Impact of the UK Gambling Commission’s Online Game Changes: A Success for Responsible Gaming?
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) recently released its assessment of the effect of the changes implemented on online slot games in October 2021. The report indicates that these modifications have led to reduced play intensity without causing harmful unintended consequences, a step forward in promoting responsible gambling.
Protections and Controls
Back in October 2021, the UKGC launched several changes to bolster protections and controls for those who engage in online slots. The focus on online slots stemmed from the commission’s concerns that specific features heightened the intensity of play and consequently increased the risk to players.
Key changes rolled out by the UKGC included imposing a limit on spin speeds and banning features that expedite play or create an illusion of control over the outcome. Other changes included banning autoplay and prohibiting sounds or imagery that misrepresented a win when the return equates to or is below the player’s stake. Moreover, the UKGC introduced a mandate for operators to exhibit the player’s total losses or wins and duration of play during any online slot session.
After the introduction of these changes, the UKGC closely monitored gambling behaviours and attitudes. Findings from this examination include:
*Some evidence of diminished play intensity on online slots since the changes were implemented.
*No significant uptick in betting activity following the introduction of a limit on spin speeds.
*No indication of substantial, adverse effects on players’ enjoyment of the games.
High-Value Stakes Decreased
Interestingly, the report reveals that despite a cap on maximum spin speed, the proportion of stakes at the highest values and the percentage of sessions lasting over an hour both decreased in the months following the changes. In contrast, overall engagement with slots increased during the same timeframe.
Survey responses also suggested a decrease in concurrent gambling on multiple games or tabs. Moreover, no harmful unintended consequences were detected due to the changes.
To compile this report, the UKGC relied heavily on its Online Tracker survey, which gathers quarterly data from a nationally representative sample of around 2000 adults aged 18+ in Great Britain. Additional data was sourced from 1000 responses from adults aged 16+ through the quarterly Telephone Survey.
In a statement, Tim Miller, Director for Policy and Research, commented, “Our assessment of the changes to online slot games has shown reduced play intensity with no significant negative impacts on play or behaviours. That’s positive, but we aren’t complacent and will continue monitoring this specific part of the sector for both any unintended circumstances or non-compliance.”
This comprehensive analysis conducted by the UKGC provides promising evidence that the October 2021 changes have succeeded in their goal of strengthening player protections and promoting responsible gambling behaviour within the online slot arena.
