Casino News & Technology Editor
In the realm of online casinos for real money, trust is the name of the game. Players want to be certain that the online casino games they're enjoying are not only entertaining but also fair and free from any underhanded dealings. Thankfully, the online gambling industry takes this concern seriously. Independent labs and companies exist solely to rigorously test and verify the fairness, randomness, and regulatory compliance of online casino games and systems. These entities play a pivotal role in ensuring that the virtual dice roll just as fairly as the physical ones.
Online casino games for real money undergo rigorous testing to ensure fairness and transparency. In this article we will discuss what components of online casino games, including slots and other classics, undergo testingand who are the key players in the industry responsible for conducting these tests, along with their contact information.
For an online casino game, be it a slot machine or a classic table game, to be deemed fair, it must meet the following criteria:
The task of online casino games testing companies is to rigorously verify these two fundamental principles. But how do they accomplish this?
In terms of ensuring random outcomes, online casino games typically come with a theoretical RTP (Return to Player) percentage. Testing companies conduct extensive trials by spinning the reels or dealing cards millions of times to confirm whether the claimed RTP aligns with the actual results. If they match, the game earns its seal of fairness and is ready to serve online casino players.
Additionally, these fairness testing companies must also guarantee that randomness remains intact after the game's approval and is accessible to players. Without delving into the technical intricacies, it boils down to ensuring that the Random Number Generator (RNG) software is properly implemented and separated from the online casino's web servers. This segregation prevents any manipulation of the RNG, safeguarding the fairness of the game.
By employing these methods, online casinos maintain the integrity of their games, fostering trust with players and ensuring that real money gaming is conducted fairly and transparently.
Now that you have a grasp of how fairness tests are conducted, let's meet the companies responsible for this critical task. Here are some of the most reputable casino game testing companies:
eCOGRA, short for eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance, is a prominent figure in the online gambling world. Established in the UK in 2003, this independent testing company has become synonymous with fairness and trustworthiness. Its role extends beyond testing; eCOGRA acts as a regulatory body, offering a seal of approval to online gambling sites that meet their stringent requirements. Players in countries and states that offer licensed internet gambling, such as MGA licensed casinos, often look for the eCOGRA seal as a mark of reliability. Moreover, eCOGRA provides dispute resolution services, further bolstering player confidence.
Visit eCOGRA: [www.ecogra.org]
iTech Labs boasts over a decade of experience in testing online gaming platforms. This organization provides testing and consultation services to some of the biggest names in the industry. Look for their logo at countless casino sites; it's a symbol of approval from a trusted source. iTech Labs evaluates everything from poker to slots and sports betting systems, ensuring they operate fairly and transparently. Regular audits ensure that their clients' systems continue to uphold the highest standards.
iTech Labs has been a significant player in the online gaming industry since 2004, specializing in testing and certifying various casino games on a wide range of online platforms. Their contributions have extended to the development of the Australian Internet Gaming Standards, which have served as a foundation for online gaming regulations on a global scale. Gaming Laboratories International, known as GLI, has recently acquired iTech Labs.
Visit iTech Labs: [www.itechlabs.com.au]
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), established over 25 years ago, provides a wide range of professional services to the industry. GLI is recognized as one of the leading game testers globally, thanks to its team of engineers, mathematicians, and quality assurance experts who ensure the fairness and randomness of games. With the trust of regulators in nearly 500 different jurisdictions worldwide, GLI is a name synonymous with integrity and fairness in gaming.
The GLI Group has successfully acquired all outstanding shares in iTech Global Pty Ltd (iTech Labs), solidifying its position as a global leader in gaming testing. With this acquisition, iTech Labs now proudly stands as a wholly owned subsidiary of GLI Australia Pty Ltd, opening new avenues for collaboration and innovation in the gaming industry. This union of expertise and resources promises a brighter, more secure future for the gaming industry, where innovation and compliance go hand in hand.
Visit GLI: [www.gaminglabs.com]
Technical Systems Testing (TST) has been at the forefront of online casino games testing since 1993, making it one of the oldest labs in the business. With facilities around the world, including Vancouver, London, Macau, and Manila, TST utilizes its proprietary methods to test single-player and multi-player online games. They also extend their services to land-based casinos. In 2010, TST became a part of GLI, although it still operates under its own name, maintaining its legacy of trust and reliability.
Visit TST: [www.tstglobal.com]
Since 1990, Gaming Associates (GA) has been a stalwart supporter of the betting industry. GA not only tests for randomness and regulatory compliance but also scrutinizes player logs for poker sites, detecting collusion and ensuring fair play. Their mission is to protect users and maintain the integrity of the games, making them a crucial player in the world of gaming fairness.
Visit Gaming Associates: [www.gamingassociates.com]
With offices in the United States, UK, Italy, and the Netherlands, NMi is respected worldwide for its ability to help operators meet certification needs. Originating in the 1970s by certifying roulette wheels, NMi has evolved to serve both land-based and virtual gaming firms globally. Their online gaming operations, established in 2007, have earned them a stellar reputation for ensuring real money games meet high standards of quality, fairness, and regulation.
Visit NMi: [www.nmi.nl]
Established in 1981, BMM is one of the oldest private independent testing laboratories in the industry. With offices in 13 countries and compliance services recognized in over 400 jurisdictions, BMM is a formidable player in the field. Beyond randomness testing, they provide consultation services and fieldwork to operators, ensuring they comply with regulations and deliver a fair gaming experience.
Visit BMM Testlabs: [www.bmm.com]
SQS is a global leader in software quality, boasting over 30 years of industry experience. Originally formed in Germany in 1982, SQS now operates worldwide, working with major brands like Volkswagen and Deutsche Post. While gaming is just a portion of their extensive portfolio, they collaborate with large companies in the internet gambling industry to ensure real money games meet rigorous quality, fairness, and regulatory standards.
Visit SQS: [www.sqs.com]
In the world of online gambling, these independent testing labs and companies are the unsung heroes, ensuring that players can trust the online casino games for real money. Their dedication to fairness and transparency ensures that every roll of the dice, spin of the slot reel, and card dealt in online casinos is a genuinely random and unbiased event. So, the next time you play your favorite online casino game, you can do so with confidence, knowing that these guardians of fairness have your back.
Don’t be the last to know about the latest bonuses, new casino launches, or exclusive promotions. Join us today!