What are free spins?
Let’s start with the basics, what exactly are free spins? The name pretty much sums it up: they are spins you get for free. Spins refer to the spinning of wheels at a slot machine. Although the online slots will not have a traditional handle for you to pull, you will still see the wheels spin and stop to reveal the result of that round. The goal is – of course – to see those matching symbols appearing on your screen to give you a big prize.
When playing at slot machines, you will normally get to choose how much you want to bet per spin to fit your budget – and the prize will, of course, relate to how much you bet. But what if we told you that you could make a bet for £0 and still win the grand jackpot? With free spins, you can win money without spending any money.
Why do casinos give free spins?
A casino needs players to function and with all the online casinos available today, a casino needs to be attractive for the players to attract players. Today you won’t find any casino worth signing up to that doesn’t offer some sort of bonus to its players – both new and loyal. And while match bonuses are great, nothing beats some free spins.
So in order to compete against other casinos and attract players, all online casinos today should offer free spins in one way or another. Of course, the more attractive the bonus is, the more likely it is that players will sign up to that exact casino.
Are free spins really free?
Even though free spins are free in the sense that you get to spin the slot wheels without paying for those spins, it can vary how free those spins and potential winnings are credited. Free spins are given as a bonus to you as a player at a casino. They can be given when you sign up, if you haven’t been active for a while, or anything in between.
Free Spins - No Deposit
Sometimes a casino will give you free spins immediately when you sign up – before you have made any deposit. They can be called “no deposit free spins” and will be part of your initial welcome bonus at the casino.
You can normally use the spins right away, though you probably won’t be able to choose which slot you want to spin them at. These first spins are normally given in a smaller amount (5-10 spins) and at a specific slot machine. Nevertheless, the spins are worth taking advantage of as you won’t need to spend any money before getting them. You simply sign up and then you are ready to go (spin)!
Wager-Free Spins
When it comes to free spins, it is not only the deposit that matters but also the wagering. Of course, it is great to receive free spins without depositing a single pound to the casino, but what is even better is to get your winnings without having to wager them 50 times.
Wager-free free spins are spins that will allow you to keep all of your winnings without having to wager them before a withdrawal. Just like any type of wager-free bonus, these spins are not the most common. But you should always aim for spins that have either no or a very low wagering requirement. Simply put, that means that if you end up winning something from your spins (which, remember, you got for free) you can take those winnings to the bank without much hassle.
Free Spins on Deposit
The most typical type of free spins you will come across at online casinos are definitely free spins on deposit. These are free spins that will be credited to your account once you have made a deposit of X pounds. All though you will have to deposit money and/or place a bet in order to get these, they can be a great alternative to no deposit free spins. Free spins on deposit will normally be given in a larger number and with a lower wagering requirement than if you get them without making a deposit.
What is a Wagering Requirement?
When we talk about the wagering requirement of a bonus, it means how much you will have to wager your bonus and/or winnings before the winnings are yours to keep and withdraw.
If a casino gives you a bonus without you making any deposit to the casino, and you win with that bonus, the casino will make a loss if you are able to get those winnings right away. Therefore, you will normally have to wager your bonus amount for example 25 times before you can withdraw your winnings. For free spins, it is normal that you have to wager your winning amount. Therefore, no wagering bonuses or bonuses with a low wagering requirement are favorable.
