Why are they called free spins?

By Jack Carter Last reviewed 27 April 2026

They're called free spins because the player doesn't pay to use them. The casino funds the stake on each spin. The marketing is technically accurate but misleading: most free spins carry wagering requirements that turn the winnings into a playthrough exercise. "Cash spins" emerged as the term for free spins where the winnings are also free of strings: 0x wagering, paid as cash.

For the full background on cash spins, read what are cash spins. To see how the UKGC 10x wagering cap created this market, see the regulatory timeline. To compare every UK casino currently running a cash spins offer, view the main comparison or browse by slot game.