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UK Gambling Commission announces package of changes which make online games safer by design

Published

3 years ago

February 3, 2021

UK Gambling Commission announces package of changes which make online games safer by design

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Gambling Commission has announced a package of strict measures which will strengthen the protections and controls for those who gamble through online slots games – including the introduction of limits on spin speeds, and the permanent ban on features that speed up play or celebrate losses as wins.

Following a consultation with the public and players, the gambling industry and other stakeholders, operators will need to implement tough new player protection measures which will make online casino games less intensive, safer by design and hand players more control over their gambling.

The Commission has focused on online slots because of its features which increase the intensity of play and the corresponding risks to players. Slot games have by far the highest average losses per player of online gambling products1.

The new rules include the outright ban of four key features of online slots games:

Features that speed up play or give the illusion of control over the outcome
Slot spin speeds faster than 2.5 seconds
Auto-play – which can lead to players losing track of their play, and;
Sounds or imagery which give the illusion of a win when the return is in fact equal to, or below, a stake
Other changes include:

Operators must clearly display to the player their total losses or wins and time played during any online slots session.
Alongside the changes for online slots the Commission has also introduced a permanent ban on reverse withdrawals for all online gambling – this function previously allowed consumers to re-gamble money they had previously requested to withdraw.
The enhanced protections that have been announced today will need to be fully implemented by online operators by 31 October 2021.

Since the publication of the Commission’s consultation in July 2020, further research has shown that using an auto-play feature has been linked to some players losing track of play, making it difficult for some to stop playing and in some cases gambling on other activities simultaneously.

Evidence shows that reverse withdrawal functions present a risk to players because of the temptation to continue gambling. In addition, the slot features being removed or more closely controlled have been associated with increased intensity of play, loss of player control, or binge play.

Neil McArthur, Gambling Commission chief executive, said: “To make online games safer we are introducing a ban on features that speed up play, or give the illusion of control over the outcome. We are also introducing a ban on auto-play, losses disguised as wins, and slot spin speeds faster than 2.5 seconds. The evidence shows that these features increase the risk of harm to customers.

“This is another important step in making gambling safer and where the evidence shows that there are other opportunities to do that we are determined to take them.”

Minister for Sports, Tourism and Heritage Nigel Huddleston said: “Today’s steps will help curb the intensity of online gambling, introducing greater protections that will reduce the risk of gambling related harm.

“I welcome the Gambling Commission’s tough measures as we continue our comprehensive review of gambling laws to make sure they’re fit for the digital age.”

The new rules are part of the Commission’s comprehensive programme to make gambling fairer and safer which has also seen the introduction of strengthened protections around online age and ID verification, improved customer interaction practices, and the banning of gambling on credit cards.

The announcement of the further consumer protection rules for online games and the design of those games follow the Commission’s announcement on 30 September that it was implementing new rules to stamp out irresponsible ‘VIP customer’ practices. Those rules came into force on 31 October 2020. A consultation on customer interaction was also launched last in November with the outcome expected later this year.

Readers can access the Commission’s online games design and reverse withdrawals response for more details.

1 Our Covid data shows the average spend per slots player is £67 per month, compared with £36 for casino products and £45 for real event betting.

Related Topics:online games safer by design UK Gambling Commission UKGC

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DigitalEjis and Exalogic: Pioneering Responsible Gaming in Italy

Published

1 hour ago

May 20, 2024

Peter Tolan

Reading Time: < 1 minute

DigitalEjis, the pioneering software development company in responsible gaming, and Exalogic, Italy’s premier gambling platform provider, have joined forces in an exciting partnership.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the Italian gaming landscape when it comes to upgrading responsible gambling practices and addiction prevention.

Predictive Software for Safer Gaming

DigitalEjis has developed an unparalleled software solution that predicts the onset of gambling addiction before a player places their first bet. Unlike existing tools that identify addiction once compulsive behavior is already underway, DigitalEjis’ predictive software enables operators to customize the betting experience for each customer from day one. By doing so, operators can offer their players the safest and most entertaining environment possible.

Exalogic’s Role in the Partnership

Exalogic, renowned for its robust and reliable gambling platform, has chosen DigitalEjis as their only partner for predictive and antiaddiction product. This strategic alliance ensures that responsible gaming practices become an integral part of the Italian gambling landscape.

Embracing the Italian Market

Dr. Ian McLoughlin, Founder and CEO of DigitalEjis, expressed his enthusiasm: “It’s great to see how wholeheartedly the Italian market has embraced DigitalEjis through this agreement with Italy’s number one platform provider and value-added services partner to the gambling industry.” This collaboration positions DigitalEjis as a first mover in the Italian territory.

Responsible Gambling at the Core

Italy’s new decree on gambling, particularly Article 14, underscores the importance of responsible gaming. The Decree focuses on protecting players from the onset of gambling addiction also adopting software empowered by Artificial Intelligence. DigitalEjis’ product aligns perfectly with this initiative, providing accurate predictions and personalized protection for players.

Casino Games

Welder racks up over $69,000 from three back-to-back online casino wins

Published

2 hours ago

May 20, 2024

Peter Tolan

Reading Time: 2 minutes

A 60-year-old welder has netted $69,850, following three consecutive victories at WinSpirit Casino.

“I’ve had some fantastic wins. The best ones were $26,550 and $25,300 during the bonus game,” the man shared.

The lucky winner, who decided to remain anonymous, caught luck by the tail in the Diamonds Power: Hold & Win slot.

“When I play, I follow a strategy. I start with bets of $5-10 and increase them after a few wins,” he said.

Following a string of consecutive wins, the man reached a $50 bet, which ultimately led to his coveted winnings.

“$50 spins go through my finds quickly, but if you get the bonus, the payoff is unbelievable,” the man added.

Diamonds Power: Hold & Win is a 3×3 slot by Playson featuring four fixed jackpots and a unique Hold & Win feature. The game offers a maximum win of 5,150 times the initial bet per round.

To celebrate his success, the man decided to dine at a local casino restaurant with his wife, with whom he had shared 27 years of marriage

“During dinner, we came up with the idea to test my winning strategy again, so we opened the familiar WinSpirit page on my phone,” he laughed.

The fortunate player stumbled upon WinSpirit Casino accidentally while searching for an online platform to enjoy slot games.

“During my search, I tried a few online casinos. But WinSpirit stood out for its ease of use and quick verification process,” he said.

The casino offers its new players a 100% bonus up to 200 USD+ 100 Free Spins and a 200% bonus up to 200 USD on their first and second deposits respectively.

The man also noted that the main reason he plays at the casino is to have fun.

“I play for fun. And big wins… They are like a pleasant bonus that you get while enjoying your pastime.”

The self-employed welder is living a peaceful life, enjoying outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, camping, and motocross biking.

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Exclusive Live Stream with Conor McGregor

Published

7 hours ago

May 20, 2024

Adrienn Sarkany

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Today is Duelbits’ exclusive inaugural live stream with The Notorious!

The stream will take place at 18:00 UTC and you will be able to join live on mcgregorlive.io

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