Casino Slots Are Rigged
By Brodey Sheppard - November 30, 2016
When you’re playing online slots for real cash, of course, you would want to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth. When we play online and encounter dry spells, we can’t help but think that the game has been rigged. So, does this actually happen in online slots? How can you ensure that you are playing in a fair and secure online casino? Well, we’ve researched all the qualities that make a game or an operator fair to make sure that you get the most out of your money when you’re playing slots online.
It is the Gambling Commission or the Gaming Authority that has issued each casino site, venue or app with their license to operate that are tasked with ensuring the casino games and slot machines available are fair and random, and they do that by demanding that all slot machine providers gets their games tested and verified as being random by a. Video Gambling Machine Rigging There are a number of scenarios where users of video slot, poker and other casino and bar gambling machines can be rigged to the owning company's benefit. Regulated Online Casinos are Guaranteed to be Fair The sad reality about online slots is the fact that there can be sites and games that are rigged. Like we always say, not all slots sites are made the same. So, when choosing a site to play at, the first thing you have to consider is if the site offers a secure and fair gaming environment.
Regulated Online Casinos are Guaranteed to be Fair
The sad reality about online slots is the fact that there can be sites and games that are rigged. Like we always say, not all slots sites are made the same. So, when choosing a site to play at, the first thing you have to consider is if the site offers a secure and fair gaming environment. The best way to ensure this is by checking whether a site holds an operating license and if it is registered under a regulatory board. Before these sites acquire their license, they have to go through rigorous testing procedures. Their software and games are tested to be secure and fair. The following are the gaming authorities recognised by the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR):
- Curaçao: Curaçao Gaming Control Board
- Alderney: Alderney Gambling Control Commission
- France: Autorite de Regulation Des Jeux en Ligne (ARJEL)
- Gibraltar: Government of Gibraltar, Gaming Division
- Isle of Man: Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission
- Italy: Agenzia Delle Dogane e Dei Monopoli (formerly AAMS)
- Malta: Malta Gaming Authority
- United Kingdom: Gambling Commission
Slot Machines “Rigged” by Casinos? It’s very common for people to state that slot machines are “rigged”. If your definition of “rigged” is that the casino is guaranteed to make money off of slot machines over a long period of time then you’re right.
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Traditional Slot Machines Vs. Online Video Slots
Slot machines were initially used in brick-in-mortar casinos as an alternative game for casual players since they did not need much strategy or skill. All they have to do is pull a lever and they can start playing. Traditional slot machines in land-based casinos are composed of an elaborate configuration of levers and gears. There is a metal shaft which works as the central element and support of the reels. The reels move, thanks to the shaft which is connected to a handle mechanism. The reels stop spinning through the braking system. Sensors then communicate the results to the payout system. It is common knowledge that every pull of the handle keeps the reel combinations random and fair.
When video slots were created, they were designed to resemble traditional slots. However, there’s a different process working inside these games to make the combinations random. Video slots in brick and mortar casinos use micro-chips that are designed to use software which carry a random number generator (RNG). Whether you’re playing in a land-based casino or an online casino, you can rest assured that the RNG will give you a fair chance at landing a winning combination.
Online Slot Machines with Random Number Generators (RNGs)
If you want to know how online slot machines work, you must learn about Random Number Generators (RNGs). Online slot games that have been tested for fairness use an algorithmic computer system also known as RNGs. This system ensures that the player will only encounter a fair outcome when playing online. Moreover, RNGs also ensure that all players have equal chances of winning. Whenever a player clicks the Spin button, the system provides a random set of “numbers” which are then translated into the results on the screen.
How do RNGs Work?
As soon as you click the Spin button, the RNG starts working, spitting out random numbers. The system takes a starting number – also referred to as the ‘seed number’ – and then utilises a complicated algorithmic system to calculate a random number based on it. The new number then becomes the seed number, and the same algorithm churns out a new number. This process repeats over and over and there is no way to predict the number that will come up next. Now, it is important to mention that these numbers can be huge. In the industry, the typical RNGs work with random numbers that have over 200,000 digits! There are countless possible outcomes, making it virtually impossible to predict.
However, this system can be flawed. If a player has knowledge of the seed number, they can beat the system. It is worth noting that these numbers are kept secure by gaming software companies. On the other hand, there is still a possibility for an online casino to use a software to rig the numbers in their favour. That is why it is highly important that you only play on sites that use third party auditing services. As we all know, RNGs of online slots can only be as fair as the business that operates them. Make sure that you look for indications that the site has passed third-party testing and auditing. Check whether the site has an e-Commerce and Online Gaming Registration and Assurance (eCOGRA) seal. This organisation provide independent reviews of online casinos to ensure that players know about their level of reliability and fairness.
eCOGRA offers three types of seals:
- Safe and Fair Seal
- Certified Software Seal
- Affiliate Trust Seal
Aside from the aforementioned seals, eCOGRA also provides three supplementary reports such as the Percentage Payout Report, a Randomness Review delivered by an independent auditor and the Certification of a Live Dealer. If you find an online slots site that has acquired any of the three seals mentioned above, you can rest assured that the operator follows fair gaming standards. Consequently, you will know that they will not, in any way, rig their featured slot machine games.
Many casino players ask themselves, at some point, “are casino games rigged?”
New players wonder this because they’ve heard the popular expression, “the house always wins.”
Some experienced players also ask themselves this question because they’ve experienced overall losses when they calculate their profits and losses over time.
In this piece, I’ll answer the question with facts about casino games. As you will see, casino games are rigged to favor the house. But as long as you’re playing legit games at trusted casinos, you can still win.
