The Gambling Commission has announced significant changes to online game design and regulatory actions to enhance player protection. These measures include banning features that speed up play, such as auto-play and spin speeds faster than 2.5 seconds, and prohibiting sounds or imagery that disguise losses as wins. The Commission also implemented a permanent ban on reverse withdrawals across all online gambling.
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Online slot games are subject to new, stricter regulations to reduce intensity and risk.
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Features that speed up play, auto-play, and disguised losses are now banned.
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Operators must clearly display total losses/wins and time played during sessions.
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A permanent ban on reverse withdrawals has been implemented for all online gambling.
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Regulatory actions have been taken against operators for failing to protect consumers and prevent money laundering.
Online Game Safety
Effective October 31, 2021, online operators must implement new player protection measures, making online casino games less intensive and giving players more control. These changes specifically target online slots, identified as having the highest average losses per player among online gambling products. The new rules prohibit:
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Features that accelerate play or create an illusion of control over outcomes.
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Slot spin speeds exceeding 2.5 seconds.
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Auto-play functions, which can lead to players losing track of their gambling.
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Sounds or imagery that celebrate losses as wins.
Additionally, operators are now required to clearly display a player’s total losses or wins and the duration of their online slots session. The Commission has also permanently banned reverse withdrawals, a feature that previously allowed players to re-gamble funds they had intended to withdraw.
Broader Regulatory Actions and Consumer Protection
Beyond game design, the Gambling Commission has taken widespread regulatory action against online casino operators and their senior management. This includes significant financial penalties for companies failing to implement effective safeguards against money laundering and gambling-related harm. For instance, Daub Alderney was fined £7.1 million, Casumo £5.85 million, and Videoslots paid £1 million in lieu of a financial penalty. CZ Holdings surrendered its license following a review.
These actions are part of a comprehensive program to make gambling fairer and safer, which has also seen strengthened protections around online age and ID verification, improved customer interaction practices, and a ban on gambling with credit cards. The Commission emphasizes that operators must understand and apply their policies to protect customers, and individuals in positions of authority will be held accountable for failings.
Ongoing Commitment to Safer Gambling
The Gambling Commission continues to monitor the online gambling market closely. Previous warnings to operators about transparency and safety standards, such as the ban on ‘feature buy-in’ facilities in slot games, underscore their proactive approach. The Commission’s ongoing efforts aim to ensure that the industry prioritizes consumer protection and responsible gambling practices.
Sources
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Gambling Commission announces package of changes which make online games safer by design, Gambling Commission.
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Gambling Commission instructs tighter measures to protect consumers, Gambling Commission.
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Gambling Commission takes widespread regulatory action against online casino operators and senior management, Gambling Commission.
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Gambling Commission makes online gambling safer, Gambling Commission.
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Games warning for online operators, Gambling Commission.