Hey there! If you‘re new to casino gambling, you may have heard the term "freeplay" and wondered – how does it work? Essentially, freeplay gives you a set amount of credits to play slots or other games for free at a casino. You get to play and win real money, without having to risk any of your own cash.
Intrigued? Keep reading and I‘ll explain everything you need to know about how casino freeplay functions. I‘ll cover what it is, how you get it, tips for using it optimally, and even throw in some handy statistics. Let‘s get started!
What Exactly is Freeplay?
In the simplest terms, freeplay gives you credits to wager on slots or other casino games for free. Instead of inserting your own cash into a machine, the casino loads free credits that let you spin the reels or play hands of video poker risk-free.
These promotional credits work similarly to regular ones that you‘d get by adding money to a game. You can bet them and if you hit winning combinations, you win real cash prizes.
But here‘s the best part – those credits didn‘t cost you a cent out of pocket! They were entirely free courtesy of the casino.
Now here are some key facts you should know about how freeplay functions:
You don‘t spend any actual money when playing free credits – hence the name "freeplay."
Any winnings won during freeplay are yours to keep and cash out! Jackpots and big slot wins are possible.
Freeplay credits can‘t be directly redeemed for cash. You can only withdraw winnings resulting from their use.
Freeplay credits typically expire within 7 days, so make sure to use them up in time!
Game features like bonuses and progressives still work as normal, even when playing with freeplay.
So in summary, freeplay allows real money wins without real money risk! The casino hopes you‘ll stick around and play more after using up your free credits.
Next up, let‘s look at the various ways you can score freeplay…
How Do You Get Freeplay Credits?
There are a number of ways casinos provide customers with freeplay offers:
As a Welcome Bonus for New Players
Joining a casino‘s player rewards program and making a first-time deposit can score you a generous freeplay offer. This is an incentive to attract new sign-ups. For example, deposit $20 and the casino may give you $40 in freeplay credits.
As a Loyalty Perk for Regular Players
The more you visit and play, the more freeplay you‘ll earn through casino comps programs. You accumulate points that can be redeemed for freeplay bonuses. VIP members tend to get the most lucrative offers.
For Coming In On Slow Days
To boost attendance on typically slow days like Monday-Thursday, casinos may give customers some freeplay credits just for coming in and playing during that time.
As Part of Promotions and Events
Freeplay is a popular promotion around major holidays, casino anniversary celebrations, new game launches, and other special events. It gets players excited to visit.
For Referring Friends
Many casinos give you freeplay just for convincing your friends to come play too. Often your friend gets a bonus as well.
As Part of the Slot Club
Joining the slot club gets you in on special members-only freeplay offers and coupons sent directly to you.
To Make Up for Machine Issues
If a machine malfunctions or pays out incorrectly while you‘re playing, the casino may credit you with some apology freeplay.
Third-Party Offers
Certain travel booking sites, airline programs, and vendors may offer freeplay at casinos as part of their own customer promotions.
As you can see, casinos provide ample opportunities to score freeplay! It pays to be an active player and take advantage of all these offers when possible.
Okay, next up: a crash course on how freeplay credits actually work when you go to play them…
How Do Freeplay Credits Function?
Once you receive a freeplay reward, it will be deposited into your account on the casino‘s website or mobile app. You‘ll then need to activate it at a slot machine or other compatible game.
Often you‘ll insert your players card into the machine, which transfers the freeplay credits onto the game. Some casinos instead print and issue freeplay vouchers, which have barcodes you‘ll scan at the slots to redeem them.
Either way, after you redeem freeplay, a set number of credits will now appear on the game screen for you to play with!
Most aspects of play are the same as when using cash:
You can cash out any wins you hit during freeplay – jackpots and big payouts are yours to keep!
Player points and comps still accumulate as normal while you place free bets.
All game features like bonuses and progressives can trigger as usual.
Most importantly – you aren‘t risking any real money, even if you lose the entire freeplay balance.
However, there are a couple key differences to understand:
You can‘t cash out unused freeplay credits directly – they‘re for playing only.
