The cost of living is constantly rising, with essentials like groceries, energy, and travel costs dominating people’s concerns. But budgeting for entertainment expenses should also be a consideration, as people shouldn’t have to give up the things they enjoy.
Including entertainment in your budget can help to minimize the risk of any surprises and ensure you still have access to the pastimes you most enjoy. With a little creativity and planning, there are plenty of ways to enjoy entertainment without straining your finances.
Explore Small Stakes Slots
The popularity of online casinos has helped gambling become a pastime for many consumers, and this doesn’t have to stop just because you are living on a budget. One of the most important things when gambling is knowing your limits and sticking to them, and budgeting your bankroll will let you know what you have to work with.
Small-stakes slots and table games offer a way to enjoy the thrill of gaming without the pressure of high wagers. Platforms like Stake.com, Betway, and LeoVegas offer games where you can start playing for just a few cents per spin.
Esports Insider’s slot picks provide bettors with a choice of some of the best slots sites available, with many offering small-stakes games. This helps players to stretch their budget and enjoy longer game time, and any winnings can go back into their bankroll.
Tips to maximize low-stakes gambling:
- Set a weekly or monthly limit and track your spending.
- Use bonuses and promotions wisely—look for “no deposit” or “free spin” offers.
- Always avoid chasing losses—set a stop limit for wins and losses.
Sweepstakes and giveaways are another option worth exploring for consumers who love the feeling of winning. Platforms like PrizeGrab, PCH (Publishers Clearing House), and MyPoints offer daily opportunities to enter contests, often requiring nothing more than your time.
Enjoy Free Gaming
Free game apps are another great choice for people living on a budget, with some of the top titles offering free or premium versions. These games will often feature adverts during the game, but only need to be uploaded to be enjoyed.
There are lots of great free games that players can explore, including AR titles like Pokémon Go and Jurassic World Alive, where players are encouraged to explore local areas to catch creatures and progress.
The New York Times games app offers a free option where players can test their brains by playing puzzles that refresh every day, with Wordle being one of the most popular. Other games that can be played for free include the Call of Duty mobile version, Candy Crush Saga, Roblox, Angry Birds, Ludo King, and 8 Ball Pool.
Additional gaming tips:
- Use platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Itch.io which regularly give away premium PC games for free.
- Download emulator apps to play retro games on your mobile or PC.
- Explore browser-based games (e.g., Krunker.io, GeoGuessr Free Mode, or classic games on Archive.org) which require no installation.
For families, board game simulator apps and digital versions of games like Uno, Monopoly, or Chess provide bonding time at no cost.
Make the Most of Free Streaming Sites
Streaming the latest movies and TV shows is something that a lot of viewers choose to do. This makes it easy to catch up on their favorite shows while commuting or tuning into a new movie whenever they have downtime.
While most streaming sites will be behind a paywall, there are options that are free to watch. Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and YouTube all offer free content to users, and there are many more worth investigating.
More options for free streaming:
- Peacock Free Tier (U.S.) offers a limited but entertaining catalog including TV classics and reality shows.
- Kanopy and Hoopla (available via public libraries in some regions) provide free access to indie films, documentaries, and even audiobooks.
- Crunchyroll (free version) lets anime fans watch many shows with ads.
Smart TVs and streaming sticks often come with built-in free streaming apps, so browsing your device’s app store can lead to hidden gems.
Pro tip: Use services like JustWatch to find where specific shows or movies are available for free or cheaper across multiple platforms.
Subscribe to Paid Facilities One by One
While free streaming services are an excellent option, you might have to pay if you want to watch the latest shows and movies before being hit with dreaded spoilers on social media and in the press.
The frustrating thing about modern streaming platforms is that they all offer something different, so anyone wanting the widest choice available would have to subscribe to them all. However, this is a way around this, and subscribing to one platform at a time will give you access to all of their content.
Consumers can then work their way through all the TV shows and movies available on that platform before cancelling their subscription and signing up for something else with a completely different selection to choose from.
The first time consumers sign up for these services typically offer some kind of deal, helping people enjoy a cost-free or discounted period that can also help budgets.
Additional tips for managing streaming budgets:
- Set a reminder to cancel before your trial period ends.
- Share subscriptions with family under group/family plans.
- Use apps like Reelgood to track what you’ve watched across different platforms.
You can also explore regional OTT platforms (like MX Player, Zee5, or Hotstar in India) that offer competitive pricing or ad-supported plans.
Take Advantage of All Services Offered by Paid Entertainment Apps
If you are considering paying for an entertainment platform, look at what else they have to offer, as you can enjoy great value for money. Amazon is an excellent example of this, with Prime customers benefitting from free Amazon deliveries, Amazon Music, and its selection of TV and movies.
Spotify users with premium accounts can take advantage of free Audible hours to listen to the latest audiobooks and other exclusive content, making it something worth considering.
It is not just the platforms themselves that can provide additional benefits, with other services and products often coming with deals that offer cost-free periods for Apple TV, Netflix, and Disney. Making sure you take advantage of all the deals available to you can help you to save hundreds every year and ensure you get the most from the services you use.
Don’t miss these bundle opportunities:
- YouTube Premium + YouTube Music gives ad-free viewing plus background play.
- Google One subscriptions sometimes include free Google Play credits and discounts on apps.
- Mobile network providers (like Verizon, Jio, or AT&T) often bundle streaming services with postpaid plans.
Check your credit card rewards and digital wallets—many offer seasonal trials or discounts on major entertainment apps.
Discover Free Local Entertainment
Don’t forget about the world outside your screen. Many communities offer local, free entertainment options that can be just as enjoyable.
- Public libraries not only lend books and movies but also host free talks, children’s activities, and workshops.
- City parks often run movie nights, music concerts, or yoga classes.
- Cultural centers, museums, and galleries sometimes have free entry days or donation-based admissions.
- Festivals, parades, and holiday events organized by local councils or NGOs are a great way to enjoy entertainment on a budget.
Apps like Meetup, Eventbrite, or Facebook Local can help you discover free or low-cost events near you.
Budget-Friendly Subscriptions to Consider
Some subscriptions offer immense value for a small price, especially if used regularly:
- Skill-building platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, or Udemy often have free courses and trial months.
- Audible Plus or Storytel give audiobook lovers access to hundreds of titles affordably.
- Game Pass (Xbox) and PlayStation Plus provide hundreds of titles at a fixed monthly rate, far cheaper than buying games individually.
Watch for student, family, and annual plan discounts to further reduce monthly costs.
Conclusion
The online entertainment industry has opened up access for millions of people around the world, and can provide low-cost and free ways to enjoy entertainment, regardless of your budget.
The money saved on travelling to casinos or the cinema when using online casinos and streaming platforms is just one advantage, with operators often offering enticing deals in order to stand out from their competitors. Consumers can shop around for the best deals that suit their needs and save a lot of money, and following the tips above will also be beneficial.
In the end, smart budgeting doesn’t mean sacrificing fun. Whether you’re playing games, watching shows, listening to music, or exploring your local community—entertainment can still be a rich and joyful part of life, no matter your budget.