How Does the Slot Auto-Play Feature Work?

Discover all you need to know about Auto-Play feature in online slots. Learn how to use it and weigh the pros and cons.

Video Slots are one of the most popular forms of entertainment played in both land-based and Online Casinos. The easy-to-learn rules and list of unique features make slots a top choice among casino lovers and beginners.

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The early classic slots were not as refined as today’s new generation slot machines. The classic slots required players to put a coin in the machine, which could only activate one spin. Players had to keep inserting coins and yanking the lever to continue spinning, which was a tiring process.

Game Developers introduced the auto-play feature to make the spinning process easier and save time. This feature not only allows players to set the number of times they wish to spin the reel but also saves time.

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What is Auto-play?

The auto-play feature allows players to continually play the games without having to press the spin button. The auto-play feature, when activated, successively spins the reels without the player touching the lever or spin button.

This feature is prevalent with online slots and casinos, although some land-based casinos have incorporated the feature into their machines.

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Auto-play limits the redundant disposition of slot games, making the games quicker and more convenient, especially for those in for a long session.

Unlike the online slot auto-play feature, land-based slot machines have a relatively basic auto-play feature since players can only turn on and off the feature without other options.

Online Slots, however, are detailed. It not only allows players to set the number of times the reel will spin automatically but also allows resetting the payline, stop limit, bet and limit.

How does it work?

Several slot machines are fitted with the auto-play feature, and they can be easily located on the game’s main panel. When triggered, the feature will automatically spin the reel continuously.

To activate the feature, the auto-play button must be pressed (clicked), which is usually found on the main panel of the game. However, before clicking the auto-play button, there are a couple of basic steps necessary to avoid tremendous loss.

The first step is to indicate the number of times the reel will automatically spin. Apart from this, players will also have to reset their wager for each spin and the number of pay-lines to bet on. This is to ensure that a player doesn’t lose too much money while the auto spin feature has been activated.

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You as a player will also need to set the loss limit, which is another feature that stops a game completely after winning or losing beyond a specified amount.

This ensures casino players do not spend beyond their set gambling budget. The feature also protects winnings from being lost into another round of spinning.

When a bonus round is activated, the auto-play feature will be paused since bonus games cannot be automatically played and require the player’s active involvement.

Steps for setting the Auto-Play

step 1

guide step

Check out the Game's menu

Look for the auto-play feature menu. The auto-play feature can usually be found on the interface or play area of the slot. In some cases, it could be accessed by holding the spin button in or through a menu.

Look for the auto-play feature menu. The auto-play feature can usually be found on the interface or play area of the slot. In some cases, it could be accessed by holding the spin button in or through a menu.

step 2

guide step

Select the number of Spins

Select the number of spins for the auto-play to run through. You need to make sure that the auto-play feature only plays the number of spins that your bankroll can afford.

Select the number of spins for the auto-play to run through. You need to make sure that the auto-play feature only plays the number of spins that your bankroll can afford.

step 3

guide step

Set loss/win limits

Set your loss limit and or win limit. You do not want the auto-play feature to keep losing money or keep on playing after you had a big win.

Set your loss limit and or win limit. You do not want the auto-play feature to keep losing money or keep on playing after you had a big win.

step 4

guide step

Start Auto-Play

Press start to have the auto-play begin playing the number of spins you specified. Always check that the number of spins you selected is being played and counted down.

Press start to have the auto-play begin playing the number of spins you specified. Always check that the number of spins you selected is being played and counted down.

Pros

  • The auto-play feature makes a game more convenient since it does all the work for the player by constantly spinning the reel.
  • Also, for those hunting for jackpots and bonus rounds, the auto-play feature helps to speed up the process.
  • For players in a race for a progressive jackpot, the auto-play feature spins the reels faster in a relatively short period than manually clicking the spin button will.
  • Auto-play makes multitasking possible as it spins the reel, especially if the player is busy and cannot click spin.

Cons

  • The auto-play feature compels players to place a wager of the same size. This means a player cannot change the bet size if losing or winning.
  • Auto-play doesn't allow players to enjoy the fantastic graphics, sound effects, storylines etc., provided by a game developer.
  • Using the auto-play feature is an automated way of playing a slot game, and it defeats the purpose of playing, which is to have fun and serve as a means of entertainment.

FAQs

It depends on the strategy a player uses. The auto-play feature only helps speed up the gameplay, so a player can maximise their spins in a small time period and have a shot at winning the jackpot before other players.

No, the auto-play features do not cost any additional funds to use. You still place your wager as you usually would.

The only thing the feature does is automatically spin the reels. The outcome of a game is determined by the Random Number Generator and not the auto-play.

The auto-play feature may and may not be. To protect your funds, it’s best to reset the bet limit, bet per spin and most importantly, know when to stop spinning, regardless of whether you’re winning or losing a game.

Chris Grand Casino & Games Reviewer

As a content writer specializing in iGaming, my goal is to keep players informed about the latest industry trends and game releases. I also strive to deliver honest and insightful content that adds value to players' experience.

Last Update: January 4, 2026

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