In a highly competitive industry, online casinos find numerous ways to incentivize players to sign up and play. The most common tactic is casino bonuses, which can often come in the form of free spins. As the name suggests, this will be a package of spins that can be played on a specific slot or range of slots. It’s a no-brainer, really.
However, there is a little more to think about than one might expect. A free spins bonus is desirable, but it’s not always as simple as being free money. There are considerations to take into account. Experienced players will be well used to them, but we can provide a guide below:
A Free Spins Bonus – The Basics
As mentioned, a free spins bonus is an allotted number of spins that can be played for free on a slot or a list of slots. The bet will be locked into a specific amount. Typically, the wagers are small, but high rollers can get rewarded with high-value free spins. Once the spins are played, you get to keep any winnings.
Understand Wagering Requirements
We mentioned that “you get to keep any winnings,” but, at this point, that does not mean it is withdrawable cash. Often, casinos will apply something termed “wagering requirements,” which means that the money must be wagered a specific number of times. Trusted online casinos will always lay out their bonus terms transparently, but it’s worth taking a quick flick through the Ts & Cs to see where you stand.
It is, however, possible that you receive a free spins bonus without any wagering requirements. Normally, the casino will make this very clear, trumpeting terms like “wager free spins” or “keep what you win.” In this case, those wagering requirements do not apply.
Max Win Limits
You’ll sometimes come across maximum win limits or maximum conversion limits, which mean the free spins winnings can only be transferred into a specific amount of cash, say $100. This is certainly not always the case, but it can be a requirement at times. A general rule of thumb is that max win limits are more likely to apply when you receive no-deposit free spins, i.e., you have received the bonus without having deposited anything on the platform.
Navigating Wagering
This is an important one: There are different strategies for making wagering requirements, normally revolving around choosing low-volatility, high-RTP slots. In effect, this means choosing games like Starburst or Bloodsuckers that are relatively gentle on your bankroll, allowing you to maintain your winnings to meet the wagering requirements. This is particularly important when the goal itself is to transfer the free spins winnings to real cash, i.e., when it’s a large amount.
Check the Ts & Cs on Excluded Games
One can get a sinking feeling if you are trying to meet wagering requirements, only to learn that the game you have been spinning on for ages did not count toward the wagering. Some slots may be excluded from the list, so check before you play. Secondly, be aware that table and card games often count less toward wagering requirements.
Keep Things in Perspective
The best advice is to keep a level head. The winnings might not be real cash yet, but that does not mean you should be frivolous about it. The winnings may stay in your account for several days, so take a break and return across multiple sessions if required. Patient play is rewarding in all types of casino games, but it is particularly relevant when trying to turn a profit from a free spins bonus offer.