For a lot of people, online slots are simply about the possibility of winning money. They pick games at random based on what casinos show them that looks interesting. Others take it more seriously, and like to hunt for particular slot games or developers that they feel have a better chance of winning. Another type of person just plays slots for fun because they enjoy the gameplay, the themes, the visuals and the music. For them the possibility of a big win is just a side bonus.
Casinos, however, overwhelmingly focus on customers who don't put much effort into picking the games they play. But what if there were options for people who like to carefully choose a good game before they put their money down? Demo slots fit the bill nicely.
This article will explore everything about demo slots that you need to know. Starting at what they actually are and how they work, to the advantages and drawbacks of playing them and then finishing on where to play them and what to do when you feel like playing for real money.
Demo Slots Let You Try any Slot Game For Free
The subheading says the main point here really. Demo slots use free play money, usually starting with several thousand coins or more, and they're free to reload if you lose as well.
Across the internet you'll be able to find almost any major slot game from any major international developer, available to try out - for free.
Of course online slots real money gameplay is always an alternative option, and only ever a few clicks away. If and when you do jump in, a top site will have thousands of games, as well as great bonuses and other rewards to make sure you hit the reels with a bang. Make sure you find an excellent comparison site to see what the best option.
The vast majority of demo slots will have all of the same features, bonuses and other mechanics available as their real money counterparts. For example, you can play slots with bonus buy ins and use the free money to do so. Only, everything is paid out in coins and not money, of course.
Some operators boost the payouts of their free demo games. Although not necessarily a bad thing for players (more on that later) it is something to be aware of.
What's the Point of Free Slots? Here's a Few
While, on the surface, some might see demo slots as a bit pointless, seeing as you can't actually win money, there are plenty of good reasons to give them a try.
Here, then, are a few key attractions of free money slot games:
- They're zero risk, so you can try out hundreds of games quickly without potentially losing
- You can try bonus rounds out to see if their worth playing for, without risking anything
- Great for trying games with interesting themes or that look fun, without having to put money down to see if they're worth it
- You can hunt for high RTP (return to player) or certain variance games
- Try games from new developers you've not tried before to see if you like their style
- Good for people in the business who want to try all the latest games to keep ahead of trends, but without putting down cash
Demo slots are also good for people who just enjoy playing slots but have a carefully managed or limited bankroll. Bust out your monthly gambling budget but still want to play the latest slot release from your favorite developer? Demo slots, baby.
The only real downside is that sometimes it can feel a bit like wasted luck if you do hit a real big winner on a demo slot game. But that's hardly worse than wasting half your bankroll playing a new slot game where the bonus turned out to be not very fun or interesting, for example.
Where Can You Play Demo Slots?
There are a few places to play demo slots, including SlotsLaunch. Developers license demo slots to various third party distributors, affiliates, social media operators and others. Casinos with actual gambling games often also have the option to play their available slots in demo mode.
As well as demo slot games, you can even sometimes find virtual and live casino games with play money - although the latter is less common to see. You'll also find virtual money demo tables at most online poker sites, with top players getting plenty of bragging rights (if not real money).
If you really want access to all the free games, becoming a gambling writer who reviews them for a job might give you access to behind-the-scenes development or testing platforms where you can play almost anything with free money. Even games not available to the public yet.
Obviously that's not realistic for most people, who will have to stick to third party review sites with demo slots available. But, set your sights high and you never know.
Moving on to the Real Thing - Key Tips to Remember
Demo slots, while a useful tool for getting to know what a slot game is like, are not exactly the real thing. For one, you can bet massive amounts of free coins like it's nothing - because it is. Don't expect to hit such big winners as in demo slots on a real game, unless you have a massive bankroll to start with.
Secondly, they often let you use bonus boosts or bonus buy ins. This is great for seeing if you enjoy a bonus, or if it seems profitable. But you never know when you're going to hit one in a real session - and the actual bonus buy ins often risk quite a bit of your bankroll.
Obviously demo slots are good for seeing how often smaller wins come up, how much variance there is and even roughly how often you can expect a bonus over hundreds or thousands of spins. But this information takes time to pull out and many hours of playing demo slots - so it might not be worth it for everyone.
