“Non-certified providers are risky” it is one of those pieces of advice that floats around the iGaming industry, and for good reason. In this world we live in, trust and fairness are everything. Working with a provider who can’t back their games with solid certifications is like walking a tightrope without a net. It might look fine at first, but one misstep could send your business into chaos.

As a casino operator, you’ve probably heard the term GLI certification tossed around like it’s some kind of magic badge. And, honestly, it kind of is. But what does it really mean? And why is it such a big deal when providers, like us at SA Gaming, proudly display it on our websites?

Certifications can feel like a box to check. But they’re not just a fancy sticker to slap on your product; it’s a rock-solid foundation for trust, fairness, and compliance in the gaming industry. Knowing what this certification means—and making sure your providers have it—can be the difference between running a thriving casino or running into regulatory nightmares.

Let’s break it all down.

What is GLI Certification?

Think of Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) as the referee in the world of online gaming. They’re an independent organization, and their job is to test gaming products—like live dealer games, RNG systems, and platforms—to make sure everything’s fair, secure, and up to standard.

Founded by James Maida, GLI has grown into one of the gaming industry’s most influential testing and certification firms. With its headquarters in Las Vegas, GLI isn’t just focused on one area of gaming—it’s everywhere. They work across traditional gaming, digital iGaming, and even the lottery markets, providing rigorous testing, certification, and advisory services.

What’s impressive is how they serve operators, technology developers, and regulators alike. It doesn’t only certify games and systems; it also creates a fair and trusted ecosystem for the entire industry. 

This is why their stamp of approval carries so much weight. When you see “GLI-certified,” you know it’s been through the wringer to meet global standards. It really is not just submitting a game and crossing your fingers. It’s a process—a long, meticulous one.

It’s tested for fairness (to make sure players aren’t getting cheated), security (to protect against hackers and fraud), and compliance (to meet the laws of whatever jurisdiction it’s operating in).

And yes, it’s global. GLI works with over 700 jurisdictions worldwide, which means their certification is recognized almost everywhere.

Why Should Operators Care About GLI Certification?

As an operator, you’re juggling a ton of stuff—player acquisition, retention, marketing, compliance, payouts, and probably more caffeine than is healthy. So why should you care whether your provider has GLI certification?

It Builds Trust

Imagine a player logs into your casino and loses a few rounds. What’s the first thing they think? “This is rigged.” That’s just human nature. But when your games are GLI-certified, you’ve got proof that they’re fair. It’s a way to say, “Hey, we’re not here to cheat you. The system is legit.”

Players don’t always see the certification, but they feel the fairness. Over time, that builds loyalty. And loyal players are the ones who keep coming back—and bringing their friends.

It Keeps You Out of Trouble

Here’s the thing about the iGaming industry: rules are everywhere. Some regions have tight regulations, and others are, well, still figuring it out. But many of those regulators require operators to use certified gaming systems.

Without certified games, you’re risking fines, or worse - you could get shut down. We’ve seen operators learn this the hard way.

It Opens Doors

This one’s big. GLI certification is a golden ticket into regulated markets. For example, when we got our GLI certification for Brazil, it wasn’t just a win for us—it was a win for every operator we work with. Suddenly, they could confidently expand into one of the fastest-growing iGaming markets out there.

What Does This Mean for SA Gaming’s Solutions?

At SA Gaming, GLI certification is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to delivering trusted, compliant, and world-class gaming solutions to our partners. We’ve been working with GLI for years to assure businesses like yours that our games and systems meet the highest global standards. 

Global Compliance

Our GLI certification covers a wide range of jurisdictions worldwide.  This means that our live dealer games and platforms are fully compliant. Our solutions are designed to meet the technical and legal requirements of the regions where you operate, ensuring that our solutions maintain fairness, security, and reliability—qualities that operators and players alike demand in the iGaming space.

Expanding into Brazil

2025 marked an important milestone for us: achieving GLI certification specifically for Brazil. Brazil is quickly becoming one of the most dynamic and promising iGaming markets in the world, with its unique regulatory framework and enormous player base.

This certification means that our games and systems now meet Brazil’s specific requirements, allowing operators to confidently expand into this growing market. For us, this is a strategic move to help our partners tap into the incredible opportunities Brazil offers.

We see this as part of our broader mission to not only provide compliant solutions but also to empower our clients to access new markets with confidence and ease.

Player Confidence

We know that trust is everything in this industry. Players want to feel assured that the games they’re playing are fair and secure. That’s where GLI certification plays a vital role—it’s a seal of approval that tells players, “This is a game you can trust.”

For operators, this trust translates into player retention and loyalty. When your players know they’re gaming on a platform that prioritizes fairness and compliance, they’re more likely to stick around. And that’s exactly what we aim to deliver with every solution we provide.

The Hidden Costs of Skipping GLI Certification

Let’s be clear: not all providers are certified, and that’s a red flag. Working with non-certified providers is risky—both for your reputation and your bottom line.

• Avoiding Risk - Non-certified providers might offer cheaper solutions, but they come with a cost. If regulators catch wind of non-compliance, it’s your casino that pays the price.
• Standing Out - In a crowded market, GLI certification is a way to stand out. It shows players (and regulators) that you’re serious about offering a fair, trustworthy experience.
• Streamlining Operations - When you work with a GLI-certified provider, you don’t have to worry non-stop. We’ve already done the hard work for you.

SA Gaming’s Commitment to Excellence

For over 15 years, we’ve been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in iGaming. GLI certification is just one part of our commitment to delivering premium, compliant, and trustworthy solutions.

When you partner with SA Gaming, you’re not just getting games—you’re getting peace of mind.

Ready to take your casino to the next level? Let’s make it happen—together. Contact Us today.