Gambling Sites Free Money

There are so many real money casinos on the web that it can be difficult to know which one to choose. That's why websites like this exist.

Luckily, our team of experts has decades of experience in the industry and is trained to spot rogue casinos as well as world-class ones.

We'll explain to you how we pick the best online casinos for real money to recommend, how the various games work and your chances of winning them, whether or not you can gamble for real money for free, and we'll answer some frequently asked questions about real money gambling.

The casinos listed below all have:

• Top-Quality Graphics and a Large Variety of Games Available
• Excellent Ratings for Safety and Security
• Proven Real Money Payouts

While playing at real money casinos is arguably the most fun way to gamble, there are other ways to have fun gambling and hopefully make a little money in the process. Betting on sports, playing poker, playing bingo or lotto games, and even betting on financial markets are all possible thanks to the global connectivity the web facilitates. While free spin casinos give their offers in free money, in most cases they're given for online slots. You can convert the free money to a free spins bonus easily. The value of one free spin is typically $0.1, so getting, for example, $10 in free money from Harrahs Online Casino, will net you 100 in free spins bonus. This welcome bonus can. Now, a free bonus no deposit casino is offered in different format not just free spins. Can be a free cash offer like £10 or £20 when you open an account. Can also be offered as a cashback bonus for existing UK players as part of the casino's loyalty or VIP program.

Best Real Money Casinos by Location

If you're unsure if the above accept players from your country, don't worry; we still have lots of top-rated online casinos for real money which we can recommend to you. There are also some we definitely won't recommend, and we want you to be aware of those, too.

It's crucially important to pick a real money casino which accepts players from your country for a few reasons.

First, it's possible that your government has some sort of minimum standards a casino needs to meet. That's definitely the case if you're from the UK or some other European countries.

Second, you don't want to face unnecessary restrictions such as not being able to claim bonuses, not being able to play some games, or not being able to sign up at the given casino you have spent time researching.

Finally, this will help you stay on the right side of the law. Some countries prohibit players from their countries from signing up at anything other than state-sanctioned online casinos. While these laws are difficult to enforce, they do exist in some countries.

Take a look at some of the regions listed below. If you're from there, click on the relevant button to see a list of online casinos for real money which accepts you.

Beating the House Edge

Every online casino game has a house edge. This is the casino's built-in advantage and means that it's mathematically guaranteed to make money over a long enough timeline.

In the long run, you honestly can't beat it. It's pure mathematics. Ever heard the saying 'the house always wins'? Well, it does!

However, that doesn't mean you can't win in the short term. If everybody lost at online casinos constantly, it wouldn't be long before people stopped playing at them. The fact is, some people do win real money at casinos.

While the majority of winners will simply double or triple their money and walk away after having had a great time, there are some crazy stories of life-changing wins that enter the realm of the almost unbelievable. If they weren't documented, they might seem like fiction.

A Spin from Heaven

One such example is the story of the biggest online slots jackpot ever won. A British soldier playing Mega Moolah slot won £13,200,000, which shattered all existing records and hasn't been topped since. Best of all, he won it with a £0.25 spin.

That's just one headline story. There are many more, and it's no coincidence that video slots are involved in many of them. If Lady Luck is going to visit you and then change your financial destiny, there's a good chance that this type of huge win will come while playing slots.

These colossal wins aside, we've all heard stories of people winning enough to buy a house while playing poker, paying off debts after a great night at the blackjack tables, or going on a roll while playing roulette and buying something they've always dreamed of afterwards.

Even when these insane wins happen, the casino still makes money because of house edge. The majority of players won't win, and you can be sure that over the long run the casino makes a percentage no matter what.

Not All Games Have the Same Edge

It's important to recognize that house edge is not a fixed number across all games. Different games have different math involved in them, and understanding this can be the key to winning more often.

It's widely accepted that some variants of video poker have the lowest house edge, whereas keno and lottery games have the largest house edge, meaning the worst odds for you as a player.

We'll talk a little later about the odds of various games and their pros and cons. For now, just be aware that not all games are mathematically equal. There are some you have a much higher chance of winning than others, and there are some in which you have a greater degree of control over the outcome as compared to games of pure chance.

Safety and Legality

It's essential to know how to stay safe while gambling online. There are a few potential pitfalls which you may not be aware of if you're not an experienced online gambler.

Luckily, you have us to show you the ropes. Here are some of the things you have to be aware of to gamble safely online.

Risk Associated with Sharing Financial Details

Sharing your credit card, debit card, or bank details with any online merchant carries some degree of risk. If that merchant is untrustworthy, you could find yourself in a world of trouble quickly.

You can immediately find out if a casino site is trustworthy by reading our reviews.

Take the time to look around, and you'll see that we certainly don't recommend every site we review, and we aren't afraid to call out scam casino sites when we discover them.

Financial predators are everywhere online, and sadly the casino industry attracts its fair share of them. Stick with expert-recommended real money online casinos to avoid falling into their clutches.

Predatory Terms and Conditions

There are real money online casinos which aren't direct scams in that there are real games to play and you can win actual money.

However, they can make it extremely difficult for you to get your money out when the time comes to do so, even if it's technically possible. The idea is to make you give up and go away without collecting.

Usually, a site will state in its terms and conditions that withdrawals can be held for no reason, that the casino can drag its feet before paying, or that they can simply void winnings on a whim without justification.

Believe us; we've seen it all in our years of reviewing real money online casinos. This type of casino site preys on the fact that nobody takes the time to read endless pages of legal jargon before registering.

Once again, having experience in dealing with casinos online can solve this problem.

Our experts know exactly where to look in the terms and conditions, and our casino reviews show you all of the deposit and withdrawal methods and any good or bad sides to the terms and conditions of the sites we review. If a site is going to try to screw you, we'll let you know.

Fixed or Pirated Games and Software

As you gain experience in playing at real money online casinos, you get to know more about the software companies that provide the games. In time, you'll know instantly by looking at the range of games whether or not you can trust an online casino.

This can help you avoid the fixed games which are run by some rogue software companies in order to fleece you.

However, it takes a little bit of more time to get to know how to spot pirated versions of legitimate games.

By assessing a real money casino's licenses and looking at some other factors, our experts can instantly tell if the games on a casino site are pirated. By playing the games and assessing them against the published return-to-player figures, we can quickly figure out if they're fixed.

You probably don't have the time to figure this all out for yourself, and by the time you realize the games are fixed, it will likely be too late.

Once again, that's where we come in. It's our job to figure this out, so you don't have to.

The Legal Situation in Your Country

While online casino gambling is a global phenomenon, each country is still sovereign and has its laws and regulations. This can confuse the matter of whether or not it's illegal to gamble online in some places.

You can check out our gambling laws page for the latest and most up-to-date information on the legality of gambling in your country.

