Why was autoplay banned for slots in the UK?

Autoplay was a feature used by some players to play multiple spins without having to keep clicking spin. But from 2025, you won’t find autoplay on any slots at PlayOJO.  

 Although popular with some players, this feature has been banned by the UK gambling regulator, as part of a larger responsible gambling framework planned for 2025 and beyond to help players have more control over their gambling. 

 The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) says the feature encouraged less mindful play, and has decided that autoplay, along with turbo mode and quick spin functions, are no longer permitted at licensed casinos in the UK.                      

Why was autoplay banned?

 There are strict standards related to slot design which providers must follow. And as time moves on, extra safety measures are implemented to strengthen player protection. 

 The Gambling Commission has been looking closely at features like autoplay as far back as 2021. After speaking to players and the industry, they said that autoplay increased the risk that players could lose track of their play and spending. By removing this feature, they are making slots less intensive and safer by design.  

 What the autoplay ban means for players

 The autoplay feature was commonly seen on UK slot games. It allowed players to set the reels to spin automatically for a set number of times, for example 100 spins. 

 You could also set for the feature to stop early if certain win or loss conditions were met.  

 Now that the autoplay ban has come into force, if you used this feature in the past then you’ll need to go back to playing slots the old school way – tapping Spin for each new game.  

 Although this might feel inconvenient for some of our players, it’s a measure we support that makes slots even safer.  

 What other changes have been brought in? 

 Autoplay isn’t the only feature that’s been removed. Here are some of the other changes brought in by the regulator, that you already have noticed when you play:  

• No slot spin must last longer than 2.5 seconds per spin. That means turbo mode is no longer available.  

• Clearer information during play, such as running wins/loss totals, session timers. 

• No sounds or images that give the illusion of a win when the win is less than your stake. 

 Overall, these changes aim to provide a slower and more transparent slot experience for players. 

 How are online casino operators adapting? 

While autoplay, turbo play and quick spins have been banned on UK slots, providers are adapting by offering multiple safe slot settings. These tools are being highlighted more prominently to allow players to have a safer and more enjoyable experience.  

For example, at PlayOJO, we offer players responsible gaming tools such as ‘’Safe Mate’’. This allows you to check how much time and money you’ve spent on gambling recently. You can also set time checks, deposit limits and player limitations if you want to take a break.  

Safe slot settings to help keep things fun  

Here is an overview of the common safe features available to protect yourself while playing online slots:  

• Loss limits. Players can now set themselves ‘’loss limits’’ for a day, week, month or year. This enables you to control what you lose and ultimately what you spend in a time period. 

• Reality checks. This feature allows you to set session reminders for 15, 30, 60 or 90 minutes. Set the timer at the start of a gaming session to remind you to take breaks. 

• Manual spin pacing.  This replaces the old autopilot play, where spins and losses can get out of hand. Spin pacing allows you to set a number of spins to take eg; 10, after which you can have a break to evaluate your balance. 

• Deposit limits. Set yourself a realistic deposit limit for each day, week and month. By doing this, you can stop yourself ‘’chasing’’ a loss. 

• Cooling-off periods. This tool allows you to put restrictions on your account for a certain timeframe. You can also choose to ‘’self-exclude’’ yourself from playing for 1-5 years. 

• Self-exclusion via GAMSTOP. The GAMSTOP tool was built to allow players to block their own access to gambling websites and apps. If you’re worried about your own gambling addiction, or someone else's, this tool is worth exploring.  

How do these changes make slot play safer? 

It can be easy to get caught up in the moment when playing online, and the UK slots autoplay ban and other measures were designed with this in mind, to minimise the risk of unsafe play.   

Having to manually press the spin button and slowing down the time between spins allows you to play more mindfully. The ‘’reality checks’’ remind you to take breaks and give you a moment to reassess your balance.  

Furthermore, the slower slot play encourages players to make better decisions. You can set yourself play time and bankroll limits that suit you.  

The future of slot regulations in the UK 

The UKGC is constantly assessing gambling rules and regulations so they stay safe and fair for players. This means you can expect a few more upgrades in the upcoming months and years. Another change confirmed for 2025 is the use of deposit limit prompts.  

These are on-screen messages which will pop up encouraging the player to set a deposit limit for the day, week and month. This will become a mandatory regulatory requirement for all casino operators in the UK.  

With the slot autoplay ban and future safe regulations on the cards, online casinos in the UK are becoming safer every year, and as new changes are agreed, we’ll make sure you’re always in the know.