Are Games Rigged On Online Casinos?
Have you ever wondered if the games on online casinos are truly fair, or if the cards are stacked against you?
It’s a question many players ask, especially if they’re unfamiliar with how online casinos work. Whether it’s slots, roulette, or card games, concerns often come down to whether the outcomes are random and regulated.
This Ivy Casino guide will explain how fairness is checked, who oversees online casinos in the UK, and what to look for when choosing a trustworthy site.
How Are Online Casino Games Programmed?
Fairness in online casino games – whether it’s roulette, blackjack, poker, or slots – is maintained through a technology known as a Random Number Generator (RNG). An RNG is a piece of software that constantly produces random numerical outcomes. When a player interacts with a game by spinning a wheel, dealing a card, or placing a bet – one of those numbers is instantly selected to determine the result. This ensures each outcome is random, cannot be predicted, and does not depend on previous plays.
It’s also worth noting that online casinos often differ in terms of the types of games they offer, how those games are presented, and what rules apply. Some may feature multiple versions of the same game – like European roulette and American roulette – with small, but important differences in odds or layout.
Most games will display information such as the Return to Player (RTP), which is the expected long-term average payout, usually expressed as a percentage. For example, a game with a 96% RTP is designed to return £96 for every £100 wagered, over a very large number of plays. However, the RTP is an entirely theoretical value and actual outcomes can vary widely – no strategy can eliminate the role of chance in these games.
Are Online Casino Games Rigged?
It’s understandable to question how much control an online casino might have over game results, especially when possible wins and losses can appear inconsistent.
What’s important to know is that legal online casinos in the UK are not permitted to alter games outside of what has been approved by their licensed software providers. Game rules, odds, and potential payout structures are built into the software itself and cannot be changed by the operator without going through a regulated process. Each game runs according to fixed parameters – like the number of reels or cards, or the odds of certain outcomes occurring – which are usually disclosed in the game’s instructions or help section.
Every legal UK casino must provide access to game rules, including information about minimum and maximum bets, how payouts are calculated, and how any features – such as bonus rounds or side bets – function. Taking a few minutes to read this before playing can help set realistic expectations and make it easier to understand the outcome of each round.
How Do Online Casinos Make Money?
While the chance to win may be part of what draws people to online casino games, it’s important to understand that these platforms are designed to generate consistent revenue over time. One of the key ways they do this is through what’s known as the house edge. This is a mathematical advantage built into each game that gives the casino a statistical benefit in the long term.
To put this into context, if a particular game has a house edge of 4%, it means that, on average, the casino keeps £4 for every £100 wagered. This doesn’t mean that every player will lose 4%, but rather that over thousands or even millions of bets placed by many users, the casino expects to retain that portion.
Different games have different house edges depending on how they’re structured. For instance, games like European roulette tend to have a lower house edge than their American counterpart, simply due to the number of zero pockets on the wheel.
How Can You Tell If an Online Casino Is Fair and Legit?
One of the most important steps in ensuring an online casino is both legal and trustworthy is to verify that it holds a licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This information is typically found at the bottom of the casino’s website or on its homepage.
A casino licensed by the UKGC must operate according to strict rules and standards. This includes using games that have been tested and verified by independent, UKGC-approved testing agencies. Organisations like eCOGRA or iTech Labs perform regular checks to ensure that games are fair, random, and meet industry standards for transparency. Certification from these bodies is a sign that a casino takes fairness seriously.
Additionally, it may be wise to review customer feedback and player reviews about the casino. This can offer some insight into the reliability of the platform, though it’s important to balance these reviews with the more concrete, verifiable information such as licensing and certification details. Player experiences can be helpful, but checking for official certification is always key.
Lastly, always take the time to read the casino’s terms and conditions. Reputable operators will present this information clearly, covering important aspects like game mechanics, RTP percentages, withdrawal policies, and any bonus terms. A trustworthy casino will ensure these details are upfront and easy to find.
As always, it’s important to gamble responsibly and within your means; gambling is intended for entertainment purposes only, and not for any potential financial gain.
Play Online Casino Games at Ivy Casino
Here at Ivy Casino, there’s a wide selection of licensed games available for players to browse. From classic table games to modern slots, our platform offers a diverse range of options to suit different player preferences.
Navigating Ivy Casino is straightforward, with user-friendly menus that help you find your favourite games. Our platform is licensed and regulated by the UKGC, ensuring that all games are compliant with UK gambling laws and independently tested for fairness.
At Ivy Casino, we are committed to responsible gambling – players have access to tools including deposit limits, reality checks, and self-exclusion.
Whether you’re an experienced player or new to online gambling, Ivy Casino offers a safe and secure environment backed by regulatory oversight. All of our games are independently audited and use certified RNGs to guarantee fair play.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.