To ensure that online casino players are treated fairly and that the results and outcomes of the games are always fair and realistic, several notable online casino testing agencies frequently monitor and test the games.

Their findings then tell us, on average, how much the games have paid back in winnings over a certain period. This information is otherwise known as the Return To Player percentage (RTP%) payout rate. Find out which companies test the games and then publish their results for all to see right here.


Which trusted online casino testing agencies are helping to keep players safe?


Many third-party online casino testing agencies worldwide monitor online casinos’ day-to-day operations and test the games we play.

When you play at online casino websites, you want to know that the games with outcomes that are determined by RNGs (Random Number Generators) aren’t cheating you in any way, which is exactly why these companies exist.

Some non-profit organizations work in multiple online gambling jurisdictions, while others only operate in one or two. Also, in some cases, you will find that some online casino testing agencies test the games from just one software provider, and others test the games from multiple software providers.

The most renowned companies in this field are the following:

  • eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance)
  • iTech Global Pty Limited
  • Technical Systems Testing (TST)
  • Gaming Laboratory International
  • Global Lab Limited
  • BMM Testlabs
  • Quinel Ltd

These companies use their software programs to simulate playing the games by playing millions of spins over a certain amount of time (e.g., four weeks or six weeks). The information gathered during this testing period can tell us how much was spent on a game and how much it paid back in winnings.


How do payout rates work?


Here is a quick look at how this works. Let’s just say that eCOGRA or TST is testing the Eye of Horus Megaways Jackpot King (JPK) online slot from Reel Time Gaming and Blueprint Gaming.

If the testing system played 10 million spins at, for example, $/€/£1.00 per spin over a four-week period (which means a total of $/€/£10,000,000.00 was spent), and in that time, this game paid back $/€/£9,832,000.00 in winnings, it means that it had an average 98.32 RTP% payout rate for the period under review.

The remaining $/€/£168,000.00 (or 1.68%) would have been kept by the casino operator/software provider as revenue.

You will find that most online casino games today, especially at trusted sites that are controlled by reputable companies with superb reputations, tend to have games with 93.00% to 98.00% or higher average RTP% payout rates.

Payout rates are also calculated for other games, such as craps, blackjack, video poker, scratchcards, poker games, keno, instant win games, and all other online casino games.


Are all online casino games’ outcomes predetermined by Random Number Generators?


That’s a good question. In fact, the answer is no. Live dealer games, for example, from companies such as Playtech, Evolution Gaming, and Pragmatic Play do NOT use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to produce the outcomes/results.

The outcomes in these games are purely down to luck. However, some live dealer casino games have additional side games that randomly trigger, and when these features play out on a second screen, those outcomes are usually determined by RNGs.

An RNG is an advanced mathematical algorithm program that has been designed to produce results that are as random as possible with no discernible pattern. In other words, you can trust that the outcomes are as fair and realistic as they can be.

Always remember, never sign up for an unlicensed online casino that’s controlled by a dodgy operator, or one that isn’t monitored for fairness by a trusted third-party testing agency.