If you have used the Betzillo app, you have likely noticed a button that lets you skip straight to the bonus round. This is the bonus buy feature, and it changes how you interact with pokies. Instead of spinning for minutes or hours hoping to trigger free spins, you pay a set amount to unlock the feature immediately. It sounds simple, but the costs and mechanics vary widely between games.
What Is a Bonus Buy in Pokies?
A bonus buy is a paid option that allows you to purchase direct entry into a slot game’s bonus round. Standard pokies require you to land three or more scatter symbols to trigger free spins or a pick-em game. With bonus buy, that requirement is bypassed. You pay a fixed multiplier of your current bet, usually between 50x and 200x, and the bonus begins instantly.
This feature is not available on every pokie. Developers such as Hacksaw Gaming, Nolimit City, and Push Gaming are known for including bonus buys in their releases. Many older games from Aristocrat or IGT do not include this option, though some newer titles from those providers have started to adopt it.
How Bonus Buy Pricing Works
The cost to buy a bonus is calculated as a multiple of your current bet size. For example, if you are betting $1 per spin and the bonus buy costs 100x, you will pay $100 to enter the bonus. That $100 is deducted from your balance in one go.
The multiplier is set by the game developer and is based on the theoretical return of the bonus round. Games with higher volatility and bigger win potential tend to charge a higher multiplier. A pokie with a maximum win of 5,000x your bet might have a buy cost of 80x, while a game with a 50,000x potential could charge 150x or more.
Australian players should check the game information screen before buying. The cost is always displayed, but the potential return is not guaranteed. You could buy a bonus for $50 and win $20, or you could hit the top prize and win thousands.
RTP Differences With Bonus Buy
One important detail is that the theoretical return to player (RTP) often changes when you use the bonus buy feature. Many games have a separate RTP setting for purchased bonuses. This number is usually higher than the base game RTP.
For instance, a pokie might have a base RTP of 96.2%, but the bonus buy RTP could be 97.5% or higher. This is because the bonus round typically pays out a larger share of the total wagered amount compared to regular spins. However, the higher RTP comes with increased variance. You may buy several bonuses in a row that pay below average before hitting a big one.
It is worth checking the game rules to see if the bonus buy RTP is disclosed. Some developers publish this data, while others do not. If you value transparency, stick with providers that show both numbers.
Common Types of Bonus Buys You Will See on Betzillo
Not all bonus buys work the same way. Here are the most common variations you will encounter on the Betzillo app:
- Standard bonus buy – You pay the fixed cost and enter the standard bonus round. This is the most straightforward option.
- Feature buy – Some games let you buy specific features. For example, you might choose between free spins with extra wilds or a pick-em bonus. Each option has a different cost.
- Super bonus buy – A premium version of the standard bonus. The cost is higher, but the bonus starts with better modifiers, such as higher multipliers or additional free spins.
- Random bonus – A few games offer a random bonus buy where you pay a small fee for a chance at any bonus type. This is less common but can be cheaper.
Bonuses and Bonus Buys: What You Need to Know
Australian online casinos like Betzillo often offer deposit match bonuses or free spins for new members. However, these bonuses usually restrict bonus buys. If you have active bonus funds or wagering requirements, you may not be able to purchase bonuses at all. Check the terms and conditions of any promotion before depositing.
Some players prefer to deposit using PayID or POLi because these methods are fast and widely accepted. PayID is particularly popular among Australian users because it allows instant transfers from bank accounts. When you use bonus buy features, having fast deposit options is helpful since you may want to reload quickly after a losing bonus.
Regulation and Responsible Gambling Context
The Interactive Gambling Act 2001 governs online casino operations in Australia. Under this law, it is illegal for operators to offer real money online pokies to Australian residents unless they hold a valid licence from a regulated jurisdiction. Many offshore casinos, including those licensed in Curacao or Malta, still accept Australian players, but they are not licensed under Australian law.
This means that when you use bonus buy features on Betzillo or any other platform, you are playing under the rules of the licensing authority. Curacao eGaming and the Malta Gaming Authority are two common regulators. Each has its own requirements regarding fair play, RTP disclosure, and dispute resolution.
If you ever feel that a bonus buy was not fair or that the game did not behave as expected, you can file a complaint with the licensing body. Keep screenshots of the game screen and your transaction history.
The Australian government also operates BetStop, the national self-exclusion register. If you want to take a break from gambling, you can register through BetStop to block access to all licensed interactive wagering services. For unlicensed offshore sites, self-exclusion is not available, so you need to use the site’s own tools.
Does Bonus Buy Improve Your Chances?
No. The bonus buy does not change the mathematical edge of the game. The house edge remains the same over the long term. What changes is the speed of play and the distribution of wins. Instead of grinding through hundreds of spins, you condense your action into a few high-stakes bonus rounds.
This can be appealing if you want fast results, but it also increases the risk of losing your bankroll quickly. A single bonus buy can cost more than your entire session budget. Some players use bonus buys sparingly, only when they have a surplus in their account.
Tips for Australian Players
Start with low stakes. If you are new to bonus buys, use the smallest bet size allowed. The cost scales with your bet, so a $0.10 spin with a 100x buy costs only $10. This lets you test the feature without risking too much.
Set a budget for bonus buys separately from your regular spins. If you lose three bonuses in a row, stop. Chasing losses by buying more bonuses is a fast way to drain your balance.
Use the Betzillo app to check game stats before buying. Many pokies show your win history and current session data. This can help you decide whether to buy a bonus or keep spinning naturally.
Conclusion
Bonus buy features give Australian pokie players a direct path to the action. You skip the waiting and pay a premium for instant access. The cost varies by game, and the RTP is often higher in the bonus round. But the risk is real, and the house edge still applies.
If you choose to use bonus buys, do so with clear limits and an understanding of the game mechanics. The Betzillo app offers a wide selection of pokies with this feature, and using PayID or POLi makes deposits quick. Just remember that no purchase guarantees a win. Treat bonus buys as an entertainment expense, not a strategy.
For more information on safe gambling practices, visit the New South Wales Office of Responsible Gambling or the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation. And if you ever need a break, BetStop is available to help.