Free Spins No Deposit in Australia: What the Data Actually Shows
Free spins no deposit offers hand you a fixed number of spins without requiring a first payment. In Australia, the practical picture is narrow: the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 bans online casino operators from offering real-money games to AU residents, so almost every no deposit bonus you can claim comes from an offshore licensee. That single legal fact shapes everything below.
This page works through the numbers rather than the sales pitch. Spin counts, wagering multiples, maximum cashout caps, expiry windows, game weighting and the licensing jurisdictions behind the brands. Where a figure cannot be verified from a public source, we say so instead of inventing a percentage.
Expect roughly 4,000 to 6,000 words of plain-language analysis, several comparison tables, and a list of 30+ operators that run no deposit spin promotions. No hype. Just the mechanics, the maths, and the traps worth knowing before you hand over an email address.
How Free Spins No Deposit Bonuses Work in Australia
A no deposit spin bonus is a credit of spins applied to a set of slot titles, funded by the operator, with no payment method attached. The value sits between roughly A$0.10 and A$1.00 per spin at most brands, which puts a 50-spin welcome at A$5 to A$50 of theoretical exposure. That is the real size of the gift.
What separates a no deposit spin from a deposit spin bonus?
Deposit spins arrive after you fund an account and usually carry lower wagering. No deposit spins arrive after registration and verification, and they carry heavier conditions to compensate the operator for the risk. A typical no deposit set might be 25 to 100 spins at 40x to 60x wagering on winnings, while a deposit package often sits at 30x to 35x.
The other split is cashout. No deposit promotions almost always cap how much you can withdraw from the free credit. Caps of A$50, A$100 and A$150 are common. Some brands apply A$20. A few remove the cap entirely, which is worth checking first because it changes the expected value more than the spin count does.
Which regulators license the brands that offer these bonuses?
Australia's own regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, does not license online casino operators for domestic play. The brands in this market therefore hold offshore licences. Curacao eGaming is the most common, followed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission in Canada, Anjouan in the Comoros, and the Malta Gaming Authority for a smaller group.
Licence type matters for dispute resolution. A Malta licence gives you access to the Malta regulator's complaints process. A Curacao licence routes complaints through the operator's own nominated dispute body, which is weaker. None of this makes an operator illegitimate, but it does tell you where a payout argument would go if one started.
Do Australian players actually receive the free spins?
Yes, in the sense that the spins credit and the games run. The complication is banking. Many international payment processors block Australian cards for gambling transactions, so withdrawals from no deposit winnings often route through crypto, bank transfer or e-wallets. Minimum withdrawal thresholds of A$20 to A$50 apply at most brands.
Verification is the second gate. Almost every operator requires identity documents before releasing no deposit winnings, and the window is usually 7 to 14 days from the date the bonus was claimed. Miss it and the balance is voided. That single rule accounts for more forfeited no deposit winnings than any wagering requirement.
Free Spins No Deposit Compared: 30+ Operators
The table below lists operators that run no deposit spin promotions for Australian-facing traffic. Spin counts and wagering figures reflect standard published terms at the time of writing and change often, so treat them as a starting point rather than a contract. Always open the live bonus terms before registering.
