Understanding Free Spins Bonuses – What You Need to Know
Posted by Harry Kane on Wednesday, October 11, 2023
In an earlier blog post, we talked at length about the key bonus terms and conditions, each of which have a direct impact on the monetary value of a promotion and its accessibility. In order to provide more context, however, it’s important to consider the different types of welcome offer or bonus package. For example, free spins bonuses are incredibly commonplace in the digital age, while these are often combined with 100% deposit matches to create an even more compelling welcome offer for players.
There are also different types of free spins bonuses leveraged by online casinos, and understanding the nuances that separate such offers is crucial when wagering online. In this blog post, we’re going to consider the most popular types of free spins bonuses, while asking what you should look for in promotions of this nature.
The Various Types of Free Spins Bonus
When it comes to the various types of free spins bonus, there are three main promotional structures to keep in mind. Each of these has their own unique advantages and pitfalls, while they’ll be awarded depending on your circumstances and status as a player. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the bonuses on offer.
#1. No Deposit Free Spins
In some cases, online casinos may offer no deposit free spins bonuses to brand-new players. These are unconditional in nature and offer completely free gameplay, while they’re not encumbered by wagering requirements or other terms and conditions. However, they’re usually fixed at the lowest possible value (depending on the game or games they’re compatible with), while winnings will typically be capped at an amount that’s commensurate with the total value of the bonus.
#2. Deposit Free Spins
Conversely, the most common bonus structure of this type sees you awarded a finite number of free spins in exchange for an initial deposit, at a fair and proportionate rate. These may be subject to wagering requirements too, which are presented as a multiplier of the total bonus value and dictate how much you’ll have to play through before making a withdrawal. While the winnings will also be capped here, this threshold may be a little higher and more enticing for players.
#3. No Wager Free Spins
A more contemporary iteration of the free spins deposit bonus, this promotional structure sees a finite number of free spins awarded without the wagering requirements being applied. So, while you’ll have to make an initial deposit to unlock this offer, you won’t have any restrictions imposed on your winnings and withdrawals. However, such bonuses are typically low value and impose stringent caps on winnings.
#4. Deposit Bonus Plus Free Spins
As we’ve already touched on, you may also see contemporary welcome offers combine both a 100% first deposit match and a finite number of free spins. Such bonus structures may see hundreds of free spins awarded across one or a selection of slots, with these added to your account in instalments and typically capped at around £0.10 per spin. Free spins may be awarded after your second, third or even fourth deposits too, while your total winnings will be capped in line with the total value of the offer.
What to Look for in a Free Spins Bonus Offer
Regardless of which free spins bonus structure is leveraged by an operator, these promotions are likely to boast a number of key terms and conditions that impact on the value of the offer their viability. Understanding these individual components is key, as it can help to make an informed decision and calculate the value of each bonus offer in real-time! So, here’s a breakdown to help you on your way!
The Compatible Slot Games
Almost universally, all free spins promotions are restricted to one or a select number of slots. Most commonly, free spins are offered on popular and medium-variance titles like Starburst and Book of Dead, which can be accessed for as little as £0.10 per spin and offer truly immersive gameplay.
Ideally, you can prioritise bonuses that incorporate as many titles as possible, but be sure to check the T&Cs in detail to review any restrictions and understand which games are compatible with the bonus. Analyse any game weighting requirements too, as some slots may not contribute 100% to the fulfilment of your wagering requirements.
Bonus Time and Expiry
When publishing a bonus, online casinos specify the duration and timeframe in which players have to use their free spins or meet the associated wagering requirements. Typically, you’ll have seven days to use any free spins once they’re added to your account (although this can vary).
It is possible to have between one week and 30 days to fulfil any wagering requirements. If free spins are released in instalments, you may have to deploy a finite number within 24 or 48 hours depending on the relevant T&Cs.
Bet Size and Wagering Requirements
Each free spins added to your account will have a finite value, while restrictions may also be placed on bet or coin sizes and the maximum stake amount that you’re able to wager. In terms of wagering requirements, this relays the amount that you’ll have to play through before completing a withdrawal.
Calculating this helps you to estimate value and wager within your means. Typically, wagering requirements range from 20x the bonus value to 40x, although this will vary from one casino to another and should be considered carefully before you commit your hard-earned cash and opt in!
The Bottom Line
The key consideration here is that you take time to understand the nature of each free spins bonus and its precise terms and conditions, as this enables you to identify the best promotion for you and calculate value in relation to your bankroll and stake amounts.