Bonus Buy: Fun Mechanic or Problematic Feature

Casino software developer Play’n GO has again sparked debate about the nature of the popular bonus buy feature and its place in the online gambling industry. The developer demands that the question be answered: To appropriate a line from the 70s rock band The Clash, should bonus buy games stay or should they go?

Join us as we delve into the results of their poll in Sweden and unpack the pros and cons of the bonus feature.

Bonus Buy is Not Popular in Sweden

While casino forums in regions like the UK and the Netherlands where Bonus Buy features have been banned are filled with players angry at their respective regulators for limiting their right to choose, the Swedes are pro-regulation.

According to the poll results shared by Play’n GO:

• Seven out of ten members of the general Swedish public (69%) support changing the regulation to ban ‘Bonus Buy’ games
• Incredibly, more than half of Swedish slot players (55%) want the game type prohibited, too

This desire to see the bonus game banned stems from two points of concern among slot players:

1. It leads to higher losses (63% of respondents)
2. It creates an unsafe space for at-risk players (52% of respondents)

The poll also showed that the public believes that those who take action to remove the feature from Swedish online casinos would be considered brave and pro-consumer. This stance applies to operators, software developers, and the Swedish Gambling Authority.

Pros and Cons of Bonus Buy Games

The reality is that there are as many fans of Bonus Buy slots and other experience-enhancing special features as there are detractors. To help you decide where you fall on the topic, here are some of the pros and cons:

Pros of the Bonus Buy feature:

1. Instant Access to Bonus Rounds: When players prefer the increased action provided by free spins and other bonus games, this feature allows them to play in a manner that best suits their needs.
2. Time-Saving and Convenience: When gambling on the go or over one's lunch break, there is not always the time needed to hit a bonus round naturally. The option to instantly trigger it offers a more enjoyable experience in a short period.
3. Increased Winning Potential: Since casino games offer their biggest payouts during bonus rounds, playing these rounds exclusively increases the odds of landing a big win.

Cons of the Bonus Buy feature:

1. Higher Costs: While you can play for higher payouts, it comes with a sizeable cost per spin increase, as each game can cost more than 80x the price of a base game spin.
2. Reduced Gameplay Enjoyment: With a hyperfocus on jackpot gameplay, it will be easy to overlook the care and attention taken to develop a well-rounded casino game.
3. Risk of Dependency: The impact of dopamine on the brain when wins and bonuses are triggered is well-documented. Not allowing yourself a mental break but only playing the most exciting features of at-risk players increases their chances of compulsive behaviours.

Whether you play highly volatile games of chance or prefer more sedate, interaction-rich live dealer table games, it is essential that you never chase losses and adhere to responsible gambling guidelines to ensure that gambling remains an entertaining pastime and nothing more.

If you or a loved one are facing challenges when it comes to gambling online, please visit our responsible gambling section or contact a local care line to speak to a trained counsellor.