Bonus Buy Feature Explained: How They Work and The Top 5 Games To Play

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Last updated: 15 January 2025

9 min

Waiting for video slots to launch their exciting bonus rounds can sometimes be a bore. Thankfully, some clever software providers created the Bonus Buy feature, that lets you fast-forward to the good bits.

The Bonus Buy feature revolutionises online pokies by letting players skip the wait and dive straight into the action of free spins or bonus rounds. Instead of spinning for the perfect combination, you can pay a set amount to trigger the game’s most exciting features instantly.

We’ll break down exactly how this feature works, uncover why it’s become a must-try for players, and showcase the top games that do it best. Whether you’re chasing free spins, jackpots, or multipliers, this guide has everything you need to make your next Bonus Buy spin unforgettable. Ready to unlock the secrets behind this game-changing feature?

Let’s get started!

What is a Bonus Buy Feature?

The Bonus Buy feature, also known as a Feature Buy, lets you skip straight to the most exciting parts of an online pokie—bonus rounds like free spins, multipliers, or jackpots. Instead of waiting for the perfect combination of symbols, you can pay a set price to trigger these features instantly.

The cost is typically 100x your stake, but it can vary by game, often ranging from 50x to 200x your stake. For example, if you’re betting $0.30 per spin, a Bonus Buy priced at 100x would cost you $30. Think of it as fast-tracking your way to the game’s biggest thrills.

Some Bonus Buys even influence the game’s RTP (Return to Player).

What makes this feature even more appealing is the control it gives you. Hate waiting for random triggers? Want to dive straight into the action? The Bonus Buy puts you in charge. Just be prepared—this is a high-risk, high-reward move that can lead to epic wins or the sting of a loss.

How The Bonus Buy Feature Works

Once you’re in a Bonus Buy-enabled pokie, look for the Bonus Buy button—it’s usually located near the spin or autoplay buttons. Clicking this will bring up a menu displaying the cost to activate the bonus feature, often expressed as a multiple of your current stake.

For example, if the cost is 100x your bet and you’re wagering $0.30 per spin, the Bonus Buy will cost you $30. The price can vary depending on the game and the feature—some offer cheaper options starting at 50x your stake, while others go up to 200x or more for premium features.

When and How the Bonus Buy Option Becomes Available

The Bonus Buy option is typically available as soon as you start playing a pokie, with the button visible on the main screen. It’s usually located near the spin or autoplay buttons, clearly marked with labels like Buy Bonus or Feature Buy. However, there are nuances depending on the game:

Always Available: In most pokies, the Bonus Buy button is present throughout the game, allowing players to purchase the feature at any time. For example, in Sweet Bonanza by Pragmatic Play, the button remains accessible from the first spin.
Base Game Dependent: Some games tie the availability of the Bonus Buy feature to specific conditions. For instance, certain pokies may require a minimum bet level before the Bonus Buy becomes active. Others might disable the feature temporarily if you’ve just completed a bonus round, giving the base game time to reset.
Dynamic or Conditional Options: In a few pokies, the Bonus Buy button becomes more prominent during low-action moments. For example, in Fire in the Hole xBomb by Nolimit City, the button subtly signals players when the base game isn’t delivering frequent wins, encouraging them to consider the feature.

How to Activate the Bonus Buy

Locate the Button: The Bonus Buy button is easy to spot, often highlighted with bright colours or animations to draw attention. Clicking it will open a pop-up menu showing:
- The cost of the feature (e.g., 100x your current stake).
- Bonus options, if the game offers multiple tiers or types of bonus rounds.
- Choose Your Option: Some games, like Deadwood by Nolimit City, let you choose between low-risk and high-risk bonuses, while others, like Money Train 2, offer a single, all-in bonus round. For games with a Mystery Bonus Buy option, you’ll pay a set amount to spin for a random tier.
Confirm and Play: Once purchased, the game skips the base spins and sets the reels directly for the bonus round. This transition is often accompanied by flashy visuals, such as symbols locking in place or backgrounds changing to indicate you’re entering high-stakes gameplay. For example, in Sweet Bonanza, colourful tumbling reels kick off the free spins, while Money Train 2 shifts to the intense Money Cart round.

Understanding Cost vs Reward of The Bonus Buy Feature

The cost-versus-reward dynamic in Bonus Buy features refers to the balance between how much you pay to trigger a bonus round and the potential rewards you can gain from it. Games often offer varying price points for Bonus Buys, with each price tied to different levels of risk and reward:

High-Priced Bonus Buys: These typically unlock bonus rounds with advanced features, such as higher multipliers, additional free spins, or enhanced symbols. While they offer the potential for substantial payouts, the cost is significantly higher, meaning you’re risking more upfront for a chance at bigger rewards. However, there's no guarantee of a high return, so the stakes are much higher.
Lower-Priced Bonus Buys: These are more affordable and may grant access to standard bonus rounds with fewer enhancements or lower payout caps. While the risk is lower, the potential rewards are often smaller. These options are a safer bet for players who want to try the feature without committing to a large investment.

