Online casino promotions can be bewildering if you’re new to the world of slots and tables. The big question is which is better – free spins or bonus money?
We’ll make it simple: free spins are a low‑risk way to test a slot without staking your own cash, while bonus money offers a larger bankroll that can be spent on a wide range of games, but usually requires a deposit and more stringent wagering.
Below we unpack everything you need to know about free spins vs bonus money, so you can make the right call depending on how you usually play.
Free spins are complimentary turns on a specific slot machine provided by the casino.
They’re often granted as part of a welcome package, a no‑deposit sign‑up offer or a seasonal promotion. Instead of risking your own cash, the casino stakes a fixed coin value on each spin.
The appeal is obvious here. Players can explore a slot’s features without touching their bankroll. However, the game selection and stake size are dictated by the operator. Free spins usually apply only to a particular slot and the coin value is set at the minimum or a predetermined amount.
When you win, the payout is credited as bonus balance rather than real cash, and you’ll need to satisfy wagering requirements before any winnings become withdrawable.
Free spin promotions come in several flavours. We summarise the most common varieties and their typical conditions in the table below.
| Type of free spin offer | How it works |
| Welcome free spins | Awarded when you make your first deposit or complete registration. These spins introduce new players to a casino’s flagship slot. |
| Free spins no deposit | Given for simply opening an account or verifying your details, no deposit required. |
| Deposit‑match free spins | Bundled with a deposit match promotion. You receive spins plus bonus funds. |
| Reload or daily free spins | Offered to returning players who reload their balance or take part in weekly promotions. |
| Loyalty/VIP spins | Earned through a loyalty scheme or VIP programme. |
Why do online casinos offers free spins? Free spins allow casinos to promote new games and encourage registrations. No‑deposit spins in particular are popular because they lower the barrier to entry for players who are unsure about gambling online.
They also encourage players to explore the casino’s lobby and – from the operator’s perspective – may prompt deposits once the free taste is over.
Bonus money refers to extra funds credited to your casino account as part of a promotion.
Unlike free spins, bonus money isn’t tied to a particular slot. You can usually spend it on a broad selection of games. The classic example is the deposit match bonus: deposit £100 and the casino matches it with another £100 in bonus funds, giving you double the starting bankroll.
This type of offer helps players extend their playtime and potentially increase their winnings. Bonus money may also be granted without a deposit (a so‑called no‑deposit bonus) or as cashback on losses. In all cases, the funds are initially “locked” as bonus credit, so you’ll need to meet wagering requirements before converting them into real, withdrawable cash.
| Type of bonus | How it works |
| Deposit match bonus (usually as casino welcome bonus) | The casino matches a percentage of your deposit (usually 50-100%, but high‑roller deals can reach 200%).
Example: Deposit £50 with a 100% match and you’ll receive another £50 in bonus funds. |
| No deposit bonus | Credit is given simply for registering or verifying your account, no deposit is needed. |
| Reload bonus | Existing customers receive a percentage of their top‑up deposit back as bonus funds. |
| Cashback bonus | The casino returns a portion of your losses. Example: 10% of net losses. |
| Loyalty or VIP rewards | Points earned through play can be exchanged for bonus cash, free spins or other rewards. |
Why do casinos give out bonus money? Similar to free spins, bonus funds are a marketing tool that encourages players to deposit and keep playing. They allow operators to compete for market share while rewarding the loyalty of their customers.
From a player’s perspective, deposit matches or cashback provide more playtime and a chance to explore different games without immediately risking more money.
Three reasons, essentially. Bonuses attract new customers, retain existing ones and steer play towards specific games. These offers are not acts of generosity but carefully designed marketing tools.
Recognising this strategy empowers you to make choices that fit your budget and goals rather than playing purely because of a promotion. As long as you remember that bonuses are not free money, you’re already playing more responsibly than many players out there.
Our verdict: Choosing between free spins vs bonus money depends on your goals and risk tolerance. For absolute beginners, no deposit free spins are ideal. They let you explore a casino and its interface without spending a penny. Deposit‑linked free spins are also decent if the wagering conditions are fair.
Bonus money can offer more value when you’re ready to deposit, but always check the wagering multiplier and make sure it fits your budget. Depositing purely to claim a match percentage can backfire if you don’t plan to wager heavily enough to clear the bonus.
If you’re hunting for generous deals, start by browsing our low‑deposit casino hub, which lists options where you can play for just £1 or £2.
We recommend checking out the £5 deposit and £10 deposit categories if you prefer a modest stake. When you’re ready for bigger match bonuses, you could explore the 100% bonus, 150% bonus and 200% bonus pages for curated offers. These guides break down each deal’s terms so you can pick the right promotion for your playing style.
Not exactly. Although free spins and bonus funds may appear free of charge, they come with conditions. No‑deposit free spins are indeed risk‑free in terms of your bankroll, but the winnings must be wagered a set number of times. Bonus money always carries wagering and may require a deposit.
That doesn’t mean the offers are worthless or a scam. They can extend playtime or provide a low‑risk introduction, but never treat them as free cash.
Yes, but only after meeting the bonus terms – that’s why we recommend always reading the terms very carefully. Normally for free spins winnings you must complete the wagering multiplier. There may also be a cap on how much you can withdraw.
Bonus funds require you to wager the bonus (and sometimes the deposit) multiple times. Failing to meet these conditions will result in the bonus expiring and any winnings being forfeited.
It depends on the payment method and the casino’s processing times. E‑wallets are typically the fastest. Traditional bank transfers or card withdrawals can take several days. Before depositing, check whether your preferred method qualifies for the bonus and what withdrawal limits apply.
Yes. Some promotions explicitly state that there are no wagering requirements on the spin winnings or bonus funds. These offers are rarer and usually involve small amounts. Always verify the details so you know exactly what you’re getting.
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