Of course. This is a very popular and specific mechanic in modern online slots. Let’s break down the **”Cycle of Luck” bonus buy feature** commonly found in slots, like the one by Hacksaw Gaming.
### What is a “Cycle of Luck” Bonus Buy?
In simple terms, it’s a **multi-stage, random-tiered bonus purchase**. Instead of buying a single bonus round at a fixed price, you pay a higher amount to enter a cycle where you are guaranteed to trigger a bonus, but the *type* of bonus you get is determined by a random wheel or ladder with different tiers of value.
### How It Typically Works:
1. **The Offer:** You are presented with an option to buy a “Cycle of Luck” for a multiplier of your bet (e.g., 100x, 120x, 150x).
2. **The Cycle/Wheel:** You see a wheel, ladder, or progress bar divided into segments. Each segment represents a different bonus game type (usually 3-5 different ones).
3. **The Spin/Selection:** You trigger the cycle. A pointer spins, a light moves, or a random selection is made.
4. **The Outcome:** You are awarded the specific bonus game that was selected. The cycle then ends. You do not go through all the stages; you get one random outcome from the tier.
### Common Tiers in a Cycle of Luck (Example):
Using a Hacksaw slot like “**Hand of Anubis**” or “**RIP City**” as a template, the cycle often includes:
1. **Lowest Value / Most Common:**
* **Basic Bonus Rounds:** e.g., “10 Free Spins” with the standard game mechanics.
* **Chance:** Higher probability to land on this.
2. **Medium Value:**
* **Enhanced Bonuses:** e.g., “10 Free Spins with a Wild Symbol” or “8 Free Spins with a multiplier trail.”
* **Chance:** Medium probability.
3. **High Value / Rarest:**
* **Feature Bonuses:** e.g., “The Underworld Bonus” (in Hand of Anubis) or the high-potential “RIP Bonus” in RIP City.
* **Premium Spins:** e.g., “5 Free Spins” but with the highest-paying mechanics active.
* **Chance:** Lowest probability.
### Key Characteristics & Strategy:
* **Higher Average Cost:** The cost for a Cycle of Luck is almost always **significantly higher** than buying a single, specific bonus round (if the game offers that separately).
* **Risk vs. Reward:** You are paying a premium for the **chance** to win a top-tier bonus. You might pay 150x your bet and end up with the lowest-value 10 free spins, which could pay less than 150x. However, hitting the top tier could lead to massive wins (1000x+).
* **Guaranteed Trigger, Random Quality:** The only guarantee is that you will get *a* bonus. The value of that bonus is the gamble.
* **Not a “Cycle” in the Sense of Progression:** The name can be slightly misleading. You don’t “cycle through” all bonuses. It’s a **one-shot random selection** from a predefined list (the cycle).
### Example from a Real Game (Illustrative):
* **Slot:** *Hand of Anubis*
* **Bet:** $1.00
* **Bonus Buy Options:**
* Buy **Standard Bonus** (trigger the Judgement Free Spins): **80x bet** ($80).
* Buy **Cycle of Luck** (guarantee one bonus from the tier list): **120x bet** ($120).
* **The Cycle of Luck Wheel might have:**
* **Segment 1 (50% chance):** 10 Judgement Free Spins (Standard).
* **Segment 2 (30% chance):** 8 Underworld Free Spins (Better).
* **Segment 3 (15% chance):** 5 Underworld Free Spins with Multipliers (Great).
* **Segment 4 (5% chance):** 5 Soul Scroll Free Spins (Top Tier).
You pay $120, spin the wheel, and it lands on Segment 2. You now play the “8 Underworld Free Spins” bonus.
### Pros and Cons:
| **Pros** | **Cons** |
| ——————————————— | ——————————————— |
| Chance to access rare, high-potential features. | Much more expensive than a standard bonus buy. |
| Eliminates the wait for a natural trigger. | High risk of getting a low-value bonus, leading to a net loss on the buy. |
| Adds an extra layer of excitement/gambling. | Can have a very high volatility outcome. |
| Clear visualization of potential outcomes. | Not available in all jurisdictions (bonus buys are restricted in some markets). |
### Conclusion:
The **Cycle of Luck** is a **high-stakes gamble on the quality of your bonus round**. It’s designed for players who are willing to pay a substantial premium for the shot at the game’s most lucrative features, while accepting the significant risk of an underwhelming return.
**Always check the game’s paytable or information section for the exact cost and probabilities of the Cycle of Luck in that specific slot, as they vary.**
