How true are the allegations that OLG Online Casino is rigged?

What do people mean when they say that OLG Online Casino is rigged? Online casino games are all run by software, and they use algorithms that ensure that the long-term return to player(RTP) percentage or payout rate is set at a certain value. The risk of losing streaks is real. In that sense, all casino games run by software (i.e. including physical slot machines) are “rigged” to begin with, because all casinos run software that ensures that the casino does not lose money in the long term.

See: Online Casinos with a better Return to Player Percentage than OLG

Disclaimer: When we write about something, we always try to get our information from primary sources. In this instance, contacting OLG to ask whether they tamper with their online casino games was out of the question. Instead, we had to rely mostly on secondary sources and user reviews from many forum sites. We did our best to view many different reports on the issue and also researched the fundamentals so that you can read a balanced argument.

OLG is overseen by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

In the case of OLG, the RTP value must be set at a minimum of 85%, which is stipulated by the AGCO. If OLG were to actually set all of their online casino games at 85% RTP only, then that would be relatively low and it would explain why some people complain about low payouts. However, OLG.ca does publish RTPs for some of their online casino games and they can be as high as 95% to 99%.

What about algorithms that are sensitive to player behavior?

We have to admit that in terms of design, PlayOLG Casino looks very smooth. Games also look fine and authentic. However, the overall design and user experience are not the things we want to focus on here. Rather than that, we would like to address the controversies surrounding the OLG software.

Numerous players claim that OLG uses software that manipulates the odds.

As mentioned, numerous players claim that OLG uses software that manipulates the odds. What's more, there are also rumours that they use a programme that analyses winners' betting patterns. Moreover, online reviews claim that even the lotteries are rigged and that the average payout is a low 50%.

Are those claims true? OLG obviously denies any rumours of games being rigged in any way. However, considering how many online comments there are, it's hard not to believe there is a remote possibility the site uses its software to decrease players' chances of winning.

Other than that, there is not much we can complain about regarding OLG's software. All games run smoothly, and there are no lags or bugs that can ruin the user experience. They also work with reliable online casino game developers like IGT, so there is not much we can complain about in terms of game and site quality.

The software running the online casino games could in theory of course also run algorithms that are sensitive to player behavior, winnings, etc. and then for example influence the outcomes in such a way that it is disadvantageous for the player. This sort of very short-term manipulation is probably what is meant when people have asked if OLG online casino games are rigged.

However, there are strict rules that regulate what online casino software may and may not do. Many online casinos are regulated by the internationally approved testing agency eCOGRA, and the AGCO, which overlooks OLG, has formally registered with eCOGRA in August 2021. So, even if OLG unfairly manipulated their online casino games before, this would have had to stop once eCOGRA was on board.

We then searched for customer complaints

When we searched for customer reports via google, we found that a large percentage of complaints were pertaining to the OLG lottery and not the OLG online casino games. Of the recent complaints regarding OLG Online Casino, some users complain that they get logged out without any of their doing, usually after winning. Also, people complain about the blackjack game being rigged, because people continuously got dealt bad cards. With regards to OLG slots, some people complained that the spinning of reels seemed to slow down during a winning streak.

Most complaints were pertaining to the OLG lottery and not the OLG online casino games.

What about OLG Bonuses and Promotions being rigged?

Once you create your OLG account and place a deposit, you can take advantage of a welcome bonus (a 100% deposit bonus) and 10 CAD in free cash if you set a weekly deposit limit. Deposit limits are something PlayOLG encourages its players to set as a part of the casino's commitment to social responsibility. What we also want to note here is that these bonuses come with certain terms and conditions attached. To withdraw these funds, you must reach a specific threshold of wagering.

Generally speaking, bonuses are not as attractive as at other online casinos. OLG also doesn't run any ongoing promotions or VIP programs. That is certainly a huge blow, considering that most online gambling sites treat such features as a must-have. The only way you can win some additional rewards is by agreeing to participate in various surveys via the OLG Connect Player Panel.

Anything happening with OLG Banking Methods?

The first thing that demands clarification here is that OLG only accepts Canadian dollars. Other than that, there are no differences between OLG and international online casinos. Just like many other sites, PlayOLG requires a minimum deposit (15 CAD) which you can conveniently transfer using Visa, MasterCard, and Interac Online Payment directly from your bank account.

Withdrawals can only be done through Electronic Funds Transfer, which usually takes 3-5 days.

Now, regarding withdrawals, things are slightly more complicated. Firstly, they can be done only through Electronic Funds Transfer, which usually takes 3-5 days. Secondly, OLG requires a copy of an original bank statement that should include the bank name, transit, account number, name, and address. It might seem like a lot of trouble for a simple withdrawing transaction, which OLG compensates by not imposing any withdrawal limits, but nothing to report here of any rigging.

So is there really any evidence that OLG is rigged?

When researching customer reports on whether or not OLG online games are rigged, one is likely to find mostly negative reports and not many positive reports. One needs to consider though that when people are angry about something (like losing money to a government casino), they take to the internet to rant about it. And do they rant! So nothing to see here, all is above board and NOT rigged! We even found some very positive posts, such as a player registering with OLG, paying in $50, winning over $5000 within moments and successfully cashing out immediately.

Other Online Casinos for Canadian Players

Considering the controversies, poor game variety, and rather unimpressive bonuses, it is fair to say that OLG is not the best Canadian casino. Sure, it is not the worst, and it certainly has its benefits. However, numerous other sites come with many more advantages, games, more attractive offers, and much higher payout rates.

Here are some of the best alternative casinos Canadian players can play at: