What is a “Bonus Buy” in online slots?
A Bonus Buy (also called “Buy Feature” or “Buy Free Spins”) lets you pay a fixed multiple of your current bet to trigger a slot’s bonus round instantly, instead of waiting for scatters to land. Many modern titles advertise this directly in their game pages and rules.
How much does a Bonus Buy usually cost?
Costs vary by game, but a common baseline is around 100× your stake for standard free spins. Some games also sell “super” or enhanced bonuses at higher prices (for example 500×). Specific examples include well-known titles where standard free spins cost 100× and an upgraded version can cost 500×.
Does buying the bonus change RTP or volatility?
Sometimes, yes. A game’s theoretical RTP is set by the developer and can differ between the base game and a paid bonus. In certain titles, activating the paid feature or “Feature Drop” raises the stated RTP for that mode, which changes long-run expectations (though short-term sessions still swing). Public game literature and reviews for flagship “Feature Drop” slots show higher RTP when the feature is purchased.
Separately, regulators distinguish between a game’s theoretical RTP and the “actual RTP” observed over live play; the latter naturally fluctuates around the theoretical figure across time. That’s a reminder that even with a paid bonus, outcomes remain variable.
Are Bonus Buys available everywhere?
No. Availability depends on local rules. In Great Britain, the Gambling Commission required operators to remove “feature buy-in” elements from online slots; UK-licensed sites therefore do not offer Bonus Buys. The Commission also introduced wider “safer by design” measures on online slots (for example, banning features that speed up play), which sit alongside that enforcement. Operator and news posts aimed at UK players likewise explain that Bonus Buys are not available under UK regulation.
Regulators further describe this mechanic as allowing consumers to stake significant amounts to access a bonus without playing the initial stages—one reason it’s treated as a higher-risk product.
How RNG fairness fits in
Whether you spin into a bonus or pay for it, results are driven by a certified Random Number Generator. Independent labs and technical standards require RNG outputs to be unpredictable and each outcome independent of the last.
The bankroll math: is a paid bonus “worth it”?
The right way to judge value is expected value (EV), not gut feel.
- EV of a Bonus Buy ≈ (Bonus-mode RTP) × (Buy price). If a game advertises 96% for its buy-bonus mode and the buy costs 100× your stake, the long-run average return is about 96× your stake; variance means single sessions will deviate—sometimes a lot.
What this means in practice:
- If the buy-bonus RTP is the same as the base game, paying mainly trades time/variance for immediacy; it doesn’t change the house edge.
- If the buy-bonus RTP is higher, the EV improves on paper, but you still face high volatility: paid bonuses can whiff, and multiple buys can compound losses quickly.
- If the buy-bonus RTP is lower (this exists in some titles), buying the feature is mathematically worse than just spinning toward the bonus. Check the game’s help screen or official info for the mode-specific RTP before you buy.
Pros and cons of paying for bonuses
Pros
- Immediate access to the most exciting part of the game, saving time and base-game churn.
- In some titles, the paid mode lists a higher RTP than base play.
Cons
- Large upfront cost (often ~100× stake; “super” versions can be much higher).
- High volatility: outcomes cluster—many small/zero returns punctuated by occasional big hits.
- Not available to players in some regulated markets (e.g., the UK).
Practical checklist before you buy
- Read the game rules to find the RTP for the buy-bonus mode and compare it with base-game RTP. If it isn’t clearly posted in-game, look for developer pages or trusted, up-to-date reviews.
- Decide on a hard budget for Bonus Buys (for example, no more than two or three buys per session) because variance is extreme.
- Remember that “actual RTP” over a short session can diverge widely from the theoretical number.
- If you’re in a jurisdiction where Bonus Buys are disabled, don’t seek workarounds—use permitted features like “ante bet” when available, or just play normally.
Verdict: are paid bonus rounds worth it?
They can be entertaining time-savers and, in a few games, the buy-bonus RTP is marginally higher. But the price is steep, swings are severe, and the house edge still applies. For most bankrolls, occasional buys within a strict limit are the safest way to enjoy them; for long sessions or smaller budgets, regular spinning is usually kinder on variance. Always check the mode-specific RTP and your local rules before you decide.
FAQs
Why don’t UK casinos offer Bonus Buys?
Following Commission action, UK-licensed operators removed “feature buy-in” mechanics, and the feature remains unavailable to British players under current rules.
Do Bonus Buys guarantee profit?
No. They only change how you access the feature, not the fundamental house edge. Short-term outcomes can be far above or below the theoretical RTP.
Are paid bonuses fair?
Yes—assuming you play licensed games—because certified RNGs make results unpredictable and independent.
Responsible play
Set spend and time limits, avoid chasing losses, and stop if it isn’t fun. If you’re in Great Britain, tools and help are available via GamCare and BeGambleAware; elsewhere, check your local support resources.
