What Is Free the Spins?
Free the Spins by Thunderkick is a prison-break-themed slot released in 2021 with a published RTP of 96.31%. The game's central mechanic is a lock and key system for free spins — symbols are locked in jail cells during the base game and must be collected to trigger free spins, creating an engaging and unusual build-up to the bonus.
Thunderkick is a Swedish independent studio known for distinctive visual design and mechanical creativity. Free the Spins exemplifies their approach: a recognisable base theme executed with strong visual design and a mechanical concept — the locked free spins accumulation — that makes the base game actively engaging rather than simply a waiting room for the bonus.
RTP & How the House Edge Works
Free the Spins carries a published RTP of 96.31%. RTP is a theoretical long-run figure — it does not predict outcomes in any single session. Set a budget before playing.
Key Features
The Lock and Key mechanic works as follows: Key symbols land on the reels during the base game and are assigned to padlocked cells. The cells contain free spin symbols — when enough keys are collected to open the cells, the locked free spins are released. The number of free spins released depends on how many cells are successfully opened.
During free spins, Wild symbols can land and are locked in position (Sticky Wilds). Each new Sticky Wild adds to the coverage for the remaining spins. Scatter symbols during free spins retrigger additional spins. The combination of an escalating Sticky Wild count and free-spin retriggering drives the 20,000x theoretical maximum.
The base game uses Wild substitution on 5 reels with 243 ways to win. The Lock and Key mechanic is the base game's primary engagement layer — rather than waiting for scatter symbols, the Key collection system gives every base-game spin a progress dimension. Players can see how close they are to triggering free spins at all times.
Presentation & Design
A stylised Swedish prison setting — stone walls, iron bars, padlocked cells, an escape rope, blueprints and prison uniforms rendered in Thunderkick's distinctive illustrative style. The colour palette is desaturated greys and blues with flashes of orange.
Verdict
Free the Spins is one of Thunderkick's strongest slots for Irish players. The 96.31% RTP is excellent for high-volatility, the Lock and Key base mechanic makes the base game genuinely engaging, and the Sticky Wild free-spins round delivers the extreme upside that high-variance players seek.
Pros
- 96.31% RTP excellent for high-volatility slot
- Lock and Key base mechanic actively engaging
- Sticky Wilds build progressively in free spins
- 20,000x maximum win potential
- Thunderkick distinctive visual design
Cons
- High volatility — patience required
- Lock and Key can be slow to trigger
- Thunderkick not at every Irish casino
- €100 maximum bet limited for high-rollers
Where to Play Free the Spins in Ireland
Free the Spins is available at Irish casinos carrying Thunderkick content.
Play at a Licensed Casino
Our recommended partner holds GRAI licence GRAI-0191-RB-26-0001.
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Slots Gallery — casino alternativeIs Free the Spins Available on Mobile?
Thunderkick delivers all titles in HTML5. Free the Spins runs in any modern mobile browser on iOS or Android. All game features are accessible on mobile.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Free the Spins has a published RTP of 96.31%.
Key symbols land on the reels during the base game and are assigned to padlocked cells. When enough keys are collected to open the cells, the locked free spins are released. The number of free spins triggered depends on how many cells are successfully opened.
Wild symbols that land during free spins stick to their positions for the duration of the bonus. Each additional Sticky Wild adds to the cumulative coverage. Scatter symbols during free spins retrigger extra spins.
Yes. The game uses HTML5 and runs in any modern mobile browser on iOS or Android.
⚠ 18+ only. Gambling can be addictive. Play responsibly.
Contact the Gambling Awareness Trust: 1800 753 753 or gamblingcare.ie. RTP is a theoretical long-run average.