| Operator | Typical no deposit spins | Wagering on winnings | Max cashout | Licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rocket Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| National Casino | 100 | 45x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Rocketplay Casino | 50 | 40x | A$150 | Curacao |
| Winspirit Casino | 100 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| WS Casino | 30 | 50x | A$50 | Curacao |
| Ignition Casino | None (poker-led) | n/a | n/a | Curacao |
| Richard Casino | 50 | 45x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Ripper Casino | 25 | 60x | A$50 | Curacao |
| Fair Go Casino | 20 | 60x | A$50 | Curacao |
| Star Casino | 40 | 50x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Bizzo Casino | 100 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Ozwin Casino | 30 | 60x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Casino Mate | 50 | 45x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Vegastars Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Just Casino | 25 | 50x | A$75 | Curacao |
| Skycrown Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Royal Reels Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Clubhouse Casino | 30 | 50x | A$50 | Curacao |
| Leon Casino | 50 | 35x | A$100 | Curacao |
| King Billy Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Neospin Casino | 100 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Woo Casino | 50 | 45x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Intensity Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Fastpay Casino | 100 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Rollxo Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Joe Fortune Casino | 25 | 60x | A$50 | Curacao |
| Wolf Winner Casino | 100 | 40x | A$150 | Curacao |
| Stay Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Surge Casino | 50 | 45x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Lucky Green Casino | 30 | 50x | A$75 | Curacao |
| Hellspin Casino | 100 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Croco Casino | 50 | 45x | A$100 | Curacao |
| LevelUp Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Dolly Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Bitstarz Casino | 20 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| 7Bit Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Razed Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Uptown Pokies Casino | 25 | 60x | A$50 | Curacao |
| Betzillo Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Winshark Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Lukki Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Kingmaker Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Playamo Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| JeetCity Casino | 100 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Lucky Dreams Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Pokiesurf Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| House of Pokies | 25 | 60x | A$50 | Curacao |
| Spinsy Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Wild Fortune Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| King Johnnie Casino | 100 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| SpeedAU Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Axe Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Avantgarde Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Jackpot Jill Casino | 25 | 60x | A$50 | Curacao |
| Rich Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Stake Casino | None (rakeback model) | n/a | n/a | Curacao |
| Playfina Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Malina Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Goospin Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| PlayCroco Casino | 25 | 60x | A$50 | Curacao |
| Johnny Kash Casino | 100 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Crownplay Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Roo Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Lucky Ones Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| 28 Mars Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Yabby Casino | 25 | 60x | A$50 | Curacao |
| Gamdom Casino | None (rakeback model) | n/a | n/a | Curacao |
| Jet4Bet Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Spin Samurai Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Mafia Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Instant Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| True Fortune Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Cocoa Casino | 25 | 60x | A$50 | Curacao |
| Boomerang Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Goldex Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| JokaRoom Casino | 25 | 60x | A$50 | Curacao |
| Spinago Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Cleobetra Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Lucky Elf Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| RooSpin Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Rooli Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Oshi Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Waboom77 Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Spinit Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Fortunica Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Boho Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Nine Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Rainbet Casino | None (crypto-native) | n/a | n/a | Curacao |
| Let's Lucky Casino | 100 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Pure Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Wild Tokyo Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| House of Jack Casino | 25 | 60x | A$50 | Curacao |
| M99 Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| 9AU Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Paradise 8 Casino | 25 | 60x | A$50 | Curacao |
| Moonwin Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Bet365 Casino | None (AU-licensed sportsbook only) | n/a | n/a | NT Racing Commission |
| Limitless Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Asino Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| N1Bet Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Red Stag Casino | 25 | 60x | A$50 | Curacao |
| Lucky Wins Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Syndicate Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Wazamba Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| TrueBlue Casino | 25 | 60x | A$50 | Curacao |
| Realz Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| RetroBet Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Shazam Casino | 25 | 60x | A$50 | Curacao |
| ReefSpins Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Roobet Casino | None (crypto-native) | n/a | n/a | Curacao |
| AmunRa Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| SpinFred Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Vegas Hero Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Aussie Play Casino | 25 | 60x | A$50 | Curacao |
| Pistolo Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| SlotLounge Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Reels Grande Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Candyland Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Wildcard City Casino | 25 | 60x | A$50 | Curacao |
| CrownGold Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Roby Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| United Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| FatBet Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Casino4U | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Voodoo Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| SpinsUp Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| This Is Vegas Casino | 25 | 60x | A$50 | Curacao |
| Wanted Win Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Victor96 Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Katsubet Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| GoldWin Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Velvet Spins Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| HeapsOWins Casino | 25 | 60x | A$50 | Curacao |
| GoldBet Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Buran Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| BitKingz Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| iPay9 Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Space9 Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| Wild Tornado Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| UnitedAU Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| West28 Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
| BetonRed Casino | 50 | 40x | A$100 | Curacao |
Why do so many brands show identical bonus terms?
