Volatility when activating a bonus round

Introduction

Bonus rounds are the heart of modern online slots. This is where the biggest wins, special multipliers and freespins are hidden, which make the game really exciting. But along with the growing chances of a big jackpot, the player faces another factor - increased volatility. This is especially noticeable when using the Buy Bonus function, which allows you to activate the bonus directly.

1. What is volatility in slots

Volatility (variance) is the level of risk that determines the frequency and size of winnings:

• Low volatility - frequent but small payouts.
• Average volatility is the balance between stable and rare payments.
• High volatility - rare wins, but potentially very large.

Bonus rounds, as a rule, belong to the category of high volatility.

2. How bonus activation affects volatility

When buying or dropping out a bonus, the player switches to a mode where the slot math changes dramatically:

• Rising rates: Buying a bonus costs between 50x and 200x the current rate. This means that the risk of one-time loss of capital increases significantly.
• Sharp fluctuations in balance: The outcome of the bonus round often either brings a large gain or leaves the player with minimal return.
• Increased variance: Each spin in the freespins is associated with enhanced multipliers, expanding symbols, and other mechanics, which increases the amplitude of the winnings.

3. Difference between regular game and bonus round

In a regular game, RTP is distributed smoothly: part of the winnings goes to small combinations, part to rare bonuses. Volatility is lower as the focus is on regular payouts.
In bonus mode, RTP focuses on several backs: this is where the main potential of the game is laid. Because of this, winnings can be multiply higher, but the probability of minimal returns also increases.

4. Examples of how volatility affects bonuses

Pragmatic Play (The Dog House Megaways, Sweet Bonanza) - bonus freespins often return less than 10x from the bet, but if successful, they can multiply the bet 5,000-10,000 times.
Big Time Gaming (Bonanza Megaways, Extra Chilli) - high dispersion: bonuses can "eat up" bankroll for a long time, but their potential reaches 20 000x.
NoLimit City (Deadwood, San Quentin) - extreme volatility: either symbolic winnings or multipliers on tens of thousands of bets.

5. Player risks and benefits

Risks:

• A quick bankroll loss with a bad bonus.
• Strong psychological fluctuations due to contrasts between major victories and minimal payments.
• Higher probability of "dry" rounds.

Advantages:

• The ability to instantly experience the entire depth of the slot.
• Access to maximum winnings potential.
• Saving time: no need to wait for Scatter characters to appear.

6. How to manage volatility on bonuses

Bankroll management: allocate part of the funds in advance for the purchase of bonuses.
Bet selection: Lower the base rate when you activate Buy Bonus to offset the high cost of the feature.
Informed slot selection: For players who prefer stability, it is better to choose slots with softer math, where bonuses are less risky.

Result

Activating the bonus round always means increased volatility. The player takes more risks, but gets a chance for impressive winnings that are rarely available in the base game. With the right approach and budget control, bonuses become a tool not only for entertainment, but also for hunting for large payments.