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 a decent mix of games, which is usually enough for casual play. In my experience, choosing a well-known operator matters more than chasing big bonuses.
Of course, it’s still important to keep control of your budget, especially when real money is involved. When approached the right way, real money casinos can be quite enjoyable.