Bonus Buy Feature: What You Need to Know
The Bonus Buy feature (often called “buy bonus” or “bonus purchase”) lets you pay a fixed price to trigger a slot’s bonus round or free-spin feature immediately, instead of waiting for the qualifying symbols to land. Prices are usually shown as a multiple of your current bet, or as a fixed cost per spin, and the option appears on eligible games when the developer enables it. For players who prefer instant access to a bonus round, it removes the wait — but it also changes how you should manage your bankroll and expectations.
How Bonus Buys work in practice
When you tap “Buy,” the game charges the cost and drops you straight into whatever feature it sells — most commonly free spins, a pick-and-click bonus, or a linked jackpot mechanic. Some games provide a choice of bonus levels at different prices. The underlying math can be different from a standard spin; in some titles the effective RTP and volatility of the session change because you’re paying for a high-variance event up front. Always look for a developer’s or operator’s disclosure about buy-specific RTPs before you press the button.
Why players choose to buy — the upside
There are clear benefits. Bonus Buys:
- Give instant access to the most exciting parts of a slot, saving hours of base-game play.
- Let experienced players chase specific bonus mechanics or higher payout potential.
- Help with strategy testing — if you want to evaluate a bonus quickly, buys speed that process.
If you know a game’s bonus round is where most big wins happen, a well-timed buy can be an efficient way to target that feature.
The downside — risk, cost, and hidden trade-offs
Buying bonuses increases variance and can drain your bankroll quickly. Prices can be steep relative to the average return, and some games alter their expected return when the buy is offered. On top of that, many operators restrict or block the Bonus Buy feature if you’re playing with promotional funds. Sunrise Casino, for example, has strict promotional rules: its slots and keno bonuses carry a 30x wagering requirement, table games and video poker contribute 60x, and bonus amounts are non-cashable until requirements are met. Always check the promo terms to see whether buying a bonus while using a welcome or club offer is allowed.
Availability and legality in the U.S.
Bonus Buys aren’t universally available across U.S. regulated markets. Their presence depends on the game developer, the online casino’s policy, and the state regulator. Some operators in regulated states offer buy features on selected titles; others disable them to comply with local rules or internal risk policies. That means you’ll see Buy Features on some sites and not others, and they can be toggled on or off by the operator. To avoid surprises, use licensed, regulated platforms and confirm whether bonus purchases are permitted where you play.
How to use Bonus Buys smartly
Treat Bonus Buys like a high-risk tool, not a shortcut to guaranteed wins.
- Step 1Try the game in demo mode first to understand the bonus structure and volatility.
- Step 2Start small: test low-cost buys to see how the feature behaves before committing larger sums.
- Step 3Check whether a buy is allowed when you’re playing with a promo, and whether buy-triggered rounds count toward wagering requirements.
- Step 4Use deposit limits and session timers to protect your bankroll.
- Step 5If you’re unsure about how a buy impacts bonus eligibility or withdrawals, contact the casino support team for clarification.
Sunrise Casino lists support via FAQ, live chat, and email (support@sunrisecasino.com), and offers multiple deposit options and currencies if you want to check policy details before committing.
Example: when a Buy Feature appears in a modern slot
Some new releases explicitly include a “Buy Feature” as part of their design. Sweetopia Royale by Relax Gaming — a 7-reel, cluster-pays title with multiple bonus mechanics — includes a Buy Feature among its options. If you want to see how a buy functions in a current release, check the game page for specifics and use the developer’s documentation, or read our Sweetopia Royale review for play-style details and feature breakdowns. That kind of hands-on info shows how cost, free spins, and bonus modifiers interact in real play.
Final tips before you hit “Buy”
Always read the game and casino rules first, especially the small print about how bonus purchases affect RTP, wagering, and cashout rules. Keep stakes sensible, and remember that Bonus Buys amplify variance — big wins are possible, but losses can come faster. If you’re playing at Sunrise Casino or any other operator, confirm promo compatibility, wagering rates, and withdrawal minimums before you start. Play responsibly, use limits, and reach out to support if something doesn’t look right.