The Top Fairness Practices at Online Casinos
The online casino industry is rare when it comes to operators who create the software entirely in-house. Actually, it can be risky to trust a casino site that operates entirely on a proprietary basis. In fact, players should want to find operators that are willing to enlist the services of third-party services providers as a means of legitimizing their brand.
For starters, a casino can work with a selection of software providers and also secure operating licenses from different regulators. Beyond, that the casinos can undertake software audits, return to player (RTP) certification, random number generator (certification), and the usage of on-site encryption from a security specialist like Cloudflare.
Playing Instantly at Online Casinos
When installing software, it is an act of good faith, even if you can find positive reviews for the package that you intend to install. In the past, it could be a minefield finding legitimate online casino software. Fortunately, you can also play without download at many online casinos. The dominant approach nowadays is for users to play via their web browser, with HTML5 enabling games to be streamed instead of requiring installation.
By sidestepping the need to install software, you can avoid that awkward moment when your PC or laptop questions your decision to proceed with downloading a file from an unknown publisher. Instead, you can look for a licensed online casino that is regulated by a trusted authority from Curacao, Malta, Gibraltar, or somewhere else.
Encryption at Casino Sites
Some players might look at the lock icon in their web browser and think nothing of it. Little do they know is that the lock signifies that the casino site is protected by encryption. In the case of a no deposit mobile site, the encryption is especially important for users who play while on the move. Therefore, if you prefer to play on mobile, then make sure to check the lock is beside the online casino’s address. If it is, then you can create an account and share your personal information in confidence.
There are many different companies out there that can supply encryption certificates on a third-party basis. One of the best known is Cloudflare but others can include Amazon and GoDaddy. If you are on a desktop device, you can read the in-depth details of the certificate. This can allow you to find the name of the certificate provider and research their reputation on Google if you are unfamiliar with them.
The casino should always provide you with an encrypted service. However, you don’t need to be entirely dependent on them – not when you can install a reputable virtual private network (VPN) on your device. To understand how a VPN works, you merely need to think of it as software that treats your device as if it operating on a private network. Your IP address will be masked and you can even use it to mimic international locations. As such, cybercriminals cannot find your exact location.
Look for RNGs
An RNG is used to randomly determine the outcomes of online casino games. The majority of these games are processed in a virtual realm and so they require complex algorithms to mimic real-world outcomes. Without testing, it would be impossible for a casino operator to ensure that their games are authentic. To evaluate this at a casino, you can view its credentials at the base of the homepage. If the casino is open, then this is where the information will be shared.
A casino operator can also choose to discuss RNGs in the terms and conditions (T&Cs) or else in a dedicated page on fairness. At times, you might find that the casino is willing to discuss the processes involved and share some of the technical results. The more disappointing moments will occur when a casino is only willing to say that it uses an RNG to determine the fair outcomes of the games but then refuses to say anything specific.
Where to Find RTPs
With an RTP, this provides information on what to expect from the long-term results that can occur from a game that has been programmed with an RNG. As an example, you could expect a 97.30% RTP in the long-term when playing European roulette and betting on the result of each spinning red/black or odd/even. Quite simply, a higher RTP suggests that the game is fairer compared to one that is lower.
If you get lucky, you might find a casino that publishes an entire list of RTPs. However, this is like finding a needle in a haystack and you will need to do the research. The best way to start is by loading a game that you are interested in playing. For a slot, look at the paytable – for any other game, check the rules or settings. You must then scour the available data to see if an RTP has been published.
If you don’t find an RTP there, you might have to search Google for the game plus RTP. Please be aware, however, that you will likely find the developer’s RTP for the game. Some casinos can modify the RTP with the permission of the developer. This is why you should try to check the casino and game for RTPs. A trustworthy casino will not prevent you from finding RTPs.
Software Integrity and Payout Percentages
Across the industry, a handful of respected testing agencies are responsible for auditing games and software for integrity and fairness. The names include iTech Labs, Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), Quinel, Technical Systems Testing (TST), and BMM Compliance, among others. However, the best-known casino software auditor is eCOGRA, with the company’s eGAP seal replacing the older Safe and Fair equivalent.
When checking for an auditor, you should look for any relevant seals at the bottom of a casino’s homepage. Ideally, there will be a seal from one of the aforementioned auditors. At times, they can also be present to serve as an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) provider. Although it is positive to see such a link, it is better if the auditor’s image can link you to a report on payout percentages.
Ultimately, a fairness report can provide you with a broad range of payout percentages – you should not expect to see a list of RTPs for every game listed on the site. Rather, you will see the broader payout percentages, which have been calculated via independent testing, to inform players of what to expect for specific categories. For example, you could see percentages for slots, blackjack, roulette, tables, and more. The periodic publishing of these reports can be vital within fair gaming practices.
