How Fair Are Online Casino Games? Are They Rigged?
When real money is involved, it’s perfectly reasonable to wonder how fair online casino games really are. You might question whether the outcomes are genuinely random or if anything behind the scenes could influence what you see.
In this post, we’ll explore what fairness means in an online casino setting. We’ll look at how results are produced, how those systems are tested, and what to check for when deciding whether a site is operating responsibly. We’ll also explain key terms related to fairness and help you understand how to tell whether a game is behaving as expected.
Read on to find out how fairness is maintained, and how you can recognise it if you choose to play.
What Does Game Fairness Mean in Online Casinos?
Game fairness in online casinos means everyone gets the same chance, every time they play. It doesn’t matter whether you’re betting £1 or £100—the principles stay the same.
A fair game ensures that nothing external interferes with the outcome. The odds stay consistent. The rules are published. There’s no hidden trickery built into the system.
And importantly, outcomes aren’t simply chosen by the casino itself. Behind the scenes, specialised technology ensures that what happens on your screen is the result of something deeper—something designed to be impartial. But how is that impartiality guaranteed?
How Do Online Casinos Ensure Games Are Not Rigged?
Licensed operators are required to stick to detailed technical rules that stop them from influencing outcomes. This includes keeping the core systems that power the games locked down and secure.
There’s a crucial component behind every spin, shuffle, or roll: a system that ensures outcomes appear spontaneously and without bias. This system is tested before a game ever reaches a player’s screen, and those tests don’t end after launch.
Only versions that pass strict checks can be used. This keeps things consistent for every player. Sites also have to be transparent about game mechanics and who oversees them—but before diving into that, let’s look more closely at the technology generating those results.
Random Number Generators and How They Work
That impartial system mentioned earlier? It’s called a Random Number Generator, or RNG. This bit of software is the brain behind every digital outcome, whether it’s a spinning slot reel or a drawn card.
RNGs work by constantly generating sequences of numbers at incredibly high speed. Each number corresponds to a potential result, and when you hit “spin” or “deal,” the game picks the number at that precise moment to determine what you see.
Because this sequence never stops, even a split-second difference in timing can lead to completely different outcomes. Well-designed RNGs avoid patterns and resist prediction. But how do we know they’re truly working as they should?
Are Online Casino Games Tested by Independent Bodies?
Yes, and it’s these independent tests that prove whether an RNG (and the game built around it) behaves correctly.
Before a game can be offered on a licensed site, it’s submitted to a third-party testing lab. These labs are not connected to the casino or the game developer. Their role is to simulate thousands—or millions—of game rounds to see whether the outcomes fall within expected statistical ranges.
The test also confirms whether game features match their descriptions and whether the performance over time lines up with the figures given to players. When everything checks out, a certificate is issued. But those checks don’t stop once the game is live. Updates also trigger retesting, ensuring continued compliance.
Understanding Return to Player (RTP) Percentages
You might have seen “RTP” listed in a game description before, but what does it really mean?
Return to Player, or RTP, is a theoretical figure that tells you how much money a game is designed to pay back to players, on average, over time. For example, if a game has a 96% RTP, that means that, on average, it will return £96 for every £100 wagered to players, across thousands or millions of plays.
It’s important to remember that RTP is a statistical average, not a guarantee, based on millions of spins. Your individual results can—and likely will—be very different in individual sessions.
Independent labs test games to confirm these percentages are accurate, and reputable sites display the current RTP version within the game details.
Can an Online Casino Change Game Odds Without You Knowing?
Not if the casino is licensed and operating under regulation. RTP and game odds are defined by the developer and must be certified before the game can go live.
However, some games are built with multiple certified RTP versions—say, 94%, 96%, or 98%. In these cases, the casino must clearly state which version it is using.
Any change to a game’s underlying odds, whether it’s an update or a switch to a different RTP variant, requires new certification. Licensed casinos must inform players which version they’re playing, so there’s no silent shift behind the scenes.
How to Spot a Licensed and Regulated Online Casino
A licensed casino will clearly state its regulatory credentials. The most direct place to look is the site footer—there, you’ll typically find a reference to the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), along with a licence number. Clicking the number takes you to the official registry, confirming the site’s status.
Other green flags include:
- Game testing certificates from trusted labs like eCOGRA or iTech Labs
- Clear disclosure of game rules and RTP percentages
- A functioning customer service team and secure payment options
Look also for a listed Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service, which handles unresolved disputes. All these indicators show that the operator is playing by the rules and is being watched to make sure they continue to do so.
Explore Casino Games Online
If you’re curious about online casino games and want to explore them in a regulated environment, O’Reels Casino offers a secure space to do so. We’re fully licensed by the UKGC, which means our operations meet strict standards for fairness, transparency, and player protection.
We provide a broad selection of games—from slots to table classics—all from established providers whose titles are independently tested.
Everything is clear and accessible, with clear game rules, RTP information, and practical tools like deposit limits and time reminders to help you manage your play. And if you ever have a question, our support team is here to help.
Feel free to visit O’Reels Casino and explore the range of casino games we have available in a secure setting.
**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.