Have you come across “Bonus Buy” slots and want to know if they are available in the UK? In some places, players are offered the chance to pay extra to unlock bonus rounds almost instantly, rather than waiting for them to potentially trigger during play.

This blog will explain what Bonus Buy slots are, how the feature works, and—most importantly—why it is not allowed at UK-licensed online casinos. You’ll also discover how the UK’s rules aim to keep online slot play fair and secure, and what alternative features you may be able to enjoy instead.

Let’s look at everything you need to know about Bonus Buy slots in the UK.

What Are Bonus Buy Slots?

Bonus Buy slots are a type of online slot game where players can pay a certain amount to jump straight into a special bonus feature, such as free spins or a mini-game. Rather than waiting for a bonus to potentially trigger during regular play, you pay a one-off, often much higher price—sometimes 50 or 100 times your normal bet—to play the bonus.

Slots with Bonus Buy features are not available at UK-licensed casinos. This is due to UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) rules, which state that slot games with “adjustable staking” features, including Bonus Buy, cannot be offered to UK players. These changes, brought in 2019, are there to help everyone play more safely and to limit the risks of spending large sums quickly.

All slots at UK-licensed sites use a Random Number Generator (RNG), so the results of every spin are independent and cannot be predicted. There are no guaranteed ways to trigger a bonus or achieve a win. Because each slot can work slightly differently, it may be a good idea to review the game’s paytable and rules before you start.

It’s sensible to choose a budget before you play and take regular breaks. If you ever find your gambling isn’t fun anymore, or you want to take a step back, there’s support available.

Are There Any Slots Where You Can Buy The Bonus?

If you’re hoping to buy bonus rounds or free spins within a slot on a UK-licensed casino site, you won’t be able to do so. Under rules from the UKGC, games with the option to pay extra for bonuses are not permitted for UK players, and you will not find them at any site operating legally here.

The rule exists mainly for player protection. Bonus Buy features have the potential to lead to people spending much larger amounts very quickly. By banning these options, the UKGC aims to keep play more manageable.

You can still find many slot games with bonus rounds at UK casinos, but these must be triggered randomly during normal play, without shortcuts or paid entry. The details for each game’s bonus features can usually be found in the game’s help menu or paytable.

For players who want a bit of structure, most reputable casinos offer free tools to help you manage your spending and stick to limits that work for you.

Why Bonus Buy Slots Were Banned In The UK

The main issue with Bonus Buy slots was the way they allowed players to pay a single, often high, amount for access to bonus features. The UK Gambling Commission looked into these games and found that this made it easier for people to spend money quickly, which could increase the risk of potential harm.

For example, buying a bonus could cost up to 100 times your standard spin, possibly leading to large losses at a much faster rate. This made it harder for some to keep track of spending, or to pause and reconsider.

As a result, the UKGC updated its rules for online slots in 2019, completely removing the Bonus Buy feature from UK casinos. This move was part of other changes to make gameplay slower and safer, helping players keep control and avoid decisions made in the moment.

In the UK today, every bonus feature in a slot must be triggered as part of regular play. There is no way to pay extra to skip ahead. To find out how bonuses work in any given slot, check the paytable or help section, which will clearly explain what you might expect during play.

How Do You Trigger The Bonus Round on Slots?

A bonus round is a special feature within a slot, often giving you free spins or a mini-game with extra possible prizes. In the UK, these can only be activated during normal gameplay, never bought directly.

Most slots trigger a bonus round when you land a certain number of special symbols, commonly known as scatter symbols, anywhere on the reels. For example, three or more scatter symbols in one spin might start a free spins round.

Some slots use other mechanics. You might need to fill a progress bar or collect certain icons over several spins. Occasionally, a bonus may be randomly activated after any spin, keeping things interesting as you play.

Because bonus rounds work differently from game to game, it may be helpful to read the paytable before you get started. This section explains which symbols you need, how many to look for, and what happens when a bonus starts. You will also find details of the features included, such as multipliers or extra wild symbols.

All slot results—including bonuses—are set by an RNG. This means you cannot influence or predict when, or if, a bonus round will appear. No betting pattern will increase your odds.

If you’re keen to stay in control while enjoying slots, set clear limits and use the responsible gambling options provided by reputable UK casinos.

Best Online Slots With Bonus Rounds

There are hundreds of online slots with entertaining bonus rounds available at UK-regulated casinos. Each has its own gameplay, with different types of features and ways to unlock the bonuses. The most enjoyable slot for you will depend on your preferences, like the theme and how the bonus works.

Below are a few popular titles you may find at licensed sites.

Gonzo’s Quest

This slot has cascading reels, letting new symbols fall into place with each potential win. Land three Free Fall symbols in one go to unlock the bonus round, which offers free falls and increasing multipliers.

Bigger Bass Bonanza

A fishing-themed slot where the bonus round gives you free spins. The more special fish symbols collected during free spins, the more potential prizes and extra spins you can unlock.

Rainbow Riches

A favourite in the UK, Rainbow Riches has a selection of bonus games, including Road to Riches. Bonus rounds are triggered by landing specific scatter symbols on the reels.

9 Pots of Gold

Here, bonus rounds are activated by landing three or more free spin scatter symbols. A bonus wheel then decides the number of free spins and which multiplier you will play with.

Rome The Golden Age

Collect coin symbols to fill a meter, potentially unlocking a progressive bonus round. Free spins and multipliers become available based on your progress and collected coins.

Jack Hammer

Styled on a comic strip, Jack Hammer includes a Sticky Win feature. Collect five or more scatter symbols in one spin to start free spins, where extra wilds may land.

Dead or Alive

A western-inspired slot with a free spins bonus, triggered by three or more scatter symbols. During the bonus, any sticky wilds can stay in place on each spin.

Finn and The Swirly Spin

This slot has a spiral grid instead of reels. By moving key symbols to the centre, you can unlock one of four different free spins bonus rounds, each with their own feature.

Thunderstruck II

Based on Norse legends, Thunderstruck II offers the Great Hall of Spins. As you collect bonus symbols, you may gain access to more free spin rounds, each with unique extras.

Immortal Romance

This slot mixes a vampire story with a Chamber of Spins bonus. Each round is triggered by collecting scatter symbols and may bring special features like rolling reels or multipliers.

All these slots activate bonus rounds using RNGs. The outcome and timing are always random, so every spin is your own experience. Do check the paytables for details on how any bonus features work, and use available tools to help keep your play enjoyable.

Play Slots Online at Dream Jackpot

Dream Jackpot is a UK-licensed casino offering a large selection of over 2,800 slot and table games. You won’t find Bonus Buy slots here, as these are not allowed under UK rules.

Instead, you’ll discover plenty of games from trusted software studios, all using certified RNGs to guarantee fairness on every spin.

Want to know more about a specific slot game or its features? Simply click on the game’s paytable or help menu before you start playing. While you’re here, you can use our built-in responsible gambling tools to set comfortable spending or time limits, helping you play safely every time you visit.

_{*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.}

_{**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.}