Many of us enjoy playing casino games but aren't so keen on risking our own hard-earned cash.
The good news is that almost every reputable offer two different modes you can play their games in - real-money mode and demo (or free) mode.
Read on to find out how to play free casino games online safely, what the benefits are and which types of games you can try out for nothing.
How to Play Free Casino Games Safely
Playing free casino games could not be easier or more convenient. Provided you are playing at a legitimate online casino, all it takes to get started is the following:
- Highlight a game you would like to play. Most online casinos allow you to play their games without even registering an account first. If you would like to keep track of your progress, however, we recommend creating an account. This will only take a minute or two, and is completely free.
- Select the 'demo' or 'free' version of the game. This should be selectable before you play. Some people prefer to dive right in, while others like to read up on the rules and features first. Either option is fine and usually possible.
- Start playing and winning (or losing!) for free. The idea behind demo mode is that it loads exactly like the real-money version of the game but fills the place where your real cash should be with free credits or a set amount of money instead. This gives you the freedom to try out any game you like without having to pay.
Check out our step-by-step guide on how to start playing casino games for free below:
- First, select your favorite casino from our list or any other trusted and legit operator.
- Navigate to the library with casino games.
- Choose a game you want to play – most options will be available in the demo version.
- Click ‘I agree’ to confirm you are old enough to play.
- Optional: Create a new account if you haven’t already done so.
- Once logged in, locate the game you wish to play and open it.
- You will see a “Demo Mode” or “Free Play” button/option – click it or select it.
- Start playing – some games may have virtual assistants you can talk to to learn the rules quickly.
It really is as simple as that. For complete peace of mind about playing free casino games online, we also recommend checking out our guide on .
Demo Mode vs Free Casino Games: What’s the Difference?
If you have played slots or table games at a land-based casino, you may have come across the term 'demo mode'. Is there a difference between these free casino games and those loaded in demo mode?
Not really. When talking about casino games played for free, both terms refer to the exact same thing. So next time you hear someone asking "Where can I play casino games for free in demo mode?", you can tell them about the many safe ways to do just that online.
Benefits of Playing Free Casino Games Online
There are plenty of advantages to trying out free casino games rather than jumping straight into playing for real money. Here are some of the biggest benefits:
Best Online Casinos in Michigan- You can try things out risk-free. Perhaps the most obvious benefit of playing free casino games is that you cannot lose any money. This makes it the ideal way to learn the basics of a new game, try out different strategies, or simply pass the time.
- Most online casinos offer hundreds of titles. As long as you sign up with a leading , you will have access to huge libraries containing literally hundreds, if not thousands, of games. From classic slot machines to complex multi-table poker tournaments, it is all out there waiting to be explored.
- It is fast and easy to switch between games. One of the best things about playing free casino games online is being able to jump from one type of game to another within a matter of seconds. Feeling lucky? Spin the reels of the latest video slots. Want to test your skill levels? Have a go at blackjack or roulette. Fancy something completely different? Bingo, keno, dream catcher and other speciality games are all usually available too.
- Many free casino games are available 24/7. Most online casinos operate around the clock. Provided you have signed up with such an operator and downloaded the software onto your computer, you can log in and play free casino games whenever the mood strikes you.
- It is hugely entertaining. Whether you are a seasoned gambler or have never set foot inside a casino before, you might be surprised by how much fun you can have playing free casino games online. Great graphics, slick animations, exciting bonus rounds and innovative features combine to make most modern games highly addictive.
Of course, there are also downsides to consider. We will explore these in the section below. Before that, check out our list of the top sites where you can play free casino games in the UK.
Disadvantages of Playing Free Casino Games
Spending time playing free casino games online can be great fun. However, you should always remember that you are not risking any of your own money. With this in mind, here are a few potential disadvantages to playing demo versions of games:
- You may not experience all of the features. To entice you to play for real, many free casino games place restrictions on certain elements. For example, you may only be able to place a maximum of £0.50 per spin, even if the real-money version of the game allows you to wager upwards of £500.
- You cannot win any prizes. This should be obvious, but it is worth remembering. However downhearted you may feel after missing out on a big win in free mode, that free win you landed was still better than nothing, right?
- It can be addictive. Let's not forget that online casinos spend millions of pounds developing their games. They employ the very best graphic designers, sound engineers and mathematicians to create a fully immersive environment. It is little wonder so many of us get sucked in!
- You will not learn about responsibili . When you play for free, you are not asked to supply any identification when you sign up. This means you bypass the responsible gambling tools and information provided to all real-money players.
