What are Bonus Buy slots?
Bonus Buy slots let you buy a game's paid feature (usually free spins or a bonus round) instead of waiting for it to land naturally. That shortcut changes session dynamics. Use it when you want direct access to the high-volatility action. This guide explains what to look for and how to pick titles by RTP, volatility and maximum win.
Why these games differ
Not all Bonus Buy slots are the same. Key differences you will see on MST88 include:
- RTP — the return-to-player figure. On the Bonus Buy page there are 1,996 games from 22 providers and an average RTP of 96.14%. The lowest RTP shown is 90.08% and the highest is 98.21%.
- Volatility — how wins are spread. The catalogue shows a mix: high 755, very-high 455, medium 371, medium-high 284, low-medium 31, low 28. Bonus buys often sit in the high / very-high slots.
- Max win, ways or paylines — some games give enormous max wins or many ways to win (e.g. 117,649 ways). These figures affect session variance and target payouts.
- Provider and theme — you’ll find big providers such as Spinomenal (432 games), Pragmatic Play (417), BGAMING (263), Hacksaw Gaming (118) and others. Themes and math models differ by studio.
Choose by RTP and volatility
Pick RTP and volatility based on budget and temperament. Higher RTP reduces the house edge; lower volatility smooths results. Use these verified figures to plan:
- RTP 94% → house edge 6%; expected cost of 1,000 spins at 1 per spin = 60.
- RTP 96% → house edge 4%; expected cost of 1,000 spins at 1 per spin = 40.
- RTP 97% → house edge 3%; expected cost of 1,000 spins at 1 per spin = 30.
Also note the turnover effect: "with 100 and an RTP of 96%, re-betting everything until it is gone wagers 2,500 on average (100 / 4%)." RTP does not tell you volatility or hit frequency. If you prefer steadier play, choose medium or low volatility titles. If you chase large single-session wins, expect very-high volatility and larger bankroll swings.
Most played titles (facts only)
These are the most-played Bonus Buy items in the lobby. Each line lists only the facts published on the MST88 catalogue.
- Gates of Olympus 2500 — Pragmatic Play · RTP 96.52% · volatility high · max win 25000x · bonus buy · theme fantasy
- Gates of Olympus — Pragmatic Play · RTP 96.5% · volatility very-high · max win 5000x · 20 paylines · bonus buy · theme ancient civilizations
- Sweet Bonanza — Pragmatic Play · RTP 96.5% · volatility high · max win 21175x · 20 paylines · bonus buy · theme fruits
- Sugar Rush 1000 — Pragmatic Play · RTP 96.53% · volatility very-high · max win 25000x · bonus buy · theme sweets
- The Dog House Megaways — Pragmatic Play · RTP 96.55% · volatility very-high · max win 12305x · 117649 ways · bonus buy · theme fantasy
- Starlight Princess — Pragmatic Play · RTP 96.5% · volatility very-high · max win 5000x · 20 paylines · bonus buy · theme girls
- Wanted Dead or a Wild — Hacksaw Gaming · RTP 96.38% · volatility high · max win 12500x · bonus buy · theme western
- Extra Chilli — Big Time Gaming · RTP 96.19% · volatility high · max win 32250x · 117649 ways · bonus buy · theme food
| Game | Provider | RTP | Volatility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gates of Olympus 2500 | Pragmatic Play | 96.52% | high |
| Gates of Olympus | Pragmatic Play | 96.5% | very-high |
| Sweet Bonanza | Pragmatic Play | 96.5% | high |
| Sugar Rush 1000 | Pragmatic Play | 96.53% | very-high |
| The Dog House Megaways | Pragmatic Play | 96.55% | very-high |
| Starlight Princess | Pragmatic Play | 96.5% | very-high |
| Wanted Dead or a Wild | Hacksaw Gaming | 96.38% | high |
| Extra Chilli | Big Time Gaming | 96.19% | high |
Tips and common mistakes
- Know the RTP before you buy. A small RTP difference matters over many spins. Use the RTP numbers on the game page.
- Match volatility to your bankroll. Bonus buys concentrate variance — reduce bet size or use lower-volatility options if your bankroll is small.
- Check max win and ways/paylines. A higher max win can mean rarer payouts. If you want frequent smaller wins, pick medium volatility titles.
- Don’t treat bonus buy as a guaranteed shortcut. It changes variance but not the house edge that the RTP implies.
- Avoid chasing losses. Re-betting everything increases total wagered; remember the turnover effect: with 100 and an RTP of 96%, re-betting everything until it is gone wagers 2,500 on average (100 / 4%).
- Use the MST88 lobby to compare providers and find trusted math models. Big providers on the Bonus Buy page include Spinomenal, Pragmatic Play and BGAMING.
Frequently asked questions
What does "bonus buy" mean?
"Bonus buy" is a paid option that grants immediate entry to a game's premium feature (often free spins) instead of waiting for the feature to trigger on regular spins. Availability, price and payouts depend on the game and provider.
Does bonus buy change RTP?
RTP is a game-level statistic published by the provider. Bonus buy may alter session dynamics but the RTP shown on the game page is the figure to compare. Check the game's RTP before buying.
How do I pick a Bonus Buy slot?
Decide your tolerance for variance and check the RTP, volatility and max win. If you prefer less variance, choose medium volatility. If you accept large swings for a chance at big payouts, choose very-high volatility titles.
Where can I try these games on MST88?
Browse the full Bonus Buy selection on the Slots lobby. If you want offers, check Promotions. Ready to play? Create an account at Register.
Responsible play: Gambling is entertainment, not a way to earn. Play within your limits. 18+ (21+ Philippines). For responsible-gambling resources, see the MST88 promotions and help pages.