In an ever-changing online casino market, trends come and go all the time. The digital enhancements that game developers and online casino operators have been provided with have paved the way for more innovative games and features to fill the virtual gaming floor. But one feature that was banned in the UK in 2019 still remains popular amongst UK-based online casino enthusiasts for a number of reasons.
2019 Ban on Bonus Buy Games
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) along with the UK Government decided to implement a ban on online slots games where players could buy bonus rounds to accelerate game play. The primary reason behind the ban coming into place was to protect the playing public from potential gambling and financial issues caused by spending more to unlock supposedly more attractive bonus rounds.
Worldwide Impact
Despite the fact bonus purchase slots in the UK are banned for UK residents, the feature has continued to gain more recognition and popularity in other markets worldwide. Since 2019, the online casino industry has come on leaps and bounds, and more countries have begun regulating the activity. However, only a couple have followed the example set by the UK seven years ago in banning bonus buy games.
The Netherlands have also implemented similar legislation while Sweden are currently at loggerheads over whether a ban would be beneficial or not. But in other international markets, the feature is still active, even prompting UK players to seek operators outside of the UK for this game play.
The fact bonus buy games are still circulating in other markets has meant it has remained relevant within the online casino industry, even amidst other new, innovative games. Bonus rounds tend to introduce different elements of game play and opportunities to play with higher multipliers, which have proved a popular novelty for players.
Greater Accessibility
With bonus buy games still available on other non-UK markets, players on the island are taking advantage of the greater freedom within the digital realm to explore international online casino operators. Although the playing of bonus purchase slots in the UK is banned, UK-based players can still access the feature. “Travelling” to a foreign online casino operator does come with additional risk, since it is not regulated by the UKGC.
However, the majority of operators nowadays are legally regulated by local authorities. Despite there being greater accessibility, users still need to be online savvy should they choose to explore foreign markets.
Will the UKGC change its stance?
This is highly unlikely, given the strict approach taken by the UKGC towards online gambling. Although the UK has a long history with gambling, the UKGC has taken its position as a leader in the market especially seriously and can even be seen as a trailblazer for regulation in a relatively young industry. Even though bonus buy slots remain popular in other countries, the ship seems to have firmly sailed in the UK.
