Gambling Commission Has Introduced Strict Measures Related To Slots

Article by : Helen Mar 1, 2021

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Updated: Apr 6, 2023

To improve the controls and protections for players, the Great Britain Gambling Commission (GBGC) has introduced some new rules for online slots. In July 2020, GBCC launched a consultation and it offered to ban quick spin features and an autoplay function. As a result of this consultation, the new rigorous measures appeared and all licensees must implement them until October 31.

The list of measures contains a ban of autoplay options, one of the standard ones for slots. Furthermore, spin speed in a slot game can’t be faster than 2.5 seconds, and it is banned to speed up play or create the illusion of game control.

The reason for banning the autoplay functionality is related to the research made by the Gambling Commission. It showed that some players couldn’t stop playing while the others used this option for a simultaneous game on other slots. According to data received by the Commission, the highest average losses of online gambling products happen in a slot games sector. On average, a player spends around £67 on slots while the casino products spendings are £36.

In most cases, slot games have a very bright and colorful interface and sounds, especially when a player hits a win. However, now it will be forbidden to use images and sounds that make an impression of a win in case a winning sum is below a stake or even equal to it. Moreover, operators must distinctly represent the information about a player’s total wins and losses and the total time spent on playing a slot session.

During the consultation, the Gambling Commission found that reverse withdrawals are insecure for players. These withdrawals mean a gambler could play using money that had been earlier requested to withdraw from a gambler’s account. As far as this function might lure a player into continuing playing, the Commission has banned this option as well.

We are also introducing a ban on autoplay, losses disguised as wins, and slot speeds faster than 2.5 seconds. The evidence shows that these features increase the risk of harm to customers. 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.

“Today’s steps will help curb the intensity of online gambling, introducing greater protections that will reduce the risk of gambling-related harm. I welcome the Gambling Commission’s tough measures as we continue our comprehensive review of gambling laws to make sure they’re fit for the digital age,” stated Minister for Sports, Tourism, and Heritage, Nigel Huddleston.

These changes and measures are implemented to make the gambling industry safer and clearer for gamblers. The Commission makes every effort to enhance protections around ID verification, and the online age of players will be checked stricter. It has also been announced that gambling using credit cards will be banned while the customer interaction methods have to be improved. A consultation on these methods started in November 2020, and the result is expected later in 2021. In autumn 2020, the Commission presented new rules for VIP players, meaning the licensees have to establish that money spent by VIP customers is “affordable and sustainable.” Unless and until an operator has evidence of the customers’ identity, their occupation, and the source of the money they used for playing, it can’t provide them with a VIP status.