Verifying Game Fairness: RTP Reports and Audit Certificates

Fair games are not a guess. You can check them. This guide shows simple steps to verify online casino games using RTP reports and audit certificates. You will learn what RTP means, who tests games, where to find proof, how to read a certificate, and what red flags to avoid. The goal is to help you make safe, smart choices every time you play.

What “fair” means in online casino games

RNG, house edge, and distribution

Fair games use an RNG (Random Number Generator). An RNG is a program that makes random results. Each spin or hand is independent. The game does not “remember.” A fair RNG means you cannot predict the next result. Labs test RNGs to be sure they are random.

House edge is the long-term average advantage for the casino. It is built into the game math. It does not mean you will lose now. It means that over a very large number of rounds, the casino has a small edge.

Distribution means how prizes spread out over time. It is tied to the game math and the RNG. Testing labs check this, too.

RTP vs volatility vs hit frequency

RTP (Return to Player) is the long-term share of all bets that goes back to players as wins. Example: 96% RTP means, over many, many rounds, the game returns 96% of all wagered money to players in total.

Volatility tells how smooth or swingy a game feels. High volatility: fewer, bigger wins. Low volatility: more frequent, smaller wins.

Hit frequency is how often a round pays anything at all. It does not show win size, only how often wins happen.

RTP explained without myths

Theoretical RTP and how it’s set

RTP is set by the game math model. Providers build the model and test it with large simulations. Labs then check the model and the RNG. The number you see (for example, 96.20%) is theoretical, based on huge samples.

Why your short session is different

Your personal session is small. Luck and variance are big in small samples. You may win or lose more than the RTP suggests in the short term. This is normal. You cannot “prove” a game’s RTP by playing a few hundred spins.

Operator-selectable RTP ranges

Some providers offer more than one RTP version of the same title. For example: 96%, 95%, 94%, or lower. Many regulators allow this if it is disclosed. Some casinos choose a lower RTP. You should check which version your casino uses. The game name can be the same, but the RTP can differ across sites.

Who audits and certifies fairness

Accredited labs and standards

Independent labs test games, RNGs, and live equipment. Good labs are accredited under ISO/IEC 17025. Here are well-known labs and useful links:

• Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) — See their GLI standards, like GLI-11 (RNG), GLI-16 (online systems), GLI-19 (interactive), and GLI-29 (shufflers).
• eCOGRA — Testing and seal services for RNG, games, and platforms.
• iTech Labs — RNG and game math testing, with public certificate pages for many titles.
• BMM Testlabs — Global game and system testing, live and RNG.
• QUINEL — Game, RNG, security, and platform testing.
• SIQ — Testing and certification for gaming and lotteries.

GLI	ISO/IEC 17025	RNG, game math, live devices, systems	GLI-11, GLI-16, GLI-19, GLI-29
eCOGRA	ISO/IEC 17025	RNG, games, platform controls, seals	Lab methods aligned to regulator rules
iTech Labs	ISO/IEC 17025	RNG, game math verification	Lab methods aligned to regulator rules
BMM Testlabs	ISO/IEC 17025	RNG, games, live, systems	Lab methods aligned to regulator rules
QUINEL	ISO/IEC 17025	RNG, games, security	Lab methods aligned to regulator rules
SIQ	ISO/IEC 17025	Gaming and lottery testing	Lab methods aligned to regulator rules

What a real certificate includes

Look for these items on a certificate or report:

• Lab name and logo.
• Certificate or report number.
• Game title and exact version/build.
• RNG version (if relevant).
• Scope/jurisdiction (where it is valid).
• Issue date and (if set) expiry or revision date.
• A public link or QR code to verify it at the lab site.

Where to find RTP reports and audit certificates

Inside the game

Open the game. Click the “i” button or help/paytable. Look for an “RTP” line. Many games also show the game version or build number there. Note this number. You will need it to match the lab report.

