For players trying to pick an online casino in 2024 – because, let’s be honest, there are a lot to choose from – bonuses are often the first qualities to draw the eye. What bonuses does that casino offer and how do they differ from others?

Platforms such as johnslots.com/en/ have been particularly helpful in laying out the differences, but while you can get a good indication of various promotions or bonuses, that doesn’t really help if you don’t know what they mean. 

Many online casino players, for instance, think that free spins and no wager bonuses – two of the most popular promotions – essentially offer the same thing. But while they work similarly to attract and retain new players, they have very different structures and implications.

Free Spins

Free spins are exactly what they sound like. They’re free opportunities to spin the reels on slot games, and do so without spending any of your own real money. In many cases here, you’ll receive a certain number of free spins on a specific slot game – or a selection of games – and any winnings will be subject to wagering requirements. This means that, while you can win $10 from free spins, the wagering requirement might be 30x, which means you need to bet $300 before you can withdraw.

No Wager Bonuses

No wager bonuses, on the other hand, are rewards that don’t require you to meet any wagering requirements. Whatever you win from the bonuses, you keep, and can withdraw almost immediately. In this case, you’ll receive anything from bonus money, free spins, or other incentives, and the risk is minimised if you win anything from them.

Free Spins or No Wager Bonuses?

In terms of which is better, this really depends on who you are as a player. While it might seem, straight out of the gate, that no wager bonuses are the most beneficial promotion, it’s important to explain why there are no wagering requirements. 

• No Wager Bonuses

No wager bonuses tend to be smaller in value compared to bonuses with wagering requirements, meaning while you might win a lot from your free spins, the amount will still be lower than any winnings you could have claimed from a wagering-required bonus. Akin to this, no wager bonuses are less common than traditional bonuses, which means you might have to go searching longer before you encounter them. It’s also worth noting that while there are no wagering requirements, other terms like lower maximum winnings, withdrawal limits, and restricted games will still be in play. 

• Free Spins

Free spins can often result in bigger winnings, especially on high-payout slots. It also gives you the opportunity to play slot games – and see whether they’re for you – without using your own money, which can be beneficial for seasoned players sifting through a large collection of casinos to find the best for them. Free spins are also more frequently available, easy to understand, and result in extended games to play without the need for additional deposits. The only negative, really, is that there are wagering requirements. While the games you play are certainly free, the concept of free rewards is not really applicable when you consider how much you have to wager for real before you can cash out your initial earnings.

Do They Work Out the Same?

With this in mind, it’s clear to see that no wager bonuses and free spins don’t necessarily work out the same – even if their concept is similar. Free spins are widely available and can potentially lead to bigger winnings, but they come with the burden of wagering requirements. No wager bonuses are more straightforward and risk-free, but the rewards are often smaller and the bonuses themselves are less commonly found. 

What’s important, in this case, is that both bonuses allow you to try out the casinos without losing anything. We mentioned this is beneficial for seasoned players, but it’s also important for beginners who don’t necessarily know what kind of game – or casino, for that matter – is for them yet. In any other case, they would have to wager at least a little simply to try out a new slot, but because of these bonuses, losing real money isn’t a reality – at least while using the bonus – so it gives them far more freedom to try their hand and have a go. This is also good for casual players who see casinos as just another game on a mobile phone rather than something they play regularly. 

Conclusion

When deciding between no wager bonuses and free spins, it’s important to think about yourself as a player and what you’re really looking to achieve with them. It’s also wise to remember that there are other bonuses at play that you can choose from. Welcome bonuses, no deposit bonuses, and cashback bonuses are all common sights on comparison platforms, and each offer something a little different for players looking for an incentive. So keep your eyes open and try what you want to try.