How to Compare Free Spin Bonuses
So how can you choose the best free spin bonuses? There are many factors to consider; it is not a simple case of looking at which casinos provide the most free spins. The following are seven factors you must look at to determine the best free spin bonuses:
Number of free spins
The last thing you should look at is the number of free spins. Whilst this is important, the other factors listed below influence how profitable a free spin offer is. Once you have assessed the other factors, compare basic free spin quantities.
RTP percentage of slot game
RTP = Return to Player. This is the expected return you will make over a prolonged period. For example, Starburst has an RTP of 96.1%. This means, if you spent R1000, over time, you would expect to get back R961 or make a loss of R39.
As a result, when choosing a free spin offer, check the RTP of the available games – a higher percentage is better.
Individual bet value of slot game
Most casinos limit the value of free spins. Usually, this is the minimum possible line bet. Look at the terms and conditions of different offers and see which ones give the best minimum bet values. Larger minimum bet values for free spins means larger potential winnings.
Limitations on winnings
Some casinos limit the number of winnings you can make from free spins. For example, a casino could impose a maximum R1000 limit. If you won a jackpot with your free spins of R5000, you would only be able to claim R1000!
Ideally, you want to choose a free spin offer that has no limitations on winnings. This means you can potentially win the full video slot jackpot.
Wagering requirements for free spin winnings
All free spin offers impose wagering requirements on any winnings from free spins. This is done so you still have to spend money at the casino – it helps reduce their losses. For example, you have 10 free spins for starburst – the wagering requirement is 20x.
If you won R1000 with your free spins, you would have to spend R20000 (20x R1000) before withdrawing those R1000 winnings. Lower wagering requirements is always better.
Usage constraints
Also, look for time constraints and limitations on usage. Most casinos set an expiry time on free spins. You must use them within a specific period. Also, many casinos state that you must claim free spins within a set period too. The best free spin offers have lax constraints and longer usage periods. This means you do not have to rush and can use the free spins at your leisure.
Game Choice
Finally, which game(s) can you use the free spins on? Some casinos give free spins for one game. Others give you a choice of 3-4 video slots. Some casinos may even let you use the free spins on ANY video slot.
This is partially personal preference – if you like a particular slot game, you may want to pick free spin offers for that game. Otherwise, look for free spin offers that give you a greater choice of games, or that provide games with good RTP percentages.
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Types of Casino Free Spin Bonuses
There are many types of free spin bonuses. Free spins are one of the most common promotions and thus are often bundled with other promotions. Also, how free spins are awarded varies too. The following are four common free spin bonus types:
Matched deposit free spins
Many casinos provide welcome offers that include free spins. For example, there could be a 100% matched deposit bonus up to R1000 + 20 free spins on Starburst. So the main reward is the deposit bonus, but you are given free spins too.
On many occasions, these offers will extend to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th deposits too. A common offer is to provide a total of 100 or more free spins, that are split across your first four deposits.
The key thing to remember with these offers is that the quantity of free spins doesn’t change regardless of how much you deposit. It could, therefore, be beneficial to simply make the minimum deposit amount to get the free spins and a small deposit bonus.
Minimum deposit free spins
Next to matched deposit free spins, the other common type of offer is min deposit free spins. The spins are still tied into a deposit, but it’s not a matched bonus.
For example, a casino may offer 20 free spins on Book of Dead, for a minimum deposit of R200. Usually, the quantity of free spins is less than with a matched deposit offer. If a larger quantity of free spins is offered, the minimum deposit will also be larger.
No deposit free spins
You can find no deposit offers in which you get free spins simply by registering an account at a casino. Oftentimes, the number of free spins and their individual value is less than deposit free spin offers.
Also, these offers always have wagering requirements or limits on the total winnings. In reality, the free spins do not require a deposit, but you have to make a deposit regardless, to clear the wagering requirements of any winnings you make!
No wagering free spins
Sometimes, casinos will not impose wagering requirements on free spins. This is rarer as the casino stands to lose more. For these offers, you can simply use your free spins, and withdraw any winnings immediately without having to meet wagering requirements.
To offset the lack of wagering, casinos usually limit the winnings you can gain from no wagering free spins. Nonetheless, these are some of the best free spin offers available.
How to Claim Your Free Spins
Claiming free spins is a relatively simple process. How you claim them depends on the type of offer, however. The following are common methods of claiming free spins:
- Upon registering a new account.
- Upon making a deposit.
- Using a coupon code.
- Contacting the customer support team.
The best practice is to read the terms and conditions and follow the instructions. Some free spins are given automatically when you complete an action. For example, you may claim a matched deposit bonus for your first deposit and automatically receive 20 free spins.
