How are online casino games tested for fairness?

If you enjoy playing online casino games like roulette, blackjack, and slots, you may be wondering just how fair the games are. Contrary to some sceptics’ unwarranted beliefs, it is actually in any reputable online casino’s best interests to ensure every game is random and fair. Let’s find out more about how online casino games are tested for fairness.

The Elements of Casino Games That Ensure Fairness

For any type of casino game to be fair, it must use a random number generator. And for many online casino games, such as slots, fairness is further attained via the use of the return-to-player rate.

Random Number Generators

The randomness of any online casino game is determined by the game’s random number generator, which is commonly abbreviated to RNG. Complex software uses code to generate strings of random numbers. The strings of numbers are so random that it means players have an equal probability of winning or losing. Every spin of the slot reels and every pick of the cards is, therefore, an independent and unique event. So, the results do not affect any future plays. RNG software is separate from online casino web servers, so it is impossible for an online casino to affect the outcomes of games.

Return-to-player Rates

Another part of online casino games that ensures fairness for players is the return-to-player percentage. So, while RNGs ensure random outcomes, an RTP rate ensures that a percentage of the money players spend is returned to them. RTPs are generally used for slot games. You can find out more about how slot games are tested for fairness by reading this insightful article from manyspins.com.

In addition to the RTP ensuring players have a percentage returned to them, a certain percentage will also always go to the casino. That is why online casinos do not need to rig games, even if they could, as the RTP always allows the casino to get the so-called house edge. A casino game maintains the RTP in the long-term, which is why players can potentially experience stretches of not winning. With the RTP in place, along with the RNG, players never know when pay-outs are going to occur.

How are games tested?

While the RNG and the RTP ensure fair gameplay, casino games still need to be tested by third parties to make sure of fairness. For example, a testing company can establish whether a game’s claimed RTP is correct or not. It will do that by testing the game millions of times and comparing it with a theoretical RTP. If the two figures match, the game is classified as being entirely unbiased and fair, and it can be served to online casino players. In addition to official third-party bodies testing games before pre-license, meaning they are tested before entering the online casino market, third parties test existing games too, to ensure specific games available at online casinos are fair to play at any given moment.

Who tests the games?

While each country or region has a gambling commission to ensure their online casinos are licensed, regulated, and fair, independent companies test the fairness of the games themselves. Here are some of the major online casino game testing companies.

•   NMi: This Netherlands-based company has been in existence and offering reputable game testing for over thirty years.
•   eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance: This accredited testing company is based in the United Kingdom and works in many gambling jurisdictions and with many of the top gambling commissions.
•   Software Quality Systems Group: This company has offices in Spain, Poland, and Belgium. In addition to testing the fairness of online casino games, it provides many types of cybersecurity services.