Online gambling has grown in popularity over the past decade, with revenues forecast at $60 billion by 2020. There is increased scrutiny and skepticism about the fairness and integrity of online casinos with this growth. Rumors and conspiracy theories abound that casino games like slots, roulette, and blackjack are “rigged” in the house’s favor when played online.

Online slots are programmed to pay out less

Many people believe that online slot games are deliberately programmed to pay less than their physical counterparts. The evidence simply does not support this. Random number generators determine payouts on online slots. These RNGs are required to be certified fair and compliant with regulatory standards. Land-based and online slot games have similar payout percentages, usually between 90-98%. While a land-based casino has thousands of slot machines that even out over time, limited samples in online casinos result in natural variance and fluctuations that make some players think the odds are stacked against them when they are not.

Shuffling machines are rigged

In table games like blackjack and baccarat, shuffling machines randomly mix decks of cards. Some claim these machines are rigged to deal more unfavorable hands to players. Again, there is no evidence of this. Independent testing labs certify that shuffling machines work fairly using proper randomization algorithms. And bro138 casinos cannot alter or manipulate these algorithms. Regulations require certified RNGs that cannot be manipulated.

Online dealers affect game outcomes

In live dealer games, some believe that human dealers subtly manipulate outcomes like dealer bust rates in blackjack. However, live games use optical card readers and sensors on tables so that each card and bet is automatically tracked and determined randomly without dealer influence. Dealers have no control over RNGs, shuffling machines, or game software. Their actions are purely facilitative of the game experience.

Casinos change payout rates without notice

Another myth suggests that online casinos clandestinely change payout rates and odds without informing players. It would be extremely risky and unethical. Online casinos are heavily regulated and audited for game fairness and integrity. Drastically altering payout percentages would be detected and severely punished by licensing jurisdictions. Casinos do have the ability to adjust payouts by a few percentage points, but this is always publicly disclosed in rules and pay tables. Major tweaks only occur when a slot machine is nearing the end of its lifespan to account for money already paid out.

Casino software has hidden cheating codes

A more sinister myth proposes that online casino software contains special hidden “cheating codes” that allow the house to manipulate outcomes or deny wins. These claims are outlandish. Casino software and RNGs are heavily scrutinized by regulators and independent auditors, making it nearly impossible to sneak in cheating code undetected. Furthermore, online casino platforms use third-party software like Microgaming and Playtech that the casino operators do not even control or program themselves. There simply is no mechanism for casinos to systematically cheat players with secret rigging codes.