In the fast-paced world of online casinos, players are always looking for ways to get straight to the action. One of the most significant innovations in recent years is the Buy Bonus feature (also known as “Feature Buy” or “Bonus Buy“). This mechanic allows players to bypass the standard base game and jump directly into the most lucrative part of a slot: the bonus round.
In this article, we’ll explore what Buy Bonuses are, how they work, the pros and cons of using them, and which popular slot games offer the best value for this feature.
What is a Buy Bonus Feature?
A Buy Bonus is an optional feature in many modern online slot games that allows you to pay a fixed multiple of your current bet to instantly trigger the game’s main bonus feature—usually a free spins round or a specialized mini-game.
Instead of spinning the reels hundreds of times hoping to land three or more “Scatter” symbols, you simply click a button, pay the required amount, and the next spin is guaranteed to trigger the bonus.
How It Works
Using the Buy Bonus feature in online slot games is simple and straightforward. Instead of spinning the reels and waiting for the bonus symbols to land naturally, players can activate the bonus round instantly by paying a fixed price. Here’s how it typically works step by step:
- Choose your bet size:
Set your preferred stake per spin, just like in normal gameplay. - Click the Buy Bonus button:
The game will display the cost of buying the bonus, usually shown as a multiplier of your current bet (for example, 75x or 100x). - Confirm the purchase:
Once confirmed, the required amount is deducted from your balance immediately. - Enter the bonus round:
The slot takes you straight into the free spins or special feature round, without any base game spins.
During the bonus round, the gameplay follows the same rules as a naturally triggered bonus. Winnings are calculated normally and paid out based on the game’s paytable and mechanics.
The Pros and Cons of Buying the Bonus
Like any gambling mechanic, the Buy Bonus feature comes with its own set of advantages and risks. Understanding these is crucial for responsible gaming.
The Advantages (Pros)
- You don’t have to wait through hundreds of “dead spins” to see the game’s most exciting features.
- The RTP percentage actually increases slightly when you use the Buy Bonus feature compared to regular play.
- You can experience the high volatility and high returns of the game, which contains the biggest multipliers and jackpots.
The Disadvantages (Cons)
- High Cost: Buying a bonus is expensive, typically ranging from 50x to 100x your bet.
- No Guarantee of Profit: Just because you paid ₱100 for a bonus doesn’t mean you’ll win ₱100 back.
- Rapid Bankroll Depletion: a few unsuccessful buys can drain your balance much faster than traditional spinning.
In short, Buy Bonuses can be fun and efficient—but they’re not for everyone.
Top Slot Games with Buy Bonus Features
If you’re looking to try this feature, some games are better known for their “buy” mechanics than others. Here are some of the most popular titles:
| Slot Game | Developer | Buy Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Money Train 2 | Relax Gaming | 100x |
| Gates of Olympus | Pragmatic Play | 100x |
| White Rabbit | Big Time Gaming | 100x |
| San Quentin xWays | NoLimit City | 100x – 2000x |
| Beast Mode | Relax Gaming | 80x |
Money Train 2
Money Train 2 is widely praised for its extremely high volatility and innovative “Money Cart Bonus Round.” Purchasing bonuses is the best way to experience its core respin feature, where various special symbols (such as Collector, Payer, Sniper, etc.) can deliver huge multipliers. Notably, purchasing bonuses significantly boosts the RTP to 98%, which is extremely rare in slot games, making it a top choice for players seeking high-potential rewards.
Gates of Olympus
This Greek mythology-themed slot uses an “all-around payline” mechanism, independent of traditional paylines. Its highlight is the free spin round, where Zeus randomly drops symbols with multipliers that accumulate throughout the free spin period. Purchasing bonuses allows players to directly enter this multiplier-rich free spin round, quickly accumulating high rewards.
White Rabbit
As one of the pioneers of the Megaways mechanic, White Rabbit, themed around Alice in Wonderland, offers a whopping 248,832 ways to win. The bonus purchase feature allows players to directly enter a free spin round, during which cake symbols can expand the reels, increasing the ways to win. Purchasing bonuses slightly increases the game’s RTP, making it ideal for players seeking high returns.
San Quentin xWays
San Quentin xWays is an extremely high-volatility, prison-themed slot known for its innovative mechanics such as xWays, split symbols, and “Jumping Wilds.” The cost of purchasing rewards ranges widely, from 100x to a staggering 2,000x, reflecting its enormous potential returns. This game is suitable for players seeking extreme thrills and willing to take high risks for potentially massive wins.
Beast Mode
Beast Mode is known for its unique retro gym theme and high RTP. Purchasing the bonus grants players a choice of three different free spin modes: Mystery Symbol Free Spin (sticky mystery symbols and extended grid), Multiplier Ladder Free Spin (increasing multipliers and extra free spins), and Extended Wild Free Spin (extended wild symbols and increasing multipliers). Purchasing the bonus not only allows immediate access to these exciting modes but also boosts RTP to 97%.
Does Buying the Bonus Increase Your Odds?
A common question among players is whether buying the bonus is “better” than winning it naturally. Technically, the RTP (Return to Player) is the best indicator. For many slots, the RTP for the Buy Bonus is slightly higher than the base game. For example, a game might have a 96.2% RTP in the base game but a 96.5% or 97% RTP when using the Buy Bonus.
However, this doesn’t mean you are “more likely to win” in the short term. It simply means that over millions of simulated buys, the game returns a slightly higher percentage to players. The volatility remains extremely high, meaning the results will be “swingy”—you’ll either win big or lose most of your stake.
Important: Regulatory Restrictions
It is important to note that the Buy Bonus feature is not available everywhere. For instance, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) banned the feature in 2019 to promote responsible gambling. If you are playing from the UK, you will not see the “Buy” button on your favorite slots. Always check your local regulations before playing.
Conclusion
Buy bonuses offer a thrilling shortcut to the best parts of online slot games, but they require a disciplined approach to bankroll management. They are perfect for players who value their time and enjoy high-stakes action, provided they understand that the “buy-in” is a premium price for a guaranteed chance at the game’s top prizes.
Always remember to gamble responsibly and only spend what you can afford to lose.
