Bonus Buy Slots: Smart Strategies for When to Buy (and Skip)

Bonus buy slots are a fantastic opportunity to cut straight to a game’s prime payout zone. But, like any big-ticket purchase, just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

In some situations, a bonus buy is the savviest splurge ever. Other times, it’s a shiny impulse buy followed by a pang of buyer’s remorse.

This guide will help you figure out when the bonus buy is worth the extra spend and when to say, “Not today,” and put it back on the shelf.

Find Quick Answers Here

• What You Should Know Before Buying Bonus
• When it Makes Sense
• When to Skip Bonus Buy
• Bonus Buy Checklist

3 Key Factors Before Buying the Bonus

Before we jump into a bonus buy, make sure you know how the feature works. If you need a refresher, take a quick detour. We’ll wait (pinky swear).

Great, now that we’re all here. There are three big factors to consider before taking the bonus buy plunge.

1. What Does the Bonus Round Really Offer?

Bonus buys usually run 50x to 200x your bet or more. That’s not chump change, especially if the bonus round underwhelms. Before buying, check what the bonus includes. Huge multipliers, stacked features, and access to jackpots are all good signs.

2. How Slot Volatility Impacts Bonus Buys

High-volatility slots can take a hot minute to trigger the bonus round. In that case, the bonus buy might be a tempting shortcut, especially if you’d spend that amount on regular spins to reach it anyway.

Low-volatility games tend to trigger bonuses more frequently and pay out smaller, steadier wins. In those games, the path to the bonus might be shorter and less risky, and waiting for a natural trigger is usually more efficient.

3. Play Intentions: Fun vs. Value

If you’re playing for entertainment and have the balance to spare, buying the bonus can be a more efficient way to chase the bag.

But, if you’re hoping to have a good time for longer, tread carefully. Bonus buys can quickly burn through your balance and cut the party short.

When Bonus Buys Make Sense

Yes, no, maybe so… When is the right time to go for the bonus buy? It’s not an everyday move, but under the right conditions, it can be a jackpot jumpstart in bonus buy slots. Here’s when it makes sense.

1. Playing High-Volatility Slots

If you’re already locked into a high-volatility slot and planning to stick around until you trigger the bonus, buying it might get you there faster with the same dent to your bankroll.

Just remember: being high volatility, by definition, means the bonus round will likely not pay out on the first try either.

2. Unlocking Jackpots or Exclusive Features

Some bonus rounds are the whole reason to play the slot. If the jackpot only unlocks in the bonus, or the round comes stacked with power moves like hundreds of retriggerable free spins or cumulative Wild multipliers, buying in could be worth the splurge, especially if you’re already betting on max.

3. Higher RTP with Bonus Buys

Some slots bump up the RTP when you buy the bonus round. Sometimes they do so mega generously by a whole percentage point or more. If the paytable confirms a higher return when buying in, that’s a green flag.

When to Skip the Bonus Buy

Much as we love ‘em, bonus buys aren’t always the way. Below are two common pitfalls where buying the bonus isn’t worth it.

1. Playing with Casino Bonus Funds

In most casinos, purchasing the bonus buy doesn’t count toward your wagering requirements. So, if you use money tied to a deposit bonus, a no-deposit bonus, or any other promotion, it can waste your funds without moving the needle on the play through.

2. Bankroll Risks and Dry Runs

Bonus buys are pricey, and they don’t promise a win. If your balance can’t take the hit of a low-paying or fully dud bonus, it’s smarter to stretch your playtime with regular spins, potentially staying afloat with base game wins along the way.

Top Tip: Manage your bankroll wisely – it matters more than the buy button.

Bonus Buy Checklist: Buy or Spin?

When you’re on the fence, use this checklist to get a quick reality check before you click. A little pause here can save your balance before you arrive at a dreaded “shoulda stayed…” moment.

1. Is the bonus round stacked with worthy features?

Think: multiple jackpots, ample free spins, cumulative Wild multipliers

→ Yes? Do it.

→ No? Don’t.

2. Is it a high-volatility game?

→ Yes? Do it.

→ No? Don’t.

3. Does the RTP increase with the buy bonus?

→ Yes? Do it. 

→ No? Don’t.

4. Are you playing with bonus funds?

→ Yes? Don’t do it.

→ No? Do it.

5. Can your bankroll handle a flop?

→ Yes? Do it.

→ No? Don’t.

6. What’s your goal: fun or value?

→ Fun? Do it.

→ Value? Don’t.

The Smart Way to Play Bonus Buy Slots

Bonus buys can be thrilling shortcuts to the best part of a slot, but they’re not always the right call. Use the checklist to guide your decision (weighing volatility, RTP, and your bankroll) and you’ll know when to buy and when to spin.

If you’re ready to put your strategy into action, head over to SlotsLV and try bonus buy slots for yourself.