Free Spins Comps – How To Get The Best Value

Free Spins, otherwise known as bonus spins, are a regular incentive for slots players at online casinos. Like all casino comps they come with their fair share of terms and conditions. In this article we explain the most common restrictions to look out for and the opportunities and pit falls in typical deals.

What Are Free Spins?

Free spins are free plays on online slot games awarded by casinos for sign up, regular play or as an incentive to come back and deposit. They have a set value, usually under $1, and are typically restricted to play on a specific game. The spins are only activated when the player opens that game or accepts the spins from within their account.

Check Playthrough or Wagering Requirements

Like many casino comps, a big consideration with free spins is wagering requirements. In this instance the requirements apply to winnings generated by the free spins. They are typically anything from 20x up to 60x. And like all playthrough requirements, by the time they are met, in most cases you have lost the bonus. Or in this case, the winnings.

For example, if you were to win $100 with your free spins, at a 20x playthrough you would need to wager $2,000 before you could withdraw your winnings. At a 95% RTP, you would be down to your last 20c after wagering $1,996.

Of course, that is assuming you consistently hit a 95% RTP on every spin. In reality that won’t happen. The RTP is an average and it will change from one spin to the next. But nonetheless, with playthrough requirements the casino is tipping the odds further in their favour.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take up free spins. They are still a great way to enjoy your favourite slots, and on some occasions you may still get lucky and beat the house. But keep in mind that the further above 20x the bar is set, the harder it is to do so.

Bonus Spins Without Playthrough Requirements

The very best bonus spins deals to look out for are ‘no wagering’ or ‘winnings in cash’ ones. These do just as they say. With no playthrough requirements winnings can be withdrawn instantly. Whilst they have yet to become popular with US operators, they are common at UK slot sites where many casinos have moved to simpler comp formats that are easier for the player to understand.

Check Win Limits

Hand in hand with playthrough requirements are win limits. In order to limit their liabilities from free spins deals, casino operators will set a limit on how much can be withdrawn from winnings generated by bonus spins. Combined with playthrough, this restriction can lead you to consider whether it’s worth taking the up the deal at all. Limits may be anything from $10 to $500 though some have no limits. Always check the terms to find out which applies to your deal.

Check Game Validity

In almost all cases bonus spins are limited to specific games. Always check to see that you can use them on slots that you enjoy playing, or new ones you want to try out.

Check Expiry Times

Many casino operators choose to expire bonus spins if they are unused by a specific date, typically 7 days from when they were awarded. Don’t miss out on claiming your comp. Check the terms and take the spins before they expire.

To conclude, if someone offers you bonus spins for a bet that you were going to place anyway, then you won’t turn them down. But if you are considering signing up to a casino specifically to claim a bonus spins deal then you should consider all of the above points before you accept. And if the deal just doesn’t feel right, then ‘opt out’ instead.