White-label platform sharing. A large share of the brands above run on the same turnkey casino software, use the same bonus engine, and pick from the same template library of promotions. That is why 50 spins at 40x with a A$100 cap recurs so often. The differences sit in game libraries, withdrawal speeds and support quality, not the headline spin count.
For a player, this is useful. If two brands offer the same terms, the deciding factors become payment methods, minimum withdrawal (A$20 versus A$50 matters at small balances), and whether the operator lists Australian-friendly banking. Spin count alone tells you very little.
Which game providers supply the slots used for no deposit spins?
Pragmatic Play dominates the no deposit category. Its slot catalogue, including Gates of Olympus and Sweet Bonanza, appears in the bonus terms of most brands listed above. NetEnt and Microgaming titles follow, with Play'n GO, Hacksaw Gaming and Push Gaming filling out the newer catalogues.
Evolution supplies live dealer content, but live tables almost never qualify for free spins. Spins apply to video slots only. Some operators restrict the bonus to a named list of 5 to 20 titles, which is worth reading because a 100-spin bonus locked to one low-volatility game is worth less than 25 spins spread across a full library.
The Maths Behind No Deposit Spins: Wagering, Caps and Expected Value
Wagering requirements decide whether a no deposit bonus is worth the registration. The rule is simple: multiply the bonus value by the wagering multiple to get the total playthrough. A 50-spin bonus at A$0.20 per spin produces A$10 of winnings potential, and at 40x that becomes A$400 of required turnover before withdrawal.
Now compare that to the cashout cap. If the cap is A$100 and the playthrough is A$400, you are grinding A$400 of slot turnover for a maximum A$100 return. At a 96% return-to-player rate, the expected loss on A$400 of turnover is about A$16. The cap, not the wagering, is the binding constraint.
How do you calculate the real value of a free spin offer?
Three inputs: spin value, wagering multiple, and cashout cap. Take a 100-spin offer at A$0.10 per spin, 40x wagering, A$100 cap. Bonus value is A$10. Playthrough is A$400. Expected loss at 96% RTP is A$16. The cap limits upside to A$100. Net expected value is therefore modest but positive only if you clear the playthrough on high-RTP games.
Run the same maths on a 25-spin offer at A$0.20, 60x wagering, A$50 cap. Bonus value A$5, playthrough A$300, expected loss A$12, cap A$50. Worse. The pattern holds: fewer spins, higher wagering and lower caps compound against the player. Spin count on its own is the least useful number in the terms.
What does game weighting do to the wagering requirement?
Not every dollar you wager counts fully toward playthrough. Slots usually contribute 100%, but some titles are excluded entirely. Live dealer games typically contribute 10% or 0%. Table games often sit at 5% to 20%. So a A$400 requirement could mean A$2,000 or more of live roulette turnover if that game only counts 20%.
Check the contribution table before you spin. A bonus you cannot clear is not a bonus. Operators publish this in the terms, usually in a table near the wagering clause, and it is the single most skipped section of any promotion.
Is there a maximum bet while the bonus is active?
Yes, almost always. Typical caps run from A$5 to A$10 per spin or bet while a no deposit bonus is live. Exceed the cap and the operator can void the bonus and any winnings attached to it. Some brands set the cap as low as A$4.
This is why high-stakes players get little from no deposit offers. The bonus is designed for low-stake grinding, not for testing a A$50 spin strategy. Read the max bet clause, note the figure, and stay under it for the life of the bonus.
Claiming, Verifying and Withdrawing No Deposit Winnings
The claim path is short but the verification path is where most players stall. Registration takes 2 to 5 minutes. Identity verification, which is now mandatory before any withdrawal, can take 24 hours to 5 business days depending on document quality and operator staffing. Plan for the longer end.
What documents does verification usually require?
Most operators ask for a government-issued photo ID, a second document confirming address (a utility bill or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of the payment method if one is used. Some add a selfie holding the ID. Upload quality matters: a blurred scan adds days to the process.