You won't only have to contend with the authorities if you get caught, but scam artists know you have no legal recourse when they hustle you out of your hard-earned cash.

After all, if gambling is illegal in your country, you can't exactly go to the police and report that you lost money to a scam artist while gambling on the internet.

Keeping things legal is one of the keys to gambling safely online.

Online Casino Bonus Offers

There are a few different types of real money casino bonuses available to new and existing players. We have an entire page dedicated to explaining the differences between these bonuses. Check it out by clicking the button below:

There are pros and cons to taking casino bonuses. Let's start off by looking at the reasons you might want to take them before turning our attention to why they might not be suitable for you as an individual player.

Whether casino bonuses are right for you depends on what your goals are.

The Positives

You Can Test the Waters Without Risk

It's nice to be able to play the games available in an online casino and to be able to check it out in general without having to make a financial commitment.

While some bonuses do require you to deposit to activate them, there are many which don't. These are known as no-deposit bonuses and are the ideal way to test an online casino without risking your own money.

Once you're sure you can trust the casino site and have decided you would like to play the games, then you can start playing for real money.

Some Bonuses Can Increase Your Chances of Winning

In the casino bonuses and promotions page we linked to above, we explain the concept of wagering or rollover requirements. Bonuses which have these attached make it difficult (without serious luck) for you to withdraw the bonus amount and are designed to allow you to simply test the casino.

However, there are plenty of casino bonuses with no wagering requirements available online these days. If you take these, you'll more than likely be required to make a deposit, but they increase your chances of winning by giving you free spins or free games with no strings attached.

They may only slightly increase your chances of winning, but hey, any increase in the chance of winning is always welcome.

The Negatives

You Can Become a Marketing Target

If the casino figures out that you are a bonus hunter or that you like a particular kind of bonus, they might decide to pitch you regularly.

This can be a good thing if you like taking these offers, but if you sign up at multiple casinos, take the bonus, and don't play, you can expect your email inbox, and sometimes your cell phone, to be bombarded with offers. The more accounts you create, the more intense this will become.

Some unscrupulous casinos will sell your information on to other operators who will pitch you, too. This can become a serious annoyance, and so if you're going to take bonuses with no intention of becoming a real money player, we suggest setting up an email address specifically for that purpose.

Most Bonuses Have Terms Which Favor the House

If a real money casino bonus has rollover or wagering terms, there's a very little chance you'll ever be able to withdraw it or anything you win while playing with it.

You have to remember that bonuses are a promotional and marketing tool. The casino doesn't want to let you play with house money and walk away with the multimillion-dollar jackpot. They also don't want you to take the free casino chips and walk away without playing. That wouldn't be very good business, would it?

Rollover requirements are explained in greater detail on the casino bonuses page linked to above. Basically, they mean you have to bet the bonus cash a number of times before you can withdraw it. For example, if a bonus has 20x wagering requirements, then you need to bet the total amount 20 times before you can withdraw it or anything you win while using it.

Real Money Casino Apps

Mobile casinos have become a huge deal in the past several years. Real money casino apps and mobile casino sites can now boast that they serve the majority of players. This trend will undoubtedly continue for years to come, at least until something comes along to replace mobile devices (chips in the head, perhaps?).

We've written an entire page to help you decide which casino app is right for you. Check it by clicking the button below.

Online Casino Games for Real Money

New players are often bamboozled by the vast range of casino games on offer and how to play and win them.

We've created game-specific pages on each popular real money casino game to show you how to play, how to give yourself the best chance of winning, and what the rules of each game are.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the games listed below. Click any of the buttons, and you'll be transported to a wealth of information on that specific game.

We also cover a bit about each game in the 'which casino game is right for you?' section below.

Playing Free Casino Games to Win Real Money

Is it possible to win real money playing free casino games? The short answer is no.

A casino is a business, and usually, it's a very profitable one. You can't expect a casino to let you play real money games and assume all of that risk without getting anything in return.

It's true that some bonuses will allow you to play real money casino games for free. However, these bonuses will have terms and conditions which favor the casino and make it almost impossible for you to withdraw all that money. See the page about bonuses for further details.

We're telling you straight that if anyone tells you that you can win real money without any risk, they're lying to you. They might be scam artists waiting to empty your wallet, or they may have merely misunderstood a bonus offer they read about online. There is no such thing as a free lunch. That's an old saying for a reason, primarily because it's always correct!

With that said, it is possible to play free casino games to win things like virtual points and virtual money. These can be enjoyed at social casinos, and sometimes the points can be traded in for prizes. Just don't expect to cash out real money jackpots, or you'll be disappointed.

Which Casino Game Is Right for You?

There are lots of great online casino games to choose from. They may be digital variants, but they're not that different from what you would find at a real Vegas casino, or a casino anywhere else, for that matter.

Let's take a look at some of the most popular casino games you might be interested in playing. We'll look at your chances of winning them, how fun they are, and some other things you might want to be aware of.

Hopefully, by the end of this section, you'll have a better idea of which game you would like to play.

Please note that the 'house edge' figures listed below can vary depending on how you play the game, the game variant, and the casino itself.

Baccarat

This is a fun card game with a simple objective – bet on either the player or the banker to get closest to nine, or bet on a tie between the player and banker. If you place a bet on the banker hand to get closest to nine and the banker does so, you win your bet for that hand.

It's fast-paced, fun, and you just bet on the outcome, rather than actively participating.

• If you bet on the player, the house edge is 1.24%
• If you bet on the banker, the baccarat house edge is 1.06%
• If you bet on a tie, the house edge is 14.36%

Don't bet on a tie! Also remember that if you bet on banker and win, the house can take a 5% commission.

Blackjack

This might be the most popular card game in the world. It's a game with some degree of skill involved, and there are professional blackjack players out there. Entire movies and books have been made about this game.

The objective of blackjack is to get a hand totaling 21, or as close to it as possible without exceeding it. You play against the dealer, and whoever has 21 (or the highest hand not exceeding 21 in cases where neither has 21) after all the cards have been dealt wins.

Going by Vegas rules, the house edge is a tiny 0.28%. This will change if you play another variant of blackjack such as Atlantic City rules or Suit ‘Em Up.

The tiny house edge is what makes it possible for some people to make a living playing blackjack.

Keno

This is a fun lotto game, but it's known for having the worst odds in the house. The objective is to pick between one and ten numbers from a pool of 80, and then wait for the draw.

The house edge in keno can be between 25% and 29%, depending on the variant and the casino itself. This game is okay for switching off and having a little fun, but it's highly unlikely you're going to win money playing keno, at least in the long run.

Roulette

This is one of the most fun casino games, period. The objective is to predict where a ball will land on a spinning wheel when it stops.

You can pick a color or a number between 1 and 36 (or the zero) if you want to make basic roulette bets. It's also possible to select clusters of numbers, rows, or entire columns as you gain confidence and learn to understand the game.

