Countless inexperienced punters ask: are online casinos rigged? Here’s everything you need to know about how the industry works.
Are Online Casinos Rigged? Dispelling The No. 1 Online Gambling Myth
The online gambling industry is globally widespread. However, despite its popularity, a question perseveres: are online casinos rigged? Almost every inexperienced and apprehensive online gambling enthusiast doubts the legitimacy of online casino operators. No matter how long they’ve been in business or what type of bonuses they offer, caution often grows into paranoia. Indeed, this sector had a rocky start several decades ago, thanks to the absence of strict regulation that exists today.
Although online gaming is incomparably safer today than ever before, this issue remains stubborn. There’s plenty to doubt when conducting any online activity, and even more so when it comes to gambling. We decided to come up with a guide tackling this age-old problem and put this myth to rest once and for all. You’ll find comprehensive information on how online gambling works below, so let’s see what you need to know. Here we go.
Are Online Casinos Rigged? Starting From The Top
When looking to answer this question, there is a crucial fact you must first come to terms with. Every casino, both online and land-based, has a built-in statistical advantage over players. This advantage works in the long run, meaning it’s not impossible to win against the casino. However, it becomes increasingly more challenging to do so in the long run compared to the short term.
Where did it all start? Well, keep in mind that online casinos operate as businesses first and foremost. The goal for any business is to generate a profit but also do so sustainably. When it comes to online casinos, they focus on engaging customers, so they come back and invest more and more time (and money) in games.
But therein lies a challenge: enjoying casino games comes with first enabling players to feel protected and safe. Therefore, running the games legally and ethically requires operating according to countless regulations and laws.
However, because not every player can win every game (and the casinos’ goal is to generate a profit), players frequently ask: are online casinos rigged? Popular theories include structuring the games to keep people playing longer, the number of bad beats, and more. Some casino conspiracy theorists also suggest some casinos deal the hands in a way that increases pot sizes. The alleged goal is to entice players to bring a larger yield to the casino.
Separating Fact From Fiction
On the one hand, it is simply not true that casinos set up games to prevent players from winning. Punters can win in online casino gaming, and there are countless examples of such wins. On the other hand, casinos must indeed incorporate a statistical advantage in their games, or else they’ll go out of business. However, most players mistakenly equate the house edge with rigging games.
However, the games are not unfair simply because there is a house edge. The reason is that every casino game features randomness programmed into it, thanks to RNGs. Additionally, luck is always a significant factor in any type of gambling, and individual players may experience lousy luck streaks. You should not doubt a game is unfair merely because the hands don’t “feel” random.
Examples Of Rigged Casino Games
When attempting to determine whether online casinos are rigged, prudent players who research the industry before playing usually list documented examples of such games. Among the most famous cases was a 2013 scandal, when Reel Deal and Hi/Lo Gambler came under the spotlight due to a rigging issue.
While running coin flip games, a punter discovered the games were not offering players a fair deal. More specifically, the payout amounted to 96% despite advertising a 100% payout to players (indicating no cut for the casino).
Legally speaking, providing such false information constituted fraud. A single female player uncovered the scandal while enjoying free play mode when the casino offered her a fair game. After switching to a real money game, she logged her results and played tens of thousands of Hi/Lo Gambler hands. Afterward, the player gave the logs over to her brother for analysis, and he concluded the game was not paying players as advertised.
How To Avoid Playing Rigged Games
Before we get into the tips you need to follow to avoid rigged games, keep in mind that much of the industry today is safe and reliable. Nowadays, countless gambling licenses, international industry regulations, and other laws exist to ensure fair treatment to players. In other words, much of the industry is safe enough to enjoy without questioning games or casinos’ legitimacy.
Regardless, bad apples still manage to slip through the cracks. Therefore, here’s how to be sure that you’re playing safe and fair casino games. To ensure you don’t play at rigged online casinos, only play at operators that have all of the following:
- Government authority audits
- Stellar reputation
- Excellent PR
- Genuine bonuses & promotions
- Third-party testing.
Government Authority Audits
If you’re looking to play at a publicly traded online casino, note that the operator undergoes enormous scrutiny. Government authorities and independent third parties audit such operators non-stop to ensure fair casino games and genuinely random RNGs.
Such operators deal with government agencies throughout their existence to ensure they follow the regulations and rules of operation to the letter. If successful, these operators become known as white-listed casinos.
Stellar Reputation
Checking an operator’s reputation is something you can do in more ways than one. For instance, if you have family members or friends who play, you can ask for their advice. If you can get advice on where to play from people you trust, it’s wise to stick with their recommendations.
Excellent PR
When understanding where to play safely, it’s always wise to choose operators with a history of big winners. Why? The answer is straightforward. Having big winners is an excellent way to advertise a casino via word of mouth and results in stellar PR that no other marketing channel can accomplish.
Genuine Bonuses & Promotions
Bonuses are a clever marketing tool used to attract new players to a casino and retain existing ones. However, a casino that offers extremely lucrative promotions with little-to-no terms and conditions is usually one you should avoid. For example, if you read that free spins will be granted to your account over ten days, the offer is reasonable. However, a bonus that gives you $200 free cash and 200 free spins on the same day is a red flag.
Third-Party Testing
If you’re looking to answer the question, are online casinos rigged, observing whether a casino undergoes independent testing is critical. Each casino’s random number generator and game fairness must undergo regular testing to ensure that no patterns are advantageous for either party. If a casino has a history of such testing certificates, it is usually safe to register and play. Good luck!