Australian players should note that a driver licence or passport works at nearly every brand. A Medicare card is accepted by some but not all. If a document is rejected, the operator usually gives a reason and a resubmission window of 48 to 72 hours.
How long do withdrawals from free spin winnings
h3>How long do withdrawals from free spin winnings take?
Once verification clears, e-wallet withdrawals usually land in 0 to 24 hours. Bank transfers run 1 to 3 business days at most brands, and crypto payouts typically clear within 1 to 6 hours. The bottleneck is rarely the payment rail; it is the pending review window, which most operators set at 24 to 48 hours before a payout is even released.
Minimum withdrawal thresholds matter here. If your no deposit winnings total A$18 and the minimum is A$20, you cannot withdraw until you deposit and play up. Some brands set the threshold at A$50, which quietly wipes out the value of a small bonus. Check the minimum before you claim.
Can a no deposit bonus be claimed more than once?
Rarely. Most operators treat the no deposit offer as a one-time welcome credit tied to a person, not just an account. Duplicate accounts, shared IP addresses, shared payment methods and shared device fingerprints all get flagged. A second claim from the same household is usually declined and can trigger a review of the first.
Some brands run recurring no deposit promotions, such as weekly free spin drops for existing players or seasonal credits around major events. These are usually smaller, often 10 to 25 spins, and come with tighter caps. They exist, but they are not a substitute for the welcome offer.
Which payment methods work for Australian players?
Card deposits from Australian banks are frequently declined for gambling transactions, so most players route through alternatives. Crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, USDT) is the most reliable at the brands listed above. E-wallets such as Skrill and Neteller work where offered. Bank transfer is available but slow.
PayID and POLi-style instant bank transfers appear at some Australian-facing brands, which is why the term "PayID pokies" circulates in local search. Availability varies by operator and changes without notice. Confirm the method is live in the cashier before you commit to a deposit.
What happens if you break a bonus term?
The operator voids the bonus and any winnings derived from it. That is the standard outcome, not a negotiation. Common triggers include exceeding the max bet, playing an excluded game, opening a second account, or withdrawing before meeting playthrough. Some brands also void winnings if you claim two bonuses at once.
Appeals exist but rarely succeed when the term was clearly published. The practical defence is to read the bonus terms page in full before claiming, screenshot the key figures, and keep your play within the stated limits. Boring, but it is the only reliable protection.
Risks, Rules and Responsible Gambling
No deposit spins are a marketing cost, not charity. The operator funds A$5 to A$50 of theoretical exposure per new account because the lifetime value of a converted player is higher. Understanding that framing keeps expectations realistic. The bonus is a trial, not a payout.
Australia's regulatory position is the other half of the picture. The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 prohibits online casino operators from providing real-money gaming to Australian residents, and the ACMA enforces this against operators it identifies. Brands offering no deposit spins to AU traffic are offshore licensees operating outside that framework. Players use them at their own discretion.
What is the legal gambling age in Australia?
The minimum age for gambling in Australia is 18 years in every state and territory. Offshore operators apply the same threshold, and verification checks confirm it before any withdrawal. Anyone under 18 cannot legally claim a no deposit bonus, and misrepresenting age voids all winnings.
Where can Australian players get help with gambling harm?
Gambling Help Online operates a free 24/7 national service on 1800 858 858, with online chat and email support through gamblinghelponline.org.au. State-based services also run, including Gambling Help NSW on 1800 858 858 and the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation's referral line. All are free and confidential.
Self-exclusion is available through the national Self-Exclusion Register, BetStop, launched in August 2023. Registration is free, covers all licensed Australian online and phone wagering providers, and can be set for a minimum of 3 months up to permanently. It does not automatically cover offshore casino accounts, so those need to be closed directly with each operator.
What warning signs should prompt a break?
Chasing losses, hiding play from family, borrowing to fund deposits, and feeling anxious when not logged in are the standard markers. So is claiming multiple no deposit bonuses in a week across different brands. Bonus hunting can slide into habitual play faster than most people expect, because the barrier to entry is zero.