The choice boils down to your risk tolerance and playing style. High-priced options are suited to players who are comfortable with volatility and seeking massive wins, while lower-priced buys appeal to those looking for consistent, smaller-scale rewards. Understanding this dynamic helps you choose the option that aligns with your goals and budget.

How RTP is Influenced

Certain games increase the RTP when you use the Bonus Buy feature. For instance:

Hellcatraz: RTP increases to 96.88% when the Bonus Buy is activated.
Money Train 2: RTP remains consistent at 96.40%, ensuring balanced value for your purchase.

Before you buy, check the game’s info screen to see if the RTP changes—it’s a key indicator of value.

Top 5 Pokies With Bonus Buy

There is a heap of bonus buy slots. But working out the ones that not only pack the best value punch but also bring the most excitement can be a challenge.

That’s where we come in. Instead of navigating through a sea of subpar slots and poor pokies, our team of experts have done the leg work for you, identifying some of the best pokies in the business.

Here are our favourite bonus buy pokies where you can win real money - fast.

1. Money Train 2

Relax Gaming’s Money Train 2 is a crowd favourite for players who love high-volatility action and massive win potential. Its Bonus Buy feature is one of the most popular in the industry, delivering instant access to the explosive Money Cart Bonus Round.

Money Train 2 is an action packed high volatility game..

Feature Mechanics:

The Bonus Buy costs 100x your current stake, a straightforward option that guarantees entry into the bonus round. Once purchased, you’ll start with three spins, which reset every time a new symbol lands. The feature ramps up quickly as special symbols like Persistent Payer and Persistent Collector appear, building multipliers and payout potential.

Payout Potential and Frequency:

The Money Cart Bonus Round can deliver up to 50,000x your stake, one of the most lucrative payouts in the online pokie world. To hit this jackpot, you’ll need to combine Persistent symbols—like the Persistent Collector or Payer—and multipliers that stack exponentially.

For example, a modest $1 bet could net you a staggering $50,000 if you maximise the feature’s potential. While hitting the maximum is rare, the consistent flow of smaller multipliers and symbol rewards keeps the bonus round thrilling and rewarding even at lower stakes.

Price Point Insights:

While the cost is steep at 100x, it’s balanced by the potential to win up to 50,000x your stake. This Bonus Buy suits players with a higher risk tolerance who value consistent access to the game’s most exciting feature. It’s also worth noting that Money Train 2 maintains its high RTP of 96.40% during the Bonus Buy, making it a reliable option for those chasing big wins.

Visuals and Sounds:

Activating the Bonus Buy whisks you into the Money Cart Bonus Round, with a steampunk aesthetic that intensifies as symbols lock into place. The suspenseful soundtrack and clanking metal effects amplify the adrenaline of every spin.

Why It Stands Out:

The dynamic interplay of Persistent symbols and massive win potential makes this one of the most rewarding Bonus Buys on the market. For players who enjoy the thrill of high volatility, Money Train 2 delivers every time.

2. Giza Infinity Reels

ReelPlay’s Giza Infinity Reels combines the innovative Infinity Reels mechanic with a Bonus Buy feature that takes you straight to its high-energy Free Spins round.

Feature Mechanics:

The Bonus Buy costs 75x your stake, making it one of the more affordable options on this list. Triggering the Free Spins round allows you to build a progressive multiplier with every winning spin, which increases with every new reel added.

Payout Potential and Frequency:

The Free Spins Round in Giza Infinity Reels can yield payouts of up to 10,000x your stake, with its progressive multipliers doing the heavy lifting. Each winning spin adds a new reel and increases the multiplier, creating a chain reaction that can quickly escalate your rewards. If you’re betting $0.50 per spin, the maximum potential win reaches an impressive $5,000.

The Infinity Reels mechanic makes it possible to extend gameplay for longer streaks, giving you a realistic chance at solid mid-tier wins, even if you don’t reach the upper payout limits.

Price Point Insights:

The lower entry cost of 75x makes this a great option for players who want to experiment with Bonus Buys without committing to a high-risk purchase. With its RTP boosted to 96.45% during the Bonus Buy, you’re playing with better odds than in the base game. This is a perfect pick for players looking to balance cost with solid win potential.

Visuals and Sounds:

The Bonus Buy takes you deeper into Giza’s mystique, with glowing Egyptian symbols and an atmospheric soundtrack that builds with each reel expansion.

Why It Stands Out:

The combination of an affordable price point and the chance to extend gameplay through Infinity Reels makes this Bonus Buy both accessible and rewarding.

