Bonus Buy Feature: What You Need to Know
Bonus Buy has become one of the most talked-about options in modern online slots because it lets players skip base-game grind and go straight to the bonus round for a set price. For players who value control over variance and want immediate access to free spins or special features, it’s a compelling choice. Still, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution—understanding how it works matters more than ever if you plan to try it with real money.
How Bonus Buys Work — Simple Mechanics, Big Impact
At its core, a Bonus Buy is just what it sounds like: you pay a fixed cost to enter a slot’s bonus round instantly. The cost is usually shown as a multiple of the current bet, or as a fixed dollar amount. Typical ranges you’ll see are roughly 50x to 200x your base bet, though exact numbers vary by game and studio.
Important player points:
- The cost-to-reward trade-off changes volatility. A bought bonus concentrates risk into a single, higher-cost play.
- Check the paytable and the buy price before you hit the button—most games display the exact multiplier and the expected payout structure for the bonus round.
- Some games offer an “Ante Bet” as an alternative—pay a bit more per spin to raise the likelihood of hitting the bonus organically instead of buying it outright.
What Changes to RTP and Variance Mean for You
Bonus buys don’t magically change the long-term math of a slot, but they can alter the short-term experience. Developers sometimes publish a separate RTP for the bonus-bought path, or note that the effective RTP shifts when you use the feature. That matters because:
- Buying a bonus usually increases short-term variance. You either land a big prize quickly, or you lose the buy price.
- The expected return per dollar can be different when buying versus playing through regular spins. Always look at the game’s information screen and any published RTP numbers before paying.
Never assume buying equals better odds. The feature is about choosing a different risk profile, not guaranteeing better returns.
When Buying a Bonus Makes Sense — and When to Skip It
Buying a bonus fits particular player goals:
- Use it when you have a clear bankroll plan and want immediate access to big multipliers or a specific feature.
- Try it during promo windows that boost bonuses or when an operator offers matched plays, free credits, or reduced buy prices.
- Avoid it when you’re on a tight bankroll, chasing losses, or testing a new game without fully checking the buy price and RTP.
A practical rule: start small. Test with low stakes to measure how the buy performs, and track outcomes over multiple buys so you can judge whether the feature suits your playstyle.
Practical Tips for US Players at Betkin Casino
If you play at Betkin Casino, you’ll find Bonus Buy available on select titles and supported by a broad payments lineup, including Apple Pay, Visa, MasterCard, Google Pay, and major cryptos like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether. Betkin also lists a welcome offer—“100% up to 2000 USDT + 100 Free Spins” with a 35x wagering requirement—that can affect how you approach buying bonuses if you plan to use bonus funds on qualifying slot titles.
Things to check before you buy:
- Confirm that the specific game allows bonus purchases in your state; availability varies by jurisdiction and operator.
- Read the bonus terms and the game’s RTP info. Promotions and wagering rules can restrict which plays qualify.
- Use live chat or email support if anything is unclear—Betkin offers FAQ, chat, and email help at support@betskincasino.com .
Remember to gamble responsibly, and to treat bonus buys as a voluntary, high-variance choice. Terms and conditions apply to all offers and gameplay.
Real Game Examples: What to Try and Why
Pragmatic Play’s slots often include buy options and alternative ante features. For instance, Dragon King Hot Pots Slots includes a “Buy Bonus” and an “Ante Bet Feature,” plus an accessible mini slot machine bonus that can change outcomes quickly. If you prefer multi-line, regional-themed games with clear buy mechanics, Dragon King Hot Pots is worth checking out for how it presents its buy and bonus options—see the full review here.
For a different pace, titles like 8 Dragons Slots focus on free spins mechanics without a heavy buy emphasis, showing how some slots opt to keep bonus content tied to base-game progression instead. Read more about 8 Dragons at 8 Dragons Slots.
Using these examples:
- Try a small number of bought bonuses on Dragon King Hot Pots to understand the cost-to-reward balance.
- Compare outcomes from bought bonuses versus triggering free spins organically on similar games to see how RTP and variance behave in practice.
Bankroll Strategy and Responsible Play
Treat bonus buys as a high-risk tool. Set limits before you play, and decide in advance how many buys you’ll make in a session. Common-sense tips:
- Limit buy size to a small percentage of your overall bankroll.
- Avoid buying after a run of losses—stop and reassess.
- Use available support and account tools if you notice play becoming problematic.
Terms and conditions apply to all features and promotions. Availability of bonus buys depends on the game, software studio, and state rules, and outcomes are never guaranteed.
If you’re curious about Bonus Buy, start with low-stake tests, study the game’s paytable and RTP, and use operator tools and support to make informed choices. With the right approach, the feature offers speed and control—but it’s still gambling, so plan your plays and respect the limits you set.

