Bonus Buy Feature: What You Need to Know
The bonus buy feature has revolutionized how players approach slot games, offering instant access to bonus rounds without waiting for natural triggers. This feature lets you purchase direct entry to free spins, pick-and-win games, or special bonus rounds for a predetermined cost, typically ranging from 50x to 200x your base bet.
How Bonus Buy Actually Works
When you activate a bonus buy, you're essentially paying a premium to skip the base game and jump straight into the most rewarding part of the slot. The cost varies significantly based on the game's volatility and potential payouts. High-volatility slots like those from Betsoft often charge 100x to 150x your bet amount, while lower-volatility games might only require 50x to 75x.
The math behind bonus buy features isn't arbitrary. Game developers calculate these prices based on the expected return-to-player percentage of the bonus round itself. You're paying for guaranteed access, but the outcomes remain completely random once you're in the bonus.
Popular Games Offering Bonus Buy
Many modern slots now include this feature, with providers like Betsoft leading the charge. Games such as Safari Sam Slots offer bonus buy options that take you directly to the Wild Adventure Bonus Round, bypassing the need to land three scatter symbols naturally. Similarly, Sugar Pop Slots allows players to purchase access to special color bomb features that would otherwise require specific symbol combinations.
The appeal is obvious – instead of spinning hundreds of times hoping for bonus triggers, you can experience multiple bonus rounds in quick succession. This is particularly attractive for players with limited time who want maximum entertainment value from their session.
Strategic Considerations for Players
Before hitting that bonus buy button, consider your bankroll management carefully. Since bonus buy costs are substantial multiples of your base bet, you'll burn through funds much faster than traditional play. A $1 base bet with a 100x bonus buy costs $100 per purchase – that's equivalent to 100 regular spins.
Smart players often adjust their base bet size when planning to use bonus buy features. If you normally play at $2 per spin, consider dropping to $0.50 when buying bonuses to maintain similar overall spending levels while experiencing more bonus rounds.
The timing of bonus buys also matters. Many experienced players use this feature when they've built up winnings from base game play, essentially using house money to purchase additional bonus opportunities. This approach helps protect your initial bankroll while still enjoying the excitement of frequent bonus rounds.
Understanding the Mathematics
Bonus buy features don't change the game's overall RTP – they simply redistribute when you receive that return. Instead of gradual wins punctuated by occasional big bonus hits, you're concentrating your variance into purchased bonus rounds. This creates a feast-or-famine scenario where you'll either hit significant wins or lose your bonus buy investment quickly.
The psychological aspect is equally important. Bonus buys can create an addictive cycle where players chase losses by purchasing more bonuses, believing the next one will recover previous losses. This thinking ignores the fact that each bonus round remains independent and random, regardless of previous results.
Availability at Different Casinos
Not all online casinos offer bonus buy features, even when the underlying slots support them. Some operators disable this functionality due to regulatory concerns or internal policies. MYB Casino, for example, offers several Betsoft slots with bonus buy capabilities, allowing players to access these features alongside their generous welcome bonuses like the 200% match up to $1,000 with code MYBC200.
The availability often depends on your jurisdiction as well. Some regulated markets have restrictions on bonus buy features, viewing them as potentially problematic for responsible gambling. Always check whether your preferred casino supports these features before planning your gaming strategy around them.
Maximizing Value from Bonus Purchases
When you do decide to buy bonuses, timing and game selection become crucial. Choose slots you understand well – games where you're familiar with the bonus mechanics and potential payouts. There's no point buying expensive bonus rounds in games where you don't understand the features or payout structure.
Consider the bonus round's average duration too. Some games offer lengthy free spin sessions with retriggering potential, while others provide quick pick-and-win bonuses that resolve immediately. Longer bonus rounds generally provide better entertainment value for your purchase price, even if the mathematical expectation remains similar.
Many players find success by setting strict limits on bonus buy spending – perhaps allocating 20-30% of their session bankroll to bonus purchases while reserving the remainder for regular play. This approach lets you enjoy the instant gratification of bonus rounds without completely abandoning traditional slot gameplay.
The bonus buy feature represents a significant shift in slot gaming, offering players more control over their experience while requiring careful bankroll management. Whether this feature enhances or detracts from your enjoyment depends largely on your playing style, risk tolerance, and understanding of the underlying mathematics involved.