• If you're playing American Roulette (Double Zero), the house edge is 5.26%
• If you're playing European Roulette (Single Zero), the house edge is 2.7%

You have a decent chance of winning roulette, but you are guaranteed to have a lot of fun whether you win or lose.

Video Poker

This is a machine-based game based on 5-hand poker. There are many different variants with different pay tables and slightly different rules, but the aim is always to make as valuable a hand as possible according to poker hand ranks. No matter the variant, a Royal Flush will always pay the most.

Covering some popular versions of video poker, you can expect the house edge to be:

• 0.46% when playing Jacks or Better with an optimal strategy.
• 0.71% when playing Deuces Wild with a perfect strategy. In this case, you as the player have the advantage.
• 0.64% when playing Joker Poker with perfect strategy. Once again, you have the advantage here.

If you are patient and want to make money playing casino games, video poker is your best bet. You'll need to develop skill, though, and learn video poker strategy first.

Don't expect to have the advantage when you're new to video poker and don't know what you're doing. Even in these cases, though, the house edge is significantly lower than in most other casino games.

Video Slots

These are probably the most-played casino games online. There are tens of thousands of video slots ranging from simple 3-reel games with no features to 5-reel new slots with bonus rounds, free spins, and progressive jackpots.

They're fun, highly entertaining, and if you're lucky, you can win a fortune playing slots.

The house edge depends on the game in question. It can range from 2% to 15% – that's no small difference! Knowing this, it pays to do your research on which slots have the best RTP.

A Quick Summary Before Moving On

Which casino game is best for you ultimately depends on your goals as an individual player.

If you want to real money playing casino games, then pick the games with the best odds and lowest house edge.

If you just want to have a little fun and relax, then any of the above games will do.

Choosing the Right Real Money Casino

If you already know what games you want to play, then it's time to look at picking an online casino. If you're new to playing casino games, there's a lot more to this than you might initially think. As you'll see, most of the top real money casinos have some things in common.

Consider the following factors before registering at any casino site.

1 – Reviews

Are there reliable, trustworthy casino reviews on the site? If so, what do the experts say?

It pays to pay attention to these reviews. If a casino expert says a site sucks, there's a great chance you'll want to avoid it.

If you were looking for a new car, you would probably talk to someone who knows a thing or two about cars before making a decision, or at least read a few reviews on various models, wouldn't you? The same should go for choosing an online casino. There's more to it than you might think, and reading a review can be a great way to get all the information in one place.

Be suspicious of reviews which are overly positive, though. Sometimes there's an agenda at play. If a review site gives a real money online casino a glowing review, check out some of the other reviews, too.

If they're all overly positive, that could be a warning sign. If the reviewers throw some terrible casinos under the bus, you're probably dealing with an honest casino review site.

2 – Legality

Is this casino operating legally with a valid gaming license?

If so, what jurisdiction is the license from? Believe us when we tell you that not all casino licenses are equal. UK, Malta, Alderney, Gibraltar, Curacao, and Puerto Rico licenses are all respected and are good indicators that a real money casino can be trusted. Others, we don't have that much faith in.

Also, make sure the casino isn't accepting players from your country even if it's illegal to do so. If they're willing to break the law, what makes you think they're going to be honest with you?

3 – Safety

A valid license is one way to make sure you're dealing with the safest real money casinos.

There's more to it than that, though. We advise checking that the website is operating on a secure, encrypted connection. You can do so by looking at the web address. If you see HTTPS:// in front of the domain, you're dealing with a secure casino. If it's just HTTP:// (no 'S'), then the connection might not be protected.

Also look for published game payouts verified by third parties. This is a hugely positive sign, and it means that it's highly likely this is a safe casino site. If the games are verified by eCOGRA, you're in safe hands.

4 – Preferences

It would be a shame to go through the registration process only to find out the casino doesn't offer the types of games you want to play or doesn't offer very many of them.

Make sure the exact games you want to play are offered, make sure the casino accepts the types of bet you want to make regarding size, and check which betting services are provided. For example, some casinos also offer Texas Hold'em poker tournaments or sports betting as additional services, whereas others don't.

We would also suggest taking some time to familiarize yourself with the site. If you like how it 'feels,' that's a great sign. A user-friendly website likely means the operator actually cares about its players and has invested time in figuring out what makes you happy. That's likely to show across the casino as a whole.

5 – Bonuses

First, you'll need to figure out if the online casino offers real money bonuses at all. Most do, but some don't.

After that, you'll need to look into exactly what types of bonuses are offered and their terms and conditions.

Don't just look at the welcome offers, which are always emphasized to attract new players. Look at the ongoing weekly and monthly offers, too. These will give you an insight into what kind of casino you're dealing with.

Also look at the terms and conditions of any bonus offers. Pay attention to minimum deposits and wagering/rollover requirements. If they're excessive (40x or more), think twice about taking the offer.

If you like playing slots on weekends, it makes sense to find a casino which offers free spins on weekends, doesn't it?

6 – Service

Everybody likes to feel like they matter, casino players included. It's essential that a casino has top-notch customer service if you're going to enjoy your experience playing there.

Check the number of customer service options available. Email and live chat are a necessity, but if a real money casino also offers telephone support, that's an excellent sign.

Don't be afraid to test the customer service if you wish. Ask a question or two. You'll soon see how fast the responses are and how helpful (or unhelpful) the customer service agents are.

You know that old saying that goes 'When someone shows you who they are, believe them'? That applies here. If an agent is slow to respond, avoids answering questions directly, or acts in an unhelpful manner, move on.

7 – Banking

You wouldn't believe how many people register at online casinos for real money without considering the most important thing of all – withdrawing your money!

Most casinos will make it as easy as pie for you to deposit, but only the best real money online casinos make it as easy for you to withdraw. Roulette free online.

Look for a roughly equal number of deposit and withdrawal methods, low (or no) fees, and fast withdrawals.

The last thing you want is to be sitting around waiting for weeks to get your money, or worse, never getting it at all!

Feeling Overwhelmed? Don't Worry!

If all of this makes your head spin and you wonder how on earth you're going to go about finding all of this information out, don't worry; we have plenty of top casino reviews where you can find the information all in one place.

We don't want you to think that all real money casino sites are scams out to get you. There are lots of world-class online casinos worth playing at. It's just that you have to wade through a fair deal of not-so-great ones to find them.

Our job is to make that as easy as possible for you. If you see a casino on this site that you like the look of, there will be a full, in-depth review attached.

Other Real Money Sites to Consider

While playing at real money casinos is arguably the most fun way to gamble, there are other ways to have fun gambling and hopefully make a little money in the process.

Betting on sports, playing poker, playing bingo or lotto games, and even betting on financial markets are all possible thanks to the global connectivity the web facilitates.

Why not check out some of the other options? We have sections dedicated to each form of gambling. If you want to know more, click any of the buttons below.

