When the bonus buy feature was introduced in slots in 2017, it was all players could talk about. It represented an opportunity for punters to directly access the bonus feature without waiting for it to trigger organically.
However, that soon posed problems for gamblers and the gambling industry in the UK, so the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) prohibited them from the UK.
Read on as we explore the journey of buying free spins or bonus games in the UK.
What Are Free Spins?
Free Spins are a type of slot in-built bonus game feature that players can activate if they meet the required conditions. For example, say you are playing the Dead Canary slot game by NoLimit City. You must land 3 Scatter symbols anywhere on the reels, in the same spin, to trigger its Canary Free Spins feature.
These bonus games are called Free Spins because they typically do not require you to spend your credits on each spin like in the base game. They are free; the potential wins and payouts you may receive playing them are yours and are real money.
Free Spins can also be offered as a signing-up bonus or Welcome Offer for a casino's new customers and can typically be used on select games. These types of free spins are not built into the game and are typically accessible with minimum deposits. But, for the purpose of this blog, we will only focus on the game's built-in free spins bonus.
Can You Buy Free Spins In The UK?
No, you can no longer buy free spins in the UK. Punters used to be able to buy bonuses between 2017 and 2019, but the UKGC has since banned them. Upon intensive investigations, the UKGC concluded that buying bonus games like free spins could potentially promote problem gambling.
It could lead UK players to spend money they did not mean to spend. Additionally, bonus buying did not guarantee winning, and there was no limit to how many times you could buy the bonus. Plus, other slot games could require up to 400x your original bet to unlock the bonus feature, depending on the game.
Are Free Spins Worth It?
Although we cannot say whether or not Free Spins are worth it, as that depends on a person's personal preferences, we can say they can potentially add a bit of entertainment to a slot game.
They can also add a new element to the game that was otherwise unavailable in the base game.
Overall, a free spins bonus has the potential to enhance the overall gaming experience. However, if a free spins bonus is worth it or not really comes down to the player’s personal opinion.
Best Slots For Free Spins Bonuses
Just because buying free spins bonuses in the UK is not allowed, it does not mean you cannot play slot games that offer Free Spins bonuses.
Below, we have listed a few of the slot games you can play at Wizard Slots online casino:
Fishin' Frenzy the Big Splash
Fishin' Frenzy the Big Splash, was created by Blueprint Gaming. It is a medium to high volatility slot game and offers a maximum potential win of up to 4,000x your stake. If you trigger this slot game's Free Spins feature, you could receive multipliers of up to 10x your stake.
1001 Arabian Nights
10,001 Arabian Nights is a fantasy-themed slot game by Inspired Gaming. It features 5 reels and 5-7-7-7-5 rows. Land 6+ Win & Spin symbols in a single spin to trigger 3 Free Spins. If you land lamp symbols in the top and bottom reels during this feature, it can trigger 1 of 4 different modifiers.
Mighty Buffalo
Mighty Buffalo is an online slot game developed by Raw iGaming. It is a highly volatile slot with a 5x5 reel grid and uses a Cluster Pays mechanic. The maximum win potential is capped at up to 10,000x your bet. Features in this slot game include Super Symbols, Respins, and a Free Spins bonus with possible win multipliers.
Gonzo's Quest Megaways
Gonzo's Quest Megaways was created by Red Tiger Gaming and has up to 117,649 winning ways. Features include possible Avalanches with multipliers, where any winning combination achieved will be removed from the grid, and new symbols fall in to take their place.
Buster's Bones
Buster's Bones is a NetEnt slot with 6 reels, 6 rows, and Cluster Pays. It's a medium to high volatility slot game and offers a maximum potential win of up to 973x. It features special symbols, 2 Free Spins scatters and a Free Spins feature that can award up to 8 free spins if activated.
Conclusion
Although bonus buying is not allowed in the UK, you can still enjoy slots and other casino games at UK online casinos such as Wizard Slots!
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this slot game are subject to change at any time.
