Are live casinos rigged, or are they safe?

In the world of online gambling, players often question the fairness and integrity of the games. This article delves into the controversial topic of whether live casino games are rigged, examining both historical instances of fraud and the current safeguards in place to protect players. We'll focus on regulated casinos, where stringent oversight and transparency are the norms. Based on the principle that casinos that are not regulated and controlled are to be taken with a grain of salt, and rarely offer live gaming. While the gaming industry has seen notable scandals, particularly in online poker, live casino games come under a different set of scrutiny. Through detailed analysis and real-world examples, we'll explore the measures that make cheating in live games exceedingly difficult and provide practical tips for players to avoid scams and ensure a fair gaming experience.

Is there any case of fraud on the part of online gambling operators?

While most online gambling sites operate fairly, there have been notable cases of cheating by online gaming operators towards players in the past. It is important to remember a few significant scandals that have highlighted these issues.

Absolute Poker : In 2007, the Absolute Poker scandal erupted when players noticed suspicious activities during high-stakes games. It was discovered that certain employees had access to a "superuser" account, which allowed them to see other players' hole cards. This insider cheating led to millions of dollars in fraudulent winnings. The scandal resulted in significant financial losses for players and a major reputational hit for Absolute Poker. The company eventually faced legal actions, and its operations were severely impacted.
Ultimate Bet Poker : Similar to the Absolute Poker scandal, Ultimate Bet Poker experienced its own cheating controversy between 2003 and 2008. Here, the "superuser" accounts were again utilized by insiders to view players' hole cards and manipulate the games. The fraudulent activities were eventually exposed, leading to regulatory fines and refunds to affected players. The scandal tarnished the reputation of Ultimate Bet Poker, contributing to its eventual closure and a loss of trust within the online poker community.

You can find more information about these cases on this page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cereus_Poker_Network

You will note that the cases discussed here occurred on online poker gaming sites, which are or were easier to manipulate than online casinos. Concerning casinos, there are few proven cases of fraud, especially if we refer to live games. This is what we will study in the rest of this article.

On community sites a lot of conservation deals with online casino fraud

On community sites like Reddit and Quora, there are numerous statements from users alleging that live casino games are rigged. Here are some examples of conversations where players have expressed these concerns:

Reddit - Online Casinos Cheating in Real-Time: A Reddit user alleged that online casinos can cheat in real-time, describing experiences where they felt the game results were manipulated against them. Link to Reddit Discussion
Quora - Bovada Casino Rigged?: On Quora, users discussed whether Bovada Casino is rigged, with several players recounting their negative experiences and suspicions about the fairness of the games. But this remains without proof. Link to Quora Discussion
Reddit - DraftKings Casino Rigged : Users discuss the outcomes that would be manipulated, but without agreeing among themselves and basing themselves solely on feelings. Link to Reddit Discussion
Reddit - FanDuel Blackjack is Rigged: Another thread details player experiences and suspicions about unfair practices, again without providing concrete proof. Link to Quora Discussion

By studying them closely, we can wonder if these discussions do not feature players disappointed after having lost, and perhaps preferring to accuse the casinos of cheating to exonerate themselves from their losses. This is not evidence that casinos are cheating on players. And while these accusations are widespread, they should be viewed with caution, as they often stem from personal experiences and unfortunately lack concrete evidence.

A case of proven fraud: BetOnline Blackjack Controversy (2017):

Players accused BetOnline's live blackjack games of using manipulated shuffles to favor the house. While not definitively proven, the casino changed its live game provider following the controversy.

This is a matter that has been widely commented on, there are still many articles talking about it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PGasgpAJ1o&ab_channel=CLzMrMoss

https://professionalrakeback.com/betonline-blackjackgate

https://www.affiliateguarddog.com/community/threads/betonline-has-responded-to-the-viral-blackjack-cheating-scandal.10589/

https://www.livecasinocomparer.com/news/live-dealer-cheating-betonline/

A brief summary of the facts :

In 2017, BetOnline was embroiled in a controversy involving their live dealer blackjack games. The issue arose when a video surfaced showing a dealer appearing to manipulate the dealing process by pulling a card from the bottom of the deck instead of dealing from the top. This led to widespread accusations of card manipulation and cheating. Players were quick to voice their concerns, claiming that BetOnline was engaging in unfair practices to alter game outcomes. BetOnline initially denied the allegations but later announced that they would investigate the incident. What they did, jointly with the game provider, Global Gaming Labs (GGL), and which resulted in the dismissal of the dealer involved, and which did not make it possible to highlight other frauds than this one.

