Let’s face it, 21st-century consumers always enjoy getting something for nothing. That’s why free spins promotions are some of the most popular marketing tools in the arsenal of iGaming operators.

As a means of attracting first-time customers and rewarding the loyalty of regular, existing customers, free spins are still some of the most appealing bonuses, giving bettors risk-free attempts at landing the best wins and multipliers at their favourite slots.

From a marketing perspective, iGaming operators usually promote their free spin offers ahead of the rest of their deals. At Betfair Casino, you can see all casino offers for new sign-ups on the same page and the free spins promotion is the first listed in the top left-hand corner.

Players still have the freedom to opt-in or out of the bonus, but it’s certainly the first campaign that catches the eye – and it’s a similar story with many other established iGaming brands.

With that in mind, what are the practical benefits of free spins to iGaming sites and players alike?

Cost-effective promotion for brands

First and foremost, free spins are a low-cost option for iGaming operators as a form of customer acquisition. Free spins are usually credited with zero deposit necessary, effectively giving first-time players several free attempts at winning on the reels of selected slots. When marketing budgets are tight, free promotional offers are a go-to money-saver for the iGaming sector and are appreciated by customers new to online casinos too.

Tease the newest slot titles or game engines

Free spins are also highly effective at promoting new slot games released on specific casinos – especially those games that may be exclusive to certain operators. A predefined number of spins on brand-new slots can raise awareness of a site’s growing library of slot titles. It can also demonstrate the broad spectrum of game engines in slot games today. The Megaways game engine has been particularly popular in recent years, changing the way slot games pay out away from conventional paylines. As these game mechanics continue to evolve, free spins on slots with innovations can only be a positive for driving customer awareness.

Introduce players to new bonus features

Slot developers are always working hard to devise new types of bonus features, which can drive player engagement and immersion over the long term. When it comes to licensed slot titles, be they Hollywood mega movie franchises or world-renowned rock bands or artists, slot developers are always looking to create bespoke bonus rounds to suit every slot theme. Free spins promotions ring-fenced for slots with new bonus features are another beneficial marketing tool, showcasing the ingenuity of a casino’s partnered software suppliers and, above all, generating a fun and safe player experience.

Say ‘thank you’ to regular customers

Free spins are also still a powerful marketing strategy for what’s known as “reload” offers, aimed at loyal existing customers that have remained faithful to an online casino for an extended period. As customer retention techniques go, free spins can go a long way to making users feel valued, while using the spins on selected slot titles to raise awareness of new, state-of-the-art releases.
Though it’s true the iGaming industry is evolving at a rapid rate of knots, one of the undisputed constants in the sector remains its free spins promotions, which are a necessary tool in such competitive markets like the UK and Ireland.