Free Spins
Free Spins: The Complete Guide to Casino Free Spins Bonuses
Free spins are one of the most popular casino promotions, and it's easy to understand why. They let you play real-money slots without using your own balance, with the chance to win real money. But not every free spins offer is equally valuable. The number of spins in the headline says little on its own: the value per spin, the wagering requirements and the maximum win limit decide what an offer is actually worth.
In this guide you'll learn what free spins are, which types exist, how the terms and conditions work and how to recognise a good offer. For more casino guides and the latest news, visit the Casino Daily News homepage.
What Are Free Spins?
Free spins are spins on a slot machine that a casino gives you as part of a bonus or promotion. Each spin has a fixed value set by the casino, such as €0.10 or €0.20 per spin, and can usually only be used on one or a few selected slots. Any winnings from your free spins are credited to your account, either as real money or as bonus money that you first have to wager.
Free spins are mainly linked to online slots. Table games like roulette, blackjack and baccarat are generally not eligible.
Casino Free Spins vs. In-Game Free Spins
The term "free spins" is used in two different ways, and it helps to know the difference:
- Casino free spins: a promotion from the casino that gives you spins on a slot without using your own balance.
- In-game free spins: a bonus feature inside a slot, usually triggered by landing three or more scatter symbols. These are part of the game itself and are available to every player.
This guide focuses on casino free spins: the bonus offers you can claim at online casinos.
Types of Free Spins Bonuses
No Deposit Free Spins
No deposit free spins are awarded without you having to deposit money, often simply for creating an account or verifying your identity. They're the most attractive type in theory, because you play without any financial risk. In return, they usually come with stricter conditions: a low spin value, higher wagering requirements and a low maximum win limit.
Deposit Free Spins
With deposit free spins, you receive spins after making a qualifying deposit. These are often part of a welcome package, for example a deposit match bonus plus a number of free spins. Because you invest your own money, the conditions are generally more favourable than with no deposit offers.
Welcome Bonus Free Spins
Many casinos include free spins in their welcome offer for new players. Sometimes they're awarded all at once, sometimes spread over several days, such as 20 spins per day for five days. Spread-out spins encourage you to return, but also mean you must log in daily to claim them before they expire.
Reload and Weekly Free Spins
Existing players can also receive free spins, for example through reload bonuses on new deposits, weekly promotions or offers tied to new slot releases.
Loyalty and VIP Free Spins
Casinos with a loyalty programme often reward active players with free spins as part of level-ups, personal offers or birthday bonuses. These spins sometimes come with better conditions or a higher value per spin.
Wager-Free Free Spins
Wager-free free spins, also called no-wagering free spins, are the most player-friendly type. Your winnings are paid out directly as real money that you can withdraw immediately. They're less common, and the number of spins or the value per spin is usually lower, but the actual value is often higher than a larger offer with wagering requirements.
How Free Spins Work
Claiming and using free spins usually follows these steps:
- Choose an offer and read the bonus terms before you sign up or deposit.
- Create an account or log in, and verify your identity if required.
- Make a qualifying deposit if the offer requires one, or enter a bonus code if applicable.
- Activate the free spins. Some casinos credit them automatically, others require you to activate them in your account.
- Open the eligible slot and play your spins. The bet size is set automatically.
- Complete the wagering on your winnings, if required, before withdrawing.
Free Spins Terms and Conditions Explained
The terms and conditions determine the real value of a free spins offer. These are the most important ones to check:
Wagering Requirements
Wagering requirements tell you how many times you must bet your free spins winnings before you can withdraw them. Suppose you win €20 with your free spins and the wagering requirement is 35x. You then need to place €700 in bets (35 × €20) before the winnings can be withdrawn. The lower the wagering requirement, the better. Offers without any wagering are the most valuable.
Value per Spin
The value per spin determines how much each spin is worth. 100 free spins at €0.10 have a total value of €10, while 20 free spins at €1 are worth €20. Always calculate the total value instead of focusing on the number of spins.
