Regulation of bonus functions in different jurisdictions
The Buy Bonus feature made slots more dynamic and in demand, but at the same time attracted interest from regulators. In different countries, the attitude towards this mechanics varies: from complete prohibition to free permission. The reason is that buying a bonus is directly related to high risks for players, as it involves large one-time bets. Let's take a look at how bonus features are regulated in key jurisdictions.
European Union
UK (UKGC). Buy Feature is prohibited here. The official reason is high dispersion and the risk of rapid losses of funds, especially among vulnerable players. UK casinos can only offer slots without a purchase option.
Malta (MGA). The license allows the use of the purchase function if the provider complies with the requirements for RTP honesty and transparency. Players have a choice between a regular game and a bonus round for a fixed cost.
Sweden. The Spelinspektionen organization controls the market and allows bonus purchase, but with additional restrictions on advertising and mention of "instant winnings."
Australia
Domestic operators are limited, but international casinos with Curacao or Malta licenses freely provide access to Buy Bonus slots.
Local regulation is focused on protecting players, but there are practically no real tools for blocking international platforms.
USA
Regulation varies by state.
In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Buy Feature is allowed, as slots are certified for compliance with the declared RTP.
In other states where online gambling is just developing, the relationship to function is still being formed.
Latin America
Mexico. Buy Feature is allowed without restrictions, slots are available in international casinos.
Brazil. Regulation is still in its infancy, but Buy Bonus is actively used.
Colombia. Licensed casinos offer slots with the purchase of a bonus, the legislation is neutral to this.
Asia
Japan. Online casinos are not officially regulated, but international venues allow you to play Buy Bonus slots without restrictions.
India. The situation depends on the states: somewhere it is allowed, somewhere there is a complete ban on gambling. Buy Feature does not formally stand out in a separate category.
Regulator arguments
1. Player protection. The ability to instantly invest a large amount (100x-500x from the bet) increases the risk of ludomania.
2. Honesty and transparency. RTP certification is required to eliminate manipulation.
3. Advertising and marketing. In some countries, the promotion of Buy Feature as a "guaranteed win" is limited.
Providers' position
Large studios (Pragmatic Play, Relax Gaming, Nolimit City) release versions of slots without the purchase function for markets where it is prohibited.
At the same time, they are actively developing Buy Bonus mechanics for jurisdictions where there are no restrictions, making it one of the key elements of new releases.
Result
The regulation of bonus features in slots is very different by region. In the UK there is a complete ban, in the EU and Latin America - conditional permission with transparent requirements, in Australia and Asia - control is minimal. This shows that Buy Feature remains a controversial option: for some players it opens up convenience and dynamics, for others - an increased risk of loss of funds.
European Union
UK (UKGC). Buy Feature is prohibited here. The official reason is high dispersion and the risk of rapid losses of funds, especially among vulnerable players. UK casinos can only offer slots without a purchase option.
Malta (MGA). The license allows the use of the purchase function if the provider complies with the requirements for RTP honesty and transparency. Players have a choice between a regular game and a bonus round for a fixed cost.
Sweden. The Spelinspektionen organization controls the market and allows bonus purchase, but with additional restrictions on advertising and mention of "instant winnings."
Australia
Domestic operators are limited, but international casinos with Curacao or Malta licenses freely provide access to Buy Bonus slots.
Local regulation is focused on protecting players, but there are practically no real tools for blocking international platforms.
USA
Regulation varies by state.
In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Buy Feature is allowed, as slots are certified for compliance with the declared RTP.
In other states where online gambling is just developing, the relationship to function is still being formed.
Latin America
Mexico. Buy Feature is allowed without restrictions, slots are available in international casinos.
Brazil. Regulation is still in its infancy, but Buy Bonus is actively used.
Colombia. Licensed casinos offer slots with the purchase of a bonus, the legislation is neutral to this.
Asia
Japan. Online casinos are not officially regulated, but international venues allow you to play Buy Bonus slots without restrictions.
India. The situation depends on the states: somewhere it is allowed, somewhere there is a complete ban on gambling. Buy Feature does not formally stand out in a separate category.
Regulator arguments
1. Player protection. The ability to instantly invest a large amount (100x-500x from the bet) increases the risk of ludomania.
2. Honesty and transparency. RTP certification is required to eliminate manipulation.
3. Advertising and marketing. In some countries, the promotion of Buy Feature as a "guaranteed win" is limited.
Providers' position
Large studios (Pragmatic Play, Relax Gaming, Nolimit City) release versions of slots without the purchase function for markets where it is prohibited.
At the same time, they are actively developing Buy Bonus mechanics for jurisdictions where there are no restrictions, making it one of the key elements of new releases.
Result
The regulation of bonus features in slots is very different by region. In the UK there is a complete ban, in the EU and Latin America - conditional permission with transparent requirements, in Australia and Asia - control is minimal. This shows that Buy Feature remains a controversial option: for some players it opens up convenience and dynamics, for others - an increased risk of loss of funds.
