fact that real money slots are where the game developers and providers make their money.
Providers earn money from their real-money slots, so they’re constantly incentivised to make bigger and better games to capture their audience’s attention. Which means that as players we get a great variety of games to choose from.
There’s often the option to have a go at a slot in demo mode. Not all but some game providers offer this choice, so that you can try out the game before paying to play it.
This means you save money in the long run, since inevitably not every slot game will be to your liking. At the same time, playing demo slots gives you an understanding of the game, plus the various bonuses, regulations and modes on offer.
You also have the option to play in demo mode with most free slots, the only difference being that with real-money slots it’s the one part of the game that’s free. However, of course, you can’t win anything during this demo period.
The case for free slots
The rise in online ‘social casinos‘ has seen a huge growth in the number of free-to-play games available, and their popularity. Offering a free-to-play game, much as free slots do, allows players to get the casino experience without the real-life cost.
Social casino slots will always remain appealing as you can access them wherever you are on a mobile device or tablet whenever you like, and there are always new themes and games being introduced that resemble some of your favourite films or animals.
There is generally something for everyone.
Positive 1: They’re free
Amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, everyday expenses have skyrocketed. Items and services that were once affordable now cost significantly more, with some prices doubling or even tripling. So if you can get something fun and engaging for free, why not enjoy it?
👀 Free slots provide all the thrilling features of their paid counterparts, allowing you to enjoy the full gaming experience without spending a penny.
So, you can bypass the hassle of authorising payments—no need to double-tap, tilt your head, or scrutinise your chin in the process. Simply dive into the fun, cost-free!
Positive 2: The wins
Unlike Real money slots you don’t lose anything when playing free slots. There is no need to set yourself a budget instead it is more important to set yourself a time limit so that you don’t lose track of it whilst having fun.
You get all the thrill of winning and the anticipation still of playing online slots alongside the addition of still being offered bonuses.
The prizes may not be as big and they may not be as often, but they are still there. Especially when you're free spins have been awarded by way of no deposit bonus. Ultimately to win big rewards you need deposit real money.
Positive 3: They’re casual
It’s true that there’s no jeopardy playing free slots but bear with us here…there’s also no jeopardy…
That means you don’t have to worry about budgeting, you don’t have to limit your play, and you don’t have to put money aside, you just log on and play, just as you would with a video game or in the same way that you would pick up a book.
Free Slots are casual and carefree and to us, that’s one hell of a bonus.
Free vs. real money: the verdict
Deciding which type of slot is better is challenging, as it largely depends on your motivation for playing. Some play for the thrill of the game, while others are primarily interested in the cash wins.
Overall, while free slots are excellent for demoing or learning a game, they somewhat miss the point of gambling. If there's no potential for winning money, you might as well be playing any regular video game rather than a game of chance designed with monetary rewards in mind.
However, it's not for us to decide. You're the jury, and we have presented our case for both real-money slots and their free alternatives.
