Licenses and certification of such games
1) What exactly is licensed
Operator (B2C): Site/app that accepts bets from players. Areas of responsibility - KYC/AML, protection of funds, payments, responsible play, geofencing.
Content provider (B2B): studio/aggregator supplying games. Zones - correctness of mathematics, client/server stability, RGS (remote game server) security.
Payment providers: separate permits/registrations for local payment schemes.
Hosting/infrastructure: data centers/clouds, compliance with regulator requirements (logging, log availability, physical security).
2) Certification: Facilities and Objectives
The whole game: rules, bonus triggers, pay tables, RTP options, variance, behavior in extreme states.
RNG: prediction resistance, statistical uniformity, correct initialization/sids.
Platform/RGS: versioning audit, transaction idempotency, balance synchronization, communication disconnection processing.
Integrations: jackpots, tournaments, leadboards, anti-blocking, responsible play limits.
Security: change management, access control, cryptography, logging.
3) Key stakeholders
Regulators/licensing authorities (e.g. UKGC, MGA, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, KSA, Spillemyndigheden, AGCO/iGO, US regulators, etc.) - issue licenses, set standards.
Testing laboratories (GLI, BMM Testlabs, eCOGRA, iTech Labs, QUINEL, SIQ, Trisigma, etc.) - test RNG, mechanics and platform; issue certificates/reports.
ADR/Ombudsmen (in a number of jurisdictions) - independent consideration of player-operator disputes.
4) What exactly laboratories check (checkpoints)
RNG: statistical batteries of tests, lack of correlations, correct entropy.
Game mathematics: compliance with the declared RTP (theoretical model), correctness of probabilities, absence of "unwritten" states.
Client-server: consistency of outcomes, resubmission of requests, protection against duplicate bets (idempotence).
Failures and network: correct restoration of sessions, immutability of the recorded outcome.
Responsible game: the presence of limits, reality checks, self-exclusion, auto-game/turbo restrictions by default (if required by the market).
Logging: completeness of round/payout logs, timestamps, invariance of records.
Localization/UX commitments - Info menu availability, correct warnings and RTP mapping
5) Documents and artifacts without which certification cannot be completed
Game Rules/Math Report: formalized rules, pay tables, RTP calculation, variances.
RNG Documentation: generator description, siding, error handling.
Technical File/Build Manifest: exact versions of executable modules, assembly hashes, list of dependencies.
Change Log/SCM: change control, identification of releases.
Test Evidence: autotest/manual scenario protocols, load test results.
Security Policies: accesses, encryption, backups, incident response plan.
6) Certification procedure (by steps)
1. Pre-audit: verification of the requirements of the selected jurisdiction, formation of a Technical File.
2. Static check: review of mathematics, code/configs, RNG schemes.
3. Dynamic tests: runs in an isolated laboratory environment, negative scenarios (breaks, timeouts, double clicks).
4. Certificate: issue of a report/certificate indicating the version of the game, permissible settings (RTP options, betting range).
5. Output to production: removal of certified assembly into approved infrastructure; publishing an identical hash version.
6. Maintenance: periodic audits/recertification, mandatory recertification in case of changes affecting the mechanics/platform.
7) When recertification is required
Changed mathematics (RTP, probabilities, paytable).
Updated RNG or its parameters.
Changed RGS/platform or critical modules (balance, wallet, jackpot).
Added/changed bonus features that affect the calculation.
The limits/behavior of responsible play tools that are mandatory for the market have been changed.
8) Features of instant games (instant) for regulators and tests
The high frequency of rounds → increased requirements for idempotency and logs.
Short TTR (stavka→rezultat) → check of client "accelerators" (turbo, one-tap) for the absence of manipulations/hidden delays.
Network scenarios (mobile web) → jitter tests, packet loss, replay requests.
UX commitments: visibility of limits/timers and correctness of "reality checks" in an ultrafast cycle.
9) How does a player check the legality of a particular game (checklist)
Operator's license: number/jurisdiction in the footer; clickable link to the registry.
Provider and laboratory: logo + laboratory name (GLI/BMM/eCOGRA/...); game version and certificate date.
Info menu: available RTP, bonus rules, rate ranges, mention of RTP variant (if there are several of them).
