Have you ever wondered if that “free spins” offer is really as good as it sounds? Many online casinos tempt players with free spins on sign-up, but there’s often a catch. It’s clear that the promise of free spins is hugely attractive. Yet, the reality can be far more complicated than just “free money.”
We contacted iGaming expert Christoffer Ødegården, who leads the marketing efforts at popular comparison site Bojoko and with whom we have previously discussed online casino safety and hidden traps in casino bonuses, to hear more about how good free spins offers actually are. In this conversation, he explains what players should look out for—such as wagering requirements, low per-spin values, and hidden limits—and offers practical tips on how to get the best deal.
It can’t be denied that free spins are popular with UK players. But even though they sound great, they often come with terms and conditions that may not always be clear. What should players look for when evaluating these offers to ensure they get the best deal?
The first thing you should always check for is the wagering requirement. Most free spins will come with conditions that require you to wager your winnings a certain number of times before you can withdraw anything. If the wagering requirements are too high, it can be nearly impossible to walk away with any real cash, even if you get some big wins from the free spins.
Some resistance has to be expected, as otherwise giving out these freebies would be really risky for the casinos, but that’s often what many people link, namely, that it is such a great deal. It’s often not. Say you get 10 free spins on sign-up and win 50 pounds. That’s amazing. Free money, right? Usually, No! That’s bonus money that you may need to play through 30, 40, or maybe even 50 or more times.
It’s also worth checking just how much each spin is worth. Often, it’s just 10 or 20 pence, or whatever the lowest possible bet is, so even if you get 50 free spins, that may translate to 5 quid.
Then, there are the other requirements for the winnings. There are usually maximum bet limits, which can be low to ensure that you can’t bet and thus win too much, thanks to the random number generator. They want to mitigate their risk. Many even have max wins, possibly both from the free spins themselves and from the bonus cash. So say you hit a big score, and ull in £1,000. That may translate to 50 or 100 quid in your pocket.
Oh, and as free spins are usually attached to a single slot, check the RTP and ways to win. They can vary drastically from one slot to another.
What advice would you give UK players on finding reputable, trustworthy casinos offering these types of promotions, especially in a market full of options?
There aren’t really as many options as Brits may think. The number varies, but you can see our updated list of British casinos that offer no-deposit free spins on registration whenever in doubt. It’s usually around 20 brands out of, say, 200-300 that offer this in the UK. It’s not fantastic, but there are also a decent few to choose from. Our list is probably the best starting point, as we only list UKGC-licensed casinos.
A legitimate, licensed casino will be transparent about its terms and conditions and won’t hide any surprises in the fine print. UK advertising regulations are strict, and all key terms must be displayed right below the offer. If not, and something big is hidden, you have the right to complain. This has made UK-licensed operators very careful, as they risk everything from paying back funds to fines if they mislead their users.
It’s also worth reading reviews before claiming any offer. That way, you will be fully aware of what to expect.
Do you think free spins will continue to be a major promotional tool for online casinos, or do you see other types of bonuses becoming more popular in the future?
There has been a significant decline already. Ten years ago, the number of British casinos offering free spins was much higher. The number fluctuates, and we have a better selection now than we did around three years ago, but overall, the trend is downward.
I don’t think they will disappear, but casinos know that the risk of hit-and-runs is high when they offer freebies. The goal is always to get you to deposit, and we have seen more attractive welcome bonuses as an alternative or counter to no-deposit offers.
These offers can still be great for the players if you read the terms and conditions and do your basic due diligence, but they are not freebies, and you risk losing your real money.
