How will 2024 shape up?
The new year brings with it a natural urge to look forward, as well as back. With the gambling white paper consultation still ongoing, it seems like we could be looking at some significant changes in the UK gambling landscape over the next 12 months. From an overhaul of bonuses to the introduction of a new per spin limit on slots, things could look very different at the end of this new year compared to the start.
Similarly, new games and slots sites will emerge as frontrunners to entertain slot fans and shake things up. While it’s impossible to predict anything with certainty in the slots world, there are a few developments that look likely to take shape over the coming 12 months.
All change on the bonuses front
The days of welcome bonuses with challenging terms, like high wagering requirements, could soon be numbered. The ongoing review into the government’s white paper proposals is currently out to consultation on ideas around bonuses. This could ultimately even see wagering requirements outlawed altogether.
There is also discussion around preventing mixed format bonuses, i.e. bonuses that cross slots and sports, for example. With regulators hell bent on doing more to tackle issues around protecting vulnerable gamblers, 2024 could be the year that sees a sea change in bonuses.
Interestingly, this might even be to the benefit of slots sites, taking the pressure off the bonuses arms race that often sees sites competing with each other to offer ever bigger, better bonuses. A cap on bonuses, or seriously restrictive terms could have a levelling impact, which will ultimately help slots sites control their costs and liabilities. Changes to bonuses seem inevitable this year.
Introduction of a new £2 slot stake limit
There's also much discussion around a proposed new maximum stake for slots, which could work its way into legislation. This looks like it could be set at a £2 maximum stake for the 18-24 age group, as part of measures designed to limit the maximum amount vulnerable gamblers can spend on a single spin when playing online slots.
There have been suggestions this could push players towards the black market, where there are no such limits – assertions that the Gambling Commission have already dismissed. In practice, this is unlikely to impact they majority of slots players too greatly where most already play at less than £2 per spin, with the average falling between £1 and £2. However, there are warning signs from countries such as Germany about what restrictions could lead to.
But the introduction of a hard limit would nonetheless be a big change, and it’s one we can expect to see in some form as 2024 unfolds.
Greater emphasis on player protections generally
It’s abundantly clear from the white paper proposals that the industry is moving towards a far greater emphasis on player protections and safeguarding. Changes to the rules around what slot sites can and cannot do are inevitable, and this will shake things up considerably between now and the end of the year. With responsible gambling, and vulnerable gamblers in particular, being given more direct consideration by lawmakers and regulators, the rules for how slot sites operate regarding player protections will no doubt change in 2024.
This will have knock-on implications for slots fans who will notice the changes come into play over the course of the year.
With 2023 already fading into memory, the next 12 months will see pivotal changes for slots fans. With loads of new games, some excellent emerging slots sites, and likely changes across the board to the rules around bonuses, slot spin limits and player protections. And while it’s impossible to make any firm predictions it seems clear that 2024 going into 2025 will look altogether different.
New slots to try in 2024
Despite thousands of incredible new online slots making their way onto the market in 2023, we’re excited to move forward and start looking at what 2024 has in store for slots fans!
Oxygen by ELK Studios
ELK Studios have done it again with Oxygen, a slot that will see you diving to the bottom of the ocean in pursuit of a payout that could be worth up to 25,000x your stake. This medium-high volatility game has some interesting features, including three different types of wilds, a bonus game and a super bonus game, to keep players gasping with excitement. An impressive aesthetic completes the offering – another strong release from this developer, and a game to look out for.
- Name:
- Oxygen
- Developer:
- ELK Studios
- RTP:
- 94.00%
- Max payout:
- 25,000x stake
- Volatility:
- Medium-High
- Theme:
- Fishing
- Release date:
- 20th Dec 2023
Play Oxygen here:
Bill & Coin by Relax Gaming
Bill & Coin are a pair of cute money-based characters who have 10,000x available for you to try and grab! There are three separate Bonus games and a lot of fun sound effects, so if you like plenty of variety and a chance to win big, then keep an eye on this awesome slot from Relax Gaming in 2024.
- Name:
- Bill & Coin
- Developer:
- Relax Gaming
- RTP:
- 96.10%
- Max payout:
- 10,000x stake
- Volatility:
- High
- Jackpot:
- Dream Drop Jackpot
- Reels:
- 6
- Win lines:
- 4,096
- Theme:
- Luxury
- Release date:
- 9th Jan 2024
Play Bill & Coin here:
DJ Fox by Push Gaming
A fox that’s also a DJ? It’s the latest quirky offering from the development team at Push Gaming, who are developing a reputation for creating some stylish, fun, and above all high-paying slots. The max win here is 10,000x, with RTP of 96.28%. It’s highly volatile too, so there’s money to be won when you hit a winning streak. Check out DJ Fox if you’re looking to try out something a bit different – a strong recommend, particularly if you’ve not yet sampled the delights of other Push Gaming slots.
- Name:
- DJ Fox
- Developer:
- Push Gaming
- RTP:
- 96.28%
- Max payout:
- 10,000x stake
- Volatility:
- High
- Reels:
- 3
- Win lines:
- 5
- Theme:
- Animal, Music
- Release date:
- 14th Dec 2023
Play DJ Fox here:
Slot Gods has got you covered
It's hard to say exactly what the future holds, but one thing's for certain and that is that 2024 is going to see some major shakeups in the industry with new rules and regs coming into play. New tech will lead the way and innovative slots will continue to push the boundaries like never before. To keep on top of all these changes, keep in touch with our industry news and never miss an important story again.