Free spins: how to work out what an offer is worth
Free spins are the most visible kind of casino promotion, partly because the number in the headline is easy to remember. The number of spins, however, tells you little. Their value depends on the stake per spin, the slot they are locked to, how the winnings are treated and how long you have to use them. This page explains how to read a free-spin offer in general. It does not list or promote spin offers at MyStake; the offers available to you, if any, are shown in your account and the operator's promotion terms.
Four details behind every spin offer
| Detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Stake per spin | Sets the total value being played |
| Eligible slot | Decides the game's return to player and volatility |
| Treatment of winnings | Cash, or bonus money with wagering |
| Expiry and caps | Days to use the spins and a possible ceiling on winnings |
A quick calculation
Imagine 50 spins at a stake of 0.20 each. The total amount played is 10. That is the real size of the offer before any terms are applied. If the winnings from those spins — say 8 — are credited as bonus money with a requirement of 30 times, you need to stake 240 before that 8 becomes withdrawable. Seen this way, a spin offer is often worth less than its headline, and occasionally worth more if the winnings are paid as cash. The figures are examples for the arithmetic only.
Where free spins usually come from
Spins appear in several places: as part of a welcome package tied to a first deposit, as a stand-alone no-deposit offer, as a reload reward, inside VIP programmes or as prizes in tournaments. The source matters, because each comes with its own terms. Spins linked to a deposit add the deposit to the equation — you are paying in to receive them. Spins without a deposit tend to carry the tightest caps. In all cases, the slot is chosen by the operator, and it is worth opening the in-game info panel of that slot to see its rules, return to player and volatility before playing.
Warning signs in spin offers
- A very short window to use the spins, which pushes you to play immediately.
- High wagering on spin winnings combined with a low cash-out cap.
- Spins released in daily batches that only continue if you keep logging in or depositing.
- Terms that are hard to find from the promotion page.
None of these make an offer dishonest, but each reduces its value. Our bonus terms guide explains how to read the full conditions.
Spins and session control
Free spins are fast. A batch of fifty can be finished in a few minutes, and the natural next step is to keep playing with your own money. Decide in advance whether you will stop when the spins are used. Setting a time limit for the session, or a deposit limit in your account if the operator offers one, helps keep spins as a sample rather than a starting gun. If you notice that spin offers are pulling you back more often than you intended, see our responsible gambling page.