Triggering free spins in online Slots: A guide to common features
Free spins are a core feature in online slot games. While the base game focuses on matching symbols across reels or grids, free spins often introduce a new layer to gameplay, sometimes including extra mechanics or enhanced symbol behaviour. Knowing how they're triggered can help you understand how different slot titles are structured and what to expect once bonus features begin.
Many games from various providers include some form of free spins round. Although the details vary from one title to the next, there are a few common triggers and patterns used across the industry. This covers how free spins are activated and what types of features might appear once the round begins.
How to activate a free spin
The most common way to activate free spins is by landing a specific number of scatter symbols during a single spin. Scatters are unique in that they don't need to land on a particular payline. Instead, they can appear anywhere on the reels, and if enough of them land at the same time (three or more in most games), the free spins round will begin.
Standard triggering methods include:
- Scatter symbols – The most widely used trigger. For example, landing three, four or five scatters may award 10, 15 or 20 free spins, depending on the game.
- Bonus symbols – Some Slots use dedicated bonus icons that unlock the free spins feature when matched in specific ways.
- Symbol combinations – In cluster or grid-based Slots, certain groupings or patterns may activate free spins.
- Progressive triggers – Some games build toward free spins gradually, such as by collecting certain symbols over multiple spins.
Each game will explain the trigger method in its paytable or information section. These details are part of the rules and are fixed, meaning the activation conditions don't change from one session to the next.
What happens during free spins?
Once triggered, the free spins round starts automatically. During this part of the game, spins are played without deducting from your balance. However, the reels may change during the feature, and in many cases, additional mechanics are introduced.
Common features found during free spins rounds include:
- Multipliers – These increase the value of matching combinations during free spins, either by a fixed amount or with progressive increases.
- Expanding symbols – A symbol may expand to cover an entire reel when it lands, potentially increasing the number of matches.
- Cascading reels – Symbols that match are removed from the grid, and new ones fall into place, sometimes triggering additional combinations.
- Locked or sticky wilds – Wild symbols may remain fixed in place for the duration of the free spins round.
- Retriggers – If the triggering symbols appear again during free spins, the round may be extended with more spins.
These features are built into the game design. They don't occur in every slot, and the type of free spins round varies depending on the developer and the specific title.
Are all free spin features the same?
While the basic idea behind free spins is consistent (a set number of spins at no additional cost), the way they're delivered can differ widely. Some offer a fixed number of free spins, while others allow you to choose between options with varying levels of volatility. For example, you might select fewer spins with higher multipliers or more spins with fewer added features.
Other games may randomise the number of free spins awarded or use a wheel mechanic to determine how many you receive. There are also titles where the free spins round continues indefinitely until a specific condition ends it, such as reaching a spin limit or completing a certain objective.
The structure depends entirely on the game. Checking the paytable before you play will give you a clear idea of how the free spins feature works in that particular title.
