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Bonus Buy Slots Everything You Need to Know

Bonus buy slots feature image of a slot machine with a bonus buy button and coins

What Are Bonus Buy Slots?

?Bonus buy slots offer a unique twist to traditional slot games by allowing players to purchase direct entry into the game’s bonus feature, usually a free spins round or other special game mode. This option eliminates the need to wait for the bonus feature to trigger naturally through regular spins, offering instant excitement and often higher potential payouts.

How Do Bonus Buys Work?

In most bonus buy slots, you’ll find a button or feature that enables you to buy into the bonus round. The cost varies depending on the game, typically calculated as a multiple of your current bet. Once purchased, you are taken directly into the bonus feature, such as free spins or a special mini-game, enhancing your chance of hitting bigger wins.

The Best Providers for Bonus Buy Slots

Several leading game developers have integrated the bonus buy feature into their slot offerings, making it easier for players to enjoy this thrilling gameplay style.

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    Pragmatic Play

    Pragmatic Play is a top-tier provider known for its wide array of innovative slots. Their bonus buy slots are among the most popular in the industry, offering diverse themes and exciting features.

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    No-Limit City

    No-Limit City stands out for its creative slot designs and unique mechanics. Their bonus buy slots often come with high volatility, appealing to players who enjoy the thrill of chasing big wins.

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    Hacksaw Gaming

    Hacksaw Gaming is a newer player in the market but has quickly gained a reputation for its engaging slot games. Their bonus buy options add an extra layer of excitement, especially in their high-potential games.

Best Games for Bonus Buys

Let’s delve into some of the most popular slots with bonus buy features from these providers.

Wanted Dead or a Wild (Hacksaw Gaming)

This Wild West-themed slot from Hacksaw Gaming is known for its intense bonus rounds. The bonus buy feature allows players to access exciting features like Duel at Dawn and Dead Man’s Hand without waiting.

Wanted Dead or a Wild online slot loading screen

Sugar Rush (Pragmatic Play)

This candy-themed slot is packed with sweet features, including a rewarding free spins round. By purchasing the bonus, you can instantly enjoy the game’s high-potential features.

Sugar rush 1000 slot loading logo

Mental (No-Limit City)

Mental is a dark, psychological slot with a high volatility that offers unique gameplay. Its bonus buy feature is perfect for players who are eager to explore its intriguing and potentially lucrative bonus rounds.

Mental slot loading screen

Why Choose Bonus Buys Over Regular Slots Gameplay?

There are several reasons why players might opt for bonus buy slots instead of sticking to regular gameplay:

  • Instant Access to Features: Instead of waiting for bonus rounds to trigger, players can dive straight into the action.
  • Higher Winning Potential: Bonus rounds often have enhanced win opportunities, making them more rewarding.
  • Time Efficiency: Bonus buys save time, especially for players who want to enjoy the most exciting part of the game without spinning through regular rounds.

 

The Cost of Bonus Buys and How They Vary

The cost of bonus buys can vary widely depending on the slot game and the bet size. Typically, they range from 50x to 100x your current bet. For instance, if you’re betting £1 per spin, a bonus buy might cost you between £50 and £100. This cost is directly proportional to the game’s volatility and the potential rewards in the bonus feature.
Some special feature buys can cost between 200x and 1000x your bet, these features are usually found on games with a high max win potential.

Bonus Buys with Bonus Funds

Bonus and Feature Buys May Be Excluded From Use While Using Bonus Funds or Free Spins Bonus

It’s important to note that many online casinos exclude bonus and feature buys from promotions involving bonus funds or free spins. This means you’ll need to use real money to activate these features, as wagering requirements may not apply to them. Always check the casino’s terms and conditions to understand any restrictions on bonus buy slots.

How to Maximise Your Experience with Bonus Buy Slots

While bonus buy slots can be thrilling, there are strategies and tips to help you get the most out of your gameplay.

