KSA clamps down on autoplay slots feature
Regulator threatened online operator with €300,000 cease and desist order for offering function
The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has found a licensed online casino operator to have been offering an autoplay on some of its slots games.
The feature, which is prohibited in the Netherlands but common throughout the industry, was reported to the KSA by a player from the unnamed site.
The player noted they could buy multiple spins which were then automatically played one after the other.
As long as there was credit in a customer’s account, the game would continue to automatically play again.
The KSA said that it found at least three games with this feature during its investigation into the claims.
The KSA said: “A player must make a conscious choice for each subsequent game to continue playing. From the point of view of consumer protection and the risk of gambling addiction, forms of automatic play at online gambling machines are prohibited.
“In this form of play, the player no longer consciously chooses the next game and loses control.”
Following the investigation, the licence holder disabled autoplay, with a potential fine of up to €300,000 (£249,873) looming had it failed to adhere to the KSA’s request.
The KSA said it would continue to monitor other licensed operators for autoplay features in the future.
Like the Netherlands, Germany’s regulations prohibit autoplay, while Flutter Entertainment recently axed this option from its slots games as part of the group’s safer gambling initiatives.