Bonus Buy Feature: What You Need to Know

Cirrus Casino

Bonus Buy lets you pay to trigger a slot’s bonus round or free spins instantly, instead of waiting for the base game to land the scatter or trigger symbol. It’s become a popular option in many Real Time Gaming titles, and it’s worth understanding the mechanics, the upside, and the trade-offs before you hit “Buy.”

Using Bonus Buy can speed up sessions and put you straight into the most volatile, payout-heavy parts of a game. That sounds appealing, but it also changes how your bankroll behaves, how bonuses apply, and how expected returns play out. Read the fine print, and decide if the trade-off fits your play style.

How Bonus Buy Works, in Plain Terms

Most casinos price a Bonus Buy as a multiple of your base bet. Example: a slot with a $0.25 base bet might sell its free spins round for 50x that bet. The math looks simple, but the key is matching that cost to the bonus round’s payout profile and the game’s effective RTP once the buy is in play.

  • Bonus Buy cost = base bet × multiplier set by the game.
  • The buy forces the bonus round, skipping qualifying spins and variance.
  • Some games offer tiered buys, like “small bonus” and “max bonus,” with different price-to-reward ratios.

If you like testing the Vault Feature in Real Time Gaming’s Cash Bandits 2, for example, Bonus Buy can get you into that action immediately instead of waiting for the scatter sequence to land. See our Cash Bandits 2 review for details on that feature and symbol behavior.

Real Benefits: When Bonus Buy Makes Sense

Bonus Buy works best for players who want control and clarity over their sessions:

  • Time efficiency: You can get to the bonus round without long cold stretches.
  • Volatility management: If you tolerate swings and target big payout windows, buying can concentrate prize potential.
  • Strategy testing: It helps you sample a slot’s bonus outcomes quickly, which is useful for short sessions or bankroll-limited trials.
  • Bankroll targeting: When you know the buy cost, you can size bets to limit the number of buys per session.

Remember, free spins or bonus rounds triggered via Bonus Buy are not guaranteed to win, and larger short-term losses are possible. If you want to see different bonus mechanics before risking real money, use demo modes where available.

Common Pitfalls and Player Protections to Watch

Bonus Buy carries hidden costs and rule-driven restrictions that matter:

  • Reduced effective RTP: Some bonus buys change the long-term return compared to base-game play, especially if the buy price exceeds the expected value of the bonus.
  • Faster bankroll depletion: Buying repeatedly can burn through your balance quickly during losing streaks.
  • Bonus compatibility: Many welcome and deposit offers exclude Bonus Buy or treat buy purchases differently for wagering requirements. At most casinos, slots contribute more toward playthrough, but table games and live dealer titles often contribute less or zero.
  • Sticky bonuses and cashout caps: Some promotions lock bonus funds or cap winnings that come from bonus-triggered play. Check the wagering requirements, contribution rates, and maximum cashout rules.
  • Fraud and abuse rules: Casinos reserve the right to void wins from suspected bonus abuse, multiple accounts, or other violations, so make sure your play follows the site’s terms.

If you’re playing at Cirrus Casino, check the casino’s T&Cs and reach out to support@cirruscasino.com if you need clarity on whether Bonus Buy wins count toward a specific promotion, including the current welcome offer of “200% up to $200 + $25 Free Chip.”

Tips to Use Bonus Buy Wisely

A few practical rules will help you get more value and avoid quick losses:

  • Size your bets: Treat each buy as a fixed cost and limit buys to a small percentage of your session bankroll.
  • Compare buy price to expected bonus payouts: If the buy price looks steep, consider playing the base game instead.
  • Test in demo mode first: Many Real Time Gaming slots let you trial mechanics without risking cash.
  • Watch contribution rates: Verify how bonus buy wagers count toward wagering requirements before using bonus funds.
  • Use responsible limits: Set deposit, loss, and session limits so one bad run won’t derail your account.

Want to see how bonus rounds play out in other RTG titles? Check our reviews of Caesar’s Empire Slots and Purrfect Pets Slots to compare feature types and free spins behavior.

What Cirrus Casino Players Should Know Right Now

Cirrus Casino runs Real Time Gaming software, accepts major payment methods like American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and Neteller, and operates with US dollar currency. Their welcome pack lists “200% up to $200 + $25 Free Chip.” Before using Bonus Buy, confirm whether a promotion allows buy purchases, what the wagering requirements are, and if there are maximum cashout limits or sticky bonus rules.

If terms aren’t clear, send a message to support@cirruscasino.com, and always check the promotion’s T&Cs before claiming any offer. Terms and conditions apply to bonuses, and they vary by offer and account status.

Play responsibly, treat Bonus Buy as a tactical option rather than a guarantee, and weigh the potential payout against the upfront cost and wagering rules to decide if it fits your play style.