How to Play Bonus Buy Slots in the UK

The short and blunt answer is: you can’t. Keep reading the long answer to find the workaround.

As UK gamblers, we all love our slot games.

But the Gambling Commission’s ban on bonus buy (also known as feature buy and feature drop) in slots has left many of us wondering if we can still get our fix.

We’ve been around the block a few times and know that the thrill of bonus buy in slots is hard to match. But we also understand the Gambling Commission’s legitimate concerns about player safety that led to its ban.

Despite this, we can’t help but wonder if there could be a way to bypass the rule and stake a few pounds on a bonus buy slot someday.

As a matter of fact, we know that there is a workaround – by playing at UK casinos not on GamStop, which are sites that dodge the Gambling Commission’s harsh rules.

But before we get into the details of this, let’s cover what bonus buy slots are and why they are banned.

What’s the Big Deal About Bonus Buy Slots?

For us punters, bonus buy slots are a game-changer: we can skip the base game and dive right into the action, buying our way into the bonus round and potentially winning big.

It’s a feature that’s proven to be a hit with players, and it’s easy to see why. Who wouldn’t love a straightforward, no-BS entry into a slot’s bonus round instead of waiting for it to trigger on its own?

It’s way better than being stuck in a rut, playing the same old slots, and waiting for what feels like an eternity for the bonus round to kick in.

The feature takes away that waiting game and lets us trigger the bonus round whenever we want.

How Do Bonus Buy Slots Work?

In a typical bonus buy slot, we can choose to pay a set amount – a multiple of our stake – to enter the game’s bonus round.

For example, if we bet £1, we might need to cough up an extra £100 to access a bonus feature. The cost varies from one slot game to the next.

Note that while this feature provides quicker access to the bonus round, it does not guarantee a win.

Why Are Bonus Buys Banned in Slot Games at UKGC Casinos?

In 2019, the Gambling Commission introduced new regulations aimed at reducing the risk of problem gambling.

As part of these regulations, the use of bonus buy and other features in online slots was banned citing concerns that they could encourage players to spend more money than they can afford.

The term ‘bonus buy’ is not explicitly mentioned anywhere within the Gambling Act or the RTC, but it falls under the scope of Clause 14 for Responsible Product Design.

What Does the UKGC’s Ban Mean for Punters?

As we all know, the UKGC’s ban on bonus buy slots has left many of us feeling frustrated.

We get it, it’s all about player safety and intended to protect vulnerable players, but it has also limited our options. We say it’s a double-edged sword!

We believe bonus buy can be a fun and exciting way to play slot games, as long as you’re responsible with your bankroll.

But by banning them, the Gambling Commission might actually do the opposite of what they intended. This is particularly true for certain slot games where it’s nearly impossible to land the bonus round naturally.

In these cases, players might just keep depositing money to try and trigger the bonus round, defeating the very purpose of the ban.

Also, let’s be honest, not all of us are problem gamblers. We can manage our own bankrolls and make responsible choices. The ban just means we have to look elsewhere for bonus buy slots.

The Gambling Commission hasn’t banned people from playing at offshore casinos – only advised them to choose casinos licensed within the UK.

This doesn’t help. Not everyone is going to stop playing bonus buy slots just because the Gambling Commission says so. Many will just find other ways.

So, How Can We Still Play Bonus Buy Slots in the UK?

As of now, it’s apparent that no bonus buy slots exist at UKGC-licensed casinos.

Even if we happen to find one, the UKGC will make sure to have it taken down at the earliest and either warn or penalize the casino offering the game.

But there are still ways to enjoy slot games with this feature – by looking for them at UK casinos not on GamStop. These casinos operate beyond the UKGC’s jurisdiction, although they may or may not come with a license from another regulator.

Now, we know what you’re thinking: are these casinos safe? Well, as with any online casino, it’s essential to do your research and ensure that the site you choose is reputable and trustworthy.

There are plenty of such casinos available to UK players. However, telling a genuine site from a dodgy one is up to you.

Look for casinos that are licensed. These casinos may not be subject to the UKGC’s regulations, but they still operate under their regulator’s guidelines to ensure player safety.

Also, don’t expect help from the Gambling Commission if things go south.

Tips for Playing Bonus Buy Slots at Non-UKGC Sites

We’ve learned a thing or two about playing bonus buy slots, which we’re happy to share with you:

• Pick a safe casino: Some non-GamStop casinos aren’t licensed, so pick one that is. Make sure it prioritises fairness and player safety.
• Choose the right slot game: Not all bonus buy slots are created equal. Look for games where the bonus buy feature doesn’t lower the RTP.
• Understand the cost: Make sure you know how much you’re paying to enter that bonus round. The cost is usually a multiple of your original stake, so factor it into your budget.
• Stick to a budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend on bonus buys and stick to your budget. It’s easy to get carried away with the excitement, so don’t end up blowing your bankroll.
• Don’t chase losses: Approach these games with caution. Always keep an eye on your spending and make sure you’re not chasing losses.

The Pros and Cons of Playing Bonus Buy Slots

As with anything in life, pros and cons exist when playing a bonus buy slot in the UK:

Pros

• Excitement: These games are exciting, plain and simple. We love the thrill of entering a bonus round without having to wait for it to trigger. It’s especially great when you’re strapped for time.
• Flexibility: Bonus buy gives us the power to trigger a slot’s bonus round whenever we want. We can play at our own pace, and buy our way into the bonus round at our convenience.

Cons

• Cost: Buying your entry into the bonus round can be expensive. We need to be careful with our bankroll and make sure we’re not overspending.
• RTP: Some slots have a lower RTP during the bonus round, so we need to be careful when spending money on getting into one directly. We don’t want to be stuck with a game that’s rigged against us.
• Addiction: Bonus buy slots can be addictive. So, we need to be careful with our bankroll, set a budget, stick to it, and make sure we’re not chasing losses.

To Play or Not to Play: That Is the Question!

Bonus buy slots may be off-limits at UKGC-licensed casinos, but that doesn’t mean UK players can’t still play them. However, it can be a big moral dilemma.

As fellow gamblers, we understand the exasperation the current restrictions bring. While the UKGC’s ban is rooted in a desire to protect players, it also limits us in many ways.

For those willing to explore, non-UKGC casinos provide an avenue, but being responsible is entirely your responsibility.

Remember to keep an eye on your bankroll and align your play style with your risk tolerance. By doing your research and choosing reputable online casinos, you can play bonus buy slots safely.

The only challenge is such casinos are hard to come by. And when you do find one, you must understand the implications of not choosing a UKGC casino while residing in the UK.

As we said, the moral crisis is real!