Allow me to explain…
Understanding House Edge and RTP – How Casino Games Are Rigged
Before we can discover whether casino games are rigged or not, we have to define what rigged means.
If you’re asking whether it’s true that the house will always win, the answer is yes.
The casino will always make money on its games in the long term because it has a mathematical advantage.
However, if you mean rigged as you can’t win, no matter what you do, the answer is no.
Legit casino games aren’t rigged to cheat you.
There’s a chance that you can win, but even if you do, the casino will still make money because other players will lose enough to cover your win plus deliver some profit.
When playing casino games online, it’s important to understand two concepts.
- House Edge – This is the casino’s mathematical advantage. It varies from game to game. The house edge on slot machines is usually 4%, whereas, in blackjack, it can be as low as 0.5%.
- RTP – This is the average amount of money returned to players. For example, on slot machines, it’s usually 96%, whereas, in blackjack, it might be 99.5%.
You’ll notice the relationship between the house edge and RTP numbers. The house edge lets you calculate the casino’s profit on the game. So, does the RTP, but it tells you how much the casino will return to players. They’re two ways of expressing the same thing.
That means out of every $100 wagered on slots; the casino will make $4.
The RTP on a slot machine might be 96%.
This means that of every $100 wagered on a slot machine, players get $96 back.
In this example, do not make the mistake of thinking that the casino will only keep 4% of your money or will return $96 out of every $100 wagered by you. It’s possible that 10 players could lose $100 each, then one lucky player would win $40 on a $1 spin. RTP and house edge figures are averages.
Likewise, if you win a jackpot, you can be sure that the casino has either already taken more than that in profits or will do in the future. That’s why the house always wins. In this sense, casino games are rigged in favor of the house.
The House Edge for Popular Casino Games
Now that you understand the concepts of house edge and RTP, let’s look at the house edge for some popular casino games. Learning these will help you decide the best casino game to play to reach your goals.
Before we begin, note three things.
- First, the higher the house edge, the bigger the potential payouts.
- Second, different bets within a game can alter the house edge.
- Lastly, the house edge can be affected by what game variant you play.
Game | House Edge |
Blackjack | Between 2% and 0.28% depending on strategy and player experience. |
Baccarat | 1.06% on player bet. 1.24% on banker bet. 14.3% on tie bet. |
Roulette | 2.7% on European Roulette. 5.26% on American Roulette. |
Slot Machines | Variable is 96% average. Up to 15% on progressive jackpot slots. |
Keno | Variable is 20% to 30% depending on variant. |
Video Poker | Variable depending on variant. |
Craps | Variable depending on bet. 0% for taking the odds, up to 13.89% for 2, 12, and hard hops. |
Sic Bo | Between 2.78% and 33.33% depending on what bet you place. |
As you can see, slot machines, keno, and some craps bets have the highest house edges. Casinos make most of their money on these games. That’s one of the reasons they’re almost always permitted in casino bonus terms and conditions. However, these games also offer you the largest potential returns.
Video poker almost always has the lowest house edge. It does vary depending on what variant you’re playing, but there are some games such as Jacks or Better have a house edge as low as 0.46% and can even have a negative house edge when played with a perfect video poker strategy.
Avoiding (Actual) Rigged Casino Games
You now understand that all casino games give the house a mathematical advantage, the extent that they do so depends on the game variant and often how you play it, and that even if you win a jackpot, the casino will still make money in the long game.
These greedy merchants aim to lighten your wallet by running rigged casino games in a literal sense. While it saddens me to have to report this, I believe in being positive.
Therefore, I’d like to focus on two things:
- There are far more honest, legit online casinos than there are rogue ones. I’d say it’s at least a 10:1 ratio.
- You can avoid rigged casinos by being aware of them and learning how to spot them.
Here are some clues that casino games might be rigged.
- The games aren’t powered by legit and verified safe software providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, RTG, or Evolution.
- You lose more frequently than you statistically should. The house edge table above will give you a clue as to how many hands, rolls, or spins you should win out of 100.
- The casino operator doesn’t have a valid gaming license. This is a red flag, and you have to ask yourself why.
There are also cloned casino games that appear to be from legit software providers. With experience, you can easily spot these because there will be glitches and other tells. They just won’t be of the same quality as authentic casino games.
Look out for rigged casino games, and if you have any doubt, avoid them. They’re bad for you, the casino industry, and even the scammers who run them. They’d be much better off in the long-term if they ran honest, legit casinos that stood the test of time.
Casino Slots Are Rigged Numbers
Rigged Casino Games – Frequently Asked Questions
I often like to wrap up my blog posts with three or four related questions I’ve encountered often. I’ll do so here on the subject of rigged casino games.
Are Casino Slots Rigged
- As I’ve outlined in this post, every slot machine gives the casino a mathematical advantage. It’s well known that casinos make most of their money from slot machines. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t win a jackpot. If you play at honest online casinos, you have a fair shot at winning big.
If all casino games are rigged to favor the house, what’s the point of playing them?
Some people would argue that there isn’t one. However, I believe that’s a negative view of casino games. First, they’re a form of entertainment. I’ve played slot machines for hours with a $100 bankroll and find the ups and downs to be thrilling. Second, the idea is to get in and get out. The existence of a house edge means you’ll lose if you keep playing forever. If you get lucky and hit a jackpot or big win, and you stop playing or dramatically reduce how often you play, you can come out ahead.Are there any strategies I can use to reduce the house edge?
Yes, but only on specific games. Games like slots and keno are down to pure chance, and strategies don’t work. However, if you play video poker, blackjack, or poker online, you can impact the game outcome with effective strategies.