In the world of gaming, online security and integrity is everything. It reaffirms the reputational strength of game developers and operators worldwide. Within the iGaming subsector, which has enjoyed exponential growth in the last decade, this increasingly regulated market has seen the need to guarantee fairness and transparency.
In doing so, third-party organizations have been enlisted to offer rigorous testing and certification services, safeguarding players, while giving them a fair crack at the whip.
In addition to third-party testing regimes, technological advancements have also made it easier for operators to deliver legitimate gameplay. Provably fair technology is one of the biggest developments in the iGaming industry. This fusion of smart mathematics and cryptography guarantees that every spin or deal is fair and verifiable.
Provably fair gaming differs from those that use random number generators (RNGs) to deliver randomness. Provably fair technology incorporates an extra layer of transparency, allowing users to monitor for fair gaming themselves. The software shows exactly how each result is determined, thereby making everyone an independent casino game verifier. It is typically adopted by most next-generation iGaming games, including the new “crash games” that require next to no casino skill or strategy. Spribe’s Aviator game is powered by provably fair technology and, right now, it attracts an active player base of approximately ten million per month.
For those iGaming titles that aren’t underpinned by provably fair technology, let’s explore the three main testing regimes that seek to protect iGamers and maintain the integrity of the industry.
eCOGRA
Founded in 2003, eCOGRA has been certifying the operating practices of online gaming operators for more than two decades. Based in London, eCOGRA’s role is three-fold. Firstly, it conducts periodic tests on all kinds of online slots and casino games to ensure their fairness and random nature.
Secondly, eCOGRA has one of the most respected standards for iGaming fairness, which is why eCOGRA certification is now an important target for many new and established iGaming brands. Lastly, eCOGRA works to protect players by recommending tools and resources for operators to promote responsible gaming, from deposit limitations to self-exclusion.
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
GLI has been in the iGaming compliance game since 1989. GLI has offices across North and South America, as well as mainland Europe, Asia, and Africa. Like eCOGRA, GLI offers periodic testing, iGaming certification, as well as ad-hoc consultancy services to ensure iGaming titles meet the best standards of fairness and security.
At the heart of its operations, GLI tests online casino games, covering its RNGs, game rules, confirmed return-to-player (RTP) percentages, and general system security.
iTech Labs
Australia-based iTech Labs is celebrating its 20th anniversary, specializing in the testing and certification of online casino games. The organization tests the game outcomes of online casino games, as well as online poker rooms and lottery games.
The firm also offers periodic audits of the security of online casino operators, including their information security measures. These audits include the evaluation of encryption technologies, data handling, and general access controls.
Through rigorous testing, certification, and ongoing monitoring, these bodies continue to play a key role in ensuring competitive, safe gameplay in a sector that’s rapidly growing.