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
Let’s start with some reassurance: today’s licensed online casinos cannot rig their games in any way. All slot machines, table games, scratch cards, bingo, and dice games are completely random, and this randomness is confirmed through regular inspections and testings. Here’s how it works:
- The outcome of each spin is determined by the software provider, not the casino itself. The casino simply displays the result, without influencing the game’s outcome.
- Each spin’s result is created by a random number generator (RNG), which generates a sequence of numbers that correspond to the symbols on the slot machine.
- Every spin is completely random, meaning previous outcomes do not affect future results. Millions of number sequences are produced every second, unrelated to any single machine.
These random number generators are overseen by regulatory bodies, which issue licences to online casinos. This guarantees that the games are fair and independent from the casino’s influence. The process for each spin looks like this:
- The RNG generates a random number sequence and sends it to the game provider.
- The provider links this sequence to the symbols in the slot machine.
- The slot machine shows the result to the player, determining if they win or lose.
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%.
Conclusion
While casinos cannot directly control the outcomes of their slot machines, they can influence the payout percentages. However, licensed and regulated casinos guarantee fair play, and independent testing ensures that the games are random. So, next time you’re on a losing streak, rest assured—it’s not the casino tampering with the slots!
