The invention includes methods and apparatus for offering a free play mode of electronic game device operation to players. In an embodiment, the method includes determining whether to offer the player a choice to switch the electronic gaming device from a regular mode of operation to a free play mode of operation, wherein the free play mode of operation maintains a credit balance for the player. The method also includes presenting the offer to the player based on the determination, and receiving an election from the player to switch the electronic game device from the regular mode of operation to the free play mode of operation. In an advantageous embodiment, the method may also include providing an indication that the electronic game device is operating in the free play mode of operation. Such an indication may include at least one of the following: an audio message, a video message, written instructions, a message that the player is not eligible to win predetermined prizes, a message that the player can win only reduced prizes, a message that the player cannot win any prizes, a message that one or more prize has been modified, reduced or eliminated, a message that the odds of at least one outcome have been modified, and a message that at least one feature of the electronic game device has been enabled, disabled or altered.