Bonus Buy at Online Slots: Function, Costs & Ban in Germany

With Bonus Buy, players pay a fixed amount to immediately start the bonus round in an online slot. They do not have to wait for scatter symbols. In Germany, this function is banned due to the State Treaty on Gambling and the 1-euro bet limit. Abroad, the purchase usually costs 50 to 100 times the base bet. Although the theoretical RTP often increases, the extreme volatility brings high risks of loss. There is no guarantee of winning.

What is Bonus Buy and how does the mechanic work?

The Bonus Buy feature allows players in international online slots to immediately buy access to the bonus round for a fixed price. Users pay a multiple of their current bet to directly trigger free spins or special features. They do not wait for the random appearance of scatter symbols in the base game. This mechanic often increases the theoretical return to player (RTP). However, due to the high costs and volatility, there are significant financial risks.

Direct access to the bonus round

With this option, players unlock the core of a slot machine. Usually, it is a round of free spins. The price is based on the current bet and is typically between 50 and 100 times this amount. With a bet of 1 €, the purchase can quickly cost 100 €. The function is a shortcut. However, it does not eliminate winning uncertainty. It only offers immediate access to the potentially lucrative feature, without long waiting times in the base game.

Difference to scatter symbols

In normal gameplay, bonuses are traditionally triggered by landing certain scatter symbols on the reels. This process is purely random and can take many spins. The Bonus Buy bypasses this random component completely. The player exchanges capital for the certainty of access. Scatter symbols do not incur direct costs. The purchase requires a high upfront investment. This can heavily strain the bankroll before any win is even achieved.

Activation in the game menu

Activation usually takes place via a prominent button directly in the interface of the online slots. After clicking this button, a confirmation window appears. It displays the exact price to prevent accidental purchases. For German players, it is important to note: Due to the State Treaty on Gambling and supervision by the GGL, this function is banned in Germany at licensed operators. It is not compatible with the strict bet limits.

The cost structure: How much does a feature buy cost?

The costs for a Bonus Buy are not static. They scale directly with the selected bet per spin. Usually, the price is between 50 and 100 times the base bet. With a bet of 1 €, the purchase thus costs 50 € to 100 €. This high price arises because the free spins round occurs less frequently in regular play and does not require an additional bet there. Before clicking the button, players must check carefully whether their budget can support this one-time expense. The purchase price is immediately deducted from the balance.

Variants: Standard, Super-Bonus and X-iter

Not all bonus buys are the same. Developers like Hacksaw Gaming offer tiered purchase options with features like "X-iter". Players can choose between different feature tiers. This ranges from a cheaper entry with lower win potential to an expensive "Super Bonus" with guaranteed high multipliers. This structure allows experienced players to better manage the risk. They are not limited to just a single option.

Mathematics behind the Bonus Buy: RTP and volatility

Although this option often offers a slightly increased RTP (Return to Player) compared to the base game, it does not guarantee wins and is associated with high volatility.

Influence on the return to player (RTP)

Many slots offer a theoretically higher RTP (Return to Player) when buying the bonus than in normal mode. This does not mean that you win more in the short term. It only means that the long-term payout ratio can be statistically better. Integrated multipliers are often decisive for the level of potential winnings. They become active during the free spins. A multiplier multiplies the hits achieved. In this way, it can compensate for the high acquisition costs. However, it remains a risk factor without guaranteed value.

Understanding the risk of high volatility

Slots with Bonus Buy are often characterized by extreme volatility. This means that winnings can be very irregular. There is a risk of long dry spells or total loss of the purchase price. For players with a low budget, this risk is often not sustainable. A single purchase ties up a large part of the bankroll. In addition, it should be noted that this function is not permitted in Germany due to the State Treaty on Gambling and the requirements of the GGL. Anyone who still plays operates outside the German level of protection. The risk of addiction due to high stakes should not be underestimated.

Legal situation: Why is Bonus Buy banned in Germany?

In the regulated German market, the function is not available due to legal restrictions. In licensed casinos, this option is prohibited by law. It violates central pillars of the State Treaty on Gambling. The Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) strictly monitors compliance with these player protection rules. Bonus purchases often require high individual amounts. They collide directly with the limit for the maximum bet per spin applicable in Germany. Players who want to use this feature often switch to international providers. However, this carries significant legal uncertainties.

Requirements of the GGL and the GlüStV

Is Bonus Buy allowed in Germany? No. The State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV) forms the legal basis for all online gambling in Germany. The Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States enforces these regulations and pays meticulous attention to player protection. Bonus Buy features allow players to get into bonus rounds immediately through one-time payments. This is in direct contradiction to German regulations. They are intended to prevent rapid, high losses. Therefore, providers deactivate this function completely for the local market.

