Bonus buy
A bonus buy lets you pay a fixed price, often 100 times your bet, to jump straight into a slot's free spins round instead of waiting for scatters to land. It speeds up the game and the swings, so it can drain a balance very quickly.
By Mark SmithChecked How a bonus buy works
Many modern slots show a “Buy feature” or “Buy bonus” button next to the spin button. Press it, confirm the price, and the game drops you into the free spins round as if you had landed the scatter symbols. Popular examples include Gates of Olympus, Le Bandit and Sugar Rush.
The price is set as a multiple of your current stake. Some games offer more than one option, such as a standard buy and a pricier “super” buy with extra multipliers.
Things to know before you buy
- It’s a big single bet. One buy at 100x stake is the same as 100 spins in one go, with a wide range of outcomes.
- Volatility jumps. Many bonus rounds pay less than their cost; a few pay much more.
- The RTP of the buy is listed in the game’s info screen. Check it, as some versions differ from the base game.
- Not everywhere. Some regulators, including the UK’s, have banned bonus buys, and many casinos block them during bonus wagering.
If you use bonus buys, set a strict session budget. Try them in demo mode first to see how often the round pays back its price.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a bonus buy cost?
Usually 50x to 500x your stake, depending on the slot. At a R2 bet, a 100x buy costs R200 for one bonus round, which can pay back less than you paid.
Does a bonus buy have a better RTP?
In many slots the bonus buy RTP is similar to or slightly higher than the base game, but the volatility is much higher. You get fewer, bigger outcomes, so losing streaks hit harder.
Can I use bonus money on a bonus buy?
Most casinos ban bonus buys while you are wagering a bonus, and doing it can void your winnings. Check the bonus terms first.
Related terms
Mark has been writing about online gaming since 2007, covering everything from sportsbooks to casino and slot reviews, offering insights for players of all levels.