In the world of online gambling, it's the software providers who make the world go round. The entire industry was founded by software developers, either licensing their software to individually branded online casino operators or managing their very own network of internet betting destinations. From a player's perspective (not to mention a potential operator seeking to license an online casino of their own), it is vital to possess an understanding of the role of software platforms and to be aware of which software platforms are trustworthy and employing cutting edge technology.

These days, there are a handful of software developers worth mentioning - some holding a place as "giants" who helped found the industry and continue to shape its direction, and other smaller operations with fewer licensees yet with nonetheless superior technological applications. You may have very well heard of some of these software providers already, which include Microgaming, Playtech, Cryptologic, Chartwell, Real Time Gaming, Vegas Technology, Boss Media and Rival Gaming. But knowing their names isn't enough. It's important that you understand how gaming software operates and why it can be the difference between playing with fair odds and rigged odds, as well as making secure and non-secure financial transactions.

In terms of fairness, the most important components of an online casino software platform is a little mechanism called the Random Number Generator (RNG) and the "source code" of the software itself. Think of the source code as being the DNA of the software and the RNG as being the brains behind the system. The source code is what software developers program into the platform, and is essentially what makes the software fair or unfair. In other words, a good source code ensures you will be playing with odds that are better than a Vegas casino (which all of the online casinos reviewed at Online Casino VP do indeed offer). Source code directly impacts an online casinos payout percentage, which is the ratio of moneys wagered to moneys paid out. In other words, a 96% payout entails that 96% of all bets made were paid back to players - the remaining 4% naturally going back to the House and keeping the casino in business. Payout percentage reports are prepared by third parties who audit recorded software logs showing all wager results, including wager amounts and winnings.

In order for a software platform to be deemed inherently fair, the source code must be put under the microscope at a testing facility. This is achieved by running hundreds of thousands of hands on each game. Again, if fair odds are programmed into each game, winning hands versus losing hands will be reflected accordingly.

Running hand simulations is also what determines whether the RNG is functioning properly or not. As mentioned, the RNG is like the brains of the software. It is what determines (in a split second) whether a hand will win or lose. Based on the source code, the RNG's job is to dish out winning and losing hands in a completely random and unpredictable manner. Software testing houses plot the results of hundreds of thousands of hand simulations in order to determine if the RNG is operating properly. If the results are in line with statistical norms, that means the RNG is good to go and players are getting a fair gambling experience. If hand deviations do not match up with norms, well then, the RNG is likely rigged to only pay out for certain bets (i.e. the smaller ones).

As you can see, it is important to verify that the software platform of the casino you are playing at has 1) been tested by an independent auditor or software testing facility, which includes Price Waterhouse Coopers, eCOGRA, Gaming Associates, Certified Fair Gaming (CFG; Eliot Jacobson Ph.D), Technical Systems Testing (TST) and BMM International and 2) the software is being audited for monthly payout percentages.

The other important component of online casino software is that it delivers a secure interface for making financial transactions. While this is also contingent on the security of the software servers (look for SSL - Secure Socket Layer servers), it is important that the software has a built in cashier which securely syncs with motherboard servers and encrypts transmitted information with 128-bit encryption technology. What this means is that all of your information is encrypted before it leaves your computer server and travels over the internet, which keeps it from being stolen by hackers. When it arrives at the other end, it is then decrypted and stored on the casinos servers. To recognize such an interface next time you are shopping online or going through the website of an online casino, look at the web address of the page you are about to send your personal information from. It should begin with an "https" as opposed to just an "http". When sending your information through an online casino software platform, there is nothing to verify that your connection is secure, other than knowing the software platform has been built with the aforementioned technology.

That said, the following software platforms have been verified for inherent fairness and security:

Playtech: powering Euro/UK facing online casinos

Cryptologic: powering Euro/UK facing online casinos

Microgaming: powering US/Euro/UK facing online casinos (restrictions apply in some U.S. States)

Real Time Gaming: powering US/Euro/UK facing online casinos

Vegas Technology: powering US/Euro/UK facing online casinos

Rival Gaming: powering US/Euro/UK facing online casinos

Wager Works: powering Euro/UK facing online casinos

Boss Media: powering Euro/UK facing online casinos

Chartwell: powering Euro/UK facing online casinos