Bonus Buy slots let you pay a set amount to trigger a feature instantly—usually free spins or a special bonus. They’re popular in many markets, but if you’re playing from the UK, you won’t see them.
That’s because UK regulations prohibit feature-buy mechanics for real-money play. While the same games may offer Bonus Buys elsewhere in the world, the option is disabled for British players, leaving bonuses to be triggered naturally during play.
Bonus Buy Slots UK
The bonus buy function, also known as a 'feature buy' or 'feature drop', was initially introduced to the UK market in 2017. The feature was a big success, allowing players to purchase immediate access to a slot game's bonus features, bypassing the usual need to meet specific requirements in the base game to trigger the bonus feature. This level of control over gameplay was appealing to many players, particularly those who did not wish to wait for random bonus triggers.
However, this seemingly attractive feature was met with scrutiny from the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), the regulatory body overseeing casinos and gambling establishments in the UK. They decided to ban bonus buy features in 2019, citing concerns over problem gambling and financial misuse.
Thus, the answer to the question, "Can you buy the bonus on slots in the UK?" is a firm no. The bonus buy feature is not permitted in the UK, despite its continued availability in other countries.
What Are Buy Bonus Slots?
Bonus buy slots are games that let players pay to access a game's bonus features directly. These bonus features include extra spins, jackpots and pick-me rounds, depending on the title.
Normally, such features are triggered during the base game by meeting specific requirements, like collecting tokens or landing special symbols in particular positions. Because mobile slot games use Random Number Generators (RNGs), triggering those features is unpredictable and can sometimes take a long time.
The bonus buy option was introduced to bypass that waiting period by allowing immediate entry to a bonus round for a fixed cost. Although the UK bans the feature, bonus buy slots still exist outside the UK and remain popular with many international players.
UK Slots Where You Can Buy the Bonus: Do They Exist?
While many slot games worldwide include a bonus buy option, that feature is not available to players in the UK. Online casinos operating in the UK must hold a licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), and the UKGC forbids bonus buying.
Any site offering a bonus buy to UK players would therefore be breaching UKGC rules. Such operators would likely be unlicensed and would not meet the security and accountability standards required in the UK.
Why Bonus Buy Feature Slots Were Banned
The UK Gambling Commission banned the bonus buy feature to reduce potential harm and improve player protection. Regulators concluded the feature encouraged higher levels of spending without increasing the chance of winning.
Although bonus buy lets players access bonus features directly, it does not improve the game odds or guarantee wins. Because it offers immediate access to bonuses, the feature can prompt larger, faster losses.
The UKGC judged this combination of factors could lead to excessive spending and contribute to problem gambling. The ban was therefore introduced to help prevent financial harm to players.
Can You Buy Free Spins on Slots?
The purchase of free spins on slots is not permitted in the UK. Free spins are a common bonus feature in many new slot games and give players a set number of complimentary spins.
These spins often include extra features, such as expanding wilds or multipliers, that are not present in the base game. Buying these spins is prohibited under UKGC regulations to reduce potential financial misuse and support responsible gambling.
Best Slots With Bonus Games
Despite the ban on bonus buy features, UK players can still enjoy a host of top slot games with entertaining bonus features. Some of the standout slots with bonus games include:
- Fluffy Favourites: Animal theme with free spins and a Toybox pick bonus.
- Big Bass Splash: Fishing action with money symbols and free spins collectors.
- Fishin' Frenzy: Classic angling slot where the fisherman collects cash fish.
- King Kong Cash Even Bigger Bananas: Ape antics, banana boosts, and free spins features.
- Gates of Olympus: Tumble wins with random multipliers and a powerful free spins round.
These real money slots and many others are available at licensed casinos, such as Slots UK, offering secure and fair gambling experiences.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.