BestSlots.co.uk looks at various types of free spins you are offered

Previously referred to as free spins, new rules and regulations from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has forced online casino operators to change the way they advertise them. We look at the most common new terms found and explain what they mean.

What does the term free spins mean?

Most online casinos offer free spins to players who sign up for the first time or when making a deposit – they are also given to customers to encourage them to continue playing. The term ‘free’ is a delicate one as most free spins come with wagering requirements and/or restrictions meaning they are not actually free.

The emergence of new terms

If you take LeoVegas Casino for example, they now refer to free spins as bonus spins – you need to wager any winnings derived from their bonus spins 35 times before you can withdraw. If you take Videoslots Casino, they refer to their no deposit free spins as welcome spins – they are no deposit free spins with 40 times wagering requirements meaning the spins are free once you wager the winnings 40 times.

What to look for

It may be time consuming but most free spins will come with wagering requirements – normally between 20 and 40. Some online casinos attach no wagering requirements but a maximum win amount. You need to check the Terms and Conditions of each offer – we cover the terms in our casino reviews.

Actual free spins

Some online casinos have decided to embrace the new regulations by actually offering free spins – these come with no wagering requirements or restrictions. For example, Paddy Power Casino offers free spins, without wagering requirements, in their many promotions. Mr Smith Casino refer to their free spins as cash spins which you can get when you make your first deposit (up to 200 cash spins on Starburst). The 2 online casinos I recommend are bgo Casino are Red Queen Casino who do offer actually free spins:

bgo Casino offer customers 10 no deposit free spins when you sign up – they refer to them as free spins. When you deposit, you will get 2 free spins for every £1 you deposit up to £50 meaning there’s up to 100 free spins when you deposit £50.

18+, New Customers Only. T&Cs apply. www.begambleaware.org.

If you take Red Queen Casino, they refer to free spins as royal spins – they are free spins with no wagering requirements meaning what you win is yours to withdraw. They have a Game of the Week promotion whereby you can get up to 50 royal spins every single week – sign up to get up to £425 in bonuses too.

18+, New Customers Only. T&Cs apply. www.begambleaware.org.