Free spins and respins are two common features found in online slots. Although both involve additional reel activity, they are different mechanics and the terms should not be used interchangeably.
Free spins generally provide a set number of additional spins without requiring a new stake for each individual spin. Respins, meanwhile, typically cause some or all of the reels or individual positions to spin again as part of a particular feature.
Both mechanics can work differently depending on the game. They may also interact with Wilds, multipliers, bonus symbols and other features when playing slots at NetBet Casino.
What Are Free Spins in Online Slots?
Free spins are a bonus feature that provides a specified number of additional spins without requiring another stake for each spin in the sequence.
One of the most common ways to activate free spins is by landing a required number of scatter or bonus symbols. For example, a game might require three scatter symbols to appear on specified reels to start the feature.
Once free spins begin, the slot may continue using its standard rules or introduce additional mechanics. These could include extra Wilds, multipliers, expanding symbols or other game-specific modifiers.
Free spins are just one of several features that can change how a slot plays. Our guide to Slot Bonus Features: Free Spins, Scatters, Super Scatters & Bonus Games looks at the wider range of bonus mechanics found in modern online slots and how they can be activated.
How Do Free Spins Work?
Once a free spins feature is activated, the game usually awards a predetermined number of spins. These then take place according to the rules of the bonus round.
The number of spins varies between slots. Some games may also allow players to receive additional free spins while the feature is already active. This is usually known as a retrigger.
For example, if scatter symbols trigger the original feature, landing another qualifying scatter combination during the free spins could add more spins. However, retriggers are not available in every game.
Other mechanics can also change during free spins. A slot might introduce Wild symbols that are unavailable in the base game, increase multipliers as the round progresses or alter the reel layout.
The paytable or information section will explain exactly what happens during the feature.
What Is a Respin in an Online Slot?
A respin generally causes some or all of the reels or reel positions to spin again as part of a particular feature.
Unlike a typical free spins round, a respin does not necessarily provide a predetermined sequence of full reel spins. Instead, it may affect only part of the grid.
For example, a feature could lock certain symbols in position while the remaining spaces respin. Another slot might respin an entire reel or grid following a particular event.
Some respin features only provide one additional spin. Others can continue for several spins if particular conditions are met.
As with free spins, the exact rules depend on the individual game.
How Do Respins Work?
Respins can operate in several different ways.
A particular symbol could trigger a respin when it lands, for example, or a feature could activate after a specific combination appears. Wild symbols can also sometimes be connected to respins.
In a locked-symbol respin feature, some symbols remain in their original positions while the other reel spaces spin again. New qualifying symbols may then become locked themselves.
Other games respin complete reels rather than individual positions. The feature may end after one respin or continue according to specific conditions.
This variety means there is no universal definition of exactly what happens during every respin. The important characteristic is that the mechanic gives some or all of the reel layout another spin under the conditions set by the game.
Free Spins vs Respins: What Are the Main Differences?
The clearest difference is how the additional spins are structured.
Free spins generally provide a set sequence of additional spins. The full reel grid will usually spin again each time, although the rules or available features may be different from the base game.
A respin is more commonly connected to a particular event or feature. It may involve only selected reels or positions, and symbols can sometimes remain locked while the rest of the grid spins again.
The duration can also differ. A free spins feature might begin with a defined number of spins, while a respin feature could provide one additional spin or continue while certain conditions are satisfied.
Both features can include extra mechanics such as Wilds and multipliers, so the distinction is primarily about how the additional reel activity works rather than what other features can accompany it.
How Are Free Spins Triggered?
Scatter symbols are one of the most familiar ways to trigger free spins.
A slot might require three, four or more scatters to appear during the same spin. Some games also require those symbols to land on specific reels.
However, scatters are not the only possible trigger. Free spins could also be linked to a bonus symbol, another feature or a game-specific mechanic.
