At Tonybet, we know that keeping our players happy and entertained with a variety of slot games is important. We’re always looking for ways to enhance playing experience and increase chances of winning, and one standout feature that has gained significant popularity in recent years is the Bonus Buy slot option.
Novice players discovering Megaways slots may be wondering what this slot option is. But we’ll unpack all there is to know about Bonus Buy slots, the common features, and some helpful tips and tricks to help you navigate the games.
What does Bonus Buy mean?
The term “Bonus Buy” refers to slots that allow players to access a bonus round at the end of the game, at an added cost.
By purchasing the round, players can access a bonus round instantly rather than waiting for it to be triggered through regular gameplay. By providing an alternative to the usual spin-based mechanics, Bonus Buy slots jump straight into the game’s bonus features without the unpredictability of standard spins.
Typically, providers encourage you to “boost your bet” with the Bonus Buy option. Here, you can pay around 50-100x the bet to trigger the bonus round. However, it’s important to note that each game provider will create Bonus Buy slots differently.
Common types of bonus features
Bonus features are an essential part of the slot games we know and love, adding engaging gameplay, variety, and the potential for bigger payouts. Whether these are found in slots, table games, or live dealer experiences, bonus features keep players engaged by introducing unique twists that enhance the standard gameplay. The most common features are:
- Free Spins
- Wilds
- Multipliers
- Pick-and-win rounds
- Cascading reels
- Respins
- Gamble features
Let’s take a closer look at each feature and unpick what they have to offer.
Free Spins
One of the most popular bonus features is the Free Spins round. For the beginner players out there, here is how Free Spins work.
In Free Spins rounds, you spin the reels a set number of times without deducting from your balance. Often, these rounds come with additional features, such as multipliers that increase the value of your winnings or expanding symbols that improve the chances of hitting a significant payout. Typically, games require you to land specific scatter symbols to trigger free spins, which adds further interactivity.
Wild Symbols
Wild symbols substitute other symbols to create winning combinations. In some games, wilds appear as standard replacements. In others, providers introduce these symbols as sticky wilds that remain in place for multiple spins. Other variations include expanding wilds that cover entire reels or shifting wilds that move across the grid with each spin. These variations can influence a game’s volatility and potential rewards.
Multipliers
Like sticky Wilds, multipliers are a highly sought-after feature that work to boost the value of winnings. Some games use multipliers randomly during regular gameplay, while others integrate them into bonus rounds or free spins. Certain casino games also offer progressive multipliers that increase with each consecutive win or successful feature trigger. This has the potential to lead to some larger payouts.
Pick-and-Win Rounds
Another engaging feature found in slot machine games is the pick-and-win round. These bonus games allow players to select from a series of hidden prizes which reveal cash rewards, additional free spins, or other helpful perks. Typically, these rounds are triggered by landing a combination of special symbols and can give players a sense of control over their potential winnings. Some versions of pick-and-win rounds introduce elements of strategy, where choosing wisely can result in better rewards.
Cascading Reels and Avalanche Features
Cascading reels, also known as avalanche mechanics, work by removing winning symbols from the screen and replacing them with new ones. This move can potentially lead to multiple consecutive wins in a single spin.
This feature is common in many modern slots and is often paired with increasing multipliers or additional bonuses. It’s a dynamic, fast-paced element that makes the gameplay a touch more impressive with each spin.
Respins
Respins offer players an extra opportunity to land a win without placing an additional bet. Certain games grant respins when a specific symbol lands on the reels, while others incorporate sticky or expanding wilds that enhance the feature. Respins are often used in combination with other mechanics to keep the action going and can potentially increase the chances of triggering a major win.
Gamble Features
Some games offer a gamble feature which encourages players to stake their winnings for a chance to double or even quadruple the prize. These mechanics typically involve guessing the outcome of a simple event, such as the colour of a hidden card.
Be warned: while this feature adds a risk-reward dynamic, it requires careful consideration, as a wrong choice can result in losing all your winnings from that round. Remember to only bet what you’re willing to lose.
