Free spins: how they work
Free spins: how they work
Free spins are a slot machine bonus feature that awards a set number of spins without deducting any stake from the player's balance. They are typically triggered by landing a defined number of Scatter symbols on the reels. During free spins, special rules may apply such as win multipliers, extra wilds, or the ability to retrigger additional free spins.
How free spins are triggered
Most slot machines trigger free spins by landing a minimum number of Scatter symbols - usually three - on the reels at the same time. The exact position of Scatters on the reels does not matter in most games. The number of spins awarded varies by game and sometimes by how many Scatters landed.
What happens during free spins
Free spins play automatically with no stake deducted. They often come with special rules: fixed or progressive multipliers applied to wins, expanding wilds that cover an entire reel, or locked symbols that hold certain positions for the entire round.
Common variants
Some games offer delayed free spins where spins accumulate before a final series plays out. Others include multiple free spin modes with different multiplier levels depending on which Scatter symbols landed. These variants are described in the game help or its technical sheet.
Free spins and RTP
The contribution of free spins to a game’s total RTP can be significant. A game that returns most of its value through free spins may seem low-paying in the base game but become highly profitable when the feature triggers. This detail is sometimes broken down in the provider’s technical documentation.
FAQ
Are free spins truly free?
No stake is taken from the player's balance during them, so yes in that sense. However they are part of the game's overall RTP, so their value is accounted for in the provider's parameters.
Can free spins be retriggered?
In some games, yes. Landing the Scatter symbols again during a free spin round can award extra spins, depending on the rules of each individual game.