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Are Free Spins Worth It? The Truth Behind the Hype

Are Free Spins Worth It? The Truth Behind the Hype

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Date published: 08/01/2026
Last updated: 08/01/2026
7 minute read

When you are a new player, the flashy “get free spins” in online casinos can instantly grab your eye, but that’s what they want. Sceptically, you might wonder, “Are free spins worth it or are they just a scam?” because it can be difficult to trust something free. That’s why it’s better to know if there’s any catch.  

Our guide is here to answer all your burning questions as we discuss why casinos give these spins. Further down the article, we will also examine the main rules and the top games offering free spins. By the end, you will definitely understand whether they are truly  worth your time. Let’s get started, shall we?

What Are Free Spins and Why Do Casinos Give Them?

Before we answer whether casino free spins are really worth it, let’s first understand what exactly they are. In a standard slot game, every spin costs money. You choose a bet amount, like a low 10p or even a high £5, and that amount is deducted from your balance each time you hit “Spin”.

On the other hand, free spins are rounds on a slot game that don’t cost you any money. The online casino chooses the bet amount, typically a small value such as £10, and provides you with a specific number of tries. Generally free spins are usually offered in sets such as 10 free spins, 20 free spins, 30 free spins or even 50 or 100 free spins. Since they are free, winning money is a fun perk.

To put it simply, casinos use these bonus spins as a strategic instrument to stay ahead in a highly competitive industry. These offers help them attract new sign-ups, keep regular players engaged, and build excitement for newly released games. Besides, the word “free” is a powerful marketing tool that instantly grabs attention. 

These are also easy for operators to manage, as they can strictly control their costs by setting specific limits on bet sizes, game selection, and payout rules. Also, enjoying a trial run often encourages you to play with your own money once the bonus ends. Basically, free spins are an appetiser allowing casinos to showcase new games and build the excitement necessary to turn a brief preview into a longer session.

They frequently appear in welcome offers, reload bonuses, and cross-platform rewards, such as receiving spins for betting on horse racing. Casinos also weave them into daily play through free-to-play games, accumulator perks, and random prize drops to keep players coming back every day.

Has the free spins bonus intrigued you about the gambling world? Here are a few helpful tips on how to be a professional punter.

Main Rules for Using Free Spins

Although these spins are technically free, some casinos offer them with their own rules.

Are They Really Free?

While free spins always come with specific terms and conditions, these rules are not necessarily hidden traps; rather, they are simply the framework of the casino deal. Many promotions are genuinely no-deposit and risk-free, meaning you don’t have to spend a single penny to play. With these offers, you can simply play the eligible game, use your spins, and instantly receive any resulting winnings.

However, some free spin offers at casinos carry stricter requirements. These typically involve specific rules regarding how much you must spend to unlock the spins, which games you are allowed to play, and wagering requirements that dictate how many times you must bet your winnings before they can be withdrawn. You should always read the terms and conditions before registering to a new casino. 

Wagering

Wagering requirements are rules that determine how many times you must bet your bonus winnings before you can withdraw them as cash. For instance, let’s assume you win £5 from free spins with a 5x wagering requirement. Then, you must place a total of £25 in bets to unlock that money. Until this goal is met, your winnings stay in a separate bonus balance.

Higher requirements, such as 30x or 40x, make cashing out more difficult at casinos, but wagering is not always a downside. While you risk losing your initial win, continuing to play also gives you extra opportunities to hit a larger payout before the money is cleared for withdrawal.

No Deposit vs Deposit Free Spins

No deposit free spins are a risk-free trial, as you play for free just by signing up at a casino. However, strict rules and low win limits make it very difficult to actually withdraw any cash. They are the best way to try out new site without spending a cent.

Meanwhile, deposit free spins require you to add funds to your account but offer more spins and better odds. As you are putting money down, the rules are more relaxed and the deposit amount is usually small. This gives you a much higher chance of keeping what you win. 

Understand more about the low deposit vs no deposit bonuses at casinos by checking our guide, and learn which gives better value.

Expiry Time

It’s important to know that most free spins and promotions have expiry dates. If you don’t use them or finish wagering in time, you lose the reward, even if you spent your own money to qualify. As some bonuses are credited later, you must track when they arrive and use them before they expire. Always check the time limits for both playing your spins and completing any wagering to ensure you don’t forfeit your winnings from free spins.

Game Eligibility

Casinos limit free spins to specific games to control costs, like offering free spins on Big Bass Bonanza, Book of Dead, or any other specific slot. If you open the wrong slot, the game won’t recognise the bonus and will automatically deduct money from your cash balance instead. To avoid this, always look for a pop-up or a free spins counter when the game loads. If you don’t see a clear notification that the rounds are free, stop playing; otherwise, you are likely spending your own money without realising it.

Top Games for Free Spins

Here are the top three games offered by online casinos for free spins that you can try out.

Big Bass Bonanza

Big Bass Bonanza is a high-energy fishing-themed slot with a strong 96.71% RTP and medium to high volatility. While the base game is a simple 5×3 setup, the potential for big win lies in the free spins round, triggered by three or more “Scatters”. During these spins, the “Fisherman Wild” collects cash values from all fish on the screen. Every four “Wilds” you collect retriggers the round with 10 extra spins and increases the win multiplier, scaling from x2 to a massive x10.

Gates of Olympus

Gates of Olympus is a Greek mythology-themed slot by Pragmatic Play featuring a 5,000x max win and a unique multiway pay system. It is a high-volatility game with an RTP of 96.5%. The highlight is the free spins feature, triggered by four or more “Scatters”, which grants 15 spins where all landed multipliers accumulate to boost your total winnings.

Mega Moolah

Mega Moolah is an African-themed slot famous for its four massive progressive jackpots. While this medium volatility game has a lower RTP (88%–90%), it offers the chance for life-changing payouts. The game features a free spins reward triggered by three monkey “Scatters”. This round grants 15 spins where all wins are tripled, with the possibility to retrigger even more.

Are Free Spins Really Worth It: Our Final Word

Free spins are definitely worth trying if the terms are fair, especially those with no risk or wagering requirements, as they offer a free hit at a profit. However, avoid offers where the cost to play far outweighs the small reward. While these can be used strategically to gain an advantage, they are primarily for fun.

Always gamble responsibly by setting budgets and time limits. Free spins can sometimes lead to unintended spending or habitual play, so it is important to stay mindful. If your online gambling begins to go out of control, remember that you can seek support from organisations like GAMSTOP.

READ NEXT: How to Maximise Small Deposits at Online Casinos (£1–£5 Guide)

Know More About Free Spins (FAQs)
Can I Win Real Money With Free Spins?

Yes, you can win real money with free spins. However, you must meet wagering requirements and stay within maximum withdrawal limits before you can cash out your winnings.

What Are the Main Rules for Using Free Spins?

The main rules for using free spins include playing the specific eligible games within the designated time limit and meeting any wagering requirements or maximum win caps specified in the terms and conditions. 

Can I Sell My Free Spins To My Friend?

No, you generally cannot sell your free spins to your friend. They are strictly non-transferable and linked to your individual account. Attempting to sell or share them would violate the casino’s terms and conditions and likely lead to an account ban.

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