Can You Win Real Money in Free Mode?
We are sorry to disappoint you if you were hoping to win some cash without having to make a deposit. The whole point of playing in free mode is that no real money is involved. Any virtual funds you amass throughout your session will disappear once you close the window.
If you do find yourself with a sizeable bankroll at the end of a free session, most online casinos will give you the option of setting that balance to zero and starting again with a nice chunk of change. This is known as starting a new game, but hopefully it will stop you from feeling too deflated.
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StarCasino
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PlayOJO
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Ladbrokes
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Casimba
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BetVictor
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LeoVegas
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MrGreen
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Duelz
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William Hill
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Coral
Types of Free Casino Games Available Online
Thinking about giving free casino games a go? You will be pleased to know that virtually every type of game is available in demo mode. These are some of the most popular ones:
- Slots
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Baccarat
- Video poker
- Keno
- Virtual horse racing games
- Dream Catcher
- Scratch cards
When it comes to slots - and in fact any other game with a high level of randomness to it - demo mode can actually help you figure out if you like it or not. Just because a particular slot looks interesting, its theme may not be up your alley. Only by spinning the reels for free can you really decide if the game has what it takes to keep you entertained.
Are All Casino Games Available for Free?
With very few exceptions, all the games found at an online casino should be available in demo mode. However, we must stress the importance of signing up with a leading site.
Top-Rated Free Download Slot Machines to Get You StartedSmaller, lesser-known operators may cut costs by limiting demo plays, only offering no deposit bonuses, or failing to provide mobile gaming options. When choosing a casino, check out our rankings to see which sites are putting it all together.
Free No Deposit Bonuses
Another way to play free casino games is to take advantage of no deposit bonuses offered by various operators.
As the name suggests, no deposit bonuses give you a sum of cash (or sometimes free spins) without requiring any form of payment. In return, the casino hopes you will use the opportunity to fall in love with their site and become a long-term customer.
No deposit bonuses can be a great way to get started, but you should always check the small print beforehand. Here are a few things to look out for:
- Which games can you play? Almost all bonuses will place restrictions on which games you can play. Slots usually feature on the permitted list, but table games such as blackjack and roulette may require you to make a deposit.
- What are the wagering requirements like? All bonuses come with wagering requirements attached. Essentially, this refers to the number of times you are required to play through any winnings before you are allowed to withdraw them. Anything over 35x should be avoided where possible.
- Are there any time restrictions? Bonuses rarely remain active forever. Most will expire after seven days, so plan your playing schedule accordingly.
- What is the monetary value of the bonus? Free spins offers tend to be more lucrative than cash bonuses. Even if the latter exceeds the former in raw numbers, minimum bet sizes mean you are likely to have to place a large number of spins to use up your entire bonus.
- Is the casino trustworthy? Always check that the casino offering the bonus holds a valid licence. If anything seems off, it probably is. Stick to our recommended list of safe online casinos.
- Do you need a promo code? Some casinos require you to enter a promo code when signing up. Make sure you secure the bonus by entering the correct code.
Free Casino Apps: Play On the Go
Have you seen ads for free casino apps and wondered what they are all about? Basically, various developers have created simulated casino environments where you can learn the ropes of popular games without spending a penny.
These apps are designed to appeal to everyone, including non-gamblers. All references to real-money gaming have been removed, leaving behind an enjoyable experience devoid of any controversy.
Natur Nachts is one of many free casino apps available for iOS devices. Created by German developer Code Ring Applications, it contains numerous slot machines, roulette tables and blackjack games.
Pure Hold’em is a similar app focused solely on poker. It was developed by Swedish company Lion Studios and can be downloaded for nothing on iOS and Android devices.
Of course, if you want to play free casino games online using your preferred desktop software, that is always possible. Leading operators like the ones featured in the table above have spent millions developing their sites, meaning they work faster and more efficiently than standalone apps could ever hope to.
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Slot machines are by far the most popular games at online casinos. Hundreds of new titles are released every year, each packed with innovative features and dazzling graphics.
But do you know how slots work? Do you understand the differences between various row/reel configurations, or wild symbols and scatter pays? Playing free online slots is a great way to sharpen your skills.
Can you win money on free slots? Unfortunately not. All demos are linked to virtual credit, which resets to zero as soon as you close the browser window. Still, trying out bonus games, tweaking your bet sizes and learning optimum payline selection for different games are all excellent reasons to load up a few free online slots.