The controversy also highlighted the role of the game provider, GGL, which supplied the live dealer software and personnel. As the developer and operator of the live dealer games, GGL was responsible for ensuring the fairness and integrity of the games. Following the scandal, BetOnline replaced GGL with Visionary iGaming to restore trust and ensure higher standards of game integrity.

The controversy significantly damaged BetOnline's reputation, led to the cessation of this activity by GGL, and raised broader concerns about the integrity of live dealer games, prompting calls for increased transparency and higher industry standards.

It didn't seem like a large-scale fraud

On closer analysis, the case does not seem very clear-cut, as the provider appeared to be planning to cease trading before the incident. And BetOnline, the online casino where the incident took place, was in the process of migrating. In the end, it seems to have benefited neither of them, and after investigation appeared to be an isolated event rather than a highly developed cheating system.

The investigation revealed that there can be collusion between live dealers and players, even if this is rare, but that in this case, if there are dubious transactions, it is the casinos rather than the players who are the main victims.

https://www.livecasinocomparer.com/news/truth-about-the-betonline-cheating-scandal/

Why is cheating against players very difficult in live online casino games?

Cheating against players in live online casino games is very difficult due to a combination of technological safeguards, regulatory oversight, and transparency measures. Here are the key factors that make cheating against players challenging:

Advanced Surveillance Technology

High-Definition Cameras: Live casino studios are equipped with multiple high-definition cameras that provide clear and comprehensive views of the gaming tables and dealers. This makes it difficult for any cheating to go unnoticed.
Multiple Angles: Cameras cover the gaming area from multiple angles, ensuring that every action by the dealer and players is recorded and monitored.

Stringent Regulatory Oversight

Licensing and Regulation: Reputable live casino providers operate under strict licenses issued by regulatory authorities. These regulators impose stringent rules and conduct regular audits to ensure fair play.
Third-Party Audits: Independent organizations frequently audit live casinos to verify that their games are fair and random. Note that most providers, to prove their seriousness and honesty, use independent certification bodies. When this is not the case, this is something that should alert you.

Transparent Operations

Live Streaming: The games are broadcast live, allowing players to watch the dealer's actions in real time. This transparenc helps build trust and makes it difficult for the casino to manipulate the game. In addition, everything is recorded, and in case of doubt it is possible to carry out checks.
Real-Time Interaction: Players can interact with the dealer and other players in real-time, creating an environment similar to a physical casino and adding an additional layer of scrutiny.

Secure Technology

Random Number Generators (RNGs): Although live dealer games rely on physical cards, wheels, or dice, RNGs are used in other types of online casino games to ensure outcomes are fair and unpredictable.
Encryption: All data transmitted between players and the casino is encrypted, making it difficult for external parties to interfere with or manipulate the game.
Bet Tracking: Casinos track all bets and gameplay in real time, allowing them to detect any unusual patterns or behaviors. But it can also allow players to check if there are any game sequences that are distorted or abnormal. Very often the impression can be distorted when we only remember the few previous moves. For example, red or black can come up 5 or 6 times in a row on roulette, and this can be perceived as cheating. But the study of a large number of moves allows us to verify that this is balance, and if the casino cheated, it would be visible.

Dealer Integrity

Training and Monitoring: Dealers are highly trained professionals monitored by the casino's internal security team. Any suspicious behavior can be detected and addressed promptly.
Recorded Sessions: All live gaming sessions are recorded, allowing for post-game reviews if any disputes or suspicions arise. And this can be used in the event of a dispute, notably as we saw above in the BetOnline affair. All the videos of the dealer involved were studied closely to check whether he had committed other faults.
Neutral Interest: Dealers typically do not have a vested interest in the outcome of the games. Whether the players win or lose makes no difference to them, as their compensation is not tied to the results of the games.

