Free Spins & Free Bets: What They Are and How They Can be Used

The most popular promos that pop up on an online casino are the free spins and free bets offers. They let players try certain casino games or online slots either without depositing anything or after a deposit, depending on the terms.

From welcome offers to daily perks, free spins and free bets offer players something extra, but there are a few key details people should consider before diving right in.

What are Free Spins?

Free spins are the most common promos given by online casinos, and they are exactly what they sound like — a number of opportunities to take a spin on the reels, usually on specific slots. Sometimes, they are part of a no deposit bonus, meaning they don’t cost a penny, while others are connected to deposit offers, where players need to meet a minimum deposit before the spins are added to their account.

Different Types of Free Spins

• No Deposit Free Spins: Get free spins without having to add funds. This type of promotion is for players new to online slots or those shopping for a new platform to try out. 
• No Wager Free Spins: Winnings are paid in cash, with no wagering requirements attached. That means players can withdraw any wins straight away, though minimum withdrawal limits may still apply.
• Deposit Bonus with Free Spins: These offers are designed to sweeten the deal, with free spins included alongside a deposit bonus, such as matching the player’s first deposit.

What are Free Bets?

Some online casinos, especially hybrid ones that also offer sports betting, may offer free bets or bonus bets. These are way more common in sports betting, but can sometimes be used in casinos with games like roulette or blackjack. They allow players to make a bet without risking their own cash, and it is a handy way to get a feel for new games. 

Difference Between Free Bets and Free Spins

While both are popular casino bonuses, there are some key differences. With a free bet, any winnings are usually credited as real cash that can be withdrawn straight away, but the value of the free bet itself is taken back by the casino. 

Free spins, however, usually pay out winnings as bonus funds, which means players need to meet wagering requirements (typically between 20x and 60x) before they can be sent over to a bank account. This means even if a player wins with free spins, they’ll need to keep betting until they reach the value of the winnings and not the value of the spins.

Understanding Wagering Requirements

One of the most important parts of any casino promotion is the wagering requirement.

Wagering requirements determine how many times bonus funds or winnings must be played through before they become eligible for withdrawal. For example, if a player receives £10 in bonus funds with a 30x wagering requirement, they would need to place £300 worth of qualifying wagers before those funds could potentially be withdrawn.

Not all promotions work in the same way. Some free spins convert winnings into bonus funds that carry wagering requirements, while others may offer no-wager bonuses where winnings are paid as cash immediately. This is why it’s always worth checking the terms and conditions before claiming an offer.

Understanding wagering requirements helps players compare promotions more effectively and ensures there are no surprises when it comes to withdrawing any winnings.

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Why Casinos Offer Free Spins and Free Bets

Free spins and free bets have become popular because they benefit both players and casinos.

For players, these promotions provide an opportunity to explore new games, test features, and experience different products without committing additional funds. They can also introduce players to slots, table games, or sports betting markets they may not have tried otherwise.

For casinos, promotions help showcase their game libraries and reward customer loyalty. Many online platforms use bonuses as part of welcome offers, seasonal campaigns, or ongoing rewards programmes designed to encourage players to return regularly.

Over time, free spins and free bets have become a standard part of the online casino experience and are now among the most widely recognised promotions in the industry.

Does PokerStars Offer Free Spins or Bets?

PokerStars has a couple of ways for players to get free spins. First is the matched deposit bonus, which gives new players who use the code ‘FIRST500’ a 100% match on their first deposit (minimum £20), plus 50 free spins. The spins can be used on fan favourites like Book of Dead, Gates of Olympus, or Big Bass Bonanza. There’s also Spin of the Day, which lets users spin a prize wheel once daily to see what they could win. Prizes can include cash, free spins on select games, or sometimes nothing at all. Players need to have made at least one deposit to unlock the feature, but once that’s done, they can spin the wheel every day even if they don’t make any more deposits.

Conclusion

Free spins and free bets remain two of the most popular promotions available at online casinos because they offer players an opportunity to explore games while receiving something extra in return.

Whether they’re included as part of a welcome package, a deposit bonus, or an ongoing loyalty reward, these promotions can add value to the overall casino experience. However, it’s important for players to understand the terms attached to any offer, particularly wagering requirements, qualifying games, and expiry dates.

By taking a few moments to review the conditions before claiming a promotion, players can make more informed decisions and get the most from the bonuses available to them.

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