When it comes to online gambling, they say you have to be in it to win it. But what if “it” doesn’t actually constitute a monetary prize?
Believe it or not, free online slots are actually a lot more popular than you might think. And no, we’re not talking about free slot apps where you pay for tokens but win nothing – that’s a scam in our book.
We are talking about free to play slot machines where you get given virtual money to try it. You still don’t win real money, but you don’t lose any either.
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Many operators offer free casino slot games as a promotion, or to reel you in (pun intended!) to play more games later on. Here’s some of the reasons why you might jump into these free slots waters.
Why you should try free slots to play for fun
If you’ve ever tried online slots, you’ll get that there’s so much more to them than just money in the bank.
Today’s online slots have high-definition graphics, mobile playability and even gamification, making those bonus rounds that much more exciting.
It’s not just about hitting a button and watching them spin – there’s a whole world of options.
For the beginners
With that in mind, free casino slots are great if you’re just starting out. There are a lot of things to learn, from what the different bonus symbols mean to stats like Return to Player rate.
Then there’s the low volatility versus the high volatility slot. You don’t want to stumble onto a high variance slot and accidentally blow your money before you’ve even started!
Free slots give you a chance to hone your skills and understand the basic principles before you go making bets.
Some operators may give you free rounds before you commit to adding money to your online wallet, so that’s also an option – it’s called a casino free spins bonus. They come with T&Cs so read carefully.
You might find our FAQ onWhat are casino free spins bonuses? helpful.
Related: Beginners guide to playing slots online
For the new slot games
At LuckyMobileSlots, we’re always bringing you the latest slots releases from the big wide world of online slots. With so many being released, sometimes it’s hard to keep up.
If you can’t distinguish your shamrocks from your scarab beetles, a free round of online slots might be just what you need to get used to a game.
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Here you can learn just what kind of slot multipliers are available (though there’s not a lot to be won from X times £0.00!) and put this into practice when you’re ready to play with real money.
If you’re moving from low variance to high variance slots, this is also a great way to hone your strategy.
Low variance slots tend to give you lots of small, frequent prizes. Higher variance slots have a greater degree of strategy – you’ll probably have to be in it for the long haul if you want to win those bigger jackpots.
Playing the long game is great if you have the right mentality and budget. It requires confidence, positivity and some more advanced slot strategies.
For when you’re done with your budget
If you’re more of a seasoned slot player, chances are you know how to handle your limits.
Regular players would be wise to follow the recommendations of the operators themselves – to impose limits not just on cash, but on time. This could be a set amount of cash per day or week, or a set number of hours per day.
Let’s say you’ve exceeded your budget a little faster than you have your time limit. If you’re just after that quick rush, free slots are a great way to keep the fun going.
Set yourself a reminder for when you can play with real cash again. You’ll keep the thrills alive while gambling responsibly, and may even learn a few new games in the process!
For a simple bit of fun
Perhaps you’re not in it to win big, or you simply don’t have the budget to commit to X amount of online playing time.
That doesn’t mean slots can’t be fun! You can still reap the thrills of the bonus rounds and marvel at the symbols, without spending a single penny.
Online slot games were designed to be, first and foremost, fun. So if you want to pass the time, whether you’re commuting or just kicking back after a long day, a free slot is a great way to unwind.
Free slots or free spins?
If you are looking to play for free, don’t forget it’s important to distinguish between free slots and free spins. Truly free slot machines will not ask for any kind of deposit.
In the UK, you’ll have to log into the casino to play free slots. Some casinos, such as Grand Mondial casino, won’t let you play free slots, regardless of where you live. It’s worth reading some good casino reviews to make sure the casino has what you offer.
On the other hand, free spins bonuses are usually part of a promotion which will eventually require you to spend money, if you want to take your winnings out. If you don’t, or you don’t win anything, you can just walk away.
The upside of free spin casino bonuses is that there is that little thrill that you might actually win enough to cashout. If you’re smart, you’ll play at a casino like Guts where all the free spin bonus wins come with no wagering requirements.
Remember, you can always set yourself limits using your operator’s self-exclusion tools. These help to remind you when you’ve hit your budget.
Get out there and practise, or just play responsibly – the choice is yours.