Progressive Jackpots
Progressive jackpots accumulate a portion of each bet placed by all players until one lucky individual lands the winning combo! Some games feature randomly triggered jackpots. Others tend to require a specific bonus round or symbol alignment to claim the prize. These jackpots can grow to life-changing amounts, making them one of the most exciting features in casino gaming, but these often happen few and far between.
How Bonus Slots Work
In a standard slot game, bonus rounds are triggered when you land a specific combo of scatter symbols. However, this can take time and patience, as the frequency of bonus round triggers varies from game to game. Bonus Buy slots remove this uncertainty by offering players the option to pay a fixed amount to enter the feature instantly. The cost of this purchase is usually a multiple of your current stake, often ranging from 50x to 100x the bet, though some games may charge a lot more for enhanced versions of the feature.
In a game that includes the Bonus Buy option, you’ll more than likely see a button labelled “Buy Feature” or “Buy Bonus.” By clicking the button, you can bypass the base game and proceed directly to the bonus round. The price for this varies depending on the game, as expected, with some requiring 50 times the base bet while needing 100 times or more.
Here’s a quick example:
If a game offers a Bonus Buy at 100 times the base wager and your bet per spin is £1, the cost to enter the bonus round directly would be £100.
Remember, purchasing the Bonus Buy round does not guarantee that you will win. It simply allows you to access the bonus round by skipping standard play.
Instant Access to Features
A popular selling point of Bonus Buy slots is the immediate access. Rather than spinning indefinitely in hopes of triggering certain features, you can opt to pay and jump straight into the action. This can be particularly appealing for those who prefer high-volatility gameplay, where the biggest wins often come from bonus rounds rather than regular spins.
Variations in Bonus Buy Options
As you begin to play a wider variety of slot machine games, you’ll notice that not all Bonus Buy slots offer the same type of feature purchases. Some games provide a single option at a fixed price, while providers ensure players can choose from multiple levels of bonus rounds.
In certain cases, the higher the bonus buy price, the higher the benefits of the round. For example, extra free spins, higher multipliers, or increased chances of landing premium symbols are on offer after purchase.
Some slots even feature a random element in the purchase, where you can pay a set amount to receive a randomly assigned level of bonus round.
Tips for playing the Bonus Buy round
Before spinning the reels, it’s important to understand how the bonus features operate. We’ve detailed each feature in this article, but check out our dedicated blog page for more information on how features work.
You should also understand that each slot has its own set of rules, with different ways to trigger bonuses and varying payout structures. Reading the game’s paytable can provide valuable insights into symbols, special features, and the conditions required to unlock bonus rounds. This can also help you understand if the game offers frequent but smaller bonuses or rare but highly rewarding features. These details can help set expectations for gameplay (otherwise known as Return To Player, or RTP).
Bankroll basics
Bonus slots often have high volatility, meaning payouts can be unpredictable. Effective bankroll management is essential, so set a budget before playing and stick to it.
Choose the Right Bonus Slot for you
Like most things in this world, not all bonus slots are created equal. Selecting the right one can make a big difference in the overall experience as some games focus on frequent, smaller rewards, while others offer high-risk, high-reward features. Understanding the volatility level can help you to determine whether a game suits your risk tolerance and bankroll.
Casino promotions
Online casinos frequently hand out promotions that include free spins or bonus funds that can be used on certain slot games. Taking advantage of these offers can extend playing time and provide additional chances to trigger bonus features. However, it’s always important to check the terms and conditions, as wagering requirements and game restrictions may apply.
Key takeaways
Bonus Buy slots offer an innovative way for players to access the most engaging parts of a slot game without the uncertainty of waiting for bonus rounds to trigger naturally. However, while the feature provides immediate access to the most rewarding gameplay elements, it also requires careful consideration of costs and potential returns.
By understanding the mechanics, researching the RTP, and using the feature strategically, you can help to make the most of Bonus Buy slot games while maintaining a responsible approach to your bankroll.
As with all forms of gambling, the key to enjoying Bonus Buy slots lies in balancing risk with entertainment. Set yourself a bankroll and stick to it. Only bet what you are willing to lose. And, when the fun stops, stop!
Explore Bonus Buy slots on Tonybet today!
