Are Instant Win Games Rigged?

In some ways, instant win games can feel rigged, because they are fast and unforgiving. But in the UKGC-regulated market, the real issue is understanding the randomness of results rather than automatically assuming game outcomes are manipulated.

While there will be some cynicism expressed about the nature of instant-win style titles, it’s time we debunked some myths about these kinds of casino games, so players can feel more confident about approaching them.

Beneath the veneer of speed

It’s worth noting at the outset that instant win games are chance-based, as there is no strategy or secret tactics to unlock, and there is little discernible skill involved. Players can ultimately control the pace of gaming sessions and set stake sizes, so they don’t exceed budget expectations.

More pertinently, instant win games can feel harsher because results are confirmed immediately. There is no time delay, and for some, the speed of losses can incur more suspicion.

If anything, the simplicity of instant win games lies within the clean loops offered, making them attractive. Compared to online slots that feature free spins rounds where players require time to build up multipliers and grab big jackpots, instant win games can bring about success more quickly.

Dissecting the importance of RNG

There is a distinct difference between “rigged” value in instant win games, which stems from players being challenged more in relation to a title’s dynamic difficulty, while “negative expected value” shows that bettors are more likely to lose, mathematically speaking, in the long run.

Rather, a game should be deemed fair as they have Random Number Generator (RNG) mechanics built in. RNGs are used to predict unpredictable outcomes, according to the game’s design and prize structure. A losing streak doesn’t prove the game has changed against a player; however, operators are required to meet stringent remote gambling and software technical standards (RTS).

New games and RNGs need to be tested before release, and players need to understand the remit of RTS3. This revolves around customers making more educated decisions on whether to gamble on a game based on their chances of winning, how the game works, and potential prizes or payouts on offer. ^[1]

Building in the house edge

Often, there is a misperception about Return to Player (RTP). A scratchcard-style instant win game might have a 95% RTP, but that doesn’t mean a player will retrieve £95 from every session where £100 is wagered. Rather, the game is theoretically designed to return that percentage over a longer period.

There can be differing outcomes within the same long-term RTP model, but regulated operators don’t need to hoodwink players or cheat to be profitable. The margin is already built into the instant win game rules, RTP, and prize structure.