If you’re new to online slots, you might be wondering how bonus features work and what terms like “bonus buy” actually mean. These features can be a key part of how some slot games are designed, offering an additional element beyond the standard spin.

In this guide, you’ll find clear explanations tailored specifically for UK players. We’ll break down what a bonus buy feature is, how it used to work in certain slot games, and why it’s no longer available under current UK gambling regulations. You’ll also learn how slot features now operate within licensed games and where to look if you want to understand the rules of any slot before playing.

Whether you’ve never played a slot game before, or you’re just trying to understand what’s changed in recent years, this guide can help you get familiar with the key terms and rules that apply to bonus features in the UK.

What Are Bonus Buy Slots?

Bonus buy slots were once a type of online slot game where you had the option to pay an extra cost to access the bonus round straight away. Rather than waiting for certain symbols to appear during a spin, the game allowed you to buy direct access to the feature.

For example, in some games, triggering a free spins round might usually require three matching scatter symbols. With a bonus buy, this step was skipped by paying a fixed amount upfront.

This amount often varied depending on the game. In some cases, the cost to activate a bonus was shown as a multiplier of your chosen stake. If the bonus cost was 75x and your stake was £1, you would have paid £75 to trigger the feature instantly.

These types of slots typically appealed to players who didn’t want to wait for bonus features to land naturally. However, this also meant spending larger amounts. Because of that, access to bonus buy slots is no longer available in the UK due to changes in gambling regulation.

Can You Buy The Bonus on Slots In The UK?

In short, no—you cannot buy bonus features in slots in the UK. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which regulates online gambling in Great Britain, does not permit bonus buy mechanics on licensed casino sites.

This rule was introduced to support safer gambling. When players are allowed to pay directly for features, it can lead to faster spending than intended. Removing this option helps reduce the risk of financial harm by ensuring all features occur within the game itself, without requiring additional payments.

If you’re playing on a UK-licensed platform, bonus rounds can only appear through standard play. That means waiting for certain symbols or combinations to land naturally. Buying access to those rounds is not possible, even if you’ve seen such features in games from other regions.

Why Were Bonus Buys Banned?

The UKGC made the decision to restrict bonus buy features in order to promote fair and responsible gameplay. Paying to enter bonus rounds removes a layer of chance and increases the possibility of spending large amounts quickly.

Bonus buys typically gave access to features that could include things like free spins, multipliers, or special symbols. While these features are still part of many games, they now must occur randomly, rather than being purchased.

When bonus buys were available, some players might have spent over £100 at a time to access them. For example, in some games, the cost to buy a feature had the potential to reach 100x the player’s base bet. This created concern that it might lead to unaffordable play for some individuals. Banning this mechanic is part of a wider effort to ensure that gambling in the UK remains transparent and places player wellbeing at the centre.

Slot games in the UK must now follow strict technical standards. This includes requirements for random outcomes, as well as restrictions on autoplay and spin speeds. The removal of bonus buy features forms part of these broader protections.

Easiest Slots To Get Bonus

No slot game can guarantee when—or if—a bonus feature will appear. All outcomes are determined by a Random Number Generator (RNG), which ensures that each spin is independent from the last. This technology is tested and licensed in the UK to ensure fairness across all regulated games.

Most slot games include a “paytable” or “help” section. Here, you’ll find important details, such as which symbols trigger bonus rounds, how many are required, and how the bonus feature works. This section will also show any possible multipliers, wild symbols, and other mechanics that are part of the game.

Understanding how these elements work can help you decide which games suit your preferences. Some slots have more frequent low-value features, while others offer occasional features with higher potential outcomes.

Best Bonus Round Slots

Some slot games are known for including distinctive bonus rounds. Below are a few examples.

Starburst – Includes an expanding wilds feature. Wild symbols may appear and trigger additional spins.
Gonzo’s Quest – Features cascading symbols known as avalanche multipliers. This means symbols drop into place rather than spinning, and certain combinations may increase multiplier values.
Bonanza – Offers a large number of potential ways to win. The game includes a free spins round that may apply multipliers during the feature, depending on the symbol combinations that land.
Book of Dead – Includes a free spins round. During this round, one symbol may expand across the reels to create more possible combinations.
Dead or Alive 2 – Offers three different free spin features. Each one includes unique mechanics such as sticky wilds, or increasing multipliers.
Wolf Gold – Includes a money respin feature. This round is separate from the base game and may be triggered by specific symbol combinations.

These features vary between games, so it may be useful to look at the rules or paytable before choosing one. This can help you understand how the slot works and what types of features may be included.

Play Slots For Real Money Online at Bet442

Bet442 is a licensed online casino where you can access a selection of real money slot games. Each game runs on RNG software to ensure fair and random results, in line with UK gambling regulations.

Slot games available on Bet442 may offer features such as wilds, scatters, free spins, and bonus rounds. These work differently from game to game, so it may be worth checking the rules before playing. Any potential winnings can never be predicted, as all outcomes are based on chance.

Bet442 also offers a sportsbook for those interested in betting on sports events. Whether you choose to explore slot games or sports betting, it’s important to play in a way that feels comfortable for you. Responsible gambling tools are available to help manage time and spending.

_{*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.}

_{**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.}