Industry Research Briefing Vol.1 (3) — Autoplay

The research note analyses how players use autoplay, its correlation to harm proxies, and provides a summary of ideas to improve the customer experience.

Categories

The research explores how the use of autoplay in online slot games affects player behavior, particularly in relation to financial loss, declined deposits, and risk ratings. Key findings:

• U-Shaped Risk Relationship: Players using autoplay for up to 30–40% of their spins tend to experience lower financial losses, fewer declined deposits, and lower risk ratings. Beyond this threshold, risk indicators begin to rise again.
• Moderate Use May Be Protective: Compared to light users, moderate autoplay users lose less money and show fewer signs of harm.
• Increased Use Signals Risk: When players increase their autoplay usage relative to their personal average, small but statistically significant increases in risk indicators are observed (e.g. £1–£2 more loss per day, 1–2 more declined deposits per 1,000 days).
• Autoplay Use Is Common: About 19% of players in the sample used autoplay at least once. Only 10% used it for more than 30–40% of their spins.

Implications for industry and policy: 

• Autoplay can support controlled play when paired with features like stop/loss limits.

• Regulators and operators should consider nuanced approaches rather than outright bans.

• Personalized messaging and default settings (e.g. lower spin counts) can guide safer use.

• Sharp increases in autoplay usage may serve as a risk flag for intervention.

• Further research and replication across datasets are needed to refine understanding.

These insights suggest that autoplay, when used moderately and with safeguards, may help players manage their gambling more effectively. For full details, please refer to the complete document.