How online slots will now operate for UK players from 2022

13th August 2021

In 2005, the UK Government introduced the UK Gambling Commission in order to regulate the online gambling industry. This made running online casino platforms for operators far more difficult and expensive. For the players, the primary aim was to protect them and make gambling safer overall following reports from the Department for Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) that called for a recommended review over all forms of gambling in the UK.

The UK Gambling Commission has introduced much regulation over the past 15 years and looks set to continue protecting players from gambling addiction, which has seen online slots contribute to the highest average losses in gambling. They will implement changes to improve online gambling, with the latest proposals by the UK Gambling Commission taking effect in 2022.

Online slots to see changes in spin speeds and aesthetics

Online slots have become an issue because of their resemblance to video games, with fast, addictive features, and a chance to win a sizable amount from a small initial deposit by a simple button press. Yearly, online slots are accountable for more average losses per player than any other online gambling product which has seen them come under scrutiny.

The Betting and Gaming Council will decide to change slots so that they must spin at least for 2.5 seconds to decrease the rate at which players can play through their money. This also coincides with the removal of auto-play and quick-spin functions as well as banning random sound effects and animations which might signal a win when really nothing has actually happened. These changes will affect slots titles with a £1 or $1 play range at online casinos.

For everyone involved in the gambling industry, such as holding operators to the gamblers themselves, slot features, such as those mentioned, can cause serious issues amongst gamblers. Players that have addictive personalities with gambling must feel safer. They need better protection to help prolong their money whilst playing online slots, and this overall contributes to a healthier gambling environment.

Find online slot bonus offers

As mentioned already above, online slot machines in the UK would become a far slower and more controlled experience than before. This may mean that online slot players might look to take advantage of the best real money slots bonuses on offer to make the overall experience of playing online slots more worthwhile. Some casinos offer free spin no deposit bonus deals while others offer a no deposit bonus giving you the chance to play slots using free no deposit cash. Other casinos will simply offer a welcome bonus deposit match to play slots, which is commonly a 100% match up to £100 or £200 in bonus money.

Many sites have reviewed the ten best slot sites, with the hard work done for you and a full up-to-date list compiled with recommendations of which online slot sites to play in the UK. There are full details on their sign-up offers from the more reputable websites and tips on choosing the right online slot website for your play style.

Other changes from The Gambling Commission

Other changes discussed in the last gambling act review are primarily looking at the way online casino operators shall encourage players to adopt a healthier playing style when gambling. More staff interventions are to be carried out when players are potentially on tilt and could lose more funds through unhealthy gambling styles, which, at the present time, no mandatory laws are in place to combat this.

The potential online gambling experience in 2022 shall be more engaging and less relaxed from an operator’s side, with greater customer support requirements of safeguarding online slot regulations. Some suggest that support staff will change their approach proactively, reaching out to players they think may need help or simply responding to players that actively seek it.