Free spins explained: what they’re really worth

What a free spin is

A free spin is one spin on a named slot game, at a fixed stake, paid for by the casino. You don’t choose the stake or, usually, the game. Most UK offers set the stake at 10p a spin and limit you to one or two titles.

Because the stake is fixed, the number of spins on its own tells you very little. The useful figure is the total value: number of spins multiplied by the value of each spin.

Working out the value

Do the maths before you compare offers:

So 20 spins at 50p is worth the same as 100 spins at 10p. The bigger number isn’t always the better deal.

The main types of free spins offer

• Deposit spins: credited after you add money, often as part of a welcome offer.
• Stake-to-unlock spins: you have to place a set amount of real-money bets first, for example “stake £10, get 50 free spins”.
• No-deposit spins: credited when you sign up and verify your account, without adding money. See our no deposit bonuses guide.
• Daily or drip-fed spins: split into batches, such as 10 a day for five days. You usually have to log in each day to collect them.

Cash or bonus money: the key question

What happens to your winnings matters more than anything else.

With no-wagering spins, anything you win is paid as real cash that you can withdraw straight away. With wagering spins, your winnings are paid as bonus money that you must play through a set number of times before you can withdraw it.

Since 19 January 2026, the Gambling Commission has capped wagering on UK casino bonuses at 10 times. That’s much lower than the 35x to 50x that used to be common, but no-wagering spins are still the better deal. Our wagering requirements video shows how playthrough works.

Small print to check

• Expiry: spins often expire within 24 to 72 hours of being credited, and winnings from them may have their own deadline.
• Maximum win: some offers cap what you can win from the spins, for example £50 or £100.
• Eligible games: check which slot the spins are for, and look up its RTP if you can.
• Payment method: some offers exclude certain e-wallet deposits.
• Opt-in: some offers need you to tick a box or enter a code at sign-up.

A three-question test

1. How much is each spin worth, and what’s the total value?
2. Which games can you use them on?
3. Are the winnings paid as cash?

If the answer to the last question is yes, and the total value is reasonable, it’s usually a fair offer. Use our casino deal checklist for the rest.