History of autorun in slots
History of autorun in slots
First automatic and manual control
Classic slot machines that appeared in the late XIX - early XX centuries were completely mechanical. The player had to insert a coin, pull the lever and wait for the drums to stop. In such devices, there were no auxiliary functions, including autorun, since the main goal was to involve the player in the process itself.
With the development of electromechanical slots in the 1960s and 1970s (for example, from Bally), the principle of the game remained the same - each rotation was started manually. Autorun at this time was not even considered as an option.
Appearance of video slots and first experiments
The situation changed in the 1980s with the advent of video slots. Electronics and displays have allowed developers to embed more gaming features. It was then that the first automated control mechanisms began to be tested: autostart and accelerated rotation. However, full-fledged autorun in its usual form has not yet been used en masse.
By the early 1990s, buttons began to appear on individual game terminals, allowing you to set a series of spins in a row without constantly pressing. This was the first step towards a modern Autoplay system.
Online revolution and mass adoption
With the advent of online casinos in the mid-1990s, developers (such as Microgaming and Playtech) began to actively implement features that simplify the gameplay. One of these options was autorun: the player could choose the number of spins, the size of the bet and instruct the system to perform the backs on its own.
Autoplay quickly became the standard, as online players appreciated the convenience and ability to conduct long gaming sessions without constant clicks. In addition, this function turned out to be useful for those who played for bonuses with a wagering condition.
Feature development and improvement
In the 2000s, autorun received additional settings:
These improvements appeared as a reaction to regulatory demands and requests from players who wanted to control the process.
Modern stage and regulation
Today, the autorun feature is available in almost every online slot. It has become an integral part of the interface, although in some countries its use is limited. For example, in the UK in 2021, the Gambling Commission banned autorun, citing it as protecting players from excessive losses.
Despite these limitations, Autoplay remains a popular tool in most international casinos. It helps save time, test strategies and play more dynamically.
Result
The history of autorun in slots is an example of how technology and player demands are shaping the industry. More than a hundred years have passed from the first mechanical machines, where every rotation was the work of the player, to modern online slots with flexible settings. Today, autorun is not just a convenient option, but part of a standard set of functions that affects the rhythm of the game and the style of interaction between users and the casino.
First automatic and manual control
Classic slot machines that appeared in the late XIX - early XX centuries were completely mechanical. The player had to insert a coin, pull the lever and wait for the drums to stop. In such devices, there were no auxiliary functions, including autorun, since the main goal was to involve the player in the process itself.
With the development of electromechanical slots in the 1960s and 1970s (for example, from Bally), the principle of the game remained the same - each rotation was started manually. Autorun at this time was not even considered as an option.
Appearance of video slots and first experiments
The situation changed in the 1980s with the advent of video slots. Electronics and displays have allowed developers to embed more gaming features. It was then that the first automated control mechanisms began to be tested: autostart and accelerated rotation. However, full-fledged autorun in its usual form has not yet been used en masse.
By the early 1990s, buttons began to appear on individual game terminals, allowing you to set a series of spins in a row without constantly pressing. This was the first step towards a modern Autoplay system.
Online revolution and mass adoption
With the advent of online casinos in the mid-1990s, developers (such as Microgaming and Playtech) began to actively implement features that simplify the gameplay. One of these options was autorun: the player could choose the number of spins, the size of the bet and instruct the system to perform the backs on its own.
Autoplay quickly became the standard, as online players appreciated the convenience and ability to conduct long gaming sessions without constant clicks. In addition, this function turned out to be useful for those who played for bonuses with a wagering condition.
Feature development and improvement
In the 2000s, autorun received additional settings:
- win and loss limits;
- Stop when a bonus or jackpot occurs
- game time limit.
These improvements appeared as a reaction to regulatory demands and requests from players who wanted to control the process.
Modern stage and regulation
Today, the autorun feature is available in almost every online slot. It has become an integral part of the interface, although in some countries its use is limited. For example, in the UK in 2021, the Gambling Commission banned autorun, citing it as protecting players from excessive losses.
Despite these limitations, Autoplay remains a popular tool in most international casinos. It helps save time, test strategies and play more dynamically.
Result
The history of autorun in slots is an example of how technology and player demands are shaping the industry. More than a hundred years have passed from the first mechanical machines, where every rotation was the work of the player, to modern online slots with flexible settings. Today, autorun is not just a convenient option, but part of a standard set of functions that affects the rhythm of the game and the style of interaction between users and the casino.
