Undoubtedly, slots are king. Statistics confirm that they account for over 70% of casinos’ revenue. This proves that though table, live table, and even AU and VR games are going strong, they still can’t compete with good old slot machines, either real or digital.
That’s explained by the simplicity of gameplay, great graphics and sound effects, and multiple special features. Scatters, Wilds, Avalanche, progressive and fixed jackpots, and other features are all contributing to a user’s experience greatly. However, the autoplay feature, which is also on the list, may seem quite controversial. Is it a convenient tool or a hidden danger, and how can it be used properly? That’s what we’re going to discuss in this guide.
What is the Autoplay Feature?
Autoplay in slots is a special tool allowing a user to automate the gameplay by setting the reels to spin automatically and continuously several times, usually 10, 20, 50, 75, or 100 times, or until the player stops the spinning process. It’s designed for those who prefer a more hands-off approach to playing slots or appreciate the faster pace of the game. We should also stress that the feature doesn’t affect the odds of winning — it just allows users to keep playing the game without constantly pressing the Spin button.
You can easily find games with such a feature at top online casinos. Let’s take the example of Pin-Up Canada: if we check some random popular games, we’ll see that titles like Legacy of Dead by Play’n GO, Lucky Streak 3 by Endorphina, Sun Of Egypt 2 3Oaks have this feature, while others like Gates of Olympus or The Dog House Megaways by Pragmatic Play don’t have it. So, a player can always make a choice. Moreover, there are different settings, so one can customize the auto-play, for example, by stopping the feature after a win or a certain loss amount.
Pros of Using the Autoplay Feature
Though the feature doesn’t directly affect the slot machine odds, many players choose it for certain reasons. What are they? We discuss the main ones below.
Benefit #1: Convenience and Speed
If you’re into slots, know how they work, and have already learned everything about the special features of the specific game, you may use autoplay just to remove all that manual work. For example, you know exactly that you want to spin the wheel 10 times in this slot. You can do it in seconds with just one click.
Benefit #2: Consistent Betting Strategy
The Autoplay feature is frequently used by experienced players who have their own custom strategies. For example, one may choose a game based on its RTP, slot machine paylines, availability of special features, and slot machine paylines. Let’s assume the player sees the best result when betting 20 times in a low-medium volatility game featuring Wilds, RTP of 97%+, with the bets within the $1-$3 limit. In this case, they can just choose the game and change the settings according to their preferences and strategy.
Benefit #3: Potential for Increased Slot Machine Wins
Though this feature doesn’t increase slot machine wins directly, it can indirectly do so by speeding up the process, helping a player avoid missing in-game bonus opportunities, and optimizing multiplier rounds. Still, it will work only if a player has a specific strategy and, most importantly, loss limits.
Cons of Using the Autoplay Feature
According to the statistics shared by the UK Gambling Commission, 58% of auto-play users confirmed that this mode had resulted in them playing faster than they had initially planned. Also, 45% of users noted spending more than they had intended. Autoplay mode definitely has its cons, so let’s talk about them in a bit more detail.
Drawback #1: Reduced Control Over Gameplay
With autoplay, a user may miss some opportunities to adjust their strategy when necessary. For instance, one can miss some features that could potentially boost the experience and improve the game’s outcome.
Drawback #2: Less Engagement with the Game
It’s hard to deny that autoplay makes a user's overall experience more passive. You basically watch the reels spin nonstop, which may seem less engaging to many players who love the excitement of waiting for the result.
Drawback #3: Possible Overspending
As mentioned above, this feature may potentially make you spend more than you’ve initially planned. That’s explained by the faster pace of the game — a user may just lose track of time and bets made. It’s crucially important to set the limits and focus on the process anyway, take breaks, and choose lower volatility slots for this specific type of play.
Final Thoughts: Is the Autoplay Slot Function That Helpful
So, let’s answer the main question: Is autoplay a convenient tool or a danger? Well, it depends. It’s a good feature for experienced users who know exactly what they want and who aren’t thrilled by the process of spinning the reels and expecting the outcome for some time. At the same time, it’s definitely not the best mode for beginners.
A lot will depend on how you are using the feature, too. Ideally, a player should try to find the best slot machines to play automatically. The mode requires quite a deep knowledge about the gameplay, so ensure you’ve learned everything about the slot and know how to use autoplay to improve your experience instead of worsening it.