In some slots, a feature can even activate without the conventional combination of bonus symbols appearing. Our guide Can slot bonuses trigger randomly? explains how random and mystery features can work and why some bonuses do not require the usual visible scatter trigger.
The exact activation requirements should always be checked in the individual game’s information section.
How Are Respins Triggered?
Respins can also have several different triggers.
Some are connected to Wild symbols, while others begin when specific bonus or prize symbols land. A respin could also form part of a larger feature rather than being activated independently.
For example, a game might lock a group of qualifying symbols in position and automatically respin the remaining spaces. Alternatively, a Wild landing on a particular reel could cause another spin to take place.
Players do not need to manually activate these features once the required game conditions have been met. The slot will apply its respin rules automatically.
What Is a Hold & Respin Feature?
Hold & Respin is a particular type of respin mechanic found in some online slots.
The feature generally involves certain qualifying symbols being held in place while the remaining reel positions respin. If additional qualifying symbols land, they may also become locked.
Some versions provide a limited number of respins and reset that number when another qualifying symbol appears. The feature then continues until its ending conditions are reached.
However, the rules, symbols and potential outcomes vary between games, so Hold & Respin should be considered a category of feature rather than one standardised mechanic.
Can Free Spins Include Respins?
Yes. Free spins and respins are different mechanics, but that does not mean they cannot appear together.
A slot could provide a standard free spins round where a particular symbol or event occasionally triggers a respin. In this situation, the respin happens within the wider free spins feature.
The two mechanics can also interact with Wilds, multipliers and other modifiers. For example, a Wild could remain fixed during a respin or gain additional properties during free spins.
This overlap is one reason why checking the rules of an individual game is important. Simply knowing that a slot has free spins does not tell you everything that can happen during the feature.
Are Bonus Spins the Same as Free Spins?
The term “bonus spins” can sometimes be used more broadly than “free spins”.
Depending on the game, it might refer to free spins or simply additional spins provided as part of another feature. It should not automatically be assumed to mean the same thing as a respin.
Similarly, developers can give their features unique names even when the underlying mechanic resembles conventional free spins or respins.
The paytable and game information provide the clearest explanation of what each feature actually does.
Do Free Spins or Respins Guarantee a Win?
Neither free spins nor respins guarantee a winning result.
Free spins provide additional spins under the conditions of a bonus feature, while respins give some or all of the reel layout another spin according to the game’s rules.
Either feature may result in qualifying combinations, but there is no guarantee that this will happen. Likewise, receiving more spins does not guarantee that a player will finish the feature with a profit.
Both mechanics should be understood as parts of the overall design of the slot rather than guaranteed rewards.
Free Spins and Respins at NetBet Casino
When exploring slots at NetBet Casino, you may encounter free spins, respins or games that combine both mechanics.
Before playing a new title, check its paytable or information screen to understand exactly how its features work. For free spins, look at how many are initially provided, how they are triggered and whether they can be retriggered.
For respins, check what causes the feature to begin, whether any symbols remain locked and what conditions cause the respins to continue or end.
You can also check whether other mechanics become active during these features, such as Wilds, multipliers or changes to the reel layout.
Free Spins vs Respins FAQs
What is the main difference between free spins and respins?
Free spins generally provide a sequence of additional spins without requiring a new stake for each individual spin. A respin typically causes some or all of the reels or reel positions to spin again under specific feature conditions.
Can a respin happen during free spins?
Yes. Some slots include respin mechanics within a free spins feature. For example, a particular symbol could trigger a respin during one of the free spins. The exact rules depend on the individual game.
Can free spins or respins trigger randomly?
In some games, bonus features can activate through random or mystery mechanics instead of a conventional scatter or bonus-symbol combination. However, this is game-specific and does not mean that all free spins or respins can trigger randomly.
When you choose NetBet Casino, you can enjoy a whole range of top-quality slots. Whatever you choose, always remember to bet responsibly. Here at NetBet Casino, player well-being is our number one priority – check out our Safer Gambling tips and tools page for more information.
