What are free spins?

Short Answer: Free Spins are exactly what they sound like: rounds of the game where the reels spin without deducting any money from your balance. They are the 'Holy Grail' of slot players because they are usually where the biggest multipliers and jackpot wins are hidden.

1. How to Trigger Them

In most slots, you need to land 3 or more Scatter Symbols (often appearing anywhere on the screen, not just on a payline) to unlock the Free Spins feature. Typically, 3 Scatters award 10 spins, while 4 or 5 Scatters might award 20 or more.

2. Supercharged Mechanics

Free Spins are rarely just 'normal spins for free.' They usually come with enhanced mechanics. For example, all wins might be multiplied by x3, or 'Sticky Wilds' might stay on the screen for the entire duration (like in Dead or Alive). In 'Book' games, a random symbol expands to cover the whole reel. This is why payouts in Free Spins are usually 10x or 100x higher than the base game.

3. Retriggers

The best feeling in slots is a 'Retrigger.' This happens if you land 3 Scatters inside the Free Spins round. The game adds another batch of spins to your total, extending the bonus round. Some lucky players can chain retriggers to get 50+ free spins in a single session.

4. Promotional vs. In-Game

Do not confuse this with 'Casino Free Spins' (Sign-up Bonuses). In-Game Free Spins are won by luck while playing. Promotional Free Spins are gifts from the casino (e.g., '50 Free Spins on Starburst'). Promo spins usually have a fixed low value (e.g., R1 per spin) and winnings are tied to wagering requirements.