I’ve seen, a lot of players in the UK prefer playing at a casino for real money rather than using free versions. The main reason is that real money play feels more realistic.
Most real money casinos offer popular slots and table games, which is usually enough for casual play. From personal experience, choosing a trusted site matters more than chasing big bonuses.
Naturally, it’s still important to play responsibly, especially when real money is involved. When approached the right way, real money casinos can be worth trying.