How Are Online Casino Games Tested for Fairness?

People all around the world enjoy online casino games such as slots, blackjack, and roulette. If you’re one of them, you’ve probably wondered how fair these games really are.

Although many claim otherwise, it’s in every reliable online casino’s best interest to ensure their games are fair. Continue reading to learn more about how online casino games are tested for fairness and randomness.

For a game to be fair, it has to use a random number generator (RNG). In addition, fairness is further ensured through the use of the return to player (RTP).

Random Number Generator (RNG)

Random number generator determines the randomness of casino games. This complex piece of software utilises code to create strings of random numbers. The randomness of these strings provides an equal probability of winning or losing.

Every time the reels spin or you pick a card, random number generator creates a unique event, which doesn’t affect any play in the future. It’s important to point out the RNG functions separately from the gambling site’s server, meaning online casinos can’t affect the outcome of their games.

Return to Player

Return to player, also known as the payout percentage, is another factor ensuring the fairness of online casino games. Its role is to make sure that a portion of the money players spend gets returned. Typically, this term applies to slot games.

In addition to the RTP, a certain percentage always goes to the online casino. The so-called house edge is why they aren’t interested in rigging games.

An online casino game keeps its RTP in the long run, resulting in non-winning stretches. The RTP and the RNG ensure that players don’t know when wins will happen.

How are games tested?

Although the RNG and the RTP guarantee fair gameplay, online casino games nevertheless require testing by independent third parties to verify their fairness.

For instance, a company in charge of testing may check whether its RTP is correct. To do so, it will test the online casino game millions of times and compare the results with its theoretical payout percentage. The game will be fair if the two values match, meaning it can be distributed to gamblers worldwide. Official third-party testers check games before they are launched, and test releases already available in the market. That way, they make sure they stay fair.

Who Checks the Games?

Every country or region has a gambling regulatory body whose task is to licence and regulate online casinos and make sure they’re fair. However, they don’t test online casino games. That’s done by independent companies. Below are some of the biggest ones in the online gambling industry:

eCOGRA

eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance is a regulator for online casino sites, providing a list of reputable gambling venues. It lends its seal to those sites that meet the group’s strict requirements.

The independent testing company has been at the forefront of the industry since 2003, setting the gold standard in its segment. Today, eCOGRA is regarded as one of the most reputable agencies in the world. In addition to testing, eCOGRA can resolve disputes between customers and online casinos.

NMi

NMi has established a reputation for its ability to offer help to operators who wish to meet the necessary requirements. The company entered the business in the 1970s and today has offices in the Netherlands, Italy, the UK, and the United States. NMi offers a wide range of services with one goal: to meet the needs of online gambling companies around the globe. It changed its focus to online in 2007 after spending decades in the land-based sector.

SQS

One of the largest and most reputable software testing companies has been operating for over three decades. Software Quality Systems Group was established in Germany in the early 1980s and has offices in Spain, Belgium, and Poland today. Its client list includes some of the largest brands in the world. We should point out that the company is not focused only on gaming, although it has an extensive presence in the gambling industry. Players can be sure that games approved by SQS meet all standards when it comes to fairness.