Online slots have gained legions of fans throughout the years thanks to all the excitement generated from the game’s spinning wheels, fun themes, and, of course, flashing lights. It also doesn’t hurt that you don’t even need to leave the house, as with just a few clicks, players can indulge in an endless array of slot titles.
Perhaps some of the best features we enjoy when playing online slots is, vast amount of no deposit free spins, and NoDepositQuest has a bounty of them on offer! And it doesn’t take a latter-day Einstein to figure out why: more free spins = more chances of winning. But you might still have that nagging thought at the back of your head, making you question whether online slots are actually rigged…
Let’s face it, when luck isn’t on your side and you end up losing more than you bargained for, you need to look for someone or something to take the blame. More often than not, when it comes to online slots, players try to take out their frustrations on the machines by accusing them of being rigged, when it is obviously not the case. In this article, we will explore why slots are not rigged and the mechanism they employ to ensure they remain safe for players to use.
Audits and Compliance Checks
While it’s normal for players to get annoyed when things don’t go their way, it’s important to remember that regulated online casinos must employ safe gaming tactics in order to obtain a gambling license from an official governing body such as the UK Gambling Commission. As such, regulatory bodies play a vital role in ensuring the fairness and integrity of slot machines by implementing various measures and processes to maintain a level playing field for all participants.
This is done by conducting regular third-party compliance checks and assessing all the casino’s offerings, from their customer care service to their security and, of course, their RTP rates. They will also review any financial records and other relevant documentation in order to detect any suspicious activity or irregularities. Before slots even make it to the public, they undergo several rounds of testing to ensure they are safe and secure for players to enjoy.
Random Number Generators
A random number generator, more commonly known as an RNG, is a complex piece of software that casinos use to ensure that all games of chance are left up to, you guessed it, chance. The RNG produces a random string of numbers, providing players with an equal probability of winning or losing, leaving their fate in the hands of Lady Luck. This ensures that every spin of the slot is an independent and unique event, leaving no room for an online casino to influence the outcomes of games.
Return-to-player Rates
Another mechanism online casino’s employ to ensure fairness for players is the return-to-player percentage. An RTP rate is used to describe the total amount of money wagered on slots that is then returned to the player in the form of prizes. This is typically expressed as a percentage and can range from low 80s to high 90s. It is determined by taking into account the probability of different symbols appearing on the reels and the pay-out structure of the game.
The percentage is defined during the development of the slot and is often regulated or audited by independent testing laboratories to ensure fairness. A high RTP rate is generally assigned to slots that provide players with the opportunity to earn more generous earnings over time. While an RTP does guarantee that players always receive a percentage of the money they put into the game, it also ensures that the casino gets the percentage that is owed.
As such, an online casino has no need to rig slots, as the RTP rate ensures that they get the house edge. Slots tend to stick to the same RTP rate over a long period of time, which could lead to players experiencing long losing streaks. It is also important to know that RTP rates do not guarantee any specific outcomes or winnings.
Testing The Games
While online casinos employ RNG and RTP rates to ensure fair gameplay, casino games still need to undergo third-party testing to ensure the outcomes are not manipulated and that they are being operated in a fair and transparent manner. External testing companies, such as eCOGRA in the UK will review the online slots to determine whether the game’s assigned RTP is in fact what they claim it to be.
This is done by testing the game numerous times and comparing the outcome with the theoretical RTP. The game is then classified as unbiased and fair if the figures match and can therefore be served to online casino players.
These same testing agencies analyze the RNGS used in the machines to verify that they produce truly random and unbiased results. They also assess the overall functionality and performance of the slot machines to ensure compliance with industry standards. If online casinos do not comply with the regulations and fail the third party audits then they will need to pay a large fee or even worse lose their operating license.
Final Thoughts
Before signing up for any online casino, players must do their due diligence to ensure they are in possession of a valid license. This can be done by going to the online casino’s home page and scrolling down to the bottom until a logo of a licensing body can be seen. Once this is clicked, it should redirect players to the official site of the licensing body, thereby confirming that the casino has a legitimate license. Players should also look up reviews and stick to casinos with good reputations so they know they are in good hands.