UKGC bans quickspin and autoplay for online slots

The UKGC (UK Gambling Commission) has introduced new stringent measures for online slots, which means that autoplay and quickspin features will now be banned.

Back in July 2020, the UKGC was reviewing the risk and intensive play elements of online slots, hoping to make “online games safer by design.” They also conducted a public consultation.

Reducing the risk of gambling-related harm

Feedback from this investigation highlighted to the UKGC that new controls are needed to limit “speed spins” and there must be a ban on certain features which “speed up play or celebrate losses as wins.”

As such, the UKGC has stated that from October 31^st, iGaming operators must remove any features from their slots games which contain the following elements:

• Autoplay (because users can lose track of their spending)
• Gameplay sounds or images that make the player think they have won money (when the reward is actually below/equal to their original stake)
• Quickspin functionalities
• Slots that spin faster than 2.5 seconds

In addition to gameplay changes, there will also be a permanent ban on reverse withdrawals (which allow players to re-gamble cash they had requested to withdraw previously), and all online gambling operators must also show slot players their “total losses or wins and time played during any online game session.”

Helping to curb the intensity of online gambling

The Chief Executive of the UKGC, Neil McArthur, said this of the news: “This is another important step in making gambling safer and where the evidence shows that there are other opportunities to do that we are determined to take them.”

The DCMS approved the UK Gambling Commission’s latest regulations. “Today’s steps will help curb the intensity of online gambling, introducing greater protections that will reduce the risk of gambling-related harm,” said Nigel Huddleston, the DCMS sports minister.