Ever noticed how the words “Free Spins” seem to pop up on every online slot or safe deposits UK casinos promotional offer? It’s not just clever marketing. Free Spins are one of the most common and impactful features found in online slots, especially among UK players looking for ways to stretch their gameplay without increasing their stake.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What Free Spins are and how they work
- How to trigger Free Spins during gameplay
- Variations like retriggering or special multipliers
- Tips for choosing games with rewarding Free Spin mechanics
- Why Free Spins are a top choice for UK players on mobile and cross-platform casinos
What Are Free Spins?
Free spins are exactly what they sound like — spins you can make on a slot without paying for them. These spins don’t cost you any credits, yet they retain the payout potential of standard spins, including multipliers and rewards found in popular high-volatility titles like Megaways™ and Jackpot King slots.
In most cases, Free Spins:
- Maintain the same bet size and paylines as the spin that triggered them
- Offer potential winnings that are either credited directly or tied to wagering requirements (when given as bonuses)
- Often come with added features like multipliers, expanding wilds, or retriggersThese features help explain why Free Spins are more than just “free turns”—they’re high-potential moments within any slot session.
How to Trigger Free Spins in a Slot Game
Free Spins are typically activated by landing a specific combination of Scatter Symbols, often three or more. Once triggered, the game may:
- Award a set number of spins (e.g., 10, 15, or 20)
- Launch a bonus round with enhanced mechanics like sticky wilds or increasing multipliers
- Allow retriggering, where landing more scatters during the round adds even more spins
Features Within the Feature: Retriggers and Multipliers
Not all Free Spins are built the same. Some top slots for tablets include powerful upgrades within the Free Spin round:
- Retriggers: Landing 2 or 3 scatters during the bonus adds additional spins.
- Multipliers: Wins may be multiplied by 2x, 3x or more—especially in Megaways™ slots.
- Sticky or Expanding Wilds: Wild symbols may lock in place or grow to cover reels during Free Spins, increasing win chances dramatically.
These combinations are often found in jackpot slots or Megaways slots and can create engaging bonus rounds, though outcomes remain random.
Why UK Players Love Free Spins: Stat Spotlight
According to the UK Gambling Commission’s study on promotional offers, Free Spins were among the most widely seen promotional offers, reaching 72% of players over a 4-week period.
Of those, 52% went on to redeem their Free Spins — a stronger uptake than seen for some other incentives like sign-up or deposit-based bonuses.
This data shows that Free Spins remain one of the most actively engaged promotional tools in UK online casinos — offering low-risk entry points for players looking to explore new games or features without upfront spending.
UKGC graph depicting free spins bonus remain one of the most actively engaged promotional tools in UK online casinos
Best Types of Games for Free Spin Features
Free Spins appear in everything from simple fruit slots to highly innovative Megaways™ games. The most rewarding titles often include:
- Bonus Buy options, allowing players to purchase instant access to Free Spins
- Free Spin rounds with progressive multipliers or cascading wins
- Games that are optimised for mobile or tablet play, popular among cross-platform UK casinos
Examples include:
- Big Bass Bonanza – A fan-favorite fishing-themed slot where Free Spins retrigger frequently, with a fisherman symbol that collects multipliers for bigger payouts.
- Gonzo’s Quest Megaways™ – Offers an Avalanche feature, where winning symbols disappear to allow new ones to drop. Free Spins here come with progressive multipliers, enhancing each consecutive win.
- Eye of Horus – A classic Egyptian-themed slot where Free Spins trigger symbol upgrades, transforming lower-paying icons into higher-value ones for bigger wins.
Playing Smart: What to Know Before You Spin
While Free Spins are fun and potentially lucrative, players should understand their value and limitations:
- Always check whether Free Spins come with wagering requirements (when offered as a bonus)
- Look for slots where the Free Spins round introduces new mechanics—not just extra spins
- Use Free Spins to test the volatility and features of unfamiliar games
And importantly, recent regulatory updates from the UK government have introduced stake limits on online slots to help curb gambling harm—capping stakes at £5 for adults and £2 for young adults aged 18 to 24. This adds even more reason to understand the true value of in-game bonuses like Free Spins.
Final Thoughts: Are Free Spins Worth It?
Absolutely—when used wisely. Free Spins can offer a window into the most exciting aspects of slot gameplay, especially when paired with wilds, multipliers, or bonus games.
Key takeaways:
- Free Spins can offer extended play without additional wager per spin, though terms such as wagering requirements may apply.
- Retriggering, wild upgrades, and multipliers can enhance gameplay but do not affect the randomness or outcomes of individual spins.
- Understanding how Free Spins work helps players make informed decisions when selecting slots but does not guarantee winning outcomes.
Explore available slot games featuring Free Spin mechanics at Prime Casino. Terms and conditions apply.
Don’t forget to check out our full breakdown of other popular mechanics like Cascading Reels, Megaways™, and Progressive Jackpot slots.
