Great Britain: Gambling companies ordered to slow down online slots machines
Online casinos will need to redesign slot machine games in order to slow them down, and to remove features that make it difficult for players to keep track of how much money they have spent.
The Gambling Commission has issued several restrictions that could reduce the industry’s PS2.2bn-ayear revenue from online casino slots. They have instructed companies based here in Great Britain to lower their intensity and remove any misleading features.
A minimum of 2.5 seconds must pass between spins. Additionally, firms will need to discontinue "autoplay" options. These allow players to program the slot machine to spin independently multiple times. The regulator stated that this can cause gamblers to lose focus on how much they are losing.
If a player loses money, the slot machines will not allow them to make positive-sounding sounds or play music. This is part of a phenomenon called "losses disguised in wins", which trick players into believing that they have had a positive outcome. It encourages them to play more.
Companies will also need to remove features that give players "illusions of control", even though the spins can be determined randomly by an outcome generator.
Firms cannot offer "reverse withdrawals", where players choose to collect winnings and then change their mind and transfer the cash to their account. This was something the regulator requested from firms, but it is now mandatory.
Operators will have to clearly show to players the total losses and wins, along with the time they spent playing online slots.
The measures will go into effect on 31 October.
Neil McArthur, Chief Executive of Gambling Commission, stated that the evidence supports the claim that these features increase customer harm.
Nigel Huddleston was the sports minister. He stated that today's actions would help reduce the intensity of online gaming and introduce greater protections to lower the risk of gambling-related harm. I am pleased that the Gambling Commission has taken such tough measures to continue our review of all gambling laws to ensure that they are appropriate for the digital age.
Gambling Commission data has shown that an average monthly spend by slots players is PS67, compared to PS36 in casino products and PS45 in real event betting.
The rise of slot machines has led to an increase in online gambling revenue. In fact, total online revenue grew from PS2.36bn to PS3.18bn between March 2016 and March 2020. The majority of this income is made up by slot machines. According to the most recent analysis, slot machines also have higher rates for addiction.
In a 2018 NHS survey, less than 4 percent of online sports gamblers were found to be addicted. That number rose to 5.7% in brick-and-mortar casino players. The online slot, casino and bingo rate was 8.5%. This is the highest of all mainstream products.
The stock market was little affected by the new restrictions on gambling stocks on Tuesday. This indicates that investors don't think the new rules of the commission will have a significant impact on their income.
Michael Dugher is the chief executive officer of the industry lobby group, the Betting and Gaming Council. He stated that the industry was "determined" to drive change and promote safer gaming. rating needed on slot machines
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