Buy Bonus Feature in Online Slots
The “buy bonus” feature in online slots has become increasingly popular, changing the way players engage with their favorite games. This feature offers a shortcut to the bonus rounds, appealing to those who enjoy instant gratification and the excitement of higher volatility.
How the Buy Bonus Feature Works
Traditionally, activating a bonus round in an online slot requires landing a specific combination of scatter symbols during the base game. This process can often be lengthy, requiring many spins before finally hitting the bonus. The buy bonus feature provides an alternative, allowing players to bypass the base game and instantly access the bonus round for a predetermined price.
This feature is usually presented as a “Buy Bonus” button or tab, although some games might use different terms like “Feature Buy.” It’s important to distinguish between “Bonus Buy” and “Double Bonus” features. While both offer a way to increase the chances of triggering a bonus, they function differently. For instance, Gates of Olympus has a “Double Bonus” feature where players can increase their bet per spin to enhance the probability of triggering the bonus round, rather than directly buying it.
To activate the buy bonus, players typically click the designated button, which then displays the cost of the bonus. This cost is usually calculated as a multiple of the player’s current bet. Once the purchase is confirmed, the bonus round begins immediately.
Typical Costs and RTP
The cost of buying a bonus can vary significantly depending on the slot game and the specific bonus offered. In most popular bonus buy slots, the price ranges from 50 to 2,000 times the player’s current bet. This cost is determined based on the average cost of organically triggering the bonus round. In essence, when you buy a bonus, you’re essentially accepting a certain number of potentially unsuccessful spins in advance in exchange for immediate access to the bonus round.
While the RTP (Return to Player) of bonus buy slots is often comparable to the base game RTP, the maximum win potential might be lower due to the higher initial wager. For example, White Rabbit Megaways, one of the first slots to offer the bonus buy feature, has an RTP of 97.72% for the bonus buy.
It’s crucial to consider the potential downsides of using the buy bonus feature. The ease of accessing bonus rounds can be tempting, potentially leading to overspending and exceeding your budget. Additionally, if the bonus round doesn’t result in a significant win, it can be quite frustrating. This is particularly relevant for players with smaller budgets, as the cost of buying a bonus can be substantial.
| Feature | Description | Typical Cost | Example Slot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Spins | A set number of spins without additional cost, often with special modifiers. | 80x – 100x bet | Money Train 3 |
| Multiplier Rounds | Spins with increased win multipliers. | 60x – 90x bet | |
Different Types of Buy Bonus Features
While free spins are the most common type of bonus buy, some slots offer a menu with two or more bonus options for players to choose from. These options might include variations of free spins, such as those with different multipliers or added features, or entirely different bonus rounds like pick-and-click games or multiplier rounds.
Here are some examples of different bonus buy options:
Dancing Drums Prosperity: This slot offers the choice between “Free Spins” and “Growing Reels Free Spins,” each with a different cost and potential reward.
Sweet Bonanza: This slot offers an “Ante Bet” feature, which increases the bet per spin and enhances the chances of triggering the Free Spins bonus round.
Popular Slots with the Buy Bonus Feature
Many popular online slots cater to players who enjoy the buy bonus feature. Here are some notable examples:
- Gates of Olympus: This Greek mythology-themed slot offers a “Double Bonus” feature where players can increase their bet per spin for a chance to trigger the bonus round.
- Sweet Bonanza: This candy-themed slot offers an “Ante Bet” feature that increases the chance of triggering the Free Spins bonus round.
- Extra Chilli Megaways: This spicy-themed slot offers a Bonus Buy option for 50x the bet.
- Money Train 3: This Wild West-themed slot offers a variety of Bonus Buy options with different features and costs.
- The Dog House Megaways: This dog-themed slot offers a Bonus Buy option for 100x the bet.
- Dancing Drums Prosperity: This Asian-themed slot offers a choice between “Free Spins” and “Growing Reels Free Spins” bonus buy options.
- Dead or Alive 2 Feature Buy: This Wild West-themed slot offers a Free Spins bonus buy for 600x the bet level.
The buy bonus feature in online slots offers an exciting alternative to traditional gameplay, providing instant access to bonus rounds and the potential for bigger wins. However, it’s essential to understand the costs and potential risks before using this feature. Buying a bonus is essentially like accepting a number of potentially unsuccessful spins in advance, and it’s crucial to consider your budget and playing style before making a purchase.
Furthermore, it’s important to be aware of the volatility of a slot before using the buy bonus feature. High volatility slots with bonus buy options can lead to either significant wins or substantial losses. By carefully considering these factors and making informed decisions, you can enhance your online slot experience and potentially increase your chances of winning.
