In recent years, there has been a growing trend of people playing casino games just for fun, without betting any money. These are called free casino games.
Playing casino games for free can be a great way to learn the rules, practice your strategies, and even just pass the time. Plus, with the advent of online casinos, it's easier than ever to access a wide variety of free casino games right from your own computer or mobile device.
In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the most popular types of free casino games that you can play online. We've also added recommendations on where to play these casino games for real money when you get bored of the demo/fun play version. So whether you're into slot machines, table games, or something else entirely, there's sure to be a free casino game out there that you'll enjoy! Let's dive in!
What Are Free Casino Games?
Free casino games are exactly what they sound like - casino games that you can play without wagering any real money. Also known as "demo" or "fun play" versions, they are typically available for most online casino games, including slots, roulette, blackjack, and video poker.
Most regulated provide players with the option to play games for free, either without registration or after registering on the platform. While playing with virtual ("fake") money might not be as thrilling as putting your hard-earned cash on the line, there are still plenty of reasons to enjoy free casino games.
DKC Promos & Games to Try - DraftKings Casino PA Review 2023In the following sections, we’ll delve into various types of casino entertainment you can try out online without spending a dime. But before that, here is our curated list of the best online casino sites where US players can find a vast selection of free-to-play games and enjoy other perks such as juicy bonuses and promotions.
Why Play Free Casino Games Online?
Some enthusiastic gamblers might wonder why they should waste their time on free casino games if their ultimate goal is to win big at the tables. After all, you can't rake in any life-changing prizes without placing bets, right? Well, hold your horses. Despite not offering monetary rewards, free casino games come with a bundle of benefits, some of which we'll outline below:
lady luck casino tallahassee- Try Before You Buy - This is your chance to test drive a certain game and see if you like it before risking any of your bankroll on it. Many games have unique features, themes, and gameplays that may seem unappealing to some but intriguing to others. With free casino games, you get to experiment and explore until your heart's content.
- Learn the Rules - Whether you're new to gambling or just unfamiliar with a particular game, free casino games are an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the rules, gameplay, and payouts without feeling the pressure to make quick decisions.
- Improve Your Skills - Some casino games require a certain level of skill and strategy to win. By playing free casino games, you can practice these skills without risking any money.
- Entertainment Value - Let's not forget the simple joy of playing games, whether you're winning or losing. Free casino games can be a fun and engaging way to pass the time, especially if you're not in the mood to risk money.
- No Download Required - Most free casino games can be played directly in your browser, without the need to download any software. This makes them convenient and accessible, regardless of where you are or what device you're using.
- Stress-Free Gaming - For some players, the stress and excitement of gambling can be overwhelming. Free casino games allow you to enjoy the gaming aspect of casinos without the added pressure of potentially losing money.
- Suitable for Minimalists - Not everyone has a massive bankroll or enjoys betting large amounts of money. Free casino games cater to those who prefer to gamble conservatively or don't want to spend much money.
Now that we got that out of the way, let's move forward and check out the most beloved free online casino games that US players can access via desktop and mobile devices.
Slots
Undoubtedly, online slots are the most popular type of free casino game. According to a , 46% of US adult casino players prefer spinning the reels of slot machines – either for fun or real money. The study was conducted in Q1 of 2023, involving around 6,800 respondents.
Manufacturers pull all the stops to make their slot titles exciting and immersive. Visuals, sounds, bonus rounds, mega ways, jackpots – the mix is so enticing that many slot lovers don't even care if they play for actual funds or virtual coins. And since regulations have gotten more liberal across the US in the last decade, virtually all regulated markets offer demo mode for slots. For instance, the of the Michigan Gaming Control Board states the following: "A person may offer games in demo mode without requiring a social security number or any other form of identification."
If you're curious about a specific that you've never played before, look for its demo version online. Most software developers (like Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, etc.) have their on which you can practice without spending a cent. If you're unsure where to start, check out our list of the , which includes both free and real-money slots.
Here are some examples of free online slots:
- Bonanza Billions
- Odin Infinity Reels
- Big Bass Bonanza
- Book of Dead
- Starburst
- Divine Fortune
- Fire Joker
- Sweet Bonanza Xmas
- Immortal Romance
- Wolf Gold
Once you get bored of playing for fun, you can visit our suggested and risk real money on your favorite reel-spinning machines. All of the operators boast diverse collections of slots, lucrative promos, secure banking methods, and solid safety measures.
