Slot Testing and Certification: Basic Information for Operators

Before a game reaches players, it goes a long way. Each product requires thorough technical verification, mathematical validation, and legal expertise.

Smart Money experts explain the main principles of certification and how this procedure works.

Comprehensive Online Casino Content Check

In the iGaming industry, all products involve the use of real money and are strictly regulated by law. Furthermore, such solutions have a complex technical architecture and a range of additional features.

For a slot or any other type of entertainment (instant, crash, or card games) to be allowed to become part of the licensed market, it must be tested and certified by independent laboratories.

A comprehensive inspection of land-based betting machines began in the 1980s, when the first accreditation centre, BMM Testlabs, was established. In 1989, the GLI global organisation began its work, revolutionising the evaluation of games and platforms in the industry.

The laboratory developed international testing standards, such as:

• GLI-11 (slots);
• GLI-19 (interactive systems);
• GLI-21 (progressive jackpots), and many others.

About the Assessment of Slots

This is a full evaluation of solutions before their certification and release. The provider must ensure that all products work correctly, fairly, and reliably for different types of players and devices.

Let us look at the key aspects of testing.

Functionality

At this stage, the following aspects are checked:

• whether the game functions as intended;
• whether the symbols and combinations appear on the digital reels in the right manner;
• whether bonus rounds are activated correctly.

It is also necessary to monitor the interface's response to user actions, assess the accuracy of bet or balance recalculations, and evaluate the occurrence of free spins, multipliers, etc.

Mathematics and RTP

Here, the game's financial engine — Return-To-Player percentage — is analysed. It is important that the indicator matches the stated parameters and that the mathematical model is fully reproducible.

RNG

The random number generator must be unpredictable, uniform, and protected from manipulation. Laboratories check the metric using various statistical simulations.

Load Tests

They allow operators to understand how slot machines work when they are affected by external factors (high load, poor Internet, and sudden connection failures).

It is important that sessions are always restored correctly after crashes, without data breaches, loss of the history of bets, or performance degradation.

Security

This is an investigation of reactions to hacking attempts, the launch of sessions, interference with the RTP or RNG, and manipulation through the API protocol. The purpose of testing is to eliminate any bugs that could affect the user experience or lead to significant financial damages for casino owners.

Certification of Slots: Key Features

This is a mandatory procedure during which an independent laboratory checks entertainment content and officially confirms that it:

• is fair;
• works according to the rules of a specific licence;
• is safe;
• does not violate the laws of the country where it will be presented.

Without a comprehensive analysis, no gambling solution (slots, cards, arcades, or roulettes) can enter the legal market: it will not be accepted by either operators or regulators.

Certification is in many ways similar to checking slots. Experts evaluate RTP and mathematical models, RNG, the correctness of bonus features, as well as the product's security and performance.

However, the procedure also covers other areas of testing, due to stricter supervision by the authorities.

Independent experts analyse:

1. Logging and audits. Slot machines must record every bet, victory, bonus, the activation of sessions, and failed transactions. Entrepreneurs store this data and provide it to the regulator upon request. The availability and accuracy of logs are a prerequisite for the certification.
2. UI/UX and RG mechanisms. Many jurisdictions require that the RTP be displayed in the content’s interface and that customers have easy access to the game rules. Regulators prohibit an aggressive animation of wins and misleading messages.
3. Integration with operators and RGS. Slots may fail certification if they are improperly connected to the platform, violate security requirements, or show incorrect financial results. The laboratory checks the connection and protocols as thoroughly as the product itself.

If digital entertainment successfully passes all tests, it is granted a Certificate of Compliance. After that, casino solutions are added to the registry of licensed software, after which they can be launched in the chosen market.

Who Issues Quality Certificates

The inspection is carried out by independent accredited centres authorised to check games for compliance with regulatory requirements. These organisations work closely with leading gambling commissions.

Each laboratory:

• gets government accreditation;
• meets international quality standards (ISO, IEC);
• uses certified testing methods;
• is completely independent from casinos and providers.

Let us look at which international centres usually certify online casino content.

GLI (Gaming Laboratories International)

This is the largest and most influential organisation of its kind, which has been operating in the market for over 30 years and manages a network of more than 20 offices around the world.

GLI certifies games for 480 jurisdictions, and its standards are used as an international benchmark.

The testing centre is distinguished by:

• a strict approach to security;
• thorough verification of RNG, mathematical algorithms, and encryption;
• a comprehensive audit of integration and logging.

Many regulators rely only on the GLI’s opinion. For example, the gambling commissions DGOJ, MGA, and UKGC are guided first of all by the results provided by this organisation.

BMM Testlabs

This is one of the oldest laboratories in the world, operating since 1981. It boasts a highly skilled team of engineers and mathematicians. Besides, it is the main and direct competitor to GLI in the US and Europe.

BMM is considered a pioneer in the entertainment industry. The company introduced RNG verification methods and standards that were later adopted by many regulators.

Today, the institution is recognised in more than 450 jurisdictions, but its services are most frequently used by providers in the US, Canada, and Australia. Brands choose the laboratory for the ease of communication and prompt product check.

