Have you ever found yourself mindlessly clicking the “Spin” button on an online slot, your finger practically on autopilot? Or perhaps you’ve wondered if there’s a way to keep those reels spinning while you grab a quick snack?
The autoplay mechanic in many online slot machines could offer a convenient solution to these problems, giving you a way to automate your gaming experience. But, if you don’t fully understand this feature (and the potential risks that come with it), you might be setting yourself up for an unexpectedly wild ride.
If you are new to online gambling and still learning how online slots work, this blog explores the nitty-gritty of autoplay slots to help you decide if it’s a feature you want in your virtual casino toolkit. Keep reading to learn how automatic spins can impact your gaming experience and learn some useful tips for using them responsibly.
What Is an Autoplay Mechanic, and How Does It Work?
The autoplay mechanic in online slot machines — sometimes called an autospin function — is exactly what it sounds like. It is a setting used in both standard video slots and jackpot slots that allows you to set the reels to spin automatically for a certain number of spins.
This slot machine feature creates a hands-free gaming experience for gamers who prefer not to manually click the “Spin” button between every play. So, how does it work?
Setting Your Bet
Before activating this feature, you must decide how much you’re willing to spend. Every automatic spin in the sequence will be played on the same bet, and you won’t be able to adjust it without stopping the feature. So, consider your budget carefully when you’re setting your wager.
Activating Autospins in Slots
The best slot developers will prioritize user experience when they design a game, so the “Autoplay” button is usually conveniently located in one of two places:
- Prominently displayed on the main game screen
- Clearly marked in the game’s settings menu
Customising the Automatic Spins
After you find the activation button, a menu will appear with controls to help you customize the feature based on the number of automatic spins you would like to play and any criteria that should terminate the feature.
You can usually choose for the automatic spins to stop if:
- The win on a single spin exceeds a certain amount
- Your total wins reach a predetermined amount
- Your total losses hit a set limit
- A bonus feature is triggered
Automatic Play
After confirming your preferred settings and bet size, you start the autoplay sequence with a single click. The game then spins the reels continuously, automatically deducting your stake and adding any wins to your balance for each spin.
When Do Automatic Spins Stop?
Once the automatic spins start, they will continue until one of your chosen stop criteria is met or one of the in-game mechanics forces the feature to stop. Automatic spins will typically stop when:
- The pre-set number of automatic spins has been played, concluding the feature.
- One or more of your chosen stop conditions (pre-set limits) have been met.
- Your account balance becomes too low to continue placing bets.
- A significant game event occurs, like a jackpot win.
You can also manually stop the autospin feature at any point by clicking the designated “Stop” button.
Is It a Good Idea To Use the Autoplay Mechanic?
If you are asking yourself whether to use this convenient tool or stick to manual spins when you play casino games online, the answer mainly comes down to your preferred playing style and risk tolerance. However, understanding some pros and cons of activating the autoplay mechanic can help you make a more informed decision.
Advantages of Spinning the Slot Reels Automatically
Autoplay isn’t just a fancy add-on — it’s a feature that can significantly enhance your slot experience for several reasons:
- Convenience: Autoplay eliminates the need for constant clicking, taking an already simple gaming experience and making it even more laid-back and effortless. It’s perfect for those moments when you just want to sit back, relax, and watch the action unfold.
- Time-saving: If you’re trying to get through a large number of spins — perhaps you have a pretty hefty bankroll, and you’re chasing a big win — having the reels trigger automatically can save you a lot of time. You can easily set up hundreds of spins in advance.
- Consistent betting: Autoplay helps maintain a steady betting pattern, which can be useful for implementing certain betting strategies or managing your bankroll more effectively. It removes the temptation to impulsively change bet sizes based on recent results.
- Multitasking: The hands-free nature of autoplay allows you to enjoy your favorite slots while attending to other tasks. This makes it ideal for those who like to play casually while doing other activities, such as watching TV or browsing the internet.
- Reduced emotional decisions: By setting parameters in advance, autoplay can help limit impulsive bet changes based on short-term results. This can lead to more disciplined play, removing the heat-of-the-moment decisions that can sometimes lead to overspending.
- More shots at the jackpot: While jackpots are never guaranteed, the longer you play, the more likely you are to trigger one. Autoplay can help you get through spins much faster than you would if you were spinning the reels manually.
Disadvantages of Using the Autoplay Feature
The autoplay feature certainly has its place in the world of online slots. If it didn’t, would developers include it in so many of their games? It offers an optional, hands-free gaming experience that many players find appealing, but it’s not without its potential drawbacks.
Here are a few of the potential cons that you should be aware of before you jump into automated gameplay:
- You can’t adjust your bet sizes without completely stopping the feature.
- It’s surprisingly easy to lose track of time and how much you’re spending when you use the autoplay function. So, if you hit a losing streak, this mechanic can burn through your bankroll quite quickly, often without you realizing it.
- Think about the excitement and anticipation that builds as you manually press the “Spin” button, watching in suspense as the reels come to a stop one by one and waiting to see if you’ve triggered a win. There’s a certain thrill in that moment of suspense that autoplay can inadvertently diminish, robbing you of the full slot experience.
- The rapid-fire nature of automated spins can blur the lines between games, making it harder to savor those small victories or fully appreciate the unique graphics, animations, and sounds that make a game special.
- Autoplay can distance you from the more strategic aspects of slot gaming (limited though they may be), making it feel more mechanical and less entertaining. This can turn a fun and interactive game into a passive viewing activity.
While autoplay certainly has its uses, it’s worth considering whether the convenience it offers outweighs the engaging, tactile experience that draws many players to slots.
Using the Autoplay Feature Responsibly
While autoplay can enhance your slot experience by offering convenience and efficiency, it’s crucial to approach this feature with caution and ensure you’re playing responsibly. Staying mindful is important to avoid unintentional overspending or a disconnect from the gaming experience.
If you follow a few key guidelines, you can harness the benefits of using the autoplay feature while maintaining control over your gameplay, maximizing your enjoyment while playing. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Set a clear budget for playing slots online and stick to it.
- Make sure you set strict win and loss limits before activating autoplay. It’s better to be conservative to help extend your gameplay. This helps maintain control over your bankroll and prevents excessive losses.
- Choose a reasonable number of automatic spins. Starting with a lower number allows you to reassess your strategy more frequently.
- Always monitor your gameplay, even when the reels are spinning automatically. It’s easy to get distracted, so stay engaged and aware of your balance.
- Take regular breaks to evaluate your session and decide whether to continue. Remember, autoplay doesn’t change the game’s odds or increase your chances of winning. Use it as a convenience tool, not a strategy for success.
- If you find yourself relying too heavily on autoplay or losing track of time and money spent, it might be best to return to manual spins.
- Lastly, familiarize yourself with the specific autoplay features of each game you play, as they can vary between different slots and developers.
Remember, the key to successful slot play — whether manual or automatic — is always to gamble within your means and view it as entertainment rather than a way to make money. Autoplay can be a useful tool when used wisely, but it should never replace your judgment or control over your gambling habits. Stay mindful, set limits, and above all, have fun.
If you’re ready to try the autospin mechanic for yourself, BetMGM Casino offers several different types of online slots that include this convenient feature. If you’re playing from Ontario, you can even play these online slots for real money. Register now to explore the best slot machines to play online and put your newfound autoplay knowledge to the test.