Is the system rigged?
We’ve all experienced a losing streak, or a roulette wheel that ticked over from the winning slot at the last second. It’s easy, in those moments, to think that the system is rigged, that you’re getting cheated. But is it? We’re going to take a look into the safeguards that protect you.
No, not likely
The good news is that casinos need to be licensed and part of that licensing process is ensuring safeguards are in place to see that players stay safe and get to enjoy a fair game.
Regulators
There are a number of internationally recognised and reputable regulators such as Curaçao Gaming Control Board, Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, Kahnawà:ke Gaming Commission, Kansspelautoriteit, Malta Gaming Authority or the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission. Check that the casino you’re playing at is licensed – and you’re likely in very safe hands.
Random Number Generators (RNGs)
The key to ensuring total fairness (in the vast majority of casino games) are RNGs. These are complex mathematical equations that create random numbers. These numbers are used to determine where the spin of the slot machine reels will stop, or when the roulette wheel will land.
When we talk about independent testing agencies, like eCOGRA or iTech Labs, it’s RNGs that these teams are testing. As long as the RNG is random, you can ensure a fair game.
If you’re interested in finding out more about exactly how RNGs work, our guide to RNGs is the ideal place to start.
Do players understand enough?
We’ve all been there. It seems like you’re on a losing streak that simply can’t last any longer. You’ve been playing the same slot game for however many dozens of spins and you’re yet to hit more than a tiny win.
It feels like the game is rigged, after all, you looked up the RTP – it’s 96.41%. You should be way further up than you are, so what’s happening?
RTP
RTP stands for Return to Player. It’s expressed as a percentage and shows the amount of the stake that goes back to players over time. The RTP is worked out over many, many thousands of spins. This means that for some players, there’ll be a larger return, and for others, a smaller one. Over an extended period, players can, collectively, expect to receive back close to the stated RTP percentage.
Volatility
Volatility refers to how big the swings are when you’re playing slot games. Low volatility means you’ll see more consistent wins, but smaller ones. High volatility means you’ll see fewer and more spread out wins, but larger ones.
If you’re playing a low volatility slot, you probably won’t stray too far from the advertised RTP as the swings between winning and losing are smaller. If you’re playing a high RTP slot you could stray a long way from the RTP. The bad news is, it could be in the way you weren’t hoping!
House edge
What needs to be remembered though is that online slots are designed to have a ‘house edge’. This means the ‘house’ / casino always wins – albeit over time. Like a broader-ranging or variation of RTP, the house edge is essentially a percentage of what is staked that the house will retain. With most slots having an RTP in the mid-90% territory it’s a reasonable assumption that most casinos’ ‘edge’ will be in the 4-6% area.
While over time the house will have its ‘edge’ there will also be big, medium and small winners along the way. This of course means plenty of bets and spins with no wins for extended periods – hence some unlucky players beginning to think the whole system is rigged, a fix or they’re being cheated.
House edge, some numbers
Consider a set period of activity at a theoretical slot site. It might look something like this:
| Total staked | €/$1,000,000 |
| House edge (5%) | €/$50,000 |
| Big winner (1 person) | €/$100,000 |
| Good wins (across 9000 players at an average of €/$67 each) | €/$600,000 |
| Small wins (across 40,000 players at an average of €/$6.25 each) | €/$250,000 |
| No wins (20,000 people) | €/$0 |
Now, if a player played over 3 or 4 different 30 minute sessions without a win, then depending on their outlook and personality they might start to think the game or system is rigged, or fixed. But it’s not.
Online slots myths explored
While we’ve moved away from the days of ‘giving the machine a bit of a jiggle at 5:51pm, pressing the start button three times, and putting in three gold coins to get the jackpot to just fall out’, the online slot world still has its fair share of pervasive myths. Let’s take a look at some of them:
- Hot and Cold Slots: This myth is so widely believed that lots of casinos include tabs of hot and cold slots that you can click to play. The belief is that if a slot is running hot it’s giving out big payouts and if it’s running cold, it isn’t.
- Quiet Times of Day: Some players believe that playing at quiet times of day can lead to bigger wins. The RTP of a slot machine doesn’t change – ever. It doesn’t matter what time of day or night it is, the results of each spin are random.
- Being Due a Win: One of the most pervasive myths is that the longer you go without a win, the more likely it is you’ll get one – also known as “gambler’s fallacy”. Every spin on a slot machine has the exact same odds of hitting a win, regardless of how many losing spins came before it.
- Beginner’s Luck: Some people believe in luck, others don’t. But one myth that’s held by some players is that if you sign up as a new player, you’re more likely to be ‘given’ a win by the casino. This isn’t just untrue, it’s impossible. Casinos cannot control who wins and loses.
How can casinos help convince sceptics that online casinos are fair?
- Publish certificates and accreditations from testing agencies – showing that casino games are independently audited by recognised agencies is a simple but powerful way to show a commitment to fairness.
- Provably fair games – there’s a trend for provably fair gaming in the (not legal) crypto space, but the idea is a strong one. Letting players verify the fairness of their own spin proves the system isn’t rigged.
- RTP and RNG explainers – educating players on how RTP and RNGs work builds understanding of how games work, helping them ignore unhelpful myths.
- Clear terms and conditions – demystifying the jargon in terms and conditions sets the casino apart as one that can be trusted on all things, including game fairness.
Summary
The gambling industry is tightly regulated around the world, so your chances of running into a dodgy slot game are slim. What you need to remember though is to stick to regulator-licensed sites.
Licensed casinos are under strict rules, regularly audited, and their games independently tested. So no, the system isn’t rigged. But myths persist, especially when luck runs dry. The best antidote is knowledge. Understanding RTPs, RNGs, and how regulation works, gives you the power to play smart – and walk away from the real trap: unlicensed sites.