The testing centre also participates in the development of RG mechanisms and security technologies. It collaborates with the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and other regulators.

iTech Labs

Many European providers use its work as an industry standard.

Conducting inspections with the brand is extremely in demand among Asian operators and companies from the CIS countries, thanks in part to the fast certification process, ease of interaction, and affordable pricing.

iTech Labs testing is popular among both small and medium-sized studios and large enterprises. The organisation conducts comprehensive checks of RNG, RTP, mathematics, and the functionality of gaming products.

QUINEL

This European laboratory is popular with providers from Malta, Italy, Spain, and Latin America.

Its strength is the verification of algorithms and connection security. The institution offers high-quality technical support and various collaboration formats.

Why Certification and Testing of Slots Is So Important

Today, content evaluation is no longer a formality but an essential step in the creation of casino solutions.

The Audience’s Trust

Gamblers need to be sure that the slot machine works fairly and transparently. Any backspins or hidden algorithms are unacceptable, as is retroactively changing the outcome of sessions.

Testing and certification ensure that:

• RTP matches the stated parameters;
• the results of spins are unpredictable;
• bonuses, additional rotations, and symbols appear correctly.

Financial Risk Protection

Errors in the mathematics of slot machines or reward mechanics cost operators enormous amounts of money. Funds are lost due to overpayments to players, incorrect jackpot calculations, failures in the accrual of bonuses, and excessive winnings.

Testing fixes such problems even before the content is released, preventing risks and financial abuse.

Compliance with Regulatory Rules

Gambling commissions (UKGC, MGA, ONJN, and others) require that each product:

• passes independent certification;
• has a confirmed RTP;
• uses an approved RNG;
• conducts an accurate audit and log analysis;
• protects customer data.

The developers of slot machines are not allowed to deliver their content without compliance certificates.

High Performance

Load and cross-platform tests ensure that games will not crash during prime time and cause mass complaints.

Specialists check the correct operation of each entertainment in the case of:

• simultaneous play by 10 or 10,000 participants;
• poor internet connection;
• many simultaneous free spins;
• the use of older devices.

Protection Against Fraud and Hacking

Errors in logic, protocols, or RNG can lead to:

• interference with the gameplay;
• change in the results of sessions;
• fraud with payouts;
• bonus manipulation.

Security testing identifies such vulnerabilities early, even before they are discovered by gamblers.

Reputation of Providers and Operators

One major incident is enough to make a brand lose credibility and a license.

A qualitative assessment reduces the number of incidents after the release of products, guarantees that their work is completely predictable, and protects the reputation of entrepreneurs and software vendors.

Secrets of Testing and Certification

Let us consider the nuances that developers and project owners should take into account.

Accurate Mathematical Model

The most common reason for failures is a mismatch between the slot machine’s actual behaviour and the stated pattern.

Laboratories can easily reject a digital solution if:

• there are differences in the calculated and actual RTP during modelling;
• the volatility of the product is determined incorrectly;
• there are inconsistencies between the tests and the actual game behaviour.

Before submitting to GLI or BMM, entrepreneurs must run a simulation suite for millions of rounds and compare the results with the initial algorithm.

When identifying discrepancies of more than 0.1%, the accredited centre rejects the content.

Different Configurations

If, after receiving the certificate, the provider has updated the RTP, adjusted the visuals, or modified the animation, such changes require a new audit.

For this reason, it is important to include all the parameters that can be modified through the configuration in the slot machine already at the development stage. This will protect operators from potential fines and questions from the authorities in the future.

UI/UX as Part of Certification

Regulatory requirements for the design of casino solutions may vary:

• Sweden expects the RTP tab to be accessible directly from the game;
• the UK requires project owners to clearly display limits and rules;
• Ontario prohibits visual effects that “encourage people to place bets”.

Thus, the interface of entertainment products is more than just an appearance. It is also part of legal regulations.

Designers need to collaborate with compliance departments to create not only beautiful but also secure game content.

Careful Preparation of Documents

As practice shows, 30% of a provider's effort is spent on testing. This includes a comprehensive review of RTP, RNG, bonus logic, UX requirements, logging, and integration.

70% of the time goes to the preparation of documents, including:

• technical specifications;
• mathematical model tables;
• validation reports;
• RNG diagrams;
• logging protocols;
• checklists for various jurisdictions.

Laboratories can quickly analyse a well-prepared entertainment solution. If the papers are not in order, the process can take 2–3 months or more.

The Main Things about Testing Digital Slot Machines

Certification and audits are mandatory regulatory requirements.

Key aspects that operators should take into account:

• It is possible to undergo an independent evaluation from leading accreditation centres. These are GLI, BMM Testlabs, iTech Labs, QUINEL, and other world-famous laboratories.

• Experts verify the functionality and security of slots, conduct load tests, and study mathematical modules, RTP, and RNG. Special attention is paid to proper logging, responsible gambling mechanisms, and correct integration with operators and RGS.

The Smart Money studio supplies certified and licensed software from leading providers. We also offer unique HTML5 entertainment, turnkey portals, and White Label platforms.

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