ONLINE SLOT DEVELOPERS & OPERATORS FACE STRICT NEW RULES IN UK

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has introduced new rules covering online slots, in an effort to improve player protection. 

Online slot games must now be designed to be safer and feature less intensive play, with features like auto-play, spins speeds of faster than 2.5 seconds, accelerated play options, and any sounds and imagery that give the impression of a win when it is equal or below the original stake, now completely banned. 

Reverse withdrawals have also been banned, and it is now compulsory for operators to clearly display total losses or wins and the time played during any online slots session.

UK-licensed operators have until 31 October 2021 to full implement the new standards. 

Regarding the new rules Gambling Commission CEO, Neil McArthur, said:

“To make online games safer we are introducing a ban on features that speed up play, or give the illusion of control over the outcome. We are also introducing a ban on auto-play, losses disguised as wins, and slot spin 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.”

While Minister for Sports, Tourism, and Heritage, Nigel Huddleston, added:

“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.”

AYO.NEWS says:

With so many of slot developers’ favourite tricks and tools now off the table, at least for the UK market, surely the onus will be on studios to stop their addiction to churning out formulaic copies and derivatives, and actually create original games with real playability? 

Of course, many would say slots, being completely RNG-driven, are extremely limited in this regard. And, they are right. So, does the future belong to the emerging genre of skill/RNG hybrid games, like those being developed by GameCo and Green Jade.

Also, with online gambling operators becoming increasingly restricted, maybe its time they faced the fact that the days of generating most revenue from a small number of big spenders are numbered in many markets, and it would be better to start developing business models based on large numbers of microtransactions – much like the video game industry has been doing for many years now?

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

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