The world of iGaming can feel very confusing, with a huge number of and offers to understand and adhere to. A phrase that pops up almost everywhere is “free spins”, but it’s not always clear what it means. A lot of players, especially newer ones, are left wondering if they are part of a slot game or tied to a bonus deal.
Free spins in slots and free spins in bonuses sound similar, yet they’re distinct in how they work and what they offer players. Today, we will explore the key differences so you can spin with confidence and play with complete peace of mind.
Free Spins in Slots
The free spins you tend to see in slots are a feature built right into the game. While you’re playing, the reels will start spinning as usual, and then suddenly, you’ll see that you’ve triggered a round where you don’t need to pay for each spin. This can be thrilling because it’s part of the game’s design and not an external bonus.
These spins usually activate after landing specific symbols, like scatters. For example, in a game like Starburst, three scatters might give you 10 free spins. The game will then continue as if nothing has happened, but your balance will remain as it was beforehand.
The game designers craft these moments to boost excitement. They often come with extras, like multipliers or wilds, that have the potential to increase your winnings. It’s a key part of the game and should be explained fully within the slot’s rules.
Free Spins as a Bonus
Free spins in bonuses, on the other hand, are quite different from those triggered within a slot game itself. These spins are provided directly by the casino, often as part of a welcome offer or promotional campaign. Reliable review platforms like BetKiwi offer useful guides for finding no deposit free spins bonuses, outlining where to claim them, what the typical wagering requirements are, and how they compare across different online casinos. While these bonuses are usually tied to slot games, they’re often promoted alongside other popular offerings, such as online poker or table games.
You can see them as a way to get you playing, which can be beneficial for casinos wanting to drive traffic to a newly released game. Unlike in-game free spins, these are handed out before you even start playing. However, there’s usually a slight catch—they’re often tied to specific games chosen by the casino.
The casino controls the and conditions, and we’d always recommend reading them thoroughly before getting started as we’d hate you to get caught out. You might need to wager any winnings several times before you’re allowed to cash out. It’s less about the slot’s mechanics and more about the casino platform’s marketing strategy.
Key Differences Between the Two
- Slot free spins come from the game itself, while bonus free spins come from the casino
- Players earn in-game spins by playing, while bonus spins are given upfront
- Slot games dictate their own rules as set by the game designers, while casinos set bonus conditions
These distinctions matter as they’re unique as to how they’re triggered, and they can be used in different ways. One is a reward for luck and continued gameplay, while the other is more of a lure to keep players engaged. Understanding this distinction should help players spot what’s really on offer so they can easily capitalize and make smart, informed decisions.
Why Do Free Spins Exist?
Slots use free spins to keep players engaged and wanting to continue playing. As with anything, receiving free spins triggers a dopamine hit, and those extra rounds can make you feel like a winner, even if the payout’s small (if you win anything at all). Game designers understand that this mechanism can keep players spinning longer than they might have envisioned.
Casinos offer bonuses for entirely different reasons. It’s easier to see them as bait to draw players in, with the idea being that they will stick around and spend their money playing other games too. It’s less about improving gameplay and, instead, a way to maximize long-term earnings while making a small concession at the start. Understanding the intent of each is essential, especially to newer players who do not have the experience of the seasoned slots spinner.
Which Type is Better?
Deciding which type of free spin is better ultimately depends on what you want to achieve, as it’s not a black-and-white case of saying X or Y is better for one reason. If you enjoy the rush of playing and want to try and maximize winnings, in-game free spins might be the better option. These free spins are often elusive but can be very rewarding when they hit.
For players who prefer a low-risk option and would feel comfortable finding their feet at a gentler pace, free spins provided by the casino itself can give players a head start—a benefit, especially if they’re new to slot games or simply want to test a site and see if it’s the right fit for them. However, we’d recommend that players always read the wagering rules carefully and make the most informed decision possible.
Tips for Making the Most of Free Spins
If you want to maximize either type of free spin bonus, there are a few things that you’ll need to be aware of beforehand. Understanding these factors can make or break the playing experience, and they include
- Checking the game’s paytables and understanding what triggers free spins and the boosts they bring
- Reading the fine print as the wagering and conditions, as well as in-game rules, can easily catch players out
- Setting a budget, regardless of which type of free spins you prefer—free doesn’t mean you should play recklessly
Knowledge is power, and regardless of whether it’s a slot feature or a casino offer, understanding the rules can keep you ahead.
Final Thoughts
Terminology within the online gambling space can be tricky to get a handle on, especially as a beginner. Even the most successful poker players had to start somewhere, differentiating between and learning them will go a long way to helping hone your gameplay. Free spins in slots versus bonuses vary in several ways. One’s an in-game bonus, while the other’s a casino-led hook to entice new players and keep existing players engaged. Both can pay off, but they cater to different tastes and serve differing purposes.