Can Casinos Control Slot Machines?
The discussion about “rigging” has been around for a long time. It’s easy to be tempted by the idea that you’re losing because the casino has tampered with the slot machines! But, that’s not the case, especially in today’s regulated environment, where everything is overseen by various authorities.
Most casinos have very limited influence over the slot machines they offer, as these games are managed by third parties, including software providers and independent random number generators (RNGs). However, there are certain ways casinos can lower your chances of winning, and we’ll discuss those in this article.
No Rigging on Licensed Online Casinos
Licensed online casinos cannot rig slot machines, table games, or any other casino product. All outcomes derive from certified RNGs managed by game developers, not the casino operator.
Regulatory bodies like the UKGC and MGA require that each game’s RNG be independently tested before launch and re‑audited periodically to ensure ongoing compliance.
How RNGs work:
- RNG Generation: A certified RNG—typically a Pseudo‑Random Number Generator—continuously produces a sequence of numbers, each mapped to game symbols or card values
- Result Mapping: The game provider links the generated number to the corresponding outcome (e.g., reel positions, card draws) without input from the casino
- Outcome Display: The casino’s platform simply displays the result, ensuring the operator has no real‑time influence over spins
Every spin is independent—past and future results are uncorrelated, as millions of RNG outputs are generated per second. This process guarantees that no pattern or memory carries over between spins, preserving game integrity.
Beware of Fake Games
Unfortunately, there are dishonest operators out there who might offer manipulated games. Technically, it’s quite simple to check: right-click on a game, choose “Inspect,” and check the source code. Licensed games will point to the software provider’s servers, while fake games will be hosted on the casino’s own servers. This is why it’s important to use trusted sources when trying out new online casinos. If you’re just randomly browsing online, you may easily stumble upon rogue casinos with fake games.
Payout Rates – Something to Watch For
While casinos can’t rig slot machines, they do have some control over the payout rates, which they can adjust within certain limits. Here’s an insider tip from the industry:
Game developers often allow casinos to choose between two or three different payout rates for their games, sometimes referred to as “mini,” “midi,” and “maxi” settings behind the scenes. The best casinos usually opt for the highest payout rate to keep players happy since the casino’s profit is still secured by the built-in algorithms that give the house a slight long-term edge. However, some casinos choose lower payout rates, where slots may pay back only 85% instead of 95%.
Regulatory Oversight and Audits
Across leading jurisdictions, online gambling operators must hold valid licences to offer games. Licences are granted only after extensive reviews of an operator’s ownership, financial reserves, and technical infrastructure. Certified laboratories such as eCOGRA and iTech Labs conduct ISO/IEC 17065‑accredited audits of RNGs and runtime game performance, issuing seals that casinos display to demonstrate compliance.
Regulators also require periodic re‑audits of game logs and payout statistics to ensure that deployed games continue to match their certified specifications.
Conclusion
Can casinos control slot machines? No—licensed operators cannot alter the outcome of any spin or game round. Their only influence lies in choosing from vendor‑provided RTP configurations, and even that choice is constrained by regulatory limits and independent audits. To ensure you’re playing fair games, always select casinos that prominently display certification seals and RTP disclosures, and steer clear of sites that lack transparent information about their game providers or testing credentials.
