Ultimate Guide to Bonus Buy Slots: Features, Popular Games, and More

Eddie Griffin

Written by: Eddie Griffin

Published:

Read Time: 10 minutes

Online slot gaming has evolved significantly over the years, with game developers such as RealTime Gaming, Betsoft, and others constantly introducing innovative features to enhance player experience. One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the introduction of bonus buy slots, also known as feature buy slots.

These games have revolutionized how players interact with online slot machines by offering immediate access to bonus features, rather than requiring players to wait for them to trigger naturally through regular gameplay.

This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about bonus buy slots. That includes their basic mechanics, advanced features, and helping you understand whether these games align with your playing style and preferences. With the information in this guide, you will be equipped to take on bonus buy slots at real money online casinos such as Wild Casino, DuckyLuck Casino, and Super Slots Casino.

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What Are Bonus Buy Slots?

Bonus buy slots are online slot games that allow players to purchase direct access to the game’s bonus features or free spins rounds instead of waiting for them to trigger naturally through standard gameplay. This feature essentially lets players skip the base game and jump straight into the most exciting and potentially rewarding parts of the slot.

At some sites, you will see the bonus buy slots labeled as such. At others, you may have to open the game to learn about the available features and any bonus rounds that you can potentially access.

When players choose to buy a bonus feature, they typically pay a premium of anywhere between 50 to 100 times their base bet. For example, if you’re playing at $1 per spin, accessing the bonus feature might cost you $50 to $100. This premium reflects the value of the bonus feature and the time saved by not having to trigger it naturally.

How Do Bonus Buy Slots Work?

The bonus buy mechanism is integrated directly into the game’s interface, usually appearing as a prominent button labeled “Buy Bonus,” “Feature Buy,” or something similar.

When players click this button, they are presented with the cost of the bonus feature and often given different options for the type of bonus they want to purchase.

Different Types of Buyable Features on Bonus Buy Slots

There are numerous ways game developers incorporate purchasable features into their games.

Here are some of the types of bonus features you may find when playing slots at top online casinos such as OnlineCasinoGames and Lucky Red Casino.

Common Purchasable Features

Free Spins Rounds with Multiplier Options

These are the most common type of buyable features, where players can purchase a set number of free spins. These rounds often come with various multiplier configurations that can significantly impact potential wins.

For example, some games might offer:

  • Basic package: 10 free spins with 2x multiplier
  • Premium package: 10 free spins with 3x multiplier
  • Deluxe package: 15 free spins with increasing multipliers up to 5x

Special Bonus Games with Guaranteed Wins

These features ensure players will win something during the bonus round, though the amount varies.

Common variations include:

  • Wheel of fortune style bonuses with minimum win guarantees
  • Pick’em games where every selection provides a prize
  • Progressive bonus rounds where wins build up over multiple stages
  • Collection features where players are guaranteed to complete at least one winning set

Enhanced Feature Rounds with Modified Game Mechanics

These bonus rounds introduce special mechanics that are not present in the base game, such as:

  • Expanded reels (often from 5×3 to 5×4 or larger)
  • Additional wild symbols or special symbols
  • Sticky wilds that remain in place for multiple spins
  • Symbol transformations where lower-value symbols upgrade to higher-value ones
  • Cascading reels with consecutive wins

Multiple Bonus Levels with Increasing Potential

These features offer various tiers of bonus rounds, each with escalating risk and reward potential:

  • Entry-level bonuses with moderate volatility and balanced payouts
  • Mid-tier features with enhanced win potential and added special symbols
  • Premium bonus rounds with maximum volatility and highest possible payouts
  • Progressive levels where reaching certain win thresholds unlocks additional features

Pick-and-Click Bonus Rounds

Interactive bonus games where players make choices to reveal prizes:

  • Symbol selection games with hidden multipliers
  • Multi-stage picking rounds with increasing prizes
  • Risk ladder features where players can gamble their wins
  • Collection games where picking certain symbols advances players to better prize levels

Customization Options for Bonus Buy Slots and Their Impact

Bonus buy features can come with a variety of customization options, and these customization options can impact your experience in different ways.

Number of Free Spins

Players can often choose from various free spin quantities:

  • Standard packages (8-12 spins)
  • Extended packages (15-20 spins)
  • Super-sized packages (25+ spins)
  • Each option typically comes with adjusted costs and potential returns

Starting Multiplier Values

Many games allow players to select their initial multiplier level:

  • Base multipliers (usually 1x or 2x)
  • Enhanced multipliers (3x-5x)
  • Super multipliers (10x or higher)
  • Progressive multipliers that increase with consecutive wins

Special Symbol Frequency

Players can often modify how often special symbols appear:

  • Standard frequency with balanced distribution
  • Enhanced frequency with more special symbols
  • Super frequency with maximum special symbol appearance
  • Each increase in frequency typically comes with a higher purchase price

Volatility Levels

Games may offer different volatility options within the bonus features:

