BGC unveils multi-play ban in new operator game design code
UK standards body publishes Game Design Code of Conduct as slot spin time is increased to a minimum of 2.5 seconds
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has unveiled a new code of conduct for game design which bans in-game features including turbo play.
The trade body, which represents more than 90% of UK gambling operators, has committed to a two-tier roll-out of the new standards beginning at the end of September. A second phase of standards will be introduced on 31 January 2021.
Under standards coming into force on 30 September, online slot operators must increase slot cycle speed to a minimum of 2.5 seconds from when a player places an initial bet to when that money is won or lost.
Features including turbo play and multi-slot play, where players can place multiple stakes on different slots at the same time, will also be banned under the code.
In addition, ‘slam stops’, which allow players to end gameplay before its natural conclusion, will also be scrapped.
“The new Game Design Code of Conduct is yet another example of our determination to address concerns head on and meet our safer gambling commitments,” BGC CEO Michael Dugher said.
“I’m sure that our members will embrace this approach and commit to its objective of improving player safety.
“And as we prepare for the forthcoming gambling review, it is further evidence of our industry’s commitment to improving standards – unlike the completely unregulated black market,” he added.
Standards due to be rolled out on 31 January 2021 include the obligation to display total wins below initial stake size to players for a set period, together with audio cues to boost awareness.
In contrast, total wins equal to or greater than the player’s initial stake can be celebrated with additional text, sound effects and animations.
The full code can be read here.
The BGC will introduce two further measures targeting safer gambling at an unspecified date, including an obligation for members to display a link to safer gambling information within a prominent place on player interfaces.
This includes a safer gambling icon and messaging containing links to customer account pages, with quick links to limit-setting functionality.
In addition, BGC members will be required to interact with players every hour or at the conclusion of a game-cycle, with a requirement that players have acknowledged the interaction.
The trade body also confirmed a working programme for its soon-to-be-launched games testing lab to adapt areas including game labelling.