Gaming Associates Casino & Gambling Certification
Gaming Associates Company Info: Overview for 2024
Gaming Associates, active in the industry since the 1990s, is a pioneer in regulated internet gaming. They offer testing, inspection, and certification services, ensuring compliance in various regulated markets.
They operate across numerous jurisdictions, including extensive involvement in Europe, North America, Latin America, and Australasia. Countries they serve range from Sweden, Malta, and Italy in Europe to Canadian provinces[1] and states in the USA.
They also provide services in Latin American regions, including Argentina and Colombia, as well as in Australia and the Philippines.
| Company Name: | Gaming Associates |
|---|---|
| CEO: | Dr Aftab Rizvi |
| Year Founded: | 1998 |
| Established in: | Bella Vista, NSW, Australia |
| Founders: | Associates Group |
| Headquarters: | Unit 111, 33 Lexington Drive, Bella Vista, NSW 2153, Australia |
| Website: | www.gamingassociates.com |
| Phone: | +61 2 9189 0300 |
| ISO Certification: | ISO/IEC 17025:2005, ISO/IEC 17020:2012, ISO/IEC 17065:2012, ISO/IEC 27001 |
| Services: | Testing & Inspection, Games Certification, RNG & RTP Testing, Integration Testing, Platform Testing, Systems Testing, Transfer of Approval, Information Security, Risk Management, Social Engineering Testing, Business Continuity Management, Threat Management |
Gaming Associates is accredited as an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Testing Laboratory, ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Inspection Body, and ISO/IEC 17065:2012 Certification Body, catering specifically to the integrity of the online gaming industry.
Gaming Associates’ casino certificates, granted by the United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS)[2], confirm their proficiency in testing, inspecting, and certifying online gaming systems.
They also hold ISO/IEC 17021:2015 Certification, authorising them to conduct third-party audits and assessments of Information Security Management Systems in compliance with ISO/IEC 27001:2013 standards.
These certifications underscore Gambling Associates’ historic role in ensuring the security and integrity of online gaming operations across the globe.
Core Missions and Aims
Gaming Associates’ primary objective is to ensure the integrity and fairness of online gaming systems. They focus on rigorous testing of game fairness, including Random Number Generator (RNG) accuracy and Return to Player (RTP) rates, to uphold industry standards and player trust.
- fair gaming through RNG testing
- protection of player data
- reliable, safe and secure gambling environment
Commendable efforts are being made to enhance the security and compliance of online gaming platforms. Meticulous audits demonstrate a commitment to surpassing global standards, prioritising player trust and data protection.
Milestones in Company History
Gaming Associates (GA) is renowned for testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services in the gaming industry. Established in the 1990โs to ensure regulatory compliance, GA has significantly evolved, particularly with the advent of online gaming.
In 2008 , Gaming Associates played a pivotal role in investigating the Absolute Poker cheating scandal, conducting a detailed audit under the Kahnawake Gaming Commission’s mandate.[3]
Their findings revealed insider cheating through a “superuser” account, leading to a $500,000 fine for Absolute Poker and a two-year probationary period with increased oversight.
“One’s success doesn’t happen by chance, or luck, even less alone. It happens because I have next to me the most capable and talented people that don’t fear to supercede any obstacles and fight to be better every day,” Dr Aftab Rizvi, CEO of Gaming Associates
Its history reflects a commitment to technological adaptation, aligning with advancements in gaming and forming key industry partnerships. These contributions mark Gaming Associates’ significant role in shaping the regulatory landscape of the gaming industry.
- Set a budget for gambling; never exceed your limits.
- Never chase losses; accept them as part of the game.
- Understand the rules and odds of games before playing.
- Balance gambling with other leisure activities and interests.
- Seek help if gambling starts impacting your daily life.
Gaming Jurisdictions Covered
Gaming Associates provides services in almost all regulated markets globally, covering many jurisdictions. This extensive coverage reflects their commitment to adapting to and incorporating new jurisdictions as they adopt online gambling regulations.
Regarding regulatory compliance assessments, Gaming Associates plays a significant role in ensuring that gaming operators and software developers comply with various regulatory standards.
These assessments are crucial for operators, suppliers, and aggregators to continue offering their products in their respective jurisdictions, ensuring that they meet each region’s specific legal and regulatory requirements.
Gaming Associates includes subsidiaries that cater to specific regional needs. For example, Gaming Associates Europe AB, a local Swedish company, provides specialised services within Sweden and adheres to the Swedish Gambling Authority’s jurisdictional requirements.
Additionally, their presence in the European Union (EU) signifies their capability to handle diverse regulatory frameworks within the EU member states.
