Bonuses are one of the most crucial parts of a slot game. The function of a bonus is to enhance player engagement by offering players the chance to win more money through various methods.
Bonuses are already common in casino sign-ups because they attract new customers. The best casino bonuses offer players an advantage before they start playing as a thank you for choosing the casino.
However, in-game, these are called base game bonuses, which players can unlock by landing symbols.
Casinos also offer their customers the opportunity to buy bonuses. Players can buy certain features instead of unlocking them.
Join us as we explain the differences between bonus buys and base game bonuses and decide once and for all which is better.
Bonus Buys VS. Base Game Bonuses: The Differences
| Mechanic | Bonus Buys | Base Game Bonuses |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger Method | Triggered through purchasing the bonus buy feature. | Triggered by landing the corresponding bonus symbols. |
| Cost | Usually a fixed cost or price, according to the slot. | Free at no extra cost – included in game. |
| Frequency | Immediate due to purchase. | Random and unpredictable. |
| RTP | Higher – due to players paying for high stakes. | Depends as the RTP is the same as the slot’s RTP amount. |
| Gameplay | Gameplay is fast-paced, as normal gameplay is skipped in favour of the bonus round. | Varies on the game, but has a slower build-up as the normal game is played first. |
| Regulation | Bonus buys are heavily restricted and banned in the UK. | Permitted as they are part of base game gameplay. |
Pros & Cons: Bonus Buys
As we have explained the differences between bonus buys and base game bonuses, we should go in to the appeal and the disadvantages of each one.
Let’s start with bonus buys.
Pros
- Offers players a customisable gaming experience.
- Instantly accessible after purchase.
- Time efficient – due to skipping of base game.
- Transparent – cost is displayed directly on screen.
Cons
- Expensive to buy.
- Can cause fast losses due to bonuses being unpredictable.
- Regulatory issues – in the UK and some other regions, they are banned.
- Less build-up. Removing the base game removes suspense.
Pros & Cons: Base Game Bonuses
Now, let’s move on to base game bonuses.
Pros
- No extra cost – included within the game.
- Accessible to all players.
- Exciting gameplay – the build-up to landing bonuses is exciting.
- Renewed sense of achievement through landing the bonus.
Cons
- Unpredictable – Bonuses take longer to trigger, and come randomly.
- Smaller wins – base game bonus wins are usually smaller than bonus buys.
- Lack of control – bonus rounds are accessed randomly.
- Slow pace – Gameplay is more repetitive and monotonous before landing a bonus.
Which Is Better?
Objectively, neither the bonus buy nor the base game bonuses are better. As with many slot mechanics, the usefulness depends on a player’s style and what they want from the game.
Bonus buys are good for players with bigger bankrolls who prefer high-intensity gameplay with big stakes. They skip the boring round-by-round gameplay.
In contrast, base game bonuses are better for casual players on a budget because they don’t cost extra. Additionally, gameplay in the base game is less risky, and there is a longer buildup to landing bonus symbols, because they don’t appear all of the time.
Additionally, base game bonuses are accessible in the UK in most, if not all, slot machines, so there are no issues in finding them.
However, the bonus buy ban in the UK significantly limits player opportunities to access bonus features, unless they choose to play in unregulated casinos.
Whichever you prefer, you should have the time, money, and patience for your preferred option.
