Bonus Buy Feature: What You Need to Know

The Bonus Buy feature — also called "feature buy" or "buy-a-bonus" — lets you pay a fixed price to jump straight into a slot’s bonus round or free-spins feature instead of waiting to trigger it from base-play. Prices are usually shown as a multiple of your current stake (for example, 50x or 100x your bet), and the feature launches instantly after payment. It’s a shortcut: you trade time and volatility for a predictable cost to reach the most lucrative part of a game.

Who offers Bonus Buys and where you’ll see them

Several modern slot providers make feature buys available, especially studios that design high-variance, bonus-driven games. Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming, Push Gaming, and Relax Gaming commonly include the option. By contrast, legacy providers such as NetEnt rarely give players a buy option. If you want to test a specific title, check the game’s paytable or info screen — it will show whether a buy is available and the exact cost. For example, you can read more on Ocean Fantasy Slots to see how Pragmatic Play structures bonus rounds and free spins.

Why players like Bonus Buys — and the downsides you should expect

Players use Bonus Buys to shortcut long losing streaks, experience a game’s best features on demand, and chase bigger wins in a shorter session. That appeal comes with downsides: feature buys increase variance and can drain your bankroll quickly if you don’t control stakes. They also remove the "fun of the chase" and can magnify losses because you’re paying a concentrated price to play a high-variance round.

How buying a bonus affects RTP, volatility, and expected value

Buying a bonus does not change a game’s published RTP, but it changes how that RTP is realized in sessions. The effective session RTP when using buy options depends on the buy price versus the statistical value of the bonus round. If the buy price closely matches the average return of the bonus, the long-term RTP stays similar; if the price is higher, your expected value (EV) drops. Because bonus rounds typically have wide payout swings, the buy option increases short-term variance even if average returns align with the stated RTP.

What casinos and bonus terms usually say — things to watch for

Casinos treat feature buys differently under bonus and wagering rules. Common restrictions include:

• Feature buys may be disallowed while playing with bonus funds, or they may void your bonus.
• Wagering contributions usually exclude feature-buy amounts, or count differently than normal spins.
• Some operators impose minimum deposit rules or max cashout caps tied to promotional funds. Always read the bonus terms and the game info before you buy. Many casinos require you to complete wagering before withdrawals, and bonus abuse policies can lead to withheld winnings. If you play at multi-provider sites, check each provider’s rules too. For a general example of a casino with a wide provider list, see Box24 Casino, which lists Pragmatic Play among its studios.

State regulations and legal considerations in the USA

There’s no federal ban on feature buys in states that have regulated online slots; availability is set by platform operators and, in some cases, by state regulators. In regulated markets, casinos choose whether to enable or disable buys for specific titles. Always confirm whether a licensed, regulated operator in your state offers the buy option, and check local T&Cs to ensure the feature is legal and supported where you play.

How to decide whether to buy — a simple checklist

Before you use a Bonus Buy, run through this checklist:

• Know the exact buy price and how many spins it gives you, if applicable.
• Check the game’s paytable or provider notes for variance and potential max wins.
• Verify whether bonus funds or free spins exclude feature buys.
• Set a strict budget and treat each buy like a standalone bet, not a series of normal spins.
• Consider testing the bonus through demo play or small, controlled buys to estimate outcomes.

Quick EV math you can use at the table

You don’t need advanced stats to get a feel for value. If a bonus buy costs 100x your base bet, and the average payout from that bonus round historically returns roughly 120x, the buy may offer positive expectation in the long run. If the average is closer to 80x, the buy is a negative-EV play. When averages aren’t published, use small-sample testing and bankroll limits to avoid big surprises.

Bankroll tips and safer approaches

Treat feature buys like high-risk plays. Limit them to a small percentage of your session bankroll, such as 1–3% per buy, and cap the number of buys per session. If you’re chasing larger wins, scale bets down so a single buy can’t wipe out your session. Use deposit limits and time-outs on regulated sites to keep control, and avoid buying when you’re fatigued or chasing losses.

How bonus buys interact with common promotion types

Some promotions, like no-deposit free spins or match-deposit welcome offers, come with wagering rules that exclude special actions. Typical patterns include:

• No-deposit free spins: winnings subject to a wagering multiple and may not allow feature buys.
• Deposit-match bonuses: providers often require a minimum deposit and may make feature buys ineligible until wagering is met.
• Free-spin and seasonal promos: check whether free or promotional spins can trigger or be used in the bonus round you’d buy. Understanding how a promotion’s wagering and eligible games list works will keep you from accidentally voiding bonus funds.

Final thoughts: use Bonus Buys intentionally, not impulsively

The Bonus Buy feature can be a powerful tool for players who understand cost, variance, and the specific game mechanics. It’s ideal for short sessions, streaming showcases, or players who prefer paying for immediate action. It’s not a guaranteed shortcut to profit, and responsible management is essential. Read the game info, check casino terms, set limits, and remember that the smartest play is a controlled one that protects your bankroll and keeps gaming fun.