Community and Social Oversight

Player Communities: Active player communities often share their experiences and raise awareness of any suspicious activities, creating an informal oversight. Even if it is necessary to emphasize at this level as we had already discussed, that some disappointed players may have suspicions of cheating on the part of the casino, which is most often false.
Social Media and Reviews: Negative experiences or accusations of cheating can quickly spread on social media and review sites, incentivizing casinos to maintain fair practices to protect their reputations. At this level we can note that the reputation of casinos is very important, difficult to acquire, and that it can disappear very quickly in the event of fraud. The vast majority of them would not want to taint it, because it remains a profitable activity, even without cheating.

Profitability and Business Model

Inherent Advantage: Online casino games are designed with a built-in house edge, ensuring that the casino has a statistical advantage over time. This means that casinos can rely on the natural variance of the games to generate consistent profits without needing to cheat.
Large Player Base: Online casinos attract a large number of players from around the world, ensuring a steady flow of revenue. The volume of play and the variety of games offered contribute to the profitability of online casinos.
Winners are the best advertising: Casinos want some players to win big, as this is a good way to attract new players. The casinos are not going to cheat, because that would mean fewer players winning, and therefore reduce the number of new players.
Lower Overheads: Online casinos have lower operational costs compared to brick-and-mortar casinos. They do not need to maintain physical premises, which allows them to allocate more resources to security, game development, and customer service.
Risk of Cheating by Providers Game providers like Evolution Gaming create and maintain the games, ensuring fairness and regulatory compliance. Online casinos host these games, manage accounts, and handle transactions, without controlling game outcomes. If providers cheat, they risk losing casino partnerships and facing regulatory penalties. This would damage their reputation and player trust, making cheating unviable. Both parties benefit from maintaining fair play and adherence to regulations.

These combined factors create a robust system that deters and detects cheating. The high level of transparency, regulatory scrutiny, technological safeguards, and the profitable nature of the business models make it very difficult for live online casinos to cheat players without being detected. Additionally, the neutral interest of dealers and the focus on maintaining a good reputation further discourage any dishonest practices.

Essential Tips to Avoid Scams at Live Casinos

Now let's move on to some tips that every live game player should follow:

Choose Reputable Casinos : Select casinos with strong reputations and positive reviews. For this you can use review sites and select the best rated casinos.
Verify Licensing : Ensure the casino is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority. Check the casino’s website for licensing information and verify it with the regulatory body. Look for licenses from recognized regulatory bodies like the UK Gambling Commission or Malta Gaming Authority.
Research Game Providers : Play at casinos that use trusted game providers such as Evolution Gaming or Playtech. These providers are regularly audited for fairness.
Secure Transactions : Ensure the casino uses SSL encryption to protect your financial transactions and personal data. Look for HTTPS in the website URL.
Read Terms and Conditions : Carefully read the terms and conditions, especially those related to bonuses, withdrawals, and wagering requirements.
Test Customer Support : Contact customer support with questions before depositing money. Reliable casinos offer responsive and helpful customer service.
Use Trusted Payment Methods : Opt for secure and well-known payment methods like credit cards, e-wallets (e.g., PayPal, Skrill), or bank transfers.
Check for Audits and Certifications : Look for casinos audited by third-party organizations like eCOGRA or iTech Labs, which certify game fairness and randomness.
Consult Casino Blacklists : Check online casino blacklists maintained by reputable sources to ensure the casino you are considering has not been flagged for unethical practices or fraud.

Our opinion on the honesty of live casino games

After examining the evidence and understanding the rigorous safeguards in place, it is clear that regulated live casino games are designed to be fair and transparent. While historical cases of fraud in online poker have cast a shadow on the industry, live casino games operate under stringent regulations and continuous surveillance, making cheating exceedingly difficult. Accusations often arise from frustrated players, but without concrete proof, these claims remain speculative. Ultimately, players can enjoy live casino games with confidence, provided they stick to well-regulated and reputable platforms. The combination of technological safeguards, regulatory oversight, and a robust business model ensures that the vast majority of live casino games are fair and secure.