Free Spins vs. Deposit Bonuses: Which Offers More Value?

Online casino promotions are one of most exciting parts of online gaming. Some let you play without depositing any money while others double, or even triple your bonuses. Of these promotions, free spins and deposit bonuses are the most popular.

They are often one of the first promotions players encounter at most casino sites as welcome bonuses. In some cases, they come together as a package but in others, you have to choose one or the other. Both offer exciting opportunities to greatly enhance your online gaming experience and increase your chances of winning. But which one gives you the most value?  Let's break down the pros and cons of both Free Spins and Deposit Bonuses and help you make an informed decision!

What Are Free Spins?

Free spins are one of the most popular promotional offers available at online casinos. They are especially beloved by online slot enthusiasts. As the name suggests, free spins allow you to spin slot games’ reels without using your own money.

With free spins, each spin of the reels is on the house, but the winnings are yours to keep. This is subject to terms and conditions, which vary from casino to casino. So, be sure to review the terms carefully, taking note of eligible games, wagering requirements, and any other limits.

Key Features of Free Spins

Some of the stand-out features of free spins include:

• Game-Specific: Free spins are often tied to specific slot games and, sometimes, software providers. The list of these eligible games are usually detailed in the bonus terms. You can also reach out to the online casino’s customer support for clarifications.
• Wagering Requirements: Most free spin offers come with wagering requirements. These state how many times you need to wager your winnings before you can withdraw them. 
• Fixed Value: Each free spin usually has a fixed value per spin. This value is set by the casino and limits the potential payout of each spin.

Pros of Free Spins

Free spins have several advantages that make them appealing to casino players, especially those who love slot games:

1. Risk-Free: Free spins allow you to enjoy your favorite slot games without putting your own money at risk. This is a great way to try out new games and learn their mechanics before gambling with real money.
2. Perfect for Slot Lovers: If you’re a fan of slot games, free spins can provide hours of entertainment. They let you enjoy more gameplay without depleting your bankroll.
3. Chance to Win Real Money: Although winnings are subject to terms and conditions, the fact that you can win real money from free spins makes them a valuable bonus.

Cons of Free Spins

While free spins can be exciting, they do have some limitations:

1. Only for Slot Games: Free spins are typically limited to slot games, and not all slots qualify. The casinos could also restrict them to games from specific software providers. This means you can't use free spins on table games or live dealer options — only on designated slots, whether those are your favorites or not.
2. Wagering Requirements: Many free spin offers come with high wagering requirements, sometimes up to 60x. This can make it difficult to cash out on your winnings.
3. Low Spin Value: The value per spin is often low, limiting your potential winnings. High-value free spins are rare and typically come with stricter conditions.

Tips to Maximize the Value of Free Spins

Following these tips can help you get even more out of free spins at any casino site:

1. Choose High-Value Offers: Look for online casinos that offer a large number of free spins with favorable terms. High-value free spins significantly help in boosting your winnings.
2. Understand Wagering Requirements: We recommend you go for casinos with lower wagering requirements. This means you don’t have to play too many times to be able to claim your winnings. Look for casinos with less than 60x playthrough requirements.
3. Play High RTP Slots: Choose online slot games that have high return-to-player (RTP) percentages. They offer better chances of winning in the long run.

What Are Deposit Bonuses?

Deposit bonuses are another popular type of promotion at online casinos. These bonuses reward you for depositing money into your casino account. They are typically offered as a percentage match and can significantly boost your playing funds. For example, a 100% deposit match up to $1000 means you get double all your deposit, with the maximum bonus amount being $1000.

Key Features of Deposit Bonuses

Deposit bonuses have the following features in common:

• Cash Bonus: Deposit bonuses are real money bonuses. By making the minimum deposit and meeting the wagering requirements, you become eligible to receive bonus funds. These funds can be used across a variety of casino games. Some deposit bonuses may require a bonus code, so be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before claiming them.
• Percentage Match: Deposit bonuses are often expressed as a percentage, such as a 200% match up to a specific amount. This means the casino triples your deposit up to a certain limit.
• Wagering Requirements: Similar to free spins, deposit bonuses often have wagering conditions that must be met before withdrawals can be made. The wagering requirements for deposit bonuses are usually lower. Fair online casinos set them between 25x and 50x.

