Gambling Commission announces changes to strengthen the protections and controls in online games to reduce the risk of gambling related harm
On the 2 February 2021 the Gambling Commission announced changes to the Remote gambling and software technical standards (RTS), which aim to strengthen the protections and controls for consumers who use online slots. The new requirements reflect most of the changes suggested in the Commission’s consultation which took place last year and they will come into force on 31 October 2021.
The Commission’s focus on the online slots industry is in part due to the intensity of the games, which can encourage problematic gambling.
Whilst the industry has taken some steps to make online slots safer for consumers, including by producing a code of conduct, the Commission did not think these steps went far enough.
In order to increase controls on slots, a new definition of “slots” will be added to the RTS so that it is clear which games the new requirements apply to. The new rules will:
- prohibit operators from building in functionality to games specifically designed to facilitate the playing of multiple slot games at the same time (including split screen or multi-screen functionality);
- require a minimum of 2.5 seconds from the time a game is started until the next game cycle can be commenced, with any new game cycle requiring a player to release and then press the 'start button’ (or similar action);
- ban features that speed up play or give the illusion of control including turbo mode, quick spin and slam stop;
- prohibit auto-play on the basis that it is not compatible with keeping players safe;
- not allow celebration of any return which is less than or equal to the total stake gambled by a player so that players can easily understand the difference between a spin where they have made a net gain as opposed to where they are actually losing money; and
- require operators to clearly display a customer’s net position for the session.
Finally, all remote operators will be required to ban reverse withdrawals, where a player can change their mind about withdrawing funds from their gambling account by cancelling a withdrawal before the transfer of the funds to their bank is completed. This change is intended to make the withdrawal process as frictionless as possible for players and had already been introduced on a provisional basis as part of the Covid-related restrictions.
Co-authored by Adrienne Fisher
