Bonus spins meaning

Bonus spins meaning: the two uses of the term

On a casino’s promotions page, bonus spins are spins the operator credits to your account as part of an offer. They come with a fixed stake (often 10p), apply to named games and expire after a set time. Some operators call them ‘free spins’ and others ‘bonus spins’; the label varies, so the terms, not the name, tell you what you are getting. Our comparison page on bonus spins vs free spins looks at how operators use each label.

Inside a slot, ‘bonus spins’ usually means the free games round that starts when you land enough scatter symbols. Those spins are played at the stake that triggered them and often add extras such as multipliers or expanding symbols. The bonus round and retrigger entries in our glossary cover that meaning in more detail.

How to value promotional bonus spins in pounds

Spins only have a clear value once you multiply the count by the stake per spin. After that, what you can keep depends on what the spins return and on any conditions attached to the winnings.

On average, spins return roughly the slot’s RTP times their total value: £10 of spins on a 96% game averages about £9.60, though individual results range from nothing to much more. Our guide to free spins winnings shows how winnings are credited, and are free spins worth it puts the numbers in context.

Bonus spins terms to read before you claim

• Qualifying action. A deposit, a qualifying bet, or both. Coral’s offer needs a £10 slots bet; PlayOJO’s needs a £10 first deposit.
• Payment exclusions. E-wallets and prepaid cards are often excluded. See why PayPal may not qualify.
• Eligible games. One named slot or a short list.
• Acceptance and expiry. For example, accept within 48 hours and use within 7 days. See bonus expiry.
• Wagering on winnings. Either none or a multiple of 10x or lower since 19 January 2026; see wagering requirement.
• Winnings caps. Some offers limit what spin winnings can convert into; check the terms.

UK advertising rules say an ad must not hide the significant conditions of a promotion. The ASA’s guidance on promotional terms and significant conditions (opens in a new tab) explains what has to appear next to the headline, which is why responsible pages never say ‘free’ without the condition beside it.

How bonus spins are usually credited

1. Register and pass age and identity checks; UK sites must verify you before you can deposit or play with a bonus.
2. Opt in if the offer requires it, then make the qualifying deposit with an eligible method.
3. Complete any qualifying bet, such as £10 on slots.
4. Accept the spins in your account or promotions area within the stated window.
5. Open the eligible slot; the spins load at the fixed stake.
6. Check your balance afterwards: winnings appear as cash or as bonus funds, depending on the terms.

If spins do not show up, our answer on missing free spins lists the usual causes.

UK rules on bonus spins since January 2026

Two Gambling Commission changes from 19 January 2026 shape every spins offer. First, wagering on bonus funds, including spin winnings credited as bonus money, cannot exceed 10 times; the rule is in LCCP social responsibility code 5.1.1 (opens in a new tab). Second, an offer can no longer mix products, so ‘bet on football, get casino spins’ deals are gone. Our page on the mixed-product promotions ban covers that rule, and the Commission’s announcement on safer, simpler promotions (opens in a new tab) gives its reasons.

Spins are also played under the normal slot rules: no autoplay, at least 2.5 seconds a spin, and stake limits of £5 (25 and over) or £2 (18 to 24), which promotional 10p spins sit well within.

Bonus spins terms side by side: Coral and PlayOJO

Where to find bonus spins with no wagering on winnings

Coral’s offer for new players aged 18+ runs from 1 October 2026 to 1 February 2027: deposit (certain types excluded), bet £10 or more on slots and receive 100 free spins at 10p on selected games, to be accepted within 48 hours and used within 7 days, with no wagering on spin winnings. The Coral free spins page has more detail.

New UK customers at PlayOJO who are 18+ and outside Northern Ireland get 80 free spins at 10p on Big Bass Bonanza when their first deposit is £10 or more. Winnings are paid in cash with no wagering; the offer is only available through the designated link and can’t be combined. See PlayOJO free spins and our wider list of latest free spins offers. Full terms apply to both.

18+. Gambling should be entertainment that costs money, not a way to make it. Set a deposit limit before you play: how to set deposit limits. Free, confidential help: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133.