Are Free Spin Games Rigged Or Random?
When you see free spins offered in a slot game or as part of a casino promotion, you might wonder how these actually work. Are the results set in advance, or does every player have the same possibility each time?
Here, you’ll learn exactly what “free spins” means, whether as a slot game feature or a bonus offer. We’ll explain how outcomes are decided, what terms like Random Number Generator (RNG) and Return to Player (RTP) mean, and why they matter in the UK.
Read on for clear, straightforward facts, so you can make choices with confidence and know how these games are built.
How Slots Decide Free Spin Results
If you trigger a free spins bonus round in a slot, the result of each spin is set by something known as a Random Number Generator (RNG). This is a bit of software built into every licensed slot game, making sure each spin’s outcome is completely random.
The key point is that every spin—including those in bonus rounds—is independent. The RNG ensures that nothing from an earlier spin has any effect on those that follow. This is true whether it’s your first or your last free spin.
In the UK, slot games have to use RNGs that have been checked by independent test labs in line with Gambling Commission rules. This ensures every game is fair and works exactly as it should.
You might also spot the Return to Player (RTP) rate in the game details. The RTP shows the theoretical percentage a slot may return to players over a long time. For example, a 96% RTP means the game may give back £96 for every £100 staked over thousands, or even millions of spins. Remember, this is an average, and results can vary for each session.
Slot games also set their own levels of volatility, which is a guide to how often and how much you might win. Volatility doesn’t promise any outcome, but can help when you want to pick a game that suits your playing style.
If you ever need more detail about how a slot’s free spin feature works, the game’s paytable or help section is the best place to look.
Limits and Terms on Free Spin Offers
If you get free spins through a casino promotion, these usually come with terms that shape what you can and cannot do. Most often, free spins are limited to certain games—so if you receive, say, 20 free spins, they might only be playable on a slot such as Starburst or Fishin’ Frenzy.
Expiry is another thing to watch for. Some offers last only 24 or 48 hours from when they’re issued. Miss this window, and the free spins will disappear.
Wagering requirements might also come into play, depending on the promotion. This means, any potential winnings from the free spins might have to be played through a certain number of times before they can be withdrawn as cash. For instance, if you win £5 and the wagering requirement is 35x, you’d need to wager £175 before these can become withdrawable funds.
Some casinos might also cap how much you can potentially win from a free spins promotion. If there’s a cap at £50 and you win more, only £50 can be withdrawn, with the rest usually being forfeited.
Terms and game selections can change from one casino to another. Be sure to read the details before you accept a casino offer.
Why Casinos Give Away Free Spins
Free spins are a common promotion at many UK online casinos, often offered to introduce new players to a site or highlight particular slots. These offers let you try out new games without using your own money right away.
For example, you may see free spins included in sign-up packages, or given during special events, such as the launch of a new slot game. Sometimes, existing players might receive free spins as a bonus.
By offering these promotions, casinos can draw attention to games they want to showcase—perhaps because they are new or already enjoyed by other players.
Not every casino includes free spins as part of their offers. Since each site creates its own packages and chooses the slots offered for free spins, it’s important to pay attention to the particular terms in place.
Are There Patterns to Free Spin Payouts?
It’s natural to wonder if there are any patterns in how any free spin winnings may be paid. Every regulated slot outcome is decided by the RNG—so each spin stands completely alone.
As already mentioned, all slot developers need their RNG software checked by approved testing bodies. This is to ensure that nothing can be predicted or changed for any spin, including during any free spin rounds.
If you receive 10 free spins through a casino offer, the result of every one is still determined by the game’s RNG. This does not change whether those spins are part of an offer or happen during regular slot play.
No tip or strategy can predict a winning free spin. For details on possible game features or potential payouts, have a look at the slot’s paytable—this sets out the information clearly for every player.
All in all, free spin games in the UK are random and designed to be fair. The most important thing is to gamble responsibly, play within your means and understand the terms before you get started.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.