We have picked out five of our favourite free online slots below. Each can be found at BetVictor, a leading online casino that consistently ranks among the best in our reviews. Why not head there now to play these free online slots?
Best Cherry Jackpot Casino Sister Sites - Read Our ReviewsFree Blackjack Online
Blackjack is often referred to as one of the most strategic casino games. By making the right decisions at the optimal moments, you can minimise the house edge and maximise your chances of profit.
Easier said than done, of course. But by playing free blackjack online, you can hone your abilities without the pressure of real money bearing down upon you.
If you would like to try your hand at blackjack, why not start with the Classic Blackjack Gold free online game included in the list above? Based on the traditional Atlantic City ruleset, this edition by leading developer Microgaming contains all the hallmarks of a quality game - plus a smart user interface and sharp graphics, of course.
Would you like to play this free blackjack online game? Head to Ladbrokes cornetion to get started!
Free Roulette Online
Roulette is often viewed as a game of chance. Spin the wheel, throw the ball in there and hope for the best, right? Well, yes...but there is more to it than that.
By studying wheel biases, players can identify areas of the wheel that pocket the ball more frequently than others. Betting progressions such as the Martingale can also help turn luck in your favour. Again, free roulette online games are a great way to develop your skills.
Reasons Why Playing Online Slots Is Better Than at a CasinoOur recommended free roulette online game is Realistic Games' European Roulette. Based on the Continental ruleset featuring a single zero, this edition contains a variety of special features to keep you entertained. It can be found at Casimba.
Free Video Poker Online
Video poker is a combination of slots and five-card draw poker. It can be played fairly quickly, making it a great option for grinders looking to accumulate rewards points via loyalty programmes.
There are various different variants of video poker, each with its own nuances and quirks. Jacks or Better is perhaps the easiest to learn, so a great place for beginners to start. Its name derives from the fact that a pair of jacks or better is needed to activate a money win. Any weaker hand will only pay out in credits that can be used to play future hands.
Our pick of the free video poker online games is Microgaming's Power Poker: Multihand Max. Up to five hands can be played at a time, providing plenty of action. Head to StarCasino to play this game for free now.
Playing Free Casino Games While on Holiday
Going on holiday tends to mean two things when it comes to playing casino games. On the one hand, you may be too busy exploring new places, eating exotic food and relaxing on the beach to fit in too many sessions.
On the other hand, if you have jet lag or are holidaying with friends and family who do not share your love of gambling, you may find yourself logging on to play a few hands or spins.
Provided you have an internet connection, there is no reason why you cannot play free casino games online while on holiday. We recommend connecting to the hotel Wi-Fi network if possible, as this will not eat into your data allowance.
Gator Den Casino Games with the Best RTPs - High Payout GamesOf course, using public Wi-Fi networks to access online casinos is generally considered safe these days. However, if in doubt, you can always use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your communications.
Top Questions
Playing free casino games online is becoming increasingly popular. To ensure you are playing demo modes at safe, reputable sites, consult our list of the . Below, we have answered some of the most common questions on the topic.
1️⃣ Can I play casino games for free?
Yes, you can play most types of game in demo mode for free. This means you are not risking any of your own cash, but nor can you win any prizes. Try heading to to find some of the top free casino games available online.
2️⃣ How to play casino games for free?
Playing free casino games is incredibly easy. Simply head to a reputable site such as Ladbrokes or LeoVegas, browse their library of games and load up whatever takes your fancy. Most titles should be available in both real-money and demo (free) mode.
3️⃣ Why play free casino games?
There are multiple advantages to playing free casino games. Perhaps the main reason is that you can enjoy your favourite games without risking any of your own hard-earned cash. For complete novices, practice makes perfect - and playing free casino games online is a safe way to sharpen your skills.
4️⃣ What casino games can you play for free?
Almost every type of game can be played for free. That includes slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat and dreams catcher, among others. Check out our list of the to see what we mean.
5️⃣ Can you play online slots for free?
Yes, you can play numerous online slots for free in demo mode. This allows you to try out different games and features without having to stake any of your own cash. Visit BetVictor or another top online casino to get started.
6️⃣ Can you play blackjack for free?
Blackjack is available to play for free at countless online casinos. Not only is this a great way to learn about basic strategy, it can also be lots of fun. Play blackjack for free at Ladbrokes.
Free Slots with Bonus Rounds You Need to Play Online7️⃣ Can you play roulette games for free?
Just like blackjack, roulette can be played for free at most online casinos. Why not try out the top free roulette online games featured on this page?
