Changes to Online Slot Auto-Spins – Where Have They Disappeared?

If you're a frequent enthusiast of online casinos, especially online slots, you might have observed the sudden absence of auto spins in recent weeks. This modification has sparked quite a conversation among UK players, many of whom are not particularly thrilled.

The elimination of the auto-play feature, which previously allowed gamers to select the number of spins they wanted and then simply relax while the machine did the work, is now across the board, affecting all platforms. online casinos that accept players from the UK.

Introduced back in February 2021, this adjustment was mandated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) based on input from a consultation entitled ‘making online games safer by design’. Though the announcement was made over eight months prior, many regular players were caught off guard by these changes, as they weren't fully aware they'd take effect by the end of October.

Strict New Measures

Removing the ability for auto-spins is just the tip of the iceberg; it’s part of four stringent new guidelines imposed on online casinos, which also include:

• Slot spins must have a duration of at least 2.5 seconds
• Auto-play capabilities must be abolished
• Quickspin functionality must be removed
• Eliminate sound or visual effects that create the illusion of a win when returns are equal to or less than the original stake

Deadline Date

All these new regulations were scheduled for enforcement by 31st October 2021.

In addition to setting these limitations, the Gambling Commission insists that operators should:

• Give players clear visibility of their total losses or wins and playing time during any session on online slots.
• Completely remove functionalities that allow players to reverse withdrawals.

Neil McArthur, the Gambling Commission's chief executive, stated, “To enhance the safety of online gaming, we’re prohibiting features that quicken gameplay or suggest a degree of control over outcomes. We’re also banning auto-play, misleading wins, and spin speeds faster than 2.5 seconds, as evidence shows these elements may harm customers.”

While player feedback about removing auto-spins is varied, these regulations are the UKGC's latest efforts to ensure safer online gambling and reduce the risk of players extending beyond their financial limits.