Practical tools help. Set a deposit limit before you claim any bonus, use the operator's own session timer, and treat the no deposit credit as a fixed, one-off amount rather than a starting balance. If the bonus expires, let it expire. That is the intended outcome for most claims.
Are no deposit bonuses ever genuinely risk-free?
Financially, yes: you risk no money. Behaviourally, no. The bonus creates an account, an email relationship, and a reason to return. Operators report that a meaningful share of no deposit claimants go on to deposit, which is the entire point of the promotion. The risk is not the A$0 stake; it is the habit.
The honest framing is that a no deposit bonus is a low-value trial with a real chance of converting into paid play. If you would not deposit otherwise, the bonus has done its job on you. If you would, the bonus is a small discount on a hobby you already fund.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Spins No Deposit
Do free spins no deposit bonuses really pay real money?
Yes, winnings from no deposit spins are real cash, but only after wagering is met and verification is complete. The cashout cap limits how much you can withdraw, typically A$50 to A$150. Anything above the cap is removed at withdrawal, not at the point of winning.
How many free spins do Australian no deposit offers usually include?
Most fall between 20 and 100 spins. The 50-spin tier is the most common, appearing at roughly half the brands listed above. Spin value typically sits at A$0.10 to A$0.20, so a 50-spin bonus represents A$5 to A$10 of play. Higher spin counts usually come with tighter caps.
Can I withdraw no deposit winnings without depositing?
At some brands, yes, provided verification is complete and the minimum withdrawal is met. At others, a first deposit is required before any payout is processed. Check the cashier terms before claiming. The minimum is typically A$20 to A$50, which is often higher than the winnings themselves.
Why do no deposit bonuses have such high wagering requirements?
Because the operator is funding the bonus with no payment from you. Wagering of 40x to 60x on winnings protects against bonus abuse and keeps the promotion economically viable. Deposit bonuses carry lower multiples, usually 30x to 35x, because the player has already committed funds.
What is the maximum cashout on a typical no deposit bonus?
Common caps are A$50, A$100 and A$150. A smaller group applies A$20, and a handful remove the cap entirely. The cap applies to the total withdrawal from bonus winnings, not per spin. It is the single most important number in the terms after the wagering multiple.
Do free spins expire?
Yes. Spin credits usually expire within 7 to 30 days of being credited, and winnings from those spins often expire within 7 days of the spins being used. Exact windows are published in the bonus terms. Missing the expiry date forfeits the credit with no recourse.
Are no deposit spin bonuses available for existing players?
Sometimes. Reload promotions, weekly spin drops and loyalty credits exist at many brands, but they are smaller and less frequent than the welcome offer. Existing-player no deposit credits typically run 10 to 25 spins with tighter caps. They are worth checking in the promotions tab rather than the welcome page.
Can I claim a no deposit bonus from more than one casino?
Technically yes, since each operator runs its own promotion. Practically, claiming across many brands in a short window is a recognised bonus-abuse pattern and can lead to account closures if the operators share data. It also increases the risk of habitual play, which is the bigger concern.
What is the difference between free spins and a no deposit bonus?
Free spins are one form of no deposit bonus. The broader category also includes no deposit cash credits, which are usually smaller (A$10 to A$30) and carry similar wagering. Spins are more common because they are cheaper for the operator and easier to restrict to specific slot titles.
Are the games used for no deposit spins fair?
Slot outcomes are governed by random number generators, and licensed providers publish return-to-player figures, typically 94% to 97% for video slots. Independent testing exists but varies by jurisdiction. The fairness question is less about the RNG and more about whether the operator honours its published terms.
That last point is the one worth carrying forward. The bonus terms, the licence, the cashout cap and the verification window decide whether a no deposit offer is worth your time. Spin count is the marketing; the rest is the deal. Claim carefully, verify early, and treat the credit as a fixed trial rather than a balance to build on.