Are there NetEnt slots with bonus purchases

Introduction

The Buy Feature (or "bonus purchase") has become popular in the online slot industry thanks to providers like Pragmatic Play, Nolimit City and Relax Gaming. It allows the player to immediately activate a round of freespins or a bonus mode for a fixed price, bypassing the standard expectation of a combination. The question is whether there are such mechanics in NetEnt slots, given their reputation as a classic provider with a focus on traditional gameplay.

NetEnt's approach to Buy Feature

For a long time, NetEnt has taken a conservative approach and has not implemented the bonus buying feature in its games. The company relied on balance: high graphics, innovative mechanics (Avalanche ™, Cluster Pays, Random Wilds) and honest RTP without artificially increasing dispersion due to paid functions.

Reasons for the lack of Buy Feature in most NetEnt games:
  • 1. Regulatory restrictions - in a number of jurisdictions (including Australia), bonus buying functions are treated with caution, as they increase risk and are perceived as "accelerated gambling mechanics."
  • 2. Focus on the mainstream player - NetEnt slots are aimed at a wide audience, not just high rollers.
  • 3. Own style - the company develops unique chips (for example, Avalanche ™ in Gonzo's Quest or Cluster Pays in Aloha! Cluster Pays), rather than repeating competitors' trends.

Are there any exceptions?

Since 2021, amid growing competition, NetEnt (already as part of Evolution) has begun experimenting with new formats. In some updated releases and remakes, you can find options for accelerated access to bonuses, but a full-fledged classic Buy Feature button, like the Pragmatic Play, is almost not presented yet.

Examples:
  • In some versions of Gonzo's Quest Megaways (in collaboration with Red Tiger, part of the Evolution group), Bonus Buy mechanics are found.
  • Separate exclusive releases for operators may contain in-app purchases of freespins.

However, such features remain rare in the main NetEnt library.

Impact on players

1. For conservative players, the lack of Buy Feature is a plus: the game maintains a classic balance, RTP does not decline, there is no temptation to spend too quickly.
2. For high rollers - a minus: the inability to speed up the gameplay and immediately move on to the maximum winning rounds makes NetEnt less attractive compared to Nolimit City or Pragmatic Play.
3. For regulators - a safe format: NetEnt shows commitment to the principles of responsible play.

Development prospects

Given the fact that Evolution is actively promoting Red Tiger and Big Time Gaming with their innovations, we can expect that in the future, individual NetEnt slots will receive versions with the function of buying bonuses. But at the same time, for key markets, including Australia, such versions will come out with limited or strict control of licensing authorities.

Conclusion

At the moment, NetEnt slots offer virtually no Buy Feature, relying on fair balance and classic gameplay. Exceptions are found in cross-brand releases (for example, Gonzo's Quest Megaways with Red Tiger), but there is no mass introduction of this mechanics yet. For players in Australia, that means NetEnt slots remain more "traditional" compared to rivals offering instant access to bonus rounds.