  • Low volatility: More frequent but smaller wins
  • Medium volatility: Balanced between win frequency and size
  • High volatility: Less frequent but larger potential wins
  • Each level affects both the bonus cost and winning potential

Bonus Game Complexity

Players can choose different levels of bonus game intricacy:

  • Simple bonuses with straightforward mechanics
  • Advanced features with multiple winning opportunities
  • Complex multi-stage bonuses with various special features
  • More complex options typically offer higher potential returns but may cost more to activate

The Mathematics Behind Bonus Buy Slots

Return to Player (RTP) Considerations

Bonus buy slots often feature different RTP rates for regular play versus bonus buy features. While base game RTP might range from 95% to 96%, the bonus buy feature could offer a slightly higher RTP, sometimes reaching 97% or more. This increased RTP helps offset the premium paid for instant access to the bonus feature.

Risk and Volatility

Feature buy games typically come with higher volatility compared to regular slots. This increased volatility means that while the potential for significant wins exists, players should be prepared for more substantial bankroll swings.

The immediate access to bonus features also means faster gameplay and potentially quicker decisions about bankroll management. Therefore, it is important to begin with a plan and have a prepared and measured approach to gameplay.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bonus Buy Slots

Benefits of Bonus Buy Slots

  1. Immediate access to exciting bonus features
  2. No need to wait through potentially hundreds of base game spins
  3. Often higher RTP during bonus features
  4. Greater control over gaming experience
  5. Ability to experience multiple bonus rounds in a shorter time frame

Drawbacks to Consider

  1. Significant upfront cost for bonus features
  2. Higher risk due to increased volatility
  3. Potential for faster bankroll depletion
  4. May reduce the excitement of natural bonus triggers

Strategy and Bankroll Management for Bonus Buy Slots

Effective Bankroll Planning

Bankroll management is a key part of being a responsible gambler, and when playing bonus buy slots, it is crucial to adjust your bankroll management strategy to account for the higher costs involved. A general rule of thumb is to ensure you have enough funds for at least 20 bonus buys if you plan to focus on this feature.

This approach helps maintain sustainable gameplay and reduces the risk of depleting your bankroll too quickly.

When to Buy vs. When to Play Normally

Consider alternating between regular play and bonus buys based on your goals and bankroll size. If you’re looking to extend your playing time, regular gameplay might be more suitable.

However, if you’re specifically interested in experiencing bonus features or hunting for larger wins, the bonus buy option could be more appropriate.

Popular Bonus Buy Slot Games

For U.S.-based players, bonus buy slots can be found at some of the best online casinos. That includes Wild Casino, DuckyLuck Casino, and Super Slots Casino.

Are you interested in playing bonus buy slots at one of these sites or other online casinos that pay real money? Here are some of the games you might find:

  • Fruit Blitz: This fruit-themed game from Arrow’s Edge will draw in those who like a colorful experience. Volatility: Low.
  • Back to the 60s: Take a trip back in time with another engaging game from Arrow’s Edge. Volatility: Low.

Conclusion

Bonus buy slots represent an innovative development in online casino gaming. They offer players more control over their gaming experience and immediate access to exciting features. Similar to the way that blackjack side bets may add an extra dimension to your favorite American blackjack game, purchasable features in slots can add extra excitement and extra rewards beyond the base game.

But while these games can provide thrilling moments and the potential for significant wins, they require careful consideration of bankroll management and risk tolerance.

As the online casino industry continues to evolve, bonus buy slots are likely to remain popular among players. However, it’s essential to approach these games with a clear understanding of their mechanics, costs, and potential risks.

Just as you would with roulette, video poker, and other casino games, remember to always play responsibly, set clear limits for your gaming sessions, and choose games that align with your entertainment goals and financial comfort level.

Whether you decide to utilize bonus buy features or stick to regular gameplay, the key is to maintain a balanced approach that ensures your online gaming experience remains enjoyable and sustainable.

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Bonus Buy Slots FAQ

Are bonus buy slots worth the cost?
The value depends on your playing style and goals. While bonus buys offer immediate access to exciting features, they require a significant upfront investment. Consider your bankroll and risk tolerance before deciding if the premium price is worthwhile for your gaming experience.
Do bonus buy slots offer better chances of winning?
Bonus features often come with higher RTP rates, but this doesn’t guarantee wins. The increased volatility means you might experience larger wins or losses compared to regular gameplay.
How much should I expect to spend on bonus buys in bonus buy games?
Bonus buys typically cost from 50 to 100 times your base bet. For a $1 base bet, expect to pay between $50 and $100 for each bonus feature purchase.
Can I try bonus buy slots for free?
Many online casinos offer demo versions of bonus buy slots where you can test the features without risking any real money. This is an excellent way to understand the mechanics before using real funds.
What makes a good bonus buy slot?
Look for games with transparent RTP rates, multiple bonus buy options, and features that align with your preferences in terms of volatility and potential payouts.