In recent years, online slots have gone from colorful reels to complex interactive experiences. Today’s games often feature layered features, cinematic sequences, and one-button access to bonus rounds. But as regulators across multiple jurisdictions move to tighten restrictions on gambling mechanics, a question is emerging: are beloved features like Bonus Buy facing extinction?
And if they are – will players care enough to change where they play?
From Innovation to Prohibition
Bonus Buy options were born from player demand. Instead of spinning endlessly in hopes of triggering a bonus round, players could pay a premium and access the feature instantly. For developers, this opened creative opportunities; for players, it meant time-saving satisfaction. However, for regulators, this mechanic raised multiple red flags.
Authorities began to question whether such features promote impulse behavior and diminish responsible gambling principles. In regulated markets like the UK, these concerns are now shaping policy. The UK Gambling Commission has implemented stricter rules that aim to reduce fast-paced and high-intensity play, including functions like turbo spins, autoplay, and, increasingly, Bonus Buy mechanics.
The Problem with Bonus Buys (According to Lawmakers)
One of the primary concerns is the blurred line between entertainment and risk. While some players see Bonus Buys as an optional convenience, others use them excessively, especially in high-volatility games. The ability to spend 50x, 100x, or even 200x your bet for instant access to high-risk features is seen by regulators as encouraging erratic behavior.
This has prompted a wave of restrictions. In markets such as Sweden and Belgium, Bonus Buy mechanics are either tightly regulated or outright banned. In Germany, regulatory frameworks also discourage their use by imposing bet size limits that render the feature largely unviable.
Spain’s regulatory body, the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ), has similarly taken a cautious stance. Their guidelines emphasize slowing down play, reinforcing transparency, and avoiding mechanics that could lead to loss of control. While not all of these measures explicitly ban Bonus Buys, the direction is clear: features that offer rapid reward access are increasingly unwelcome.
Developer Dilemma: Adapt or Abandon?
For game providers, this presents a difficult choice. Should they continue building features that players love, knowing they may be outlawed in key markets? Or should they adapt to safer, slower-paced mechanics to ensure regulatory compliance?
Some studios are splitting their portfolios releasing one version for global markets and another stripped-down version for Europe. Others, however, are pushing back, defending the idea that players want optionality, and that problem gambling should be addressed through player education and tools, not through design censorship.
This tension is affecting development timelines, profitability, and user engagement metrics.
What Players Are Saying
Player forums, Twitch streams, and YouTube channels reflect a divided opinion. Many high-rollers and streamers miss Bonus Buy functionality when it disappears from a platform. They argue that these features make for better viewing and keep the gameplay experience exciting.
Meanwhile, casual players often express relief at the restrictions, especially in markets where responsible gaming tools are prioritized. For them, removing Bonus Buys reduces the temptation to overspend in moments of frustration or chasing losses.
Ultimately, this split reflects a broader issue in iGaming: is regulation protecting players, or limiting them?
Where Players Might Be Headed Next
The elephant in the room is the black market. When popular features are banned, there’s always the risk that users will turn to offshore casinos where those mechanics are still available. These platforms often lack adequate protections, responsible gaming tools, or legal oversight.
This is where transparency and informed choice become essential. In the Spanish-speaking market, for example, platforms like MejoresCasinos’ dedicated Bonus Buy feature section offer detailed insights into where this mechanic is still available legally, which operators support it, and how costs vary. The section also explores how different jurisdictions approach this feature and what it means for both developers and players seeking a compliant yet enjoyable experience.
By contextualizing Bonus Buy in real-world regulation, players and affiliates alike can better navigate the evolving landscape of slot design.