“Free spins” is the name of a bonus round found in most slot machines and is almost always a feature that allows you to reach the maximum payout potential of a slot. While winning or losing depends on luck, starting this round with the right bet size gives you the opportunity to win bigger payouts. Here, we will discuss how to do this and what to pay attention to. Remember that these tips also apply to bonus offers such as ICE Casino free spins.
What Is a Free Spin Round?
This is a bonus round that typically begins when at least three scatter symbols appear anywhere on the screen. (The trigger condition may be something else—you can find detailed information about this in the game’s paytable.) Once it starts, the reels spin a certain number of times (e.g., 10 times) without using the player’s balance. If you win during this time, the winnings are transferred to your balance. So, you can play without using your own money and still win real money.
An important point to note here is that the free spin round is triggered using the player’s last bet size. For example, if you are spinning the reels with a stake of 10.00 per spin, each free spin will also be played with it.
Why Is Bet Size Important?
The reason it is important is that most slot machines have a dynamic paytable. Some also include multiplier payouts. In this context, it is possible to say that slot machines have three different payout mechanisms:
- Fixed payouts: The amount the symbols in the game pay out is fixed and does not change based on the bet size the player uses. Whether you play with the minimum or maximum wager, the symbols pay the same amount.
- Dynamic payouts: The amount that symbols pay out in the game increases or decreases depending on the bet. For example, the “cherry” symbol pays 5 with the minimum bet and 500 with the maximum one.
- Multiplier payouts: The payout values of the symbols are fixed but determined by a multiplier. For example, the “melon” symbol pays 10x, which is a fixed value. However, the player’s bet size is multiplied by this value, and the symbol’s actual payout is determined accordingly.
So, if a slot machine has dynamic payouts or multiplier payouts, the amount you bet per spin determines how much you can win. The higher your stake, the larger the payout from the symbols. This also applies during the free spin bonus round.
How to Find a Slot’s Payout Mechanics
There are two ways to determine which of these payout mechanics a slot machine uses:
- Check the paytable: Every slot has an “INFO” or “?” button on its interface, and clicking it opens the paytable. This table explains the payout values of the symbols and the general rules of the game. The type of payout mechanic is also specified here.
- Change the bet values: If you cannot find any information about the payout mechanism in the paytable, simply change the bet amount and see if there is any change in the payout amounts of the symbols. If there is a change, it means you are playing a game with a dynamic table.
It is important to determine what the payout mechanism is, as this will determine which stake size you need to enter the free spin bonus round with.
Fixed Payout Slots
Since the symbols will pay the same regardless of the bet amount, you can technically enter the free spin bonus round with any stake in this type of slot. Whether you are playing with a minimum or maximum limit, it will not change the payout you can win. However, if the game has a jackpot or an extra mechanic such as multipliers during the free spin bonus, it is still a good idea to play with the maximum bet.
Dynamic Payout Slots
As you might expect, you should aim to enter the free spin bonus with the maximum bet size in these types of slots. The higher the stake amount you use, the larger the potential payout you can win. Remember that once the bonus round starts, you cannot change the wager amount until it ends. Therefore, we recommend always playing the game with the maximum bet size (since the bonus can start at any time).
Multiplier Payout Slots
For these slots, it is also best to start the free spin bonus with the maximum bet size, similar to dynamic payout slot games. Since the multiplier amounts can be quite high, your potential winnings can also be extremely large. Additionally, playing with the maximum bet size ensures that the payouts during the base game are also more satisfying.
This Is Still a Personal Decision
Although the tips here are about optimal gameplay, remember that all gameplay decisions, including your stake, are personal. If you are playing with a limited bankroll or your goal is casual entertainment, the bet size is not important. All casino games, including slots, should be played solely for entertainment purposes. Chasing the dream of a big win by always betting the maximum can be financially challenging. Remember to play responsibly, and that increasing your wager amount does not in any way change your chances of winning. Play for fun and don’t exceed your gaming budget when deciding on your bet size.