Real Money Online Casinos FAQ

Q. Will I need casino bonus codes to claim the bonuses offered by online casinos?

A. In most cases, you won't need a casino bonus code, but where one is required, the casino will make it abundantly clear before you register.

Sometimes casinos run temporary promotions which do require bonus codes. In these cases, the codes are often emailed directly to you or are listed in the terms and conditions of the offer. If in doubt, ask the customer service agents.

Q. Do real people win the slots jackpots, or are they fixed?

A. Real people most definitely win slots jackpots from time to time. Big slots software companies like NetEnt, Microgaming, and IGT are independently audited, and random number generators control the games. There is no possible way that these games could be fixed.

It's unlikely that you'll become a millionaire playing slots, but you never know! Many more people win hundreds or thousands, and you never hear about them. This is a far more likely outcome.

Q. Is it illegal to gamble online as an American player?

A. This is somewhat of a grey area. The relevant regulations (UIGEA – 2006) make it illegal for financial institutions to facilitate real money gambling online, or for casinos to accept deposits from US-based players.

That does not make it illegal for you to gamble online. There are still many casinos which do accept deposits from US players.

Don't worry; nobody wearing a S.W.A.T. vest with a machine gun is going to come through your door and shoot your dog before arresting you just because you played a little blackjack online.

Q. Are there any real money casinos which accept Bitcoin?

A. There are indeed. In fact, the number of casinos accepting Bitcoin is growing by the day. You could say Bitcoin is trending in the online casino world. It's becoming a hugely popular way to make deposits and withdrawals quickly and safely.

If you're looking for a Bitcoin casino, we have reviews on several. Feel free to check out our real money Bitcoin gambling sites page.

Q. What's the number-one sign that a casino is a scam site?

A. Having no valid gaming license is a big warning sign. Having had a permit in the past, but having had it stripped for some reason is even worse.

We don't recommend casinos to you which don't have valid and legal gaming licenses. Without them, it's the Wild Wild West, and casino operators can do whatever they want without fear of repercussions.

Let's start this page with the most important piece – where to find the best
games to play for free. In most cases, a real money casino site will offer the
same catalog of games for play chips, while there are also some sites that only
offer the games for free. Depending on what your long-term plan is for playing
casino games online, you may prefer one or the other type of site.

For us, it makes sense to try out the games for free that you can also play for real money,
so for this list, we have compiled some of the best sites that offer free play
versions of their real money games. Here, you will find sites that we think
combine the best software with the best overall player experience, and if you
decide to continue on with the site to play for real cash, we think these also
offer the best value for your deposits.

While GamblingSites.org is focused on finding the best real money experiences
for our online gambling community, we cannot overlook the sheer number of free
games being played every day. There is a whole group of players who use these
free games for various purposes, but also there are many players who simply
don't play real money casino games for one reason or another.

We think that no matter if you are playing the games for free or real money,
your experience should still matter, so our team of experts want to give you an
overview of the free casino games market. This page is dedicated to everything
that matters in the free games side of the industry – the best places to play,
the reasons why people play for free, and how best to transition from a free
version of a game to be a real money player.

Reasons People Play Free Casino Games

Many of you who are still reading are likely those who play free casino
games, but we also imagine there are some of you who are wondering why anyone
would play without gambling in the first place. There are many reasons why
players turn to the free games they can find online, so let's take a look at a
few of the most common reasons for this behavior.

Learning a New Game

Let's face it – some casino games are confusing and intimidating the first
time you see them. This can be true even for the seasoned gambler – the first
time many of us walked up to a craps or baccarat table, it was with trepidation,
and it seemed like the game was taking place in a different language.

With the advent of online gambling, the ability to play all the games for
free became very cost-effective. In a land-based casino, there may be a short
teaching clinic on a game in an off-peak hour, but operators aren't going to run
a free game in primetime when they want you to play for real money. Online,
there are only incremental costs to having a free version of the game, and sites
can track your play, so they know which games you are trying.

Free versions of new games allow players to try the game out without any risk
of embarrassment, but also without any risk of losing money. From the comfort
and privacy of your own home, you can log into a free game and give it a try
without worrying about completely understanding the game or ruining someone
else's experience.

Entertainment

Some people like to be entertained without having to gamble to do so. Some of
the slots games we have seen have such rich graphics and storylines that you can
understand why the amount of money you win isn't really that important. While
many of us who have played casino games in the past can't quite grasp this, the
emergence of the social casino showed that winning money wasn't the end goal of
many players who sit down at a slot machine.

Practice Strategy

While many of you have played some real money casino games, you may not
realize how much strategy is involved in particular games. From the different
books that have been written on craps to the different betting patterns for
video poker, how you play a game can have a direct impact on your odds of
winning.

We have a full casino strategy section which covers all the basic to advanced
strategies for each game – if you are interested in trying out a new game or
simply a new strategy for a game you already play, we encourage you to read this
section, then try out one of the free versions of a game.

Bankroll Restrictions

It is also important to remember that while all this cash is being thrown
around at slot machines and table games, there are many people who simply cannot
afford to play games for real money. For these players, it could be a case of
waiting for a time when they are more flush with cash to get into the real money
section of a site, but they still want to feel the rush of the cards dealing or
the reels spinning.

While we always recommend that players use caution when it comes to bankroll
management and playing within your means, playing for free can oftentimes
replace most of the enjoyment of the casino games while you are working to be in
a better financial position to play the games you love.

Moving from Free to Real Money

We already discussed the fact that many players have no intention of ever
making a deposit or playing casino games for real money when they start playing
for play chips. However, many players feel that after playing for free for a
period of time, they are ready to take the next step.

We think there is a natural progression that works for many players who may
not want to or aren't able to make a big deposit but want the chance to win some
real money. Here are some alternatives for those of you who are ready to take
the first step from play chips to the real money tables.

Free Games for Prizes

Many sites offer free games on their sites that reward players with real
money as prizes. These games may require some effort to find, but our team of
casino reviewers is always on the hunt for new no-cost promotions that our
players can take advantage of. These are typically free tournament events where
you play a game like blackjack, poker, or slots without a real money buy-in and
can win cash into your account.

Typically, when a site offers these free games, the money that is won comes
with some restrictions.

First, many sites require you to play through the money
a certain number of times before you are able to cash it out (seems fair
considering you didn't pay anything to earn money in the first place). We look
for sites that have the lowest wagering requirements of any of these winnings.
Also, you may have a maximum amount placed on cashing out any money derived from
winnings – this is something sites do to prevent players from taking too much
from them without having made a deposit. In either case, you can still end up
with real money in your account without having to make a deposit.

No-Deposit Welcome Bonuses

When you read our casino reviews, you will find a full section of each page
dedicated to the promotions that a site offers players. We give extra credit to
sites that offer players a chance to play at real money games without having to
make a deposit. While some sites offer free tournaments as we described above,
not every site will follow that routine. Some sites will offer you a bonus just
for creating an account.

