button in SafariBonus Buy Feature
A Bonus Buy feature allows online slot players to pay a fixed multiple of their stake to bypass regular gameplay and immediately trigger the main bonus round.
How Bonus Buy Features Work
Bonus Buy features, also known as Feature Buys or Bonus Pass options, are designed for players who prefer immediate access to a slot's primary features, such as a free spins round, multiplier wheel, or hold-and-win mechanic, without waiting to land scatter symbols naturally.
Because you are purchasing direct entry into a high-volatility round, using a Bonus Buy is technically higher risk than standard base-game spins.
Using a Bonus Buy feature is straightforward. Open an online slot with the Bonus Buy feature enabled, set your base bet size, then locate the "Buy Bonus" or "Feature Buy" button on the screen. The game will display the total cost, which is typically a multiplier of your base stake (e.g., 100x your bet). Once you confirm the purchase, the cost is deducted from your balance, and the bonus round initiates immediately on the next spin.
You will receive the exact same bonus round mechanics, wild multipliers, or sticky symbols as you would by triggering the feature organically through normal base-game play.
Example of a Bonus Buy Feature
Bonus Buy options come with varying price tags depending on the game and developer. An example of a standard feature buy is 100x your base bet.
In this example, if you set your base spin amount to $1.00, purchasing the bonus round directly will cost $100.00. Setting a base spin of $0.20 would make the Feature Buy cost $20.00, while a $5.00 base spin would require you to spend $500.00 to instantly trigger the feature.
Most Bonus Buy features slightly alter the game's overall return (RTP). In many titles, purchasing the bonus feature offers a slightly higher Return to Player percentage compared to normal base spins. However, just because you're paying a high cost does not mean you are guaranteed a profit. This is because the payout from a purchased bonus round is completely random and can be lower than the purchase price.
Why Do Slot Developers and Casinos Offer Bonus Buys?
One reason game developers and online casinos include Bonus Buy features is that some players simply love fast-paced action. Many slot enthusiasts prefer high-volatility gameplay and enjoy being able to skip straight past an extended number of base-game spins to experience the slot's features right away.
Additionally, introducing novel features helps new slot releases stand out from the crowd. By offering players control over how they experience a game, developers can increase player engagement by catering to different players' preferred playstyles.
Pros and Cons of Bonus Buy Features
Skipping the base game to dive straight into free spins sounds like an exciting alternative, but there are pros and cons to using the Bonus Buy feature.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bypasses base-game grinding to trigger the main feature instantly | Costs a significant multiple of your stake per purchase |
| Often offers a slightly higher RTP compared to base spins | Can rapidly drain your bankroll if features pay below cost |
| Allows instant access to high-volatility multipliers and modifiers | Not available in all jurisdictions due to local regulations |
How to Find Slots with Bonus Buy Features
Finding online slots with a Bonus Buy option is simple, as software providers often highlight these titles in casino lobbies. Here are five ways you can discover slots with Feature Buys.
- Read slot reviews on PokerNews to learn which new releases include feature buy mechanics.
- Filter games in online casino lobbies using search tags such as "Bonus Buy," "Feature Buy," or "Feature Drop."
- Look for titles from popular developers known for this mechanic, such as Pragmatic Play, Relax Gaming, and Nolimit City.
- Try free demo versions of online slots to test if a Feature Buy option is offered before playing for real money.
- Check regulatory guidelines in your region, as certain jurisdictions restrict or ban the availability of Bonus Buy mechanics.
Try These Three Excellent Bonus Buy Slots
- Sugar Rush 1000 - This Pragmatic Play slot offers a colorful candy theme on a 7x7 grid and a 25,000x maximum win! A Bonus Buy is available for 100x your bet (free spins round) or 500x your bet (super free spins).
- Medusa Megaways - This exciting slot offers up to 117,649 ways to win thanks to the Megaways mechanic. Using the Bonus Buy feature for the 10 free spins costs 100x your stake.
- The Dog House: Dog or Alive - You'll love this slot if you're a fan of cartoon dogs and being able to buy bonus features. Here, you can trigger the sticky wild free spins round by purchasing it for 120x your bet
Are Bonus Buy Features Legal and Fair?
Bonus Buy features are fully fair and regulated on licensed online platforms. The outcome of any purchased bonus round is governed by certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) just like standard spins.
However, availability varies by region; for example, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) banned feature buys to promote safer gambling, even though players in many other licensed international markets can access them freely.
Bonus Buy Feature FAQs
How much does a Bonus Buy feature cost on average?
The cost typically ranges between 50x to 100x your base stake, though extreme volatility slots can charge 300x, 500x, or even more for upgraded super-bonus features.
Does buying a bonus guarantee a win?
No. Purchasing a bonus feature guarantees entry into the feature round, but the monetary return from that round is completely random. Payouts can be significantly lower or higher than the initial buy-in price.
What's the difference between a Bonus Buy and regular slot spins?
Regular spins require you to play through the base game and hit specific scatter combinations to trigger the game's features. A Bonus Buy allows you to pay an upfront fee to jump directly into the bonus round, without needing to naturally trigger those features.
Are Bonus Buy slot features worth using?
Feature Buys can be entertaining for players who enjoy high volatility and want direct access to maximum win potential. However, due to the high cost per buy, strict bankroll management is essential because losses can escalate quickly.
Do Bonus Buys increase the game's Return to Player (RTP)?
In many online slots, activating a Feature Buy marginally increases the overall RTP percentage by a fraction of a percent compared to playing standard base spins. Always check the game's pay table for specific figures.
Why can't I see the Bonus Buy button on my slot game?
If the option is missing, it is likely due to licensing regulations in your region (such as the UK or certain European markets) where buy features are prohibited, or the specific slot title does not support this feature.
Can I use casino bonus funds to purchase a Bonus Buy?
Most online casinos explicitly prohibit using active bonus balance money to buy slot features or cap maximum single bets lower than the cost of a feature buy. Always check the bonus terms and conditions first.