Responsible game: deposit/time limits, self-exclusion, session report - in 1-2 clicks.
Data match: company name in license = legal entity name in Terms/Privacy.
Reputation: having ADRs/contacts for complaints; adequate payment policy (SLA, limits).
10) What distinguishes a "strong" jurisdiction from a "weak" one
Standards and transparency: public rules, register of licenses, mandatory reporting.
Protection of players' funds: segregation/storage in trust accounts, clear withdrawal procedures.
Responsible game: mandatory limits, reality checks, self-exclusion mechanisms.
Supervision and sanctions: regular audits, public fines/decisions.
Weak jurisdictions often give a minimum of requirements and opaque registries - the risk to the player is higher.
11) RTP variants and their legal mapping
It is possible to have several RTP variants of the same game (for different markets/operators) if each variant is certified and clearly indicated in the info menu.
Switching the option without upgrading and recertification is a violation.
In the demo and for money, the mathematics coincide, only the calculation of payments (virtual/real) differs.
12) Typical violations and "red flags"
Missing or dead license number; the link does not lead to the registry.
No lab name/game version certificate.
RTP is hidden/blurred, the info menu is incomplete or hidden.
Mismatch of legal entity between license and terms of use.
Aggressive "accelerators" and auto-game without preset limits/confirmations.
Mismatch of balance/history of rounds, errors when disconnecting.
13) Studio/Provider Best Practices
Plan certification in parallel with development: technical file, mathematics, logging - from the first sprint.
Keep RTP options as configs with tight version control; any edits - only through the recertification process.
Build RGS logs unchanged (append-only) with control hashes.
Integrate failure autotests (network interruption, duplicate requests, timeouts) into the CI.
Support a responsible by-default game: default - slow pace, inclusion of turbo - through explicit consent.
14) The bottom line
Licensing and certification of instant games is a separation of roles: the operator is responsible for the legality and protection of the player, the provider is responsible for the honesty and stability of the content. Quality play is certified math and RNG, transparent RTP, rigorous journals, and responsible play tools. For the player, legality markers are the register of licenses, the name of the laboratory, the correct info menu; for business - process discipline and willingness to undergo periodic audits and recertification.
Operator (B2C): Site/app that accepts bets from players. Areas of responsibility - KYC/AML, protection of funds, payments, responsible play, geofencing.
Content provider (B2B): studio/aggregator supplying games. Zones - correctness of mathematics, client/server stability, RGS (remote game server) security.
Payment providers: separate permits/registrations for local payment schemes.
Hosting/infrastructure: data centers/clouds, compliance with regulator requirements (logging, log availability, physical security).
2) Certification: Facilities and Objectives
The whole game: rules, bonus triggers, pay tables, RTP options, variance, behavior in extreme states.
RNG: prediction resistance, statistical uniformity, correct initialization/sids.
Platform/RGS: versioning audit, transaction idempotency, balance synchronization, communication disconnection processing.
Integrations: jackpots, tournaments, leadboards, anti-blocking, responsible play limits.
Security: change management, access control, cryptography, logging.
3) Key stakeholders
Regulators/licensing authorities (e.g. UKGC, MGA, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, KSA, Spillemyndigheden, AGCO/iGO, US regulators, etc.) - issue licenses, set standards.
Testing laboratories (GLI, BMM Testlabs, eCOGRA, iTech Labs, QUINEL, SIQ, Trisigma, etc.) - test RNG, mechanics and platform; issue certificates/reports.
ADR/Ombudsmen (in a number of jurisdictions) - independent consideration of player-operator disputes.
4) What exactly laboratories check (checkpoints)
RNG: statistical batteries of tests, lack of correlations, correct entropy.
Game mathematics: compliance with the declared RTP (theoretical model), correctness of probabilities, absence of "unwritten" states.
Client-server: consistency of outcomes, resubmission of requests, protection against duplicate bets (idempotence).
Failures and network: correct restoration of sessions, immutability of the recorded outcome.
Responsible game: the presence of limits, reality checks, self-exclusion, auto-game/turbo restrictions by default (if required by the market).
Logging: completeness of round/payout logs, timestamps, invariance of records.
Localization/UX commitments - Info menu availability, correct warnings and RTP mapping
5) Documents and artifacts without which certification cannot be completed
Game Rules/Math Report: formalized rules, pay tables, RTP calculation, variances.