- Antigua
- Curaรงao
- City of Buenos Aires
- Province of Buenos
- Panama
- Republic of Colombia
- Australia
- First Cagayan
- Philippines
Gaming Associates Europe AB
Based in Sweden, Gaming Associates Europe AB, specialises in auditing, testing, and certifying online gaming platforms. It ensures compliance with regional regulatory standards, focusing on fairness, security, and responsible gaming.
GA Europe Pty Ltd
Located in Australia, GA Europe Pty Ltd offers similar services, including game testing and regulatory compliance audits. It maintains gaming standards in Europe and the Australian and Asia-Pacific markets, aligning with local and international regulations.
Gaming Associates Compliance Testing Services
Independent accredited agencies are expected to offer an array of professional services, necessitating expertise in technical, financial, security, and legal aspects. Gaming Associates exemplifies competence in various domains.
Their areas of expertise encompass platform testing, game certification, audits of Return to Player (RTP) and Random Number Generators (RNG), as well as assessments in sports betting and live dealer games. Let’s explore these categories to gain a better understanding of the significance of these services.
RTP & RNG Audits
RTP audits are essential for ensuring that the payouts of games on a casino site match their theoretical expectations. The Gaming Associates RNG testing involves an analysis of bets and wins across each game. By comparing these real-world outcomes to theoretical values, auditors can assess whether the games are operating as intended.
These audits aren’t just game-specific; they also involve calculating the overall RTPs for each type of game offered on a casino site. This comprehensive approach ensures a holistic view of the casino’s operations, providing insights into the fairness of various game categories.
These audits are typically conducted monthly. Once completed, the findings are compiled into Gaming Associates payout reports published on the gambling site. This practice promotes trust and credibility, allowing players to make informed decisions based on the fairness and reliability of the games.
- RTP The average amount a slot machine or casino game pays back to players over time is expressed as RTP (Return to Player), represented as a percentage. For example, if a game has an RTP of 96%, it means that, on average, players receive 96 pence for every pound wagered.
- RNG In online casino games, RNG (Random Number Generator) is a computer algorithm that produces random outcomes. It guarantees that each spin, card draw, or dice roll remains unpredictable, maintaining the essential elements of fairness and unpredictability inherent in gambling games.
RNG (Random Number Generator) audits are vital to confirm casino games’ randomness. These Gaming Associates casino audits aim to verify that the outcomes produced by the RNG are statistically random, ensuring fairness and unpredictability. The primary goal is to ascertain that each game result is the product of pure chance.[4]
RNG audits focus on assessing the unpredictability and non-repeatability of the RNG outputs. Auditors conduct rigorous tests to ensure that the RNG does not follow any discernible patterns or cycles that could predict future outcomes.
Moreover, RNG audits serve to confirm that the gaming operations comply with the standards set by regulatory jurisdictions. These standards are crucial for maintaining a fair and secure gaming environment, and the audits ensure that the RNG systems adhere to these regulatory requirements.
Conducting these audits demonstrates a casino’s commitment to fair play. By regularly undergoing RNG audits and meeting compliance standards, casinos reinforce player trust and uphold the gaming industry’s overall reputation.
Platform Testing
Gaming Associates conducts platform testing across various online gaming platforms, including casino games, poker, and sports betting. These platforms demand meticulous testing to meet stringent industry standards and regulatory requirements for fairness and security.[5]
The areas covered in platform testing are comprehensive. This includes scrutinising player registration and account management systems, ensuring robust privacy measures, and stringent player protection protocols. Testing also extends to systems responsible for backup and recovery, safeguarding against data loss and ensuring platform resilience.
Security is a paramount focus in platform testing. Gaming Associates casino audits rigorously evaluate the security measures in place to protect against external threats. This includes assessing encryption standards, firewalls, and other protective measures.
Platform testing often involves regression testing of at least one game and tournament. This is to ensure that updates or changes to the platform do not adversely affect existing functionalities. It’s a critical step in maintaining a consistent and reliable user experience.
Game Certification
Game testing is an essential stage in game development, focusing on identifying and fixing bugs and ensuring gameplay mechanics, graphics, audio, and user interface meet quality standards. It is crucial for enhancing the player’s experience.
Compatibility testing checks the game’s performance across various platforms, while performance testing evaluates the stability, essential for online and multiplayer games. Security testing safeguards user data and transactions.
In casino and financial games, testing emphasises fairness, randomness, and regulatory compliance, including accurate Return to Player (RTP) calculations. Artwork and rules are also scrutinised to ensure visual appeal and balanced gameplay.
Annual Security Audits
Gaming Associates conducts system security assessments for online gaming jurisdictions, which are often mandatory for compliance. These assessments centre on the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Standard.
This standard protects company information, emphasising integrity, availability, and confidentiality. Key areas covered include information backup and access control in order to receive any Gaming Associates casino certificates.
The assessments also evaluate disaster recovery, incident management procedures, and the security of the software development cycle. This ensures robustness against various potential issues.
Additionally, part of the Gaming Associates casino audits is to assess network security controls and security in supplier relationships. This comprehensive approach ensures thorough compliance with online gaming regulations.
Sports Betting Testing
Gaming Associates offers testing services for sports and pari-mutuel betting systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. They guide operators and regulators in adapting systems and developing regulations.
Their services cover various betting systems like fixed odds, online sports betting, and pool betting. This ensures a broad scope of compliance across different betting formats.
Evaluations focus on ensuring online bets adhere to jurisdictional rules and best practices, providing a secure betting environment. This includes accurate bet settlement and adherence to odds and rules.
Live Dealer Testing
Gaming Associates provides testing services for live dealer games, which have gained significant popularity among online players. Live dealer games are unique as they are played at a gaming venue operated by human live dealers physically present in a gaming studio.
This setup offers players a virtual casino experience through a high-definition video feed. The testing for live dealer games by Gaming Associates encompasses two main aspects:
- Secure Remote Testing: This includes testing each live vendor game and the player interface, covering elements like player account management, back-end reporting, and area checks.
- On-Site Inspection: Gaming Associates conducts on-site inspections of the studio premises where the live games are hosted.
This comprehensive approach ensures that live dealer games are tested for both technical performance and the overall user experience. It is part of Gaming Associates’ broader commitment to maintaining high standards.
Gaming Associates Certification Process
Gaming Associates’ certification process is tailored to each client, with costs varying based on the certification type, service scope, and system complexity. Factors like specific requirements of the operator also influence the price.
The agency keeps its pricing confidential, making it variable for different projects. This approach ensures a customised service for each client, considering the unique aspects of their gaming systems.
For accurate pricing, Gaming Associates offers free quotes on their official website using Gaming Associates’ contact info, allowing operators to get a cost estimate specific to their certification and testing needs.
We are going to present the application process in short of how to obtain Gaming Associates casino certificates. Of course, the procedure is much more complex, but this is the basic outline.
Application
The certification process with Gaming Associates starts with an initial customer inquiry, where operators provide key details about their gaming systems. This is followed by a comprehensive review by Gaming Associates to ensure all necessary information is included.
Once the review confirms completeness, a detailed certification agreement is prepared and sent to the operator. This agreement, requiring the operator’s review and acceptance, outlines the certification’s scope and terms, officially initiating the certification process.
Evaluation
During the evaluation phase, Gaming Associates prepares an audit plan, followed by conducting the actual inspection. This structured approach ensures a thorough assessment of the gaming systems and processes.
After the inspection, a certification committee convenes to review the findings. If any corrective actions are required, the evaluation is sent back to the Gaming Associates casino audits team for resolution. Once resolved, the submission is re-evaluated to ensure compliance with the necessary standards.
Certification
In the certification phase, the Certification Manager at Gaming Associates carefully reviews all evaluation information. This comprehensive review is pivotal for making the final decision regarding the certification status of the gaming operator.
The potential outcomes of this review can include granting, maintaining, extending, reducing, suspending, or even withdrawing certification, depending on the evaluation findings. Once the decision is made, it is promptly communicated to the client, ensuring transparency and clarity in the certification process.
How to Find Gaming Associates Approved Casinos?
We’ve researched the market worldwide, and below, you will see a step-by-step guide to find the necessary documentation on a Gaming Associates approved casino.
- Step 1: Open the Casino Begin by accessing the online casino’s website. This is the starting point to explore their certifications and approvals.
- Step 2: Go to the Footer of the Homepage At the casino’s homepage, scroll to the bottom. The footer often contains regulatory and certification information.
- Step 3: Look for the Logo of Gaming Associates Within the footer, look specifically for the Gaming Associates logo. This logo indicates the casino’s compliance and approval by Gaming Associates.
- Step 4: Or Go to the Responsible Gambling Page Some casinos also list their certifications on the Responsible Gambling page, a section dedicated to promoting safe gaming practices.
- Step 5: Or Check the Terms & Conditions Page For a more thorough check, visit the Terms and Conditions page. It usually includes detailed information about the casino’s licensing and regulatory compliance.
Some online casinos go a step further by publishing their Random Number Generator (RNG) certificate or the Gaming Associates payout reports. These documents provide transparency and assure players of the fairness of the casino’s games.
