How do free spins work in online slots? A guide for casino operators

Free spins are one of the most common and recognizable features in modern slot machines. The triggering mechanics and number of game rounds vary, but online slot free spins can lead to some of the biggest payouts in the game and often serve as the slot’s centerpiece. 

What are free spins in online slots?

In the online gambling sector, the term “free spins” can refer to two distinct things:

• Slot machine feature: A specific feature integrated into online slots. It’s the most popular type of slot bonus feature and is usually triggered by scatter or bonus symbols. The player receives a number of free spins in which they can build their winnings through various modifiers and mechanics.
• Casino bonus: When offered as part of an online casino bonus, free spins give players a fixed number of spins to use on one or more slots. These spins let players experience a slot as if they were wagering real money, and that includes triggering bonus features. However, as with a deposit bonus or a no deposit bonus, free spin offers come with wagering requirements and other terms and conditions.

In this guide, we’ll focus on free spins as an online slot feature present in popular bonus round slots such as Welcome to Octoberfest and Golden Joker Plus.

How do free spins work in online slots

Let’s ignore casino bonuses and wagering requirements for now and focus on the games themselves. So, how do free spins work in online slots?

Well, there are various types of free bonus spins, and implementation varies based on specific mechanics and math models. Some are fixed to specific numbers, but with retrigger mechanics that add more spins via scatter/bonus symbols. Others are unlimited and only end when the player lands certain symbols. For example, in Burning Spins 243, the feature only ends when players reveal three or more of the burning coin symbols.

In classic slot games, they tend to be more straightforward, but many modern, bonus-heavy online slot games incorporate unique elements, including multiplier symbols and progressive mechanics. 

If we follow the feature from start to finish, using Book of Money as an example, it looks something like this:

• The feature triggers with three or more scatter symbols.
• Players receive 7 free spins for 3 scatters, 10 for 4 scatters, and 15 for 5 scatters.
• A symbol is randomly selected at the start of the feature.
• If the chosen symbol appears in a winning payline, it reveals a coin.
• The coin is added to the total payout.
• The feature ends when the player takes their final free spin.
• All winnings accumulated during the feature transfer to the player’s casino balance.

How do players activate free spin features?

Most free spin features are triggered by scatter or bonus symbols. Usually, the more of these symbols a player lands, the more free spins they will receive.

However, developers often adopt their own approach to free spins, enhancing the player experience by giving them various ways to trigger this feature. These include:

• Progressive triggers: The player steadily builds toward the feature by collecting symbols or wins. In Cascading/Tumbling Reel slots, for instance, players may activate free spins by triggering a specific number of successive cascades/tumbles.
• Bonus wheel: Activated randomly or via specific symbol combinations, bonus wheels can be loaded with free spins, instant payouts, and other bonus rounds. 
• Random events: The feature may launch at random or via a specific feature. For instance, a random event could add more triggering scatters to the reels.
• Unique events: Some features trigger via slot-specific events. In slots that destroy but don’t replace winning symbols, free spins can trigger when the grid or specific rows show only special symbols. These events are often hyper-specific and used in single slots or slot series.

What happens in a free spins round?

After the feature triggers, the free spin mechanics take effect. The game will either keep players on the same grid or transport them to a second screen with additions such as:

• A multiplier symbol that boosts payouts.
• More wild symbols.
• Wild mechanics such as sticky wilds, which remain for multiple spins, and wild reels, which fill entire reels.
• Chances to trigger additional free spins, such as the +1 symbol in Lucky Crown Plus.

The feature uses the value of the triggering spin. So, if the player takes 100 spins at $2 and then triggers the feature on their 101^st spin for $1, the feature pays according to that $1. They may also receive an instant payout for landing the required number of scatter/bonus symbols.

In games where the free spins are fixed to a specific number but it’s possible to land more scatters than needed, the player will often receive a higher payout for landing extra scatters. That way, even if they can launch the feature with just 3 scatters, there’s always an incentive to get more.

What makes free spin features so popular?

Although online slot free spins were introduced many years ago, they remain one of the most popular features. So, why are they still the most popular type of online casino bonus after all these years?

The enduring popularity likely has a lot to do with the simplicity and playability of these features. Free spins enhance the player experience by upgrading the gameplay and adding various modifiers. At the same time, free spin features are easy to understand, as they don’t rely on complicated mechanics and they use the base game as a foundation.

Many free spin features also add new symbols and even jackpot triggers. As a result, the maximum payout of any given slot machine usually becomes available during the free spins round. These additional payout opportunities also change the pacing of the game, while providing a clear transition point.

Categorizing free spin features in online slots

While some developers do their own thing and make various tweaks to produce completely new features, most studios create familiar but popular mechanics by choosing from one of the different types of free bonus spins listed below.

Casinos can also encourage players to check the rules of each game to discover how to play. They should include pointers in FAQs and terms and conditions to help players learn the basics before they spin.

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Why free spins remain popular with iGaming providers

The popularity of online slot free spins among players means they’re also popular with slot providers. After all, developers want to create the games that players want to play.

But the benefits of free spin features extend far beyond that.

