It's safe to say that nearly every online casino player has pondered at some point: are online casino games rigged? And given the fact that players use their own deposited funds to play these games, this is a valid thing to be wary of.
In this blog post, we will delve into this topic and shed light on various aspects that ensure the fairness and randomness of online casino games.
Are Online Casino Games Rigged?
One of the frequent doubts amongst online gaming enthusiasts is whether the games they're playing are rigged. If you're staking your own money on a game for the chance to win real money, you want to know that you have a fair shot.
The straightforward answer to this concern is that online casino games are not rigged, provided you choose a reputable (i.e. licensed) platform for your gaming activities.
To have a deeper understanding of this, it's essential to know how online casino games function. Online casinos are governed by regulatory bodies depending on their geographical location. These could be entities like the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) or the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). These organisations ensure that online casinos operate in a fair and transparent manner and that the games they offer are not rigged.
To obtain and retain a licence from these regulators, online casinos must undergo regular audits and inspections to ensure they meet the required standards. Moreover, online casino games utilise a technology called Random Number Generator (RNG), which we will discuss in the next section.
How Does A Random Number Generator Keep Things Fair?
Online casinos use RNGs to determine the outcome of their games. RNGs use complex algorithms to generate random numbers, which are then used to determine the outcome of a game. For instance, in a slot game, the number sequence would correspond to a random display of symbols on the reels. In a blackjack game, the number sequence would determine which cards are dealt.
The use of RNGs ensures that the result of a game is genuinely random and cannot be predicted or manipulated by the casino or the players. RNGs are regularly tested and certified by independent organisations, such as eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance), to ensure that they function correctly and produce truly random results.
The use of RNGs in online casinos guarantees that the games they offer are fair and random. This means that the odds of winning are the same for every player and that the outcome of each spin or game is entirely random. As a result, this makes it impossible for the casino to rig the game in their favour.
How Do Online Casinos Make Money?
Casinos earn their revenue by offering games of chance to players. These games have a built-in advantage in favour of the casino called the house edge. The house edge ensures that the casino makes a profit over time.
The house edge is the average percentage of each bet that the casino is expected to retain over the long run. This means that even though individual players may win in the short term, the casino will eventually come out ahead in the long term.
The casino doesn't add the house edge; it is built into the games themselves. For example, the house edge in roulette comes from the zero pocket(s) being a loss in all outside bets. In blackjack, the house edge lies in the fact that if a player goes bust, they lose regardless of the outcome of the dealer's turn and the fact that the dealer goes after all other players' turns have ended.
How To Tell If An Online Casino Is Legit
With the plethora of online casinos available on the internet, distinguishing a legitimate one from a rogue one can be challenging. However, to ensure that the games you're playing are not rigged, it's crucial to ensure you're playing at a legitimate and reputable site.
Licensed And Regulated
One way to determine the legitimacy of an online casino is by examining its licensing and regulatory authority. All reputable online casinos are licensed by the appropriate gaming authority for that jurisdiction, such as the UKGC in the UK. This information should be easily accessible on the casino's website.
Casino's Software
Another critical factor to consider is the casino game's software provider. The software provider is responsible for developing and maintaining the games offered by the casino. Reputable software providers such as Microgaming and NetEnt are known for producing fair and random games, while lesser-known providers may not have the same level of integrity.
Customer Support
Another way to determine if an online casino is legit is by examining its customer support. Legitimate online casinos will have a dedicated customer support team to assist players with any potential issues or concerns they may have. They will also have various methods of contact, such as email, telephone, and live chat.