What Is a Slot Machine Bonus Buy Feature and How to Use It?

Article by : Divya Gandotra Jan 10, 2025

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Updated: Apr 14, 2025

In slots, there’s one feature I call lazy — Bonus Buy. On one hand, it offers action and gameplay, but on the other, it takes away the pleasure of hunting for bonus rounds or the thrill of surprises. Anyway, this feature is popular among players who crave quick fun. In this article, I’ll explain what Bonus Buy slots are, how they work, their advantages and risks, and how to use them wisely.

What is the Bonus Buy feature?

Bonus Buy is a convenient option in certain slots that allows you to pay a fixed amount and immediately access the bonus round of the game: free spins, special features, or chances to win a jackpot — all without waiting for the bonus to activate through regular gameplay. It adds thrill, but at the same time, it takes it away by giving you the bonus round straight away. Maybe it’s a matter of personal preference. I’m not sold on it — I only mess with bonus buy slots when a slot’s got me tearing my hair out from boredom.

Typically, to activate bonus rounds, you need to collect Scatters or certain combinations, but everything becomes simpler when we talk about Bonus Buy slots. It’s a shortcut, differing from regular gameplay: instead of relying on luck, you decide yourself. This feature first appeared in slots from well-known providers like Big Time Gaming and Pragmatic Play, who saw a demand for fast action. Now it’s a common feature in many slots.

How does Bonus Buy work?

How do you activate this VIP mode in a slot? Look for the “Buy Bonus” or “Feature Buy” button near the game controls. You click it and see the price, which is typically 50x–200x your base bet. That’s a lot of money for a chance you may not even win. For example, if you’re playing with a $1 bet per spin, the bonus could cost $100. You pay, and immediately enter the bonus round without the need for scatters.

The cost depends on the game design — the higher the volatility or potential payout, the more expensive the bonus will be. After activation, you go into rounds with free spins, multipliers, or expanding reels. You skip the entire main game process and jump straight to the dessert. I know players who only play some slots using this feature, and they even manage to win quite a bit. Curious about winning smarter? See how to win slot machines for more tricks!

Pros and Cons of Bonus Buy

Slots are always a double-edged sword. Where there are bigger wins, there are always significant risks.

Pros:

• Quick access — no waiting, you dive right into the craziest part. This is a plus from a hedonistic perspective.
• Potential for big wins — since the biggest wins are usually hidden in bonus rounds or free spins, it makes sense that here you’re buying a chance at victory, though not guaranteed.
• Control — you’re going against the system and deciding when to trigger the bonus round or free spins. The Random Number Generator is not your best friend here.

Cons:

• High cost — a 100x bet can quickly drain your balance if luck isn’t on your side. And it’s not uncommon for luck to be absent. However, high rollers might not see this as a downside.
• Risk — there’s no guarantee the bonus will pay out more than you spent. Once, I bought a bonus round for $100, and ended up with just $2. Bitter irony? Maybe.
• Less tension — if you skip the hunt phase, part of the fun is lost. After all, that’s why we play. The pleasure of the journey and the win at the end. They say, “It’s not the goal, but the journey that brings happiness.”

When should you use Bonus Buy?

If you’re all about speed and hate dawdling in buy bonus slots, here’s when it’s worth it:

When to use:

• You have the budget and curiosity — if you have extra money and want to see your wallet fill up with cash literally from a goldmine. Bonus rounds are like mine.
• You know the game well — if you are familiar with a slot and are confident that the bonus is worth the money, this could be a well-founded decision. In such cases, it can even be part of a thoughtful strategy, which I’m all for.

When not to use:

• Limited budget — if you don’t have much money or are trying to recover losses, additional expenses could only worsen the situation. Control yourself and try not to notice the Bonus Buy button on the screen.
• You’re a beginner — if you don’t know the features of the game or its volatility, it’s better to play naturally and familiarise yourself with the mechanics. In fact, I would even call buying a bonus on your first spin a rather irrational decision.
  The key is to know your limits and understand the game. Use the feature consciously, not just because it’s there.

Tips for smart use of Bonus Buy

Still tempted? Grab these lifelines before diving into the best bonus buy slots, which I’ll demonstrate to you a minute after:

• Start small — try with a minimum bet — for example, $0.20. Then the bonus will cost $20, not $200.
• Learn the game — first, play in demo mode to understand if the bonus is truly worth the money. Or check independent reviews. Though even here, there may be a wrench in the works. Where one person gets lucky, another could lose everything.
• Set a limit — decide how many times you’ll buy a bonus (2–3, though that’s already quite a lot) and stick to that plan. Don’t chase after losses. It’s better to take a deep breath, exhale, and step away from that specific slot.
• Look for promotions — sometimes, certain casinos offer discounts on Bonus Buy, so keep an eye out.
• Consider volatility — in slots with high volatility, bonuses might offer big wins, but in cheaper ones, they may not pay off. Choose wisely.

Popular slots with the Bonus Buy feature

Here are a few crowd-favourite bonus buy slots:

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Sweet Bonanza Online Slot

• RTP: 96.48%
• Paylines: Cluster Pays
• Min-Max bet: 0.01 - 100

A colorful, sweet slot where you can buy a free spins round with multipliers. It’s also a cult classic.

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Money Train 2 Online Slot

• RTP: 96.4
• Paylines: 40
• Min-Max bet: 0.2 - 20

A train robbery theme with a bonus-buy feature that triggers a hold-and-spin feature.

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San Quentin xWays Online Slot

• RTP: 96.03%
• Paylines: 243
• Min-Max bet: 0.2 - 32

A prison theme with a bonus-buy round that opens free spins and expands the number of ways to win.

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Chaos Crew Online Slot

• RTP: 96.25%
• Paylines: 15
• Min-Max bet: 0.2 - 100

A punk slot with a bonus-buy feature that starts free spins with multipliers. Its unusual design and decent wins attract fans to this intense game.

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Mental Online Slot

• RTP: 96.17%
• Paylines: 108
• Min-Max bet: 0.2 - 70

A creepy slot, where the bonus-buy feature opens a round with transformed symbols. Perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in a dark atmosphere.

Limitations of Bonus Buy

Attention: not all players have access to this feature. For example, in the UK, bonus-buy slots are banned due to gambling laws designed to protect players from excessive spending. In some regions, providers may block this option or adapt it to local regulations. Before clicking the “Buy” button, always check the casino rules and your country’s legislation — it’s better to find out in advance than to be left without access to the feature.

Conclusion

The Bonus Buy feature is like a golden card. Skip the boring parts and dive straight into the most fun part. Whether it’s the delicious Sweet Bonanza or the gloomy Mental — Bonus Buy can still be a way to hit a nice win… if you play wisely. Weigh the costs, choose the right moment, and spin responsibly. But just in case, before you start spinning, come back to this article and read it through one more time.