When I first encountered bonus buy features in modern slot games, I was intrigued—and a bit skeptical. Here I’ll walk you through why these tempting “buy your own bonus” options alter the game’s theoretical payout, or RTP, and what that means for your bankroll.
Understanding RTP and Its Role
Return to Player (RTP) is simply the percentage of total wagers a slot theoretically pays back over time. A game with a 96% RTP returns £96 for every £100 wagered, on average. It’s crucial to remember this is a long-term figure—short sessions can swing wildly.
Players traditionally trigger free spins or bonus rounds by landing scatter symbols. But with bonus buy features, you pay a set price to jump straight into the bonus. On the surface, this accelerates gameplay, yet it often comes at the expense of RTP.
The Mechanics Behind Bonus Buys
Slot developers calculate RTP by analyzing all possible game outcomes and weighting them by probability. Introducing a bonus buy option effectively skips the base game’s chance elements. The developer must then recompute the overall RTP, combining:
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Base Game RTP – The return when playing spins normally, excluding bonus buys.
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Bonus Buy Cost – Often expressed as a multiple of the bet (e.g., 75× to buy 10 free spins).
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Bonus Round RTP – The return within the bonus feature itself.
Since bonus rounds typically have higher variance or slightly lower expected returns than the base game, offering a shortcut reduces the aggregate RTP.
How RTP Shifts in Practice
I tested a popular slot recently. Its advertised RTP was 96.25% without bonus buys. Enabling the bonus buy at 75× stake dropped RTP to roughly 90.10%. Although it felt exciting to enter free spins on demand, I noticed my balance fell faster over dozens of spins.
Developers sometimes publish both RTP figures, but not always. When they do, the bonus buy RTP is nearly always lower. That’s the trade-off for bypassing the grind of triggering bonuses organically.
Comparing Offers at different Casinos
If you like bonus buys, you’ll find many options—especially at non UK casinos. These sites often list both RTP values clearly, since regulations there require transparent feature disclosures. Before committing, I recommend comparing the RTP differential across providers. A 5% RTP drop at 100× buy might equate to a few hundred pounds lost per 1,000 spins.
Real-World Example: “Fortune’s Gift” Slot
In “Fortune’s Gift,” the base game RTP is 95.8%. You can buy the free spins bonus for 70× your bet. The bonus round’s internal RTP is actually 97%, but factoring in the cost reduces the combined RTP to 92.4%. Here’s why:
Base Bets (80%): Over 100 spins, you spend £80 and get back about £76.64.
Bonus Buys (20%): You pay £20 for bonus rounds, receiving £19.40 back.
Total Return: £96.04 / £100 wagered = 96.04% RTP.
Wait—that’s only a 0.2% drop? In this case, the developer designed a generous bonus. Many games see larger gaps. Always check the game’s paytable or developer website.
Balancing Fun and Value
I treat bonus buys like an optional fast-pass—not a must-have. If I’m chasing thrill, a few lower-RTP buys won’t break me. But when I’m on a budget, I stick to standard spins to maximize long-term returns.
Tips for Responsible Bonus Buys
Set a Budget: Decide how many bonus buys you’ll allow in a session.
Check RTP Data: Look for both base and buy feature RTP.
Compare Across Games: Some slots offer smaller RTP reductions.
Use Demo Mode: Experiment in free play to gauge volatility before spending.
Conclusion
Bonus buy features offer unmatched excitement by delivering instant access to free spins and special rounds. Yet they almost always come with an RTP penalty, sometimes minor, sometimes substantial. Understanding how RTP recalculates—including the cost of the bonus buy and the internal bonus round return—empowers you to play smarter, not just faster.
