This is how Provably Fair casino games work
Crypto casino gaming has evolved what an online casino can offer to its customers and one of the key ways that this has manifested itself is in greater transparency when it comes to fairness and game mechanics. These games are called Provably Fair games and they sit directly at the heart of what this new generation of games has to offer.
In the past, players have had to trust whether playing slots, casino games or placing bets online, that the games they play are fair. It was a leap of faith. Provably Fair games remove that lack of transparency and allow players to verify that their game result is fair.
Furthermore, many of these games offer players the ways and means to alter their chances of success by customizing the parameters of the game to increase their chances of a win (with a lower multiplier) or decrease their chances of a win (but gain a higher multiplier).
In this guide, we take a close look at what provably fair gaming means. We look at how it works, what makes them different to standard casino games and why they have become a mainstay of cryptocurrency giants such as Stake, BetPanda and BitStarz.
So let’s begin by answering an obvious question.
What are Provably Fair Games?
In their simplest form, Provably Fair games are online casino games that allow players to verify the fairness of the result. This is a result of using a simple cryptographic algorithm.
Rather than using the RNG as standard, these games feature a framework that combines three elements.
- A server seed (the game result)
- A client seed (the players stake)
- A nonce (which simply tracks the game round)
The three elements work together to produce a random result, which can be checked by the player after the game has finished.
How Do Provably Fair Games Work?
This may sound complex, but in plain English it is simple to understand. Provably Fair games work because the server seed is selected before the player makes a bet. When the player selects or is assigned their client seed, the result is already known, so it cannot be altered.
The server seed is revealed once the round is completed, and since it cannot be altered, the player knows that, as defined by the parameters set in the game, their game is Provably Fair.
How Do Provably Fair Games Differ from Traditional Casino Games?
Some of the key differences between Provably Fair games compared to traditional games are outlined in the table below.
| Standard Casino Games | Versus | Provably Fair Games |
|---|---|---|
| Players cannot see how results are generated – usually by RNG. | Results | Results generated by clear cryptographic formulas. |
| Games verified by external companies. | Verification | Players can verify outcomes. |
| Licensing authorities and Fair Gaming companies. | Trust | No auditing required as results are transparent. |
Why Are Provably Fair Games Key For Crypto Casinos?
The growth of new crypto casinos and Provably Fair games goes hand in hand and there is a reason for this symbiotic relationship is because both share very similar values.
- Transparency and user confidence are fundamental
- Alignment of similar principles with the blockchain
- Fast, simple gameplay, ideal for streamers and high-volume players.
- Reduced reliance on auditors and other third parties.
Provably Fair Games at Stake
Stake is one of the trailblazers when it comes to Provably Fair gaming, with its Stake Originals series offering a wealth of choice of games in the genre. These games have proven to be especially popular with streamers, who garner big audiences when they play higher volatility, higher stakes versions of these games. Trainwreckstv has won big on Keno multiple times, for example.
Furthermore, a recent announcement by Stake Co-Founder Eddie Craven confirmed that Stake are investing more resources in increasing their Provably Fair gaming offerings at the casino to cater for the demand in games.
Provably Fair Games at BitStarz
BitStarz was an early adopter of Provably Fair gaming and since then it has steadily increased its offering on the platform.
BitStarz has its own excellent range of Originals, though tends to utilise third-party titles and proprietary games alongside its traditional slots and table offerings. The casino is also partnering with companies like BGaming, who are working on introducing Provably Fair gaming into more traditional forms of casino games, including slots.
Provably Fair Games at BetPanda
BetPanda follows the approach set by Stake and has a range of Provably Fair games to play in its Originals section. These tend to focus on faster-paced, instant-win games with a high number of customisation available in each and of course, the transparency that is a hallmark of this type of game.
Our Top 5 Provably Fair Games
Here’s our choice of the top five Provably Fair games you can find at the leading online crypto casinos.
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crash | Arguably the game that started the craze. An object starts in motion and a multiplier increases until the object crashes. Players can cash out at any time and win the multiplier they cash out at, but if they wait too long and it crashes, the player loses. This game has huge appeal for players and streamers alike. |
| 2 | Plinko | Based on the Japanese game Pachinko, Plinko sees players drop one or more balls through a grid of pegs where at the bottom it will settle into a section offering a stated multiplier payout. |
| 3 | Dice | Similar to Limbo below, but in this game players select a probability range and then roll the dice. This is popular due to its speed, transparency and the fact players can customise their game options. |
| 4 | Mines | Based on the famous “Minesweeper” puzzle game that came installed on many new computers, Mines challenges players to avoid hidden hazards. Players can increase or decrease the difficulty (and multiplier) by increasing or decreasing the number of mines on the game board. |
| 5 | Limbo | An incredibly simple game where players set a target multiplier and then win if the result generated by clicking the start button exceeds it. The fast-paced and simplistic nature of Limbo makes it a very popular game. |
Are There Provably Fair Slots?
Provably Fair slots are still in what would be termed a ‘developmental stage’ at the present moment. This is chiefly because of the way online slots have been designed, rather than any reluctance on a casino’s part to offer them.
Traditional slot games use a random number generator (RNG) to decide its outcomes and this is not immediately verifiable by players. However, developers are now experimenting with provably fair slot mechanics. This will allow players to check spin outcomes.
It is not an isolated case. Companies like Stake are fully convinced by the merits of Provably Fair gaming, which is why they announced recently that they were increasing their range across the platform.
Stake is not alone, though. This announcement reflects a broad trend within the crypto casino industry to offer players more transparency and clarity for players when it comes to fairness.
Provably fair slots may not be here just yet, but they are definitely one of the next steps in the evolution of online casino gaming. It could also alter how players interact and play the most popular of online casino game available today.
The Future of Provably Fair Gaming
It is fair to say that our top five Provably Fair games list above represents the first step in this new evolution of online casino gaming. This type of technology, due to its player appeal and the reassurance it offers, is a fundamental key for future casino development.
There are many ways Provably Fair games could evolve in future, alongside the slot games mentioned in the section above.
- Expansion into live dealer games, perhaps with VR
- Integration with blockchain-based platforms and services
- Wider adoption across mainstream fiat currency-based casinos
It is fair to assume that as the technology and understanding of Provably Fair gaming grows, so too will the availability of these types of game across an increasingly large number of casinos.
Provably Fair games in summary
Now that we have a much greater understanding of Provably Fair gaming, it is important to understand just how these games have shifted players’ expectations in terms of trust and transparency when it comes to casino gaming.
Increasingly, the modern gamer expects to have the ability to ensure their game is fair, secure and transparent and this is exactly what sites like Stake, BetPanda and BitStarz provide to their customers.
In an industry where trust and openness are imperative, Provably Fair gaming does not just address this key issue, but also provides the ideal solution for players who suspect that casino games can be rigged.
Provably Fair games show that isn’t the case — and you can now see the evidence right in front of you.
Ian John has been reviewing and writing about online casinos, poker, sports betting and more for over 20 years – with the last 7 spent diving deep into esports betting. A specialist in covering newly released slot titles, Ian brings sharp, informed analysis to every review. His favourite casino games are blackjack and poker.
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