3. Punk Rocker xWays

Nolimit City’s Punk Rocker xWays blends edgy visuals with innovative mechanics like xWays and Jumping Wilds. Its Bonus Buy feature gives players direct access to its unpredictable and high-volatility free spins modes.

The Punk Rocker pokie is a high-risk, high-reward option for thrillseekers.

Feature Mechanics:

You’ll have multiple Bonus Buy options, ranging from 80x to 238x your stake, depending on the free spins mode you choose. Lower-tier options offer straightforward free spins with Jumping Wilds, while higher-tier purchases unlock xWays multipliers and extended win possibilities.

Payout Potential and Frequency:

The bonus rounds in Punk Rocker xWays offer win potential of up to 15,000x your stake, depending on the tier you choose. The higher-priced 238x option unlocks the most lucrative free spins mode, where xWays multipliers and Jumping Wilds combine for explosive results.

For a $1 bet, that’s a maximum payout of $15,000. While the volatility is high, meaning big wins are less frequent, the consistent interplay of expanding symbols and multipliers ensures that smaller wins occur regularly, keeping the excitement alive throughout the bonus round.

Price Point Insights:

The tiered pricing lets you tailor the risk to your comfort level. The 80x option is ideal for players trying out the feature for the first time, while the 238x premium tier is for seasoned players chasing maximum rewards. Keep in mind that the RTP increases to 96.54% for Bonus Buys, regardless of the tier, ensuring you’re always getting solid value.

Visuals and Sounds:

Expect anarchic visuals with graffiti-covered reels and a punk-rock soundtrack that amps up during the bonus rounds, creating a chaotic yet thrilling atmosphere.

Why It Stands Out:

The flexibility of price points and the chaotic energy of the game mechanics make Punk Rocker xWays a favourite for players who enjoy high volatility with customisable stakes.

4. Millionaire Mystery Box

Big Time Gaming’s Millionaire Mystery Box adds a strategic twist to its Bonus Buy feature, allowing players to skip directly to its exciting free spins round with escalating multipliers.

Feature Mechanics:

The Bonus Buy costs 80x your stake and guarantees access to the Free Spins round, where multiplier boxes appear on the reels to boost payouts.

Payout Potential and Frequency:

Big Time Gaming’s Millionaire Mystery Box delivers a top payout of 12,000x your stake through its free spins round. With multiplier boxes boosting payouts, a $1 bet could translate into a $12,000 jackpot.

Hitting the maximum requires landing multiple multipliers and chaining wins during the bonus, making the feature both strategic and exciting. For those aiming for smaller, consistent returns, the game’s frequent activation of multiplier boxes ensures steady rewards, even if the jackpot remains elusive.

Price Point Insights:

At 80x, this Bonus Buy is an affordable entry point compared to higher-priced options in other games. With its RTP holding steady at 96.64%, it’s a great pick for players who want frequent access to a feature-rich bonus round without overspending.

Visuals and Sounds:

Activating the Bonus Buy intensifies the visuals, with golden mystery boxes glowing on the reels and a high-energy soundtrack that reflects the rising stakes.

Why It Stands Out:

The lower cost and focus on multipliers make Millionaire Mystery Box a budget-friendly option for players seeking steady action and frequent payouts.

5. Fat Santa

Push Gaming’s Fat Santa offers light-hearted gameplay with a Bonus Buy feature that lets you dive straight into the festive fun of its free spins round.

Get into the Xmas spirit early with the Fat Santa pokie game.

Feature Mechanics:

The Bonus Buy costs 80x your stake, granting instant access to the free spins round where Santa collects Wild Pies to grow in size and increase payouts.

Payout Potential and Frequency:

The Fat Santa Bonus Buy feature offers a maximum payout of 6,400x your stake, achieved by filling the reels with Santa and his Wild Pies during the free spins round. For a $0.50 bet, this means you could win up to $3,200.

While reaching the top prize requires fully expanding Santa, the game’s medium-to-high volatility ensures that mid-tier wins—driven by Wild Pie collections—happen more frequently. The cheerful gameplay and satisfying visuals make every spin engaging, even when chasing smaller payouts.

Price Point Insights:

At 80x, this Bonus Buy is an affordable way to experience the game’s charming mechanics. However, keep in mind that Fat Santa is a medium-to-high volatility game, so wins during the bonus round can vary widely. With an RTP of 96.45%, it offers a fair return for players who enjoy whimsical yet rewarding gameplay.

Visuals and Sounds:

Santa expands with every Wild Pie he collects, creating visually fun and rewarding animations. The cheerful soundtrack and festive sound effects make every spin feel like a holiday celebration.

Why It Stands Out:

The combination of a reasonable price point and playful mechanics makes Fat Santa a standout for casual players who want to enjoy Bonus Buys without high stakes.

