Industry News
Are Free Spins Beneficial To Players?
Free Spins are one of the most popular casino offers available to new customers. Most online casinos have a welcome package that includes Free Spins, while others hand them out to returning customers. Free spins are also used to promote the launches of new slots. Slots are by far the most popular games in online gambling, which is why free spins are considered so attractive. They are one of the main ways in which online casinos appeal to new customers.
The Problem with Strict Wagering Requirements
Since their inception, free spins have always come with wagering requirements. These are conditions linked to the free spins in case you win a cash prize. Most free spins result in some kind of cash winning, but usually, the money is not withdrawable right away. Instead, the winnings have to be wagered a number of times. These are known as the wagering requirements. The terms rollover and spin through are used interchangeably with wagering requirements.
Wagering requirements are a basic ingredient in all casinos’ terms and conditions, as they try to balance the value of promotions and bonuses in their favor. Casino players are easily swayed by a large number of free spins or a major matched deposit bonus, but truly grasping the value of a free spins offer requires you to look at the wagering requirements.
If we look at some of the current free spins deals in the UK, separate casinos offer a different number of free spins on the same slot. For example, one casino offering 50 free spins on Starburst and another one 100 free spins. In this situation, most players would opt for the 100 free spins, seemingly getting the better of the two deals. Yet ultimately, you always have to factor in the attached wagering requirements. 50 free spins with a 1x wagering requirement is a far better deal than 100 free spins with a 10x wagering requirement.
Wagering Requirements Might Include a Maximum Stake
A lot of people have tried winning a delicate £20 from a free spins offer, and then having to comprehend a complex set of terms and conditions. Beyond the already mentioned wagering requirements, casinos often exclude certain games from the wagering. For example, roulette and other table games are often excluded from the wagering requirements. Any money wagered here will not count towards the total requirement.
Furthermore, stakes are often capped at a set maximum. That means you are only allowed to wager a set proportion of your free spins winnings in a single stake. If the maximum stake is £1, a £2 stake on a slot machine will only count £1 towards the wagering requirements. In some cases, casinos might confiscate your winnings all-together if the maximum stake is surpassed.
Restricted games and maximum stakes are not reasons to stay away from free spins, but it clearly highlights the importance of reading the terms and conditions thoroughly. If you don’t, you could up wagering money that does not count towards the rollover, and at worst, you could see your winnings confiscated by the casino.
Free Spins Are Not Worth A Lot Of Money
Let’s be honest: Free spins offer to seem far more lucrative than they really are. 50 free spins on a popular slot sound like an absolute bargain, but in reality, the value is limited. Each spin might have a value as low as £0.10, making the total value of the promotion a modest £5. The offer comes across as far more enticing than it really is.
Some free spins are branded as Mega Spins or Super Spins, and the value of these is significantly higher. However, they often come in much smaller numbers. The combined value of free spins – the number of free spins added against the value of the individual spins – is rarely higher than £10. When you factor in the wagering requirements and a potential cap on winnings, the value left is even smaller.
That does not mean free spins are unattractive or should be avoided. However, measuring the number of free spins against the value of the spins provides you with a better idea of their true value.
Caps on Winnings Are Frustrating
Although you might have initial success with your free spins, the amount of money won is often capped. Since the casino is handing out free money, they would rather have you don’t run away with a major win. Winnings are often capped at £100 or £200, although some free spin offers come without any restrictions on winnings. As a general rule, there is almost always a wagering requirement, while winning caps vary from offer to offer.
Winnings caps are not necessarily an issue. The casino is, after all, giving you free money to play with. Yet they do reduce the value of free spins notably. It can be frustrating to play without the chance for a major jackpot and to see a £1000 win reduced to £100 due to a winning cap.
Conclusion: How Good Are Free Spins Really?
Free spins are common among online casinos but often come with a complex set of terms and conditions. Wagering requirements, winning caps, and tricky rules are factors that make free spins less attractive than they would seem at a first glance. However, dismissing free spins would be a mistake. There are good reasons why free spins are beneficial to casino players.
