Bonus Buy Feature: What You Need to Know

Bonus Buy is one of the hottest mechanics in modern online slots because it lets you skip the waiting and pay a set price to trigger a bonus round immediately—usually Free Spins, a pick-and-win feature, or a “Hold and Win” style round. Instead of spinning until the feature lands naturally, you choose to purchase the action on demand.

That speed is the appeal. The tradeoff is cost and volatility: you’re paying extra up front for a chance at a bigger hit, and there’s no promise the bought feature will pay more than its price.

Bonus Buy, decoded: what you’re actually paying for

A Bonus Buy feature is a paid shortcut to a game’s main bonus round. In many titles, the bought bonus starts exactly like a naturally-triggered bonus (same reels, same rules), but some games use different math behind the scenes—meaning the “Buy” version can play out with a different volatility profile.

In plain terms: you’re exchanging more predictable access (instant entry into the bonus) for less predictable results (your return can swing wildly, including a total dud).

Why players use Bonus Buy (and why it can backfire)

The biggest benefit is obvious: you get straight to the most exciting part of the slot without grinding base spins. It’s also popular with players who want to “test” a game’s bonus behavior quickly or chase peak multipliers while keeping session pace high.

But Bonus Buy can burn a bankroll faster than regular spins. Because you’re paying a premium to enter high-variance rounds, a rough streak can drain your balance in a handful of clicks. If you’re the type who prefers longer playtime, Bonus Buy is often the opposite of what you want.

The smart way to set limits before you tap “Buy”

If you’re going to use Bonus Buy, decide two numbers before you start: your maximum session budget and your maximum number of buys. That prevents “one more” decisions after a near-miss. Also, compare the Buy price to your normal bet size—if the feature costs, say, 100x your bet, treat it like placing 100 spins’ worth of risk at once.

Bonus Buy is best approached like a planned shot, not a default mode.

Real examples: where you’ll see Bonus Buy in action

Some games put the option front and center. For example, Piggy Bank Bonanza Slots includes a Buy Feature alongside its bonus mechanics—so you can pay to jump directly into the game’s feature set rather than waiting for it to land naturally. If you want to see the full feature lineup and how the game plays, here’s our internal review: Piggy Bank Bonanza Slots.

Other titles focus more on traditional triggering through Scatters and in-game events. The Gang Job Slots, for instance, leans into classic bonus structure with its Free Spins Round and “The Bank Job Bonus.” If you prefer earning the feature instead of purchasing it, start here: The Gang Job Slots.

Bonus Buy vs. “bonus” on PrizePicks: don’t mix these up

Bonus Buy is a slot feature. PrizePicks is a pick’em fantasy platform, where you build 2–6 player-projection lineups and choose “More” or “Less.” The “bonus” you’ll hear about on PrizePicks is typically promo credit (bonus lineups/bonus balance), not a paid shortcut into a slot round.

That said, promos can still add serious extra firepower to your entries—especially if you’re new.

PrizePicks promos to know right now (including a time limit)

If you’re signing up with PrizePicks, the new-user offer is built for quick momentum: play a first lineup, then get bonus lineups credited to your account (bonus funds are used on entries, not withdrawn as cash). The commonly advertised path is “Play $5, Get $50 in Lineups,” and you’ll need a promo code during signup.

One code frequently used is PROMO for a $50 new-user sign-up bonus, triggered after you submit your first $5+ real-money entry. This promotion is scheduled to end 12/31/25, and bonus lineups must be used within 30 days of receipt—so if you’re eligible, timing matters.

PrizePicks also runs weekly promos that can change how your entries pay:

• Taco Tuesday discounts certain projections automatically every Tuesday.
• Flex Friday offers a 40% payout boost on a Flex lineup, typically requiring an opt-in from the Promos tab.

If you’re comparing platforms, read our full brand coverage here: PrizePicks.

Quick checklist before you use any “Buy” or bonus offer

Bonus Buy features can be a blast when you want instant feature access, but they’re designed to spike volatility—so plan your spend, not your emotions. And if you’re on PrizePicks, treat promos like a separate category: bonus lineups can extend your run, but they come with usage windows and rules, and eligibility varies by location and age.

Used with discipline, both mechanics—slot Bonus Buys and PrizePicks promos—can turn an ordinary session into one with a lot more upside on the table.