Are Free Spins Worth It? A Deep Dive into Canada’s Most Popular Casino Bonus

In this article, our team of gambling experts at CasinoOnlineCA will explore how to turn free spins to your advantage. Head to our website for more information and our expert-vetted selection of casinos with the most generous promotions, including but not limited to the ones granted by Golden Tiger Casino Ontario.

Now, without further ado, let’s dive right in.

Free Spins: The Basics and Why Are They So Popular in Canada?

Free spins are the no. 1 most popular bonus in online casinos. Free spins allow you to play slot reels without putting your assets at stake. 

They usually come as promotional offers, parts of the welcome package bonus, loyalty reward points, or ongoing promotions. However, “free” doesn’t always mean no strings attached—there are often conditions to be met to benefit fully from the free spins’ bonus.

“Casinos determine precisely how many spins to grant and which games they can be used on, tell us the lead CasinoOnlineCA expert”, James Segrest.

When you receive free spins, you are given a specific number of rounds to play on slot games without any additional cost. Any winnings from these spins are usually subject to wagering requirements, meaning you must bet multiple of those winnings before you can withdraw them.

Each free spins bonus is typically linked to specific games where you can use them. These promotions come with a maximum bet limit per spin, which can vary based on the terms and conditions of the games. In most licensed and reputable online casinos in Canada, the average maximum bet is $0.50 per spin.

Despite these restrictions, free spins remain a favourite among Canadian players because they provide an accessible and low-risk way to explore and win at online slots. As Segrest notes, “Free spins appeal to Canadians because they’re a low-commitment way to experience the excitement of online casinos.”

Types of Free Spins

The most common types of free spins offered by online casinos include:

• No-Deposit Free Spins: These are granted upon registration, with no financial commitment (e.g., a casino offers 20 free spins as a welcome gift for creating an account).
• Deposit-Free Spins: These spins are available as part of a deposit bonus, and they are available after the players fund their account with a specific deposit amount.
• Flexible Free Spins: Unlike other offers, these allow players to choose from several games in the casino’s library, providing variety.
• Loyalty/Promotional Free Spins: These free spins are part of ongoing offers (holiday bonuses) or loyalty rewards for regular players.

Can You Win Big With Free Spins?

Australian casinos offer the possibility of significant wins, but how often do they actually occur? Free spins create the illusion of easy victories, yet the actual odds and payouts are often modest. Winnings from free spins typically come with wagering requirements and maximum withdrawal limits, which can greatly diminish their value.

Wagering requirements can vary widely, ranging from 20x to 50x, with an average around 30x. This means players must wager their winnings multiple times before they can cash out. While substantial payouts from free spins are rare, there are notable instances where players have achieved significant wins. 

For example, in August 2024, a player in New Jersey won over $6.4 million on the slot game Fruit Blaster at MGM Casino. Although this win was not directly linked to free spins, it underscores the potential for large payouts in slot games.

James Segrest points out, “For every big winner, thousands of players walk away with little more than an enjoyable experience.” This is because slot games operate on random number generators (RNGs), which ensure that the outcome of each spin is independent and unpredictable. This randomness means that while free spins can lead to wins, they are ultimately based on luck. They’re like a lottery ticket; you’re gambling on a gamble.”

The Pros and Cons of Free Spins: Are They Truly Worth It?

We must consider the potential pros and cons of free spins in order to reach a truly unbiased and honest verdict.

The Positives of Free Spins

Starting with the good things, this list focuses on the upsides of free spin bonuses.

• Risk-Free Way to Explore a New Casino: Free spins are an excellent opportunity to try a new online casino without depositing a significant amount. For example, many Canadian casinos offer no-deposit free spins to new players, allowing them to explore the platform and its games. We recommend the 20 no-deposit free spins on Big Bass Splash, but since these promotions often change, we suggest you browse through some reviews before registering at a new casino.
• Real Money Potential: Though big wins are rare, the possibility of actual wins is one of the FS’s main attractions. So, check for games that offer lower wagering requirements so that you can win while on a budget!
• Often Combined with Other Bonuses: Free spins are frequently incorporated in more extensive promotions like bundles of welcome offers or reload bonuses that add extra value. For example, a welcome bonus in online casinos across Canada often includes a deposit match plus at least a hundred free spins, giving players a mix of funds and spins to explore the platform.
• Wide Availability in Canadian Casinos: Free spins are not a one-time come-and-go offer; they are often available regularly. Many Canadian casinos include daily, weekly, or monthly free spin promotions. As it turns out, this is what engages players the most. Additionally, loyalty programs often grant free spins based on the player’s activity and in-game purchases.

The Negatives of Free Spins

• High Wagering Requirements: The biggest drawback of free spins is the high wagering requirements attached to winnings. Many Canadian casinos set them at 40x or more, making it difficult for players to cash out their winnings. This would mean that to win $5 from free spins with 40x, you must wager $200 before the money becomes withdrawable.
• Low RTPs and Maximum Bet Restrictions: Most free spins are tied to games with a relatively low Return to Player (RTP) percentage, reducing long-term profitability. The additional low max bet limit, usually $1 or $1 per spin, caps the winning potential.
• Game and Provider Limitations: FS are often restricted to specific slot games or software providers. Considering that some are unavailable worldwide, it is even harder to access a free spin bonus equally.
• Maximum Winning Caps: Most FS bonuses include a cap on how much you can win and withdraw, even if you score a jackpot. Thus, if a casino limits free spin winnings to $100 (usually), everything above is forfeited.

The Verdict: Are Free Spins Worth It?

Free spins are a valuable tool for exploring online casinos and slot games, but they have limitations. James Segrest summarizes it well: “Free spins offer fun and value for informed players, but unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment. They are best viewed as a way to enhance your gaming experience rather than a surefire path to riches.”