Provider websites and lab portals

Many providers and labs host public pages with certificates. Use links found on the certificate page itself, or from the provider’s compliance section. Always match the game title and the exact version number.

Regulator databases and rules

Strong regulators set rules and sometimes list approvals:

• UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) RTS
• Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
• New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE)
• Kansspelautoriteit (Netherlands)
• AGCO iGaming Standards (Ontario)
• Spelinspektionen (Sweden)

Policies differ by place. Some regulators require public RTP display. Some require lab testing and ongoing controls. Read the rules for your region if in doubt.

Casino footer and help sections

Good casinos list their license and testing seals in the site footer. Some have a “Fairness” or “Game library” page with RTP info and certificate links. If a seal is just an image and not a link, treat it with care.

How to verify a game’s fairness: a step-by-step checklist

1. Find the exact game ID. Open the game. In the help or “i” screen, write down: Game title Provider name Version/build number RTP number or RTP range
2. Game title
3. Provider name
4. Version/build number
5. RTP number or RTP range
6. Check the RTP value. If it shows a range (for example 94.0%–96.5%), your casino may choose one. Ask support, or compare with other sites that list the exact variant.
7. Verify the certificate. Use the link or QR code on the certificate to open the lab page. Make sure the game title, version, and date match what you saw in-game. If the link is dead, ask the casino for an updated link.
8. Match the jurisdiction. The certificate should cover the place where the casino is licensed. If the casino targets the UK, the game must meet UKGC rules. If it targets Ontario, it must meet AGCO rules, and so on.
9. Compare across casinos. Open the same game on two or three licensed casinos. Check the RTP line in each. If one site shows a much lower RTP, now you know.
10. Validate the seal. Click on any test lab seal in the casino footer. It should open a page on the lab domain (for example, ecogra.org or bmm.com) and show the casino or game details. A seal that is only a picture is a warning sign.
11. Check live dealer extras. For live games, look for testing of shufflers and dealing procedures (see GLI-29). Make sure the provider has live approvals in your market.
12. Crypto and “provably fair.” If a game is “provably fair,” the site should show seed and hash steps. Use the tool they give to verify a round. Do not trust claims without a working verify tool.

• Game title
• Provider name
• Version/build number
• RTP number or RTP range

Interpreting RTP data the right way

RTP is a long-term average. It does not tell you what will happen today. It does not predict the next spin. Short sessions swing a lot.

Labs use huge sample sizes (millions of rounds) to check the math. A few hundred or even a few thousand rounds by you is not enough to judge fairness. Use certificates for proof, not short-term results.

Fairness means random and tested. It is not the same as “good value.” A fair game can still have a low RTP. You can use RTP to compare value across sites.

Special cases: live dealer, jackpots, and provably fair

Live dealer games

Live games use real cards, wheels, or dice. Labs test devices like shufflers and Game Control Units (see GLI-29). Good providers use multiple cameras and secure procedures. Regulators also set rules for studios and dealers.

Progressive jackpots

Jackpots grow with each bet. A small part of each bet funds the prize. The base game RTP and the total RTP can differ. The total RTP can include a share from the jackpot. Check the help screen for both numbers when available.

Provably fair (often in crypto)

Provably fair games let you verify each round with seeds and hashes. The site shows a “server seed,” a “client seed,” and a result hash. After the round, you can check that the hash matches. This proves the site did not change the result after you bet. Still, use licensed sites when possible, and check if a trusted lab has also tested the RNG.

Red flags and how to avoid non-compliant games

• No RTP shown in the game help, or vague text like “competitive RTP” with no number.
• Certificate details do not match the in-game version.
• Static seal images that do not link to a lab page.
• Claims like “third-party tested” with no lab name and no certificate number.
• Unlicensed casino, or a “license” that you cannot find on the regulator site.
• Bonus terms that change game behavior (for example, blocks features) but no notice in the game info.