These bonuses typically come in the form of free spins or free chips. In both
cases, there will be wagering requirements before you can consider any winnings
to be real cash. However, this gives you a chance to try out a site and its
games before committing to making your first deposit. Whenever we find a site
that offers these no-deposit offers, we always recommend them to our readers –
why not take the chance just for filling out some information?

Micro Stakes Games

One of the benefits of playing at an online casino and a major differentiator
between online and land-based operations is the fact that you can play casino
games for very small stakes. In many cases, you can sit down at a blackjack
table and bet $1 or less on each hand. Add in the penny slots, and there are
many ways to start building your bankroll without having made a large deposit.

When you choose to play at a micro-stakes game, you need to remember that
your balance will not grow in large sums. This is a game of patience – sticking
to your strategy and thinking about your bets as units, not as dollar amounts.
Those who remain vigilant will slowly see their balances grow, and when the time
is right, you can move up to the next stakes level. Our beginner casino strategy
guide reviews all of this, and it is well worth the read if you are planning to
start your real money casino journey in this manner.

Financial predators are everywhere online, and sadly the casino industry attracts its fair share of them. Stick with expert-recommended real money online casinos to avoid falling into their clutches.

Predatory Terms and Conditions

There are real money online casinos which aren't direct scams in that there are real games to play and you can win actual money.

However, they can make it extremely difficult for you to get your money out when the time comes to do so, even if it's technically possible. The idea is to make you give up and go away without collecting.

Usually, a site will state in its terms and conditions that withdrawals can be held for no reason, that the casino can drag its feet before paying, or that they can simply void winnings on a whim without justification.

Believe us; we've seen it all in our years of reviewing real money online casinos. This type of casino site preys on the fact that nobody takes the time to read endless pages of legal jargon before registering.

Once again, having experience in dealing with casinos online can solve this problem.

Our experts know exactly where to look in the terms and conditions, and our casino reviews show you all of the deposit and withdrawal methods and any good or bad sides to the terms and conditions of the sites we review. If a site is going to try to screw you, we'll let you know.

Fixed or Pirated Games and Software

As you gain experience in playing at real money online casinos, you get to know more about the software companies that provide the games. In time, you'll know instantly by looking at the range of games whether or not you can trust an online casino.

This can help you avoid the fixed games which are run by some rogue software companies in order to fleece you.

However, it takes a little bit of more time to get to know how to spot pirated versions of legitimate games.

By assessing a real money casino's licenses and looking at some other factors, our experts can instantly tell if the games on a casino site are pirated. By playing the games and assessing them against the published return-to-player figures, we can quickly figure out if they're fixed.

You probably don't have the time to figure this all out for yourself, and by the time you realize the games are fixed, it will likely be too late.

Once again, that's where we come in. It's our job to figure this out, so you don't have to.

The Legal Situation in Your Country

While online casino gambling is a global phenomenon, each country is still sovereign and has its laws and regulations. This can confuse the matter of whether or not it's illegal to gamble online in some places.

You can check out our gambling laws page for the latest and most up-to-date information on the legality of gambling in your country.

You won't only have to contend with the authorities if you get caught, but scam artists know you have no legal recourse when they hustle you out of your hard-earned cash.

After all, if gambling is illegal in your country, you can't exactly go to the police and report that you lost money to a scam artist while gambling on the internet.

Keeping things legal is one of the keys to gambling safely online.

Online Casino Bonus Offers

There are a few different types of real money casino bonuses available to new and existing players. We have an entire page dedicated to explaining the differences between these bonuses. Check it out by clicking the button below:

There are pros and cons to taking casino bonuses. Let's start off by looking at the reasons you might want to take them before turning our attention to why they might not be suitable for you as an individual player.

Whether casino bonuses are right for you depends on what your goals are.

The Positives

You Can Test the Waters Without Risk

It's nice to be able to play the games available in an online casino and to be able to check it out in general without having to make a financial commitment.

While some bonuses do require you to deposit to activate them, there are many which don't. These are known as no-deposit bonuses and are the ideal way to test an online casino without risking your own money.

Once you're sure you can trust the casino site and have decided you would like to play the games, then you can start playing for real money.

Some Bonuses Can Increase Your Chances of Winning

In the casino bonuses and promotions page we linked to above, we explain the concept of wagering or rollover requirements. Bonuses which have these attached make it difficult (without serious luck) for you to withdraw the bonus amount and are designed to allow you to simply test the casino.

However, there are plenty of casino bonuses with no wagering requirements available online these days. If you take these, you'll more than likely be required to make a deposit, but they increase your chances of winning by giving you free spins or free games with no strings attached.

They may only slightly increase your chances of winning, but hey, any increase in the chance of winning is always welcome.

The Negatives

You Can Become a Marketing Target

If the casino figures out that you are a bonus hunter or that you like a particular kind of bonus, they might decide to pitch you regularly.

This can be a good thing if you like taking these offers, but if you sign up at multiple casinos, take the bonus, and don't play, you can expect your email inbox, and sometimes your cell phone, to be bombarded with offers. The more accounts you create, the more intense this will become.

Some unscrupulous casinos will sell your information on to other operators who will pitch you, too. This can become a serious annoyance, and so if you're going to take bonuses with no intention of becoming a real money player, we suggest setting up an email address specifically for that purpose.

Most Bonuses Have Terms Which Favor the House

If a real money casino bonus has rollover or wagering terms, there's a very little chance you'll ever be able to withdraw it or anything you win while playing with it.

You have to remember that bonuses are a promotional and marketing tool. The casino doesn't want to let you play with house money and walk away with the multimillion-dollar jackpot. They also don't want you to take the free casino chips and walk away without playing. That wouldn't be very good business, would it?

Rollover requirements are explained in greater detail on the casino bonuses page linked to above. Basically, they mean you have to bet the bonus cash a number of times before you can withdraw it. For example, if a bonus has 20x wagering requirements, then you need to bet the total amount 20 times before you can withdraw it or anything you win while using it.

Real Money Casino Apps

Mobile casinos have become a huge deal in the past several years. Real money casino apps and mobile casino sites can now boast that they serve the majority of players. This trend will undoubtedly continue for years to come, at least until something comes along to replace mobile devices (chips in the head, perhaps?).

We've written an entire page to help you decide which casino app is right for you. Check it by clicking the button below.

Online Casino Games for Real Money

New players are often bamboozled by the vast range of casino games on offer and how to play and win them.

We've created game-specific pages on each popular real money casino game to show you how to play, how to give yourself the best chance of winning, and what the rules of each game are.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the games listed below. Click any of the buttons, and you'll be transported to a wealth of information on that specific game.

We also cover a bit about each game in the 'which casino game is right for you?' section below.

Playing Free Casino Games to Win Real Money

Is it possible to win real money playing free casino games? The short answer is no.

A casino is a business, and usually, it's a very profitable one. You can't expect a casino to let you play real money games and assume all of that risk without getting anything in return.

It's true that some bonuses will allow you to play real money casino games for free. However, these bonuses will have terms and conditions which favor the casino and make it almost impossible for you to withdraw all that money. See the page about bonuses for further details.

We're telling you straight that if anyone tells you that you can win real money without any risk, they're lying to you. They might be scam artists waiting to empty your wallet, or they may have merely misunderstood a bonus offer they read about online. There is no such thing as a free lunch. That's an old saying for a reason, primarily because it's always correct!

With that said, it is possible to play free casino games to win things like virtual points and virtual money. These can be enjoyed at social casinos, and sometimes the points can be traded in for prizes. Just don't expect to cash out real money jackpots, or you'll be disappointed.

Which Casino Game Is Right for You?

There are lots of great online casino games to choose from. They may be digital variants, but they're not that different from what you would find at a real Vegas casino, or a casino anywhere else, for that matter.

Let's take a look at some of the most popular casino games you might be interested in playing. We'll look at your chances of winning them, how fun they are, and some other things you might want to be aware of.

Hopefully, by the end of this section, you'll have a better idea of which game you would like to play.

Please note that the 'house edge' figures listed below can vary depending on how you play the game, the game variant, and the casino itself.

Baccarat

This is a fun card game with a simple objective – bet on either the player or the banker to get closest to nine, or bet on a tie between the player and banker. If you place a bet on the banker hand to get closest to nine and the banker does so, you win your bet for that hand.

It's fast-paced, fun, and you just bet on the outcome, rather than actively participating.

• If you bet on the player, the house edge is 1.24%
• If you bet on the banker, the baccarat house edge is 1.06%
• If you bet on a tie, the house edge is 14.36%

Don't bet on a tie! Also remember that if you bet on banker and win, the house can take a 5% commission.

Blackjack

This might be the most popular card game in the world. It's a game with some degree of skill involved, and there are professional blackjack players out there. Entire movies and books have been made about this game.

The objective of blackjack is to get a hand totaling 21, or as close to it as possible without exceeding it. You play against the dealer, and whoever has 21 (or the highest hand not exceeding 21 in cases where neither has 21) after all the cards have been dealt wins.

Going by Vegas rules, the house edge is a tiny 0.28%. This will change if you play another variant of blackjack such as Atlantic City rules or Suit ‘Em Up.

The tiny house edge is what makes it possible for some people to make a living playing blackjack.

Keno

This is a fun lotto game, but it's known for having the worst odds in the house. The objective is to pick between one and ten numbers from a pool of 80, and then wait for the draw.

The house edge in keno can be between 25% and 29%, depending on the variant and the casino itself. This game is okay for switching off and having a little fun, but it's highly unlikely you're going to win money playing keno, at least in the long run.

Roulette

This is one of the most fun casino games, period. The objective is to predict where a ball will land on a spinning wheel when it stops.

You can pick a color or a number between 1 and 36 (or the zero) if you want to make basic roulette bets. It's also possible to select clusters of numbers, rows, or entire columns as you gain confidence and learn to understand the game.

• If you're playing American Roulette (Double Zero), the house edge is 5.26%
• If you're playing European Roulette (Single Zero), the house edge is 2.7%

You have a decent chance of winning roulette, but you are guaranteed to have a lot of fun whether you win or lose.

Video Poker

This is a machine-based game based on 5-hand poker. There are many different variants with different pay tables and slightly different rules, but the aim is always to make as valuable a hand as possible according to poker hand ranks. No matter the variant, a Royal Flush will always pay the most.

Covering some popular versions of video poker, you can expect the house edge to be:

• 0.46% when playing Jacks or Better with an optimal strategy.
• 0.71% when playing Deuces Wild with a perfect strategy. In this case, you as the player have the advantage.
• 0.64% when playing Joker Poker with perfect strategy. Once again, you have the advantage here.

If you are patient and want to make money playing casino games, video poker is your best bet. You'll need to develop skill, though, and learn video poker strategy first.

Don't expect to have the advantage when you're new to video poker and don't know what you're doing. Even in these cases, though, the house edge is significantly lower than in most other casino games.

Video Slots

These are probably the most-played casino games online. There are tens of thousands of video slots ranging from simple 3-reel games with no features to 5-reel new slots with bonus rounds, free spins, and progressive jackpots.

They're fun, highly entertaining, and if you're lucky, you can win a fortune playing slots.

The house edge depends on the game in question. It can range from 2% to 15% – that's no small difference! Knowing this, it pays to do your research on which slots have the best RTP.

A Quick Summary Before Moving On

Which casino game is best for you ultimately depends on your goals as an individual player.

If you want to real money playing casino games, then pick the games with the best odds and lowest house edge.

If you just want to have a little fun and relax, then any of the above games will do.

Choosing the Right Real Money Casino

If you already know what games you want to play, then it's time to look at picking an online casino. If you're new to playing casino games, there's a lot more to this than you might initially think. As you'll see, most of the top real money casinos have some things in common.

Consider the following factors before registering at any casino site.

1 – Reviews

Are there reliable, trustworthy casino reviews on the site? If so, what do the experts say?

It pays to pay attention to these reviews. If a casino expert says a site sucks, there's a great chance you'll want to avoid it.

If you were looking for a new car, you would probably talk to someone who knows a thing or two about cars before making a decision, or at least read a few reviews on various models, wouldn't you? The same should go for choosing an online casino. There's more to it than you might think, and reading a review can be a great way to get all the information in one place.

Be suspicious of reviews which are overly positive, though. Sometimes there's an agenda at play. If a review site gives a real money online casino a glowing review, check out some of the other reviews, too.

If they're all overly positive, that could be a warning sign. If the reviewers throw some terrible casinos under the bus, you're probably dealing with an honest casino review site.

2 – Legality

Is this casino operating legally with a valid gaming license?

If so, what jurisdiction is the license from? Believe us when we tell you that not all casino licenses are equal. UK, Malta, Alderney, Gibraltar, Curacao, and Puerto Rico licenses are all respected and are good indicators that a real money casino can be trusted. Others, we don't have that much faith in.

Also, make sure the casino isn't accepting players from your country even if it's illegal to do so. If they're willing to break the law, what makes you think they're going to be honest with you?

3 – Safety

A valid license is one way to make sure you're dealing with the safest real money casinos.

There's more to it than that, though. We advise checking that the website is operating on a secure, encrypted connection. You can do so by looking at the web address. If you see HTTPS:// in front of the domain, you're dealing with a secure casino. If it's just HTTP:// (no 'S'), then the connection might not be protected.

