-800x450.png)
Key Highlights
In this blog post, we cover the following topics:
Fair play is the currency of success in the online casino world.
In this article, we will explore what fair play entails, and Gamecheck's overall role in ensuring fair play in the iGaming industry.
In online gambling, Fair Play and Fairness are distinct yet related concepts.
Fair Play refers to the overarching ethical conduct within the iGaming industry, and goes beyond game mechanics, however it can be used to include both aspects.
To simplify matters let us say Fair Play encompasses Everything related to Fair Gaming – while Fairness goes into the specific technical aspects of the actual game mechanics.
At its core, iGaming software represents the fusion of cutting-edge technology and entertainment, where innovation and immersion go hand in hand.
As the demand for Fair Play has gained ground, the display of trust seals and security certificates have become paramount. By prioritizing security, confidence is instilled in the players and they are protected from potential fraud or identity theft.
When it comes to online casinos, it is imperative that games are fair and transparent and provide equal chances of winning for all players. As competitors from around the globe converge in the digital arena, the concept of fairness becomes the bedrock upon which the entire industry thrives.
One of the only ways fairness can be ensured in games of chance, alongside provably fair options, is by using a certified Random Number Generator (RNG) to determine the outcome of any game action, be that the spin of the reels or the roll of virtual dice. The result must be entirely unpredictable.
Randomness requires unpredictable game outcomes that do not favour any party.
Random Number Generators (RNGs) are the backbone of online gambling, ensuring every game is fair and unpredictable.
RNGs are essential for determining results in virtual slot machines, table games, and live dealer games that use digital elements.
TRNGs generate random sequences using actual physical actions or events, such as meteoric changes. Because these events naturally occur at random, TRNGs produce random outputs. However, TRNGs are considerably costly and complex to integrate into iGaming, meaning they are seldom used in the industry.
.png)
PRNGs, on the other hand, rely on mathematical algorithms to create randomness. PRNGs take a seed value and apply mathematical formulas that produce a number sequence. Although, theoretically, if the seed and formula are known, the outcome can be predicted, modern PRNGs are formed to create outcomes statistically indistinguishable from true randomness.
RNGs play an important key role in lottery and bingo. RNGs simulate randomly drawing numbers or balls to give every player an equal chance.
Virtual sports use RNGs on simulated events based on sporting outcomes. The RNG creates unpredictable results that mimic the randomness of real-life sports.
RNG certification demonstrates a game’s fairness for players. Building player trust and increasing reputation as an operator shows trustworthiness, and reliability and reinforces dedication to responsible gaming practices, which can contribute to increased acquisition, engagement, and retention.
RNG certification is a mandatory requirement for gaming licences across multiple jurisdictions. Operators who fail to use certified RNGs risk incurring penalties, loss of their licence, or exclusion from markets.
Operators can offer high integrity across a broad portfolio of gaming options by using certified RNGs throughout their brand. Operators who consistently commit to these high standards show their game selection to be fair and unbiased.
When potential new players visit a brand for the first time and see that they take care to ensure fairness and meet regulatory requirements, they are probably more likely to stick around. In short, if an operator wants to build its bank of players, it must build its bank of RNG-Certificated games first.
Operators who fail to use certified RNGs risk incurring penalties, loss of their licence, or exclusion from markets.
Without RNGs, online games could be open to manipulation by unethical operators.
Certified RNGs eliminate the possibility of rigging outcomes, as the algorithms used are continuously monitored and validated. This helps protect the operator's reputation and ensures the gaming environment remains secure.
RNG certification is a mandatory requirement for gaming licences across multiple jurisdictions. RNG certification demonstrates a game’s fairness for players. Building player trust and increasing reputation as an operator shows trustworthiness, and reliability and reinforces dedication to responsible gaming practices, which can contribute to increased acquisition, engagement, and retention.
Regular audits monitor RNG performance to ensure it has not been compromised.
