by Matthew Gover | Date of Publishing: 22 May 2023
Online slots are fun to play, thanks to the thrill and excitement they bring, but having to press the same button repeatedly can become tedious for players. The autoplay feature which you will find on many of our slot games at JeffBet, is designed to overcome this, as it can spin the reels automatically a limited number of times without interruption. The autoplay feature in slots has made life easier for many UK players.
Most new online slot games come with the autoplay function, so it is essential to understand how this works. Despite its convenience, this feature has received criticism from players and authorities. There have been a few significant changes in gambling laws in the UK since its inception. The UK Gambling Commission is constantly working to ensure the safety of slot players and the addition of an autoplay button is thought by many to be bad for those prone to experience issues while gambling.
At JeffBet, we take gambling related harm very seriously, so this article will cover both the pros and cons of the autoplay feature. This will allow you to make an informed decision about whether this feature will benefit you or not. Regulations in the UK regarding this feature will also be discussed. Keep reading to learn all about this autoplay feature.
Table of Contents
The autoplay feature spins the reels automatically. The player chooses the number of spins and the bet size, and the reels are played until the chosen number of spins is completed. Some players think this is convenient, while others think it can take the thrill and excitement out of the game.
When playing online slots manually, players need to click on the spin button whenever they want to spin the reels. This can be cumbersome for players looking for a quick way to spin several reels simultaneously. Using the autoplay feature can also provide quicker results compared to playing manually.
Some of the most popular slots that include the autoplay feature are Mega Moolah, Rainbow Riches, Gonzo’s Quest, Rise of Olympus and Leprechaun Goes Wild.
Turning on autoplay in slot machines is a straightforward process. The step-by-step instructions are mentioned below.
Some online slots provide special features with the autoplay function that allow you to customise it according to your preferences. Some allow you to specify a maximum; the autoplay will stop if the wins exceed this. You can also select an option that stops autoplay whenever free spins are won. If you want to ensure you don’t lose a set amount of funds, you can set a limit that will allow you to stop autoplay after your losses reach a specific amount.
In Mega Moolah, the autoplay feature is located at the bottom of the reels, allowing you to specify the loss limit and the maximum amount of cash earned. Gonzo’s Quest also features an advanced autoplay feature that allows you to stop spinning at any point. This includes when your winnings exceed a certain amount or your account balance exceeds the specified limit.
The autoplay feature in slots has received mixed reviews from players and authoritative organisations for several reasons. We have discussed its pros and cons below, so you can decide where you stand on the matter.
Autoplay offers a convenient option for those who want to play slots without worrying about spinning reels constantly. Since autoplay does not change the game’s outcome and you can still trigger bonus features, you can sit back and watch as a specified number of reels spins automatically.
Another benefit of the autoplay feature is that it is time saving. Since the reels are spinning continuously, you won’t have to wait for each spin, and the outcome will be delivered faster. This means you can save time that would have been spent manually spinning each reel. Additionally, the autoplay feature provides customisable settings, allowing you to manipulate it to your liking.
For example, if you want to play 100 spins, autoplay will be ideal because it will help save time and save you from the hassle of clicking the spin button 100 times. Make sure you have customised the bet size and the win and loss limits before playing.
Despite being convenient and time saving, playing with the autoplay feature does have a few disadvantages. Some people are of the view that the autoplay feature takes all the fun out of the slot machine. The purpose of a gambling session is to enjoy the anticipation of each spin, and this factor is arguably eliminated when autoplay is activated.
Even though most slots allow you to select the bet size in the online slot, this cannot be changed during autoplay. This is a drawback because you won’t be able to change the total bet size after a win or loss, which can impact other factors like paylines and multipliers.
Also, if the casino game does not allow you to set win and loss limits, you could lose more money than you have accounted for. For this reason, it is crucial to manage your account balance smartly and use the autoplay feature carefully.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is the main regulatory body that ensures the safety and security of players and developers. The authority announced the ban on autoplay in the online gambling industry in February 2021 after analysing the data provided by the online support forum of Experience Group. Developers had till 31st October 2021 to implement these changes.
The guidelines given to slot providers were as follows:
The UKGC believed these pre-commitment tools harmed players because they gave the illusion that players had control over the spins when they did not. The autoplay feature could lead to players losing track of their game, which can be detrimental to their account balance. Since the UKGC, the Remote Gambling Association, and other organisations want to minimise gambling related harm, the authority was adamant about introducing greater protections and removing autoplay from slots.
When the autoplay feature was introduced, it gained popularity quickly and made playing slots more convenient for many. Since its ban, players can no longer use the feature to save time and must manually spin each reel.
If you want to use autoplay while playing games, the best advice we can give you is to use it only when needed. It is a suitable feature when you don’t want to spin each reel manually but also want to stay on top when playing slots. It is also suitable during the bonus round, as it can quickly help you clear the bonus feature like a large progressive jackpot. Most online slots allow you to use the autoplay feature during bonus rounds to allow you to win more money.
Autoplay can be risky for players who are not careful. If you have played online slots in the past, you will probably be aware that a failure to set the coin size before opting for autoplay can be detrimental. It is essential to use the feature responsibly so you can win money instead of losing a significant part of your bankroll.
In today’s digital age, everything is fast-paced, and no one wants to waste their time. Similarly, in slots, players are looking for ways to increase spin speeds and make several reels spin automatically at once. Autoplay is designed to do just that, but slot fans should use this feature with caution.
Many players believe that slots are most fun when each reel is spun manually, while others say this can be a waste of time. If you want to secure a big win, the trick is to select the bet size and set win and loss limits so that you have some control over the outcome. When used responsibly, autoplay can be a very useful feature.
Author: Matthew Gover.
After graduating, Matthew began working as an English teacher abroad, initially in Spain and then Vietnam before finally coming back to the UK to settle. Matthew has always had a love for writing and an even bigger love for the igaming industry... Read More
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