Aviator, the popular ‘crash-style’ game has been unavailable to UK players for two weeks after its supplier, Spribe, had its operating licence suspended.
With an estimated 42 million players per month worldwide and up to 350,000 bets placed every minute, the Aviator game is one of the most popular slot site games in the world.
- The Impact: Two Weeks Without the Plane
- What Happened: Missing the Right Licence
- What is the Aviator Game?
- Popular Alternatives
The incident, though frustrating, illustrates the role of regulations, to ensure – among other things – player safety, especially on slot games those with a strong following like Aviator.
The Impact: Two Weeks Without the Plane
For players, the immediate consequence is the loss of a major slot game. The Aviator game is not a typical slot; it operates as a multiplayer, social betting experience where players decide when to cash out as a multiplier line rises, aiming to withdraw their stake before the multiplier “crashes.”
Online casino players in the UK are currently unable to access one of the market’s most popular games, Aviator, following a regulatory suspension by the Gambling Commission (GC). The game, known for its unique ‘crash’ format, was effectively grounded two weeks ago after the GC took action against Spribe OÜ.
Spribe CEO David Natroshvili said the game had immense global popularity, with an estimated 42 million players per month worldwide and up to 350,000 bets placed every minute, in his iGB op-ed in February.
That means a substantial UK player base is now unable to play.
- Loss of Alternative Titles: Spribe is also known for other titles that are popular with players, such as Mini Roulette and Plinko. These games would also be affected by the licence suspension, further limiting the options for players who favour the developer’s specific style.
What Happened: Missing the Right Licence
The suspension was triggered because Spribe was found to be operating without the correct licence.
Spribe has a remote gambling software licence, however the GC deemed that its setup, where Spribe hosts the games on its own servers, required an additional remote casino game host licence.
Spribe acknowledged the lapse, describing it as an “oversight” and a “technical licensing gap” in its 2020 application process.
The company is now working to resolve the issue swiftly by applying for the necessary documentation. However, until the suspension is lifted, the popular game remains inaccessible. The GC signalled that even a highly successful international supplier must meet every strict detail of the UK’s licensing framework to operate legally.
Spribe has informed partners that they are optimistic about a resolution and expect to reinstate the game in the UK market “in the upcoming month,” providing a tentative timeline for players hoping to see their preferred game return.
How to Play Aviator Game
For players who may be new to the trend or who are waiting for the game’s return, Aviator operates on a simple, fast-paced premise that differs significantly from traditional slot machines. It is categorised as a “crash game“.
Here is a breakdown of how to play the Aviator game:
- Placing a Bet: Before a round begins, you place a bet. Many versions of the game allow for two concurrent bets on the same round, giving you a chance to implement varied strategies.
- The Take-Off: Once the round starts, a small digital aeroplane takes off, and a multiplier counter begins and instantly starts increasing.
- The Crucial Decision: The multiplier represents how much you stand to win. Your goal is to press the ‘Cash Out’ button before the aeroplane randomly and instantly “crashes” and disappears from the screen.
Winning and Losing:
- To Win: You need to successfully cash out before the crash occurs. Your stake is multiplied by the value displayed on the screen at the moment you hit the button.
- To Lose: If you fail to cash out before the crash. Your stake is lost for that round.
Social Element:
A key feature of Aviator is its communal nature. You can see the bets and cash-out points of other players in real-time, adding a layer of excitement and group interaction to the experience.
Popular Alternatives to Aviator
Players seeking similar action have turned to other “crash” games. For those missing Spribe’s style, other titles like JetX offer fast-paced, quick-decision gameplay. These alternatives provide a temporary fix while players await Aviator’s anticipated return to UK casinos.
Note: Spribe expects to fix the issue this month, but no firm reinstatement date has been announced.
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