Measures that will “strengthen the protections and controls for those who gamble through online slots games” were announced by the Great British Gambling Commission on Tuesday.
The changes are intended to make online games “safer by design,” with the Commission focusing on online slot games since these have the highest average losses per player of online gambling products, with the average player losing £67 per month.
The changes, which follow a consultation by the Commission, include bans on:
- Features that speed up play or give the illusion of control over the outcome
- Slot spin speeds faster that 2.5 seconds
- Autoplay functions
- Sounds and imagery which give the illusion of a win when the return is in fact equal to, or below, stake
Minister for Sports, Tourism and Heritage Nigel Huddleston said, “these measures will help curb the intensity of online gambling, introduce greater player protections, and reduce the risk of gambling-related harm.”
MP Simon Fell noted that there is still “much more to do,” referencing the current review of the Gambling Act 2005. The review, on which the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is currently consulting, intends to ensure that the 2005 Act “can protect children and vulnerable young people, prevent gambling related crimes and keep gambling fair and open in the digital age.”
Online gambling platforms have until October 31, 2021, to introduce the new measures.
