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What is the Free Spins Feature?

October 31, 2023

PokerStars Casino understands the modern-day gamer’s desire for great fun. One way the online gaming platform puts this into action is through the presence of Free Spins.

Free Spins are quite straightforward to understand as everything a player needs to know about them can be found in their name. Essentially, they allow a gamer to spin the reel without using his own funds. Once all free spins are completed, any winnings are converted into Casino Instant Bonus or real money.  

It’s important to remember that the number of spins allotted depends on the specific bonus or promotion that is being utilized. For example, a promotion of “10 Free Spins” will provide the user with 10 opportunities to spin on eligible online slot games for free.

Players should keep in mind that only one Free Spins Bonus may be in use at any one time in an eligible game. If a player has more than one Free Spins Bonus, he may view each of these in the ‘Free Spins’ section of his ‘My Stars’ menu. There, he can decide which one to use by managing the priority order of the bonuses. After the active Free Spins Bonus is fully used, paused or expired, the next one becomes immediately available.

Free spins are given to players in a variety of different ways. Some may earn them upon completing a certain game challenge, while others obtain them through various promotions that simply contain Free Spins rewards.

How Free Spins Work in Practice

The basic concept of Free Spins is simple. The way they function during gameplay can vary depending on the slot and the promotion. In most cases, once Free Spins are activated, the game will automatically switch into a special mode where each spin is played using the bonus rather than your own balance. You’ll usually see a counter on screen showing how many spins remain, along with any special features that apply during the round.

Some Free Spins rounds behave just like regular spins, simply removing the need to pay for each one. Others include added gameplay elements that can make the bonus round feel more exciting or dynamic. For example, certain slots apply multipliers to any wins achieved during Free Spins, meaning payouts may be increased by a fixed amount or by an expanding multiplier that grows over time.

Other games may introduce extra wild symbols, cascading reels, or special bonus mechanics that only appear while Free Spins are active.

Free Spins often feel like a reward in their own right, not just for the potential winnings, but for the enhanced gameplay experience they can offer.

Triggered vs Promotional Free Spins

There are two main types of Free Spins players will encounter. The first type is game-triggered Free Spins, which are built directly into a slot’s design. These are activated by landing specific symbol combinations, most commonly scatter symbols. When triggered, they form part of the game’s normal feature set and are played immediately within that session.

The second type is promotional Free Spins, which are awarded through bonuses, challenges, or special offers. These may be tied to selected slot games or available across a selection of eligible titles. The promotional Free Spins typically appear in your account and can be activated when you choose to play the relevant game.

Both types function in similar ways, but the source of the spins through gameplay or promotion determines how they are awarded and when they can be used.

Primal Blitz, an online slot, is a PokerStars original title.

Eligible Games and Stake Settings

Free Spins are usually linked to specific slot games or a predefined group of titles. The promotion or bonus terms will indicate exactly where they can be used. The stake value per spin is set automatically according to the bonus rules, meaning players don’t need to adjust bet size manually during the Free Spins round.

This fixed stake helps ensure consistency in how the feature operates. It also means the outcome of Free Spins is determined by the game mechanics and random results rather than any manual changes in bet level during the bonus.

Understanding Potential Outcomes

It’s important to remember that Free Spins are all based on randomness. While they offer the opportunity to play without using your own funds, they don’t guarantee a win. Some Free Spins rounds may result in small payouts, others in larger feature-driven wins, and some may produce no winnings at all.

This variability reflects the same volatility as standard slot gameplay. Some games deliver frequent smaller outcomes, while others offer less frequent but potentially larger bonus results. The experience depends on the slot’s design rather than the Free Spins feature alone.

Managing Your Free Spins

PokerStars Casino provides clear tools to help players manage their Free Spins bonuses. Through the ‘My Stars’ menu, players can check available Free Spins, view expiry times, and choose which bonus to activate first when multiple offers are present. This flexibility makes it easy to plan how and when to use different Free Spins rewards.

It’s also helpful to be aware of any time limits attached to promotional Free Spins. Some bonuses must be used within a specific period, after which they may expire if unused. Keeping track of availability ensures players can make the most of any awarded spins.

Free Spins as Part of the Overall Experience

Ultimately, Free Spins are designed to enhance enjoyment by giving players more opportunities to engage with slot games. They provide a way to explore game features, experience bonus rounds, or simply enjoy extra playtime without placing additional wagers.

Free Spins offer a chance to discover new games or experience mechanics that might otherwise require extended play. Whether triggered during gameplay or awarded through promotions, they add variety and excitement to the overall casino experience.

As with all casino features, Free Spins are best approached as part of the entertainment value of online gaming. It’s an opportunity to enjoy the experience of spinning the reels and seeing where chance leads next.

More information can be found on the Free Spins Bonuses info page.

Written By
David Lynch

Experienced writer and editor based in Ireland. Attends poker events, covers all casino games and slots, but is really a keen blackjack and roulette player at heart. A sports fanatic among all other things with a soft spot for soccer and F1