Under the new rules, operators must make online casino games safer by design and less intensive.

The Commission highlighted online slots as a key area for change due to the intensity of play and the corresponding risks to players, adding that slot games have by far the highest average losses per player of online gambling products.

The new measures include an outright ban on auto-play, slot spin speeds faster than 2.5 seconds, features that speed up play and sounds or imagery that give the illusion of a win when the return is equal to or below a stake.

Gambling Commission CEO Neil McArthur said: “This is another important step in making gambling safer and where the evidence shows that there are other opportunities to do that we are determined to take them."

Further changes include a permanent ban on reverse withdrawals, while operators must clearly display total losses or wins and time played during any online slots session. The measures must be fully implemented by online operators by 31 October 2021.

Minister for Sports, Tourism and Heritage Nigel Huddleston said: “Today's steps will help curb the intensity of online gambling, introducing greater protections that will reduce the risk of gambling-related harm. 

“I welcome the Gambling Commission's tough measures as we continue our comprehensive review of gambling laws to make sure they're fit for the digital age.”