The Fast Pass Guide to Bonus Buy Slots
Bonus buy slots are your Fast Pass to the wildest slot rides at the casino park. Instead of waiting in line to trigger the bonus round, activating the bonus buy feature lets you hop the velvet rope and barge into the main event, where the biggest and best prizes hide.
But before you hop the line, hang tight for just a second while we explain what bonus buy slots are, how the bonus buy feature works, and if they’re more “pro” than “con.”
Quick Overview
What “Bonus-Buy” Means
Bonus buy slots are games with a special feature that allows you to skip the base game and dive straight into the bonus round, where all the biggest goodies are kept.
Regular Trigger vs Bonus Buy
In a regular slot game, you spin and wait for the bonus round to trigger naturally, usually by landing three scatter or bonus symbols or triggering a special feature hidden in the base game. A bonus buy slot, on the other hand, allows you to press a button and hop directly onto the game’s star attraction.
How Bonus Buy Slots Work
Bonus Buy Slots work on a pay-to-enter deal. Whenever you wish, you can tap the “Buy Bonus” button (also sometimes called “Bonus Buy.”)and it’ll prompt you to pay a set amount. Each game sets its own price, often between 50x and 150x your current bet, depending on how grand the bonus is.
If you agree, your very next spin lands the correct symbols to trigger the bonus round. That spin is more of a formality because once you buy it, you’re already buckled in and guaranteed to enter, soaring through loops of sticky Wilds, multipliers, and extra large payouts – weee!
Is there a difference in features?
Nope! The bonus round you buy is the same one you’d get if you triggered it the regular way. It offers the same features, same goodies, and the same wild ride. The only thing that changes is how you get there. One path takes a bit of patience, the other is a shortcut.
The same applies to your chances of winning, RTP, and the Random Number Generator (RNG). None of that changes when you enter through the buy bonus feature.
This begs the question: is using the bonus buy worth it? Welp, that depends.
Pros & Cons of Playing Bonus Buy Slots
Bonus buy slots can be an awesome ride, but every shortcut comes with its perks and trade-offs. Here’s what to know before you hit “Buy Bonus” and flash your golden entry ticket.
Pros
- Instant Access: No waiting for the bonus round to show up. Hit the bonus buy button, and the feature begins on your very next spin.
- Better Use of Time: If you only have a 15-minute break, bonus buys help you make the most of it.
- More Control: Bonus buy makes gameplay feel more intentional and hands-on, especially if you’re chasing a specific goal, like winning the progressive jackpot or reaching the game’s max win.
- Greater Chances of Big Wins: Bonus rounds tend to be where the big multipliers, sticky Wilds, and jackpot chances hang out. If you skip ahead to the bonus round, you’re more likely to see a “heck yes!!” win than in the base game.
Cons
- Pricey Entry Fee: Most bonus buys range from 50x to 150x your bet. It’s a commitment upfront, especially if you’re playing with a smaller bankroll.
- No Warm-Up Wins: By skipping the base game, you miss out on small but steady wins that could help keep your balance afloat.
- Wins Aren’t Guaranteed: You’re guaranteed to enter the bonus round, but you’re not guaranteed to win.
- Not Always Available: Bonus buy features aren’t in every slot. You might need to dig through a few games to find the buy button.
(Oh! Would you looky here? We have a list of the best bonus buy slots already fleshed out. Enjoy.)
Bonus Buy Variations
While Bonus buy slots most often offer one straight ticket to the bonus round as-is, there are other variations to customize your experience, which you can use depending on your budget or play style.
Tiered Bonus Buy
Instead of offering just one bonus round, Tiered Bonus Buy Slots give you options. For instance, you might buy the free spins feature in a slot game, but you can choose different tiers.
The standard buy gives you 10 free spins, but for a higher price, you can choose an extra awesome version with a guaranteed scatter layout or better multipliers already in play. Each tier raises the price and potential for bigger wins.
Mini Packs
Mini-packs are smaller bonus rounds sold at a lower cost. These are ideal if you want a quick burst of bonus action without committing to a full-price feature. A mini-pack might be one spin in a hold-and-win round or a few free spins with limited extras. It’s just enough to catch a thrill during the gameplay without draining your balance.
Best Bonus Buy Slots
Want to jump straight into the action? Here are three of our favorite buy-bonus slots to get you started:
- X9999 Riches: Up to 100x your bet
- Tropical Elvis: 2 Bonus Games available
- Golden Johnn Rush: 5,000x your bet
Find all top 7 Bonus Buy Slot Games in our full guide here.
So… Are Bonus Buy Slot Games Worth?
Bonus buy slots are great if you want more control and crave skipping the wait, but they come with a price tag, and wins aren’t guaranteed. If you use the bonus buy option, be sure to have a sufficiently large bankroll.