Understand the Game Mechanics

Before purchasing a bonus feature, take time to understand the game mechanics. Each slot has unique rules and payout structures for its bonus rounds. Familiarising yourself with these can help you make more informed decisions on whether the cost of a bonus buy is worth the potential payout.

Start with Smaller Stakes

If you’re new to bonus buy slots, start with smaller stakes to get a feel for how the bonus rounds play out. This approach reduces risk while still allowing you to experience the excitement of bonus features.

Look for Games with Lower Bonus Buy Costs

Some games offer bonus buy options at a lower multiple of your bet. These can be a great way to enjoy bonus rounds without a significant investment. Keep an eye out for slots that offer bonus buys at around 50x your bet instead of 100x.

Use Responsible Gambling Practices

Bonus buy slots can be highly engaging, but it’s essential to manage your bankroll wisely. Set limits for how much you’re willing to spend on bonus buys and stick to them. Remember, while the potential rewards are higher, the risk is also greater.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bonus Buy Slots

Advantages of Bonus Buys:

  • Instant Gratification: Access bonus rounds immediately without waiting for them to trigger.
  • Enhanced Gameplay: Bonus rounds often offer more exciting gameplay with higher payouts.
  • Control: Players have control over when they experience the bonus features.

Disadvantages to Bonus Buys:

  • Higher Costs: Bonus buys can be expensive, sometimes costing up to 100x, 200x or 1000x your base bet.
  • Increased Risk: The upfront cost means that if the bonus round doesn’t pay well, you could lose a significant amount.
  • Not Eligible with Bonus Funds: Many casinos exclude bonus buy options from promotional offers.

The Evolution of Bonus Buy Slots

The introduction of bonus buy features marked a significant evolution in the world of online slots. Let’s explore how this innovation came to be and its impact on the industry.

The Early Days of Online Slots

Initially, online slots mirrored their land-based counterparts, with basic gameplay and occasional bonus rounds triggered by specific symbols or combinations. Players had to rely on luck to access these features, which could take numerous spins.

Introduction of Bonus Buy Features

As the online gaming industry advanced, developers sought ways to make gameplay more engaging and appealing. The bonus buy feature emerged as a solution, allowing players to skip the base game grind and jump straight into the action-packed bonus rounds. This innovation not only boosted player engagement but also introduced a new layer of strategy, as players could decide when to invest in a bonus buy.

Industry Impact

The bonus buy feature quickly became popular, leading more providers to incorporate it into their games. It has since become a standard feature in many modern slots, with varying costs and rewards tailored to different player preferences.

RTP and Volatility in Bonus Buy Slots

Understanding the relationship between RTP (Return to Player) and volatility is key when choosing bonus buy slots. These factors can significantly influence your gameplay experience and potential returns.

Volatility Explained

Volatility, or variance, refers to the risk level of a slot. High-volatility slots offer larger payouts but less frequent wins, while low-volatility slots provide smaller, more regular wins.

High Volatility

Slots like Mental (No-Limit City) offer high-risk, high-reward gameplay, making them suitable for players who enjoy the thrill of chasing big wins.

Low to Medium Volatility

Games like Sugar Rush (Pragmatic Play) offer more consistent payouts, ideal for players who prefer steady gameplay.

Balancing RTP and Volatility

While RTP gives an idea of the long-term payout potential, volatility determines how that RTP is distributed. For instance, a slot with an RTP of 96% could have high volatility, meaning you might experience long losing streaks before hitting a big win. Understanding these factors helps in choosing the right bonus buy slots for your playing style.

Availability of Bonus Buys and Feature Spins in Different Jurisdictions

While bonus buy features have gained popularity worldwide, their availability varies across jurisdictions due to differing gambling regulations. It’s important for players to be aware of these regional restrictions when choosing bonus buy slots.

Countries Where Bonus Buys Are Restricted

In certain countries, gambling authorities have imposed restrictions or outright bans on the bonus buy feature. These restrictions are typically aimed at promoting responsible gambling and reducing the risk of excessive spending.

