How free credits and free spins differ, how winnings are treated, and how to work out what each offer is worth.
Both are promotional offers, but they work differently. Free credits are a balance you can use across eligible games. Free spins are a fixed number of spins on one chosen pokies game.
Knowing the difference helps you read an offer properly and work out what it is really worth.
| Feature | Free credits | Free spins |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | A balance of credit | A set number of spins |
| Where you can use it | Any eligible game | Usually one named pokies game |
| Bet size | You can choose within the allowed range | Fixed by the offer |
| How winnings are treated | Credit and winnings often carry wagering | Winnings often become bonus credit with wagering |
| Flexibility | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Trying several games | Trying one specific game |
Free credits are added as a balance. You pick an eligible game and choose your bet size within the limits the offer sets. Your bets draw down the balance, and winnings are added to it.
The credits usually carry a wagering requirement, so winnings stay locked until the required total has been bet. See the calculations in Free Credits Wagering Requirements Explained.
Free spins are played on a game chosen by the site, and each spin has a fixed bet value. When the spins are used, any winnings are normally credited to your account, often as bonus credit that carries its own wagering requirement.
Because the game and the bet value are fixed, you have less control than with free credits.
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Total value of the spins | 20 spins × $0.20 per spin | $4.00 |
| Average return at 96% RTP | $4.00 × 0.96 | $3.84 |
| Wagering on those winnings at 30x | $3.84 × 30 | $115.20 to bet |
The average return is a long-run figure, not a promise, and real results vary widely. Learn how return to player works in How Does Pokies RTP Work?
Neither is better in every case. It depends on what you want to do:
For another type of free offer, read No Deposit Free Credits Explained.
This guide is general information only and is intended for readers aged 18 and over. It is not legal advice.