Understanding online casino software
You’ve made the decision to start gambling online, you’ve signed up at an online casino, and now it’s talking to you about casino software. But what exactly is casino software, and is it safe for you to use?
Ever since the first online casino opened its doors in 1994, casino software has undergone constant updates and amendments, transforming it from its early versions into the sophisticated software platforms we use today. With cutting-edge graphics, sound and picture quality, as well as gaming and banking functionality, online casino software has come a long way in a relatively short space of time, evolving to almost the same level as video games, with ever-increasing popularity.
Here we’ll explore exactly what casino software is and how to use it, helping you get started on a casino journey that’s full of excitement, and hopefully full of rewards as well!
What exactly is casino software?
Simply put, if you want to gamble online, you’ll be playing via some form of casino software, whether it takes the form of a download, no-download, or mobile format. If you’re playing with a well-known, reputable casino, the experience should be a seamless one, thanks to quality technology, sound and graphics.
The purpose of online casino software is to give you a complete casino experience within a virtual space, so any time you want to log onto your software, your own personal casino is ready and waiting for you. Whether you want to play games, take part in tournaments or promotions, deposit money into your account, or request withdrawals, your software will have the functionality you need, all within a completely secure, protected environment. It’s a casino where you’re welcome 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, either from the comfort of your own home, or while you’re on the move. And it’s wholly engaging, immersive and interactive in every way.
How does it work?
If you’re wondering how casino software works, there are only three words you’ll ever need to know. Random Number Generator. Simple as that.
More commonly known as RNGs, Random Number Generators are the computer algorithms that power online casino software – sophisticated programs that ensure every outcome of every game is completely fair and random. So every time you’re playing online, the RNG is working in the background to make sure your game isn’t just entertaining, it’s fair and legal as well.
So exactly how does it work? The intricacies can be complicated to understand, but essentially the RNG generates strings of random numbers, which it then uses to direct the outcome of a game, dealing cards, spinning slots or landing dice according to the random numbers generated. These numbers are generated in their thousands, completely randomly and totally unpredictably, making hacking software and rigging games all but impossible. In this way you can always be sure of the fairness of your casino games, and your online security as well. All thanks to the Random Number Generator.
That takes care of outcomes, but what about odds? Balancing these can be tricky, which is another job for your casino software – managing payout rates in order to keep players engaged, while making money for the casino at the same time, to ensure it stays in business.
This is where the RTP, or Return To Player comes in – the percentage of wagered money returned to the player over time. What this means is that if a game has an RTP of 96%, for example, if you play it for long enough, you should theoretically have 96% of the money you wager returned to you, leaving the remaining 4% for the casino in exchange for the service provided. The higher the RTP, the better your chances of receiving your wagered money back.
When looking at RTP, however, it’s important to remember that this is a hypothetical number, and one that’s calculated over millions of repetitions – so if you’re only in a game for a few minutes, it’s likely you won’t see those exact returns. But while RTP is a theoretical concept, it’s still a good indicator of your odds, and one you should be taking into account – all managed and operated by your helpful online casino software.
Is it safe to bank online?
Always one of the first questions, and for good reason. When you’re gambling online, you want to be sure that your money, and your personal details are kept safe and secure at all times. In terms of importance, banking rates right up there with game quality, and it’s easy to see why – because players want to make sure that their finances and their best interests are prioritized and protected.
With this in mind, all reputable casinos ensure that their casino software is able to:
Accept deposits
Process withdrawals
Offer a range of world-class payment mechanisms
Offer payments in a variety of currencies
Guard against fraud, hacking and identity theft
Ensure stringent security standards at all times
By making use of world-class software that’s able to integrate with a number of gambling platforms, and by employing the latest in encryption technology, casinos are able to ensure your banking experience is a smooth, safe, stress-free one, and that you have the peace of mind you deserve.
What are the different types of casino software?
With so many players and so many different needs, gambling software has had to evolve to keep up – which is why today you have a range of categories to choose from, according to your individual preference:
Download: Download the casino software directly onto your laptop or PC, and you’ll have complete access to your casino’s full suite of games. Bear in mind that most download software is only compatible with Microsoft Windows, so if you’re running a different operating system, you’ll need to look to another casino software format.
No-download: Also known as instant play, no-download software is exactly what it sounds like – software that allows you to log onto the casino directly from your browser, with no download needed. Make sure to check which instant play casinos are Flash-based, and which rely on HTML 5 instead – as Flash is no longer supported, you’ll need to go for the HTML 5 alternatives, which should be easy enough to find.
Mobile: The world is going mobile and so is online casino gaming, which is why most reputable online casinos will have mobile software options for your smartphone and other compatible devices. Simply download an app or play directly from your casino’s website, and gamble on the go anywhere, anytime.
Ready to get your game on now that you know a little more about what’s behind it? There’s no need to fear online casino software or have doubts about it – as long as you’re playing with a trusted provider, you’ll be taken care of throughout the entire casino experience. All that’s left for you to do is log on and play – sheer exhilaration awaits!
Happy Spinning 🙂