Bonus Buy Slots: Is Buying Free Spins Actually Worth It?

On many modern slots you can skip the wait and pay to trigger the bonus round instantly. These are bonus buy slots — sometimes called Buy Free Spins or Feature Buy — and they have become hugely popular. But is buying the bonus actually a good idea? This guide explains how the feature works, what it costs, and the trade-offs to weigh before you click “buy”.

What are bonus buy slots?

A bonus buy slot includes a button that lets you purchase direct entry to the bonus round — usually the free spins — instead of waiting to trigger it naturally. You pay a set price, expressed as a multiple of your current stake, and the game drops you straight into the feature. Popular examples include Sweet Bonanza, Gates of Olympus, Sugar Rush and The Dog House.

How much does buying the bonus cost?

The price is typically around 70x to 100x your base stake, though some high-volatility slots charge more. So on a £1 stake, buying the bonus might cost £80–£100. That is a significant outlay, and it is why bonus buys are best understood as a high-stakes way to play rather than a shortcut to easy wins.

Many bonus buy slots also have a slightly higher RTP when you buy the feature than when you play the base game, because the purchase price is factored into the maths — but the difference is usually small, and the variance is enormous.

Does buying the bonus improve your odds?

No. Buying the bonus guarantees you reach the feature, but it does not change what happens inside it. The free spins still play out randomly, and you can absolutely pay 100x your stake only to win back a fraction. Over many purchases, the outcomes average toward the game’s RTP, just with far bigger swings than normal play. In short, you are paying for access and excitement, not for better odds.

Pros and cons of bonus buys

Weigh these before using the feature:

• Pro: Instant access to the most exciting part of the slot.
• Pro: Useful for testing a slot’s bonus potential quickly.
• Con: High cost burns through a bankroll fast.
• Con: Extreme variance — many buys return little or nothing.
• Con: Encourages chasing, which is risky for responsible play.

Is bonus buy legal everywhere?

No. Several regulated markets restrict or ban bonus buys over responsible-gambling concerns — the United Kingdom prohibits the feature entirely, and some other jurisdictions have followed. Where it is available, treat it as a high-risk option: set a strict budget, never borrow against future spins, and walk away if it stops being fun.

Frequently asked questions

What does bonus buy mean in slots?

It is a feature that lets you pay a fixed multiple of your stake to trigger the bonus round instantly instead of waiting for it to occur naturally.

How much does it cost to buy a bonus?

Typically around 70x to 100x your stake, though some high-volatility slots charge more.

Is buying the bonus worth it?

It does not improve your odds — it trades money for guaranteed access and higher variance. It can be fun but is an expensive, high-risk way to play.

Why is bonus buy banned in some countries?

Regulators such as the UK ban it over responsible-gambling concerns, as it can encourage high-spend, high-risk play and chasing losses.

18+ only. Gambling should be entertainment, never a way to make money. Strategy and bankroll tips can improve your experience but cannot change the built-in house edge or guarantee wins. Only stake what you can afford to lose, set deposit and time limits, and never chase losses. If gambling stops being fun, take a break or seek support via BeGambleAware.org or your local responsible-gambling service.