Bonus Buy Option in Slots – Complete Guide to How It Works, RTP, Volatility and Risk
The bonus buy option in slots is one of the most discussed features in modern online casinos available on games from many providers like Hacksaw Gaming. It allows players to purchase instant access to a bonus round instead of waiting for it to trigger naturally during base game spins. For many high volatility slot players, this feature completely changes how a session feels, how bankroll is managed, and how risk is experienced.
In this in-depth guide, you will learn exactly how the bonus buy option in slots works, whether it changes RTP, how it affects volatility, and whether it is actually worth using in the long run.
What Is the Bonus Buy Option in Slots?
The bonus buy option in slots is a mechanic that gives players direct entry into a bonus feature for a fixed cost. Instead of spinning the reels and hoping to land the required scatter symbols, the player pays a predefined multiplier of the base bet and immediately activates the bonus round.
This feature is common in modern online slots developed by providers such as Pragmatic Play and Relax Gaming. It is especially popular in games with high volatility and feature-driven mechanics.
The core idea is simple. You exchange time and uncertainty for instant access and higher short-term risk.
How the Bonus Buy Option in Slots Works
When a slot offers a bonus buy feature, you will see a dedicated button in the game interface. The exact name may vary. It can be labeled as “Buy Bonus,” “Feature Buy,” or “Purchase Free Spins.”
After selecting the option:
• The game displays the cost of the bonus
• The price is usually between 50x and 100x your base bet
• You confirm the purchase
• The bonus round starts immediately
The cost and rules are fully defined by the game provider. You can always find them inside the information or paytable section.
For example, if you are playing with a €1 base bet and the bonus buy costs 80x, you will pay €80 to trigger the feature instantly.
Importantly, the outcome of the bonus round remains random. The purchase does not guarantee a win.
Image: Cluster Tumble by Relax Gaming -> more about this slot here
Does Bonus Buy Change RTP?
One of the most common questions is whether the bonus buy option in slots increases your chances of winning.
The short answer is no.
RTP, which stands for Return to Player, is a long-term mathematical percentage built into the game. Independent testing laboratories such as eCOGRA audit these games to ensure they follow the declared RTP model.
In many cases:
• The RTP of the bonus buy is equal to the overall game RTP
• Sometimes it is slightly lower
• Rarely it is marginally higher
However, even if the RTP remains technically the same, the volatility experience changes significantly.
You can read more about this in our internal guide on how RTP works in online slots, where we break down variance and payout distribution in detail.
Bonus Buy and Volatility Explained
Volatility describes how often and how large wins occur in a slot.
Low volatility slots pay smaller wins frequently.
High volatility slots pay less often but offer larger potential payouts.
The bonus buy option in slots compresses variance into a shorter time frame. Instead of slowly building toward a bonus through dozens or hundreds of spins, you jump directly into the highest variance part of the game.
This means:
• Wins can be large and fast
• Losses can be large and fast
• Bankroll swings are stronger
In practice, bonus buy feels more intense because you skip the lower risk base game phase.
If you are interested in high risk gameplay structures, see our article on high volatility slots and bankroll strategy.
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Bonus Buy vs Regular Spins
To understand whether bonus buy is suitable for you, it is important to compare it to regular gameplay.
Regular Spins
With standard spins:
• Bonus rounds trigger randomly
• You may need hundreds of spins
• Smaller base game wins may offset losses
• Sessions tend to last longer
Regular play spreads variance over time.
Bonus Buy Option in Slots
With bonus buy:
• The cost is known upfront
• The bonus activates immediately
• Sessions are shorter
• Variance is experienced instantly
From a mathematical perspective, both methods lead to similar long-term results. From a psychological perspective, they feel very different.
Bonus buy is more aggressive. Regular spins are more gradual.
Why Players Use the Bonus Buy Option in Slots
There are several reasons why players prefer using bonus buy.
