When we think of the creative process behind online slot games, we think of themes, bonuses, artistic style, and gameplay mechanics. One thing most of us do not think about is gambling laws.
However, in recent years, gambling laws and the slot creative process have become increasingly intertwined, with slot game development companies and slot sites having to adjust to ensure they are sticking to regulatory standards. Let’s take a more detailed look at how gambling laws impact slot game development.
Limited Features
A key development in recent years has been the limiting of certain bonus features in the slot game development process. The UKGC, for example, restricted developers from adding gamble features to its games.
For the unacquainted, gamble features would give players the chance to gamble their winnings through some sort of mini-game. This could involve guessing the colour of a face-down card, spinning a wheel, or flipping a coin. These features were seen to promote irresponsible gambling habits and, as such, are no longer available in UK slot games.
Likewise, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) has also issued other bans and restrictions on bonuses and gameplay mechanics. For example, all spins now have to be set to a certain time limit so as not to encourage faster and more compulsive gambling.
Another element that has been added to gameplay as a result of UKGC intervention is the total loss/profit display. All online slot games must now clearly display the loss and profit that a player has experienced during that gameplay round. This helps players keep track of their spending and, hopefully, make more informed online gambling decisions.
Likewise, maths models are also something that regulators have controlled. RTP, volatility, and maximum wins have also faced restrictions that slot developers need to consider when creating their online slot games.
Lights & Sounds
It is not just gameplay elements that have been forced into changes as a result of UKGC regulations. Slot game development companies have also had to make several changes to the design and soundscape of online slot games.
The UKGC guidance prohibits ‘features that speed up play or give the illusion of control over the outcome’, as well as ‘sounds or imagery which give the illusion of a win when the return is in fact equal to, or below, a stake.’
The latter of these has been especially important, as it has forced developers to reconsider winning animations and other key aspects of the game’s design. Likewise, the sound effects that accompany these visuals have also been changed significantly. This is clear if you play games in the UK and outside of the UK.
Needless to say, there are also laws in place to stop slot game development companies from creating games that are attractive to children in any way. While this has never been a common issue, it is still something that developers need to consider when they are developing online slots. This is also important to the best slot sites when they are marketing games.
Responsible Gambling
The biggest influence for slot development companies when designing online slot games is responsible gambling. As the industry becomes more aware of the impacts of irresponsible gambling, it continues to find ways to help players keep themselves safe when playing online.
The design and gameplay of online slot games have a huge impact on how players interact with them, and regulators have become increasingly aware of this. The UKGC is one of the most involved regulators in the industry, and it is regularly assessing the way online slot games are developed and attempting to help slot game development companies create safer and more enjoyable games for everyone.
