As time has gone on and casino brands have had to become more creative, we’ve seen a lot of different casinos providing different promotional methods to try to get new customers to try out their site, or for those who are existing players who they merely want to reward.
One of the rewards they can provide for players is a free spins bonus. Free spins bonuses only apply to slot games, of course, as they provide players with a way to spin the reels of said slot without having to pay for their spins. Free online games have been a popular way to pass the time since even the dawn on the internet, it’s no surprise casino games implement free spins to help new players find their feet when trying a new site.
A lot of casinos offer free spins and other promotions, and this means they need to provide different sets of terms and conditions for players to read through and understand before deciding whether to proceed. Different online casinos may take different approaches. Sometimes, free spins have no differences compared to other forms of playing the game.
What are free spins?
Free spins are exactly what you are probably imagining. The main mechanic for playing a slot game is “spins”. This comes from the very early days of slots, which had specific spinning mechanisms. Slot machines were invented as early as the 1800s, and they were physical rather than digital (of course).
Spins is still the term we use, even though the games are now digital. The mechanic is still designed to look like different reels settling on a different symbol and dictating the outcome of the game as a result. So, a free spin is simply a way for players to spin the reels without having to pay for it, and this can lead to risk-free play for some.
When do people get free spins at online casinos?
Of course, customers would love it if there were always free spins available to use at online casinos, but this is simply not the case. A free spin is usually some sort of reward, and they are given out in different scenarios. The main ways people get free spins to use are
- As an incentive to sign up. A lot of the time, free spins are given out by casinos as an incentive for new players who have yet to try the site. They can potentially use the free spins to explore the casino and work out whether they like the layout.
- To reward players. With such a lot of competition in the industry now, it is important to try and find ways to build loyalty. Lots of casino sites have some form of rewards program that can provide players with a set of different advantages over other players, sometimes in the form of free spins. They might give a player some free spins if they have used a site a certain amount, for example.
- As part of a specific promotion. Like other business types, online casinos run a lot of different promotions, and this can include seasonal promos. These may also tie in with the launch of a new game or something similar, as this is a way developers can try to get new people to try their game.
These are a promotional method for casinos and the developers of different slot games. The free spins mechanic can provide people with different ways to play, and they may particularly enjoy a new game. Las Vegas, a destination a lot of Brits dream of visiting, is known for giving out freebies in the forms of things like drinks, which can provide a way to tempt new players.
How do free spins winnings work?
When using free spins, winnings are often credited as bonus funds and are not immediately withdrawable cash. To convert these into real money, players might need to meet wagering requirements. For instance, if you win £10 and the wagering requirement is 30x, you’d need to wager £300 before the winnings are eligible for withdrawal. That figure is made up of each spin and some of the spins may trigger more wins, so this means players can feasibly get to this without having to deposit money. These conditions ensure that casinos protect themselves against exploitation while still offering enticing rewards to players.
However, not all free spins come with wagering requirements. Some casinos provide “no-wager” free spins, meaning winnings are instantly credited as withdrawable cash. These offers are rare, but they do exist in some scenarios.
Always read the terms
The truth is that nobody can tell you exactly how each promo works without checking the specifics of the terms and conditions. Every player should explore exactly what the casino is offering so they can avoid any surprises when they are using their free spins. For instance, it is possible to win and not realise there is a specific wagering requirement players need to meet before they can withdraw anything.
Responsible gambling
Responsible gambling is always required. Never bet what you can’t afford to lose, and make sure that you consider your mood—never bet when angry or upset. There are a lot of different resources out there, including those made and distributed by the UKGC. These can help people to rest assured that there is support out there. Follow the professionals’ advice when it comes to gambling and ensure you do so in a positive way.
Conclusion
There are now so many brands out there that look to offer specific promotions to customers and allow them to play some games for free via free spins. However, this varies from one site to the next, and there may be different restrictions depending on which site somebody chooses to bet with. Fortunately, the casinos that are out there do need to share the specifics of their offers, which means the terms and conditions can tell you exactly what the promotion entails.