Also look for published game payouts verified by third parties. This is a hugely positive sign, and it means that it's highly likely this is a safe casino site. If the games are verified by eCOGRA, you're in safe hands.

4 – Preferences

It would be a shame to go through the registration process only to find out the casino doesn't offer the types of games you want to play or doesn't offer very many of them.

Make sure the exact games you want to play are offered, make sure the casino accepts the types of bet you want to make regarding size, and check which betting services are provided. For example, some casinos also offer Texas Hold'em poker tournaments or sports betting as additional services, whereas others don't.

We would also suggest taking some time to familiarize yourself with the site. If you like how it 'feels,' that's a great sign. A user-friendly website likely means the operator actually cares about its players and has invested time in figuring out what makes you happy. That's likely to show across the casino as a whole.

5 – Bonuses

First, you'll need to figure out if the online casino offers real money bonuses at all. Most do, but some don't.

After that, you'll need to look into exactly what types of bonuses are offered and their terms and conditions.

Don't just look at the welcome offers, which are always emphasized to attract new players. Look at the ongoing weekly and monthly offers, too. These will give you an insight into what kind of casino you're dealing with.

Also look at the terms and conditions of any bonus offers. Pay attention to minimum deposits and wagering/rollover requirements. If they're excessive (40x or more), think twice about taking the offer.

If you like playing slots on weekends, it makes sense to find a casino which offers free spins on weekends, doesn't it?

6 – Service

Everybody likes to feel like they matter, casino players included. It's essential that a casino has top-notch customer service if you're going to enjoy your experience playing there.

Check the number of customer service options available. Email and live chat are a necessity, but if a real money casino also offers telephone support, that's an excellent sign.

Don't be afraid to test the customer service if you wish. Ask a question or two. You'll soon see how fast the responses are and how helpful (or unhelpful) the customer service agents are.

You know that old saying that goes 'When someone shows you who they are, believe them'? That applies here. If an agent is slow to respond, avoids answering questions directly, or acts in an unhelpful manner, move on.

7 – Banking

You wouldn't believe how many people register at online casinos for real money without considering the most important thing of all – withdrawing your money!

Most casinos will make it as easy as pie for you to deposit, but only the best real money online casinos make it as easy for you to withdraw. Roulette free online.

Look for a roughly equal number of deposit and withdrawal methods, low (or no) fees, and fast withdrawals.

The last thing you want is to be sitting around waiting for weeks to get your money, or worse, never getting it at all!

Feeling Overwhelmed? Don't Worry!

If all of this makes your head spin and you wonder how on earth you're going to go about finding all of this information out, don't worry; we have plenty of top casino reviews where you can find the information all in one place.

We don't want you to think that all real money casino sites are scams out to get you. There are lots of world-class online casinos worth playing at. It's just that you have to wade through a fair deal of not-so-great ones to find them.

Our job is to make that as easy as possible for you. If you see a casino on this site that you like the look of, there will be a full, in-depth review attached.

Other Real Money Sites to Consider

While playing at real money casinos is arguably the most fun way to gamble, there are other ways to have fun gambling and hopefully make a little money in the process.

Betting on sports, playing poker, playing bingo or lotto games, and even betting on financial markets are all possible thanks to the global connectivity the web facilitates.

Why not check out some of the other options? We have sections dedicated to each form of gambling. If you want to know more, click any of the buttons below.

Real Money Online Casinos FAQ

Q. Will I need casino bonus codes to claim the bonuses offered by online casinos?

A. In most cases, you won't need a casino bonus code, but where one is required, the casino will make it abundantly clear before you register.

Sometimes casinos run temporary promotions which do require bonus codes. In these cases, the codes are often emailed directly to you or are listed in the terms and conditions of the offer. If in doubt, ask the customer service agents.

Q. Do real people win the slots jackpots, or are they fixed?

A. Real people most definitely win slots jackpots from time to time. Big slots software companies like NetEnt, Microgaming, and IGT are independently audited, and random number generators control the games. There is no possible way that these games could be fixed.

It's unlikely that you'll become a millionaire playing slots, but you never know! Many more people win hundreds or thousands, and you never hear about them. This is a far more likely outcome.

Q. Is it illegal to gamble online as an American player?

A. This is somewhat of a grey area. The relevant regulations (UIGEA – 2006) make it illegal for financial institutions to facilitate real money gambling online, or for casinos to accept deposits from US-based players.

That does not make it illegal for you to gamble online. There are still many casinos which do accept deposits from US players.

Don't worry; nobody wearing a S.W.A.T. vest with a machine gun is going to come through your door and shoot your dog before arresting you just because you played a little blackjack online.

Q. Are there any real money casinos which accept Bitcoin?

A. There are indeed. In fact, the number of casinos accepting Bitcoin is growing by the day. You could say Bitcoin is trending in the online casino world. It's becoming a hugely popular way to make deposits and withdrawals quickly and safely.

If you're looking for a Bitcoin casino, we have reviews on several. Feel free to check out our real money Bitcoin gambling sites page.

Q. What's the number-one sign that a casino is a scam site?

A. Having no valid gaming license is a big warning sign. Having had a permit in the past, but having had it stripped for some reason is even worse.

We don't recommend casinos to you which don't have valid and legal gaming licenses. Without them, it's the Wild Wild West, and casino operators can do whatever they want without fear of repercussions.

Let's start this page with the most important piece – where to find the best
games to play for free. In most cases, a real money casino site will offer the
same catalog of games for play chips, while there are also some sites that only
offer the games for free. Depending on what your long-term plan is for playing
casino games online, you may prefer one or the other type of site.

For us, it makes sense to try out the games for free that you can also play for real money,
so for this list, we have compiled some of the best sites that offer free play
versions of their real money games. Here, you will find sites that we think
combine the best software with the best overall player experience, and if you
decide to continue on with the site to play for real cash, we think these also
offer the best value for your deposits.

While GamblingSites.org is focused on finding the best real money experiences
for our online gambling community, we cannot overlook the sheer number of free
games being played every day. There is a whole group of players who use these
free games for various purposes, but also there are many players who simply
don't play real money casino games for one reason or another.

We think that no matter if you are playing the games for free or real money,
your experience should still matter, so our team of experts want to give you an
overview of the free casino games market. This page is dedicated to everything
that matters in the free games side of the industry – the best places to play,
the reasons why people play for free, and how best to transition from a free
version of a game to be a real money player.

Reasons People Play Free Casino Games

Many of you who are still reading are likely those who play free casino
games, but we also imagine there are some of you who are wondering why anyone
would play without gambling in the first place. There are many reasons why
players turn to the free games they can find online, so let's take a look at a
few of the most common reasons for this behavior.

Learning a New Game

Let's face it – some casino games are confusing and intimidating the first
time you see them. This can be true even for the seasoned gambler – the first
time many of us walked up to a craps or baccarat table, it was with trepidation,
and it seemed like the game was taking place in a different language.

