The autoplay feature has become a staple offering in virtual slot machines over the past decade. This functionality enables the reels to spin round after round without requiring the player to click a button each time. At first glance, this innovation appears to benefit slot enthusiasts by making the experience less hands-on. However autoplay introduces new dynamics that significantly impact one’s gameplay, wins and losses. Before activating this tool, all players should weigh its potential risks against rewards when playing at Richard online casino and other platforms.
Rise of Autoplay in Slots
Autoplay first emerged in land-based slots located in brick-and-mortar casinos. It then made the natural transition to online slots in the early 2010s as more software studios mimicked the offerings of classic Vegas-style games. Over the past few years, nearly all Internet slot developers have incorporated autoplay into their titles.
The option to set the reels in motion automatically has become popular among players for good reason. The function enables multi-line slots to be played faster and with fewer clicks. Hands and fingers don’t have to tap the spin button hundreds of times per hour. This allows players to relax their digits without interrupting the action.
Autoplay Settings and Options
All autoplay consoles are not created equal. The settings and options can vary based on the slot, studio and casino. Some software allows players to choose the exact number of automatic spins. Others only offer broad choices like “Short” and “Long.”
In general, the autoplay dashboard provides players with input over:
- Number of spins selected
- Conditions that will stop autoplay:
- Wins above a set limit
- Losses above a set limit
- Jackpot achieved
- Manually stopped by player
This ability to establish parameters around the autoplay experience allows players to customize based on their goals and risk tolerance.
Letting the Reels Ride
Slot enthusiasts new and old may find themselves enticed by the ease and convenience of autoplay for several key reasons:
- Hands-free experience – Players can sit back without having to constantly click or tap.
- Semi-mindlessness – The automated spins allow you to think less and rely more on chance/luck.
- Faster gameplay – Hundreds of spins can transpire in just minutes, catering to impatient types.
- Bonus triggers – Major jackpots have been randomly hit during autoplay sprees.
Autoplay certainly holds some strong appeals. But engaging this feature frequently or excessively also comes with downsides, every slot player should seriously weigh before jumping in.
Risks of Reduced Control and Visibility
Activating autoplay necessarily entails handing decision-making power to the slot machine itself. You must surrender a degree of control. The software now determines when spins start and stop.
As the computer automatically sets the reels in motion over and over, players may become less cognizant of key details like:
- Which lines are active/inactive
- How many spins have occurred
- How much money is being deducted per spin
- Current wins and losses
This combination of relinquished control plus reduced visibility into gameplay can produce risky outcomes for players if they are not prudent.
Potential Downsides of Overusing Autoplay
If one leans too heavily on autoplay to power through online slot sessions, several precarious scenarios could develop:
- Quick/Unexpected Losses
- With no manual stopping, autoplay can rapidly subtract hundreds of dollars – or more – from your balance without you noticing
- Lessened Reaction to Wins
- Big triumphant spins or bonus rounds may initiate with zero fanfare since they weren’t manually activated
- Gambling More Recklessly
- The “mindless” nature of autoplay may prevent self-control and encourage reckless betting
- Chasing Losses
- After an autoplay loss, some players fall into the trap of manually increasing bets to try to immediately “win back” money relinquished by the machine
To showcase just how quickly one stands to lose money using autoplay, consider this hypothetical example:
| Spin Result | Bet Amount | Total Spins | Total Bet | Balance Change |
| Loss | $1 | 25 | $25 | -$25 |
| Loss | $1 | 25 | $50 | -$50 |
| Loss | $2 | 25 | $100 | -$100 |
| Loss | $3 | 25 | $175 | -$175 |
| Win | $5 | 1 | $5 | +$20 |
| Totals | – | 101 | $355 | -$330 |
In barely over five minutes, a slot player could dig themselves into a $330 hole. This highlights why responsibly using autoplay requires paying attention and periodically adjusting or intervening when losses accrue.
Tips for Safely Tapping Autoplay
Autoplay can certainly accelerate slot play and make the experience more passive and convenient under the right circumstances. Disciplined players should be able to leverage it without excess risk. Those hoping to tap autoplay without getting burned may want to keep these tips in mind:
- Set strict loss limits before starting autoplay – Stop after losing 5x your average spin amount.
- Pause autoplay after any wins over 10x your average bet – Review gameplay before continuing.
- Vary your autoplay use – Mix in manual spins to maintain visibility and control.
- Increase attention the higher your bet amount goes – Don’t zone out during expensive spins.
- Disable autoplay if noticing reckless urges or frustration – Revert to manual spins only.
Bottom Line
All slot features carry potential advantages and pitfalls. Autoplay is no exception. This popular option provides effortless and accelerated play, but can also facilitate distraction and compound losses. By understanding both sides of the autoplay coin, players can strategically enable this tool when sensible and avoid it when signs point to risk. Using autoplay judiciously rather than blindly will lead to the best outcomes.
