Gambling Commission clamps down on online slot features

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has unveiled new restrictions for digital slot games as it seeks to make the online casino vertical less intensive and safer by design. Going forward, four popular slot game features will be banned as part of new measures designed to give consumers more control over their gambling. Banned features include a speed up of play or the illusion of control over the outcome, as well as a slot spin speed faster than 2.5 seconds. Autoplay, which allows players to play slots without manual input, will also be outlawed, as will sounds and imagery that give the illusion of a win when the return is equal to or less than the player’s original stake. Slot games have by far the highest average losses per player of online gambling products, according to the UKGC, which launched a slot game design consultation in July 2020. All UK-licensed operators must adhere to the new standards by 31 October 2021. The regulator has also introduced a permanent ban on reverse withdrawals and has instructed operators to clearly display a player’s total losses, wins and duration during an online slots session. UKGC CEO Neil McArthur said: “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,” he added. The UK government is currently reviewing the 2005 Gambling Act. DCMS minister Nigel Huddleston said: “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 are fit for the digital age,” he added. The new rules are part of the UKGC’s ongoing consultation programme, which has also seen the introduction of strengthened protections around online age and ID verification, improved customer interaction practices and the banning of gambling with credit cards. Michael Dugher, CEO of UK standards body the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “BGC members have already introduced measures including the slowing down of spin speeds and banning several gaming features which have caused concern. “Among the major commitments we have already introduced are minimum game cycle speeds of 2.5 seconds, the ending of turbo play, which allows players to speed up games, and the scrapping of multi-slot play, where a player can place multiple stakes on different games at the same time. “We are also progressing a game-labelling project which will improve labelling of games in order to educate players on key game characteristics,” he added.