Regulated online casinos use third-party auditors to test and certify RNGs for fairness and randomness. Some of the most well-known game testing agencies include eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA), Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), Technical Systems Testing (TST), and iTechLabs. These agencies regularly audit and certify RNGs to verify their authenticity and fairness.
Those new to iGaming might ask, “Are RNG and RTP the same thing?” In a word, no. Although it is a fair question.
While RNG stands for Random Number Generator, RTP stands for Return To Player.
Operators are obliged to explain RNG and RTP clearly on their platform.
Another essential aspect of fair gaming is the Return to Player (RTP) percentage. RTP indicates the theoretical percentage of total money wagered that a game returns to players over time. RTP is calculated over thousands or millions of plays to give an average return of the money bet that is returned to players via winnings. For example, a game with an RTP of 97% means that 97% of the funds bet on the match will be returned to the player via wins. This usually means that higher RTP games provide better odds for players. House Edge is the inverse of RTP. If a game has a 96% RTP, the house edge is 4%. Regulators mandate that RTP values be publicly displayed so that players can make informed decisions.
To ensure fairness, Reputable Authorities have been established for every jurisdiction. These bodies set the industry standards that operators must comply with to obtain and maintain their licenses.
Some of the most well-known Reputable Authorities in the iGaming industry include the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), focused on responsible gaming, player security, and fairness; the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) one of the leading licensing bodies; and the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA) that ensures operators headquartered in Gibraltar maintain ethical and fair gaming practices.
These reputable authorities require operators to use certified game software, conduct regular audits by independent audit firms, and implement responsible gambling measures. Failure to comply can result in fines, license revocation, and blacklisting.
Transparency is key in the online gambling industry.
Transparency means that players must have access to clear information about game rules and pay-outs. Displayed pay-out percentages build trust and demonstrate an operator’s commitment to fair play.
.png)
While fairness mechanisms exist, fraudulent activities can still pose a threat to fair play.
Some common fraudulent practices include rigged games through which unlicensed operators manipulate game outcomes to benefit the house disproportionately. It is for this reason, that most operators are integrating solutions to combat fraud such as AI and Machine Learning Algorithms, Identity Verification (KYC), and Blockchain Technology. AI and ML Algorithms can detect irregular betting patterns and suspicious behaviour. Players must verify their identity to prevent multiple account fraud, and some online casinos use blockchain for transparency and tamper-proof transactions.
Fair play in iGaming is not just an ethical consideration.
It requires that online casinos and gaming platforms provide a transparent and unbiased experience. Without these principles, player confidence in the industry would wane. The absence of this physical oversight in online casinos might lead one to ask:
How can players be sure that the games they are playing are fair?
At Gamecheck, we don’t just identify problems - we take action.
To uphold player protection, we conduct regular, random tests on online casinos every month. These results are fully transparent and published on each casino’s Gamecheck profile, empowering players to make informed choices about where they play.
Some game providers, like Pragmatic Play and PG Soft, have already introduced verification tools to help players confirm game authenticity. Gamecheck is going even further with the introduction of the Gamecheck Seal - a definitive mark of trust that separates reputable operators from rogue ones.
Our seal is built on blockchain technology, ensuring complete transparency.
It also features a scannable verification tool that links directly to a casino’s Gamecheck profile, allowing players to instantly confirm its legitimacy.
The Gamecheck Seal is awarded exclusively to operators that have passed our rigorous vetting process. It serves as a visual guarantee that their games meet the highest standards of fairness and authenticity. Players can click the seal to access detailed verification data, providing instant proof of integrity and boosting confidence in fair play.
With Gamecheck, players can avoid fake games and enjoy a fair gaming experience.
The Gamecheck Seal brings clarity to game integrity, reinforcing transparency in gaming transactions. Players trust verified games, leading to higher engagement. In turn, by choosing verified games, players contribute to a healthier, more transparent gaming ecosystem.
Finally, the Gamecheck Seal sets genuine providers apart from imitators, helping legitimate operators stand out in the market. So next time you play an online casino game, look for the Gamecheck Seal - your best assurance of fair play.
