updated regularly – latest review: March 2026
Free spins are the most popular casino promotion in the UK. Almost every online casino offers them as part of a welcome deal — but understanding exactly how they work can make the difference between walking away with cash and losing your winnings before you can withdraw them.
This guide explains exactly how free spins work, what to watch out for, and how to find the best free spins deals available in the UK right now.
Key Facts
- Free spins let you spin a slot game without using your own money
- Winnings from free spins are usually paid as bonus funds, not cash
- Most free spins come with wagering requirements before you can withdraw
- No wagering free spins pay winnings directly as cash — these are the best value
What Are Free Spins?
Free spins are promotional credits that let you play a slot game for free. Each spin has a fixed value — usually between 10p and £1 — and you play a set number of spins on a specific game chosen by the casino.
For example, a ’50 free spins on Book of Dead’ offer means you get 50 spins on that game, with each spin worth a fixed amount (commonly 10p). If you win £5 from those spins, that £5 is credited to your account — but usually as bonus funds rather than withdrawable cash.
How Do You Claim Free Spins?
Most free spins offers require you to take a qualifying action first:
- Deposit free spins — you deposit a minimum amount (e.g. £10) and free spins are credited automatically
- Wager free spins — you deposit and bet a set amount, then free spins are credited once that bet is settled
- No deposit free spins — rare, but some casinos offer free spins just for registering with no deposit needed
Free spins are usually credited instantly or within a few minutes of the qualifying action. If they don’t appear, check the Promotions or Bonuses section of your account.
What Happens When You Win From Free Spins?
This is the most important thing to understand. When you win from free spins, one of two things happens:
Standard free spins — winnings paid as bonus funds
With most offers, winnings from free spins are credited as bonus funds. This means you cannot withdraw them immediately — you must first complete a wagering requirement, which means betting the winnings a certain number of times before they become real cash.
For example, if you win £8 from free spins and the wagering requirement is 30x, you need to wager £240 before you can withdraw. Many players lose their bonus funds before completing this, meaning the free spins had no real value.
No wagering free spins — winnings paid as real cash
The best free spins offers pay winnings directly as withdrawable cash with no conditions attached. PlayOJO and MrQ are the best examples in the UK — whatever you win from your free spins goes straight to your real cash balance.
See our full guide to the best no wagering casino offers UK for a full list of zero wagering deals.
What Are the Best Free Spins Offers in the UK?
Here are the top free spins offers currently available to new UK players:
PlayOJO Casino — 50 Free Spins, No Wagering
Deposit £10 and get 50 free spins with absolutely zero wagering requirements. Every penny you win is real cash. One of the best free spins deals in the UK. See our PlayOJO guide
Sky Vegas — 50 Free Spins + 200 More
Sky Vegas gives you 50 free spins on registration, plus 200 more when you wager £10. With only 1x wagering on winnings, this is outstanding value with an estimated £23.73 return. See our Sky Vegas guide
Admiral Casino — 100 Free Spins, Risk Free
Deposit £10 and get 100 free spins. Admiral’s offer has just 1x wagering on winnings making it essentially risk free. Estimated value £9.18. See our Admiral Casino guide
Virgin Games — 100 Free Spins
Wager £10 and get 100 free spins with 1x wagering on winnings. Virgin is one of the UK’s most trusted casino brands. Estimated value £9.15. See our Virgin Games guide
Things to Watch Out For With Free Spins
- Wagering requirements — always check whether winnings are paid as bonus funds or real cash
- Game restrictions — free spins are usually locked to one specific game
- Time limits — free spins must typically be used within 7 days of being credited
- Maximum win cap — some offers cap how much you can win from free spins (e.g. £100 maximum)
- Minimum withdrawal — some casinos require a minimum balance before you can withdraw
All of these details are included in the step-by-step guides for every offer on Casino Compare UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get free spins without depositing?
No deposit free spins exist but are rare. Most UK casinos have reduced them significantly due to UKGC regulations around bonus terms. When they are available they are usually for a very small number of spins on a specific game. Check our Easy Casino Offers for any current no deposit deals.
Do free spins expire?
Yes — free spins usually expire within 7 days of being credited. Any unplayed spins after this point are forfeited. Always use your free spins promptly after they are credited to your account.
Can I use free spins on any game?
No — free spins are always locked to a specific game chosen by the casino. This is usually a popular slot like Book of Dead, Starburst or Gonzo’s Quest. You cannot use them on other games, live casino or sports betting.
What is the difference between free spins and bonus spins?
They are the same thing. Some casinos use the term ‘bonus spins’ instead of ‘free spins’ — there is no meaningful difference between the two. Both let you play a slot game without using your own money.
Are free spins worth claiming?
Yes — especially no wagering free spins, which give you a genuine chance to win real cash at no risk. Standard free spins with high wagering requirements are harder to profit from but still worth claiming if you follow our step-by-step guides. Browse all our Easy Casino Offers to find the best deals.
Summary
Free spins let you play a slot game for free, but the real value depends on the wagering requirements attached to any winnings. No wagering free spins — like those from PlayOJO and MrQ — are by far the best value as winnings are paid immediately as real cash.
For low and no wagering free spins deals, see our guide to the best no wagering casino offers UK
Browse all free spins offers rated by difficulty, risk and estimated value