Free Spins vs. Other Bonuses: Why Players Keep Choosing Them

In the ever-changing landscape of online casinos in 2026, bonuses and promotional offers are central to enhancing the gaming experience. One of the most well-known incentives, free spins offers, have emerged as favorites among players, particularly online slot machine enthusiasts. 

While there are various types of bonuses available, this page will take a deeper look into why free spins are often preferred over alternatives such as free online scratchcards and matching deposit bonuses.

The appeal of free spins

Free spins (where no initial deposit is required to receive them) provide players with an opportunity to enjoy their favorite slot games without risking their own money. Essentially, these offers let players spin the reels for free while keeping any winnings they might make as they play, which sounds like an attractive option for most players. 

One of the reasons free spins bonus offers have gained popularity is due to their straightforward nature. Unlike other bonuses, which may have hidden terms and conditions, the mechanics of free spins are simple. 

You essentially spin the reels on the selected slot(s) that are included in the promotional offer, and if you land any prizes while spinning, you can withdraw, provided you have met the strict wagering requirements, which are often referred to as playthrough, turnover or rollover requirements. 

This transparency fosters trust between the player and the casino, which makes them more likely to return to these same platforms.

Comparing other types of bonuses

While free spins are prevalent, online casinos offer a variety of other attractive bonuses. Here's a quick overview of the most common types:

1. Free spins bonuses - directly related to online slot machines, offering players opportunities to spin, often without any upfront cost

2. Free online scratchcards - allow players to enjoy the thrill of scratch cards without spending money upfront

3. Free golden chips for live dealer games - these enable players to try out live casino games powered by Evolution Gaming

4. Free loyalty rewards points - earned through play, these points can often be converted into bonuses or cash

5. Matching deposit bonuses - these bonuses match a player's deposit up to a certain percentage, increasing their initial bankroll

6. Free cash incentives (no deposit bonuses) - grants players a small sum of cash to play without the need for an initial deposit

While all these options offer value, free spins stand out due to their direct link to slot gaming, which remains the most popular category at online casinos. According to Statista, online slots accounted for approximately 70% of all online casino revenues in 2023, which highlights their dominance in this space.

Why free spins remain the go-to choice

Despite the variety of bonuses, many players continue to choose free spins bonuses. One significant reason is the excitement associated with slot games. Stunning 3D-rendered graphics, engaging themes, and authentic/original sound effects create an even more immersive experience. 

When players receive free spins, they can enjoy these elements without financial commitment, which enhances their enjoyment and overall experience.

Additionally, players appreciate the potential for higher returns. Free spins often come with bonuses stacked, such as multipliers that can significantly increase winnings. However, winnings may be capped at a specific amount (as stated in the promotion's Ts and Cs), so always read the terms and conditions attached to any bonuses that you decide to claim. 

Unlike other bonuses, which might impose betting limits or complex terms, free spins often let players experience the thrill of winning big without too many strings attached.

Furthermore, many casinos regularly update their free spins promotions to

coincide with new game releases, which keeps the content fresh and enticing, drawing players back frequently to explore new titles. 

Regular users also report that these promotional offerings help make their gaming experience diverse and entertaining. 

The primary motivation for gambling among participants was the opportunity to win significant amounts of money, with the overwhelming majority citing this as their reason. Additionally, many players indicated that the enjoyment associated with gambling was a key factor in their participation.

In another survey, 42% of adults who engaged in gambling over the past year reported a positive experience from their last gambling session, while only 21% expressed a negative viewpoint. 

iGaming operators typically use bonuses like these as a financial business growth tool.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, while there are plenty of promotional opportunities available in the online casino world for new players and existing members, free spins consistently rank as a preferred choice among players in 2026. 

With their straightforward nature and potential for big windfalls, it's no wonder that many consider them the most rewarding bonus type in the online casino space. As the online gaming industry (also sometimes referred to as the iGaming industry) continues to evolve, expect free spins to play a crucial role in enhancing player engagement and enjoyment.