Free Spins Explained

Last Updated on July 19, 2020 by Jennifer Wright

Free spins are a popular form of bonus offered by most of the best casino websites today. Almost every online casino you come across offers new and existing customers an opportunity to spin the reels on specific slot games without risking money. Online casinos use free spins either as a way of attracting new players or to entice you to try out a specific game.

WHAT EXACTLY IS A FREE SPIN?

A free spin is basically a free bonus bet that you can place on a slot machine just like a regular spin. The difference, however, is that unlike regular spins, when you play using free spins, nothing will be deducted from your balance. You don’t have to pay anything to play a free spin, just like the name suggests. There are generally two types of free spins namely those provided as a welcome bonus by the casino and others that come as in-game bonuses. In-game free spins are usually won as a prize or bonus round after you win a specific game.

NO-DEPOSIT FREE SPINS

In most online casinos, to get free spins, you are normally required to first make a deposit. For instance, you could be offered 100 free spins when you make your first £20 deposit. For No Deposit Free Spins, on the other hand, you don’t need to make any deposit to get the free bonus spins. There are some casinos that offer them as part of the casino welcome bonus. All you need to do is to sign up for an account and you’ll be instantly awarded several No Deposit Free Spins. Other online casinos will periodically reward you with free spins if you are a loyal player. Free spins are a great way to test the casino’s games and if you are lucky enough to win some money without using funds in your balance. However, make sure to check the casino’s terms and conditions regarding free spins to know exactly how they work and the wagering rules attached to the free bonuses.

WHY DO CASINOS OFFER FREE SPINS?

Why would online casinos out to make money offer its customers free money to play in their slot games? They are many reasons why casinos give their customers free bonus spins. They may do it to promote new slot games, to encourage players who have been inactive for some time to start playing again, or as a reward for making a deposit or wagering on specific games. In most cases, free spins are part of the welcome bonus which is meant to attract new customers to the casino.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FREE SPINS?

Free spins provide players with several advantages including the following:

  • They give you an opportunity to explore and test new slot site games without using your balance
  • They provide a risk free playing opportunity
  • You can keep the profits you make from free spin winnings
  • They give you a chance to enjoy your favourite slot games using house money

WHAT ARE THE WAGERING REQUIREMENTS FOR FREE SPINS?

Free spins come with a “catch” in the form of wagering requirements. As stated, free spins cost you nothing and the winnings you get from the spins are added to your account balance. However, keep in mind that the free spins could end up being too expensive for the casino if, for example, everyone who signs up to the casino and is awarded 20 free spins ends up making a profit of £200 without even making a deposit. To reduce the risk, casinos usually add wagering requirements on the winnings you make from the free spins. Wagering requirements vary from casino to casino but in most cases you’ll be required to play the free spins multiple times on specific games before you can withdraw your winnings. For example, if you are offered 25 free spins and end up winning £40, the casino will require that you keep on wagering your winnings from the free spins 10 or even 20 times before you can withdraw the winnings. Some casinos have wagering requirements of up to 50x. However, the lower the wagering requirements the easier it is to withdraw your winnings from free spins. Keep in mind that most casinos restrict their free spins offers to specific games or slots. For example, in some casinos, you can only use their free bonus spins on Starburst or a similar game.

CONCLUSION

Free bonus spins are a great way to explore a new slot game or a new casino’s offers. Most online casinos in the UK offer these free spins in batches of 10, 20 or even 200 and more. Keep in mind that you’ll be required to wager the free spins several times, sometimes up to 20x or 50x, before you can withdraw your winnings. There may also be restrictions on the slots or games that you can use your free spins on. Nevertheless, there is always a high chance of making a profit from free spins without using your money, especially on a casino that offers No Deposit Free Spins bonus.

Jennifer Wright is an online casino and slots writer since 2010. She has an eye for detail and take pride in her in-depth analysis of new casino sites that enter the UK market. A regular at iGaming conferences and events, she is also a keen follower of industry news. In her downtime, she is an avid gamer and regularly takes part in esports tournaments. Jennifer currently resides in the north of England.