When you play instant win games, whether it is an online scratch card or a virtual slot, it is natural to wonder how the result is decided. Is the outcome already set, or can it be changed?
You might also see terms like Random Number Generator and feel unsure what they mean in practice. Add in a lot of mixed information online and it is easy to feel none the wiser.
This guide sets out what “predetermined” really means, how outcomes are produced, and how fairness is checked in the UK, so you can understand what is happening on screen without the jargon.
How Do Instant Win Games Decide Winners?
Instant win games on licensed UK sites use computer technology that selects outcomes at random. The key piece of software is a Random Number Generator, often called an RNG.
An RNG is a programme inside the game. Each time you press play, it rapidly selects one result from a huge range of possibilities. This happens in a split second and the game does not remember previous plays or track your personal history.
In the UK, licensed operators must use games whose RNGs have been tested for fairness. Independent testing agencies examine the software to make sure results are not influenced by the operator, the device, or when you choose to play.
So when you play an instant win game online, the outcome is selected by a random process that has been independently checked. With that in mind, what about the idea that games are fixed or predetermined?
Are Instant Win Games Rigged Or Predetermined?
In the UK, instant win games on licensed sites are required to be fair. Rules set by the Gambling Commission prohibit operators from manipulating outcomes, and the result of each round must be independent.
The word “predetermined” can cause confusion. For online instant win games such as digital scratch cards and slots, the outcome is chosen at the moment you press play, not from a pre-written list of winners and losers. Nobody at the operator knows your result in advance.
How Do Random Number Generators Work?
As explained earlier, the RNG picks a number from a vast range and maps it to an outcome, such as a specific reel combination or a prize on a scratch card. Each play is independent, and the selection is designed so no one can predict or influence it. Approved testing labs check that the RNG behaves as claimed and that outcomes line up with the game’s rules.
If you want to read more about the framework behind this, the Gambling Commission publishes information about technical standards and testing.
What Role Do Payout Percentages And Return To Player (RTP) Have?
When browsing instant win games you will often see Return To Player, or RTP. This percentage shows how much of all money wagered on that game is paid back to players over time.
For example, an RTP of 94% means that across a very large number of plays, around £94 is expected to be returned in prizes for every £100 staked, with the remaining £6 covering costs and margin. It is a long-term average for all players combined. It does not predict what will happen to you in one session or a small number of plays.
Licensed UK operators must display the RTP for each game, typically in the rules or help section. If you cannot find it, our support team can point you to the right place.
Those headline numbers are useful, but how do you know they are accurate? That is where independent testing comes in.
How Do Independent Audits And Third-Party Testing Show Fairness?
Independent testing labs approved by the regulator check games before they go live. They are separate from operators and developers, and they follow strict technical standards.
How Do Testing Labs Report Results?
When a game is submitted, the lab examines the RNG and runs extensive simulations to confirm that results are randomly distributed as claimed. They also verify that the RTP reported in the game files matches what is advertised, look for any irregular patterns, and confirm there is no unauthorised code affecting outcomes.
The lab then issues a report and certification stating whether the game meets the required standards. Only certified games can be offered to UK players. Many sites link to certificates or summaries in the game’s information or help pages, and our support team can share details on request.
If you would like to do your own checks as a player, the next section shows what to look for.
How Can Players Check A Game's Fairness?
A good starting point is the site’s licence status. UK sites show their Gambling Commission licence details, often in the footer. A current licence indicates the operator is subject to technical standards, testing and ongoing oversight.
It also helps to look for evidence of independent testing. Many games link to certificates from recognised labs such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, or GLI. Certificates usually confirm that the RNG performs as claimed and that the published RTP matches the approved build.
RTP should be visible within each game’s rules or information panel. Comparing RTPs can give you a feel for how different games are designed, but remember it is a long-term measure rather than a predictor of short-term outcomes. If the information is not obvious, our support team can help you find it.
If you are concerned about a specific game or how a result was handled, keep a note of the details and contact us. For individual disputes that cannot be resolved with the operator, an Alternative Dispute Resolution provider can review the case. If you believe rules are being breached, you can report this to the Gambling Commission, although they do not resolve individual player complaints.
What Technical Signs Suggest A Game Might Be Predetermined?
On properly regulated UK sites, instant win games use RNGs rather than pre-set winning tickets. If you are ever unsure, there are a few signs to consider, especially on unlicensed or unclear sites.
Be cautious with apparent “patterns.” True random sequences can produce streaks and clusters, so a few wins or losses in a row is not, on its own, evidence of a problem. What is more concerning is a rigid, repeated sequence, such as wins appearing at fixed intervals that line up too neatly over long stretches of play, or the same outcome appearing each time the identical game state is relaunched.
Another clue is a lack of transparency. If a site does not reference RNG use, cannot point to independent testing, or describes outcomes as pre-allocated in a way that resembles pre-printed tickets, treat that as a warning sign. Some markets do use pre-printed outcomes for digital scratch cards, similar to physical cards, but UK online instant win games are expected to use tested random selection.
If those points still leave you uneasy, the final section explains how to escalate a concern.
What Can You Do If You Suspect A Game Is Rigged?
If something feels off, write down what happened and gather any supporting detail, such as timestamps, game titles, screenshots, or transaction IDs. Share this with our support team so we can review the session data and respond.
If the matter is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can escalate it to the operator’s Alternative Dispute Resolution provider. Every UK operator sets out its ADR route in the complaints policy, and the ADR will consider the evidence independently.
Where you believe an operator may be breaching licence conditions or acting outside the rules, you can report this to the Gambling Commission. They use reports to inform investigations and wider enforcement but do not determine individual player outcomes.
Understanding how outcomes are generated, how games are tested, and how to raise concerns gives you a clear, practical way to make informed choices.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.