The online casino industry has experienced stable growth since the invention of the internet. More convenient and accessible, bettors quickly began playing from the comfort of their own homes.
As the industry grew, so did the types of games that were on offer, and very quickly people began to enjoy casinos in a very different way than before. In some sense, the games themselves became more important, and this spawned the urge to play them without risking money – something unthinkable in physical casinos.
Understanding the features and options available at real money casinos can provide clarity on their benefits. So, what is the difference between the best Australian online casinos for real money versus playing for free?
Free Casino Gaming Explained
We’re all aware of what real money casinos are (typical online casinos where money is deposited and wagered), but many people are unfamiliar with free money gaming. Free money casinos are also known as social casinos, and they use fun credit or virtual currency instead of real money.
The platforms use similar games and RNG technology as real money casinos to create an authentic atmosphere, but the difference is no real money is won or lost. Much like seeing a movie with a friend, free casinos are often marketed as being social.
Reasons to Play at Real Money Casinos
The arguments in favour of playing at real money casinos are:
- A larger market means more casinos, more games, and more choices for players
- Operate under stricter regulations, ensuring your environment is fair and just
- Access to VIP programs and reward systems
- More jeopardy, which can be more exciting for some (though this is personal taste)
Reasons to Play at Free Casinos
There are several arguments in favour of playing at free casinos, including:
- Less account verification and Know Your Customer hoops to jump through
- Risking no money can be more relaxing for some players
- No concerns or waiting around for depositing and withdrawing funds
- An emphasis on the games themselves or socialising
- A place to learn and practice before turning to real money casinos
Strategic Recommendations
The choice between real money casinos and free casinos always comes down to individual preference. Ultimately, playing both can be a good way to gauge which one is more exciting and enjoyable.
Practicing With Free Casinos
It could be a good idea to use free casinos as a way to gain casino experience before transitioning to real money gaming. This makes it a stepping stone and a place to test out strategies. Ultimately, more emphasis is placed on research and learning when jumping straight into real money games, while free casinos have more opportunities to try and fail, where you can learn as you go.
However, there is a concern here. Free casinos can also become a place to build up bad habits because there is no jeopardy. The no jeopardy part may be relaxing, but getting too relaxed can lead to poor money management and unwise moves. Therefore, it is recommended to play free casinos as if they were for real money (for those who plan on transitioning to real money casinos).
Bankroll management
To help build up this habit, exercising solid bankroll management within free money casinos is wise. Experts recommend never wagering more than 1-2% of your total bankroll per bet, giving you at least 50-100 wagers.
This is where game selection becomes important. Some games may require a high minimum stake like Blackjack, meaning players can get in the habit of starting with these games, and then moving to lower-stake games if their bankroll starts to reduce. On the flip side, stakes can be raised if the player is on a winning streak.
Game Experience
Because free money casinos are focused on nothing other than the games themselves, it’s a good place to learn what games a player truly enjoys. This exposure to many different games can really pay dividends (not literally) in real money casinos, where they know their way around a (virtual) casino floor better. Understanding what games you play for enjoyment and which ones you play because they’re popular is difficult in a real money setting, because it takes time. Removing the money aspect can help shine a light on this, leaving you with better information when heading into the real thing.
Final Word
The online casino industry is rife with opportunity. From game selection to stake size, there is something for everyone. In either environment (real money or free), strategy is important. Carelessness in one can lead to carelessness in the other, and this is a bad habit to breed.
