QWERTYLABS: The importance of provably fair in iGaming

Online gambling continues to evolve, leading to more innovations like provably fair iGaming titles. After emerging in late 2010/early 2011, it has reshaped how players interact with online casinos by boosting trust in the platform and the games. Once seen as a novelty, it has rapidly become the centrepiece of the gambling industry, especially the crypto casinos that aim to attract players.

The idea behind provably fair technology is simple: due to experiences with deceitful platforms, players want assurance of a fair gambling experience. Such issues won’t arise with online casinos backed by provably fair gambling tech, which is growing fast as players increasingly seek blockchain-based platforms.

Discover how provably fair tech has become increasingly common in the iGaming industry, and why it is significant for platforms that aspire to grow sportsbooks and casinos.

What is provably fair?

In iGaming, provably fair systems are designed to ensure you won’t get cheated out of your money in the games. This technology ensures a strong sense of trust, fairness and integrity, benefiting everyone involved. As a result, online gaming platforms are safeguarded against the risk of exploiting their players, and users can enjoy their gameplay knowing their funds are secure.

With this, you get reassurance that the games are solely for fair entertainment and free from manipulation. You might find it out of place, but knowing that every roll or spin is random ultimately benefits you in the long run. There is less risk of third parties interfering with the games’ fairness, so you can focus on playing without worrying about external influence.

How does provably fair work in online casinos?

Online gambling has been in a grey area for a long time due to uncertainty surrounding its legitimacy. Some people would win substantial sums, but others struggled due to being misled. In traditional online gambling, players had to rely on technology and software. 

However, the systems change with cryptography, randomisation protocols, and carefully designed mechanics that ensure the game is fair and not influenced by an ulterior motive. A complex algorithm works behind the scenes to create random results. Before a game even begins, casinos generate a secret string of characters known as a server seed, which is cryptographically hashed and shared with you. 

You then provide your client seed, adding a layer of randomness to the game. A nonce, which is a number that increases with each bet, is also used to produce a random result. The interaction between all these elements is processed through SHA-256, which guarantees that your gameplay is random and tamper-proof. This helps avoid any possible manipulation, upholding the crypto casino fairness expected from a reputable online casino.

The basic components of provably fair systems

Provably fair systems are built on three essential components, each playing a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of every game outcome. You must understand all the elements to know how the system protects you and establishes the platform’s credibility. Here are the components:

1. Server seed - The server seed is generated by the casino’s server before the game starts and is cryptographically hashed with SHA-256. This hashed form is given to you, proving that a value exists, but you won’t know the actual server seed until after the game concludes. This prevents anyone from changing the server seed after the result is determined, which helps maintain and verify the game’s fairness.
2. Client seed - The client seed is a value you provide or is generated by the system on your behalf. It adds a layer of randomness, making it impossible to predict or influence the outcome. You will often have a customised client seed based on your device.
3. Nonce - A nonce is the number that starts at zero and increases by one unit for every bet you make or during every game round. It ensures that the server and client seeds might change, but every game result is different. The nonce is the factor that proves every result is unique by preventing the formation of predictable patterns.
4. SHA-256 - This is the cryptographic hash function that generates a fixed-size and 256-bit hash value from input data.

Provably fair vs RNG

You must understand the distinction between provably fair systems and the random number generators (RNGs) typically used in games. The latter is still vital for providing transparency and determining your game outcomes. They might have the same end goals, but they contrast in their implementation, predictability, and how trustworthy they can appear to you. 

RNG is a tool used in almost every online casino game. It uses algorithms which are often tested by third parties to generate random results. There are no means to verify the games’ fairness in real time, which is why you must trust that the system functions well. 

A provably fair casino, on the other hand, uses cryptographic techniques to give players a chance to verify the fairness. The systems rely on an RNG to produce the randomness, but they differ from the complete verifiability of the tech. You get the server seed, client seed, and nonce that produce the outcome. 

Both provably fair systems and RNGs ensure unpredictability, but only the former gives you the tools to prove it. You won’t need to rely on any outside party or tool to confirm that. Here is a clear contrast between the two sides:

Why provably fair supports safer gambling

Provably fair systems go beyond transparency; they also play a major role in enhancing safety and integrity and promoting responsible gambling at online or crypto casinos. You can independently go through gameplay verification to check every game result. The systems create safe online casinos where you can feel more secure and empowered.

