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Are Online Casinos Rigged? Identifying Legit & Fake Sites

February 10, 2026

Licensed online casinos are legitimate and not rigged as they follow rules set by gaming authorities and use tested systems to run their games. 

Unlicensed casinos can be rigged because no one monitors them. The difference is in regulation. 

You will learn how online games work, how to spot fake casinos, what checks to do before you deposit money, and why losing doesn’t mean the casino is cheating you from this article.

Are Online Casinos Rigged?

Not all online casinos are rigged. Here’s the difference between rigged and legit online casinos:

FactorLegit Online CasinosRigged / Fake Casinos
LicenseYesNo
RNG TestingCertifiedNot tested
Game ProvidersKnown companiesUnknown or in-house
WithdrawalsPaid on timeDelayed or denied
TransparencyClear termsHidden conditions
RegulationVerifiedNone
Game FairnessAuditedManipulated
Long-term TrustHighUnsafe

Licensed casinos are regulated by bodies like the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). 

Third-party companies make the games, not the casinos, and then labs test these games to confirm fairness.

Are Online Casinos Rigged
Source: Gemini

Unlicensed casinos can rig games because no other authority is checking if the games are fair or not.

UKGC and MGA require casinos to submit reports, test their games, and protect players. These rules make rigging almost impossible.

Licensed casinos cannot risk cheating. Their business depends on trust. Fake casinos have nothing to lose.

Why Do People Think Online Casinos Are Rigged?

Most people who think casinos cheat have just lost money. You might lose ten times in a row in a true casino game like Aviator, but that doesn’t mean anything. 

Casinos design every game to favor them over time; this is called “House Edge”. It’s how casinos make money. You might win today, but the math favors the casino after thousands of spins.

Why Do People Think Online Casinos Are Rigged
Source: Gemini

Apart from losses, bonus rules also confuse players. If a casino is giving you a bonus, then there will be some requirements and rules. 

You need to follow the wagering requirements and whatever rules the casino has to claim your bonus; if not, then you’ll lose it for sure. 

People share losses online more than wins, and winners rarely post. This makes it seem like everyone is losing their money.

Licensed casinos show you the odds, the return percentages, and the terms. If you lose, the probability caused it, not because the casino is fraudulent.

How Online Casino Games Actually Work?

There are third-party companies that make casino games. These games use Random Number Generators (RNG) to decide outcomes. Casinos host the games, but they don’t control the results.

What Is RNG (Random Number Generator)?

RNG makes sure each result is random, like rolling dice. A dice gives each number from one to six an equal chance. You cannot predict what comes next. 

RNG works the same way in casino games. It creates thousands of random numbers every second. When you press spin, the RNG stops at one random number that decides what symbols appear or what card you get.

Random Number Generator
Source: Gemini

Labs like eCOGRA and iTech Labs test RNG by running millions of fake spins. They check if the results match what probability predicts. If a slot should show a symbol once every 100 spins, they verify that it appears that often over millions of tests. 

Can Casinos Control Game Results?

Licensed casinos cannot change results. The software is sealed, and the labs audit it. Audits catch the change if someone tries to manipulate it.

Fake casinos can control results because no one regulates them. They might use rigged software or make their own games that cheat players. This is why you need to play at licensed casinos. Every spin, card, or dice roll stands alone.

Who Controls Online Casino Games: Casino or Software Provider?

The software provider controls games, not the casino. Companies like Evolution, Pragmatic Play, Microgaming, and NetEnt create games and give them to casinos. The casino displays the games on its site.

Regulators also watch providers. Providers must get licenses and submit games for testing. If their RNG fails, they cannot work in regulated markets.

Casinos need trusted providers to attract players. Offering rigged games would damage their reputation and bring penalties. Both the casino and provider benefit from keeping games fair.

How to Check If an Online Casino Is Legit

Check the casino before you deposit money. Follow this checklist.

Legit Casino Safety Checklist

CheckWhat to Look For
LicenseMalta, UKGC, Curacao
SSL SecurityHTTPS lock in the URL
Game ProvidersKnown brands like Evolution, Pragmatic Play
Payment MethodsUPI, cards, crypto
Withdrawal TermsClear limits and processing times
ReviewsReal user feedback on forums

Casinos show their license number at the bottom of their homepage. You can verify this number on the regulator’s website. 

Check which companies provide the games. Look at payment methods. Read withdrawal terms. Understanding how to withdraw money from an online casino helps you avoid casinos that make cashing out difficult.

Signs of Fake Casinos

  • No license page or fake license number
  • Fake reviews with generic comments
  • Bonuses that look too good to be true
  • No customer support or slow responses
  • Withdrawal requests ignored or denied without reason

If you see these signs, don’t deposit and walk away from that site.

Are Online Casinos Legal And Safe in India?

Online casinos are not legal in India after the Online Gaming Bill 2025. Some offshore casinos accept Indian players, but real money gambling breaks Indian law. 

Are Online Casinos Legal and Safe in India
Source: Gemini

The government regulates online gaming, but casinos that use real money remain illegal despite the fact that real money gaming has a share of 85% in the total online gaming revenue.

You can still access international casino websites from India, but playing with real money brings legal and financial risks.

Banks may block transactions. Indian law doesn’t protect your winnings. You can read more about casino legality in India to understand the current regulations.

Many people confuse casinos with betting. While both involve money, they work differently. Learn about the difference between betting and casino to understand which platforms are safer and how regulations affect each.

Conclusion: Licensed Online Casinos Are Legitimate

Licensed online casinos do not rig games. They use certified RNG systems, work with trusted game providers, and face regular audits. 

Fake casinos can manipulate outcomes or block withdrawals because they operate without regulations.

Do research before you play. Check the license. Read reviews. Understand the terms. If something feels wrong, find another casino. Your safety and money matter more than any bonus.

FAQs

Are online casino games fixed?

Games from licensed casinos are not fixed. They use certified RNG systems that labs like eCOGRA and iTech Labs test. Unlicensed casinos may fix games.

Can online casinos cheat players?

Licensed casinos cannot cheat without losing their license, as audits happen regularly and any manipulation gets detected. 

Do online casinos really pay winnings?

Online casinos with proper licensing pay winnings when you follow the wagering requirements. 

Is RNG truly random?

RNG in certified games is random. It generates thousands of numbers per second. Each outcome stands alone. 

Why do players lose more than they win?

All casino games have a house edge, you might win today, but odds favor the casino after many plays. This is how casinos make money.

Are online casinos safe in India?

Online casinos are not legal in India. Playing with real money brings risks. You can access offshore casinos, but Indian law doesn’t protect your winnings. Use only licensed offshore platforms if you choose to play.

How do I avoid scam casino websites?

Verify the license. Check for SSL encryption. Look for known game providers. Read independent reviews.

Pankaj Mehta is a Casino Games Analyst and iGaming Content Specialist based in Mumbai, India. He reviews Indian and international casino platforms with a focus on legal compliance, fair play, and responsible gaming tailored to Indian users.

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