By giving players something to chase and unlock, free spins can also boost player retention and increase engagement. They also help to diversify gameplay, balance the RTP and volatility, extend session duration, and differentiate the developer’s portfolio without straying away from tried-and-tested mechanics.

Free spins are not simply a fun feature in online slots. They have evolved into an essential part of modern slot machine design, and one that most developers consider when planning a new release. If they’re not present in their typical form, free spin features are often used in variations like Hold and Win, a respin feature seen in Lucky Band Hold and Win and Lucky Selva Hold and Win.

How free spins help to promote online casinos

Whether it’s via slot games integration or as part of a casino bonus, free spins are excellent promotional tools for online casinos. It’s clear that players love slot games, as these games account for over 60% of the total money wagered.

Casinos can use free spin bonuses both as part of acquisition campaigns and retention strategies. They can encourage players to try new online casino games or tie specific games to the season, such as running promotions for Lucky Easter 27 Hold and Win during Easter or Lucky Xmas Box at Christmas.

Free spins are also effective when used as a reward for loyalty programs and VIP programs or a prize in tournaments. Simply put, as players love online slots, it stands to reason they will appreciate free spins on those slots, and that seems to be true for most online casino users.

Free spin bonus features take that a step further, giving players a way to unlock free plays during the game itself. Technically, it means players can use free spins (bonuses) to trigger free spins (features).

The current and future evolution of online slot free spins

Modern slot developers have more data at their disposal than ever before. Combined with improved technologies and capabilities, they can create advanced features tailored to the demands of modern players.

As noted above, Hold & Win mechanics are a prime example. These features are often triggered in a similar way to free spins. The difference is that they give players a number of respins and task them with collecting special symbols to fill the grid. The more they collect, the bigger the payout becomes, and in many cases, each new symbol resets the respin count, giving players more respins and more chances to collect.

Developers are also increasingly incorporating progressive mechanics, whether in the form of collectable wilds that build during the feature and unleash on the final spin; symbol upgrades, where collected symbols upgrade for bigger payouts; or progressive multipliers, which boost payouts by increasingly higher amounts.

Some slots also offer “unlimited” free spins, whereby there is no fixed number, and the feature will continue until the player lands a “Collect” symbol or the equivalent.

1spin4win games with free spin features

We’ve already highlighted a few online slots with free spins, but there are many more in the 1spin4win catalog. Players can also play online slots like Cash’n Spins 27 Plus, which features 27 paylines and a free spins feature with a +1 symbol, all wrapped in a retro aesthetic. Cash’n Spins 243 Plus takes the theme a step further, with 243 paylines and a free spins round.

In Booming Spins 243, players can unlock 5 free spins when they land three or more coin symbols anywhere on the grid. The feature also doubles all payouts.

These games are carefully designed to hit various player-centric touchpoints. The RTPs are high to attract players, but at the same time, all 1spin4win games are backed by robust math models that create predictability and reliability. 

1spin4win slot games also feature classic slot themes, with nostalgic elements plucked from vintage titles. 

Modern slot themes come and go, but classic slots never fail to draw a crowd. Players love retro slots because they are reliable, familiar, and backed by a solid gameplay foundation. It’s also why they love free spin features, and by combining the two, we’re able to reach a large number of modern slot fans.

Conclusion: The enduring popularity of online slot free spins

Online slot free spins play an integral role in modern slot machines. It’s one of the oldest slot features, and remains the most popular. For players, it’s a way to unlock free spins on the reels; for casino operators, free spin slots can increase engagement and improve player retention.

They’ve been around for a long time, but it’s clear that free spin features are here to stay and will continue to influence modern slot design for years to come.

To discover the latest classic-themed online slots with free spins, explore the 1spin4win range, check our promotional solutions, or contact us to learn how you can add our games to your casino.

FAQ

What are free spins at online casinos?

Casino free spins are bonuses that offer a fixed number of spins on one or more slot machines. They are used to incentivize players to join or deposit. In slot machines, free spins are features where players can unlock free games.

How do online slot free spins work?

Free spin features often take place on a different screen, but can also occur on the same grid as the base game. The player receives a fixed or varying number of spins at the triggering value, and the feature collects all payouts and then releases them at the end.

How do players trigger free spin features in online slots?

It depends on the game. In most cases, players need to reveal 3 or more scatters, but they can also trigger these features randomly or by collecting enough wilds, scatters, or winning cascades. 

What are the differences between free spins and bonus spins in online casinos?

In a slot, the term “free spins” refers to a bonus feature that can be unlocked during regular gameplay. In casino bonus terms, it’s a promotion that offers free spins on certain slots, such as in return for meeting a qualifying deposit requirement.

Why do so many developers add free spins to their slots?

Developers like free spin features because players like them. In fact, many players have come to expect such features, and if it’s not a free spins round, it’s a respin round like Hold and Win. 

How are free spins used in casino promotions?

Free spins can be offered as a standalone bonus or as part of a welcome package bonus, alongside deposit bonuses. These bonuses have a predetermined free spin value, and may also include a winnings cap and a wagering requirement.

Do free spin features include other bonus mechanics?

Yes, free spin features can include various other feature mechanics. It’s common for these bonuses to include additional wilds and multipliers, for instance.