Published in cooperation between Mr. Gamble and Gilroy Dispatch
Free spins are one of the most appealing bonuses in the online casino world. They give players a chance to test games, try new platforms and potentially win real money without depositing—or at least without depositing much. But not all free spin offers are created equal. Some are genuinely player-friendly, while others come with tricky conditions buried in the small print.
Before you jump into any promotion, whether you’re grabbing 120 free spins here through a no-deposit offer or unlocking a complete 200 free spins reward at a new casino, it’s crucial to understand the rules, the risks and the red flags. This safety checklist breaks down everything you should review before claiming any free spins bonus.
1. Understand the Different Types of Free Spins
Free spins promotions typically fall into several categories, each offering a different level of value and risk. Knowing which one you’re claiming helps you manage expectations.
Table 1: Types of Free Spins Bonuses
| Free Spins Type | Requires Deposit? | Can You Win Real Money? | Best For |
| No-Deposit Free Spins | No | Yes, but often with wagering | New players testing casinos |
| Deposit-Match Free Spins | Yes | Yes, with lower restrictions | Players making their first deposit |
| Wager-Free Free Spins | Sometimes | Yes, always wager-free | Low-risk players wanting cashable wins |
| Loyalty/VIP Free Spins | Ongoing play needed | Yes | Existing long-term players |
Always check which version a casino is offering. For example, some sites promote “200 free spins” but only award them in small batches over several days.
2. Check Licensing and Casino Legitimacy
Before claiming any bonus, confirm that the casino is licensed by a reputable gaming authority. Licensing ensures the game outcomes are fair, payments are monitored and player funds are protected.
An example of a widely respected regulator is the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), which offers strong consumer protection across the EU.
If a casino isn’t licensed or is licensed by a weak jurisdiction, avoid it altogether. Bonuses are never worth compromising your financial safety.
3. Review Wagering Requirements Carefully
Wagering requirements are the most important factor in determining how much value you get from free spins. They dictate how many times you must “turn over” your winnings before they become withdrawable.
For instance, if you win £10 from your free spins and the wagering requirement is x40, you need to wager £400 before cashing out.
Table 2: Wagering Requirement Impact on Win Potential
| Wagering Requirement | Difficulty Level | Player Outcome |
| 0x (wager-free) | Very easy | Immediate cash-out |
| 1x–10x | Low | High chance of cashing out |
| 20x–35x | Medium | Reasonable but requires commitment |
| 40x–60x | High | Low chance of withdrawing |
| 60x+ | Very high | Usually not worth claiming |
Lower wagering equals higher value. Any offer over x40 should be reviewed with caution.
4. Look at Maximum Win Limits
Many free spin bonuses include max-win caps, limiting how much you can withdraw even if you hit a big win. For example:
- Max win from free spins: £50
- Max cash-out from no-deposit bonus: £100
- Max win per spin: Based on game RTP and volatility
Some casinos even limit eligible games to low-volatility slots with lower payout potential.
Always read the terms to avoid surprises. If an offer gives you 120 free spins here but restricts the maximum cash-out to the cost of a coffee, you’re not getting true value.
5. Verify Game Eligibility
Many casinos restrict free spins to specific slots. It’s common for offers to apply only to:
- Popular NetEnt slots (Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest)
- In-house studio games
- Low-volatility titles
- Newly released slots casinos want to promote
If you prefer high-volatility games, those capable of big multipliers, make sure the free spins apply to a slot that suits your style.
6. Check the RTP and Volatility of the Eligible Slot
If the free spins apply to a game with a low RTP (return to player), your chances of winning decrease.
Key guidelines:
- High RTP (96 percent+)—Best for players
- Medium RTP (94-96 percent)—Acceptable for bonuses
- Low RTP (<94 percent)—Not recommended
Volatility also matters:
- Low volatility = more frequent small wins
- High volatility = fewer but bigger wins
- Medium volatility = balanced gameplay
Casinos often choose low-volatility games for free spins because they control risk. As a player, checking this helps set realistic expectations.
7. Consider Deposit and Withdrawal Safety
Even if you’re only claiming no-deposit free spins, you may later need to complete a deposit to verify your account or withdraw winnings. Check:
- Available payment methods
- Withdrawal verification process
- Payout speed
- Fees (some casinos charge!)
- Minimum withdrawal amounts
If you’re aiming to claim a complete 200 free spins reward, make sure the site supports fast and reliable banking options. Good casinos rarely delay payments but bad ones often do.
8. Read Expiry Dates and Time Limits
Most free spin bonuses expire quickly, sometimes within 24 hours. Wagering requirements may also need to be completed within a short timeframe.
Typical time limits:
- Free spins valid for: 24-72 hours
- Winnings wagering window: three to seven days
Miss the deadline, and your winnings vanish. Make sure you have the time to actually use the bonus.
9. Watch Out for Bonus Abuse Clauses
Some casinos enforce strict rules such as:
- Maximum bet limits (often £2-£5)
- Restricted strategies (e.g., no low-risk roulette play)
- Prohibition of switching between games during wagering
- Bonus stacking restrictions
Breaking these rules, knowingly or unknowingly, may void your winnings.
10. Always Check Independent Reviews
Before claiming any free spins, check trusted sources that evaluate casinos on fairness, payment reliability and bonus honesty. Transparent reviews help you avoid predatory casinos and misleading promotions.
As Isobel Coughlan, iGaming Expert at Mr. Gamble, explains: “Free spins can be fantastic value, but only if players read the terms. The safest approach is to treat every bonus as a contract, and you should know exactly what you’re signing up for before you start spinning.”
Sound advice, and worth repeating.
Free Spins Are Great But Only When You Play Smart
Free spins are an excellent way to explore new online casinos, discover new slots and potentially build your bankroll without big initial risk. But to make the most of them, you need to stay informed, read the small print, and use the safety checklist above.
Check the casino’s licence, understand the wagering requirements, verify the maximum win limits and make sure the eligible slot provides fair RTP. If you’re claiming offers like 120 free spins here or a complete 200 free spins reward, smart preparation ensures you maximise value and avoid disappointment.
By approaching free spins with clarity and caution, you can enjoy a fun, safe and rewarding casino experience without falling into common pitfalls.
