When I started online gambling I heard from a bunch of people that starting out with the free online games was the best way to get good at your game before hitting the real money tables.  I took this road and had a lot of fun, but, I have to say, in the end this is not a good way to sharpen your gambling skills.

With no money at stake I found myself taking crazy risks and playing completely outside the realm of any legitimate strategy.   Everyone else is doing the same as well.  Why should they?  Free online casinos are really all about having fun without any other considerations.

Having money involved, any amount, completely changes the experience.  If you’re playing blackjack and draw a 17, with no money involved, something might just make you nervous enough to draw another card to get closer to 21.  This is of course a terrible idea.  But with free online casino games you know that other players will take that risk as well.  This would never happen in a blackjack game with real money.  Why would a player risk increased bets or losing a good hand with such bad odds against continuing?

In the end, if you’re nervous about losing money with online casino, just start off with the low bid tables.  If you lose you will lose insignificant amounts.  Of course you won’t win much either.  But you will get a realistic gaming and strategy experience to the high money online casinos.  That’s how you’ll become a better gambler and win serious money.