As a player, you have control over your gaming experience by verifying the game outcomes instead of blindly relying on the system. This reduces concerns regarding possible tampering, as provably fair systems prioritise player security. It acts as a shield against fraud and other unethical practices, ensuring every result is generated fairly to prevent scams and protect users.

How to verify a provably fair game

Independently checking if a game is fair is a big part of provably fair in iGaming. The concept sounds more technical than most, but the verification process is pretty straightforward when you know the steps. Here is a simple guide on how you can verify the game: 

1. Collect the server seed, player seed, and nonce - After a game round ends, the casino provides you with the original server seed, player seed, and nonce. All these elements are vital to determine the outcome of spins or rolls. 
2. Use a hash function - After getting the seeds and nonce, they are combined using a hash function, which is often SHA-256. The hash output determines the game’s random result, like your slot spin or a card dealt on a table.
3. Input the values into verification tools - Many provably fair online casinos have their player verification tools built into their well-managed website. If you don’t see that, you can easily search for one. Input all the necessary info, like the two seeds and the nonce. The tool generates the game result exactly as it happened, so you can be certain it is fair and random.
4. Compare the outcome - Look at the results the tool generated and check the game outcomes. You know the provably fair tech works if they are the same.

The benefits of provably fair systems for operators

Any online casino operator should recognise the advantages of having a provably fair system. With the expectations for iGaming platforms and games, ensuring solid iGaming fairness is vital. Since they are backed by cryptographic proofs, these systems have become necessary for online gambling sites as they provide transparency beyond the usual RNGs. 

Now, you can verify the results without worrying about a provider having a faulty game. This enhances the credibility of platforms by minimising disputes. Apart from that, there are other benefits of implementing provably fair systems. Check them out below:

Builds player trust

Every online casino aims to retain its current players while attracting new ones. The best way to do that is to prove that the platform is trustworthy. Transparency plays a huge role in reducing the number of player complaints and refund requests. With provably fair systems, operators save time and money as these help address concerns. 

Increases customer loyalty

As the quality of the gambling experience improves through provably fair systems, players are likely to become more loyal to the platform, knowing it is honest. The systems are in place to provide a fun and fair experience, so giving that without issues could foster loyalty as players feel valued.

Enhances brand reputation

Establishing a reputation as one of the most reliable casino operators is crucial, as it allows the platform to thrive. It can be challenging to build a solid brand, but having a strong foundation could bode well for the natural flow of your website alongside the content marketing trends used to drive its growth.

Meeting growing regulations

As online gambling keeps growing, more people recognise that this could lead to increased regulations. With provably fair systems, operators could meet the regulations without issues and foster trust with players. The licences become easier to obtain, ensuring compliance with new possible rules.

Seal the deal with provably fair technology alongside QWERTYLABS

You can strengthen your brand by proving you operate the best provably fair casinos. With QWERTYLABS, you gain the expertise of a company well-versed in the online gambling industry. By working with us, you can make your brand more appealing than ever. While you focus on delivering products and services, we are here to provide you with a collaborative effort to boost your site’s traffic and reach more audiences. Contact us today and let us start working together. 

Frequently asked questions

What does provably fair mean in online gambling?

Provably fair means you can independently verify that the outcomes of the games you play are fair and cannot be manipulated. This is done using cryptographic proofs. 

Can players verify provably fair games themselves?

Yes, every player can verify the game’s outcome by checking the server seed, player seed, and nonce through verification tools. 

Why is provably fair gaming important for crypto casino players?

You get the full and transparent info, as they know every game they play can be trusted since they can verify it as well.

Do all crypto casinos offer provably fair games?

Not all crypto casinos offer these games, but it is better if the platform you choose provides them!

Are provably fair games safer than RNG games?

Yes, they are safer, as you can verify the results. With RNG-based games, you are trusting the RNG to do the work without checking it yourself.

Poch Magsino

I am seasoned content writer for a wide variety of niches including sports, esports, and betting. My work aims to help you learn by making information to be more digestible and engaging!