Past Indiscrepancies
Player complaints in online forums date back to 2009, and have prompted independent investigations into their software. In particular, gamblers surmised that the results on SkillonNet’s video poker gamble feature was not random or fair. Testing revealed that out of 301 gambles, researchers experienced only 108 wins and 193 losses. This was despite odds that should have been 50/50 with no house edge. There were also no three-win sequences, which should have occurred around one every eight gambles or so.
Similar complaints were lodged against the software developer in 2012. Players noted that after raising complaints with one of their casinos, the software began providing more consistent results the next day. This led many to wonder whether or not the results were configurable by game operators.
Current Status
These days, SkillonNet claims to only do business with “white label” casino operators. In creating their partnerships, they emphasize the importance of obtaining the proper gambling license, and will even help their casinos in securing one. SkillonNet states that one of their goals is to obtaining licensing what they call “all ‘sensibly’ regulated territories.”
Their renewed focus on integrity has led to very few player complaints in recent years. Even so, some watchdog groups still do not trust SkillonNet, and have issued warnings against using their software on any online casino.
Games
The company offers more than 1200 different casino games. They may have begun with backgammon, but video slots are their primary focus these days. Some of the most popular SkillonNet slot games include:
- Judge Dredd
- King Kong
- Batman
- Superman: The Last Son of Krypton
- Andre the Giant
- American Roulette
- French Roulette
- European Roulette
Blackjack Options include:
- American Blackjack
- European Blackjack
- Progressive Blackjack
Video Poker:
- Joker Poker
- Jacks or Better
- Aces & Faces
- Deuces Wild
Pros & Cons
Pros
- They allow online casinos to offer many themed slots.
- Gamblers can access their products in multiple languages without having to switch gaming sites.
- Provide very realistic graphics that include the feel of entering an actual land-based casino.
- Offer numerous new player bonuses and rewards.
Cons
- Many of their games must be downloaded. In addition, players are often unable to preview downloadable games first.
- Past history of unfairness in their games, which has been verified and documented by independent testing.
- Their software is only available at a select few casinos.
Conclusion
The problems with SkillonNet software may be a few years old, yet they continue to give people pause. In particular, player advocacy groups continue to advise against them because of their past unfair gambling practices. To their own credit, the company has taken more measures to ensure the integrity of its software, and also seems to be choosing casino operators more carefully.
SkillonNet does provide a fun, realistic gambling experience and generous bonuses to those who try their games. Even so, anyone who is considering their games should fully vet their online casino and bet only small amounts of money until they can verify the results. Any issues concerning the fairness of their games should be reported to the appropriate licensing authority.
