When playing games online, especially when real money is involved, it is crucial that the games are fair and players have a reasonable chance to win based on the rules. Unlike physical casinos which are heavily regulated, online gaming sites operate in a more decentralized global jurisdiction. This makes it harder to monitor if they are playing fairly.
So how do you make sure the casino, sportsbook, or other gaming site you play on is fair? The keys are understanding random number generators, return-to-player percentages and certification standards.
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What is a Random Number Generator?
A random number generator (RNG) is an algorithm that ensures unpredictability and randomness in computing applications. Online gaming relies heavily on RNGs to ensure fair game outcomes.
Without RNGs, patterns might emerge that operators like MateSlots or players could exploit. Every game result – like a slot machine spin or dealt card – should have the same odds and be completely independent of past results.
RNGs are designed to operate in line with statistical randomness. Over a long sample, game outcomes will follow expected probabilistic distributions with no observable biases or patterns appearing.
Key Properties of Gaming RNG Testing
There are a few core properties that regulators and independent auditors use to assess if a gaming RNG is truly random:
- Unpredictability – Game outcomes generated by the RNG cannot be predicted better than random chance. An observer should not be able to use past results to predict future outcomes better than probabilities dictate.
- Independent Outcomes – Every RNG result should be completely independent of past results. There should be no correlation or pattern between sequences of outcomes.
- Uniform Distribution – Over a large sample size, RNG outcomes should follow expected statistical distributions with no observable biases. E.g. slot symbols or cards dealt should appear with frequencies matching their programmed odds.
- Scalability – As player volume or bets increase, the RNG should remain unpredictable, independent and uniformly distributed.
Reputable gaming sites submit their RNGs for regular auditing by regulators and/or third-party testers against these properties to prove fairness.
Role of Return-to-Player Percentages
In addition to RNG testing, auditors also verify that games are meeting advertised return-to-player (RTP) percentages.
RTP refers to the average percentage of wagered money a particular game pays back to players as winnings over time. If a game is labeled as having a 96% RTP, it means over a long period of play, $96 of every $100 on average is paid back to gamblers. The rest is kept as profit.
Verifying that games actually pay back the stated RTP ensures the odds and house edge is fairly presented to customers.
Who Does the Testing and Certification?
There are a few major bodies who license and audit online gaming sites against standards like fair RNGs and advertised RTPs:
- Government Regulators – In legalized and regulated gaming markets like New Jersey or Pennsylvania, state gambling commissions set technical standards, audit sites’ systems for compliance and sanction operators if violations are found.
- Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) – One of most well known international gaming certification bodies used by regulators in many jurisdictions. They analyze RNG systems and payouts against statistical standards for fairness and ensure system integrity.
- eCOGRA – Stands for e-Commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance. They regularly test and monitor online gaming products for fair RNGs, payouts and responsible operator conduct related to payments, privacy and security.
Here is a quick overview of certification information to look for:
| Certification | Key Indicators of Fair Gaming |
| Government Licensing | Displays license number and seal from gaming commission like the New Jersey DGE indicating regulated site. |
| GLI Certification | Look for GLI logo and certificate with recent testing dates on game screens. |
| eCOGRA Seal | Displays logo and link to current payout reports and testing data. |
The bottom line is that fair online gambling sites will prominently display their licensing and testing credentials. Before playing for real money, players should verify these certifications exist and are up-to-date from reputable auditing bodies. Checking for the indicators above is the best way to ensure games are operating fairly as advertised.
