Report

Assessment of online games design changes

Gambling Commission report focusing on research conducted into the impact of the online gambling games design changes.

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Published
8 June 2023

Last updated
8 June 2023 - Changes

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Contents

• Assessment of online games design changes

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• Executive summary
• Introduction
• - Background and approach
• - Theory of Change
• Methodology and limitations
• - Methodology for key sources
• - Limitations
• Outcomes
• - Reduced play intensity
• - Consumer awareness
• - Reduced binge gambling
• - Gambling within consumer means
• - Complaints
• - Safer gambling measures
• - Increased trust in gambling providers
• - Reduced 'problem gambling' rates
• Assumptions
• - Staking behaviour
• - Session length
• - Use of multiple tabs
• - Games design
• - Displacement to other games
• - Time and position
• - Loss chasing
• - Displacement to other markets
• - Inconvenience for gamblers
• Conclusions and next steps
• Appendices

Conclusions and next steps

This review of the impact of online games design changes shows evidence of reduced play intensity on online slots products since the changes were introduced in 2021. This review also considered assumptions that could undermine the effectiveness of the changes, and found no evidence of negative impacts on player behaviours.

We understand the importance of evaluation to understand the impact and effectiveness of regulatory changes and the Gambling Commission has made commitments to that effect in relation to upcoming work. We consider it important to share our evidence relating to the impact of these changes. The limitations to this review and evidence have been highlighted.

The Commission has committed to extend our work on product features, which initially focused on online slots, to strengthen rules relating to intensity of play on other products. This was reflected in the Government's The High Stakes: Gambling Reform for the Digital Age White Paper (opens in new tab). Consideration of the impact of the 2021 changes to online slots products will be considered as part of the evidence base for the consultation into other online products and games.

We intend to consult on further proposals in summer 2023.

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Assessment of online games design changes - Assumptions Next section
Assessment of online games design changes - Appendices

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Last updated: 8 June 2023

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