Free Online Slots and No Deposit Bonuses from UK Online Casinos

Online gambling in the UK has become increasingly popular over the past few years. While it has been spread across the various games offered by online casinos, slots have been the most popular type of casino game enjoyed by punters.

Still, it doesn't mean that all gamblers playing slots are always ready to spend their hard-earned money playing. That's why online casinos in the UK introduced free online slots for the players that prefer to play first without putting any of their money on the line.

What Are Free Online Slots?

Free online slots function in almost the same way as traditional slots. Casinos allow players to enjoy slot games for free with the hope that once they get hooked, they would be more willing to deposit money into their casino accounts and start playing for real money.

Different Types

People often assume that all slot games are the same, particularly the free online slots. However, the opposite is true. Players in the UK have a wide range of slots games to choose from, which can make it difficult to pick the right one.

Notable types of free online slots include:

3-Reel Slots
5-Reel Slots
Multi-Way Slots
Video Slots
Progressive Jackpots
Fruit Machines
Mobile Slots
Mega Spin Slots

All the above types of free online slots are not necessarily distinct from each other. In fact, there's usually a great deal of overlap between the different slot games. Players are advised for familiarize themselves with the different types of slots including the payout rates, how to play, etc.

Once players have a basic understanding of the different types of free online slots, they should try playing a few of them to find out what they are actually like. It will also help them find out which types they like the most as well as whether they don't particularly like some of them.

Fortunately, all the slot games above are offered for free at various UK casinos, which means that players don't have to worry about spending their hard-earned cash trying out the free online slots listed above.

The Best Software Providers

Today, there are numerous reputable software providers that supply free slots games to trusted UK online casinos. Each software developer has its own unique games. Players are advised to try out slots from different software providers to find the ones they like most.

The leading software providers include:

Microgaming: It has earned a reputation for developing branded slots for many of the largest TV and cinema properties.
NetEnt: It is known for making slots with innovative and creative bonus features.
Playtech: It is known for offering players the most realistic casino experience.
Yggdrasil: It has a track record of designing lovely slots with highly immersive themes.
IGT: It was one of the first companies to embrace mobile gaming and has managed to create mobile-friendly versions of most of its games.

The slots software providers above, and dozens more, each appeal to a player of a specific type, which is why online casinos in the UK strive to offer games from as many software providers as possible. However, some casinos partner with just 1 or 2 software providers.

Types of Bonuses

The free online slots bonus offers include:

No Deposit Bonuses
Free Spins Bonuses
Promotions/Contests

No Deposit Bonuses

The no deposit bonuses offered by UK casinos typically range between $/£10 at the lower end and about $/£30 at the higher end. A no deposit bonus is offered to players simply for registering as long as they meet the age and location requirements. A no deposit bonus has wagering/playthrough requirements that have to be met before withdrawing winnings.

Free Spins Bonuses

Free spins bonuses differ from no deposit and other kinds of bonuses in that players are given a certain number of slot spins rather than money. Such bonuses typically specify the games or games that can be played. The usual range is 10 to 20 spins, but some offers have a much higher number of spins. Again, just as is the case with no deposit bonuses, players are required to wager the bonus a specified number of times before withdrawing any winnings.

Promotions/Contests

Casinos in the UK regularly run promotions on social media in addition to offering free spins and no deposit bonuses. Players can actually win bonuses and free spins in these contests and they can use them to hopefully win even more money on free online slots games. Unlike no deposit and free spins bonuses that are offered all the time, promotions tend to be seasonal and are actually only offered whenever new slot games are launched.

Terms and Conditions

All casinos will have terms and conditions attached to no deposit bonuses, free spins bonuses, and even promotions used to play free online slots to prevent player abuse or fraud. Players are advised to familiarize themselves with those terms and conditions to avoid accidentally invalidating their no deposit or free spins bonus, for instance by letting it expire.

Free online slots bonus terms may include:

Expiration Date: No deposit bonuses and free spins bonuses are usually short-term. Some have to be used within 7 days of registering while others are available for up to 30 days.
Capped Winnings: Casinos regularly place a cap on the total winnings that players can withdraw after receiving a no deposit bonus. The maximum winnings are capped at $/£100 in some casinos, while other leave it uncapped.
Wagering/Playthrough Requirements: No deposit bonuses and free spins bonuses will typically specify the number of times that players are required to wager the bonus before they can withdraw it along with any associated winnings. It ranges anywhere from 5x, but it can go as high as 70x.
Allowed Games: Casinos may allow players to use no deposit bonuses and free spins bonuses to play any free online slots, but they may also limit such bonuses to specific slots games. Players should be particularly cautious of terms stating that the bonus can be voided if they play the wrong free online slots or games.
Deposit to Withdraw: Casinos sometimes may have clauses in the no deposit and free spins bonuses they offer stating that players are required to make a deposit before withdrawing any winnings. Players who are not prepared to do this should consider avoiding such bonuses.
Jackpot Wins: Players should also note that some no deposit and free spins bonuses allow them to win progressive jackpots while others don't. Players looking to try out the progressive jackpot are always advised to first check the terms and conditions as stipulated by the casino.

Playing free online slots is obviously a lot of fun, but playing for real cash is even better. Players looking to try their luck in real money gaming should create a verified account in their casino of choice. Next, they can claim the no deposit bonus or free spins bonus offered. Finally, they should make a first real money deposit and start enjoying the magic atmosphere of actual gambling.