Explained: How Free Spins Work in Online Slot Games
Free spins are a common feature in online slots, but the way they work isn’t always obvious straight away. You might be wondering what actually counts as a free spin, how they’re triggered, and what happens if you win something from them.
In this blog post, you’ll find a clear explanation of how free spins function—both inside the games themselves and as part of promotional offers. It also covers how terms and conditions can affect what you’re able to withdraw if you win anything with them, and what’s worth checking before you take up an offer.
By the end, you’ll have a better grasp of the basics, without needing to wade through jargon, so you can decide what suits you best. Read on to learn more.
What Are Free Spins in Online Slots?
Free spins are rounds where the reels turn without charging a player’s balance for that spin. They either come from the slot itself as a built-in feature or from a casino promotion.
In-game free spins usually mirror the bet size and paylines that were active when the feature was triggered. Many slots add extra elements during these rounds, such as multipliers, stacked or sticky wilds, or expanding symbols. These built-in tweaks are designed to change the pace of play and can influence the size and frequency of outcomes during the feature.
Promotional free spins work a little differently. They are separate from the game’s own bonus rounds and are provided by a casino as part of a sign-up or ongoing offer. The value per spin is often fixed, and the spins may be restricted to a specific title.
Either way, outcomes are produced by the game’s Random Number Generator (RNG). Winnings from free spins usually go to your balance, but promotional spins often come with conditions that decide how and when those winnings become withdrawable money.
Curious about how these features start in the first place? Let’s look at triggers next.
How Do You Trigger Free Spins?
If you’re exploring how to trigger free spins, there are generally two main ways you might come across—one within the games themselves, and the other through promotions.
In most slot games, free spins are unlocked by landing certain symbols, usually known as scatters. If you hit three or more of these across the reels, you could trigger a round of free spins, often 10 or more. Some games might give you a choice of bonus features or randomly decide how many spins you get. In many cases, it’s also possible to re-trigger the feature while it’s active, giving you more free spins if the right symbols appear again.
The other way you might receive free spins is through casino promotions. These are often used to highlight a new game, welcome new players, or reward regular activity. Promotional spins usually have a fixed value, are tied to a specific slot, and may need to be used within a set time. Some offers might require a deposit or an opt-in, while others are added automatically to your account if you qualify.
Because each game and offer sets its own conditions, it might be worth checking the in-game info panel or reading the terms linked to any promotion—just to be clear on what to expect. Once you know how they’re triggered, the next thing you might wonder is whether free spins are actually free in practice.
Are Free Spins Really Free?
If you trigger free spins within a game, they don’t cost anything extra, provided they’re activated according to that slot’s rules. The game usually plays out those additional rounds using the same bet size that was in place when the feature started, unless it clearly says otherwise.
Promotional free spins also don’t cost you anything at the moment you use them, but there may be a few steps required before or after you can access them. For example, you might need to sign up, verify your details, or make a qualifying deposit. These spins typically come with a fixed value per spin, are linked to specific games, and may need to be used within a certain time frame. In some cases, winnings from these spins are capped or credited as bonus funds rather than cash.
If you choose to claim an offer, it’s worth taking a moment to read the summary box or terms. This will usually show you the spin value, which slot the spins apply to, when they expire, and how any winnings are handled. If everything aligns with what you’re comfortable with, free spins can offer a simple way to explore a slot without paying for those rounds directly.
That said, what happens to your winnings can vary, especially when bonus terms are involved. This is where wagering requirements come into play.
Understanding Wagering Requirements on Free Spins
If you use free spins from a promotion, there may be wagering requirements attached; these outline how much you’d need to bet before any winnings can be withdrawn as real money. For example, if you won £5 from a set of spins and the requirement is 20x, you’d need to wager £100 on eligible games before that amount becomes withdrawable.