Most importantly, free spins are an excellent tool to build your bankroll. Bankroll management is key to experienced and recreational casino players alike, and free spins are an important factor here. Online casino is all about calculating risk and reward and getting the right balance. With free spins you face no risk at all – you have everything to win and nothing to lose. Turning your nose at a free spins offer due to the terms and conditions is always a mistake. Free spins will not make you rich, but they provide small injections to your bankroll.
If you want to succeed with online casino games, offers and promotions are absolutely key. Online slots typically operate with an RTP between 95% and 97%, which means you will struggle to make a profit in the long run. However, bonuses and promotions give you the chance to break that trajectory. Although free spin offers are far from perfect, players should take advantage of them when the opportunity arises.
Industry News
Quantum Gaming Announces Phillip Pistauer as its New COO
Quantum Gaming, a leading provider of innovative technology solutions for the iGaming industry, has announced the appointment of Phillip Pistauer as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Phillip joins the executive board, which includes CEO Oliver De Bono, and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) Soteris Varnava. Together, this dynamic leadership team is poised to drive Quantum Gaming’s vision of redefining the iGaming landscape.
Phillip Pistauer’s journey in the iGaming industry began in 2013, with a trial-by-fire experience launching a brand on the EveryMatrix platform. This early challenge required him to learn the intricacies of the industry quickly and sparked his passion for the field. Recognising the immense opportunities in iGaming, Phillip strategically relocated to Malta where he joined NetEnt during its commercial expansion.
In 2020, Phillip joined Singular, a Georgia-based company renowned for its advanced platform technology. Initially appointed as Head of Account Management, he later transitioned to Head of Platform following Singular’s acquisition by Flutter International.
As part of Singular’s growth strategy, Phillip assumed the role of Head of Product in March 2024, further solidifying his reputation as a forward-thinking leader in iGaming.
Oliver De Bono, CEO of Quantum Gaming, said: “Phillip has a rare mix of operational expertise and vision for innovation. He’s been through every level of this industry, and it shows in the way he approaches challenges. We’re thrilled to have him on board as we gear up for some big moves this year.”
Among several exciting initiatives within the company, Quantum Gaming is also working on integrating AI-driven solutions to further enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. This AI project, along with others, reflects the company’s commitment to staying ahead of industry trends.
In addition to Phillip’s appointment, Quantum Gaming is expanding its leadership team further with the upcoming addition of a Head of Affiliation, Head of QA, Head of Finance and Head of Sales. These new roles reflect the company’s commitment to strengthening its operations and building a robust foundation for future growth.
Soteris Varnava, CRO of Quantum Gaming, said: “Having Phillip on the team gives us an incredible advantage. He brings a fresh perspective and a proven ability to get things done. With the new leadership hires we’re making, 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for Quantum Gaming.”
The post Quantum Gaming Announces Phillip Pistauer as its New COO appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
Safer Gambling Charities recognised on opening day at ICE Barcelona
Safer Gambling charities Gordon Moody (€30,000), Fejar (€25,000) and FES (€10,000) have been named as the beneficiaries of the charity fund generated by the sponsors of the ICE Sustainable Gambling Zone.
The €65,000 fund was the result of generous donations from leading brands comprising Cirsa, Grupo Orenes, Betsson Group, Flutter, Acordjoc, Alea, Novomatic, Playtech, and Novomatic Spain and takes the total donated at ICE to €385,000.
Ewa Bakun, Clarion Gaming’s Director of Industry Insight said: “Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors I am delighted to be able to announce what are significant five-figure donations to the three charities all of which do outstanding work in the safer gambling space.
“Player Protection is a fundamental objective shared by everyone associated with the Sustainable Gambling Zone. The overarching objective of the Sustainable Gambling Zone is to be at the vanguard of initiatives to help develop healthy play from the outset of the player journey.
“This includes the incorporation of safer gambling considerations from the very start rather than as just a compliance requirement. The goal is to create a more sustainable business in which players continue to enjoy their gambling entertainment experience but where the small proportion who are at risk of developing problems are proactively identified and assisted by operators.”
