Bonus buy features have become a staple in modern online slot gaming. For many players, they offer instant access to a slot’s bonus round—bypassing the base game grind. But despite their popularity, some online casinos opt to disable this feature entirely. Why? The answer involves a mix of regulation, player protection, and casino strategy.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the decision, how it affects player experience, and what alternatives exist—especially for those exploring non gamstop casinos.
What Is a Bonus Buy Feature?
The bonus buy (also known as Feature Buy) allows players to pay a fixed price—usually 50x to 100x their stake—to trigger a slot’s bonus round instantly. This mechanic gained traction because it removes randomness from triggering bonuses, appealing to more aggressive or time-conscious players.
Why Are Bonus Buys Disabled?
1. Regulatory Restrictions
Many jurisdictions are tightening rules on gambling mechanics that could encourage impulsive or risky behavior. For example:
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) prohibits bonus buys in UK-licensed casinos.
These restrictions are intended to protect players from excessive losses and reduce addiction-related risks.
Since bonus buys bypass the natural odds of triggering a bonus and involve high-stake betting, regulators see them as encouraging reckless gambling.
2. Casino Licensing Requirements
Casinos that want to maintain licenses in regulated markets (like the UK) must adhere to strict guidelines. This includes disabling features that go against local laws—even if they are available globally.
Non-UK casinos that serve international players, such as non gamstop casinos, often retain the bonus buy feature because they are not bound by UKGC restrictions.
3. Game Fairness and Player Psychology
From a casino perspective, offering bonus buys can lead to greater volatility in player behavior. Some providers believe disabling the feature helps maintain a more predictable RTP (Return to Player) and longer player sessions.
Also, newer or casual players might misunderstand the feature and think they’re “guaranteed” a win—when in reality, bonus rounds can still yield minimal returns, even after paying for them.
How Does This Impact Players?
Disabling bonus buys changes how players approach games. Without the option to buy bonuses directly, players must rely on luck and time to access bonus rounds.
For casual players, this isn’t a major issue. But high rollers or streamers—who thrive on constant action—may find the lack of control frustrating. That’s one reason why non gamstop casinos are gaining traction; they often include full-featured slot games with bonus buy options intact.
Are Bonus Buys Worth It?
It depends on your goals:
For Entertainment: Bonus buys add excitement and can save time.
For Budget Players: They are risky. A 100x investment could return less than 10x.
For Strategy-Oriented Gamblers: Bonus buys offer a way to test volatility and RTP without hours of spinning.
In regulated spaces, bonus buy mechanics are often absent due to legal constraints. But players seeking alternative experiences sometimes turn to non gamstop casinos, where such features are still active.
Alternatives to Bonus Buys
If you can’t access bonus buys in your region, consider:
Slots with high base game volatility – where big wins can happen without bonuses.
Progressive jackpot games – providing major win potential through random triggers.
Non gamstop casinos – for players outside of UK self-exclusion schemes who want full access to unrestricted slot features.
Conclusion
The decision to disable bonus buys stems primarily from regulatory pressure and player protection principles. While this may feel limiting to some players, it reflects a broader effort to make online gambling safer and more sustainable. For those looking for less restricted options, non gamstop casinos provide an alternative—though it’s essential to gamble responsibly regardless of platform.
Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned spinner, understanding why bonus buys are restricted helps you make informed choices about where and how you play.