RNG Documentation: generator description, siding, error handling.
Technical File/Build Manifest: exact versions of executable modules, assembly hashes, list of dependencies.
Change Log/SCM: change control, identification of releases.
Test Evidence: autotest/manual scenario protocols, load test results.
Security Policies: accesses, encryption, backups, incident response plan.
6) Certification procedure (by steps)
1. Pre-audit: verification of the requirements of the selected jurisdiction, formation of a Technical File.
2. Static check: review of mathematics, code/configs, RNG schemes.
3. Dynamic tests: runs in an isolated laboratory environment, negative scenarios (breaks, timeouts, double clicks).
4. Certificate: issue of a report/certificate indicating the version of the game, permissible settings (RTP options, betting range).
5. Output to production: removal of certified assembly into approved infrastructure; publishing an identical hash version.
6. Maintenance: periodic audits/recertification, mandatory recertification in case of changes affecting the mechanics/platform.
7) When recertification is required
Changed mathematics (RTP, probabilities, paytable).
Updated RNG or its parameters.
Changed RGS/platform or critical modules (balance, wallet, jackpot).
Added/changed bonus features that affect the calculation.
The limits/behavior of responsible play tools that are mandatory for the market have been changed.
8) Features of instant games (instant) for regulators and tests
The high frequency of rounds → increased requirements for idempotency and logs.
Short TTR (stavka→rezultat) → check of client "accelerators" (turbo, one-tap) for the absence of manipulations/hidden delays.
Network scenarios (mobile web) → jitter tests, packet loss, replay requests.
UX commitments: visibility of limits/timers and correctness of "reality checks" in an ultrafast cycle.
9) How does a player check the legality of a particular game (checklist)
Operator's license: number/jurisdiction in the footer; clickable link to the registry.
Provider and laboratory: logo + laboratory name (GLI/BMM/eCOGRA/...); game version and certificate date.
Info menu: available RTP, bonus rules, rate ranges, mention of RTP variant (if there are several of them).
Responsible game: deposit/time limits, self-exclusion, session report - in 1-2 clicks.
Data match: company name in license = legal entity name in Terms/Privacy.
Reputation: having ADRs/contacts for complaints; adequate payment policy (SLA, limits).
10) What distinguishes a "strong" jurisdiction from a "weak" one
Standards and transparency: public rules, register of licenses, mandatory reporting.
Protection of players' funds: segregation/storage in trust accounts, clear withdrawal procedures.
Responsible game: mandatory limits, reality checks, self-exclusion mechanisms.
Supervision and sanctions: regular audits, public fines/decisions.
Weak jurisdictions often give a minimum of requirements and opaque registries - the risk to the player is higher.
11) RTP variants and their legal mapping
It is possible to have several RTP variants of the same game (for different markets/operators) if each variant is certified and clearly indicated in the info menu.
Switching the option without upgrading and recertification is a violation.
In the demo and for money, the mathematics coincide, only the calculation of payments (virtual/real) differs.
12) Typical violations and "red flags"
Missing or dead license number; the link does not lead to the registry.
No lab name/game version certificate.
RTP is hidden/blurred, the info menu is incomplete or hidden.
Mismatch of legal entity between license and terms of use.
Aggressive "accelerators" and auto-game without preset limits/confirmations.
Mismatch of balance/history of rounds, errors when disconnecting.
13) Studio/Provider Best Practices
Plan certification in parallel with development: technical file, mathematics, logging - from the first sprint.
Keep RTP options as configs with tight version control; any edits - only through the recertification process.
Build RGS logs unchanged (append-only) with control hashes.
Integrate failure autotests (network interruption, duplicate requests, timeouts) into the CI.
Support a responsible by-default game: default - slow pace, inclusion of turbo - through explicit consent.
14) The bottom line
Licensing and certification of instant games is a separation of roles: the operator is responsible for the legality and protection of the player, the provider is responsible for the honesty and stability of the content. Quality play is certified math and RNG, transparent RTP, rigorous journals, and responsible play tools. For the player, legality markers are the register of licenses, the name of the laboratory, the correct info menu; for business - process discipline and willingness to undergo periodic audits and recertification.
