Casino Cheating: Can Online Slots Be Rigged?

Whether you are a newbie in the world of online gambling or you are a season’s veteran already, there is one you every can agree upon: there is a myriad of choices when it comes to the types and kinds fo games one can play. However, out of all these games, online slot machine games are, without a doubt, the most popular genre.

One proof of this is the presence of online slots in almost all online gambling platforms. While genres of gambling such as online sports betting or virtual sports betting may not be offered by some sites and services, one can always expect online slot machines to be present no matter which provider they choose.

With the popularity of this genre like the Starburst slot game in India, one of the most common concerns about online slot machine games is that: can they be rigged? Can these games, considering that they are digital and runs on a computer program, be fixed to make players lose or win at will?

To answer this, it is critical to understand how online slot machine games work first.

How does an online slot work?

Online slots are games that run on a computer program developed by game developers. These games are dependent on a computer algorithm called Random Number Generation, or RNG. While it is true that a computer program can be “programmed” to give out a specific outcome or result, online slot games are not developed that way.

Take this situation as an example: classic video games from older generation consoles such as “Super Mario Bros.” form the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) do not run on RNG. As proof, a player can actually memorize the pattern of the game elements if they study and analyze it enough. In fact, there had been a countless number of players who had done a “speed run” of the game (meaning, they finish the entire game as fast as possible) by memorizing how the game works.

With games running on RNG like online slot machine games, this feat is impossible to achieve as there is no way to discern a pattern to the game.

What is RNG?

This algorithm is the one mainly responsible for determining the result of every “spin.” The purpose of RNG is to generate a random number or result in every instance so that there won’t be any preset or predetermined result or a pattern at anyone can decode and thus break the game.

The only thing programmed about RNG is the odds or the chances of winning a certain amount. While everything is random and nothing is predetermined, there is a set level of chance of a player getting a certain result. For example, a certain online slots game may have a progressive jackpot and stats with a 3% chance of hitting the big jackpot. As more players continue to spin, this chances increase.

What if I get cheated?

While it is hard to prove that you have been cheated by an online slot game, there is a way to prevent any form of cheating in the first place. This is by playing only on trusted and government-registered sites and platforms.

The reason for this is that online casino sites and apps that are legally registered under the government have passed standards set by the state, and this includes standard on fair and transparent gaming--which means, no cheating.

Another thing that may give an extra layer of peace of mind for concerned players is that legal sites and platforms offer reliable 24/7 customer services. This means that should problems arise, players can always get in touch with a representative to help them resolve the issue.