One of the most interesting developments of casino gaming in the internet age is that it has become possible to play many of the top casino games for free, without risking any money, thanks to online casinos offering free play versions of their most popular games.
Yet, despite this development, real-money casino games remain extremely popular. Whether that’s playing a few hands of Sit and Go poker or joining a Dragon Tiger real cash game, online casino fans are drawn to real money casino gaming, in all its forms. So what are the reasons for the enduring popularity of real money casino gaming?
The Thrill Of Winning
The main reason for the enduring popularity of real money casino gaming is, of course, the chance of winning money, and the way in which such wins occur: usually with a single moment such as the turn of a card, or the point at which the roulette ball drops into its slot.
Everyone likes to win money, and this means that playing real money casino games can be exciting. Depending on what game you are playing, your win may also be a large one, particularly on the higher-paying slot games such as progressive jackpots.
Of course, the house edge means that you will always lose at real money casino games in the long run, so the thrill of winning is more to do with entertainment than with significant financial success.
The Challenge
Most casino games are determined by pure luck, but there are some in which skill can play a small part, most notably poker and certain variants of video poker and blackjack.
In these cases, playing for real money represents the biggest challenge for those who want to prove their skills, and refine their strategies, although the challenge is extremely tough and only the very best will be able to consistently come out ahead when playing these casino games.
Casino Marketing
One of the main reasons why real money casino games are so popular and why so many prefer them to sports betting, free-play or social gaming is that casinos want you to play for real money. No matter how sophisticated or experienced you are, casinos have become adept at persuading people to play for real money, offering various deals, promotions and offers to draw players in, and, since the people these promotions are aimed at are already interested in gambling, these offers can be very effective.
Real Money Casino Gaming: A Warning
While all of these factors help to explain why real-money casino gaming is so popular, it is important to remember that there is a downside when you are playing with real money.
Playing with real money means risking money that in theory could be used for other things. There are many tragic examples of people who have developed a gambling problem through playing casino games and it is essential that anyone who plays with real money stays safe by following these simple rules, whether playing online or at a real-world casino:
- Never bet with money you cannot afford to lose
- Set strict time and money limits on your casino gambling
- Never drink or take other intoxicating substances while gambling
- Accept that you will lose money in the long term
You should also remember that if you find yourself hiding your casino gaming from friends or family or neglecting other areas of your life to gamble on real money casino games, that is a clear indication of a potential gambling problem and you should stop playing immediately and seek help from the most appropriate gambling support organisation in your country or territory.
