Recent UKGC slot changes decreased intensity of play
A recent assessment carried out by the Gambling Commission has revealed that one of the regulator’s past slot reforms has proven to be successful.
A couple of years ago, the UKGC introduced several changes to online slots with the aim of enhancing player protections offered by these games. The regulator added that it chiefly focused on slots because of certain gameplay mechanics that can increase play intensity along with the risk users are exposed to while playing them.
The UKGC’s changes included several bans, namely on autoplay, sounds and visuals that could give players the impression of a win even when they lose money, speeding up rounds, and gameplay mechanics that give players a false sense of control over the result of each spin. The changes also included a limitation on the speed of game rounds and a requirement to prominently display total losses and the length of each session.
Through monitoring the behaviors of slot players after implementing the aforementioned changes, the regulator noticed that there was evidence of a decrease in play intensity, while there was no sizable negative effect on the enjoyment of the users.
The UKGC also found that the changes did not increase how much players bet on each round. Gambling sessions exceeding an hour in length and the ratio of higher-than-average wagers in comparison to lower-valued ones decreased as well.