By Brodey Sheppard - November 30, 2016
When you’re playing online slots for real cash, of course, you would want to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth. When we play online and encounter dry spells, we can’t help but think that the game has been rigged. So, does this actually happen in online slots? How can you ensure that you are playing in a fair and secure online casino? Well, we’ve researched all the qualities that make a game or an operator fair to make sure that you get the most out of your money when you’re playing slots online.
Regulated Online Casinos are Guaranteed to be Fair
Roulette games are easier to rig offline than online, but when they exist online it is most often that the entire casino system is rigged, rather than the roulette game specifically. Hiya Casino Lovers, Playing at a casino and losing your money fast or not getting one single bonus round can make the player wonder if the casino is indeed rigged. After doing some research this is what i came up with. The answer to nearly all casinos is NO they are not rigged. Surprising huh? Here is the is the reasons why. If you’re interested in starting to gamble online, use diligence in choosing a reputable casino based on software providers, independent audit information, and even user feedback that is available on independent online casino websites and forums. If you choose the right casino, you shouldn’t have to worry about the casino games being rigged.
The sad reality about online slots is the fact that there can be sites and games that are rigged. Like we always say, not all slots sites are made the same. So, when choosing a site to play at, the first thing you have to consider is if the site offers a secure and fair gaming environment. The best way to ensure this is by checking whether a site holds an operating license and if it is registered under a regulatory board. Before these sites acquire their license, they have to go through rigorous testing procedures. Their software and games are tested to be secure and fair. The following are the gaming authorities recognised by the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR):
- Curaçao: Curaçao Gaming Control Board
- Alderney: Alderney Gambling Control Commission
- France: Autorite de Regulation Des Jeux en Ligne (ARJEL)
- Gibraltar: Government of Gibraltar, Gaming Division
- Isle of Man: Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission
- Italy: Agenzia Delle Dogane e Dei Monopoli (formerly AAMS)
- Malta: Malta Gaming Authority
- United Kingdom: Gambling Commission
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Traditional Slot Machines Vs. Online Video Slots
Slot machines were initially used in brick-in-mortar casinos as an alternative game for casual players since they did not need much strategy or skill. All they have to do is pull a lever and they can start playing. Traditional slot machines in land-based casinos are composed of an elaborate configuration of levers and gears. There is a metal shaft which works as the central element and support of the reels. The reels move, thanks to the shaft which is connected to a handle mechanism. The reels stop spinning through the braking system. Sensors then communicate the results to the payout system. It is common knowledge that every pull of the handle keeps the reel combinations random and fair.
When video slots were created, they were designed to resemble traditional slots. However, there’s a different process working inside these games to make the combinations random. Video slots in brick and mortar casinos use micro-chips that are designed to use software which carry a random number generator (RNG). Whether you’re playing in a land-based casino or an online casino, you can rest assured that the RNG will give you a fair chance at landing a winning combination.
Online Slot Machines with Random Number Generators (RNGs)
If you want to know how online slot machines work, you must learn about Random Number Generators (RNGs). Online slot games that have been tested for fairness use an algorithmic computer system also known as RNGs. This system ensures that the player will only encounter a fair outcome when playing online. Moreover, RNGs also ensure that all players have equal chances of winning. Whenever a player clicks the Spin button, the system provides a random set of “numbers” which are then translated into the results on the screen.
How do RNGs Work?
As soon as you click the Spin button, the RNG starts working, spitting out random numbers. The system takes a starting number – also referred to as the ‘seed number’ – and then utilises a complicated algorithmic system to calculate a random number based on it. The new number then becomes the seed number, and the same algorithm churns out a new number. This process repeats over and over and there is no way to predict the number that will come up next. Now, it is important to mention that these numbers can be huge. In the industry, the typical RNGs work with random numbers that have over 200,000 digits! There are countless possible outcomes, making it virtually impossible to predict.
However, this system can be flawed. If a player has knowledge of the seed number, they can beat the system. It is worth noting that these numbers are kept secure by gaming software companies. On the other hand, there is still a possibility for an online casino to use a software to rig the numbers in their favour. That is why it is highly important that you only play on sites that use third party auditing services. As we all know, RNGs of online slots can only be as fair as the business that operates them. Make sure that you look for indications that the site has passed third-party testing and auditing. Check whether the site has an e-Commerce and Online Gaming Registration and Assurance (eCOGRA) seal. This organisation provide independent reviews of online casinos to ensure that players know about their level of reliability and fairness.
eCOGRA offers three types of seals:
- Safe and Fair Seal
- Certified Software Seal
- Affiliate Trust Seal
Aside from the aforementioned seals, eCOGRA also provides three supplementary reports such as the Percentage Payout Report, a Randomness Review delivered by an independent auditor and the Certification of a Live Dealer. If you find an online slots site that has acquired any of the three seals mentioned above, you can rest assured that the operator follows fair gaming standards. Consequently, you will know that they will not, in any way, rig their featured slot machine games.