Blackjack
The next most favored casino game among American adults is blackjack. According to the Global Data Consumer Insights Survey mentioned above, 19% of polled casino players in Q1 of 2023 declared they relish playing 21. The low house edge (between 0.5% and 2%, depending on the table rules and strategy used) motivates many to learn the standard algorithm and try their luck/skills.
Blackjack is one of the most because of its fast-paced nature and straightforward rules. Although enjoying the game for free cannot replicate the adrenaline rush and potential profits of real-money blackjack, it offers several advantages, such as:
- Brushing Up Your Strategy – Even if you understand the basic concept of the game, there are intricate mathematics behind making the optimal decision in each hand. By playing free blackjack games, you can put your strategy knowledge to the test and identify areas for improvement.
- Trying New Strategies – There are different blackjack strategies you can employ, such as Basic Strategy, Card Counting, and Position. Free blackjack games allow you to test these strategies without risking any money.
- Reliving Exciting Moments – Sometimes, experienced players get involved in extraordinary hands that last numerous rounds or involve split and double down options. It would be a shame to forget such exciting events, reducing them to a fleeting memory. Fortunately, playing free blackjack allows you to recreate similar scenarios and savor the thrill once again.
Most online casinos offer single-deck, multi-deck, and early surrender variants of free blackjack. In addition, some sites provide Pontoon and Free Bet Blackjack, extending your options. Feel free to browse our collection of the and claim juicy welcome bonuses/promotions.
Roulette
Even though roulette does not rank highly in the Global Data Consumer Insights Survey, it is one of the most popular free casino games in luxury resorts and on the internet. According to a , nearly 3% of US adult casino players prefer this classic game of chance. Douglas C. Geiger and his colleagues surveyed around 7,000 individuals in Q3 of 2022.
Roulette wheels and layouts vary in RNG and live dealer casinos. In land-based venues, casino roulette typically features an additional double zero pocket, reducing the player’s chances of winning. Online roulette games are slightly better since you can pick between European, French, and Australian variations. This puts a slightly lower edge at 1.35%-1.38% on the table.
best online casino signup bonusesOf course, playing American roulette for free is pointless since that game has one of the highest house advantages (5.26%) on the market. Anyway, we recommend visiting our dedicated page to explore different roulette titles and play for fun credits. If you feel ready to switch to real-money stakes, refer to the following box.
Video Poker
While not as famous as the three examples above, video poker is another casino game that can be incredibly enjoyable to play for free. Like slots, video poker titles use a random number generator (RNG) to determine the outcome of each hand, making them well-suited for demo mode.
Many video poker variants also have relatively simple rules, making them easy to learn and play for fun. For example, Jacks or Better is a popular variant of video poker that requires players to aim for at least a pair of jacks to receive a payout. Deuces Wild is another variation where all twos are wildcards, adding an extra element of fun and strategy to the game.
By playing free video poker games, you can familiarize yourself with the hand ranks and paytables while practicing basic strategy. Of course, you won’t be able to experience the thrill of hitting a big jackpot without betting real money, but that’s part of the next category we will discuss…
Jackpot Games
Winning a life-changing prize is the dream of every casual and regular casino visitor. Although slim, there’s always a chance to hit a jackpot when betting $10 on a hot drop jackpot slot or progressive table game. Of course, you can lower the threshold and set the minimal bet, but the winning odds will decrease accordingly.
Fortunately, many online slots, video poker titles, and other casino games feature flat prizes besides progressive ones. Their value might not be as impressive as the ones accumulated by hundreds of thousands (or millions) of spins/hands, but it can spice up your session and cover your bets for hours.
For instance, many Mega Moolah clones – a type of very popular – feature random jackpots: Mini, Minor, Major, and Mega. The first three seed at $10/$20/$100/$50,000 and appear multiple times during the day. Only the Mega local jackpot isn’t fixed and advances with the bets. Its initial amount is $1 million, and it has fallen in a single spin.
