What are free spins?
Free spins (often shortened to FS) are free rounds on a slot given out by an online casino. You spin the reels without spending money from your own balance, and the operator sets the stake value in advance. Free spins are usually tied to one specific slot or a small group of slots and only work on those games.
Free spins could be called the "lightest" type of casino bonus: they are easy to understand and easy to use. But the key question is — what happens to the winnings from free spins? We answer that in detail below.
During free spins, the game mechanics are exactly the same as on a normal spin: the slot's RTP, volatility and bonus rounds all work as usual. The only difference is that the stake isn't deducted from your balance. That is why free spins shouldn't be confused with a slot's "free demo" — in demo mode your winnings are virtual, whereas free spin winnings can become real money under the terms.
How free spins are given out
- In a welcome package — given together with your first deposits. More detail: welcome bonus.
- No deposit free spins — on registration or with a promo code, but they are rare and come with strict terms.
- Weekly promotions — for players who deposit on a certain day.
- Tournament and loyalty rewards — for a VIP tier or in exchange for points.
Free spins are often not given out all at once but in instalments: for example, a set number each day. Each batch has its own activation and play deadline.
How free spin winnings are wagered
When the free spins are used up, the winnings are usually credited to your bonus balance. To withdraw them, you have to play them through a set number of times — this is called wagering. An important difference: with free spins, the wagering applies not to a bonus amount but to the winnings from the free spins.
| Free spin winnings | Wagering | Required turnover |
|---|---|---|
| $30 | x20 | $600 |
| $30 | x40 | $1,200 |
| $80 | x30 | $2,400 |
| $80 | x0 (wager-free) | Straight to your real balance |
The figures in the table are examples. Wager-free free spins do exist, but they are usually given in smaller numbers or with a lower stake value. That is why "50 wager-free spins" can sometimes be worth more than "200 spins at x40".
How to judge the value of free spins
- Work out the value of one spin. 100 free spins × $0.20 = $20 of nominal value.
- Take the slot's RTP into account. For example, Sweet Bonanza has an RTP of ~96.48% and Gates of Olympus ~96.50%. Over the long run roughly that percentage of the nominal value comes back, but individual results vary hugely.
- Check the wagering. With high wagering, the expected value drops noticeably, because the house edge keeps working during the rollover.
- Look at the deadline and the max cashout. A 24-hour deadline and a low max cashout sharply reduce the value of the offer.
Tips for using free spins well
Free spins look simple, but a few practical rules make them noticeably more useful:
- Check how they are activated. Some free spins start automatically, while others must be activated manually in the bonus section. Free spins that aren't activated can expire and be lost.
- One bonus at a time. If there is another active bonus on your account, your free spins may be queued, or their winnings may be added to the other bonus's rollover.
- Try the slot in demo mode first. Getting to know the game mechanics (bonus round, multipliers) in the demo helps you play your free spins knowingly. It doesn't affect the result, but it means fewer surprises.
- Watch the maximum bet when wagering winnings. Free spin winnings count as a bonus, so the bet limit applies to them too.
- Consider volatility. On high-volatility slots, free spins often return little or nothing, with an occasional big win. On low-volatility slots, results are smoother.
Remember: the value of each spin and the conditions attached to the winnings matter more than the number of free spins. Lots of low-stake free spins look like a big number but may not be worth much in nominal terms.
Fastpari free spins as an example
Under current terms, the Fastpari casino package includes up to €1500 and 150 FS. The free spins may be split across several deposits in the package, each with its own conditions. Check the details on the Fastpari website. To compare with other operators' packages, see our comparison table.
Pros and cons of free spins
Pros
- Try a new slot without your own money
- Simple, easy-to-understand mechanics
- Wager-free options sometimes available
Cons
- Only work on specified slots
- Winnings usually have to be wagered
- Short deadlines and max cashout limits