The exact rules depend on the offer. In some cases, the wagering applies only to your winnings from the spins. In others, it may also include the value of any bonus funds you’ve received alongside them. There’s usually a time limit to meet the requirement, and many offers include a maximum bet size per spin while wagering is active. Not all games will count equally—some might contribute a lower percentage, and others could be excluded altogether.
If you’re deciding whether to take up a free spins offer, it helps to scan for a few key details:
- The wagering multiplier, and whether it applies only to winnings or to bonus funds too
- The spin value, which games the spins can be used on, and when they expireÂ
- The maximum allowed bet during wagering, and any cap on how much can be turned into cash
Some casinos also show a progress bar in your account, so you can track how much wagering is left. If an offer doesn’t match how you prefer to play, you can always skip it and continue without a bonus—there’s no obligation to take it.
How Many Free Spins Can You Get?
If you’re wondering how many free spins you might receive, it really depends on where they’re coming from.
In-game free spin rounds usually start with around 8 to 12 spins, though some slots offer 20 or more as a base. You might also come across games that let you unlock extra spins during the feature—something known as a re-trigger. Certain slots include a pick-and-click option, too, where you choose between more spins with a lower multiplier or fewer spins with a higher one, depending on how you want to play.
Promotional free spins vary even more. You might see a small set offered for one specific game, or a larger batch spread over several days. But the total number isn’t always the most important detail. It can be worth looking at the value of each spin, any cap on winnings, and whether wagering applies. For example, ten spins at £0.20 each with no playthrough requirement could be more straightforward than a hundred spins tied to tighter conditions.
If you’re offered a choice between different bundles, comparing spin value, the games they apply to, and any attached terms will usually give you a better sense of what’s on offer than just focusing on the number of spins.
Can You Win Real Money from Free Spins?
Yes, but how you withdraw it depends on the type of free spin and the terms attached.
For free spins triggered inside a slot, winnings are treated like any other result from that game. They are added to your balance as cash unless the slot’s rules say otherwise. The only caveats tend to be the game’s own mechanics, such as multipliers or symbol upgrades that affect outcomes during the feature.
For promotional free spins, winnings are usually credited as bonus funds first. They become withdrawable cash only after any wagering requirement is completed and any other limits are met. Some promotions cap the amount that can be converted to cash, and a few pay winnings as additional free spins rather than funds. Casinos also carry out standard identity checks before withdrawal, which is normal practice.
If you prefer simplicity, look for offers that state low or zero wagering on free spin winnings, a clear expiry time, and a realistic maximum conversion cap.
Why Do Casinos Offer Free Spins?
If you’ve ever wondered why casinos give out free spins, it often comes down to introducing games, welcoming new players, or encouraging people to return. Free spins let you explore a slot without using your own balance for those rounds, which may be beneficial, especially if the game includes unusual features or bonus rounds that play differently from the base game.
They’re also a common way to highlight new releases. When a slot first launches, a few free spins can give you the chance to see how it feels in action—how the reels move, what the symbols do, and whether it’s something you’d want to continue playing with your own funds. If you already play regularly, you might find free spins offered as a small thank-you or a prompt to revisit a game you’ve played before.
In most cases, the terms around free spins are made clear up front. Details like the value of each spin, which games they apply to, and how winnings are handled can help set expectations and avoid confusion. If you choose to use them, knowing these points in advance can make the experience feel more straightforward.
Explore Slots Online at Mr Luck
If you’re thinking about exploring online slots, Mr Luck offers a wide selection to choose from. The site is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and you’ll find clear information on each game, along with straightforward terms for any offers you decide to use.
You’ll come across a mix of familiar classics and newer titles with more modern features. Each game page highlights key details, such as spin values and bonus mechanics, so you can decide what suits you before you start playing.
If you choose to play here, you’ll also have access to a full set of responsible gambling tools. These include deposit limits, session reminders, and other options that you can set based on your own preferences. And if you ever need help, the support team is on hand to assist.
Feel free to visit Mr Luck and explore the range of slots we have available in a secure setting.
**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.