If you’re new to online casinos or simply exploring what different promotions mean, you’ve likely come across the term free spins. They’re a regular feature on many UK-licensed gambling sites, often highlighted in welcome offers or player rewards. But what exactly are they, how do they work, and why do casinos offer them in the first place?
This blog takes you through everything you need to know about free spins casino promotions, starting with what they are and how they’re typically used. We’ll then look at how they function once activated, the reasons casinos might include them in their promotions, and what you might expect if you win while using them.
Whether you’re just starting out, or want a clearer understanding of these offers, this guide is designed to explain the essentials in simple, straightforward terms.
What Are Free Spins?
Free spins are a type of promotional tool used by many UK-licensed online casinos. They let you spin the reels of a slot game a set number of times without using funds from your deposit. The number of spins offered and the specific games they apply to are determined by the casino.
These spins are often part of a welcome promotion for new customers, but they can also be given to existing customers as part of a retention strategy. You may receive free spins after making a deposit or as part of a promotional event.
Each spin works exactly the same as it would if you were using your own money. The only difference is that the stake is paid for by the casino. The value of each spin is usually fixed – for example, 10p per spin – and cannot be changed.
If you’ve claimed a free spins offer, you will usually be able to see how many free spins you have and on which games they can be used by visiting the promotions or bonuses section of your account. If any winnings are generated, these will be subject to the rules of the promotion, which you’ll need to follow before being able to cash out.
How Do Free Spins Work?
To use a free spins promotion, you typically need to activate them within your casino account. In most cases, this involves opting into the offer or meeting specific criteria – such as making a qualifying deposit.
Free spins are usually limited to specific slot games, selected by the casino. This could be a well-known title or a newer release they are promoting. Once your spins are active, you can play the eligible game the number of times stated in the offer.
It’s common for these spins to have a short expiry window, such as 24 to 72 hours from the time of activation. If unused, they will disappear from your account.
Outcomes are determined using RNG (Random Number Generator) technology, which means results are random and cannot be influenced by past or future spins. The same system applies to both real-money spins and free promotional spins.
Any winnings from these spins are usually transferred to a bonus balance, which then needs to meet the site’s conditions before it can be withdrawn. Conditions might include:
-
A specific number of times the bonus must be wagered (wagering requirements).
-
A maximum amount that can be withdrawn.
Terms vary across different operators, so reading them carefully can help avoid misunderstandings.
Reasons Why Casinos Offer Free Spins
Online casinos may offer free spins as part of their wider promotional strategies. These offers can potentially help attract people who haven’t used the site before, and may help retain existing users.
For new customers, free spins can sometimes provide a no-cost introduction to a specific slot game. The spins might be included in a sign-up package, requiring nothing more than account creation, or they may follow an initial deposit.
For existing players, free spins are sometimes included as part of loyalty schemes or provided to users who play regularly. Some casinos also use free spins to highlight new games, hoping users will try them and continue to play afterwards.
Each site may have its own approach. Some offer spins with fewer conditions attached, while others include higher wagering requirements or short expiry periods. Promotions and their conditions can vary widely, so it may be worth checking the details of each one.
Can You Win Real Money From Using Free Spins?
Yes, it is possible to win real money through free spins, but there are some important conditions to understand. The key element is how any potential winnings from the spins are treated by the casino.
Most free spin winnings are classed as bonus funds rather than cash. To convert bonus funds into real money, you’ll usually need to meet wagering requirements. These can range from 10x to 40x or more.
In addition, there may be a maximum withdrawal limit attached to free spin offers. This means even if your winnings exceed the cap, you’ll only be able to withdraw up to the allowed limit. Anything above that amount may be forfeited according to the promotion's rules.
Winnings can also be influenced by the value of each spin, which is often fixed. For example, if the spin value is 20p and you’re given 25 spins, the total promotional value is £5.
It’s also important to be aware that online slots are games of chance. The result of each spin is random, and there's no way to improve your chances using a strategy. There are no guaranteed outcomes and no proven way to increase your chances of winning.
If you’re considering claiming a free spins offer, it can be helpful to read the full terms, check if the casino is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and think about how it fits within your gambling budget. Free spin offers can vary significantly between platforms, so checking before playing can help you decide whether the promotion suits you.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.