Free spins and bonus games provide players with the opportunity to score some of the largest wins in any online slot game. These special features either trigger randomly or require a specific symbol combination to unlock. Getting there, however, can be quite frustrating. Often, players must spin a hundred times or more before they finally trigger the coveted bonus.
But what if we told you that, instead of spinning on and on and praying to the reel gods, you could jump straight into the bonus action? This is now possible thanks to the arrival of bonus buy games, a new breed of online slots where players have the option to buy their way right into the special features instead of waiting to trigger them manually. The question is, should you take advantage of the bonus buy functionality, and if so, is it really as lucrative as it sounds?
The Mechanics of the Bonus Buy Feature
Bonus buy slots function just like regular online slots; the only difference is that players can pay for direct entry into the bonus round instead of spinning the reels repeatedly in hopes of triggering it manually. Let’s be honest, bonus games are what every reel spinner hopes to hit when playing online slots.
Bonus Triggering Criteria in Regular Slots
Feature Triggering in Bonus Buy Slots
Does Bonus Buy Improve RTP?
The amount you must pay for the bonus buy feature is game-specific, but it typically ranges from 30x to 150x the base stake. In other words, players who wager one dollar per spin would need to spend $30 to $150 to unlock their bonus rounds instantly. As you can see, that is not exactly pocket change.
Using this functionality is not cheap, but it is a classic case of high risk versus high return. Most slots deliver their largest payouts during bonus games and free spins. Even so, the winnings generated during bonus rounds often do not cover the cost of the bonus buy feature.
Testing Bonus Buy in Golden Catch Megaways
Higher RTP with Bonus Buy? Yes, It Is Possible!
Who Should Use Bonus Buy?
The bonus buy feature could be a welcome addition to reel spinners’ gameplay, provided they meet one of several criteria. We believe you might find it useful if you belong to the following three categories of slot fans.
- Players who prefer instant gratification – It is all a matter of how you like to play slots. If you are the type of player who craves jumping right into the bonus action without any delays or deferral, you might consider taking advantage of the bonus buy from time to time.
- Players who lack the time to trigger the special features manually – Some slot mavens prefer shorter betting sessions during brief snack breaks or a daily commute. With high-volatility slots, there is no guarantee you will land the triggering symbol combination within half an hour or so. The bonus buy can come in handy if you are short on time and cannot wait for one of those free-spin rounds to hit naturally.
- Players with large enough bankrolls – Buying bonus rounds can be expensive and, as such, is a viable option only for spinners with bankrolls large enough to sustain the risk. A single feature trigger costs approximately 100x your base wager. Even if you are playing at the lowest betting level and risk $0.20 per spin, purchasing a bonus will still cost you $20. You can burn through a $100 or $200 bankroll in no time at this rate.
Who Should Not Use Bonus Buy?
The bonus buy feature has gained a lot of traction lately, but this does not make it suitable for all players. Much of the decision regarding its use obviously depends on spinners’ individual circumstances. Some players will be better off if they refrain from the practice altogether or use the functionality only on rare occasions.
- Slot fans from certain jurisdictions – Players from countries such as the UK cannot take advantage of the bonus buy function even if they want to. The British regulatory body (UKGC) banned the feature in 2019 due to fears it could fuel gambling addiction and cause problem gamblers to spend even more money.
According to the regulator, slots with this function fall into the category of higher-risk products because they encourage players to increase their wagers and facilitate loss-chasing, among other problematic behaviors. UKGC-licensed online casinos were subsequently instructed to deactivate the functionality in slots that offered it or remove such games altogether. - Players who lack discipline when gambling – This is an extension of what we said above. Using the bonus buy may be a bad idea for players prone to loss chasing even if they live in jurisdictions where the feature is legal and readily available. We recommend refraining from buying bonuses if you lack the discipline to control your spending while gambling.
- Players who cannot stomach big losses – The bonus buy is an expensive feature, but it does not guarantee you will walk away a big winner after the bonus games. More often than not, you will end up in the red after your free spins.
Do not forget that most slots are highly volatile and can wipe you out quickly if you spend extra money on bonuses every few minutes. If big losses frustrate you, you should probably stick to triggering your bonuses the regular way. - Purists who prefer traditional gameplay – At the end of the day, it all comes down to how you enjoy playing your slots. If you like to take your time and spin the reels at a more relaxed pace, then the bonus buy functionality is probably not for you.