Paddy Power Founder Calls for Slower Online Slots

Pictured: Stewart Kenny

Stewart Kenny, co-founder of British bookmaker Paddy Power, is sounding the alarm on what he sees as the biggest risk for online slot players.

According to Kenny, the UK government’s recent restrictions on maximum bet sizes per spin don’t go far enough in protecting players.

He argues that the real danger lies in the speed of play. The former Paddy Power executive believes online slots should be slowed down as much as possible to curb addictive behavior.

What makes online slots so compelling, Kenny explains, is the rapid-fire gameplay. The gap between placing a bet and seeing the result is just seconds, allowing players to “chase the next dose” almost instantly.

Bright visuals and loud sound effects only add to the intensity, further reinforcing compulsive play. Kenny sees this combination as a major driver of gambling addiction.

For context, starting in April, the UK will cap online slot wagers at £5 per spin for players over 25, while those under 25 will have a stricter £2 limit.

Regulators had already introduced new game-speed measures in 2021, requiring a minimum 2.5-second spin time and banning autoplay, turbo modes, and any features designed to accelerate gameplay.