Even if online gambling has been something many people would enjoy since the late 90s, it’s understandable why there are still plenty who feel hesitant about giving it a go. After all, a quick search on forums like Reddit would give you horror stories surrounding online casinos.
However, know that there are actually plenty of online casinos out there licensed and regulated by governing bodies such as the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, and Curacao Gaming Authority. These platforms adhere to strict rules to ensure the safety of consumers.
Online gambling can be safe and fair if you know what you should be watching out for. You can win the annual jackpot at slot games or any jackpots you’re eyeing if you’re lucky enough. It’s just about finding the right platform and knowing if something is off when you’re playing casino games for real money.
We’ll go over this in this article to help ensure you only get fair play.
Role of RNG on Casino Games
A Random Number Generator (RNG) is an algorithm that constantly spits out random numbers used to determine the outcome of your game. Thanks to this, there’s no way for you to tell if your next spin will make you win or lose your bets. It’s also something you can’t manipulate no matter how you place your bet or what bet amount you place.
But how do you know the RNG is truly random? Well, reputable online casinos use RNGs that have been tested and certified by independent organizations. They check things like:
- Randomness: Are the numbers truly random, or is there some kind of predictable pattern?
- Unpredictability: Can the RNG be manipulated or influenced in any way?
Third-party testers would also randomly check games at online casinos. So, there’s also no way that these gambling sites know when to and when not to rig their games. This is also why if a casino passed these audits, they would usually talk about it on their website.
That’s especially the case if they’re tested by these auditors:
- eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance): This testing service is based in the UK, and it is one of the oldest and most recognized names in online gambling certification. They’re known for their strict standards and comprehensive audits, covering everything from RNG testing and game fairness to responsible gambling practices and player protection.
- iTech Labs: This Australian-based testing lab has over a decade of experience in the iGaming industry. They specialize in testing and certifying online casino games, RNGs, and platforms. iTech Labs also provides security audits and vulnerability assessments to ensure that casinos are protecting player data. They’re known for their detailed reports and commitment to transparency.
- Gaming Laboratories International (GLI): They’re also a global leader in gaming testing and certification, and they have been around for over 30 years. They also have a strong presence in both land-based and online gambling
What Are Provably Fair Games and How Do They Work?
So casino games using RNGs that are randomly tested and audited are good for fair play but know that there are also online casinos that take things a step further by offering Provably Fair Games. In a nutshell, these are games that use cryptographic algorithms to allow players to verify the fairness of each game outcome. These are usually offered by blockchain-based or crypto casinos, and this safety feature is mostly available for online slots, roulette, and other RNG-based games.
So, how does it work? Before each game round, a cryptographic hash of the upcoming outcome is generated and shared with the player. After the game, the actual outcome is revealed alongside the initial hash. The hash is what will allow players to cross-verify that the game was fair and untampered with.
It’s always good to have these provably fair games because they offer transparency that traditional online casinos can’t match. Playing these games also makes you feel more at ease because you can check how fair the game you’re playing is.
Wrap-Up: What To Do if You Think a Casino Game is Rigged?
Now, if you feel like the game you’re playing is rigged, things can easily feel frustrating. However, you must approach the situation calmly and strategically. Since gambling mostly relies on chance, you’ll need to build a strong case before you go out there and talk about your suspicions.
The smart thing to do is gather evidence. You can do this by taking screenshots or saving recordings of your gameplay that show irregularities. If you feel like you have enough proof, you can reach out to the casino operator first by contacting their support team.
If they don’t give you any satisfying answer, and you’re still sure that you’re being scammed, that’s when you can file a complaint with the casino’s regulatory body. That said, you need to check which jurisdiction licensed them and find a way to contact them to report your experience.
These governing bodies may have different dispute processes, so it’s best to ask them what steps they’d take and how they would resolve the issue in case it’s proven that the casino you reported is unfair.