Conflict with the 1-euro limit

Why does Bonus Buy contradict the maximum bet per spin? A key point of the GlüStV is limiting the maximum bet per spin to 1.00 €. However, bonus buys often cost 50 to 100 times the normal bet. With a base bet of 1 €, a bonus buy would thus cost 50 € to 100 €. This single click massively exceeds the legal limit for the maximum bet per spin. From the GGL's perspective, such high individual amounts in a short period of time represent a critical risk for gambling addiction prevention. Therefore, they are impermissible.

Risks with providers without a German license

What are the dangers of playing in gray area casinos? International platforms still often offer Bonus Buys. However, they are not subject to the supervision of the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States. Here, players waive the protection of the State Treaty on Gambling and the national player protection system. There are no guaranteed payout claims under German law. In addition, the connection to blocking systems such as OASIS is missing. These are mandatory in Germany to protect people at risk of gambling addiction. Anyone playing in Germany should only choose licensed providers, even if this means giving up certain features.

Top providers and popular slots with bonus feature

International platforms offer a variety of titles with this function. Certain developers have stood out through innovative implementations.

Innovative features from Hacksaw Gaming

Hacksaw Gaming has established itself as a developer that integrates complex purchase menus directly into the game interface. The slot Wanted Dead or a Wild by Hacksaw Gaming is particularly well-known for its "Super Bonus". It offers massive win potential but also carries a high risk. In addition to this title, Hacksaw Gaming also developed Hand of Anubis. It offers tiered purchase options with varying multipliers. This structure allows experienced players to choose between different feature levels. They are not limited to just a single option.

Extreme volatility at Nolimit City

Nolimit City is synonymous in the industry with extreme volatility and high variance. Games like San Quentin or Tombstone by Nolimit City are notorious for their aggressive bonus rounds. They offer gigantic potential but can also cause long dry spells in the base game. The purchase options often aim to trigger these extreme fluctuations in a targeted manner. For players, this means that while the purchase price guarantees access, the payout is by no means secure. This requires careful bankroll management.

Pragmatic Play and the classic Sweet Bonanza

Pragmatic Play dominates the market with accessible formats and has made the Bonus Buy function suitable for the masses. A prominent example is Sweet Bonanza, one of the world's most popular slots. Here, players can buy the free spins round directly. This accelerates the game pace significantly. In contrast to the complex menus of Hacksaw or Nolimit, Pragmatic Play often relies on simple, intuitive triggers. Money Train 4 by Relax Gaming also uses persistent features across multiple rounds. Players can make various bonus purchases. They set specific starting values for the bonus round. This allows for a more strategic approach than pure luck. Players should always keep in mind that no purchase represents a guarantee of winning. Responsible gaming is the top priority.

About this article - Editorial & Responsibility

Author: Sarah Weber - Casino Tester & Bonus Analyst

Expertly reviewed by: Dr. Markus Hoffmann - Senior iGaming Compliance Analyst

Last Update: 2026-08-14.

This article on "how does bonus buy work in online slots" was written by Sarah Weber and expertly reviewed by Dr. Markus Hoffmann. Both regularly update the content regarding regulatory changes, license availability, and bonus terms. All statements regarding licenses, authorities, and legal frameworks refer to publicly accessible sources (GGL (Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States), State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021)).

About the Author

8+ years of casino reviews, 200+ personally tested platforms in EU and internationally. Former member of the eCOGRA Player Advocacy Program (2018-2022). Specialization: wagering requirements, payout workflows, customer support assessment.

About the Reviewer

12+ years in the iGaming industry, including 5 years as a compliance consultant for licensed operators under the State Treaty on Gambling 2021. PhD in Business Mathematics. Research focus: bonus mathematics, wager analysis, player protection systems (OASIS).

Responsible Gambling

Gambling can be addictive. If you feel you are losing control of your gaming behavior, please contact the BzgA gambling addiction help line, Check-dein-Spiel.de, or use the central player blocking system (OASIS (central player blocking system)). Set personal deposit and loss limits before playing with real money. Breaks and cool-down features from providers are not a sign of weakness - they are a tool for sustainable enjoyment of the game.

Legal Disclaimer

The information in this article is for editorial and comparison purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. The legal evaluation of online gambling without a German license is a gray area and is subject to ongoing adjustments by the GGL (Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States). Players are responsible for complying with local regulations.