Pros of Deposit Bonuses

Apart from being a real money bonus, deposit matches have other benefits that make them a favorite among players:

1. Flexible Game Play: Unlike free spins, deposit bonuses can be used on a variety of casino games. This cuts across online slots, table games, and sometimes live dealer games. However, like free spins, not all games are always eligible, so verify first.
2. Higher Bonus Amounts: Deposit bonuses often provide more substantial rewards compared to free spins. For example, depending on the offer, your deposit could be doubled or even tripled. This means you can start playing with a significantly larger bankroll.
3. Boosted Bankroll: By giving you extra funds to play with, deposit bonuses give you more opportunities to win and extend your gaming sessions.

Cons of Deposit Bonuses

Despite their advantages, deposit bonuses also come with some drawbacks:

1. Wagering Requirements: Like free spins, deposit bonuses typically have wagering requirements. These conditions may be challenging to meet, especially if the requirements are high.
2. Higher Risk: To claim a deposit bonus, you need to deposit your own money. This means there’s a financial risk involved.
3. Bonus Caps: Some deposit bonuses have maximum win limits, restricting the amount you can withdraw from your bonus winnings.

Tips for Getting the Most of Deposit Bonuses

To further boost your wins with deposit bonuses, try these tips:

• Deposit Strategically: Deposit an amount that lets you maximize the bonus. For example, if the casino offers a 50% match up to $200, depositing $400 ensures you get the full bonus.
• Check Game Contributions: Some casino games contribute more towards meeting wagering requirements than others. Review the terms to take note of these games and focus on them.
• Track Wagering Progress: Keep an eye on your progress to ensure you meet the conditions within the required time frame.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Free Spins and Deposit Bonuses

Your Game Preferences

Your choice should depend on the types of games you enjoy. If you love spinning the reels of slot games, free spins are the better option. However, if you prefer dabbling into different games, including table and live dealer games, deposit bonuses provide more flexibility.

Wagering Requirements

Always read the terms and conditions associated with any bonus before you claim them. Look for offers with low wagering requirements to increase your chances of cashing out winnings.

Bonus Amount

If you’re looking for bigger rewards, deposit bonuses typically offer more value than free spins. However, you’ll need to be prepared to deposit your own money.

Risk Tolerance

Free spins are less risky since they don’t always require a deposit. If you prefer a low-risk option, free spins may be the way to go. Deposit bonuses require you to put your money on the line but often provide greater rewards.

Comparing Free Spins and Deposit Bonuses

Even after considering the key features, pros, and cons of free spins and deposit bonuses, it might still be challenging to pick between them. We made a summary table below to help you see the broader picture and, hopefully, help you decide:

In Conclusion,

• Choose Free Spins if you love slot games and want a low-risk way to explore an online casino.
• Choose Deposit Bonuses if you enjoy different casino games and don’t mind depositing your money for bigger rewards.

Both free spins and deposit bonuses can offer excellent value. At the end of the day, it all boils down to you and your preferences. Choose the promotion that best suits your gaming style. Happy gaming, and remember to gamble responsibly!

FAQs

1. Can I claim both free spins and deposit bonuses at the same online casino?

Yes, many casino sites offer both types of promotions. They are not always mutually exclusive. To be sure, check the terms or consult support to see if you can claim both.

2. Are there no-wagering free spins?

While this is rare, some casinos offer no-wagering free spins. Thus allowing you to withdraw winnings immediately.

3. Do deposit bonuses have expiration dates?

Yes, most deposit bonuses have expiration dates. So, review the terms and use the bonus before it expires.

4. Which type of bonus is better for new players?

In our opinion, free spins are often better for beginners because they don’t always require a deposit.

5. How do I find the best casino bonuses?

Explore our guides on casino bonuses and our reviews and comparisons of the best online casino bonuses.