Clarion Gaming was the first event organiser to embrace safer gambling when it introduced the ICE Consumer Protection Zone seven years ago which went on to establish a template for other events to follow.
Featuring a total of 26 safer gambling bodies, including Spanish organisations ASENCAS and FEJAR, the SGZ will also host three days of educational content dedicated to consumer protection and ESG.
For more information on the world’s biggest gaming technology event and to register: icegaming.com
The post Safer Gambling Charities recognised on opening day at ICE Barcelona appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry News
EGT at ICE Barcelona 2025: Get ready to be stunned
EGT is prepared to make a long-lasting impression on visitors at ICE 2025, which will be held in Barcelona for the first time. The Bulgarian manufacturer of gaming equipment will showcase its compelling selection of bestsellers and high-potential new developments at one of the largest stands at the exhibition 3F30.
Among the novelties that will arouse the greatest interest will be 2 brand-new slot cabinets – 32-32 St and 32-32 Up. These models will certainly not go unnoticed by the event guests.
On display will be the newest addition to the company’s jackpot family – the 4-level Asian-themed Zhao Cai Shuang Yu. It will reveal the astonishing world of its 2 games, Prosperity Strike and Rising Coins.
The attendees will also be able to see and test the latest multigames from the Supreme Selection slot series. The Mega Supreme Fruits, Supreme Red, and Supreme Buy Bonus Prize Selection will present a lot of new slot titles, offering a perfect mix of fascinating themes, attractive bonus features, and great entertainment.
EGT will show its newest ETG developments as well. Among them will be the 32 T terminal, which will make its debut during the show. It will complement the company’s rich portfolio of ETG products, which are the preferred choice in numerous gaming venues around the world.
Expanding its offering, EGT will present the Supreme Series of game mixes, currently including the Supreme Roulette Union and Supreme Green Union multigames. Focusing exclusively on roulette, the Supreme Roulette Union blends the excitement of classic roulette gameplay with innovative jackpot systems and versatile features. Supreme Green Union combines popular games from the company’s portfolio with roulette, Keno, Baccarat, and Blackjack, offering players a unique and engaging experience.
Numerous new AWP and VLT products, created specifically for different markets, will also be at the visitors’ disposal, as well as the casino management system Spider, which will show its latest modules.
EGT Digital will also present its vast array of iGaming solutions, including instant and casino games, jackpots, and its in-house developed “all-in-one” betting platform X-Nave.
Nadia Popova, Chief Revenue Officer and VP Sales & Marketing at EGT, commented: “ICE is a very important event for us, which gives us the opportunity to meet with industry professionals from all over the world. We will welcome our current and potential new customers and partners at our stand to present them all new products from our portfolio, divided into zones, covering all gaming verticals. I believe in the positive potential of changes. That is why I think that the relocation of the show to Barcelona will open new business horizons and bring many opportunities for building fruitful partnerships, for which we as a company are ready. “
The post EGT at ICE Barcelona 2025: Get ready to be stunned appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Nasdaq:CHDN2 weeks ago
Churchill Downs Incorporated 2024 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Financial Results Conference Call Invitation
-
Recent Slot Releases2 weeks ago
Midas’ Book of Alchemy turns big wins into gold with bonuses like Multipliers, Expanding symbols and Free Spins
-
Asia3 weeks ago
Bety.com Introduces a New Era of Casino Gaming with Web3 Innovations and Exclusive Perks
-
BF Games1 week ago
BF Games Makes Strategic Entry into Brazilian Market
-
Brazil2 weeks ago
Push Gaming makes market entry with several operators in Brazil
-
Asia2 weeks ago
BETER opens first Setka Cup arena in India
-
Other OTC:RLNDF2 weeks ago
The RoyaLand Company Ltd. Outlines Vision for the Design & Development of TheRoyal.Land
-
Latest News2 weeks ago
Record number of entries for Pitch ICE reflects the spirit of enterprise which sits at the heart of gaming