Maximum Win Limit
Many free spins offers cap the amount you can win, for example at €50 or €100. Anything above that limit is removed when you complete the wagering. This is especially common with no deposit free spins.
Eligible Games
Free spins are almost always tied to one or a few specific slots. Check the slot's RTP and volatility: a game with a higher RTP gives you a better expected return per spin.
Expiry Date
Free spins and the related winnings have an expiry date. Spins often need to be used within 24 hours to 7 days, and wagering must be completed within a set period. Unused spins and unwagered winnings expire.
Maximum Bet While Wagering
While wagering bonus winnings, there's usually a maximum bet per spin, such as €5. Exceeding it can lead to your winnings being cancelled.
Minimum Deposit and Payment Methods
Deposit free spins require a minimum deposit, and some payment methods, such as certain e-wallets, may be excluded from bonus offers.
Country Restrictions
Not every offer is available in every country. In some regulated markets, bonuses and free spins are restricted or not allowed at all. Always check whether an offer applies to your location.
How to Calculate the Real Value of Free Spins
A simple calculation helps you compare offers:
- Calculate the total spin value: number of spins × value per spin. For example: 50 spins × €0.20 = €10.
- Apply the slot's RTP: with an RTP of 96%, you can expect around €9.60 in winnings on average.
- Factor in the wagering: the higher the wagering requirement, the more of those winnings you can expect to lose during wagering, because the house edge applies to every bet.
- Check the maximum win limit: a low cap limits your upside, no matter how lucky you get.
An offer of 20 wager-free spins at €0.50 is often worth more than 100 spins at €0.10 with 40x wagering and a €50 cap, even though the second offer looks bigger at first glance.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Free Spins
- Always read the bonus terms before claiming an offer.
- Prefer low or no wagering over a large number of spins.
- Calculate the total value instead of looking at the number of spins.
- Check the maximum win limit, especially with no deposit offers.
- Use your spins in time so they don't expire.
- Respect the maximum bet during wagering.
- Check the RTP of the eligible slot to know your expected return.
- Don't deposit more than you planned just to unlock a bonus.
Common Free Spins Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking the expiry date and losing spins or winnings.
- Playing excluded games during wagering, which can void your bonus.
- Betting above the maximum stake while wagering.
- Withdrawing before completing the wagering, which often cancels the bonus and its winnings.
- Claiming multiple bonuses at once when the terms don't allow it.
- Choosing offers based on the headline instead of the actual conditions.
Free Spins and Other Casino Games
Free spins are designed for slots, but most casinos offer other promotions for table game players, such as cashback or table game tournaments. Keep in mind that games like roulette, blackjack and baccarat often contribute little or nothing to the wagering requirements of a free spins bonus. Poker rooms usually have their own promotions, such as freerolls and rakeback; read more in our poker guide.
Responsible Gambling
Free spins can be a fun way to try out new slots, but they're still a form of gambling. Never deposit more than you can afford to lose just to claim a bonus, and don't let a bonus offer encourage you to play longer than you intended. Only play at licensed casinos and use responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, session reminders and self-exclusion. If gambling no longer feels like entertainment, contact a support organisation in your country. Online gambling is only available to players aged 18 or older (or the legal age in your jurisdiction).
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Spins
Can I win real money with free spins?
Yes. Winnings from free spins can be withdrawn as real money once you've met the bonus conditions, such as wagering requirements. With wager-free spins, winnings are paid out directly.
What are no deposit free spins?
Free spins that you receive without making a deposit, often for registering an account. They usually come with stricter conditions, such as higher wagering and a maximum win limit.
What does wagering mean for free spins?
Wagering is the number of times you must bet your free spins winnings before you can withdraw them. With 30x wagering on €10 in winnings, you need to place €300 in bets.
Which slots can I play with free spins?
Free spins are usually tied to one or a few specific slots chosen by the casino. You can find the eligible games in the bonus terms.
Are wager-free spins better?
In most cases, yes. Winnings from wager-free spins are real money straight away, which makes them more valuable than larger offers with high wagering requirements.