Free Spins vs Bonus Spins: What’s the Difference?

In most cases, there is no difference at all. Bonus spins and free spins are simply two different terms used to describe the same type of promotional reward: spins on selected slot games that are provided by the betting site rather than paid for directly from your cash balance. Different operators prefer different terminology. Some consistently call them free spins, while others use bonus spins. You may even find both terms used on the same slots games site. What matters more than the name is how you receive the spins, where you can use them and what terms apply to any winnings.

What Are Free Spins?

Free spins are a popular promotional mechanism used by South African betting sites to reward players. Instead of placing a spin using money from your real cash balance, the operator provides a set number of spins as part of a promotion.

They are particularly common in welcome offers. A betting site may give you free spins for completing an action such as:

• Registering a new account and completing FICA verification
• Making your first qualifying deposit
• Claiming a welcome bonus
• Taking part in a cashback promotion
• Referring a friend
• Receiving a birthday or loyalty reward

Some promotions require a deposit, while others are completely no deposit, meaning you can receive your spins simply for signing up and meeting the operator’s verification requirements. The important thing to remember is that the words “bonus spins” and “free spins” don’t automatically tell you how the promotion works. Always check the specific offer conditions.

Bonus Spins vs Free Spins: Is There Actually a Difference?

The short answer is No. For practical purposes, free spins and bonus spins mean the same thing. The terminology is largely a branding choice made by the operator. One betting site may advertise “50 Free Spins”, while another promotes “50 Bonus Spins”. Both offers provide spins that can be used on designated slot games without the normal spin amount being deducted from your cash balance. The conditions attached to those spins, however, can be very different.

For example, one promotion may only allow the spins to be used on Gates of Olympus, while another could make them available across several Habanero games. The spins may also have a specific value, expiry period or wagering requirements attached to winnings. Rather than worrying about whether an offer says “bonus” or “free”, compare the number of spins, qualifying requirements, eligible games and promotional terms.

No Deposit Free Spins on Sign Up

One of the most attractive ways to receive bonus spins is through a no deposit sign-up offer. Several South African betting sites currently use spins as an instant reward for new players, such as for example:

• SpinABet, for example, offers new players 50 bonus spins on Gates of Olympus. Register an account and successfully complete FICA verification to qualify, with no first deposit needed to unlock the spins.
• ReadySetBet has a similar offer. New players can receive 50 free spins on Gates of Olympus after registering with ReadySetBet and completing the required account verification.
• BetXchange takes the number into triple figures. New customers can receive 100 free spins on Pragmatic Play’s Bomb Bonanza, together with an additional R25 free bet. That makes the offer interesting for players who want to explore more than just slot entertainment.
• LuckyFish also combines two types of rewards. New players receive 50 bonus spins on selected Habanero games, including Hot Hot Fruit, plus a R50 free bet that can be used to explore other areas such as sports betting and Lucky Numbers.

Then there are the operators pushing the number of sign-up spins even higher. PlayBet welcomes new players with 200 bonus spins without requiring a deposit, while Mbet currently tops the quantity stakes with 400 spins available for signing up. These offers demonstrate just how widely bonus spins are used as a new-player incentive in South Africa.

Our Highlights

If we were handing out a few awards based on the current offers, these would stand out:

• Most No Deposit Spins: Mbet – 400 Spins
  If quantity is the main consideration, Mbet stands out with 400 spins available to new players for signing up.

• Runner-Up for No Deposit Spins: PlayBet – 200 Bonus Spins
  PlayBet also offers a substantial number of spins, with 200 available without the need for an initial deposit.

• Best Spins + Free Bet Combination: BetXchange – 100 Spins + R25 Free Bet
  BetXchange combines 100 Bomb Bonanza spins with a R25 free bet, giving new customers two different types of promotional rewards.

• Best 50/50 Combination: LuckyFish – 50 Spins + R50 Free Bet
  LuckyFish keeps things nicely balanced with 50 bonus spins alongside R50 for exploring its sportsbook and Lucky Numbers offering.

The biggest number does not automatically make an offer the best one for every player. Eligible games, spin values, expiry periods and wagering conditions should all form part of the comparison.

Free Spins as Part of First Deposit Bonuses

Not all free spins become available straight after registration without a deposit. Spins are also frequently part of first deposit bonuses and larger welcome packages.

• MzansiBet is a good example. New players can receive 100 bonus spins in addition to a 100% first deposit match bonus. This combines extra playing funds with spins as part of the overall welcome package. Overall new players can make use of a 5-stage welcome bundle.
• Jackpot City takes a slightly different approach by allowing qualifying new players to choose between spins and bonus cash. This can be useful for players who have a preference over the type of reward they receive.
• PantherBet also goes big on spins, with 250 spins alongside deposit match bonuses forming part of its new-player offering.

This is why it is worth looking beyond the headline number when comparing welcome bonuses. A 50-spin no deposit bonus and a package containing 250 spins plus a deposit match are fundamentally different offers. One you can claim without depositing, while the other may provide considerably more value to somebody who was planning to make a first deposit anyway.

How Do Free Spins Work?

The exact process varies from one betting site to another, but the basic principle is usually straightforward. First, you meet the qualifying requirements for the promotion. This could simply mean registering and completing FICA, or it might involve depositing a minimum amount. Once you qualify, the spins appear in your account. They will normally be linked to a particular game or selection of games. You then open an eligible title and use your promotional spins.

It is important to check what happens to any winnings generated from those spins. Depending on the promotion, winnings could be credited as cash, added to a bonus balance or be subject to wagering requirements before they can be withdrawn.

What Should You Check Before Claiming an Offer?

The number of spins is naturally the first thing most players notice, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration. Check whether a deposit is required and, if so, the minimum amount. Look at the value of each individual spin, as 100 spins are not necessarily worth more than 50 spins if the spin values are different. You should also check the eligible game or games. If the spins are restricted to one title, make sure you actually want to play it. Expiry periods are equally important. Promotional spins often have to be used within a limited period after they are credited. Any associated winnings may also have separate expiry or wagering conditions. Finally, check whether there is a maximum amount that can be won or withdrawn from the promotion.

Are Bonus Spins Really Free?

They can be, but it depends on the promotion.

A no deposit free spins offer does not require you to deposit your own money to receive the spins. You may still need to register, verify your identity and comply with the promotion’s terms.

Deposit-linked bonus spins are different. The spins themselves are provided as a promotional reward, but you first need to make a qualifying deposit to unlock them.

This distinction is much more useful than the distinction between “free spins” and “bonus spins”.

Get Rewarded From Your First Spin

Bonus spins have become one of the most common components of welcome promotions at South African betting sites. From 50 spins for completing registration and FICA to packages containing hundreds of spins alongside deposit matches and free bets, there are plenty of different variations.

And whether an operator calls them bonus spins or free spins doesn’t really matter – they are two names for essentially the same promotional mechanic.

Instead, concentrate on what you actually receive. How many spins do you get? Is a deposit necessary? Which games can you play? What is each spin worth? How long do you have to use them? Are there wagering requirements on winnings? Those are the differences that really matter.

With SpinABet and ReadySetBet offering 50 spins, BetXchange providing 100 plus a free bet, PlayBet going to 200 and Mbet offering as many as 400, there is considerable variety in the South African market. Add the deposit-linked packages from operators such as MzansiBet, Jackpot City and PantherBet, and it is easy to see why free spins remain such a prominent part of betting-site promotions.

FAQ

18+. Please gamble responsibly. Promotional offers, qualifying requirements and terms can change. Check the latest terms with the respective betting operator before claiming an offer.