I’ve seen, a lot of players in Great Britain 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 well-known operator matters more than chasing big bonuses.
Of course, it’s still important to set limits, especially when real money is involved. When approached sensibly, real money casinos can be worth trying.