The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced updated requirements for slot machines located in land-based venues following a public consultation process. To prevent excessive technical costs for operators, these new standards will not apply to existing equipment already in operation.
Starting June 30, 2027, all new category B slot machines will be required to feature responsible gambling tools, including real-time tracking of session duration and net financial results. The updated regulations also prohibit features such as turbo spins, quick spins, and slam stops. Furthermore, celebratory mechanics will only be permitted when a player secures a win that exceeds the value of their stake.
The UKGC is also refining the definition of a gaming session to ensure it accounts for actual gameplay time rather than time spent navigating menus or depositing funds. Graham Burgin, a senior policy manager at the commission, noted that this change is intended to prevent warning notifications from triggering before a player has actually begun their session.
The implementation of these rules will occur in stages. Mandatory breaks after time-based notifications will be set at 10 and 20 seconds, while alerts for staff will only activate after a player reaches a second established session limit. Full compliance with all new requirements will be mandatory by October 3, 2028, providing operators with a transition period to adjust their technical systems.
Note: This article is based on publicly available sources and reflects information available at the time of publication. Details may change; check the original or official source for updates.