How to Evaluate the Fairness of Online Games Using Published Information

When we sit down to play online casino games, there’s one question that lingers in the back of our minds: is this fair? The reality is that determining fairness isn’t about luck or intuition, it’s about understanding what the numbers and certifications tell us. Across Spain and beyond, thousands of players like us are learning to cut through marketing claims and focus on hard evidence. The good news? The information we need is already publicly available. We just need to know where to look and what questions to ask. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to evaluate the fairness of online games using published data that’s actually accessible right now.

Understanding Game Fairness and RTP

Let’s start with the foundation. When we talk about fairness in online games, we’re primarily discussing Return-to-Player (RTP) percentages and the randomness of game outcomes. RTP is the percentage of all wagered money that a game is theoretically programmed to return to players over time. Think of it this way: if a slot machine has an RTP of 96%, it means that over thousands of spins, players should expect to receive back €96 for every €100 wagered.

But here’s what’s crucial, RTP isn’t a guarantee for your next session. It’s a long-term statistical average. We need to understand this distinction because it shapes how we evaluate fairness:

Short-term volatility: You can lose all your money in the short term, even with a high RTP
House edge: The remaining percentage (e.g., 4% in a 96% RTP game) goes to the operator
Variance: Different games have different volatility levels, affecting how often you win and how large those wins are
Actual gameplay: RTP varies between game variants, bonus rounds, and base games, publishers usually list different RTPs for different versions

Reputable operators publish their RTP figures because they’re required to by law in regulated markets. This transparency is actually our first line of defence when evaluating fairness.

Checking for Proper Licensing and Certification

Before we even look at game specifications, we need to verify that the operator holding those games is properly licensed. Licensing isn’t just a badge, it’s evidence that an independent authority has vetted the operation.

For Spanish players, the relevant authorities include:

Spanish Gambling Commission (Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego): Issues licenses for operators serving the Spanish market
EU Regulators: Malta Gaming Authority, Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, and others that are recognised within the EU framework

You’ll find licensing information at the bottom of casino websites, usually in the footer. Don’t just see a license number, actually verify it by visiting the regulator’s official website and checking their active license register. It only takes a few minutes and it’s absolutely worth the effort.

Each license comes with specific requirements:

AspectWhat It Means

Game Testing Requirement	Operators must have games tested before launch
RTP Verification	RTPs must be independently verified
Player Protection	Mandatory responsible gaming tools
Financial Security	Operators must hold customer funds in segregated accounts
Record Keeping	All transactions must be auditable

When we see a legitimate license, we know someone is watching. That oversight matters when evaluating fairness.

Reviewing Independent Audit Reports

Here’s where the real detective work begins. Beyond RTP percentages and licenses, we can access independent audit reports that test game fairness directly. These reports examine whether games actually perform as advertised.

When an independent testing lab like eCOGRA, GLI (Gaming Laboratories International), or TST (Technical Systems Testing) audits a game, they:

Run the game through thousands of simulated spins or hands
Verify that random number generators (RNGs) are truly random
Confirm that the actual return matches the published RTP
Check that bonus features trigger at expected frequencies
Verify that no manipulation occurs based on player patterns

Many operators publish summaries of these audits on their websites, usually under a “Fairness” or “Security” page. Some go further and publish the full technical reports. We recommend looking for operators who provide detailed audit results rather than vague statements about testing.

What should we look for in an audit report?

Test sample size: Larger samples (millions of spins) are more reliable than smaller ones
Date: Recent audits (within the last 12-24 months) are most relevant
Scope: Does the audit cover the specific games you want to play, or just a selection?
RNG certification: Separate verification that the random number generator meets industry standards

If an operator claims to be fair but provides no audit reports, that’s a red flag worth noting.

Analysing Published Return-to-Player Percentages

Now we get into the numbers themselves. When we compare RTPs across different casinos and games, we’re looking at concrete data that tells us something meaningful about expected returns.

First, understand that RTPs can vary significantly:

Slot games: Typically range from 92% to 98% RTP
Table games: Often higher, with blackjack reaching 99%+ RTP in some variants
Live dealer games: Usually 97-99% RTP depending on the specific game

Here’s what we need to know when comparing RTPs:

Different versions of the same game may have different RTPs. A popular slot might be available in several variants, the standard version might be 96% RTP, but a “High Volatility” version could be 94%, while a “Low Volatility” version is 97%. Publishers must list these separately, and reputable operators do. If you can’t find detailed RTP information broken down by variant, the operator might be hiding unfavourable information.

Also consider that published RTPs assume optimal play. In table games like blackjack, this means using perfect basic strategy. In poker variants, it assumes you’re making mathematically sound decisions. Your actual return will be lower if you deviate from optimal strategy.

We also need to be aware of marketing claims versus actual RTPs. Some operators advertise “up to 98% RTP” when most of their games are actually 94-95%. The word “up to” is doing a lot of work in that sentence. Always check the specific RTP of the exact game version you plan to play.

Assessing Game Provider Reputation

The company that creates the game matters as much as the casino operating it. We should know the names of reputable game providers because their reputation is built on consistency and fairness.

Top-tier providers include NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, and others. These companies have been in business for years, maintain multiple licenses, and regularly undergo independent testing. When we see games from these providers, we’re getting established brands with reputations to protect.

But reputation goes beyond brand recognition. Here’s how we assess it:

Track record: How long has the provider been operating? (Generally, 10+ years is a positive sign)
Regulatory presence: Are they licensed by multiple jurisdictions? Multiple licenses mean multiple regulators watching them
Innovation: Do they regularly release new titles? Stagnation can indicate problems
Transparency: Do they publish RTP information freely, or do you need to dig?
Player reviews: What do experienced players say about their games across forums and communities?

You can verify a provider’s legitimacy by checking their official website. They’ll typically list their licenses prominently. Cross-reference those licenses with the relevant regulatory bodies. If a provider’s website is poorly maintained or lacks clear licensing information, that’s worth noting.

One practical tip: look for providers that appear across multiple major casinos. If the same game provider is licensed by multiple operators in different jurisdictions, that’s evidence they’ve passed numerous audits and maintained their standards.

Verifying Security and Data Protection Standards

Fairness isn’t just about game mathematics, it’s also about security. If data protection is weak, the game outcomes themselves could be compromised. We need to verify that the casino uses proper security standards.

Look for these indicators:

SSL encryption: The website should use HTTPS (notice the “s” at the end). This encrypts data between your device and their servers
Data protection certification: Many operators display certifications like ISO 27001 (information security management)
Privacy policy: Legitimate operators have detailed privacy policies explaining exactly how they use your data
Secure payment processing: Payment information should be processed through separate, PCI-compliant systems

When evaluating published security information, we’re looking for specificity. A statement like “we take security seriously” means nothing. Actual data protection standards, specific certifications, encryption protocols, and audit results, mean everything.

Check if the casino publishes a security page or includes security information in their terms and conditions. The presence of detailed security documentation suggests they have nothing to hide. Besides, non GamStop casino sites often provide transparency about their security measures as part of their competitive positioning, yet security standards vary even among such operators, so verification remains essential.

One more thing: reputable casinos use third-party payment processors for sensitive information. This means your credit card details aren’t stored on the casino’s own servers. Always verify what payment methods are available and whether the casino uses trusted payment providers.