Independent Audit Casino Audit Facts

Introduction: why independent checks are needed

An audit is an external control that confirms that the platform and games work according to the stated rules and within regulatory norms. It reduces risks for the player (manipulations, incorrect payments) and for the operator (fines, license revocation, data leaks).

Who are the "independent auditors"

Most often we are talking about accredited testing laboratories and information security auditors:

eCOGRA, GLI (Gaming Laboratories International), BMM Testlabs, iTech Labs, QUINEL, SIQ, Trisigma и др.
Labs are accredited according to standards such as ISO/IEC 17025 (competence of testing laboratories).
Auditors under ISO/IEC 27001 (information security management), SOC 2, PCI DSS (payment data) can be involved separately.

What exactly is checked: 6 key blocks

1) RNG and the mathematical model of games

Tests of randomness (series, distributions, correlations), robustness to prediction.

Reconciliation of theoretical RTP and jurisdictional tolerances.

Verification of the immutability of the build: hash sums/signatures, version control, payment tables.

2) Compliance with jurisdiction rules

Betting/age/geo restrictions, responsible play notifications, T & Cs correctness.

Local interface requirements (RTP availability, description of mechanics, warnings).

3) Operator platform

Accounting of bets/winnings, correctness of balances, payment queues.

Event logs (audit trails), retroactive editing protection.

Change management processes: how releases are rolled out, how they are rolled back.

4) Information security

Network segmentation, access management, encryption, backup.

Incident management: how violations are detected, recorded and escalated.

Verification of suppliers: hosting, anti-fraud, payment gateways.

5) Live (live) games

Cameras/streams, comparison of distributions with logs, certification of encryptors/mixers.

Dealer procedures, monitoring delays and synchronizing results with the customer.

6) Operational procedures

KYC/AML (minimum standards), responsible play, complaint handling.

Staff training, record retention, SLA support.

Types of certificates and reports

Game Certificate/RNG Certificate - confirms the correctness of the generator and/or a specific game, its version and RTP.

Platform/System Certificate - compliance of the platform with the requirements (accounting, logs, security, reporting).

Annual/Periodic Review - annual or quarterly review, retest of patches and updates.

ISO 27001/SOC 2 - independent certification of information security practices.

Seal/Mark (seal on the site) - means that the operator is included in the monitoring/certification program of the auditor, and not "an eternal guarantee for everything."

💡 Important: Certificates are bound to versions. Updated the slot - you need a retest or release through the "approved" process.

How is the audit: life cycle

1. Package preparation: game descriptions, RTP formulas, pay tables, RNG reports, platform architecture, information security policies, logs.

2. Laboratory tests: run simulations, stattests, attempts to reproduce bugs/exploits.

3. Process assessment: release, change control, access rights, log storage.

4. Recommendations/fixes: the team makes edits, repeated tests on comments.

5. Issue certificate with version/build IDs and validity/coverage area.

6. Supervision: retests after updates, random inspections, comparison of logs and reporting.

How a player can verify that a "seal" is real

Check the data: operator name, domain, license number, date relevance, list of certified games/providers.

Check the version of the game in the info panel: build/date number; they must match a certified branch.

Look at consistency: if the operator has different RTPs of the same slot without explanation, there is a reason to ask for support.

Careful with "imitation pictures": sometimes the auditor's logo is simply inserted as a picture without supporting details.

Documents: decent operators have accessible pages with a list of certificates and a description of control programs.

What auditors do NOT do

Do not guarantee winnings and do not "twist" RTP for the player.

They do not control every bet in real time - they check the system and samples, and not "sit on the line."

Third-party illegal mirrors do not cover - if you play on a copy of a site with a spoofed domain, the validity of the certificates is questionable.

Do not replace the regulator - laboratories confirm compliance, and coercive measures remain with the licensing authority.

How it relates to the license

Regulators (UKGC, MGA, reformed Curaçao, etc.) require the use of approved laboratories and renewal of certificates for releases.

Violations (version mismatch, untimely retest, "inconsistent" mechanics edits) are a reason for regulator sanctions and certificate revocation.

Myths and facts

Myth: "If there is a seal, then all games are honest forever."

Fact: printing is relevant for specific versions and subject to update processes.

Myth: "Auditors work for casinos and will turn a blind eye."

Fact: laboratories work according to international standards and are deprived of accreditation in case of a conflict of interest.

Myth: "Certificate = protection against all payment delays."

Fact: technical certification of games and platforms ≠ payment processing; the operator and his license are responsible for finance.

RTP and Checks Mini Guide

RTP (theoretical return) is checked for compliance with the declared parameters and tolerances.

Some jurisdictions allow RTP ranges (several "configurations" for markets) - each configuration is tested separately.

The RTP game interface must be open and changes documented.

What is important for operators (practical checklist)

1. Compliance Matrix: Match license requirements with lab and ISO audit reports.

2. Release management: each game/platform update through an approved process with hashes and "white-list" versions.

3. Logs and traces: unchangeable logs, saving "raw" data on rounds and payments.

4. Communications: page with certificates and understandable explanations for players.

5. Vendor management: make sure that your suppliers (games, PSP, anti-fraud) also undergo the required audits.

6. Regular retests: Plan your budget and re-inspection schedule.

What matters to players (short checklist)

Play with operators with a valid license and transparent certificates.

Check RTP and rules in the game itself.

Keep screenshots of disputes (including ID rounds).

In case of conflict: support → escalation to the responsible manager → external settlement procedure/regulator according to the operator's license.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do both the operator and the game provider need to have certificates?

Yes: provider - on RNG/games, operator - on platform/processes. This is complementary.

Why does the same slot have different RTP in different casinos?

Different certified configurations are used for markets and operator conditions. Both must be tested and expanded in the InfoBar.

Can auditors "oblige" to pay the prize?

No, it isn't. They can confirm the correctness of the mechanics/result. Payments are regulated by a license and an agreement with the provider/operator.

An independent audit is not a magic "stamp of fortune," but a strict quality control system: RNG and RTP tests, checking logs and processes, security and compliance with jurisdiction rules. For the player, this is a sign of predictability and honesty, for the operator - a way to work legally and sustainably. The real value of auditing is when game versions are synchronized with certificates, update processes are transparent, and disputes are quickly resolved based on the data being verified.