Bonus Buy Feature: What You Need to Know
Bonus buy gives you the option to pay a fixed price to trigger a slot’s bonus round or free spins instantly, instead of waiting for the random trigger during normal play. It’s popular because it removes variance and lets players jump straight to the most exciting part of a game. But that convenience comes with trade-offs — higher cost, altered payouts, and extra terms to watch.
How the buy works in practice
When you choose a bonus buy, the game charges an amount tied to your bet size or a flat multiple of the base bet. Developers set that price based on the average cost of reaching the bonus round naturally and the expected value of the feature. Depending on the provider, the buy can be a simple multiple (for example, 100x your bet) or a sliding scale that changes with your stake.
Typical cost ranges and a simple math example
Costs vary widely by provider and game, but common ranges are roughly 50x to 500x your base bet. Here’s a clear example:
- If your base spin is $1 and the buy price is 100x, you pay $100 to unlock the bonus round.
- If the bought feature averages $120 in expected return over many plays, that may look profitable short-term, but variance and casino rules can change the real outcome.
Always view these numbers as estimates. The advertised RTP of a game may apply to standard play, not necessarily to purchased features.
Who offers bonus buys and availability in the US
Many large studios include buy mechanics, but availability depends on the provider and the casino operator. Studios listed at reputable casinos include Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Betsoft, and Microgaming, while others like Rival or BetConstruct may offer different bonus structures. Not every US-licensed site allows bonus buys, and state rules can affect whether the feature is offered. Check the casino’s game list and software partners before you play, and confirm your state’s regulations.
If you want to check a casino’s full offering and policies, review sites can help — for example, see our write-up of 7 Spins Casino for payment and support details and game libraries.
Pros: When a buy can work for you
Paying for the bonus round makes sense if you:
- Prefer immediate action over long grind sessions.
- Have a bankroll sized for big swings and want concentrated exposure to features.
- Play high-volatility slots where the bonus round holds most of the win potential.
Using the buy can speed up variance testing too: you’ll see how a bonus performs in fewer spins, which helps evaluate strategy quicker.
Cons: Cost, value traps, and hidden rules
There are several downsides to remember:
- The buy often raises the house edge or lowers your long-term ROI compared to patient base-game play.
- You face bigger short-term risk: a single bought feature can drain a bankroll fast.
- Casinos may treat bought wins differently; some operators disallow using bonus funds for buys, and some apply bonus wagering to bought-feature wins. Always read the game and casino terms.
- Regulatory and payout rules differ by state and operator; what’s allowed in one jurisdiction may be restricted in another.
Never assume a buy is a "shortcut to profit." It’s a higher-variance option, not a guarantee.
How bonus buys affect RTP and volatility
Buying a feature changes effective play dynamics. Even when the published RTP is stable, the distribution of wins shifts: fewer small wins and more concentrated big outcomes. That raises variance significantly. In some titles, the effective RTP when repeatedly buying the feature can be lower or higher than baseline — it depends on how the developer priced the buy relative to the slot’s internal math.
Practical tips for using bonus buy safely
- Try the free demo first to understand the bonus mechanics and typical payouts.
- Size your bankroll: treat a buy price as a separate bet unit and limit buys to a small percentage of your total bankroll.
- Know the fine print: read the casino’s bonus policy and the slot’s rules to see if bought wins have wagering attached.
- Compare cost-to-reward: if a buy is 100x your bet, consider how often you’d want to pay that price and whether you can sustain losing sequences.
- Use responsible-play tools: deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion can prevent impulsive buying.
What operators and players should watch for at 7 Spins Casino
At sites like 7 Spins Casino, where multiple providers power the library and popular payment methods include Bitcoin and major cards, offerings and rules can vary by game and platform. If you’re considering buys, contact support to confirm any restrictions — 7 Spins lists <support@7Spins.com> and a USA & Canada toll-free line at 1-800-274-7345. Always check promotional rules too, since bonuses such as no-deposit chips or welcome packages often carry wagering requirements that affect what you can use in-game.
If you want to study how free spins and bonus mechanics play out in a specific title, read reviews like our breakdown of Souls Of The Dead Slots to compare free-spin structures and feature frequency.
Legal, ethical, and responsible play reminders
Bonus buys are permitted or limited depending on local gambling laws and the casino’s policies. They’re not available in all states, and operators must follow licensing rules. Remember to play only on licensed, regulated platforms, never chase losses, and use the available responsible-gambling tools. Bonus buys concentrate risk; approach them with a plan and limits.
Deciding whether to pay for a bonus comes down to your goals and bankroll. If you like quicker access to features and can accept bigger swings, the buy is an exciting option. If you prefer steady, lower-variance play, stick with regular spins and use demos to learn which slots reward patient play.