If you play at a licensed online casino, then virtual craps games you play on that site are not rigged. Legitimate casinos are audited both by government regulators and respected third party professionals. If the games were rigged, then those audits would turn up suspicious activity.
How Random Number Generators Work
The technology used to support online craps games is over 30 years old. Internet casino software uses true random number generators. RNGs are set to randomly generate results with a specific house edge programmed into the algorithm. While the probability of any given outcome of a dice roll remains the same from one bet to the next, the results differ with each roll of the craps dice.
When using random number generator software, a record is made of each result. This record can be reviewed by any number of individuals. The casino operator has staff to monitor results, to find odd patterns in how the games play out. Though mathematical probability says that the results should follow a set pattern, limited samplings of dice rolls are going to vary a great deal from the probabilities. The operator wants to know whether the software is working properly, while also checking to make sure advantage play (on either side) is within the predicted range or variance.
Scandals Have Happened
In the early days of online gambling, a few scandals happened. In those cases, disgruntled or unethical employees would chance the programming to effect the outcome of the game. Those people were discovered and prosecuted and more intensive security procedures were instituted. No major lapses have happened since 2004 or 2005, so players should be assured their games are legal and fair.
Technical Systems Testing
One of the reasons the industry is fairer than 10 or 15 years ago is the industry has evolved. Third party auditors are used by legit websites to assure fairness and security. Technical Systems Testing is an example of a company hired by the trustworthy online casinos to independently audit their website’s performance.
TST has been around since 1993, so it is a trusted and time-tested auditor. The Australian company was purchased by Gaming Laboratories International in 2010. The GLI connection has allowed TST to expand its operations on a global scale, so that many of the most popular online casinos use TST as a third-party tester of their software.
eCOGRA Testing
Watchdog groups exist. For instance, eCOGRA is a UK-based industry watchdog group which itself runs tests on members of its network. The association was formed by the leading Internet casino software developer, Microgaming, in 2003. The idea was to self-regulate the industry, so government regulators would not feel the need to intrude upon the privacy of average citizens and private businesses. The system has worked for 12 years.
All Microgaming sites are part of eCOGRA, while many other sites are tested by them. The results of these tested are published each month. Included in these reports is the monthly return-to-player for the casinos tested. Gamblers can study the RTP data to see which online casinos are currently offering the best odds.
Online Gaming Communities
Before you deposit money in an online casino account, do a bit of research on that website. If a bad operator scams players, you can be certain they are going to take their complaints online. Robust players’ communities exist online where gamblers discuss the best bonuses, their favorite games, and their own gaming experiences. Often, people post their informal reviews of websites where they gamble for real money. These forums and message boards are a gold mine of information.
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I would not take any one report as the ultimate resource on a gaming site. Some players like to complain if they lose their money (legitimately). Others might be disgruntled for some reason or have ulterior motives in giving a casino a bad review. Take the consensus opinion on the individual craps games at Internet casinos. Let the bulk of reliable-sounding information as the most probable truth about a site.
Licensing Authorities
Some readers might not necessarily trust industry-led associations and third-party companies paid by an online casino. They might think these organizations rubber-stamp approval for their buddies in the industry. They might not trust gaming forums, either, believing the posters there are either cranks or employees for the casinos paid to post good reviews. That’s why government regulation exists for the best online casinos.
Gamblers only should play craps at licensed and regulated online casinos. The licensing information is shown on every legit website. This information can be double-checked and verified by the smallest amount of research at an authority website. Once you know the gaming industry, you’ll know immediately the licensing authorities most often associated with the industry: Malta, Cyprus, Gibraltar, Alderney, The Isle of Man, Kahnawake, the Netherlands Antilles (Curacao), and Antigua and Barbuda. When you see these regulators mentioned, you’ll know the website is trustworthy.
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Unlicensed Online Casinos
Everything I wrote above does not apply to unlicensed online casinos. Black hat operators exist on the Internet. These offshore websites might offer rigged craps games using proprietary software which isn’t tested. Even if you win, they might refuse to pay your winnings, using the flimsiest of excuses. Don’t let these scammers take your money. Do you due diligence and verify the casino you choose does not rig the craps game against you.