Bonus Buy Feature: What You Need to Know
Bonus buy lets you pay to trigger a slot’s bonus round instead of waiting for scatter symbols. That shortcut is showing up across many new titles and older favorites, and it changes how you play: you trade a one-time fee for instant access to free spins, multipliers, or bonus games. For players who want faster action, it can be a smart tool — but it also changes risk, value, and how casino promos apply.
If you want to compare how platforms handle bonus buys and promos, see our Heaps o Wins Casino review for details on games, payments, and support.
How Bonus Buy Works — Plain and Practical
Most bonus buys are priced as a multiple of your base bet — common ranges run from 50x to 200x your spin. You click the buy, you jump straight into the bonus feature. Key things to translate from the game specs into player benefits:
- RTP: a higher reported RTP generally means better long-term return, but a feature buy can shift short-term variance and session risk.
- Volatility: bonus buys tend to magnify volatility — think “fewer, bigger hits” or “big payout potential” rather than steady small wins.
- Paylines and coin size: know what you’re risking per spin; a 0.01 coin size with a 1-coin-per-line setting differs massively from a $1 coin size.
Bottom line: bonus buy gives control and speed, but it can increase swings in your bankroll.
When Buying a Bonus Makes Sense
Use bonus buy when:
- You’re short on time and want to sample the bonus round quickly.
- You’ve studied the feature and estimate its expected value looks favorable.
- You’re playing with discretionary funds and can accept bigger variance.
- You’re testing a slot’s volatility without grinding thousands of spins.
Avoid bonus buys when you’re on a tight budget, chasing losses, or relying on promotional funds that may limit feature purchases.
How Bonus Buys Interact with Casino Bonuses and Rules
Always read terms and conditions before you buy. Many casinos treat bonus-bought spins differently than spins from regular play:
- No-deposit and free-spin promotions often block bonus buys, or exclude winnings from being cashed until strict wagering requirements are met.
- Match and welcome bonuses may be “sticky,” meaning bonus cash isn’t withdrawable until wagering is completed.
- Maximum cashout limits frequently apply to no-deposit and free-spin offers — common caps at Heaps o Wins include $100 for many free offers.
Examples of current headline offers you might see at Heaps o Wins include the $175 No Deposit Bonus (code “HEAPSW175”), 125 Free Spins (code “HOW125SPINS”), and 120 Free Spins on signup for Dragon’s Gems (code “HEAPGEMS120”). Note the no-deposit bonuses listed carry wagering requirements like 20xB to 40xB, and most expire on December 31, 2026. Always check country restrictions, activation details, and cashout caps before you act.
Risk Management and Practical Tips
Don’t let the promise of a big bonus round erode bankroll discipline. Follow these guidelines:
- Set a strict buy limit per session, and stick to it.
- Compare the feature price to typical win sizes you’ve seen on the base game.
- Start small: if a feature costs 100x your bet, test it at a low stake first.
- Use the cashier’s “Cancel Coupon” and playthrough views if you need to opt out or monitor progress.
- If you’re using bonus funds, confirm whether bonus buys are permitted under the promotion.
If you need help, Heaps o Wins offers live chat, an FAQ, and email support at support@heapsowins.com.
Quick Pre-Buy Checklist
- Check the game’s RTP and volatility, and translate those into likely session outcomes.
- Confirm whether your current bonus or promo allows bonus buys.
- Note wagering requirements, maximum cashout, and expiry dates, such as December 31, 2026 for many listed offers.
- Test at minimum bet, then scale up only if results match expectations.
- Set time and loss limits before you start.
Final Notes for Players
Bonus buy is a legitimate tool when used intentionally: it saves time, exposes you to a game’s highest-paying features, and can be great for short sessions. It’s not a shortcut to guaranteed wins, and it can conflict with certain promos and cashout rules. Read the terms, control your risk, and try a demo or low-stake run first on games like Sweet 16 Slots (/sweet-16-slots) or other titles before committing larger sums. Play responsibly, and check the fine print on any bonus before you press “buy.”

