When time is scarce, some slot gamers want to accelerate their play and get as many spins in as possible.
Of course, it’s essential that responsible gambling is upheld – that includes staking only what you can afford to lose, but for players that have settled upon a specific amount in their next session, using a slot game accelerator enables them to get that allocation of spins in as speedily as possible.
Some real money slots allow players to utilise features like turbo spins and autoplay, which can accelerate gameplay. But do they cost extra money? Can you still trigger bonuses? Can you stop auto spins midway through?
We’ll answer all of those questions, while explaining the differences between each speed play format.
What are Turbo Spins?
The turbo spin feature of a slot game enables players to whizz through their spins, with the reels turning much faster than they do in standard gameplay.
However, players must still hit the spin button manually before each turn, which enables a greater degree of control and flexibility in staking.
What are Quick Spins?
The slot quick spin feature is essentially just another name for turbo spins, with the same mechanic in play.
You can still use quick spins for one turn at a time, however the reels will spin quicker and so the result will be known in swifter fashion.
What is Autoplay in Slots?
Autoplay allows players to set their stake amount for a certain number of spins, which are then played out automatically on screen with no input required.
For example, if you wanted to play ten spins automatically with each at £0.10, you would use the on-screen indicators to set those parameters before hitting the spin button – the ten spins will then play out with no manual intervention needed.
This is an option for players who just want to sit back and watch their spins, knowing that they will be flat staking for the entirety of the autoplay feature.
That said, autoplay can be overridden if you want to disable it between spins.
What are the Differences?
With autoplay and turbo mode slots explained, you may have already noted some key differences between the two features.
The main difference is that turbo mode requires you to press the spin button manually before each turn. The ‘speed’ element of the feature comes from the reels themselves spinning, which will be accelerated so that you see the outcome of the spin much faster.
That affords you just as much control as a regular spin, as you can adjust your stake for each turn to stay in line with your budget – so turbo spin can work in conjunction with responsible gambling, too.
In contrast, when the autoplay feature is activated, a set number of spins play out automatically… you can watch them happen, but there’s no other input required.
Players set their stake per spin in advance of the autoplay feature kicking in, so gameplay can still be controlled to some extent. You can also set win limits and stop losses, which will turn off autoplay should the designated amount be hit.
The other main difference between turbo spin and autoplay is that animations are fast forwarded – or removed altogether – in turbo play. So if time is of the essence in your next gaming session, activating turbo spins will ensure you get through more turns in your allotted time.
UK Law on Autoplay
In February 2021, the UK Gambling Commission changed the rules on how slot games could be developed and presented to players.
With specific reference to auto spin slot games in the UK, the regulator made it law that online casinos could no longer offer slots in which the spin speed is faster than 2.5 seconds.
Their research found that some players would play faster using autoplay, so might therefore play more spins – and stake more that they had originally intended.
Some quick spin features were also prohibited, but most pertinently autoplay was banned completely from all slots made available to UK players.
The then chief executive of the Gambling Commission, Neil McArthur, said: “We are also introducing a ban on autoplay, losses disguised as wins, and slot spin speeds faster than 2.5 seconds.”
So should you find yourself on holiday or working away and load up your favourite UK slots, you may find that the autoplay function is available. However, when playing in the UK, you won’t be able to use it.
Take Your Time at Prime Slots
At Prime Slots, we applaud any law changes that help to protect players and promote responsible gambling.
Both autoplay and turbo spins were useful mechanics for players, but when the research suggests that they could also be harmful, it makes sense for them to be prohibited.
All of the slots you will find in our game library conform to UK Gambling Commission regulations. So rather than rushing through each spin of the reels, why not set yourself a budget for your next session, relax and see whether your luck is in at a nice, steady pace.
