Are Online Casinos Rigged?
No. Legal online casinos in the US are not rigged. Licensed online casinos are regulated by different gambling authorities in different states. Their game software, video slot machine software, payment processes and random numbering systems are tested periodically for compliance. You can totally trust an online casino in the US operating in defined states with a valid license for operations. Online wagering or physical casinos are also subject to gambling tax regulations and fraud prevention measures.
You cannot expect a single rigged machine at play when the Michigan Gaming Control Board authorized the launch of Michigan online casino gaming and sports betting at noon on Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. Ditto for NJ casinos, WV gambling sites, or PA casino apps which are vetted and regulated by different gambling boards and commissions. These authorities are also on the lookout for illegal machines and gambling.
Here is what the Michigan state defines as gambling brand products that it certifies: integrated system of hardware, software, applications, including all mobile applications and servers through which an operator operates iGaming or sports betting. You can easily guess that they have a strict process to approve and disapprove gambling operators. When you play at a legal gambling site in the US, even affiliates like BonusFinder (us) are approved and listed on the official website.
The answer again: no with a capital N if it is a regulated US casino app.
Licensing Requirements for Fairness
Take a look at some of the categories of licensing requirement forms in the state of Pennsylvania which has both legal sports betting and mobile casinos below. A casino or a gambling vendor that cheats (or wants to) will fail these licensing measures .
- Slot Machine Operator, Management Company and affiliates (Categories 1, 2, 3 & 4)
- Manufacturers
- Gaming Lab Operations
- Manufacturer Designees
- Suppliers
- Video Gaming Terminals
- Fantasy Contest Gaming
- Sports Wagering
- Interactive Gaming
- Gaming Service Providers
- Junket Enterprises
- Licensed Entity Representatives
- Table Games Rules Submission Request
Are slots rigged? Not if they go through a rigorous process of verification.
So, is online gambling rigged? Find the answer to that for your own state by finding out who regulates gambling in your state and whether different forms of online gambling, including lottery, slots, and betting, are actually legal in your state.
Are Online Casinos Fair?
Yes. They are if they hold a license for business in a US state. They are fair. Their games employ a Random Number Generator (RNG) which is also tested for fairness from time to time. They pay taxes. They get tested. They can face complaints and fines. They follow responsible gambling measures. You can raise a patron dispute and file a complaint against a casino in the US.
At the same time, you must note that the Casino or the House always has an edge over the player. The casino will always win by design.The Sportsbook site will have a cut or vig. That is the default setting in a manner of speaking. That may make it look like they are unfair but that is not the case. The moment you deposit money at a casino app, there is a clear statistical probability that you will lose it. You are not going to win a jackpot or even big money each time you spin the reels or draw the cards. Gamble responsibly. And avoid blacklisted casino sites that are not licensed for opeartions in the US.
1-Minute Illustration: US Online Casino License Examination on Desktop
BetMGM PA casino is not rigged. It is genuine, safe, legal.
Take a look at the footer image from the website of the reputed BetMGM casino for real money attached here. Here is what a rigged casino will not tell you which the MGM casinos prominently tell you.
- Licensing number
- Name of supervisory gambling authority
- Geolocation (state) requirement
- Age requirement (21 please)
- Physical casino partner (Hollywood Casino)
Are you on the website of a rigged casino not meant for US players? Well, find that out now before you deposit real cash.
The only exception here is sweepstakes casino gambling. We have provided the list of best sweepstakes casinos on our website. If we have reviewed and listed the site, then it follows the sweepstakes promotional laws in the US. Sweeps casino gaming is an evolving market in the US in 43 states. We will update this space if there is a change in the status quo.
Are Online Slots Rigged?
No. Not if it is part of licensed gambling in the US. For example, if you are playing online slot machines in Michigan, here is what makes it foolproof and not rigged:
- An independent test lab (ITL) must be approved by the MGCB before software or hardware manufacturers can submit their gaming products for ITL review.
- The game manufacturers are required by law to send their independent test lab certification letter to the Michigan Gambing Control Board Gambing Lab.
- The MGCB Gaming Lab will conduct a review of the test lab capabilities before approving it.
Are online slots in your state legit? Check the reports and data available in your state from the Lottery Commission or Gambing control board’s official website.
Are online slots real? Yes, they provide real money gambling option and pay out real money if they operate under supervision and oversight.
Are Online Casinos Safe?
Trusted casinos which operate with valid and legal license are safe. Online casinos available through a quick Google search but not legal in your state of residence may not be safe, fair, and just. Offshore casino sites may not give you transparent information on payments, withdrawals, casino bonus terms, return-to-player data for slots, and other gaming essentials.
Note that no casino is safe in a sense that you could lose big money just with some clicks on your smartphone or desktop computer. So gamble for fun only that much which you can afford to lose.
Do Online Casinos Cheat?
Legal and regulated casinos and sportsbook do not cheat. They are held accountable for their actions. BetMGM casino, DraftKings, or Caesars Palace available in all legal US online casino states do not cheat. If they do, there will be severe punitive actions, including huge fines.
Are all online casinos real or fake? One cannot say the same things about fly-by-night online casinos which do not apply for license in the country they operate in. So before you deposit any money and share your private credit card details with a gambling site or a crypto casino, make sure you ask about the rules and licenses which govern the business. Online casinos scams are also common in the US and elsewhere.
How to Ensure an Online Casino is Legit
Check the signs of a rigged casino below. Avoid these red flags.
- Check the licensing details. Is it prominently displayed on the site? Does it mention the gambling authority granted licenense number in the website footer?
- Does it offer crypto or cash app payments? Bitcoin casinos or cash app casino sites are not legalized in the US.
- Are you allowed to play from anywhere in the US/world? Run away from such a site. A US casino is not based in Curacao, for example.
- Does the site claim to be available for 18 year olds? That is a red flag. Legal online gambling in the US is available for 21 years or older. Physical casino gambling age may be 18 years in some states.
- Who are the prominent game suppliers? Do you see names like NetEnt, Evolution, Habanero, and others? Or is it all in-house gaming slots?
- Are there usual payment methods such as credit card, debit card, PayPal etc?
- Are the welcome bonus terms transparent? A genuine promotion and offer such as the Michigan casino bonus codes for existing players will be respected by the force of law, if needed.
- Is there clear information on return-to-player data, payouts, withdrawal terms, payment processing, dispute resolution, complaints etc.?
Question to Ask When You Doubt Your Casino is Rigged
Write to the customer care team and ask this pointed question: How does the operator comply with all applicable provisions of the internet sports betting and/or internet gaming administrative rules in the state where you are located?
Did you get any answer on that? Is it a clear and honest reply? Does it evade a clear answer? You will start to separate legit from rigged ones after that. Bravo casino-Sherlock!
