But despite this fact, many players continue to claim that online black jack games are rigged, usually citing certain software manufacturers as the real culprits. Most software makers charge an internet casino between $10,000 and $250,000 to develop a web-based casino.
If you play at a licensed online casino, then virtual craps games you play on that site are not rigged. Legitimate casinos are audited both by government regulators and respected third party professionals. If the games were rigged, then those audits would turn up suspicious activity.
How Random Number Generators Work
The technology used to support online craps games is over 30 years old. Internet casino software uses true random number generators. RNGs are set to randomly generate results with a specific house edge programmed into the algorithm. While the probability of any given outcome of a dice roll remains the same from one bet to the next, the results differ with each roll of the craps dice.
When using random number generator software, a record is made of each result. This record can be reviewed by any number of individuals. The casino operator has staff to monitor results, to find odd patterns in how the games play out. Though mathematical probability says that the results should follow a set pattern, limited samplings of dice rolls are going to vary a great deal from the probabilities. The operator wants to know whether the software is working properly, while also checking to make sure advantage play (on either side) is within the predicted range or variance.
Scandals Have Happened
In the early days of online gambling, a few scandals happened. In those cases, disgruntled or unethical employees would chance the programming to effect the outcome of the game. Those people were discovered and prosecuted and more intensive security procedures were instituted. No major lapses have happened since 2004 or 2005, so players should be assured their games are legal and fair.
Are Online Casinos Rigged
Technical Systems Testing
One of the reasons the industry is fairer than 10 or 15 years ago is the industry has evolved. Third party auditors are used by legit websites to assure fairness and security. Technical Systems Testing is an example of a company hired by the trustworthy online casinos to independently audit their website’s performance.
TST has been around since 1993, so it is a trusted and time-tested auditor. The Australian company was purchased by Gaming Laboratories International in 2010. The GLI connection has allowed TST to expand its operations on a global scale, so that many of the most popular online casinos use TST as a third-party tester of their software.
eCOGRA Testing
Are Indian Casinos Rigged
Watchdog groups exist. For instance, eCOGRA is a UK-based industry watchdog group which itself runs tests on members of its network. The association was formed by the leading Internet casino software developer, Microgaming, in 2003. The idea was to self-regulate the industry, so government regulators would not feel the need to intrude upon the privacy of average citizens and private businesses. The system has worked for 12 years.
All Microgaming sites are part of eCOGRA, while many other sites are tested by them. The results of these tested are published each month. Included in these reports is the monthly return-to-player for the casinos tested. Gamblers can study the RTP data to see which online casinos are currently offering the best odds.
Online Gaming Communities
Before you deposit money in an online casino account, do a bit of research on that website. If a bad operator scams players, you can be certain they are going to take their complaints online. Robust players’ communities exist online where gamblers discuss the best bonuses, their favorite games, and their own gaming experiences. Often, people post their informal reviews of websites where they gamble for real money. These forums and message boards are a gold mine of information.
I would not take any one report as the ultimate resource on a gaming site. Some players like to complain if they lose their money (legitimately). Others might be disgruntled for some reason or have ulterior motives in giving a casino a bad review. Take the consensus opinion on the individual craps games at Internet casinos. Let the bulk of reliable-sounding information as the most probable truth about a site.
Licensing Authorities
Some readers might not necessarily trust industry-led associations and third-party companies paid by an online casino. They might think these organizations rubber-stamp approval for their buddies in the industry. They might not trust gaming forums, either, believing the posters there are either cranks or employees for the casinos paid to post good reviews. That’s why government regulation exists for the best online casinos.
Gamblers only should play craps at licensed and regulated online casinos. The licensing information is shown on every legit website. This information can be double-checked and verified by the smallest amount of research at an authority website. Once you know the gaming industry, you’ll know immediately the licensing authorities most often associated with the industry: Malta, Cyprus, Gibraltar, Alderney, The Isle of Man, Kahnawake, the Netherlands Antilles (Curacao), and Antigua and Barbuda. When you see these regulators mentioned, you’ll know the website is trustworthy.
Unlicensed Online Casinos
Everything I wrote above does not apply to unlicensed online casinos. Black hat operators exist on the Internet. These offshore websites might offer rigged craps games using proprietary software which isn’t tested. Even if you win, they might refuse to pay your winnings, using the flimsiest of excuses. Don’t let these scammers take your money. Do you due diligence and verify the casino you choose does not rig the craps game against you.