Freeplay is usually only valid on slots and sometimes other games like video poker or keno.
Now let‘s get into strategy – how to make the absolute most of your freeplay…
Tips for Using Freeplay Credits Optimally
Follow these expert tips to ensure you maximize the value of any freeplay offers and withdraw the biggest real cash wins possible:
Check the Expiration Date
Freeplay credits only last for a limited time, usually just 7 days. Be sure to play them before they expire – the date should be indicated where you redeemed the offer.
Start With Max Bet
To optimize your chances of winning, always begin playing at the max bet level right from the start. Minimum bets can prolong play but lower your wins.
Play the Highest Denomination
Make sure to play the highest denomination machine the freeplay is valid for. This burns through credits quicker while giving you access to bigger payouts.
Choose Volatile, Higher-Risk Slots
Volatile slots with high-risk and high-reward tend to produce bigger wins. Playing volatile games can help you cash out more of your freeplay balance.
Stick to One Machine
It‘s smarter to play one high denomination machine until your credits expire. Changing slots means possibly walking away from a hot machine with leftover credits you can‘t cash out.
Use Freeplay First if You Have a Deposit Match
If you take a deposit bonus that also includes freeplay, it‘s optimal to use the freeplay first while it‘s valid. Save your matched cash for when the freeplay expires.
Avoid Any Playthrough Requirements
Some freeplay bonuses make you bet through the credits X times before cashing out – try to decline these if possible in favor of offers with no playthrough rules.
Now let‘s look at some common questions players have about freeplay bonuses…
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the top freeplay questions from new casino players:
Can you win real cash with freeplay?
Absolutely! Any money won while playing free credits can be cashed out normally, just like regular play. Even big jackpots are possible, with no difference in winning odds versus cash play.
Do you have to use all freeplay at once?
Nope! Most freeplay balances can be played across multiple sessions rather than requiring you to use it all up in one sitting. Just be absolutely sure to finish play before the expiration date.
Can you use freeplay on any game in the casino?
Unfortunately freeplay is typically limited to just slots and sometimes other games like video poker or keno. Table games like blackjack and roulette generally can‘t be played with free credits.
Are wins playing freeplay considered taxable gambling income?
Yes, you must report any significant wins from freeplay just as you would with any other gambling winnings. If your total gambling winnings for the year exceed $600, you‘ll need to complete a W2-G form and pay taxes on those earnings.
Is it possible to withdraw unused freeplay directly as cash?
Nope, redeeming unused freeplay balances directly for cash isn‘t allowed. You can only withdraw any actual winnings generated while playing with the credits. Any remaining credits at expiration are forfeited.
Does using freeplay instead of cash impact a slot machine‘s payout percentage?
Not at all! Freeplay has no effect whatsoever on a game‘s payback percentage, winning odds, or chance of hitting jackpots. Slots function precisely the same statistically whether playing free credits or cash.
What if I lose my entire freeplay balance? Can I get it reloaded?
Unfortunately once your freeplay balance is lost, it‘s gone for good and can‘t be replenished or reloaded. You‘d have to earn additional freeplay via other offers in the future rather than having the credits refreshed.
Alright, let‘s wrap things up with the key takeaways…
The Bottom Line
Freeplay gives you credits to play slots and certain other games for free and win real cash prizes.
You don‘t spend any actual money, so there‘s no risk – but you do have the chance to win and withdraw earnings!
Freeplay is available via sign-up bonuses, loyalty programs, promotions, referrals, and more.
Be sure to use tips like max bet, high denomination, and volatile games to optimize winning potential.
Wins from freeplay are treated just like other gambling winnings for tax purposes.
Play through all free credits before they expire – leftover credits can‘t be cashed out directly.
So in summary, freeplay is an amazing opportunity for risk-free play that can score you real wins. Follow the advice in this guide and you‘ll be getting the most monetary value possible out of casino freeplay offers in no time!
Let me know if you have any other questions. I‘m always happy to help new players learn the ins and outs of casino gambling. Wishing you the best of luck at the slots and tables!
