Everything you wanted to know about Buy a Bonus Features (but were afraid to ask)

Added: May 25, 2022

Last updated: May 22, 2023

Slots with a Buy a Bonus Feature (aka Buy Free Spins or Feature Drop): the pros and cons

Slots with a Buy a Bonus Feature are making ground. Especially since 2020, many larger providers have released these slots. Now, we’re close to 100 slots, and many more will be released.

Pragmatic Play, Nolimit City or Relax Gaming, to name a few, have started to release slots with this feature.

Coincidence, or not, but these providers are gaining more and more ground at the expense of the traditional big guys like Netent or Play’n GO.

High RTP
Extra-Chilli-slot-big-time-gaming-e1588018907968
4/5
Extra Chilli Megaways review
High RTP
hellcatraz-slot-relax-gaming-review logo
4.3/5
Hellcatraz slot review
High RTP
4/5
Deadwood slot review

How does the Buy a Bonus Feature (Feature Drop) work?

The Buy a Bonus Feature offers players the possibility to activate the free spins straight away. For a fee.

You don’t need to activate the bonus free spins, for example, by spinning three or more scatters (or bonus symbols) in the main game. Or, for example, by filling up certain meters of clearing a field. No, in this case, you get the “free” spins without waiting.

You may wonder if the word “paid” spins is not more appropriate than “free” spins…

The price is usually around 100x the original bet. For example, if you bet 10 cents per spin in the main game, you can play the free spins for $€10.

The advantage is clear: no need to “struggle” in the main game. You get access straight away.

buy a bonus features explained

Different names for the same feature

There are multiple names for this feature.

  • The Buy Feature (by Relax Gaming)
  • The Feature Drop (by Big Time Gaming)
  • The Bonus Feature Buy (by Nolimit City)
  • The Buy Free Spins Feature (by Pragmatic Play)
  • The Bonus Buy (by Blueprint Gaming)
  • The Buy Pass (by Scientific Games).

A whole range of different names, all with the same meaning.

The pros and cons of the Buy a Bonus Feature

avatar-pros

Pros

  • You save time and get to play the free spins straight away.
  • The RTP is often more attractive than that of the main game.
  • Ideal for high rollers: high stakes are “rewarded” with fireworks.
avatar-cons

Cons

  • It’s expensive.
  • Buying Bonuses can be addictive. You always want to have “just one more shot.”
  • It makes slots more boring. The feeling of “earning” of “winning” the free spins disappears.

Below I discuss the pros and cons in more detail.

Advantage 1: You save time

A significant advantage is that you don’t have to activate the free spins by playing the main game.  Who knows, you are curious to know what the free spins are all about. Then, the Feature Buy is a very interesting option.

With some (high variance slots), you could easily need 300 or even 500 spins to activate the free spins. That takes a long time and can be frustrating at some point, especially if you get close, but not close enough!

Advantage 2: The RTP (the payout percentage) is often more favourable

I see that many of these slots have an RTP for the main game and an RTP for Buy a Bonus Feature.

What is striking is that the RTP for the Buy a Bonus feature is often considerably better. The best way to prove this is to compare the RTP of the base game with the RTP’s offered when you buy the Free spins.

We have selected the slots of Big Time Gaming, Blueprint Gaming (only the Megaways slots listed on their website), Pragmatic Play, Nolimit City and Relax Gaming.

 

Name RTP base RTP BB Cost
Big Time Gaming:
White Rabbit Megaways 97.24% 97.77% 100x
Extra Chilli Megaways 96.41% 96.82% 100x
Book Of Gods 96.35% 96.39% 80x
Blueprint Gaming:
Fishing Frenzy Megaways 96.10% 96.50% 100x
Gods Of Olympus Megaways 96.03% 96.91% 100x
Safari Gold Megaways 96.50% 97.00% 100x
Buffalo Rising Megaways 96.50% 97.01% 100x
Rick And Morty Megaways 96.55% 97.16% 150x
Pragmatic Play:
Sweet Bonanza 96.51% 96.51% 100x
Sweet Bonanza Xmas 96.51% 96.51% 100x
Great Rhino Megaways 96.58% 96.58% 100x
John Hunter & Book of Tut 96.50% 96.50% 100x
Fruit Party 96.47% 96.47% 100x
Nolimit City:
PunkRocker 96.01% 96.44% 80x – 238x
Barbarian Fury 96.06% 96.32% 70x
Harlequin Carnival 96.14% 96.21% 70x
Deadwood 96.03% 96.11% 71x – 750x
Relax Gaming:
Money Train 96.20% 98.00% 80x
Snake Arena 96.25% 96.25% 70x
TNT Tumble 96.11% 96.11% 70x
Hellcatraz 96.46% 96.83% 200x

 

The RTP of many slots, if you go decide to take the Buy a Bonus Feature, is very interesting.

Disadvantage 1: It’s an expensive feature

Buy a Bonus features do not come cheap.

Yes, you get access to the free spins and, therefore, an excellent opportunity to grab a nice win. But don’t forget that your stakes are substantial.

The most common bet is around 70x and 100x the original bet, but it’s considerably higher for some slots.

In the case, the minimum bet is 20 cents, and you can buy the free spins for 100x the stake, you’re talking about two tenners when you buy the free spins.

I recommend you only use this feature if you have plenty of cash.

For example, if you have $€100 to spend, you can perhaps play the free spins 10 times. Usually, the wins of the free spins are considerably lower, as money has to be set aside for the few big payouts, for the lucky few.