United Kingdom

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has enforced regulations that limit or prohibit the use of bonus buy features. UK players may find that this option is not available in many of their favourite online slots.

Sweden

Similarly, the Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) has placed restrictions on bonus buy slots to curb gambling-related harm.

Countries Allowing Slots Bonus Buys

In many other jurisdictions, bonus buy features are widely available and remain a popular choice among players looking for a more immediate gaming experience.

Malta

Licensed under the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), many online casinos operating in this region allow bonus buy features.

Canada

Canadian players, especially those in provinces with regulated online gambling, often have access to slots with bonus buy options.

How These Restrictions Impact on Game Providers

Game developers often need to adapt their slot offerings to comply with regional regulations. In jurisdictions where bonus buys are restricted, providers may offer alternative versions of their games without the bonus buy feature or create entirely new games that adhere to local laws.

Checking Availability

Players can usually check the availability of bonus buy slots by reviewing the terms and conditions of their chosen online casino or by checking if the game is available in their country through the provider’s platform. It’s essential to ensure that any bonus buy features you intend to use comply with the regulations of your jurisdiction.

Bonus Buy Slots Available in Europe

In Europe, gambling regulations vary widely from country to country, affecting the availability of bonus buy slots in different ways.

Bonus Buy Slots in the UK

Regulation: The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) enforces strict rules to ensure fair play and responsible gambling.

Impact: Many game providers operating in the UK have removed bonus buy features from their slots. Instead, they may offer enhanced gameplay experiences that comply with UKGC standards, such as different bonus triggering mechanisms within the base game.

Bonus Buy Slots in Sweden

Regulation: The Swedish Gambling Authority (Spelinspektionen) focuses heavily on responsible gambling, limiting features that could promote excessive play.

Impact: In Sweden, bonus buy options are often disabled, pushing game developers to provide alternative features that maintain player engagement without encouraging high-risk behaviour.

Bonus Buy Slots in Germany

Regulation: Under the new State Treaty on Gambling 2021, Germany has implemented stringent controls on online gambling.

Impact: Bonus buys are generally restricted, similar to the UK, though some operators may find legal frameworks to offer modified versions of these features.

North America’s Stance on Bonus Buys

In North America, the situation is diverse, with regulations differing across provinces and states.

Canada

Regulation: Canada’s provinces regulate online gambling independently, with some offering more liberal gambling environments than others.

Impact: In provinces like Ontario, where online gambling is regulated, bonus buy slots are widely available. Players in these regions can enjoy the full suite of features provided by leading game developers.

Bonus Buy Slots in the United States

Regulation: Online gambling laws vary by state. While some states have fully legalised online gambling, others are still in the process of regulation.

Impact: In states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, which have regulated online casinos, players often have access to bonus buy features. However, in states where online gambling is not yet legal, these features remain inaccessible.

Australia and New Zealand

Both Australia and New Zealand have distinct approaches to online gambling, influencing the availability of bonus buy slots.

Australia

Regulation: The Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) governs online gambling, with strict prohibitions on certain types of gaming.

Impact: While offshore casinos may offer bonus buy slots to Australian players, local regulations can restrict such features. Players need to check the terms of service for each casino to ensure compliance with national laws.

New Zealand

Regulation: The New Zealand Gambling Commission oversees online gambling, with a relatively relaxed approach compared to Australia.

Impact: New Zealand players typically have access to international online casinos offering bonus buy slots, making it easier for them to enjoy these features.

Asia and Bonus Buy Slots

The Asian market is vast, with a mixture of stringent regulations and liberal online gambling environments.

Japan

Regulation: Online gambling in Japan is heavily restricted, though many Japanese players access international casinos.

Impact: Japanese players often turn to offshore online casinos that offer bonus buy slots, though they must ensure these platforms are reputable and safe.

Singapore

Regulation: The Remote Gambling Act strictly controls online gambling, with limited access to international casinos.

Impact: Players in Singapore face significant restrictions, with few opportunities to access bonus buy slots unless they use offshore services, which may not always be legal or secure.

