PLAYING AT ONLINE CASINOS IN PRACTICE MODE VS. REAL MONEY

Many online casinos allow their players to play some or all of their games in demo (or play money) mode. While that may not be of interest to some players, others may find the option extremely enticing. But should they actually make use of it? There are pros and cons to both scenarios.

Benefits of Playing in Demo Mode

The obvious benefit to playing games in demo mode is that it allows you to test out the software of games, as well as sample the style of slots games to see if it's something you'd like to spend a lot of time at in real money mode, or test out completely new games you're unfamiliar with. Some of the games may even be fun enough that players would enjoy playing them just to pass the time, or to briefly test out a new strategy they're considering implementing when they play for real money. There are certainly undeniable benefits to having access to the many games each website has to offer, and it's a nice feature of those sites that do.

Potential Drawbacks of Playing in Demo Mode

The largest drawback to playing in demo mode is that it may create bad gaming habits over time. While for slots games that may not be a concern, it can prove detrimental in games that require decision making like blackjack. Most poker players will tell you that playing for play money is a whole different game, and really does not provide any tangible benefit, as people don't properly play how they would were it real money. Likewise, this same fate can befall gamers spending too much time in demo modes of other similar style games. With decision making not being overly important as no real money is on the line, bad play habits can develop that then carry over into real money games.

Given that, demo mode should only be used to test out software or learn the basics of a new game mode one is unfamiliar with, rather than as a form of practicing the game in an effort to improve at its play.