Online gambling Casinos have to compulsory comply with the overhauling of slot machine games. As new regulations have been introduced, online casino machines have to add features that will slow the devices down. They have also been directed to add features that will enable players to track their spending.

In moves seen by the gambling firms to curb the £2.2bn revenue a year industry online slot machines, the gambling commission has directed the firms to eliminate their misleading features and water down their intensity of how they advertise their services. 

Hereafter, online gambling machines, including idn casino machines, should have a gap of 2.5 seconds between spins to give players space to evaluate their position. The firms are also expected to overhaul the “auto-play” options available in which players set slot machines to spin on their own multiple times before setting it again. The argument brought about is that gamblers and addicts will not heed how much they are losing.

Change of Tune

The UK betting firms are to change their iconic happy tone in slot machines. Idn casino machines will be barred from playing the upbeat music sounds and noises when a player loses money. The feature is known as “losses disguised as wins” is known for tricking players into playing more, even after a loss enjoying themselves thinking a positive outcome is about to happen.

The online gambling casinos will also have to eliminate the illusion of player control phenomena when the spins are computer-generated, and winners are randomly picked in depending on where the generator has calculated.

The casinos will no longer be able to take back winners cash in “reverse withdrawals. When players decide to collect their winnings and choose to play another round, the online casino is obligated to refuse their service. It is until the player logs off before logging on again, before feeding cash into their account. The commission regulator has directed all casinos to do this; however, the measure will now apply to all online gambling games instead of just slots.

Online Casinos also are required going forward to display in large bold, precise figures the amount the player has lost in totality side by side with their winnings. It applies during each session players engage in online slots. The move has been hailed by many primarily gamblers’ families who think the legislation was long overdue. Some of the affected parties stressed that their loved ones fell into a hole because they were blindfolded, not knowing how much they were spending. Robbing them of time and money as they stayed deluded on the amounts they have won compared to what they have lost.

The measures are to take effect as of 31st October.

In a statement to newsrooms, sports minister Nigel Huddleston said, “the steps taken today are to help curb the amount people spend on online gambling platforms. Introducing the measures is for protecting the masses and will help reduce risks associated with gambling bringing about harm.” He further went on to welcome the gambling commissions’ stringent measures put in place. Thanking the gambling’s commissions chief executive Neil McArthur, he added that a comprehensive review of gambling laws frequently would ensure they apply to the digital age.

The gambling commission’s data highlights that the average slot players spend up to £67 a month playing idn casino games. Compared with other casino products, they spend an average of £36 and £45 in a live face-to-face betting event.

With the world moving online, the growth of online casino slot games has been on the rise. It has led to the massive increase in revenue produced by the gambling industry, reaching a staggering figure of £2.36bn as of March 2016, compared to £3.18bn as of March 2020. Slot machines were noted to have made 69% of the total income collected. However, it also stated that even though slot machines brought in the most money for the government, their addiction rates are also higher, according to the data analyzed.

On the lighter note, online bettors were fairing slightly better as only 4% of all bettors online were deemed addicted to gambling. The survey conducted by the NHS published in 2018 pointed out that those going to physical casinos to bet were more addicted, with the figures slightly below 2%, portraying a figure of more than those playing purely online at 5.7%. 

Despite the new measures put in place, the stock market changed little when the announcement was made, as gambling stocks remained relatively stable. 

The Betting and Gaming council chief executive Michael Dugher said the industry is ready to embrace the changes to promote safe gambling practices.

He added, saying that the BGC welcomes the gambling commission’s move, as it will guide them in building a new code of conduct from September. It will work as a guide to ensure the safety of online gambling players in the future. 

The Appeal of Online Slots

Slot machines have thrived in the online arena as governments worldwide are rushing to regulate the operating firms. New generation players are skipping the brick and mortar, flocking online to experience the rush that comes with playing idn casino games online.

The gaming commission’s move comes when there is a massive increase in UK players signing up for their first games, as advertising insists non the no prior experience needed mantra. 

Its appeal grows further, as with online gaming, many are thrilled by the fact they can play a game in the comfort of their home. 

However, it also has its pitfalls, as in one’s own private spaces, players may be quick to ignore the amount of money they spend online gambling. An alarm has been further raised as many developers bring out new, improved modifications to hook players to play new games. They are spending even more without the worry of shame if they lose. Stakeholders want legislation passed to make firms sign out the players after every game, forcing them to sign back in, to play another game.

On this account, the Betting and Gaming council, chief executive Michael Dugher has said the BGC members have already come up with certain measures to slow down spins in addition to banning some other online gambling features that have raised concerns. The banning of turbo play where players can physically speed up games is expected to end if the measures are to be implemented. Multi-slot online gaming, which allows a single player to play different stakes on different games simultaneously, is expected to come to an end.

The stunning graphics available in mortar and brick casinos are expected to remain unchanged, which most online firms have employed to entice even more players online.