Can You Buy Free Spins On UK Slot Games?
If you’ve spent time exploring online slot games in the UK, you’ve probably come across features like “free spins” or special bonus rounds. These extras are often a big part of what makes slots engaging, and it’s natural to wonder whether it’s possible to buy your way into them.
At first glance, the answer might not be clear. Rules around UK slot games play a big role in shaping what’s allowed and how these features are accessed. Understanding the options available—and what’s changed over time—can help you make sense of what you’re seeing if you choose to play.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what buying free spins used to involve, how the feature worked in the past, and the ways UK regulations influence your options today. Let’s take a closer look.
How Buying Free Spins Used To Work
A few years ago, many online slot games offered a feature known as “Bonus Buy” or “Feature Buy”. This allowed players to pay a fixed amount to unlock bonus features—such as free spins or special rounds—instantly, without needing to wait for them to trigger during normal gameplay.
The cost of using this feature was always shown clearly upfront, and once purchased, the bonus would start immediately. It was a way to access the bonus parts of a slot game on demand, directly through the game itself.
Things have since changed for players in the UK. Buying free spins or bonus rounds is no longer available on UK-licensed casino sites. This change was introduced to support responsible gambling. Now, if you’re playing in the UK, free spins can only be triggered through regular gameplay or offered as part of a casino promotion.
Why Bonus Buys Are Banned In The UK
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has introduced clear rules to help make online gambling fairer and more supportive for all players. One of these changes involves removing the option to buy instant access to features like free spins—commonly known as bonus buys—from UK-licensed slot games.
A key reason behind this decision was that bonus buys made it easy to spend significant amounts in a short space of time, which wasn’t always easy to keep track of. By limiting this feature, the aim is to help players better manage their spending.
This change is part of the UKGC’s broader approach to reducing gambling-related harm. It’s now a standard across all UK-licensed casinos, designed to create a playing environment with added safeguards, particularly for those who may benefit from extra support.
How To Get Free Spins Without Buying Them
Although you can’t buy free spins in the UK, there are still a few simple ways you might be able to get them.
If you’re playing a slot game, you’ll often find that free spins can be triggered during normal gameplay, usually by landing specific symbols or combinations. Each game is different, so it’s worth checking the in-game rules to see how and when these features are activated.
You might also come across free spins as part of promotions from online casinos. These could be included in a welcome offer, given when you make your first deposit, or offered during special promotions. The details, such as how many spins you’ll receive and which games you can use them on, are always outlined in the terms of the offer.
Before accepting any promotion, it’s a good idea to read through the terms and conditions carefully. These often include wagering requirements, limits on winnings, or other conditions that may affect how the free spins work.
Top Slots With Triggerable Free Spins Bonus Rounds
If you’re interested in slot games that include free spins as part of regular gameplay, there are plenty of popular titles to explore. Here are a few well-known UK slots where you can unlock bonus rounds by meeting certain in-game conditions:
- Starburst (NetEnt): This fan favourite features a re-spin mechanic triggered by expanding wilds, offering extra chances to potentially win.
- Book of Dead (Play’n GO): If three or more scatter symbols land, you’ll unlock a free spins bonus, complete with a randomly chosen expanding symbol.
- Gonzo’s Quest (NetEnt): Free spins are triggered through “Free Fall” rounds when the right combination of scatters appears.
- Fishin’ Frenzy: This well-known title includes a free spins round when enough scatter symbols land on the reels—often seen as a highlight of the game.
If you’re trying out any of these slots, it’s a good idea to check the paytable or help section first. That way, you can see exactly how the bonus features work and what to look out for during play.
Are Bonus Buys Really That Big Of A Loss?
Bonus buys used to offer a quick way to jump straight into bonus rounds, but they often came with a cost higher than a regular spin—and the outcome was still entirely down to chance. The price for these features was set by the game provider and could sometimes be quite steep.
As mentioned earlier, spending more in a short space of time can make it harder to keep track of your balance. That’s why it’s important to make informed choices and monitor your spending carefully if you ever choose to play. These considerations are part of the reason why bonus buys are no longer available on UK-licensed sites.
Play Real Money Slots Online at Mr Luck
At Mr Luck, we offer a wide selection of real money slot games on a platform fully licensed and regulated by the UKGC. That means you can enjoy your experience with the reassurance that fairness, security, and responsible play are always a priority here.
If you’re interested in trying out different slots, you’ll find it easy to browse by provider, features, or themes—so you can find games that best match what you’re looking for. Plus, each slot includes a clear paytable to help you understand how the features work before you begin.
We’re here to support you every step of the way, providing useful tools and information to help you play within your own limits.
Feel free to visit Mr Luck to explore the range of slot games we have available.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.