You may not be aware, but most casino games and online slots come with a ‘demo mode’ for new players - a chance to try the game for free, with no cash commitment. This demo play shows off the slot in action, and simulates a real play session, but using a virtual balance instead of real cash. Bets are not real - and neither are the wins - but demo play is a great way to experience a game for the first time, and get to know how it works.
Enjoy slots and casino games for free in demo mode
The biggest advantage of demo mode play is that it is completely free. Players don’t need to deposit a single penny, no cash is at risk - and often, there is no need to sign up for an account.
Hundreds of slot games, card games and table games are available right now online, for mobile and for desktop play. In fact you can play entirely free, at casinopedia, the online casino games review site.
If you want to try a game for the first time, demo play makes the most sense. It is highly recommended for anyone new to slots or casino gaming. It is very useful when trying games like poker for the first time: players can learn the rules without the pressure of making - and potentially losing - live bets. Even seasoned slot players usually prefer to take a few spins in demo play before committing to an unfamiliar slot, in case the game isn’t to their taste. You can see the bonuses and features in action, and get a feel for the slot’s variance as well.
Ever wondered what it feels like to bet hundreds or more in a single go? Wannabe high rollers can crank up the stakes in demo mode and watch the big wins roll in, knowing they haven’t risked a single penny. Especially useful for slots that vary the intensity according to stake, the demo mode offers a chance to see how the reels play for the biggest gamblers.
Some players prefer to stay in demo mode for good, but most will move on to cash play when they find a slot or game they like. Switching from one mode to another is usually simple and straightforward, although remember that any accumulated bonuses and your virtual balance will all be lost as soon as you leave the demo mode session. In cash play mode, accumulated rewards are held for you between play sessions.
When free-play doesn’t make sense
We’ve looked at the many pros of demo mode: but what about the cons? There are some downsides to demo play, depending on what sort of player you are. The most significant and obvious flaw is this: if you’re playing for free, you can’t win any money!
Many forms of gambling, like video poker and feature-packed slots, are good fun for the player even without the chance of a win. For others, when you take the thrill of a potential jackpot out of a slot it can quickly become repetitive and dull. The risk-and-reward process is a part of the excitement of gambling, and many players find it isn’t the same when you take out the cash.
Another issue with demo mode is that what you see might not be what you get. Often, the demo play version of a game is rigged slightly in the player’s favor. This is great for seeing all the bonus features and extras in action, but not so good if the player wants to see how often they might expect to win. Demo play also lets players choose higher stakes than they normally would, which could give false impressions of how much can be won, and how often.
At the other end of the scale, some demo play games don’t show you all the features and bonuses: for example, where a progressive jackpot element is included, this is often absent from the demo mode. If the point of a bonus round is to give players a shot at the jackpot, the demo version might exclude that round completely.
Should you choose demo mode?
If you are playing to win, or looking for an accurate version of a game, then demo play might not suit you. On the other hand, if you want to try a game for the first time, don’t want to risk cash, or just want to see what it feels like to be a high roller, hit up the free play mode and enjoy the fun of the game with only a virtual balance at stake.
Most online casinos include free spin versions of their slot games, and often there will be demo versions of electronic card and table games too. Always check the play balance before hitting the first spin, to be sure you’ve not landed in cash play mode instead!
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