How Online Casino RNG Testing Labs Work
Online casino testing labs exist to confirm that the random number generators (RNGs) behind your slots and table games behave fairly over time.
These accredited groups run statistical tests, review code security, and verify that outcomes are mapped correctly to each game’s rules and stated RTP.
As someone who reviews certificates regularly, I look for lab badges, matching entities, and current validity dates before I deposit.
In this guide, I’ll show how RNG testing works, which labs you’ll see most often, and the quick checks you can run to confirm a casino’s claims.
RNG Basics: PRNG vs. “True” RNG
A random number generator is the engine that picks outcomes for digital casino games. Most online casinos use PRNGs, software algorithms that produce unpredictable sequences when properly seeded and secured.
A “true” RNG uses physical phenomena (like electronic noise) and is more common in hardware devices.
For online slots and digital table games, a PRNG is standard, and when it’s tested and certified, it delivers fair, unpredictable results over time.
How a Casino PRNG Works in Practice
When you spin a slot, the game asks the RNG for numbers. Those numbers get mapped to reel positions, cards, or wheel segments according to the game’s rules and paytable.
The animations you see are just a visual replay of that instant outcome. They don’t influence the result.
Behind the scenes, the PRNG keeps an internal state that changes with each call, so the next outcome can’t be predicted.
What RNG Testing Actually Proves
Certified gaming labs examine three big areas:
- Statistical randomness: Large sample tests check for uniform distribution and independence (e.g., frequencies, serial correlation, and runs tests). The goal is “no detectable bias” within agreed confidence limits.
- Security and implementation: Labs review the algorithm, seeding methods, version control, and protections against tampering or prediction.
- Outcome mapping and RTP: Labs confirm the RNG’s outputs are correctly mapped to game events and that the game’s return to player (RTP) matches the stated percentage over the long run.
Main Certified Gaming Labs
Independent test houses work with regulators, studios, and operators to validate RNGs and games. Here are the gaming labs players most often see at safe online casinos:
| GAMING LAB | EXAMPLE RECOGNITION/REACH | SCOPE | PUBLIC CERTIFICATE/SEAL | ISO/IEC 17025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eCOGRA | Multi‑jurisdiction | RNG, games, platforms, controls | Often | Yes |
| GLI | Global | RNG, games, platforms, security | Varies by client | Yes |
| iTech Labs | Global/MGA and Beyond | RNG, game math, platform | Often | Yes |
| BMM Testlabs | Global | RNG, games, platforms | Varies | Yes |
| Gaming Associates | MGA and Other Markets | RNG, games, platforms | Often | Yes |
Editor’s note: Jurisdictional coverage changes over time. Use this table as a player‑friendly starting point, not a legal list.
Gaming Labs Explained
eCOGRA
A well‑known UK‑based testing and certification body for RNGs, games, platforms, and operational controls. Many operators display an eCOGRA seal that links to a public certificate page.
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
A global testing provider with detailed technical standards for RNGs and game submissions. GLI issues formal reports and is recognized by regulators worldwide.
iTech Labs
An accredited lab that certifies RNGs, game math, and platform components. You’ll frequently see iTech Labs certificates for individual studios and titles.
BMM Testlabs
One of the longest‑standing private gaming labs. BMM tests RNGs, platforms, and games across numerous regulated markets.
Gaming Associates (GA)
A testing and certification provider commonly seen in Malta and other jurisdictions. Gaming Associates issues RNG and game certificates for studios and operators.
Tip: These labs are typically ISO/IEC 17025 accredited, which means their testing processes meet recognized international standards.
How RNG Testing Works
Here’s the typical lifecycle from a developer’s first submission to a certificate you can check.
Submission & Build Integrity
The studio submits its RNG and game build to a lab. The lab records hashes and versions so the tested code matches what goes live. If the software changes later, the process flags what needs re‑testing.
Statistical Batteries & Distribution Checks
Labs run millions of virtual spins or rounds and apply a suite of statistical tests. Plain‑English version: they’re checking that the results don’t clump, skew, or repeat in patterns beyond what chance allows. If the data looks biased, the build fails and must be fixed.
Security, Seeding, and Change Control
A strong RNG depends on good seeding (the starting values) and secure handling of its internal state. Labs review how seeds are generated and protected, how entropy is handled, and how code updates are managed. Significant changes typically require re‑evaluation.
Game Mapping & RTP Verification
Even a perfect RNG can be wired incorrectly to a game. Labs check that the RNG outputs map to the right reels, cards, or wheel segments, and that the RTP—measured over massive samples—matches the game’s published percentage.
What Regulators Require
Most regulators maintain lists of approved test houses and require new or updated games to be tested.
Many also mandate periodic audits and production controls so the live code stays aligned with what the lab certified.
Some markets allow multiple RTP versions of the same title; others set ranges or minimums. That’s why the same slot may show different RTPs depending on where you play.
How You Can Verify a Casino’s RNG Certification
You can often confirm a site or game’s status in under two minutes.
All you need to do is scroll to the footer and look for a badge from eCOGRA, GLI, iTech Labs, BMM, or Gaming Associates. Then click through to the lab-hosted certificate.
Confirm the company name matches the casino brand or game studio, check that the scope covers RNG, game and platform as relevant, and make sure the validity dates are current.
Read more about how to audit an online casino’s RNG as a player.
What RNG Testing Doesn’t Do
It Doesn’t Change RTP or Guarantee Wins
Certification verifies that the game behaves as specified—it doesn’t make it pay more. Randomness includes cold streaks and hot streaks that are normal within variance.
It Doesn’t Cover Operator Behavior Outside the Game
RNG testing is about software fairness. You should still evaluate an operator’s banking options, payout speed, bonus terms, and customer support separately.
Confidence Comes From Verification
Independent online casino testing labs are a cornerstone of fair online gaming. RNG certification tells you the game’s outcomes are unpredictable and its math performs to spec over time.
Before you deposit, or when a game feels “off”, run the quick certificate check. It takes a minute and gives you confidence that you’re playing on a fair setup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Casino Testing Labs
Is live dealer software RNG‑tested?
Live dealer outcomes come from physical cards, wheels, or dice. Some hybrid features—like side bets or shufflers—may still use an RNG and be tested accordingly.
Do offshore casinos use certified labs?
Yes, many reputable offshore casinos do. Look for recognizable lab badges and valid certificate links.
Can a casino switch a game’s RTP after certification?
Only via approved updates. Major changes typically require review by a certified lab and, where applicable, regulator sign‑off.