What Are Bonus Buy Slots?
Bonus Buy slots (also called Feature Buy or Buy Bonus slots) are online slots that let you pay extra to trigger the main bonus feature instantly, usually a Free Spins or an Instant Win game.
Instead of spinning and hoping to land three scatters (or whatever special symbols are needed), you can instantly activate the excitement of the bonus games (and hopefully, the cash) with one click.
Think of it like the Fast Track tickets to get on your favourite ride at a theme park. You get straight to the thrill, but it comes at a cost.
Bonus Buy features exploded in popularity thanks to developers like Big Time Gaming, NoLimit City, and Pragmatic Play.
These days, they’re a staple in many of the best high volatility slots, particularly for players who want that high-risk, high-reward buzz.
However, not everyone gets to play this way. Due to gambling regulations, Bonus Buys are banned in some countries including the UK, where you’re required to trigger features organically. If you’re in a restricted region, the button will simply be missing from the screen.
What Features Can You Expect?
Bonus Buy slots can differ a lot in style and setup, but here are the features you’ll see most often:
- Instant Free Spins: The classic. Pay to trigger the slot’s Free Spins bonus.
- Multiple Buy Options: Some slot games let you choose between standard or “super” bonus modes.
- Gamble/Upgrade Features: Buy the bonus, then gamble for extra spins or higher multipliers.
- Enhanced Bonuses: For a premium price, get access to bonus rounds with improved RTP, more scatters, or special wild mechanics.
- Volatility Control: A few slots let you pick bonus volatility, low, medium, or high—before you buy.
These features add a strategic layer, but also significantly raise the stakes.
How Much Does a Bonus Buy Cost?
The big question you might be asking, is what’s the damage to my bankroll? Well it differs between provider and between each Bonus Buy game but typically you can expect:
- Standard Bonus Buys usually cost 80x to 100x your base bet.
- Super Bonus or Enhanced Feature modes can run 200x to 500x your stake (sometimes more).
For example, if you’re spinning at £1 per bet, a standard bonus might cost £100. And no, you’re not guaranteed to win that back.
That’s the gamble: the bonus round might pay 20x… or 5000x. But there are no guarantees either way.
Risk vs Reward – Is It Worth It?
Bonus Buy slots attract players who want fast access to the excitement of the bonus games where typically the big wins lie, but they’re not for those with limited budgets or conservative players. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Pros
- Get straight to the fun part, the Free Spins and big multipliers
- Great for testing out bonus mechanics or comparing volatility
- Can be more efficient than spinning through potentially hundreds of base game spins
Cons
- Expensive and can burn through your balance quickly
- No guarantee of winning your mony back as many bonus rounds still pay low
- Can lead to impulsive buys and loss chasing if you're not careful
Top Tip: Always check the RTP for the Bonus Buy feature. It’s often different from the base game—and not always in your favour.
Where Are Bonus Buy Slots Allowed?
Bonus Buy slots are not available everywhere. Here’s a quick breakdown of where you can and can’t access these features:
| Country | Bonus Buy Available? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 UK | ❌ No | Banned under UKGC regulations |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | ❌ No | Not allowed under Spelinspektionen regulations |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ✅ Yes | Widely available, depending on the province |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ⚠️ Limited | Regulated sites often restrict or disable it |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | ✅ Yes | Fully accessible at most online casinos |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | ✅ Yes | Available across most reputable operators |
If you’re in a restricted country, you’ll still be able to play the base version—just without the instant buy.
Top Slot Providers Offering Bonus Buy Features
Not all developers build Bonus Buy mechanics the same. Here’s a quick overview of game providers who do it well:
- NoLimit City – Known for insane volatility, multiple buy options, and feature-enhancing mechanics like xBet.
- Pragmatic Play – Offers clean, fast-paced Bonus Buys in popular slots like Gates of Olympus, Sugar Rush, and Starlight Princess.
- Hacksaw Gaming – Often includes flexible buy options: 10x for increased RTP, or 100x+ for feature access.
- Relax Gaming – Think Money Train 4, Dead Man’s Trail both have massive win potential with premium bonus buys.
- Big Time Gaming – Pioneers in the Bonus Buy world with games like White Rabbit and Extra Chilli.
FAQ – Bonus Buy Slots Explained
Are Bonus Buy slots legal in the UK?
No. Bonus Buy features are disabled on UKGC-licensed casinos due to regulatory rules.
Can I try Bonus Buy slots for free?
Yes, most casinos offer demo modes—even for bonus buy games. Just keep in mind that some demo modes disable buy features.
What’s the average cost of a Bonus Buy?
Usually around 100x your base stake. Enhanced modes can be more expensive.
Is buying the bonus always better than spinning normally?
Not always. Sometimes, the base game pays out just as well—or better—over time. Test both methods and check RTP differences.
Can I win big on Bonus Buy slots?
Absolutely—but the risk is just as big. These games tend to be high volatility, so expect some heavy swings.
Summing Up: Should You Hit the Bonus Buy Button?
Bonus Buy slots are perfect for experienced, high limit slots players who have plenty of expendable cash to play with. They’re fast, fun, and often the quickest route to a slot’s highest paying bonus feature. But they are also high risk, costing 100x or more just to get in on the action.
If you’re going to hit that button, do it smart:
- Set a solid budget
- Know the game’s volatility and Bonus Buy RTP
- Try demo games before risking real money
- Don’t buy into every bonus hoping the next one saves you
Used wisely, Bonus Buys are an exciting tool in a slot player’s arsenal. But like all things gambling—they work best when you’re playing in control, not chasing the lightning.