Disadvantage 2: It’s addictive

And yes, this disadvantage is linked to the first disadvantage. You think you’re going to land a big win. But if you don’t, you’re though in minutes.

With the main game, the pace is much slower, and you have more playing time.

So it’s addictive, and it’s for the reason that this feature is prohibited in some countries (e.g. the UK).

Disadvantage 3: The excitement of “earning” the free spins is no longer there.

What I love of some slots, is the feeling of joy and reward, when you (finally) activate the free spins. You won’t get that great feeling with this feature.

Some slots have beautiful savings mechanisms, where you need to “work hard” to get the big reward (free spins) finally. I’m talking about slots like Monopoly Megaways, Lil’ Devil or Holy Diver, all Big Time Gaming slots.

You’re “struggling” your way through the main game to get the free spins. If you finally land the free spins! That feeling.

Isn’t it ironic that Big Time Gaming introduced this feature in 2017 with White Rabbit?

Where can you find slots with Buy a Bonus features?

You will find plenty of slots that feature the Buy a Bonus option at these reputable online casinos:

Available in your country
#1
  • 🤑 Mouthwatering welcome bonus
  • ⚡️ Fast payouts
  • 📱 Mobile compatible site
Let's roll Review

Bonus Info & Terms
#2
  • 🤑Crypto-friendly
  • 📱Mobile app
  • 🚀Leaderboard feature
Let's roll Review

It has a wagering requirement of 60x and I have to say that the bonus terms and conditions are not fair, 60x is an above the standards, so be aware before you deposit for welcome bonus.

Bonus Info & Terms
#3
  • 🤑 Mouthwatering welcome bonus
  • 📱 Mobile compatible site
  • ⚡️ Fast payouts
Let's roll Review

Bonus Info & Terms
#4
  • ✅ Cryptocurrencies available
  • 🎁 Multiple Welcome Bonuses
  • ⚡️ Fast payouts
Let's roll Review

Nevertheless, note that the qualifying deposit for the Goldwin Casino welcome bonus is €20, and the free spins have no wagering requirements. However, your match bonus for the second and third deposits comes with 35x Goldwin Casino wagering requirements.

Bonus Info & Terms
#5
  • 📱Top-notch mobile performance
  • 🤑Crypto gambling
  • 🎁Exciting bonuses
Let's roll Review

You need a minimum of $20 to claim the offers. Additionally, if you can deposit $100 or more for your first deposit, you can claim up to 100 free spins to play the Hot Lucky 7s slot.

Bonus Info & Terms
#6
  • ⚡️Fast deposit and withdrawal options
  • 🤑Mouthwatering bonuses
  • ✅24/7 live chat support
Let's roll Review

Note that the deposit + bonus amount is subject to a 35x wagering requirement for any winnings to be withdrawn. Ensure you complete the wagering requirement within the 30-day validity period. Slots contribute 100%, and table games and video poker contribute 10% to the wagering requirement.

Bonus Info & Terms
#7
  • 🤑 No-deposit bonus
  • 🎁 Generous promotions
  • ⚡️ Progressive jackpots
Let's roll Review

The minimum deposit for the welcome offer is $50, which is a bit higher than most other online casinos I gotta admit. However, if you don’t mind the steep deposit, you can get a pretty decent starting bonus to try out what this casino has to offer.

Bonus Info & Terms
#8
  • 🤑 Multiple Bonus Offers
  • ✅ 24/7 Customer support
  • ⚡️ Fast payouts
Let's roll Review

The welcome bonus wagering requirement is 30x (60x for table games and video poker). If you claim the cashback bonus, you must fulfill 1x Paradise8 Casino wagering requirements to keep winnings from the offer. In addition, all bonuses have a validity period of 30 days, after which they become invalid.

Bonus Info & Terms
#9
  • ✅ 24/7 Customer support
  • 🎁 Enticing welcome offers
  • 🤑 Existing promos and VIP program
Let's roll Review

The wagering requirement must be beaten in 90 days to win and withdraw the bonus fund. All games except jackpot slots contribute to the wagering requirement. Slots contribute 100%, Keno contributes 50%, and Video Poker contributes 20%.

Bonus Info & Terms
#10
  • 🤑 Exciting bonuses
  • 📱 Mobile-friendly
  • 🚀 Massive game selection
Let's roll Review

The minimum qualifying deposit you must make to claim the bonus is €20, while the wagering requirement to fulfil to keep winnings made from it is 40x. Once the bonus is added, you must use it within 30 days to avoid forfeiture.

Bonus Info & Terms

Frequently asked questions about Buy a Bonus Features

Which other providers have the Buy a Bonus Feature?

Many other providers have slots with a Buy a Bonus feature, including Nextgen, Scientific Games. Betsoft, Push Gaming and Spinomenal. Montezuma Megaways from WMS and Medusa Megaways from NextGen Gaming are two famous Megaways slots with this feature.

Do only Megaways slots offer the Buy a Bonus Feature?

No, not at all. But there are relatively many Megaways slots with this feature (about 20 out of about 80 slots).

Why is the RTP of the Buy a Bonus Feature often higher than in the base game?

Online casinos aim to generate maximum revenue, and with this feature, they hope to attract the high rollers. A higher RTP helps.

Will we see more slots with the Buy a Bonus feature?

I'll be very surprised if there aren't many more of these slots to come. It's a feature that many players like to play. And that goes for the high rollers as well, which are the bread and butter for online casinos.

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