Top Free Spins Slot Games
Some video slot games are popular for free spin offers. This is for several reasons. Firstly, these games are well-known and offer a fun experience for SA players. Secondly, casinos will choose these games because they have an average RTP – not too low so that people won’t claim the offers, but not too high so that they lose more cash:
Starburst
Starburst is featured in many free spin offers. This game by NetEnt has smooth graphics and a theme based on precious gems. The gameplay is simple, and it also features a fun expanding wild mechanic that enables you to form winning combinations easier.
Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead
Possibly the best-known video slot character next to Gonzo, Riche Wilde bears many similarities to Indiana Jones. The Book of Dead is a popular game and features this character, together with various symbols and iconography from ancient history. Play’N GO has developed an excellent game with some fun free spin features.
Gonzo’s Quest
Gonzo’s Quest is one of the most beloved video slots of all time. Created by NetEnt, this game features the character of Gonzo – an explorer trekking through dangerous jungles. It has brilliant graphics and an interesting free fall mechanic that can trigger multiple wins from one spin.
Cleopatra
Developed by IGT, Cleopatra is a classic video slot that remains popular. It does not have ultra-modern graphics like Gonzo’s Quest; however, it still looks great. The theme is ancient Egypt, and you must match symbols like scarab beetles and Egyptian hieroglyphics.
Bonanza
Bonanza is a popular video slot game that features 6-reel gameplay. It has a theme of jungle and temple exploration combined with brilliant graphics and music. Big Time Gaming has produced a fun game that often features in free spin promotions.
Free Spins for Existing Players
Aside from free spin welcome offers, many casinos provide free spins for existing players. These may be one-off promotions or recurring offers on a weekly/monthly basis.
Recurring free spin offers
Many platforms offer recurring free spin offers that SA customers can claim each week/month. For example, there could be a Super Sunday offer in which customers can claim 10 free spins on Book of Dead each Sunday. Usually, this type of offer has a simple minimum deposit amount you must meet to claim the free spins.
One-off promotions
Alternatively, online casinos may give random offers and special promotions to existing customers. These could be tied to holidays or national events. Oftentimes these one-off promotions may include a matched deposit bonus, and free spins, or a larger volume of free spins.
Games of the week
Finally, SA customers can often find games of the week or month offers. A casino may promote a specific video slot game and offer free spins for that game. This may also include tournaments for the slot game in which you can win additional cash prizes.
Usual Free Spins Bonus Terms and Conditions
When claiming free spin offers, you must look at the terms and conditions. On the offer page, you will see basic terms. However, there is usually a link to the full terms and conditions.
It is important to read these so you understand how the free spins work, and what you can do with them. The following are common features you will see in free spins T&C’s:
- Number of free spins
- How the free spins are distributed
- The set bet value of each free spin
- The wagering requirement for any winnings from free spins
- Maximum winnings you can claim from free spins
- The period in which you must use the free spins
- The period in which you must complete the wagering requirements
- Selected games free spins can be used on
If you miss any of these terms or fail to comply with them, the casino could void your free spins. Also, they could go so far as to close your account.
Mobile Phone Compatibility
Free spin bonuses are usually offered to SA customers regardless of the device they use. Many video slots have mobile compatible versions and there is a range of dedicated mobile slot games too.
Always check in the terms and conditions what device is supported for free spin offers. You may even find some mobile-specific offers that you can only claim if you use a smartphone app – these offers can include free spins.
FAQ
Q – Which are slot games with high RTP percentages?
A – Uggah Bugga at 99.07%, Rainbow Riches at 98%, Mega Joker at 99%, Jackpot 6000 at 98.86%, and The Catfather at 98.10% are all video slot games with high RTP percentages.
Q – Can you win jackpot amounts with free spins?
A – Yes, although some casinos limit the amount you can win from free spins. For example, if the casino limited the amount to R1000, and the jackpot for the slot game was R5000, you would not be able to win it.
Q – Can free spins be used on any game?
A– Usually no. Some casinos do allow you to pick from multiple or even any video slot. However, it is common practice for casinos to provide free spins for a single video slot game.
Q – Can I select the value of the free spin bets?
A– No, the free spins usually have an allocated value per spin. In most instances, this is the minimum bet possible for the chosen slot game.
Q – Should I use my free spins immediately?
A – This is up to you. There is no reason not too really. Free spins are not like a deposit bonus in which you have to contemplate which games to use the bonus on, or what bets to place. The game is usually chosen for you, as is the bet value – this means there is no downside to using the free spins immediately.
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