Of course, landing the Mega jackpot is far from easy. Actually, many consider luck the primary factor determining who wins the top prize. Still, you can do a few things to maximize your chances – e.g., choose a slot with a frequently seeding Mega jackpot, bet the maximum number of coins, and play for real money. Here’s an excellent video that explains how Mega Moolah works:
Live Dealer Games
OK, okay – we know what you’re thinking: live dealer casino games are the crème de la crème of gambling entertainment, and nothing can compare to their splendor. We agree, but it’s challenging to find free live dealer games unless you’re a high roller with VIP status or a casino representative performing an internal audit.
Hosting a live dealer game costs money due to venue rental, staff salaries, equipment maintenance, and other expenses. To make ends meet, the house charges minimum bets of $5-$10 and sometimes even more. It’s impossible to offer such tables for fun credits, or the casino would go bankrupt within days.
That said, some live casino lobbies feature free or heavily demos games. For example, Evolution often provides new customers with a welcome bonus that can be used to play one or two blackjack titles in demo mode. The stream is the same as with real-money bets, allowing you to chat with the dealer and interact with other participants. The only difference is that you receive virtual chips and cannot withdraw any winnings.
Another example is the free sweeps coefficient within some live games. For example, Baccarat contains a feature that pays 9-1 when the tie happens on an eight. However, the payout is 8-1 when playing with sweeps instead of real US dollars. In a nutshell, sweeps is a virtual currency used within some online casinos, blending real money and demo credits. Some players love it, while others detest it.
Reasons Why Playing at Online Casinos Is So Much FunOther Free Online Casino Games
So far, we’ve covered the most widespread free casino games – slots, blackjack, roulette, video poker, and live dealer titles. Yet the entertainment palette in modern gambling platforms is broader. Therefore, we’ll mention a couple of alternative free casino games you might like:
- Bingo – This lottery-based game has been around for centuries and remains popular today, both in-person and online. Many regulated online casinos have bingo rooms for registered users. You can play for free to kill time or wait for a table to open in the live dealer lobby.
- Keno – Similar to bingo, keno involves selecting numbers and waiting to see if they are drawn. It originated in ancient China and is now available at many online casinos. Some sites offer free keno games that allow you to try out different strategies without risking any money.
- Craps – While not as popular as some other casino games, craps has a devoted following among gamblers who enjoy the complexity of the game and the potential for big payouts. Many regulated online casinos offer free craps games that allow you to learn the rules and various bets without any pressure.
- Pai Gow Poker – A combination of traditional poker and the Chinese game tilipati, Pai Gow Poker is another fascinating card game available at many US online casinos. The free versions are perfect for sharpening your strategy skills and getting comfortable with the hand rankings.
- Scratch Cards – Though not as immersive as the previous entries, online scratch cards bring the fun of physical scratch-off tickets to your screen. Virtual rubbing reveals hidden symbols and images, offering instant wins and fun animations. Most of them are based on popular slot machines (Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, etc.), adding another layer of excitement.
Feel free to explore the game catalogs of the recommended online casinos listed on our site. Who knows? Maybe you’ll discover your new favorite free casino game!
How to Find Free Online Casino Games
Now that you know the types of free casino games available online, you might be wondering where to find them. As we’ve mentioned earlier, most regulated states have legalized online casino gambling in the last decade, imposing strict regulations that benefit players and operators alike.
No Deposit Promo Codes + Free - Your 2023 Guide to Casino Secret CodesOne of the requirements is product testing by third-party laboratories, confirming the fairness of the games and adherence to local laws. Companies like eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and Technical Systems Testing (TST) have extensive databases that you can explore to find reputable operators. Alternatively, you can stick to our , which have passed our rigorous selection process:
- Licensed and Regulated – We give precedence to online casino platforms that operate under the rules and regulations of renowned gambling jurisdictions like Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Gibraltar Gambling Commission (GGC), and Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC).
- Safe and Secure – Reputable online casinos use SSL encryption to protect sensitive user data and power their sites with RNG software certified by independent testing agencies. Moreover, they offer identity, handset, and transaction verification options to prevent identity theft and chargebacks.
- Rich Game Portfolio – The best online casinos feature thousands of slots, dozens of table games, and live dealer tables for all budgets and preferences. They also add new releases regularly to keep their clientele entertained.
