Bonus Buy Slots Explained
UK slot guide · SlotCity24
UK players: bonus buy is not available to you
The UKGC banned bonus buy features at UK-licensed casinos in October 2019. If you are playing at a UKGC-licensed site, the purchase button will not appear — even in games that have the feature internationally.
What is a bonus buy?
A bonus buy (also called a feature buy, bonus purchase, or ante bet variant) is a slot mechanic that lets a player skip the base game and go directly to the bonus round by paying a fixed multiple of their current stake. The cost typically ranges from 50x to 100x the base bet, though some games charge more.
The appeal is straightforward: the bonus round is where most of a slot's payout potential sits. Waiting for it to trigger naturally can take many spins. The bonus buy shortens that wait for a cost.
The UKGC ban (October 2019)
In August 2019, the UK Gambling Commission announced that bonus buy features would be prohibited for UKGC-licensed operators, with the rule taking effect in October 2019.
The regulator's position was that bonus buy options encourage faster-paced, higher-spend gambling behaviour, and carry an elevated risk of harm — particularly for players who may already be struggling with their gambling. The ban applies to the feature, not the game: a slot that includes a bonus buy option internationally can still be offered in the UK, but only with that function disabled.
Providers must submit a compliant version of any affected game for UK distribution. Operators are responsible for ensuring only compliant game builds are offered to UK players.
What this means in practice
If you are playing a slot through a UKGC-licensed casino and that slot has a bonus buy feature, you simply will not see the purchase button. The game behaves normally in all other respects.
You may come across reviews, streams, or YouTube videos where the bonus buy button is visible. These are typically recorded by players outside the UK, or in demo mode in jurisdictions where the feature is permitted. What you see in those videos is not what you will see as a UK player.
Ante bet: a related mechanic
Some slots offer an "ante bet" instead of — or alongside — a bonus buy. An ante bet increases your stake by a fixed amount (often 25%–50%) per spin to raise the frequency of bonus triggers. This is different from buying the bonus outright.
Ante bets are generally still available to UK players, but check the specific game's info panel. Restrictions can vary by title and operator.
Explore the UK slot catalogue
All slots on SlotCity24 are checked for UK availability. Our feature and top-ten pages help you find games suited to different play styles.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bonus buy feature in a slot?
A bonus buy (also called feature buy or bonus purchase) allows a player to pay a fixed multiple of their stake — typically 50x to 100x — to immediately trigger the slot's bonus round, rather than waiting for it to land naturally during base game play.
Is the bonus buy feature available to UK players?
No. The UK Gambling Commission banned bonus buy features for UK-licensed operators in October 2019. Any slot with a bonus buy option must have that feature disabled for players accessing the game through a UKGC-licensed site. The underlying game still exists, but the purchase button is removed or hidden.
Why did the UKGC ban bonus buy features?
The UKGC introduced the ban as part of its wider efforts to reduce gambling-related harm. The regulator's concern was that bonus buy features encourage players to spend larger amounts quickly in pursuit of a bonus round, which is associated with higher-risk gambling behaviour.
Can I still see bonus buy slots on SlotCity24?
Yes. SlotCity24 lists games that include a bonus buy feature internationally, but we note where this feature is restricted for UK players. The game itself is still available in the UK — only the purchase feature is disabled at UKGC-licensed casinos.
18+ only. Gamble responsibly. BeGambleAware.org. Regulatory information on this page reflects UKGC guidance as of 2019. Verify current rules directly with the UKGC or your casino.