Online Slots with Free Spins Feature

What are Free Spins in Online Slots?

Free spins are a bonus feature in online slot games that allow players to spin the reels for free, without having to place a bet using their own money. Free spins are triggered when a certain combination of symbols appears on the reels, and the number of free spins that are awarded can vary depending on the game and the number of triggering symbols.

Free spins have become popular in online slots for several reasons. First, they offer players a chance to win real money without having to risk their own money. This makes them an attractive option for players who are new to online gambling and want to try out a slot game before investing their own funds.

Additionally, free spins often come with added features, such as multipliers or sticky wilds, that can greatly increase the potential payout of the bonus round. This can make the game more exciting and rewarding for players, and can also help to keep them engaged and interested in the game.

Free spins are often used as a promotional tool by online casinos and game developers. Many casinos offer free spins as part of a welcome bonus or other promotional offer, which can help to attract new players and encourage them to try out a variety of different games.

How do Free Spins get Triggered?

The specific triggers for free spins can vary between different online slots, but there are a few common ways that free spins are typically triggered:

1. Landing Scatter Symbols: One of the most common ways to trigger free spins is by landing a specific number of scatter symbols on the reels. The number of scatters required to trigger free spins can vary, but it's often three or more. Sometimes, the free spins bonus can be re-triggered by landing additional scatter symbols during the free spins round.
2. Bonus Symbols: Some slot games have specific bonus symbols that can trigger a free spins bonus round. These symbols may only appear on certain reels, or they may need to be lined up in a specific way to trigger the bonus.
3. Random Trigger: In some slots, free spins can be triggered randomly during regular gameplay. This means that a player may not need to land any specific symbols on the reels to trigger the bonus, and it can be awarded at any time during the game.
4. Buy-In Feature: Some online slots allow players to buy into the free spins feature by paying a certain amount of money. This can be a good option for players who want to skip the base game and go straight to the bonus round.

It's important to note that the rules and triggers for free spins can vary widely between different slot games, so it's always a good idea to read the game's paytable or instructions to understand how the bonus feature works.

What are the First Slots with Free Spins Feature?

The history of free spins in slot games can be traced back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. Legend has it that the first slot machine to feature free spins was Reel ‘Em In, a game developed by WMS Industries in the mid-1990s. Reel ‘Em In was a popular video slot game that allowed players to activate a free spins bonus feature by landing a specific combination of symbols on the reels. The game was notable for being one of the first to introduce a secondary bonus feature that allowed players to potentially win more credits by fishing for bonus symbols in a virtual pond.

One of the first slot games to feature free spins was also the game “Cash Splash,” which was created by Microgaming in 1998. Cash Splash was a classic-style slot machine with a progressive jackpot and a free spins feature that could be triggered by landing three or more scatter symbols on the reels.

Another early slot game with a free spins feature was “Cleopatra,” which was created by IGT in 2005. Cleopatra was a popular game that included a bonus round with 15 free spins and a 3x multiplier on all wins during the bonus.

Since then, free spins have become a staple feature in many online slots, and the types of free spins bonuses have evolved and become more complex. Today, many slots offer free spins with additional bonus features, such as expanding wilds, sticky wilds, and more.

Which are Some of the Most Popular Games with Free Spins Feature?

Here's a comparison table of 10 very popular online slots with free spins on CasinoLandia:

What are the different types of the free spin feature?

Free Spins continue to evolve and develop even more interesting game elements to keep attracting the players. Generally speaking, however, there are several different types of free spin features that can be found in online slots. Here are some of the most common types in CasinoLandia:

1. Standard Free Spins: This is the most basic type of free spin feature, where players are awarded a set number of free spins that are played with the same bet and number of paylines as the triggering spin.
2. Multiplier Free Spins: These free spins come with a multiplier that applies to any winnings earned during the bonus round. Multipliers can range from 2x to as much as 50x or more, and can greatly increase the potential payout.
3. Retriggerable Free Spins: In some slots, landing another set of triggering symbols during a free spin feature can add more free spins to the total, extending the bonus round.
4. Sticky Wild Free Spins: During these free spins, any wild symbols that appear on the reels will remain in place for the duration of the bonus round, potentially leading to bigger payouts.
5. Cascading Reels Free Spins: Also known as “Avalanche” or “Tumbling” reels, these free spins feature symbols that fall from above and can lead to multiple wins in a single spin.
6. Expanding Reels Free Spins: During this type of free spin feature, the reels may expand to include more symbols, which can create additional paylines and increase the chances of hitting winning combinations.
7. Bonus Game Free Spins: In some slots, the free spins bonus round is just one part of a larger bonus game, which may include additional bonus features such as pick-and-click games, prize wheels, or other interactive mini-games.