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Free Spins Feature vs Free Spins Bonus

Free spins featureCasino free spins bonus
What it isA bonus round inside a slotA promotion from the casino
How you get itBy landing scatters or bonus symbolsBy registering, depositing or opting in
Where it worksIn that slot onlyOn slots chosen by the casino
More infoThis pageFree spins bonuses

How the Free Spins Feature Works

  1. Land the required number of scatter symbols, usually three or more.
  2. Receive a set number of spins – often 8 to 20 – played at your triggering stake.
  3. Enjoy extra features that only appear in the bonus round.
  4. Land more scatters to retrigger additional spins, if the slot allows it.

What Makes Free Spins Special

  • Multipliers on all wins or growing with each win.
  • Sticky or expanding wilds that stay on the reels.
  • Expanding symbols, as in "book" style slots.
  • Extra reels or rows for more ways to win.
  • Removal of low-paying symbols for bigger wins.

Bonus Buy and the UK

Many slots let players pay to enter free spins directly with a "bonus buy". This feature is not available at UK-licensed casinos, where it was banned as part of the 2021 online slot design rules.

Types of Free Spins Features

TypeHow it works
Standard free spinsA fixed number of spins with the same reels as the base game
Enhanced reelsSpecial reels with more wilds or fewer low-paying symbols
Expanding symbol free spinsA randomly chosen symbol expands to fill entire reels
Progressive multiplier free spinsA multiplier grows with every win or cascade
Pick-your-featureChoose between more spins with a low multiplier or fewer spins with a high one
Super free spinsA rarer, more valuable version triggered by extra scatters

How Much of a Slot's RTP Comes From Free Spins?

In many modern slots, a large share of the total RTP is concentrated in the free spins round. That means the base game can feel slow, with the feature delivering most of the big wins. It's one reason high-volatility slots can go a long time without paying much – and why they can pay big when the feature lands.

Tips for Free Spins Slots

  • Check how many scatters trigger the feature and whether it can be retriggered.
  • Read what changes during the round – multipliers, sticky wilds or special symbols.
  • Choose a stake that lets you play enough spins to reasonably expect a trigger.
  • Use casino free spins bonuses to try popular free spins slots at no extra cost.
Posted by Joshua Mau
Gaming Mathematician

Joshua Mau's excellent knowledge of number theory and random number generators led him to an advisory role with leading slot machine providers. In his articles he explains the structure and mechanics of casino games – the maths behind RTP, house edge and odds – in a way anyone can understand.

Visit the author's page
FAQ
How do I trigger free spins in a slot?

Usually by landing three or more scatter symbols. The exact trigger is shown in the slot's paytable.

Can free spins be retriggered?

In many slots, yes. Landing more scatters during the feature adds extra spins.

Is the free spins feature the same as a casino free spins bonus?

No. The feature is a bonus round inside a slot, while a casino free spins bonus is a promotion that gives you spins to use on selected games.

What is a super free spins round?

A rarer, enhanced version of the free spins feature, usually triggered by landing more scatters, with bigger multipliers or extra features.