When choosing an online casino, it’s essential to choose a safe, fair, and trustworthy platform. This is where casino testing labs come in!
These independent organisations rigorously test and certify online casino games to ensure they meet strict fairness, security, and reliability standards.
Based on our experience, knowing a casino’s games are tested by reputable authorities gives you confidence in the integrity and quality of your gaming experience.
On this page, we’ll explain the importance of testing authorities and some of the key things they do. We’ve also put together an overview of the main testing authorities in the online casino industry so you know which testing labs to look for when you’re next playing online.
Let’s start with why they’re important.
The Importance of Testing Authorities
Casino testing authorities play an important role in the online gambling industry. They ensure games are fair (not rigged!) and that your personal information is secure.
Their role involves conducting examinations of online casinos’ software and operational practices. They also test individual casino games, like real money online pokies from some big-name software developers like NetEnt and Evolution Gaming.
Certifications from these authorities show players a casino operates fairly and meets industry standards.
We recommend looking out for testing authority logos when you’re playing at online casinos. Playing certified games at certified casinos helps guarantee the outcomes of your bets are genuinely random and not manipulated.
What Testing Organisations Do
Testing organisations offer a wide range of services for both software developers and online casino sites. Here are some of the most common services designed to help keep players safe:
- Information security: Many testing organisations perform security reviews for online gambling sites to ensure security measures meet compliance standards for the jurisdictions in which they operate.
- Test game functionality: Some testing organisations review online casino games’ performance, compatibility, integration and security to confirm the game works as described to players.
- Vulnerability assessment: Organisations carry out penetration and vulnerability testing services that can be customised to the unique risks of individual casino sites.
- Return to player: Organisations analyse game data from logs to identify patterns that might indicate unfairness and to verify return-to-player (RTP) values.
- Live dealer studios: Some testing authorities offer specialised services for live dealer games, reviewing security, equipment, and game outcomes.
- Random number generators (RNGs): RNGs ensure that game outcomes are both fair and random. Testing authorities rigorously test RNGs using mathematical and statistical analysis to ensure they’re random and reliable.
Several independent agencies specialise in testing, inspecting, and certifying online gambling software and systems globally. Some are more well-known than others. These organisations play a crucial role in maintaining high standards of player protection and responsible conduct within the industry.
Here’s an overview of some leading agencies that provide these essential services:
Leading Testing Agencies — Quick Reference
| Agency | Summary | Website |
|---|---|---|
| eCOGRA | UK-based independent agency specialising in testing, inspection and certification of online gambling software and systems. Also provides Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services. | ecogra.org |
| iTech Labs | Provides comprehensive testing and certification for gaming systems, including RNG and security assessments. Widely recognised in the industry. | itechlabs.com |
| Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) | Global provider of testing, certification and auditing services with offices worldwide to handle various compliance requirements. | gaminglabs.com |
| BMM Testlabs | Established testing laboratory offering product testing, regulatory consultancy and field services since 1981, known for rigorous testing. | bmm.com |
| Gaming Associates | International testing and auditing firm conducting RNG testing, game fairness and security assessments for casinos and developers. | gamingassociates.com |
| Quinel | Offers compliance testing and certification for regulated jurisdictions with rigorous evaluation processes. | quinel.com.mt |
| Trisigma | Provides testing, compliance and approval services including RNG evaluations and security testing to ensure fair gaming experiences. | trisigma.com |
Detailed Notes on Each Agency
eCOGRA
eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (better known as eCOGRA) is an independent, UK-based agency specialising in testing, inspecting, and certifying online gambling software and systems globally. The organisation ensures that online gambling operators adhere to high standards of fair gaming, player protection, and responsible conduct. eCOGRA also provides Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services to resolve disputes between players and operators, helping to promote trust and transparency in the industry.
iTech Labs
iTech Labs is a well-known testing and certification agency in the online gambling industry. It provides comprehensive testing services and certification for online gaming systems, including casino games, betting platforms and lotteries. They perform rigorous RNG testing and assessments of software security and platform reliability. iTech Labs’ certifications are widely recognised and respected, making them a go-to authority for many casinos seeking validation.
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) provides extensive testing, certification and auditing services to ensure the fairness of online casino games. With offices worldwide, GLI can handle a variety of compliance and regulatory requirements across many jurisdictions.
BMM Testlabs
BMM Testlabs is a leading global testing laboratory in operation since 1981. They provide product testing, regulatory consultancy and field services and are known for rigorous testing procedures and compliance solutions to help ensure online casino games are fair and reliable.
Gaming Associates
Gaming Associates is an internationally recognised testing and auditing firm that provides a range of services for online casinos and sports betting sites. They conduct thorough evaluations including RNG testing, game fairness assessments and security evaluations for online casino sites and game developers.
Quinel
Quinel is a key player in the testing and certification of online gambling platforms, offering services such as compliance testing and certification for various regulated jurisdictions. Quinel is known for rigorous testing standards and thorough evaluation processes.
Trisigma
Trisigma provides testing, compliance and approval services for the gaming industry. Their services focus on ensuring gaming products meet regulatory standards and that operators provide fair gaming experiences, including RNG evaluations and security testing.
Conclusion
When playing on Australian online casinos, always ensure that the games have certifications from these trusted testing authorities. These logos are a testament to a casino’s commitment to providing a fair and secure gaming environment, ensuring that your personal information is protected and that game outcomes are genuinely random and not manipulated.
By choosing certified games and casinos, you can enjoy your online gambling experience with peace of mind, knowing you are playing in a safe environment with no rigged games.
Testing Labs FAQ
-
Why is it important for online casinos to be tested and certified by independent agencies?
- Testing and certification by independent agencies ensure that online casinos adhere to high standards of fairness, security, and reliability. These certifications provide players with confidence that the games are not rigged, that personal and financial information is secure, and that the gaming environment is trustworthy and transparent.
-
What types of tests do casino testing labs conduct?
- Casino testing labs conduct a variety of tests including Random Number Generator (RNG) evaluations, game fairness assessments, software security audits, and platform reliability tests. They also perform penetration and vulnerability testing and ensure compliance with regulatory standards specific to different jurisdictions.
-
How can I verify if an online casino is certified by a reputable testing agency?
- Look for certification logos from well-known organisations such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, GLI, BMM Testlabs, Gaming Associates, Quinel, or Trisigma on the casino’s website. You can also visit the testing agency’s website to cross-check certification details.
-
What role do testing agencies play in ensuring the fairness of online casino games?
- Testing agencies rigorously evaluate the RNGs used to determine game outcomes, performing extensive mathematical and statistical analyses to confirm RNGs produce random and unbiased results, ensuring all players have an equal chance of winning.
-
Are there any specific certifications I should look for when choosing an online casino?
- Yes. Look for certifications from recognised testing agencies such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, GLI, BMM Testlabs, Gaming Associates, Quinel, and Trisigma when choosing an online casino.