GLI (Gaming Laboratories International) Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
The world's largest gaming test lab, launched in 1989 in New Jersey, USA. It checks whether slot machines and online games meet regulatory standards, and it created industry standard documents such as GLI-11 and GLI-19.
| English | Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) |
|---|---|
| Classification | Licenses & Regulation |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founders | James Maida, Paul Magno |
| Headquarters | Lakewood, New Jersey, USA |
| Type | Independent gaming test lab |
| Locations | 20+ across 6 continents |
| Recognized jurisdictions | 475+ |
| Key standards | GLI-11 (gaming devices), GLI-19 (online games), GLI-33 (sports betting) |
| Accreditation | ISO/IEC 17025, 17020 |
| Official site | gaminglabs.com |
Overview
GLI (Gaming Laboratories International) is an independent testing body that tests and certifies whether slot machines, online casino games, lotteries, and sports betting systems meet regulatory standards. It was founded in 1989 by James Maida and Paul Magno in Toms River, New Jersey, and moved its headquarters to Lakewood in 2002.
It now has more than 20 offices across 6 continents and is recognized in more than 475 jurisdictions (countries, states, and regions). It says it has certified over 1.75 million devices and software items to date.
What testing labs do
Regulators often don’t test games themselves. Instead, they approve games based on results from accredited testing labs. When a provider releases a new slot, it usually goes through this process.
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Submission | The provider submits the game software and math model (PAR sheet) to a testing lab |
| 2. RNG testing | Statistical testing that the random number generator is unpredictable and unbiased |
| 3. Math verification | Verifies through simulations of countless spins that the displayed RTP matches the actual math model |
| 4. Functional testing | Checks rule displays, bet limits, error handling, and result preservation on reconnect against the jurisdiction’s standards |
| 5. Certificate issued | If the game passes, the lab issues a certificate for each jurisdiction. Regulators approve the game based on it |
GLI standards
GLI creates and publishes technical standards documents that regulators in many countries use as a reference. When regulators write their own standards, they often adopt GLI standards as they are or use them as a basis.
| Standard | Audience |
|---|---|
| GLI-11 | Gaming devices such as casino slot machines |
| GLI-19 | Online (interactive) gaming systems. The world’s first international standard for online games, released in 2011 |
| GLI-23 | Video lottery terminals |
| GLI-33 | Sports betting systems (2018) |
History
- 1989 – Launched in New Jersey
- 1995 – Became the first game testing body licensed by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission
- 2006 – Became the first in the US gaming industry to receive both ISO 17025 and ISO 17020 accreditation
- 2011 – Published GLI-19, the online gaming standard
- 2018 – Merged the European NMi Gaming business to grow in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
What it means for players
On a game’s info screen or at the bottom of a casino site, you may see a “GLI certified” mark. It means the game’s RNG and math model have been tested by an independent lab. However, certification only means that the game works fairly, not that players can win. Even certified games only return the RTP over the long run. Also, rather than trusting a casino just because of a certification mark, it’s better to check which regulator licenses the operator. Similar organizations include BMM Testlabs and eCOGRA.
Location
GLI's headquarters is in Lakewood, New Jersey, USA.