This is a question some players have been asking for years – are online casinos cheating players? There are countless articles and forum posts discussing the issue, but is there a definitive answer? In this article we will take a look at how online casinos work and whether it is possible for them to cheat players or not. In addition, we go over some of the most popular fraud allegations against online casinos. If you want to play it safe, play at a legal online casino that is licensed in Switzerland by the Swiss Federal Gaming Commission and the Federal Council.
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How do online casinos work?
Online casinos use random number generators (RNGs) to ensure that all games are fair and random. RNGs are algorithms that generate random numbers, and these numbers determine the outcome of each game. The RNG ensures that every spin on a slot machine is random and that every hand in blackjack is fair.
Casinos are required by law to use RNGs, and they are regularly audited to ensure that they are functioning properly. So, it is impossible for online casinos to manipulate games in their favor or cheat players.
The most popular allegations of fraud
Casinos have been around for centuries, and with the advent of the Internet, they have also moved online. This has led to a lot of questions about how trustworthy these casinos are and whether they might be cheating players. Some of the most common accusations are the following.
When online casinos refuse to pay winnings
There are a few isolated cases where online casinos refuse to pay out winnings. These are usually due to the fact that the player has violated the casino’s terms and conditions. For example, a player might try to cash out his winnings without meeting the wagering requirements. In such cases, the casino has every right to refuse to pay out the winnings.
However, if a player has met all the requirements and is still denied a payout of his winnings, it is probably fraud on the part of the casino. Therefore, it is important that you only play at reputable online casinos that are licensed and regulated by an official authority.
Many casinos are located on remote islands, such as Malta or Curacao. Often it is no more than a mailbox. This is deliberately intended to make it more difficult for the player to take legal action in the event of a dispute. Moreover, these casinos are often not subject to stricter regulations. So when you play at one of these casinos, you do so at your own risk. With the Swiss Federal Gaming Board (ESBK), Switzerland has a supervisory authority for casinos that also includes online casinos. The SFGB requires that online casinos have a physical presence in Switzerland and be subject to Swiss law. In addition, the operator must be registered in the commercial register and hold a gambling license. Online casinos that meet these requirements can be considered reputable. So don’t fall for unrealistically high casino bonus offers from foreign online casinos. You can be sure that there is a catch somewhere.
Do online casinos manipulate games?
As we mentioned earlier, online casinos use random number generators (RNGs) to ensure that all games are fair and random. RNGs are algorithms that generate random numbers, and these numbers determine the outcome of each game.
Online casinos abroad, however, could dispense with such random numbers and instead program an algorithm that ensures that players lose. You could also artificially program profits into it to keep players hooked. Such manipulations can only be prevented by playing in a reputable online casino based in Switzerland.
Do online casinos change the odds of winning games?
Casinos are required to disclose the odds for each game they offer. So, if an online casino were to change the odds of its games, it would be illegal and the casino would be shut down. Just imagine how much that would cost the owners of the casino. It’s just not worth it for them to cheat players this way.
Are online casinos safe?
Yes, online casinos are safe as long as you play in a reputable casino that is licensed and regulated by the → Swiss Federal Gaming Commission (SFGB, 2024). Play only in online casinos that are registered in the commercial register and have a gambling license. Online casinos that meet these requirements can be considered reputable and safe.
So, if you are looking for a safe and reputable online casino to play at, you should check out our list of recommended casinos. All these casinos are licensed and trustworthy.
The quintessence
Online casinos are not rigged, and they cannot cheat players. However, there are isolated cases where casinos refuse to pay out winnings or commit other fraud. This is usually because the casino is located in a remote country with lax laws or because the owners of the casino are dishonest.
To avoid being scammed by an online cas ino, make sure that you only play at a reputable casino that is licensed and regulated by a Swiss gambling authority. You can also check player reviews to see if there are any complaints about the casino refusing to pay out winnings or committing other scams.
Frequently asked questions
About the author: Alex Baumgartner
Hello! My name is Alex Baumgartner and I run the comparison portal Bestecasinosschweiz.ch.
I have been in the online gambling industry for many years and am the editor of the Gambling and Online Casino Compendium – a reference book on online casinos and gambling (ISBN: 9783744864473).
With over 10 years of experience in online gambling, I’ve seen almost everything before and am happy to pass this knowledge on to you.
My passion for online casinos is evident in my extensive testing, where I combine my enjoyment of the thrill of online casinos with my interest in sharing 100% objective experiences with you.