Autoplay: meaning and the UK ban

Autoplay meaning

With autoplay, you chose a stake and a number of rounds, often with stop conditions, and the game then ran on without further taps. Its appeal was convenience. Its risk was that money was committed in bulk while your attention could drift.

It's one of several speed features in our casino app glossary, alongside turbo spin and slam stop, all now removed from UK games.

Is autoplay allowed on UK casino apps?

No. The Commission's summary of the 2021 changes to its technical standards (opens in a new tab) puts it in one line under RTS 8C: providing autoplay for slots is not permitted. The 2025 changes then applied the same principle to other casino games, so each game cycle must be started on its own.

The only carve-out in the rules is the automatic posting of blinds in peer-to-peer poker. Our rule page on the autoplay ban in the UK covers the detail.

Why autoplay was removed

The Commission's announcement of the 2025 rules (opens in a new tab) described the changes as limits on the speed and intensity of online games. Autoplay was the clearest example of intensity: a single tap could commit dozens of stakes.

Simple arithmetic shows the scale. An autoplay run of 100 spins at £1 committed £100 of stakes in one decision. On a slot with a 96% RTP, the expected loss on that run is £4, but the real result could be far worse, and nobody had to press anything to keep it going.

What you see instead of autoplay

On slots, the Commission's RTS 14 on responsible product design (opens in a new tab) requires at least 2.5 seconds between the start of one spin and the next, and you must release and press the start button again. Other casino games need at least 5 seconds per game cycle.

• A spin button that has to be pressed for every round.
• Your net position and elapsed time shown on screen during play.
• Reality checks at a frequency you can choose.
• No option to play several games at once.

Our guide on why there is no autoplay on UK casino apps explains what that looks like in practice, and online game design rules lists the full set.

Autoplay and other banned speed features

Each round is one game cycle, the unit the speed rules measure.

Playing without autoplay on a phone

1. Decide on a session length and a stake before you open the app.
2. Set a deposit limit and a reality check in the app's account settings.
3. Press spin for each round and glance at the net position shown on screen.
4. Stop when the reality check appears or your planned time is up.

For the time side, see reality checks in casino apps.

Slot apps with welcome spins, played one spin at a time

None of these offers changes the autoplay rule: every spin in a UK app still needs its own press. They're slot spin offers, so table and live games aren't part of them. 18+ and terms apply to each.

• Coral Casino (18+, new players, 1 October 2026 to 1 February 2027): deposit with a qualifying method and bet £10+ on slots for 100 free spins on selected games, each worth 10p. Accept them within 48 hours; they're valid for 7 days and winnings carry no wagering. Neteller, PayPal, Paysafe, Skrill, prepaid cards and certain debit cards are excluded.
• Ladbrokes Casino (18+, new customers): deposit and spend £10+ on slots for 50 free spins a day over your first 10 days, up to 500 in total. Spins are 10p on selected games, must be claimed before 23:59 each day and last 7 days, with no wagering. Prepaid cards, PayPal, Paysafe, Neteller, Skrill and Moneybookers don't qualify.
• PlayOJO (18+, new UK customers, not Northern Ireland): deposit £10 or more for the first time and get 80 free spins on Big Bass Bonanza at 10p each. There's no wagering, so winnings are paid in cash; it can't be combined with other offers and is only available through the designated offer link.

One account holder may not be able to open new accounts at both Coral and Ladbrokes, as both are run by LC International Limited (Entain).

18+. Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: safer gambling tools and support. Free, confidential help: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133.