Calculating the Real Value of a Free Spins Bonus

By Charlon Muscat

Free spin bonuses are exceptional—you’re given a chance to play online slots for real money without spending a dime. What’s more, they’re among the most popular casino bonuses available.

But how can you determine the actual worth of a free spins bonus? Is it wiser to explore $1 deposit casinos for lower stakes or seek out gambling sites with more generous winning caps in case fortune smiles upon you?

Understanding Free Spins Bonuses

Free spins bonuses are a type of promotional offer provided by online casinos that allow players to hit the slots without dipping into their own pockets. These are available to both new and existing gamers and can manifest in several forms, including:

No Deposit Free Spins: The most lucrative of them all—free spins with no deposit required

Match Free Spins: Granted when a deposit is made, either within a welcome package or as a reward for account reloads later on. The number of bonus free spins typically correlates with the deposit amount, offering more value to larger investments.

Loyalty Program Free Spins: Awarded as part of a loyalty or VIP program; players earn spins by climbing the ranks or through regular play.

Seasonal or Special Promotions: Offered during special events, holidays, or as part of limited-time promotions. They’re designed to keep the gaming experience fresh and exciting.

Do Slots Give Out Free Spins?

Yes, many online slots come equipped with built-in mechanics that, when triggered, award players with free spins. For example, landing three or more wild symbols in NetEnt’s ‘Starburst’ expands the wilds over the reels and initiates a re-spin feature. ‘Book of Dead’ and ‘Gonzo’s Quest’ follow suit, each unlocking ten free spins upon landing three scatter and three or more golden free fall symbols, respectively.

Calculating Bonus Value: Game and Spins Focus

Online casinos possess a flair for presenting promotions in the most appealing light; yet, just because two offers might look identical from the glossy surface doesn’t mean they hold equal value. The following guide takes a closer look at the underlying factors and presents a scoring framework to assess the real worth of a free spins bonus.

Value Per Spin

The monetary value assigned to each free spin directly impacts the potential return.

• 1 point for spins valued under €/$0.10 each
• 2 points for spins valued from €/$0.10 to €/$0.20 each
• 3 points for spins valued over €/$0.20 each

Wagering Requirements

Wagering requirements dictate how many times you must play through winnings before withdrawal, which in turn affects the ease of converting spins into cash.

• 3 points for no wagering requirements
• 2 points for wagering requirements up to 30x
• 1 point for wagering requirements over 30x

Game RTP (Return to Player)

RTP indicates the share of total bets a slot returns to players as winnings over time. For promotions on a specific title, check its RTP (look for an ‘i’ icon or go straight to the provider’s website); if the bonus free spins cover multiple games, consider calculating the average RTP across the casino’s selection.

• 1 point for an RTP under 95%
• 2 points for an RTP between 95% and 97%
• 3 points for an RTP over 97%

Number of Spins

The quantity of free spins influences the chances of hitting a win and how thoroughly you can investigate the slot’s functionalities, enjoy its features, and get to grips with its play style.

• 1 point for 10 spins or fewer
• 2 points for 11 to 50 spins
• 3 points for more than 50 spins

Maximum Win Caps

Most free spins bonuses have a cap on winnings, which implies that landing a massive multiplier will yield prizes only as high as the figures outlined in the promotion’s terms.

• 1 point for caps under €/$100
• 2 points for caps between €/$100 and €/$500
• 3 points for caps over €/$500

Deposit Requirement

Simply put, casino promotions without a deposit requirement carry no financial risk for the player.

• 2 points for no deposit required
• 1 point for deposit required

Expiration Period

The validity period of free spins affects how quickly you need to use them. More time offers flexibility in planning your play.

• 1 point for spins that expire within 24 hours
• 2 points for spins valid for up to a week
• 3 points for spins with more than a week to use them

Game Restrictions

Having the flexibility to explore a variety of game mechanics, themes, and providers improves your experience and outcomes when you start playing with your own money.

• 3 points for no game restrictions
• 2 points for limited game selections
• 1 point for spins that can only be used on one game

Scoring Guide

Maximizing the Value of Free Spins

Picked out your free spins bonus but itching to squeeze every bit of value from it? Of course, you are! Here are 5 key tips to optimize your play and boost your gains:

• Read the terms and conditions carefully to avoid surprises as you play. Make sure you understand the wagering requirements, expiry dates, and any game restrictions.
• If given the freedom, target slots with high RTP values. Statistically, these are the games that should return the most over time.
• Opt for low volatility slots. These tend to pay out smaller wins more frequently, which can be advantageous when meeting wagering requirements.
• Do your research on different slots, as some may allow free spins to trigger bonus rounds or other features.
• Leverage ‘Win Both Ways,’ ‘Megaways,’ and other mechanics that offer more ways to win.

The Value of Free Spins Bonuses versus Minimum Deposits

What you spend before claiming a bonus has an impact on how happy you are with the results.

For casual players looking to dip their toes into online gaming, $1 deposit casinos could be the perfect fit, as they often require a smaller investment to claim free spins. The winning caps and number of spins will be lower in these scenarios; however, they offer an affordable gateway to explore a casino’s selection with minimal financial commitment.

On the other hand, more serious gamers may lean towards gambling sites like Instaspin and Jonny Jackpot, which focus on delivering higher bonus values and more free spins. The objective here is to substantially boost an already sizable deposit and start the journey with a more flexible bankroll.

What the Value of a Free Spins Bonus Really Means

Understanding how to make the most of free spins bonuses is essential for a positive online gambling experience. Wagering requirements, game restrictions, RTP values, and maximum win caps can reveal what lies beneath; consider these factors alongside safety and security features, variety of casino games, and performance attributes next time you’re looking to sign up for an online casino.