Online gambling has taken a high place in today’s culture thanks to its accessibility and simplicity. With one click, players from all over the world can access their favourite casino games. However, how safe is online gambling, and in what ways do the best real money online casino Canada sites ensure fair play? Keep on reading to find out.
Measures and Technologies Behind Game Fairness
When you tap the roll button on your favourite slot game, you probably don’t think about the mechanics behind it, i.e., how the results are obtained and what are your odds of winning. However, you should know that the systems behind the flashy interior of casino games make the biggest difference between a good and poor online gambling platform.
Namely, legit online casinos use a large number of technologies to ensure game fairness. Find out how with the help of our CasinoOnlineCA experts.
Licensing and Regulation
The first thing that guarantees the transparency and fairness of an online casino is its license. A gambling license obtained by the relevant regulatory body ensures that the operator adheres to gambling rules. This implies that the operator is not involved in illegal activities, that it provides safe and fast transactions, and that it practices responsible and fair gaming, i.e., that its games are not rigged.
Authoritative regulatory bodies in Canada include:
- Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission
- British Columbia Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch
- Kahnawake Gaming Commission
- Nova Scotia Alcohol and Gaming Authority
- Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
- Quebec Régie des Alcools des Courses et des Jeux
Other regulatory bodies include:
- United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- Curacao eGaming Licensing Authority
In addition to that, online casinos that have a gambling license offer channels through which players can file complaints about potential issues.
Software Providers
What’s more important than the quantity and quality of the games? Their fair outcomes. That said, to ensure fair play, Canadian casinos provide games powered by reputable software developers who use advanced algorithms to guarantee random game outcomes.
Some of the most popular software providers that create provably fair games are NetEnt, Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, and Playtech.
Regular Audits
To prove their transparency and trustworthiness, online gambling platforms regularly audit their casino games via independent testing agencies. These agencies use different algorithms, such as random number generators, to ensure that game outcomes are random and fair.
Independent auditing agencies usually perform these tests every month, and reputable online casinos often publish the results of the tests on their sites, as well as the stamp of the agency that audits their games.
The most prominent auditing agencies on the iGaming scene are:
- eCOGRA
- Technical Systems Testing (TST)
- iTech Labs
- Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
Provably Fair Technology
Online casinos use provably fair technology, i.e., algorithms that allow players to check game results through cryptographic systems. These systems are based on the SHA-256 encryption, and they rely on the following factors:
- Server seed – this is a randomly generated number that players can see in a hashed version before placing a wager. In this way, the casino demonstrates that the outcome of the game is pre-determined.
- Client seed – this is a random number generated by the player before placing the bet.
- After the player places a bet, they’ll get an unencrypted form of the client seed number, which they can use to verify the results of the game.
In short, by using provably fair technology, players can ensure the game outcomes are 100% fair and random by checking the results in real time.
The Role of Random Number Generators
Random Number Generators, or RNGs, are complex algorithms that generate random symbols or numbers that are statistically unpredictable. These numbers are not related to previous and future numbers, meaning they don’t follow specific patterns.
Random number generators greatly reduce the possibility of error since they predict game outcomes using mathematics, not human intervention. That said, by using RNGs, online casinos guarantee that no one manipulates the results and that they are based on pure luck.
RNGs are used to predict the outcome of all types of mobile casino games for real money and their desktop counterparts. Namely, they determine the card distribution in table games, the position of the ball in roulette, and the symbols displayed on the slot reels.
Another thing that’s vital in ensuring fair play is regular inspections. That’s why prominent online casinos also audit their RNG systems via third parties, whose task is to regularly assess and verify their accuracy.
Responsible Gaming Policy and Player Protection
The Responsible Gambling Policy aims to reduce and prevent problems related to gambling. It incorporates various initiatives that promote player protection, as well as recommendations for gambling addiction treatment.
On that note, prominent online gambling platforms in Canada provide the following player protection tools.
Deposit Limits
Deposit limit tools refer to limiting the amount of money that players can deposit on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. These limits differ from casino to casino, however, they typically range from CA$1000 to CA$10,000.
After the players reach the pre-determined limit, they won’t be able to go over it, which will prevent them from chasing losses. This tool also helps players to manage their bankroll.
Loss Limits
Using the loss limits tool, players can set a limit on daily, weekly, or monthly losses that they won’t be able to exceed. This tool is very helpful because it helps players to keep track of their finances and not to spend more than they can afford.
Time-Out Sessions
Time-out sessions prevent players from accessing their casino accounts for a certain period of time, such as 24 hours, 2 days, one week, and one month. During time-out sessions, players won’t be able to log into their accounts, make deposits, or play games, although some online gambling platforms will allow withdrawals.
Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion refers to voluntarily giving up gambling for a certain period of time, lasting a minimum of 6 months. During the self-exclusion period, players won’t be able to access their casino accounts, as well as online gambling platforms in their province.
Each province has its own self-exclusion program:
- Alberta – AGLC’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
- British Columbia – BCLC’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
- Manitoba – MLL’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
- Ontario – OLG’s My PlayBreak Program
- New Brunswick – NBLGC’S Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
- Nova Scotia – Nova Scotia Gaming’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
- Prince Edward Island – PlayWise Information Centres
- Quebec – Loto Quebec’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
- Saskatchewan – SIGA’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
Other Ways Casinos Maintain a Level-Playing Field
To ensure that their games are 100% fair, in addition to the above-mentioned measures, online casinos in Canada publicly display payout percentages of their games so that players know what return-to-player rate to expect. This can help them understand the importance of gambling odds. Likewise, all casino games must match the RTP percentages provided by their developers.
The same is the case with sports betting, where bookies publicly display the odds for each sports market so that bettors can compare their odds with odds at other sportsbooks.
To promote responsible gambling, online casinos allow their members to access their betting and payment histories. This can benefit both players and operators. In other words, it helps players track their gambling activities and transactions, while casinos can use this data to detect suspicious behaviour and prevent fraud.
Another thing that’s important is the transparency of the operators regarding their privacy policies. Since casinos collect personal information of their players, such as name and surname, address, and phone number, they must inform their members about the way they use this personal information.
Furthermore, they must utilize strict security measures to protect personal data, such as SSL and TLS encryption and two-factor authentication.
To keep up with the latest trends, online casinos take into account the feedback of their players. This is the easiest way to find out what should be improved and how they should adjust their offers.
And finally, to maintain a level-playing field, gambling operators provide multiple support channels, such as 24/7 live chat, phone, and email. Good customer service includes knowledgeable and responsive agents who will quickly solve issues related to games, payouts, and bonuses.
How To Hold All the Aces
If you want to create an account on online gambling platforms in Canada, make sure they comply with fair game policies. The most important thing is that they are licensed and regulated by a reputable gambling body. This guarantees they comply with all gambling standards.
Furthermore, they must use Provably Fair technology or Random Number Generators to ensure the outcomes of their games are random and fair. And finally, they must advocate for responsible gambling by providing player protection tools, like deposit limits, time-out sessions, loss limits, and self-exclusion.