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How Do Free Spins Work? (and Are They Actually Worth It?)

How Do Free Spins Work? (and Are They Actually Worth It?)

Slot games are one of the most popular forms of gambling, especially online slots. Nearly every online casino has its fair share of online slots. For instance, here at Wizard Slots casino, we have over 1,500+ casino games to choose from, including some of the best and most popular online slots, many of which offer Free Spins features!

To keep up with the competition and to try and keep their current and potentially new clientele interested, many online UK casinos may offer different promotions. Some of these promotions may come in the form of Free Spins. For example, some online casinos may offer a Free Spins Welcome Bonus for new players or a First Deposit Match Bonus.

There are many different kinds of Free Spins promotions, so it may be confusing to know how they work, if they are worth it, or even if you can potentially get real money from any wins from a Free Spins bonus.

In this Wizard Slots blog post, we will uncover all there is to know about Free Spins bonuses, how they work, and whether or not they are worth your time.

What Is A Free Spins Bonus?

A Free Spins bonus is an incentivising promotional bonus that players can usually claim if they sign up with a casino or meet its requirements. Usually, a Free Spins bonus applies to a particular slot game or mobile slot games.

Therefore, if you claim a Free Spins bonus, it may not apply to every slot game offered by the site. However, it may apply to particular predetermined slot games, which can differ across casinos.

As the name suggests, these Free Spins slot bonuses can allow you to play a particular slot game(s) for a number of Free Spins. The number of spins you can claim can vary across casinos. For example, one casino may offer 5 Free Spins, and another may offer up to 100 Free Spins. Then, once all of your spins have been used up, you can continue to play online slots for real money with your deposited funds.

Additionally, if you claim a Free Spins bonus, it's best to check the terms and conditions of the casino to see how the Free Spins promotion works. Some may require a minimum first deposit, or they could be subject to certain wagering requirements, which we’ll discuss in more detail below.

Why Do Casinos Offer Free Spins?

Unlike other casino games such as blackjack, different variations of poker, or baccarat, slot games are easily available, and almost every online casino may contain a fair share of them. That means the competition is tight. 

To combat this, some casinos may offer Free Spins bonuses to try and attract new slot players into their casino, keep existing slot players happy, and build loyalty.

You can look at them as a win-win or a best-case scenario for both the players and the casino. The casino gets new traffic through new slot players coming to their site, and the players get a chance to play some of their favourite slot games for a number of Free Spins!

Can You Win Real Money From Free Spins?

Yes, you can potentially win real money from Free Spins bonuses. 

Some players may confuse these Free Spins offers with Demo slots, but these are not the same. Demo, or Free Play slots, are not allowed in the UK. So, licensed and regulated UK casinos can only offer real money games

Remember that the Free Spins we are talking about are in relation to a potential promotional bonus. Generally, new players will need to sign up and register with a casino before they can claim them. Additionally, depending on the casino, some Free Spins bonuses may only be able to be claimed if you make a minimum deposit, so be sure to check the terms and conditions.

If you do decide to claim a UK Free Spins bonus, these can be used on real money games. Meaning that if you manage to create winning combinations through the use of your bonus, you can win real money!

However, remember that Free Spins bonuses are often subject to wagering requirements, so in order to withdraw any potential winnings, you may need to first fulfil your wagering requirements. You can usually find the wagering requirements in the terms and conditions.

Are Free Spins Worth It? 

Yes, Free Spins bonuses can definitely be worth it. However, this also comes down to the individual player’s opinion.

Imagine spinning your favourite slot game, for a number of spins, for free! That sounds like a bargain in our books.

In addition to potentially winning real money without spending money, you also get to test out a slot. So, if you know a slot game that has been all the rave amongst pay by mobile casino players but has not gotten around to playing it yet, you may be able to try it with a Free Spins bonus!

Or better yet, you may even get to play and explore your favourite slot games free of charge. You also get the chance to test out a new casino to see if it may be a good fit for you and your playing preferences. 

If you use them wisely, slot game Free Spins bonuses have the potential to bring you a number of new opportunities you would have otherwise not had access to. But remember, every casino is different, which means each possible promotion may come with different terms and conditions, so be sure to check.

What Games Can You Use Free Spins On?

The games you can use your potential Free Spins on may vary depending on the casino. For example, some casinos may give you 10 Free Spins to try on any slot game of your choice. Whereas another casino may only offer a few selected slot game(s) from a certain provider that you can play.

Remember that each casino is different, so they may have a different number of Free Spins and different rules on which games you can play them on. 

How Do You Use Free Spins?

One of the biggest questions you may have about Free Spins bonuses is how you can actually use them. Generally, in order to do so, you can follow the steps below:

  • Search for any reputable UK casinos offering a Free Spins bonus.
  • Usually, before deciding on a promotion, it may be best to read through the bonus wagering requirements and terms and conditions first.
  • Before you can claim and use a Free Spins bonus, you typically are required to register a new account with the casino and make a minimum first deposit. But, this may vary between casinos. Some may only require you to register, so be sure to check.
  • Most of the time, if claiming a bonus, the casino will automatically fill in the Bonus Code field for you, but you may have to input this for some.
  • Then, once you have joined the casino and claimed your bonus, you can play your Free Spins!

What Are Wagering Requirements On Free Spins?

Free Spins bonuses are often subject to specific wagering requirements. Wagering requirements are like an insurance policy for the casino. They ensure that players can not take advantage of any casino bonuses

For example, some players may only register with a casino so they can claim a Free Spins bonus. They could then cash out any potential winnings and leave the casino without playing any other games or making a first time deposit.

Wagering requirements ensure that if a player wins through a promotion or bonus, they have to wager the amount of their potential winnings X number of times before they can withdraw any winnings. For example, if a casino has a 35x wagering requirement, and you win on a bonus, you have to wager your winnings 35x before you can withdraw it.

Let’s say you claim 100 Free Spins with a wagering requirement of 25x, and you play a slot game for £0.20 a spin. Then, you win £20 from your Free Spins. In order to cash out that £20, you would have to place a number of bets (£20 x 25) worth £500, which is your bonus winnings multiplied by the wagering requirement.

Free Spins FAQs 

Can You Win The Jackpot From a Free Spin?

Yes, you can potentially win the jackpot from Free Spins if the Free Spins apply to a slot offering a jackpot. It all depends on the casino, whether the slot game has a jackpot, and the terms and conditions. However, most Free Spins bonuses generally do not apply to progressive jackpot slots.

What Does No Deposit Free Spins Mean?

No Deposit Free Spins are bonus spins you can claim without having to place a deposit in the casino. They are usually a small number of spins restricted to select slot games. 

What Does No Wagering Free Spins Mean?

The No Wagering Free Spins bonuses are relatively new to the online casino world, and they offer bonus spins without wagering requirements. That means you can withdraw your potential winnings without meeting any wagering requirements. These are fairly scarce to find, though.

What Happens If You Don't Meet Wagering Requirements?

Not meeting your wagering requirements means you will not get to withdraw your winnings into your bank account or chosen payment method.