When to buy a bonus and when not

The Buy Feature allows the player to instantly access the bonus round for a fixed amount. It is convenient, but not always profitable. To understand when to buy a bonus, and when it is better to wait for it to fall out in a regular game, you need to take into account the mathematics of the slot, the size of the bankroll and the strategic goals of the player.

When to buy a bonus

1. If the slot is highly volatile.
In games with rare bonuses, buying avoids hundreds of empty spins. This is especially true for slots like San Quentin, Money Train 3 or Deadwood, where the main value is concentrated in the bonus round.

2. When RTP on purchase is higher.
Some providers lay a more favorable return rate in bonuses. For example, in Money Train 2, RTP in bonus mode is higher than in regular play.

3. If the player has a limited time budget.
With a short game session, buying a bonus allows you to immediately see the key mechanics without wasting time waiting.

4. When the Mystery/Random option is available.
For a lower price, you can get a chance for an expensive Super bonus. This adds value to buying on a budget.

5. If the goal is to test the slot.
Buying a bonus in the demo or on the minimum bet helps to quickly evaluate the mechanics, understand the distribution of winnings and determine whether the slot is suitable for a long game.

When it's best not to buy a bonus

1. With a low bankroll.
The purchase price is often 100-200x of the bet. If the budget allows you to make only 2-3 purchases, the chances of a positive result are minimal.

2. If the slot is average and bonuses are often dropped.
In games like Sweet Bonanza or Dog House Megaways, the bonus can fall over 50-100 spins. In this case, it is cheaper to wait for a natural trigger than to overpay for a purchase.

3. If RTP on purchase is lower.
There are slots where buying a bonus is mathematically less profitable. In such cases, a long distance on ordinary backs will be preferable.

4. When the player is subject to emotions.
A common mistake is to buy the bonus again and again after an unprofitable result. This quickly leads to a bankroll drain.

5. If the rate is too high for the budget.
Even a successful bonus may not recoup the risk if the bet is chosen without calculation.

Case studies

Example 1. High volatility slot, bonus costs 100x, RTP with 96.5% purchase. A player with a bankroll of $1000 can afford 10 bonuses of $100. In this case, the purchase is justified.

Example 2. Slot with frequent bonuses, RTP 95%, purchase price 120x. The player has $200. Real funds will be enough for 1-2 bonuses, and the risk is too great. In such a situation, it is better to play regular backs.

Example 3. Mystery bonus for the 80s, which can turn into a Super bonus worth 200x. With a sufficient budget, this is a profitable option, since for a lower price there is a chance to get an expensive mode.

Final recommendations

It is worth buying a bonus if:
  • the slot is highly volatile and bonuses rarely fall out;
  • RTP in bonus mode is higher than basic;
  • the player has a bankroll for at least 5-10 bonuses;
  • the goal is to test mechanics or play a short session.

It is better to refuse to buy if:
  • bankroll is too small;
  • the slot gives out bonuses quite often;
  • purchase has reduced RTP;
  • the player acts impulsively and has no control over the budget.

Conclusion

Buy Feature is a tool that can speed up the game and give access to the most spectacular moments of the slot. But its effectiveness depends on the conditions: not every slot and not every bankroll is suitable for purchase. The optimal strategy is to consider the purchase as part of a well-thought-out bankroll management, and not as a way to "hit the jackpot" at any cost.

Do you want me to create a slot comparison table that says: RTP in the base game, RTP when buying a bonus and optimal tactics (buy or wait for a natural trigger)?