What are free spins and how do they work?

Cartoon coin character playing behind a slot reel as coins burst around
2 min read

Free spins on an online slot feature that players can trigger to receive extra spins without having to place a bet. Effectively, every free Spin gives you a chance of winning without spending your own money.

In-game Free Spins

Free spins as a bonus feature on an online slot are typically triggered by scatter symbols, which usually land anywhere on the reels. Also, far less commonly, you can trigger bonus spins via a buy feature or through collection features.

  • Triggered by scatter symbols
  • Triggered by a special collection feature
  • Triggered via a bonus buy feature

Free spins often come with additional features, such as multipliers that increase your winnings or wild symbols with multiplier, sticky or expanding capabilities, giving you a higher chance of landing combination wins as they substitute for other symbols.

Promotional Free Spins Bonuses

Free spins awarded as part of a casino bonus give you a set number of spins and a chance to build up a bonus or real money balance from any winnings. 

You release free spins bonuses in several ways: 

  • No deposit bonus
  • Deposit match bonus
  • Deposit for free spins
  • Bonus shop
  • Loyalty rewards
  • Special bonus code promo
  • Special tournaments
  • Prize Drops

Some free spins bonuses will pay you directly in cash or crypto, while others will come with a wagering requirement that you need to play through to convert the bonus money from your free spins winnings into real money or crypto.

Key takeaway: The key takeaway is that free spins are bonus spins awarded without you having to bet using your own money.

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