Here at Slingo we sometimes get asked if online slot machines are rigged. Although thankfully the answer is a firm no, we understand why some people might be suspicious at first.
Since you can’t see the inner workings of an online slot machine, some people question whether they could be fixed to ensure certain outcomes.
In this article we explain how slot machines are designed and regulated to ensure that they are fair, and that outcomes are truly random.
AMAZING WELCOME OFFER HERE FROM SLINGO
*Terms and conditions apply.*
How Do I Know if Online Slots Are Fair?
Online slots at licensed casinos like Slingo are regularly checked to ensure their fairness. If you’re playing online slots (or any kind of online casino game) in the UK, it’s important to check that the site you’re using is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKG). It’s an independent regulatory body that is dedicated to protecting players from harm and ensuring that casinos (both online and physical) are fair and not rigged.
In short, if a UK casino is licensed by the UKG, you can be sure that it’s safe. If it isn’t, steer well clear! You can search for a casino on the UKG website’s public register to check that it has an active licence.
How Slot Machines Work
Outcomes in slot machines are determined by Random Number Generators (RNGs), which use complex computer algorithms that cannot be guessed or hacked.
All licensed UK casinos have their RNGs tested regularly by the UK Gambling Commission, to ensure that they are fair and not rigged.
This means that all outcomes in online slots are down to luck and chance – whether you will win or lose cannot be predicted, and that’s all part of the fun of it!
Slot Machine Regulation and Licensing
As we mentioned earlier, all licensed casinos have their slot machines and RNGs independently tested regularly to ensure that their games are fair.
If you’re playing online slots in the UK, it’s important to check that the casino you’re using is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. This information should be readily available on the casino’s website, or you can search the UKG’s register online to check that the casino has an active licence.
What Is RNG, RTP, Volatility and House Edge?
There are a few terms that it’s useful to understand in the online gaming world, particularly when talking about fairness of games. Here’s a quick summary:
Random Number Generator
Random Number Generators use complex computer algorithms to determine outcomes in slots and other online games. They cannot be guessed or hacked.
All licensed UK casinos have their RNGs tested regularly by the UK Gambling Commission, to ensure that they are fair and not rigged.
This means that all outcomes in online slots are down to chance - whether you will win or lose cannot be predicted.
Return to Player
RTP is short for Return to Player, and is usually expressed as a percentage. Percentage return to player (% RTP) is the expected percentage of wagers that a specific game will return to the player in the long run.
Each online slot game has its own RTP, and this information is made readily available by the casinos. For example, if a slot has an RTP of 96%, this means it will theoretically pay out £96 for every £100 stake on it, over a large number of spins.
Many players are interested in finding the slot machines with the highest RTP since these are the games that theoretically payout the most amount of money over time.
However, it’s important to remember that all outcomes are random, and just because a slot has a high RTP it doesn’t guarantee you a win.
Volatility
Volatility in slot games refers to the level of risk the game has. Without getting too technical, it is the game’s hit rate (how often you can expect to win), in combination with its maximum exposure (the biggest possible win in the game).
High volatility games are those with a higher risk, but bigger potential rewards. These types of games tend to pay out less frequently – but the prizes tend to be bigger when they do pay out. Games with a lower volatility tend to pay out more often, but the prizes are likely to be smaller.
House Edge
The house edge is a mathematical advantage that ensures that in the long run, the casino always wins. If the house edge did not exist, the casino would not turn a profit and it would likely go out of business.
However, the house edge does not mean that the casino is rigged. It simply ensures that the casino is able to remain profitable, so that you can keep playing your favourite games.
Play Online Slots at Slingo
You can choose from thousands of online slots, Slingo games and live casino games here at Slingo.com. Our online casino offers a safe, secure and licensed gaming environment where you can enjoy your favourite games. Sign up at Slingo today and join the fun!