1. Time Efficiency
Many players do not want to grind base spins for hours. Bonus buy allows immediate access to the feature that typically contains the highest win potential.
2. Content Creation and Streaming
Bonus buy is extremely popular among slot streamers. Instead of waiting for natural triggers, they can showcase multiple bonus rounds in a short session.
3. Clear Risk Structure
The cost is transparent. You know exactly how much you are risking before entering the bonus.
4. High Volatility Preference
Some players specifically enjoy high variance gameplay. Bonus buy delivers concentrated volatility.
Is the Bonus Buy Option in Slots Worth It?
The answer depends on your goals.
If your objective is long-term profit, bonus buy does not offer an advantage. The casino still holds the mathematical edge.
If your goal is short, intense entertainment with the possibility of large multipliers, bonus buy can provide that experience.
However, it is important to understand:
• Losses accumulate faster
• Emotional swings are stronger
• Bankroll depletion can happen quickly
In many sessions, a single bad bonus buy can erase multiple smaller wins.
Responsible Gambling and Bonus Buy Risk
Because the bonus buy option in slots requires a larger upfront stake, it carries increased financial risk.
Regulators such as the UK Gambling Commission have restricted or banned this feature in certain markets due to concerns about player protection.
To manage risk responsibly:
• Use smaller base bets
• Limit the number of bonus buys per session
• Set clear loss limits
• Avoid chasing losses
Bonus buy should never be treated as a strategy to recover money.
Are Bonus Buy Slots Fair?
Yes, provided you are playing at licensed casinos.
The outcome of the bonus round is determined by RNG, which stands for Random Number Generator. This ensures that:
• Results are unpredictable
• The casino cannot manipulate individual outcomes
• The game follows its programmed RTP
Even though access is instant, the randomness remains intact.
You can also check our review section on trusted online casinos with verified licensing, where we analyze security and fairness standards.
Bankroll Management When Using Bonus Buy
If you choose to use the bonus buy option in slots, bankroll management becomes even more important.
A common recommendation is to have at least 10 to 20 bonus buy costs available in your session bankroll. This does not guarantee profit, but it reduces the probability of immediate ruin.
For example:
If one bonus buy costs €80
A safer session bankroll might be €800 to €1,600
This allows variance to play out more realistically.
However, even with larger bankrolls, volatility remains high.
Common Misconceptions About Bonus Buy
There are several myths surrounding the bonus buy option in slots.
Myth 1: Bonus Buy Increases Win Chances
It does not increase mathematical probability. It simply removes the waiting phase.
Myth 2: Bonus Buy Guarantees Big Wins
Some bonus rounds can pay very little. There are no guaranteed multipliers.
Myth 3: It Is a Shortcut to Beating the Casino
The house edge remains.
Understanding these facts prevents unrealistic expectations.
When Should You Avoid Bonus Buy?
Bonus buy may not be suitable if:
• You have a small bankroll
• You prefer longer, slower sessions
• You are sensitive to rapid losses
• You struggle with impulse control
In such cases, regular spinning may provide a more controlled experience.
The Psychology Behind Bonus Buy
From a behavioral perspective, bonus buy taps into instant gratification. Instead of delayed reward through gradual spinning, it offers immediate stimulation.
This design increases engagement but also increases emotional intensity.
Players should recognize that speed does not change probability. It only changes how quickly results occur.
Final Thoughts on the Bonus Buy Option in Slots
The bonus buy option in slots changes how slots are played, not how they pay.
It provides:
• Instant access to bonus features
• Faster gameplay
• Higher short-term variance
• More intense sessions
It does not provide:
• Higher long-term RTP
• Guaranteed profits
• Reduced house edge
For experienced players who understand volatility and manage bankroll carefully, bonus buy can be an exciting feature.
For players seeking lower risk or longer sessions, regular spins may be more suitable.
Ultimately, the bonus buy option in slots is a gameplay preference, not a mathematical advantage. Understanding how it works allows you to make informed decisions and approach it responsibly.