What are Free Spins?

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Free spins in slot games are those bonus features that enable players to spin the reels of a slot machine without using their own money. The spins usually come as part of a particular promotional offer or are unleashed during gameplay. While the spins themselves are free, any winnings that such spins generate may be bound by specific conditions before they are withdrawable.

Players can receive free spins as part of a welcome bonus upon signing up, during promotional events, or through loyalty programs. Some casinos may require a deposit to activate these spins, while others offer no-deposit free spins. They may be tied to specific slot games, so players must use them on designated titles to qualify for any potential winnings.

The free spins that come with wagering requirements usually involve players having to bet a certain amount several times before they can withdraw any cash. For example, if a player wins £10 from free spins with a 20x wagering requirement, they would need to wager £200 before cashing out.

Some UK online casinos offer no deposit free spins promotions where you can claim free spins, usually on a specific slot title, straight after registration before you’ve even made a deposit. A select few casino sites may also offer daily or weekly free spins promotions from time to time, often going along with specific events or new game releases.

What most of the free spins really help with is enabling players to try a variety of slot games with no financial risk, making it a very excellent way for new players to familiarize themselves with gambling online and even specific games. 

In addition to these types of free spins which new players can claim as part of a casino promotion; most online slots include free spins as a game mechanic with free spins being most commonly triggered by landing at least three scatter or bonus symbols on the reels when you play. 

This will trigger the free spins mode which will typically net you 10 free spins, however the amount differs depending on the slot game. Free spins on many online slots typically inhabit a separate bonus area of the slot game so you will usually see that the symbols have changed visually or there may be a multiplier present that wasn’t there in the base game. 

As it’s an in-game mechanic and thus part of regular gameplay the free spins you earn in game don’t come with any wagering requirements unlike the ones you directly claim as part of a promotional bonus. 

The in-game free spins mechanic is completely random and whether you win any in-game free spins is purely down to chance. However, there are a number of recent online slots titles that offer a Buy Bonus feature that will award you a certain amount of free spins for a hefty fee, allowing you to bypass the base game to get to the free spins bonus mode, provided that  you’re willing to pay for it.

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