Free spins come in two kinds: in-game spins triggered by scatter symbols, and promotional spins offered by an operator with terms attached. Bonus buy lets you pay a multiple of your stake to trigger a feature directly. Check the terms and the cost before use.
The words free spins and bonus buy appear in slot descriptions and in promotions, and they mean different things. Knowing which one you are looking at changes what it costs.
In-game free spins
Many slots award a round of free spins when a set number of scatter symbols appears. The spins are paid for by your ordinary bets: nothing extra is charged, and the feature is part of the game's RTP. They are called free because the round itself costs nothing extra.
Promotional free spins
An operator can also give a number of spins on a chosen game, often with conditions. Typical conditions include a fixed stake per spin, a cap on winnings and a wagering requirement on what you win.
A hypothetical example: 50 free spins at a stake of 0.20 per spin have a stake value of 50 × 0.20 = 10. If they produce winnings of 8 and the terms require 30× wagering on winnings, you must wager 8 × 30 = 240 before the 8 can be withdrawn. The terms are the part that decides what the spins are worth. For more on this arithmetic see wagering requirements, explained.
Bonus buy
Some games let you buy the feature directly instead of waiting for the scatters. The price is a multiple of your stake, and the game shows it before you confirm.
- Cost. At a stake of 2 and a price of 100×, one purchase costs 200. Ten purchases cost 2,000.
- RTP. The game information states the RTP for the bought feature, which can differ from the base game, so read it.
- Swing. Buying skips the waiting but not the variance: results of a purchase vary widely, and a series of purchases can use a budget quickly.
- Availability. Bonus buy is restricted or unavailable in some markets.
A short comparison
| In-game free spins | Promotional free spins | Bonus buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it comes from | Triggered by scatters | Offered by an operator | Bought inside the game |
| Extra cost | None beyond your bets | None, but terms apply | A multiple of your stake |
| What to read | Pay table | Wagering, cap, game, stake | Price and stated RTP |
None of the three changes the principle in how slot random number generators work: each outcome is random, and a feature is not a way to beat the odds.
See also: Wagering requirement calculator; Gambling glossary.
Frequently asked questions
Are free spins really free?
In-game free spins cost nothing beyond your original bets. Promotional spins often carry wagering and win caps, so their worth depends on the terms.
Does bonus buy give better odds?
It gives faster access to the feature, not better odds. The stated RTP of the bought feature is what describes the average return.
