Free spins are a common feature in pokies and are often perceived as separate from regular gameplay. In reality, free spins are integrated into the game’s overall mathematical design and are accounted for when the return to player is calculated.
This article explains how free spins affect RTP, how they are treated mathematically, and why they do not alter the behaviour of regular spins.
What RTP represents in pokies
Return to player describes the average percentage of wagers that a pokie returns to players over a very large number of spins. RTP reflects the combined value of all possible outcomes defined in the game’s payout structure.
This includes base game wins, bonus features, and free spins.
How free spins are included in RTP
Free spins are not added on top of the base game RTP. Instead, their expected value is built into the overall RTP figure from the start.
When a game advertises a specific RTP, that percentage already accounts for:
- The probability of triggering free spins
- The average value of free spin outcomes
- The distribution of wins during free spin rounds
Free spins are therefore part of the same long-term calculation as regular spins.
Trigger probability and expected value
Free spins occur with a predefined probability. When they are triggered, they produce a range of outcomes, from small wins to larger payouts.
The expected value of free spins is calculated by combining how often they occur with their average payout. This value contributes to the total expected return of the game.
No special weighting is applied during play. Free spins behave according to the same random principles as base game spins.
Do free spins change RTP during a session
Free spins do not dynamically change RTP during play. Triggering or failing to trigger free spins in a session does not alter the underlying probabilities of future spins.
A session with many free spins and a session with none are both consistent with the same RTP model when viewed over a large number of spins.
Why free spins can feel different
Free spins often feel more rewarding because:
- They are framed as bonuses
- They may include multipliers or enhanced features
- They separate wins from direct wagering
These design choices affect perception but do not change the mathematics governing outcomes.
Common misconceptions about free spins and RTP
Several beliefs are commonly associated with free spins:
- Free spins increase RTP after activation
- Missing free spins makes future triggers more likely
- Free spins compensate for losses
- RTP resets after bonus rounds
These interpretations do not align with how RTP is calculated or applied.
Why understanding this matters
Understanding how free spins affect RTP helps clarify why bonus features do not change long-term expectations. Free spins are part of the game’s design, not external rewards that alter probability.
Recognising this integration supports a more accurate understanding of how pokies operate at a mathematical level.
Informational disclaimer
PokiesHub Australia is an informational project. We do not operate gambling services, accept deposits, or provide access to electronic gaming machines.
This content is provided for educational purposes only and is intended to explain game mechanics in an Australian informational context.