Introduction
Free spins are one of the most exciting and sought-after features in online pokies, giving players the chance to spin the reels without using their own money while still having the potential to win real cash. Knowing how to trigger free spins and make the most of them can greatly enhance your online pokies experience. In this guide, we’ll explain how free spins work, how to trigger them, and some strategies to maximize their benefits.
What Are Free Spins in Online Pokies?
Free spins are exactly what they sound like—spins that you can play for free. In online pokies, free spins are usually triggered by landing specific symbol combinations, such as scatter symbols, or they can be awarded as part of a casino promotion.
- How Free Spins Work: When you trigger free spins, the game will allow you to spin the reels a set number of times without deducting from your balance. During this feature, any winnings you accumulate are usually subject to multipliers or additional bonuses, making free spins one of the most rewarding features in pokies.
- Bonus-Free Spins: Many online casinos also offer free spins as part of their welcome packages or ongoing promotions. These bonus-free spins are often tied to specific games and allow you to play without risking your own money.
Common Ways to Trigger Free Spins in Pokies
Free spins can be triggered in several ways, depending on the pokie you’re playing. Here are the most common methods:
- Scatter Symbols: One of the most frequent ways to trigger free spins is by landing a certain number of scatter symbols on the reels. Scatter symbols can appear anywhere on the reels, and landing three or more will usually activate the free spins feature.
- Example: In Starburst, landing three or more scatter symbols triggers free spins, offering players extra chances to win without spending their own credits.
- Bonus Symbols: Some pokies require specific bonus symbols to appear on the reels to unlock the free spins feature. These symbols are usually tied to the theme of the game and play a key role in triggering special rounds.
- Example: In Book of Dead, landing three or more Book symbols (which act as both the scatter and wild symbol) will trigger the free spins round.
- Random Triggers: In certain games, free spins can be triggered randomly during the base game. These random triggers add an element of surprise and excitement, as players can win free spins at any moment.
- Example: In Gonzo’s Quest, the free spins (called Free Falls) can be triggered both by landing specific symbols and randomly during play.
- Bonus Buy Feature: Some pokies offer a “Bonus Buy” option, allowing players to purchase access to the free spins feature instead of waiting for it to trigger naturally. This option is particularly useful for players who want to jump straight into the bonus rounds.
- Example: In White Rabbit Megaways, players can buy free spins directly for a set price, giving them instant access to the game’s most lucrative feature.
Free Spins Features to Look For
Not all free spins are created equal. Many pokies offer additional features during free spins rounds that can enhance your chances of winning big. Here are some common features that can make free spins even more rewarding:
- Multipliers: One of the most exciting free spins features is the multiplier, which increases your winnings during the free spins round. Multipliers can range from 2x to 10x or higher, significantly boosting your payouts.
- Example: In Thunderstruck II, free spins can come with multipliers of up to 5x, making the feature much more lucrative.
- Expanding Wilds: Some pokies feature expanding wilds during free spins. These wilds can grow to cover entire reels, creating more winning combinations and increasing your chances of hitting big payouts.
- Example: In Gonzo’s Quest, wild symbols can expand during free spins, covering multiple positions on the reels and boosting wins.
- Sticky Wilds: Sticky wilds remain in place during the entire free spins round, offering multiple chances to form winning combinations. These wilds can significantly improve your chances of winning, especially in games with multiple paylines.
- Example: In Jack and the Beanstalk, wilds that appear during free spins can become sticky and move across the reels, maximizing your winning potential.
- Re-Triggerable Free Spins: Some pokies allow you to re-trigger free spins while already in the free spins round. This means that by landing more scatter symbols during free spins, you can extend the feature and enjoy even more spins without betting additional money.
- Example: In Book of Dead, landing more scatter symbols during free spins will re-trigger the feature, adding more free spins to your session.
How to Maximize Your Free Spins
While free spins are often based on luck, there are strategies you can use to maximize your chances of triggering them and making the most of the feature:
- Choose High RTP Pokies: Playing pokies with high RTP (Return to Player) percentages gives you a better chance of landing regular wins and triggering bonus features like free spins. Look for games with an RTP of 95% or higher.
- Play Games with Re-Triggerable Free Spins: Games that allow you to re-trigger free spins offer more potential for extended play without risking additional funds. Look for pokies that mention re-triggerable free spins in the game description or paytable.
- Take Advantage of Casino Bonuses: Many online casinos offer free spins as part of welcome bonuses or regular promotions. These free spins can be a great way to try out new games and increase your chances of winning without spending your own money. Be sure to read the terms and conditions, especially the wagering requirements.
- Use the Bonus Buy Feature: If you’re playing a game with a bonus buy option, consider using it to access free spins directly. While it requires an upfront investment, the potential rewards during the free spins feature may make it worthwhile.
Popular Pokies with Free Spins Features
Here are some of the most popular online pokies known for their exciting and rewarding free spins features:
- Starburst (NetEnt)
- Free Spins Feature: Triggered by landing three or more scatter symbols, with the potential for expanding wilds during the free spins round.
- Book of Dead (Play’n GO)
- Free Spins Feature: Triggered by landing three or more Book symbols, with the chance to re-trigger free spins during the bonus round.
- Gonzo’s Quest (NetEnt)
- Free Spins Feature: Known as Free Falls, triggered by landing three or more Free Fall symbols. Expanding wilds and multipliers make the free spins round highly rewarding.
- Thunderstruck II (Microgaming)
- Free Spins Feature: Triggered by landing three or more scatter symbols, offering multipliers of up to 5x and the chance to unlock additional free spins with each God feature.
- White Rabbit Megaways (Big Time Gaming)
- Free Spins Feature: Free spins are triggered by landing scatter symbols, or players can purchase the free spins feature directly using the bonus buy option.
Conclusion
Free spins are one of the most exciting and rewarding features in online pokies, offering players the chance to win big without spending their own money. Whether triggered by scatter symbols, bonus symbols, or purchased directly through a bonus buy option, free spins can significantly enhance your playing experience. By choosing games with lucrative free spins features, understanding how to trigger them, and using strategies to maximize your chances, you can make the most of every spin. Keep an eye out for pokies with re-triggerable free spins, multipliers, and special wild features to boost your potential winnings.
