Free spins or bonus funds – what should you choose?

by Paul Clare Last updated: 1 May 2025

Free spins or bonus funds? That is the question.

Do you want the flexibility of bonus funds, which can be applied to many different types of games?

Or are you better off with free spins to use on selected slots, without using your own money, to spin for a chance to win?

What about the terms and conditions, such as wagering requirements, bet limits and spin value? Does this change how you view each type of bonus and its overall value?

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to choosing your preferred bonus. The answer is ultimately an individual one. Only you can decide what works best for you. However, it all begins with understanding the benefits and potential drawbacks of each. Check out the pros and cons...

Free spins pros & cons

Free spins bonuses are typically packaged as a specific number of free spins on selected slots, which are worth a defined monetary per-spin value – e.g. 20 x £0.10 spins.

Pros
- Frequently available without wagering requirements
- Suit players who enjoy popular and casual slots
- Risk-free way to try out new or different games
- Likely to be available on classic games like Fishin’ Frenzy, Starburst or Book of Dead
- Usually regarded as easier to work through than bonus funds, especially if there are no wagering requirements
Cons
- Usually restricted to certain slots that might not be to your liking
- Generally only available on low pay-out games
- Some have maximum win caps
- Any wagering requirements will apply to the winnings and so could be difficult to complete

Bonus funds pros and cons

The second type of bonus commonly available are bonus funds – credit you can use on most games, subject to terms, conditions and exclusions.

Pros
- More flexible – can usually be used on table or card games too
- Can be used to play any online slots, not just selected games
- Bet limits are usually around £4, which is significantly higher than the typical free spin value of £0.10
- Any wagering requirements are applied to the bonus amount rather than the winnings, potentially making them easier to fulfil
Cons
- Usually come with wagering requirements
- Will likely have game contribution conditions as well – some games will contribute less towards the wagering requirement than others

Check the terms and conditions!

Whatever type of bonus you ultimately choose, don't forget to check the T&Cs. A bonus is only ever as good as the terms restricting it, and you shouldn’t judge a bonus at face value.

Sometimes bonuses that seem attractive are less so when you dig a bit deeper. Sometimes those that don’t seem that great on the surface actually turn out to be more valuable once you’ve digested the T&Cs. Perhaps there’s no wagering attached, or the timeframes and scope of the bonus are more generous.

These restrictions are buried in the T&Cs, and you’ll only know the truth once you’ve read them. While T&Cs aren't always the most gripping read, a quick look will provide the key points needed to make an informed decision when you’re weighing up whether to plump for the free spins or take the bonus cash.

When it comes to T&Cs, don’t get caught out. Our guide on no wagering casino T&Cs to be aware of is invaluable reading.

The decision is yours

Some bonus requirements are harder to meet than others, so you need to decide which best serves your needs. For the slots fan, that might well be free spins but blackjack fanatics might have a different perspective. Either choice is valid, so long as you understand the terms of the bonus and know your style of play.

by Paul Clare Last updated: 1 May 2025

Paul learnt about high wagering requirements the hard way! After falling foul of some pretty unreasonable T&Cs, he set out to find a solution and came across No Wagering. Fast forward a few years, and he’s managed to combine his passion for writing and online casinos by landing a job with the very site that started this adventure.

Learn more about Paul »