Trusted sources and independent databases

Use the primary sources first:

• Regulators: UKGC RTS, MGA, NJ DGE, KSA, AGCO (Ontario), Spelinspektionen.
• Labs: GLI, eCOGRA, iTech Labs, BMM Testlabs, QUINEL, SIQ.

If you want curated checks done by humans, use a trusted review site that shows the exact RTP version, build number, and a live link to the lab page. If you read Swedish and play with crypto on mobile, you can also see a handy guide to krypto mobilcasinon. Always cross-check with the official lab or regulator page before you decide.

For operators: quick compliance checklist

• Show the RTP inside the game and on your site. Keep it current.
• Publish game version/build and change logs when RTP changes.
• Host live, clickable lab seals that link to a public verification page.
• Keep certificates up to date and scoped to your licensed markets.
• For live dealer, document procedures and device testing (for example, GLI-29).
• Add clear license details and responsible gambling links site-wide.

FAQs

What is a “good” RTP for slots?

Many online slots with 96% RTP or higher are seen as good value. But rules differ by market. Some markets allow lower RTP. Always check your exact version.

Can casinos change RTP after launch?

Yes, if the provider offers multiple RTP versions and the regulator allows it. Casinos must disclose it. When a casino changes RTP, the game version or build often changes too. Check the help screen often.

How do I know if a lab certificate is real?

Click the seal and open the lab page. The page should be on the lab domain (for example, ecogra.org) and list the game or casino by name. It should have a certificate or report number and a date. If you cannot open it, ask support for a fresh link.

Are live casino games audited?

Yes. Labs and regulators review live studios, devices, and processes. See standards like GLI-29 for shufflers. Big live providers must pass strict checks in markets like the UK and Ontario.

What is the difference between volatility and RTP?

RTP is the long-term return rate. Volatility is how bumpy the ride is. High volatility can have long dry spells and rare big wins. Low volatility pays more often, but usually smaller amounts.

Do higher RTP games guarantee wins?

No. RTP is a long-term average. You can still lose in the short term on a high RTP game, and you can win on a lower RTP game. Play with a budget and time limit.

Why does the same slot have different RTP on different sites?

Because some providers offer more than one RTP version. Each casino can pick one, if allowed by the regulator. Always check the in-game RTP and version number at the site where you play.

Are “provably fair” games better than audited RNG games?

They are different. “Provably fair” lets you check each round with seeds and hashes. Audited RNG games are tested and approved by labs and regulators. The best case is when a game is both licensed and tested, and also offers a working verify tool.

Simple examples of what to match on a certificate

Game title	Exact name of the game	Exact same name
Version/build	Version number in the info screen	Same version/build number
RTP value	For example, 96.20% or a range	Matches the tested RTP for that version
Jurisdiction	Country/market of the casino	Market listed in scope or approval
Date	—	Recent issue or revision date
Public link	—	URL or QR code to verify

Conclusion

You can verify game fairness with a few clear steps. Check the in-game RTP and version. Match them with a real lab certificate. Make sure the scope fits your market. Compare the same title across sites to spot lower RTP variants. Use regulator and lab links for proof, and avoid sites that hide or fake seals. If you like curated lists, use a trusted review site that shows live certificate links and exact RTP for each game version. Play safe and stay informed.

Methodology and editorial standards

• We check the in-game info panel for title, version/build, and RTP.
• We follow links on lab seals to confirm public records.
• We match the version/build number to the lab certificate or report.
• We review regulator standards (UKGC, MGA, DGE, AGCO, KSA, Spelinspektionen) for each market.
• We re-check popular titles each quarter for updates and RTP changes.

Last updated: January 2026

Responsible gambling help

Gambling is for adults and carries risk. Set a budget and a time limit. If gambling causes stress or harm, get help:

• GamCare (UK)
• BeGambleAware (UK)
• National Council on Problem Gambling (US)

Legal note: This guide is for information only. Always follow the rules in your jurisdiction. Only play on licensed sites.