Types of Bonus Buy Slots

Standard Bonus Buy

The Standard Bonus Buy is the most straightforward option, allowing you to access a game’s main bonus round or free spins by paying a fixed price, usually 100x your stake. Once activated, you skip directly to the bonus without needing to trigger it through base game spins.

How It Works:

Cost is consistent across all stakes, offering a simple way to access the feature.
The bonus round usually includes the game’s standard mechanics, such as multipliers, cascading reels, or sticky wilds.

Example Gameplay:
This type is common in games where free spins are the highlight. For instance, if a game’s free spins include multipliers up to 20x, paying for the Bonus Buy gives you instant access to that high-reward potential.

Who It’s For:
Players who want predictable costs and rewards, focusing on steady gameplay with moderate risks.

Mystery Bonus Buy

The Mystery Bonus Buy introduces an element of chance to your purchase. Instead of paying for a specific bonus, you pay a fixed price to spin for a random feature tier. The result could be a lower-level bonus or a high-value premium round.

How It Works:

You pay a fixed amount (e.g., 60x your stake) for a random chance at one of several bonus levels.
The odds of landing the premium feature are usually displayed, helping you assess the risk.

Example Gameplay:
This type often includes a gamble element, where the game’s interface shows the odds of each possible outcome, such as 50% chance of a basic round or 10% chance of a premium round.

Who It’s For:
Players who enjoy high-risk, unpredictable gameplay and are comfortable with the possibility of getting a less rewarding feature for the chance at a premium one.

Tiered Bonus Buy Options

Tiered Bonus Buys offer multiple price points, each unlocking a different level of rewards. Lower-priced tiers grant access to basic bonus features, while higher tiers activate enhanced mechanics such as higher multipliers, additional spins, or wild transformations.

How It Works:

Tiers are priced according to the features they unlock (e.g., 50x, 100x, or 200x your stake).
Higher tiers often come with greater volatility but increased payout potential.

Example Gameplay:
In games with tiered options, the premium tier might include features like wild reels or upgraded symbols, making it more rewarding than the standard round.

Who It’s For:
Players who want to customize their risk and reward levels. Premium tiers appeal to high-risk gamblers, while lower tiers suit more conservative players.

Progressive Bonus Buy

Progressive Bonus Buys allow the bonus round to evolve as it unfolds, with features like increasing multipliers, symbol upgrades, or persistent wilds enhancing the payout potential over time.

How It Works:

The bonus round starts with a standard setup but includes mechanics that progressively boost rewards.
Features like sticky multipliers or expanding symbols build momentum, often leading to chain reactions of wins.

Example Gameplay:
A progressive Bonus Buy might begin with a 1x multiplier, increasing after each winning spin, and continue until the round ends, with no cap on the potential multiplier.

Who It’s For:
Players who want dynamic gameplay where the stakes and excitement grow as the feature unfolds.

Token Accumulation Bonus Buy

This unique type reduces or eliminates the cost of buying into a bonus round by allowing players to collect special tokens during base game spins. Over time, these tokens accumulate to offset the cost of the feature, or even grant free entry.

How It Works:

Special symbols appear during base spins and reduce the Bonus Buy price when collected.
Once enough tokens are accumulated, the bonus triggers automatically.

Example Gameplay:
In games with token accumulation, a counter shows how close you are to triggering the feature, giving players a clear incentive to keep spinning.

Who It’s For:
Players who prefer to minimize upfront costs and are willing to wait for gradual progress toward the bonus.

Bonus Buy with Enhanced RTP

Some games increase their RTP (Return to Player) percentage during the Bonus Buy, making the feature statistically more rewarding than playing the base game.

How It Works:

The RTP for the bonus round is higher than the base game, often exceeding 96%.
This can result in better overall returns in the long run, making the Bonus Buy a strategically valuable option.

Example Gameplay:
A game might increase its RTP from 94% in the base game to 96.88% during the bonus, giving players a clear mathematical advantage for using the feature.

Who It’s For:
Players who value statistical advantages and want to maximize their chances of long-term profitability.

Conclusion

The Bonus Buy feature appeals to players who want instant access to a game’s most rewarding and entertaining aspects. Whether you’re chasing massive jackpots or enjoying the thrill of a fast-paced free spins round, Bonus Buys eliminate the waiting game.

But it’s not just about convenience—Bonus Buys can also offer better odds. Many games increase their RTP during Bonus Buy rounds, giving you a statistical advantage. For example, Hellcatraz boosts its RTP by nearly a percentage point when the feature is activated, giving you more bang for your buck.

Ultimately, deciding whether to use a Bonus Buy depends on your playing style, budget, and appetite for risk. If you’re ready to take the plunge, knowing which games offer the best value can make all the difference.

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Ryan Anderson Pokies Expert

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Ryan is our resident pokies expert. Not only does he provide readers with the latest insights, innovations and technology news related to pokies, but he also knows all there is to know about pokies game developers.