With the advent of online gambling, the ability to play all the games for
free became very cost-effective. In a land-based casino, there may be a short
teaching clinic on a game in an off-peak hour, but operators aren't going to run
a free game in primetime when they want you to play for real money. Online,
there are only incremental costs to having a free version of the game, and sites
can track your play, so they know which games you are trying.

Free versions of new games allow players to try the game out without any risk
of embarrassment, but also without any risk of losing money. From the comfort
and privacy of your own home, you can log into a free game and give it a try
without worrying about completely understanding the game or ruining someone
else's experience.

Entertainment

Some people like to be entertained without having to gamble to do so. Some of
the slots games we have seen have such rich graphics and storylines that you can
understand why the amount of money you win isn't really that important. While
many of us who have played casino games in the past can't quite grasp this, the
emergence of the social casino showed that winning money wasn't the end goal of
many players who sit down at a slot machine.

Practice Strategy

While many of you have played some real money casino games, you may not
realize how much strategy is involved in particular games. From the different
books that have been written on craps to the different betting patterns for
video poker, how you play a game can have a direct impact on your odds of
winning.

We have a full casino strategy section which covers all the basic to advanced
strategies for each game – if you are interested in trying out a new game or
simply a new strategy for a game you already play, we encourage you to read this
section, then try out one of the free versions of a game.

Bankroll Restrictions

It is also important to remember that while all this cash is being thrown
around at slot machines and table games, there are many people who simply cannot
afford to play games for real money. For these players, it could be a case of
waiting for a time when they are more flush with cash to get into the real money
section of a site, but they still want to feel the rush of the cards dealing or
the reels spinning.

While we always recommend that players use caution when it comes to bankroll
management and playing within your means, playing for free can oftentimes
replace most of the enjoyment of the casino games while you are working to be in
a better financial position to play the games you love.

Moving from Free to Real Money

We already discussed the fact that many players have no intention of ever
making a deposit or playing casino games for real money when they start playing
for play chips. However, many players feel that after playing for free for a
period of time, they are ready to take the next step.

We think there is a natural progression that works for many players who may
not want to or aren't able to make a big deposit but want the chance to win some
real money. Here are some alternatives for those of you who are ready to take
the first step from play chips to the real money tables.

Free Games for Prizes

Many sites offer free games on their sites that reward players with real
money as prizes. These games may require some effort to find, but our team of
casino reviewers is always on the hunt for new no-cost promotions that our
players can take advantage of. These are typically free tournament events where
you play a game like blackjack, poker, or slots without a real money buy-in and
can win cash into your account.

Typically, when a site offers these free games, the money that is won comes
with some restrictions.

First, many sites require you to play through the money
a certain number of times before you are able to cash it out (seems fair
considering you didn't pay anything to earn money in the first place). We look
for sites that have the lowest wagering requirements of any of these winnings.
Also, you may have a maximum amount placed on cashing out any money derived from
winnings – this is something sites do to prevent players from taking too much
from them without having made a deposit. In either case, you can still end up
with real money in your account without having to make a deposit.

No-Deposit Welcome Bonuses

When you read our casino reviews, you will find a full section of each page
dedicated to the promotions that a site offers players. We give extra credit to
sites that offer players a chance to play at real money games without having to
make a deposit. While some sites offer free tournaments as we described above,
not every site will follow that routine. Some sites will offer you a bonus just
for creating an account.

These bonuses typically come in the form of free spins or free chips. In both
cases, there will be wagering requirements before you can consider any winnings
to be real cash. However, this gives you a chance to try out a site and its
games before committing to making your first deposit. Whenever we find a site
that offers these no-deposit offers, we always recommend them to our readers –
why not take the chance just for filling out some information?

Micro Stakes Games

One of the benefits of playing at an online casino and a major differentiator
between online and land-based operations is the fact that you can play casino
games for very small stakes. In many cases, you can sit down at a blackjack
table and bet $1 or less on each hand. Add in the penny slots, and there are
many ways to start building your bankroll without having made a large deposit.

When you choose to play at a micro-stakes game, you need to remember that
your balance will not grow in large sums. This is a game of patience – sticking
to your strategy and thinking about your bets as units, not as dollar amounts.
Those who remain vigilant will slowly see their balances grow, and when the time
is right, you can move up to the next stakes level. Our beginner casino strategy
guide reviews all of this, and it is well worth the read if you are planning to
start your real money casino journey in this manner.

Conclusion

Csgo Gambling Sites With Free Money

As you can see, the free games element of online casinos is not a blip on the
screen. These games provide entertainment to many players while providing the
stepping stones that others need to make their way into real money wagering.
Whether you are someone who is more concerned about the entertainment factor
that casinos games provide than winning money or you are trying to figure out
how to play a game you haven't tried before, free games can give you exactly
what you are looking for from an online gambling site. We encourage you as
always to play within your means and make sure you are comfortable with a game
before you play it for real money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Games Exactly the Same for Free as for Real Money?

If you are playing the free games and real money games at the same casino,
then they are the same in either case. The software is built to be played
according to math models, which should not be different when a casino offers the
games in both play money and real money options. Sites that are licensed by
gaming jurisdictions like the UK and Malta are subject to software reviews on a
regular basis. During these reviews, independent auditors check the math to
confirm the games are being played according to the proper rules and odds.

How Do Social Casino Games Fit Into This?

Social casinos burst onto the scene in the mid-2000s, and many of us in the
online gambling industry didn't know what to expect. We had seen lots of free
games since the inception of internet casinos, so how would these be any
different? It is safe to say that most people focused on the real money side of
the business could never have expected that players would be willing to pay real
money for casino chips they could never convert back into cash! Social casinos
base their play on entertainment and achievement rather than winning actual
money.

I Have Been Winning a Lot in Free Games – Should I Expect the Same for Real Money?

A lot of players will contact us very upset that their win rate dropped when
they moved from free casino games to those involving real money. Often times
people question whether the software is rigged (it isn't) or if it is just
easier to play free games. The truth is, most players play with less pressure
when playing games for play chips, and this means being more aggressive or
betting larger amounts. When you play free games, you should be playing with the
same strategy and intent that you would if the chips were real – then you might
find the winning percentages to be more realistic.

I Played a Free Game and Won Real Chips. Why Can't I Cash Them Out?

Online Gambling Sites Free Money

As we discussed above, all sites have their own policies on how free games
and the winnings from these activities are dealt with. Most sites don't want you
to just walk away with the money you won for free, so they will either put a
wagering requirement or a maximum withdrawal amount from free money in place.
Some sites may only require you to have made a deposit in order to convert those
funds, but you should also be wary of any withdrawal restrictions. Casinos
aren't in the business of just giving away money, but with some care and focus
on the terms and conditions a site displays, you can still turn your free game
play into real cash in your pocket.