Have you ever asked yourself who is responsible for testing and evaluating the fairness of online casinos when it comes to the outcome of their games? Enter the best-reputed independent testing agencies. Testing agencies certify that the games offered by online casinos are fair and that their outcomes are determined by a random number generator (RNG). There are several testing agencies that are considered to be the most important for online casinos and gambling sites. Let’s take a closer look at the top ones worldwide!
What do Testing Agencies Do Exactly?
As we said, independent testing agencies are in charge of verifying that all games offered by established and new online casinos worldwide are fair and secure for players and the outcome cannot be altered. These agencies use various methods to test the fairness of online casino games, such as:
- RNG testing: the agency will test the RNG mechanism used by the casino to ensure that it is truly random and that the outcome of the games cannot be altered.
- Game testing: the games offered by the casino will be throrughly tested (we are talking about millions of spins/hands) to ensure that they are fair and that the outcomes are determined by the RNG.
- Payout percentage analysis: the payout percentages of the games offered by the casino is analyzed to ensure that they are fair and in line with industry standards.
- Auditing: the casino’s operations (finances, company structure etc.) will be audited to ensure that the operator is complying with relevant regulations.
What are the Most Important Testing Agencies?
- eCOGRA
- iTech Labs
- GLI
- BMM Testlabs
- Technical Systems Testing (TST)
These are just a few examples of the most important testing agencies for online casinos and gambling sites. All the new casino sites reviewed by NewCasinoUK are certified by at least one of these reputable agencies, hence their games are fair and secure to play. Let’s take a closer look at how they work starting with most renown one, eCOGRA.
eCOGRA
eCOGRA (e-Commerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance) is arguably the most reputable independent testing agency that specializes in certifying the fairness and security of online casinos and their games. eCOGRA was established in 2003 and is based in the United Kingdom. It’s an internationally accredited testing agency and player protection and standards organization. eCOGRA tests and certifies the random number generators (RNGs) used by online casinos, as well as the overall operation of the casinos to ensure that they are fair and comply with industry standards. eCOGRA also audits the payout percentages of the games offered by the casinos to ensure that they are fair and in line with industry standards.
One of the most important aspects of eCOGRA is their player protection, it provides players with a dispute resolution service in case of any issues with the online casino. eCOGRA also provides a seal of approval for online casinos that meet its standards, which serves as a sign of trust for players. eCOGRA’s services are not limited to online casinos, it also certifies land-based casinos, sportsbooks, poker rooms, and other online gambling sites. eCOGRA’s seal of approval and certification is widely recognized and respected in the online gambling industry and having it on a site is a sign that the site is trustworthy and committed to fair play.
iTech Labs
Second in line is iTech Labs. The company was founded in Australia in 2005, and it has since grown to become one of the most respected and well-known testing agencies in the online gambling industry. Similar to eCOGRA, iTech Labs tests and certifies the random number generators (RNGs) used by online casinos, as well as the overall operation of the casinos to ensure that they are fair and comply with industry standards. They also test the games offered by online casinos to ensure that they are fair, random, and comply with international standards.
iTech Labs also provides a variety of other services, such as security testing to verify that online casinos and their systems are safe from hacking and other types of cyber assaults. They also provide compliance testing to guarantee that online casinos adhere to applicable legislation and standards. iTech Labs not only certifies online casinos, but also land-based casinos, sportsbooks, poker rooms, lotteries, and other online gaming sites. The certifications issued by iTech Labs are recognized and acknowledged in the online gaming business, and having them on a site indicates that the site is trustworthy and devoted to fair play.
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
GLI was founded in 1989 and has since grown to become one of the most respected and well-known testing agencies in the gaming industry. Just like all the other agencies we mentioned in this article, GLI tests and certifies the random number generators (RNGs) used by online and land-based casinos, as well as the overall operation of the casinos to ensure that they are fair and comply with industry standards and regulations. They also test the games offered by online and land-based casinos to ensure that they are fair, random, and comply with international standards and regulations.
The company also offers a range of other services, including security testing to ensure that online and land-based casinos and their systems are protected against hacking and other forms of cyber attacks. They also provide compliance testing to ensure that online and land-based casinos comply with relevant regulations and standards. They also offer professional services such as the evaluation of new products, security and surveillance systems and the development of technical standards.
Why Are Testing Agencies so Vital?
Testing agencies play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the online gambling industry, as they help to ensure that online casinos are fair, secure, and compliant, and that players are protected. This ultimately provides players with a sense of trust and confidence in the online gambling industry. They are a vital element in the online gambling landscape because they provide independent and objective evaluations of the fairness, security, and compliance of online casinos and their games. Here are a few areas where testing agencies play a vital role:
- Fairness: Testing agencies ensure that the casino games offered by online operators are fair and that the outcomes are determined by a random number generator (RNG). This gives players confidence that the games are not rigged and that they have a fair chance of winning.
- Security: Independent agencies also ensure that online casinos and their systems are secure and protected against hacking and other forms of cyber attacks. This gives players confidence that their personal and financial information is safe and that the online casino is a trustworthy and reputable operator.
- Compliance: They ensure that online casinos comply with relevant regulations and standards. This gives players confidence that the online casino is operating legally and ethically, and that it adheres to industry standards.
- Player Protection: They also provide players with a dispute resolution service in case of any issues with the online casino, and they also provide a seal of approval for online casinos that meet their standards.
FAQ’s
What happens when an online casino is not certified by a testing agency?
When an online casino is not certified by an independent testing agency, it means that the fairness, security, and compliance of the casino and its games have not been independently verified. This can raise concerns for players about the integrity of the games and the safety of their personal and financial information. The casino might, for example, be non compliant (not operating legally or ethically, or it does not adhere to industry standards), offer limited protection (i.e. players may not have access to a dispute resolution service) and so forth.
Are there many non-certified online casinos?
It is difficult to estimate the exact number of online casinos that are not certified by a testing agency, but generally speaking, most reputable online casinos are certified by one or more independent testing agencies. While certification by a testing agency is not a guarantee of the fairness, security, and compliance of an online casino, it is a good sign that the casino is trustworthy and adheres to industry standards. There may be some online casinos that are not certified by a testing agency, but it’s important to note that these casinos may be operating illegally, or they may not meet the standards set by the reputable testing agencies.
Are UKGC-licensed casinos always tested by reputable agencies?
Yes. To be able to obtain and maintain a UKGC license, online casinos are required to have their games regularly tested by independent testing agencies such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, GLI, BMM Testlabs, Technical Systems Testing (TST). Obviously, NewCasinoUK only features casinos that are licensed by the UKGC and thoroughly tested by the best agencies in the industry.
What are the most reputable testing agencies for online casinos?
eCOGRA, GLI and iTech Labs are arguably the testing agencies with the most solid reputation in the gambling industry. Other reputable agencies are Technical Systems Testing (TST) and BMM Testlabs (one of the oldest and most experienced private independent gaming certification lab in the world, founded in 1981).