- Attractive Promotions – Welcome packages, daily deals, loyalty programs, tournaments, drops & wins – the best online casinos spoil their members with various promos that enhance the entertainment value and reward their commitment. Of course, we encourage you to read the terms and conditions before claiming any bonus.
- Mobile Compatibility – Given the ubiquity of smartphones, credible online casinos either have a dedicated mobile app or a responsive website that fits any touchscreen device. Some operators send their members special phone promos, further sweetening the deal.
- Responsible Gaming Policies – Finally, reliable online casino operators promote safe gambling practices, allowing users to self-exclude, limit their playing time and wagers, and contact qualified therapists if they suspect a gambling problem.
All licit online casinos offer free slots and other games in demo mode. In addition, some sites have separate pages dedicated to free casino games. For instance, the features titles like Down Undery, Gnome Wood, Elementals, Battle Maidens Cleopatra, and Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde. You can play them for fun without creating an account, but if you wish to win real money, you’ll have to register and make a deposit.
Mobile Casino Apps That Deserve More CreditAdvantages of Playing Free Casino Games Online
At this point, it must be crystal clear that free online casino games come with many advantages. Below, we’ve summarized the main benefits of playing for fun credits to help you remember them:
- Educational Value – Free online casino games allow you to learn the rules, mechanics, and features of different titles without risking any real money. This is particularly useful for beginners who want to familiarize themselves with various games before betting.
- Entertainment – Even though the visual and audio effects of modern slots and other games are breathtaking, playing for real money can be stressful, especially if you’re on a losing streak. Sometimes, you should step back, enjoy the graphics, music, and special features without betting a dime.
- Stress-Free Gaming – Contrary to popular belief, gambling should be about fun rather than profit. If you share this viewpoint, you’ll appreciate playing free online casino games that allow you to indulge in your favorite pastime without worrying about losses.
- Improve Your Skills – Whether you’re a novice or a veteran, complimentary games provide a risk-free environment to refine your abilities, especially if we speak about table games that rely heavily on strategy and decision-making skills.
- Claim Juicy Promotions – Several state regulators have legalized free sweepstakes coins (sweeps) that blend elements of real-money and demo gaming. If an online casino offers generous bonuses for sweeps, you can amass significant amounts of this virtual currency and possibly redeem them for cash prizes or merchandise.
Please keep in mind that even the best free online casino games have drawbacks. First, they cannot replicate the thrill of winning real money. Second, you’ll miss the opportunity to test the cashier’s payment methods and customer support’s speed and friendliness. Finally, you won’t contribute to your preferred casino’s online poker liquidity or blackjack table hot drop timers if you stick to free games.
Best Online Casinos in New York State for 2023FAQs
Can I Play Free Casino Games Online?
Yes, almost all regulated online casinos in the US offer free versions of slots, blackjack, roulette, video poker, keno, scratch cards, craps, bingo, and other games. You can usually play them directly in your browser without creating an account, but some sites require registration.
Is Playing Free Casino Games Legal in the US?
Yes, several US states – like Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Connecticut – allow licensed online casinos to offer free games. Those platforms must hold certificates from recognized gaming jurisdictions and submit product tests that verify the integrity of the RNG software.
What Are the Benefits of Playing Free Casino Games?
Free casino games allow you to learn the rules, refine your skills, enjoy the gaming experience without risks, and have fun without spending a dime. Some games contain sweepstakes coefficients that can be redeemed for cash prizes and other goodies.
Can I Win Real Money While Playing Free Casino Games?
Typically, no. Free casino games are based on random number generators (RNG) that mimic the chances of winning. However, some titles – like flat jackpot slots and progressive ones with seized megajackpots – can award cash prizes. In addition, several online casinos have sweepstakes coefficients that can be exchanged for real money after accumulating sufficient amounts.
How Do I Know If a Casino Game Is for Free?
Usually, the game catalog of a regulated online casino distinguinates real-money and free versions through icons, labels, or buttons. Demo games usually have “Fun Mode,” “Free Mode,” “Demo Play,” or similar descriptions. Nevertheless, some sites require you to register and activate fun play.