If a casino has published these reports, they are often accessible through a direct link. This link can be found either by clicking on the Gaming Associates logo in the footer or within the Terms and Conditions page.
These reports are a sign of a casino’s commitment to fair play and transparency, allowing players to verify the integrity of the games offered. It’s a good practice to check these reports for an enhanced understanding of the casino’s operations.
Gaming Associates’s Seal of Approval
Gaming Associates’ Seal of ApprovalWhen you see the Gaming Associates Seal of Approval, it means the operator comes with a guarantee of quality, safety, and compliance. In other words, if you see the Gaming Associates certification on your casino of choice, you know that the operator is reliable and safe.
Gaming Associates provides certifications for online gaming, covering game fairness, RNG integrity, RTP calculations, and game security. These ensure player trust and game reliability.
While primarily focused on gaming, Gaming Associates also extends its services to wagering, lottery, e-commerce, and IT industries, showcasing a diverse expertise beyond just gambling.
All Gaming Associates Casinos Available Online
Here is a curated list of notable casinos that collaborate with game providers tested and certified by Gaming Associates. These casinos are recognised for their commitment to fair play and security:
- BetVictor
- Griffon Casino
- Greenplay
- Queenplay
- PlayOJO
- DrueckGlueck
- AHTI Games
- NetBet
- Mega Casino
- Rise
These casinos stand out for partnering with game providers that consistently meet the stringent testing and certification criteria set by Gaming Associates.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Gaming Associates Casino Certification
If you’re unsure about choosing Gaming Associates certified casinos, consider their advantages, such as rigorous fairness testing and security measures, and potential drawbacks like limited game variety and stricter regulations.
- Assured Fairness
- Enhanced Security
- Trusted Gameplay
- Reliable Payouts
- Safe Environment
- Regulated Practices
- Limited Choices
- Possible Restrictions
While all reputable casinos undergo independent testing, those certified by Gaming Associates stand out in the iGaming field. Their certificates are globally renowned, signifying a higher game fairness, security, and compliance standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Online casino compliance is a tricky subject to get your head around. Even industry experts like ourselves struggle with some of the terminology and meaning of all the technical standards. See our FAQ section below for some answers to some of the most popular queries from our readers.
What is a Gaming Associates certificate used for?
Simply put, the Gaming Associates certificate shows that specific online gambling products meet a benchmark for fairness, security and reliability. The services provided include platform testing, game certification and RTP verification.
In what ways does Gaming Associates protect player security?
They protect players by ensuring the games they play are fair, secure, and comply with industry standards. They conduct thorough testing of Random Number Generators (RNGs), verify Return to Player (RTP) rates, and review game source code. Their audits and Gaming Associates casino certifications also ensure that games are free from biases and maintain the integrity of gameplay.
In which jurisdictions is Gaming Associates accredited?
Gaming Associates is accredited in numerous jurisdictions across the globe, including key markets like the United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, and Italy. Their certifications and services are recognised and respected in various international gaming sectors, enabling them to conduct comprehensive compliance testing and audits in these diverse regulatory environments.
Does Gaming Associates audit live casinos?
Yes, Gaming Associates conducts audits for live casinos. Their evaluation process for live dealer games includes both remote testing of the game and player interfaces, and on-site inspections of the studio premises. This ensures that live casinos operate with the highest standards of fairness, security, and compliance.
How to find Gaming Associates approved casino games?
Our casino list shows some of the operators who stocked games that have been tested and approved by Gaming Associates. Players can be confident the titles will have been assigned the correct RTP and have been tested for randomness and fairness.
References
- Gaming Associates. Gaming Associates approved as a test lab in Alberta-Canada. 2023 Aug 7. Available from: https://gamingassociates.com/compliance/gaming-associates-approved-as-a-test-lab-in-alberta-canada/ (Accessed November 21, 2023).
- UKAS. Testing Laboratories > Gambling. UKAS. 2020 Dec 2. Available from: https://www.ukas.com/find-an-organisation/browse-by-category/?cat=3836 (Accessed November 21, 2023).
- Moses A. Aussie exposes online poker rip-off. Sydney Morning Herald. 2008 Oct 1. Available from: https://www.smh.com.au/technology/aussie-exposes-online-poker-rip-off-20081001-gdsx1b.html (Accessed November 21, 2023).
- Gaming Associates. RNG & RTP Testing. 2021 Jun 8. Available from: https://gamingassociates.com/rng-rtp-testing/ (Accessed November 21, 2023).
- Gaming Associates. Testing & Inspection. 2022 Sep 5. Available from: https://gamingassociates.com/inspection/ (Accessed November 21, 2023).
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