It’s only natural for a player to wonder if they’re victim to a scam or not when things aren’t going their way with online casino games. When playing virtual games like online blackjack or slots, it’s impossible to find out if the algorithm puts you at an extreme disadvantage or not. The question that crosses many gamblers’ lips: “are online casinos rigged?”.
This article covers everything you need to know about rigged gambling sites, how to avoid them, and where you can play safely.
Is It Possible for Online Casinos to Be Rigged?
It’s hard to answer this question definitely, but depending on the gambling site you play at, they could be, yes. That’s why it’s crucial that you do diligent research and sign up at a reliable one.
Some casinos are certified by independent third parties that study the site’s algorithm to ensure no rigging takes place. Those are the legit gambling sites that you should be playing at if you’re worried about authenticity.
Unfair Practices The Bad Players Use
The two main ways that casinos put you at a disadvantage are by tweaking the odds heavily in the house’s favor and duplicating scenarios in-game.
If you’ve ever played real money slots online, you’ll probably start to think the game is altered when every single spin gives you nothing at all. Although the outcome of all slots is produced by a random number generator (RNG), there are ways to tweak the algorithm so that the house wins more often than the player.
The second method casinos can rig a game is by duplicating a scenario in their games. When playing online blackjack, there will probably be times when you know the outcome will benefit the dealer; for example, when you get a 19 against a dealer’s face card, and they always get 20 in the end. When a gambling site is rigged, it’s no coincidence that this happens often – they structure the game to do that.
How to Identify a Fair Casino Site
Many illegal casinos have opened throughout the years, and many individuals have fallen victim to their tactics. However, we’ll show you the best ways to identify whether or not a gambling site is fair or not.
Positive Reviews
The first thing gamblers should do is read reviews online from players just like them. Look at websites like Trustpilot to find real users’ sentiments, and then look at websites that professionally review casinos to get the in-depth details. This way, you can make an informed decision before you sign up.Licensing
Usually, at the footer of a casino’s website, you can find certificates and badges to show users that they are trustworthy. It is illegal for sites to post these without verification or fake them. If the certification is legitimate, though, it’s almost sure that the casino operates fairly.Trusted Software Operators
Online casinos that host games from trustworthy game operators are likely legitimate sites. Examples of reliable operators include NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Yggdrasil Gaming, Betsoft Gaming, etc.Algorithm Transparency
It is increasingly rare for an online casino to disclose their algorithm and RNG odds, but it’s a bonus if it does. A little bit of transparency goes a long way.
But What About Online Slots, Are They Rigged?
Casinos are in business to make money. The games contain algorithms that guarantee a specific house edge, and it’s not always easy to tell when they are taking more than their fair share. This post will help you identify legit slots you can depend on and weed out the bad ones.
So, are slot machines rigged to cheat online players? Surely some are, but as long as you stick to trusted, reputable sites, you’ll be fine.
The online casino industry is vast, and underhanded establishments come and go. They are usually fly-by-night operations that are up and running for a short time, just long enough to take the money and run.
The bad sites ignore things like random number generators (RNGs) and return to player (RTP) ratings vital for managing fairness.
How to Identify a Fair Online Slot Machine
With a little know-how, you should be able to identify a legit game confidently. Here are the best ways to know if an online slot is fair:
Reputable Software Providers Make the Game
Look for slots that trusted online casino software makers create. The best software providers publish the RTPs for their games. Rival Gaming, BetSoft, RealTime, and Dragon Gaming are top-notch developers that make fair titles.Random Number Generators (RNG)
The RNG code translates a string of digits into the results you see on your screen after each spin. Our recommended casinos use random number generators to ensure truly random spins.Casino Licensing
The top online casinos get a license from jurisdictions that demand fairness for players. If a casino is licensed, it means it has passed the test of an independent authority.Return to Player (RTP)
This number, displayed as a percentage, is an indicator of which games offer the most consistent payback. Slot machines with an RTP of 94% or above are considered fair. Some of the highest RTP slots, such as Caesar’s Empire and Quest To The West, even offer 97% returns or better.Volatility
Some sites offer volatility ratings for their slots. Slots with high volatility offer big jackpots and a lower RTP. A low rating means you’ll frequently hit a prize, but a less sizeable one.
Play at Trusted Online Casinos and You’ll Get a Fair Shake
With the newfound knowledge of successfully identifying a fair casino, you’ll never fall victim to an illegal site that will steal your money from you again. If you follow our tips above, it should be easy to tell when a website is legit or not.
