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

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

How to Activate the Bonus Buy

  1. 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.
  2. 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:

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:

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. Rick and Morty Megaways

Based on the hit animated series, Rick and Morty brings a chaotic, fast-paced slot experience filled with bonus features and massive payout potential. The Bonus Buy option lets players skip the base game and go straight into the high-energy free spins round.

rick and morty bonus buy feature

Feature Mechanics

For 150x your stake, players activate the Mystery Free Spins Wheel, which determines:

The bonus rounds include unique mechanics like increasing multipliers, cascading wins, and additional Megaways enhancements, making each playthrough feel fresh and unpredictable.

Visuals and Sounds

The game stays true to the show, featuring original voice acting, wacky animations, and instantly recognisable characters. The free spins round amplifies the chaotic energy, making every spin feel like an interdimensional adventure.

Payout Potential and Frequency

Why It Stands Out

Unlike other Bonus Buy features that offer a standard free spins round, Rick and Morty Megaways adds a twist by making it a gamified experience. The Mystery Free Spins Wheel ensures every Bonus Buy activation feels fresh and full of surprises.

3. Big Bass Splash

Big Bass Splash is part of the popular Big Bass series, offering fishing-themed gameplay with high payout potential. With the Bonus Buy feature, players can dive straight into the Free Spins round, where wild fisherman symbols and increasing multipliers can lead to big wins.

big bass splash bonus buy feature

Feature Mechanics

The Bonus Buy option allows players to purchase direct access to Free Spins for 100x their bet. Once activated, players get a random number of free spins with up to five bonus modifiers, which can include:

  • More Fishermen – Increased wild symbols for bigger catch potential.
  • More Fish – Higher-paying fish symbols appear more frequently.
  • More Dynamite, Hooks, and Bazookas – These features trigger more often, helping collect more fish.
  • Starting Level 2 – Free spins begin with an x2 multiplier instead of x1.
  • Extra Free Spins – More spins are awarded at the start of the bonus round.

Wild Fishermen collect all fish values during free spins, and each set of four Wilds progresses the multiplier to the next level (up to x10).

Visuals and Sounds

Big Bass Splash brings the underwater fishing adventure to life with vibrant visuals and smooth animations. The reels are set against a deep blue lake, with lively cartoon-style fish, lures, and fishing rods creating an engaging atmosphere.

The sound design enhances the experience, with bubbly water effects and cheerful banjo music that intensifies as the fisherman collects wins. When a big fish is caught, the game delivers a satisfying splash animation, making every winning moment feel rewarding.

Payout Potential and Frequency

  • Bonus Buy Frequency: Always available for 100x your bet.
  • Max Win: Up to 5,000x your stake.
  • Volatility: HighFree Spins can lead to big rewards, but it may take a few rounds to hit the biggest wins.
  • Multiplier Progression: Wild Fishermen help increase multipliers up to x10, leading to huge payouts in extended free spins sessions.

Why It Stands Out

Big Bass Splash’s Bonus Buy is exciting because it doesn’t just guarantee free spins—it also adds a randomised modifier system, meaning every feature activation feels fresh and full of potential. If you love progressive multipliers and big catch moments, this game delivers high-energy, high-reward gameplay.

4. The Dog House Megaways

The Dog House Megaways takes the much-loved original and adds the Megaways mechanic, making every spin unpredictable. With a Bonus Buy feature, players can jump straight into the action and choose between Sticky Wilds Free Spins or Raining Wilds Free Spins for a guaranteed bonus round experience.

the dog house bonus buy feature

Feature Mechanics

The Bonus Buy costs 100x your stake and guarantees instant access to the free spins round. Players then choose from:

Both options have their strengths, allowing players to tailor their bonus game experience to their preference.

Visuals and Sounds

Set in a colourful suburban neighbourhood, The Dog House Megaways is packed with adorable canine characters and a cheerful soundtrack. The free spins round intensifies the excitement, with wilds lighting up the reels and upbeat music reinforcing the big win potential.

Payout Potential and Frequency

Why It Stands Out

The ability to choose between two bonus game styles makes this Bonus Buy feature unique. Whether you prefer the steady power of Sticky Wilds or the unpredictable thrill of Raining Wilds, this feature ensures fast access to one of the game’s most rewarding moments.

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
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.

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Last updated: 7 February 2025
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