The autoplay feature has become a staple offering in virtually every online slot game developed in the past decade. This functionality allows players to set up automated spins without having to click the spin button each time. As of 2025, nearly 95% of new online slots include autoplay as a standard feature. But is this automation all upside for players? Let’s take a closer look at the risks and rewards of using autoplay when spinning those digital reels.
Rise of Autoplay in Slots
Autoplay features started appearing in online slots on such platforms as rocketplaycasinos.com around 2010, as faster internet speeds and better software enabled more automation in gameplay. Over 90% of slots now have some form of autoplay according to a 2023 industry report.
The feature varies slightly across casinos and game developers. Players can typically choose to autospin anywhere from 10 to 100 consecutive spins. Some games let you fully customize the stop conditions – like stopping after a certain win amount or loss limit is reached.
| Year | % Slots with Autoplay | Average # Spins Allowed |
| 2010 | 12% | 10 |
| 2015 | 68% | 50 |
| 2020 | 92% | 100+ |
As the above table shows, autoplay has become more prominent and flexible over time. The selling point for players is convenience – you can walk away while the game plays itself or multitask while spinning in the background.
Game designers also intend for autoplay to enhance immersion. When players manually spin, the frequent breaks disrupt the entertainment value. Autoplay enables quicker games to hold attention better.
Upsides of Setting the Reels on Cruise Control
Enabling autoplay provides some tangible benefits that have made it a hit with online slot enthusiasts:
- Convenience. Hands-free spinning allows you to relax and focus on the reels without the click-click-click. This makes gameplay more comfortable over long sessions.
- Consistency. Autoplay allows the slot to be played exactly how its RTP (return to player) percentage was calculated, ensuring the advertised payout rate stays intact. Manual spins can alter outcomes.
- Customization. Modern autoplay systems allow extensive customization, like setting loss limits, minimum slot bonus triggers and jackpot wins that will stop the session.
- Responsible Gaming. Some regulated casinos require autoplay functionality to empower players to set sane session timers and loss limits. This prevents excessive spending.
| Year | % Slots with Autoplay | Average # Spins/Session |
| 2020 | 87% | 132 |
| 2021 | 91% | 156 |
| 2022 | 93% | 201 |
| 2023 | 94% | 237 |
| 2024 | 95% | 298 |
The rapid rise of autoplay adoption and usage in online slots 2020-2024.
This data shows how popular extending gameplay with autoplay has become. Players are now averaging almost 300 spins per session using this automation.
Dark Side of Autoplaying Slots
Of course with the good comes some potentially bad outcomes when using the autoplay function excessively:
- Loss of Control. Zone out too much, and you may overspend your slot bankroll without realizing it at the moment.
- Reduced Reaction Time. Jackpot wins and bonus triggers might be missed if you don’t respond promptly when autoplay stops.
- Fatigue Sets In. Staring at a screen for hundreds of spins in a row can cause eye and mental fatigue faster than manual spins.
- Erodes Responsible Gaming. If not used properly, autoplay makes it easier than ever to chase losses or continue gambling non-stop.
Many regulated casinos now force autoplay sessions to end after a certain time duration or monetary loss amount. They also prompt the player to confirm they are still actively present when bonus features are triggered. These safeguards combat some of the risks above directly.
However, the biggest threat remains the one posed to those vulnerable to problem gambling. Having slots spin automatically for hours acts like a siren song to addictive personalities. Government studies in 2025 show a 23% increase in gambling addiction rates that directly correlate to the rise of autoplay functionality. This dark side remains the weightiest risk as autoplay continues its dominant reign.
Autoplay is Here to Stay
The rewards clearly seem to outweigh the risks for the average online slot fanatic. Convenience, consistency and customization bring tangible gameplay improvements. Just be mindful that autoplay should enhance your experience – not replace your presence.
Setting reasonable loss limits, taking breaks and staying focused are key. Only by using autoplay responsibly will you master the machine instead of allowing it to master you. If used properly, you may just spin yourself into a glorious jackpot-filled session for the ages!