The Use of VPNs for Accessing Bonus Buy Slots

VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, are increasingly used by players to bypass regional restrictions and access online casino features, such as bonus buy slots, that might be restricted in their home jurisdictions. While VPNs offer a solution for reaching otherwise inaccessible content, using them in the context of online gambling carries significant risks.

How VPNs Work for Slots Bonus Buys

A VPN allows users to connect to the internet through a server in a different location, masking their actual IP address and making it appear as though they are browsing from another country. This can be useful for accessing online casinos that offer bonus buy features not available in the user’s actual location.

For example: A player in the UK, where bonus buy slots are restricted, might use a VPN to connect to a server in Canada or Malta, where these features are allowed. This way, they can play as if they were in a region where bonus buys are accessible.

Benefits of Using VPNs

Access to Restricted Features: VPNs can help players access bonus buy slots that are otherwise unavailable in their country.

Anonymity: VPNs provide an additional layer of privacy, which can be appealing to players concerned about online security.

Risks Involved in Using VPNs

Breach of Casino Terms: Many online casinos explicitly prohibit the use of VPNs in their terms and conditions. If a casino detects a player using a VPN, it may lead to account suspension, the forfeiture of winnings, or even permanent bans.

Legal Consequences: Depending on the jurisdiction, using a VPN to access gambling sites can be illegal. Players risk facing legal repercussions, including fines or other penalties, if caught violating local gambling laws.

Unsecure Connections: Not all VPN services offer the same level of security. Using a low-quality or free VPN can expose players to potential cybersecurity threats, such as data breaches or malware.

Payment and Verification Issues: Even if a player successfully uses a VPN to gamble, they might face issues when it comes to withdrawing winnings. Casinos often require verification of identity and location during the payout process, which could lead to complications or refusal of payouts if discrepancies are found.

Proceeding with Caution

While VPNs can technically provide access to bonus buy slots, players should weigh the risks heavily before deciding to use one. It’s essential to:

Understand the Legal Context: Ensure that using a VPN for online gambling is not violating any local laws.

Read Casino Terms: Carefully review the terms and conditions of the online casino to understand the potential consequences of using a VPN.

Choose Reputable VPNs: If deciding to proceed, players should use trusted VPN services with robust security measures to minimise the risks of data breaches or other cybersecurity issues.

Use at Your Own Risk

The use of VPNs to access restricted gambling content, like bonus buy slots, should be approached with caution and a clear understanding of the potential repercussions. Players should prioritise compliance with local regulations and the terms of their chosen casinos to avoid legal and financial troubles. Engaging in online gambling responsibly and legally ensures a safer and more secure gaming experience.

Our Final Thoughts on Bonus Buys

Bonus buy slots offer a fast track to the most exhilarating parts of slot games, making them a favourite among players who seek immediate action and the chance for bigger wins. By understanding the costs, risks, and rewards associated with these features, you can enhance your slot-playing experience while making informed choices.

With top providers like Pragmatic Play, No-Limit City, and Hacksaw Gaming leading the way, the variety of bonus buy slots available ensures there’s something for every type of player.

Whether you’re spinning for fun or aiming for the jackpot, the right approach to bonus buys can make your gaming sessions more exciting and rewarding. Good luck and happy spinning!

FAQs

Bonus buy slots allow players to purchase direct access to a game’s bonus round or special features.

Pragmatic Play, No-Limit City, and Hacksaw Gaming are some of the best providers for bonus buy slots.

Popular games include Wanted Dead or a Wild, Gates of Olympus, Sugar Rush, and Mental.

They offer instant access to exciting features and higher winning potential, saving time compared to regular gameplay.

The cost usually ranges from 50x to 100x your current bet, depending on the game.

Bonus and feature buys are often excluded from bonus fund promotions. Check the casino’s terms before playing.

They can be worth it for players who want instant excitement and higher win potential, but they also come with higher costs.

Look for games from providers like Pragmatic Play, No-Limit City, and Hacksaw Gaming, which often feature bonus buy options.