Marcus Richards
How do you trust that the results from online games, including https://icecasino.com/en/bonuses, are not skewed to favor the provider? The answer lies in the technology driving the mechanics of the gameplay. Randomness is the deciding factor in a fair game, and legit casinos strive to ensure that in their offerings.
The technology driving online casino games falls into two primary categories: the mechanics of the software provider and the host platform. Those fancy graphics, animations, and sound effects are secondary, providing visual and immersive appeal to the gameplay. Also, casinos can partner with gaming software developers to host games on their platforms.
We will review this vital technology that provides the trust to deposit real money and bet on entertainment options. Then, you will learn why certification from reputable bodies is essential to proving the fairness of a gaming platform. You might not know the provider or operator, but the certification and licensing are there to provide their legitimacy.
The Technology Behind the Games
The entire casino gaming system can be divided into three primary categories:
- The game designers
- The software developers and integrators into gaming sites
- The casino operators
The technology driving the games falls primarily within the first two categories. Game makers develop the titles, and the software developers integrate them into websites for punters.
Randomness and fairness must be ensured at every point. We have licensing and testing bodies, which we’ll discuss subsequently.
A detailed look at these categories is as follows:
The Game Makers and Random Number Generators
Let’s take a slot machine as an example. It will generally have volatility in its engine, either high, mid, or low. These refer to the randomness of how often the engine generates wins and the types of wins.
Game makers use a random number generator to ensure the results are not skewed in any direction. This computer program produces random results on every reel spin or card played in a table game.
When you press the play, bet, or spin button, the RNG selects a number from its sequence. Then, the game will display the symbol that corresponds to that figure. It’ll continue until you end the game or round, then resume when you begin.
The results of RNGs are unpredictable. Game makers often use specialized hardware to generate and seed these unpredictable figures into the games.
Casinos cannot manipulate random number generators except in fraudulent cases. Also, an RNG does not operate in a “hot” and “cold” format where it pays a low win after a large jackpot.
The Software Developers
The technology in this section is often confined to integration and backend monitoring. Of course, casinos must monitor the results to effect appropriate payouts. Hence, the developers take the games from the makers and integrate them into gaming platforms.
These developers control supporting features like payment options, bonuses, betting ranges, etc. They also calculate the return-to-player percentages, although the makers set the value.
What you see in an online casino is the finished software with integrated games and features. Without it, you cannot access multiple games for real money or free betting.
Live Streaming for Live Dealer Games
Live dealer titles deviate a bit from other casino games. They do not use RNGs for the results, as the gameplay occurs in real-time. Also, you may find real dealers counting the cards or throwing the dice as you play.
In this case, the technology falls back on live streaming. However, it differs from average streaming, where cameras are placed to view the action. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) uses specialized symbols to scan the cards, die, wheels, etc.
It cross-references the captured images with a database and displays the results on the screen for punters. Notwithstanding, you can see the dealer and other players (in multiplayer mode) in real-time.
Boosting Credibility with Licensing and Certification
Licensing is the first step to confirming the credibility of an online gaming platform. It is a pointer to the fairness of its games. However, it is not the sole determinant.
Independent bodies like eCOGRA and iTech Labs specialize in testing and certifying a casino’s random number generator. You’ll find endorsements (through their logos) on any certified site.
Legitimate platforms will have licenses and certifications from one or more regulating bodies. Examples of licensing bodies include the Curacao Gaming Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, etc.
Final Thoughts
Random number generators are at the core of online casino games. Then, you have software that integrates these games into gaming platforms for punters. The latter controls the bets, payouts, bonuses (excluding in-game bonuses), etc.
Casinos have access to backend controls like the betting range, payment options, bonuses, etc. However, they do not control the random number generators.
Live dealer titles use optical character recognition software to capture and display results. You’ll also have live streaming software to see the dealers in real-time.
Always double-check a casino’s license with the licensing body. Also, ensure you play only on sites with certified random number generators. Popular certifying bodies include eCOGRA, iTech Labs, Gaming Associates, etc.
