Random number generators (RNGs) are an essential element of online casino games, as they guarantee the complete randomness necessary for these chance-based digital games. All licensed and reputable gambling sites use random number generators that have been tested by independent authorities to ensure fair play. This article explores how RNGs work and their importance to online casinos and fair play.
RNGs, or random number generators, are types of computer programs that generate random numbers at random. RNGs produce vast numbers every second without following any pattern. At any given time, they must provide one or more numbers from the series when requested.
Different types of RNGs exist, but they are typically grouped into two categories – “true random” and “pseudo-random”.
True Random Number Generators (TRNGs): generate random numbers based on physical events that have random elements, such as noise signals. Since the real physical event is random, an attacker can’t predict the sequence of numbers. For this reason, the numbers cannot be deceived.
Pseudo-random Number Generators (PRNG): creates long strings of numbers based on a short string of numbers. Short strings of numbers are known as seed numbers, and they can sometimes come from a physical or natural source, such as a TRNG. Due to their digital nature and reliance on a seed number and algorithm, these systems are highly vulnerable to hackers who can try to guess values or reverse engineer them. However, this is highly unlikely.
RNGs are used in almost every aspect of our lives, including computer simulations, security applications, and statistical sampling. However, in this article, we’re focusing specifically on how RNGs are used in casinos.
History of Random Number Generators
Before numbers had symbols, and before computers, random number generators were devised. For various reasons, all great civilizations have felt compelled to make random picks throughout history. Random number generators, especially on computers, are now a significant (though frequently overlooked) component of human behavior, particularly in casinos.
Several methods have been developed for generating random data based on various applications for randomness. Many techniques have existed since ancient times, such as the rolling of dice, coin flipping, shuffling of playing cards, and the use of yarrow stalks (for divination) in the I Ching, as well as countless other examples. Due to the mechanical nature of these techniques, generating large quantities of sufficiently random numbers (important in statistics) required considerable effort and time. Consequently, random number tables were sometimes used to distribute results.
However, the introduction of computers made the pathway for a more advanced approach of using Random Number Generators as we have them today. These computerized Random Number Generators have been constantly improved on since then to meet more demands, especially at online casinos with a very large pool of users. The idea of using RNGs makes gamblers feel at home at any casino and all online casinos embrace this ever since.
How Random Number Generators are used to determine the game outcome at online casinos
PRNGs are used by casinos to ensure that games without dealers are random. Besides using them for playing cards, they can also be used for flipping coins and other basic activities. Casinos use a PRNG system that is continuously active, which means it generates numbers continuously. The numbers are then instantly converted into elements of the games. For instance, RNG tools calculate the symbols that appear on reels in online slots, the slots on the roulette wheel where the ball falls, the hands dealt in card games, and the numbers rolled in dice games.
We’ll see an example of how this might be accomplished when playing slots online. Imagine there is a three-reel casino slot game with 10 symbols per reel. The Random Number Generator then assigns a value to each symbol and selects a random value from one to ten for each reel. The result is three independent symbols, all assigned independently of one another. Whenever they form a winning combination, the slot game will pay your winnings.
Many land-based gambling destinations also use this technology in their machine-based games, including jackpot slots and video poker. This is the same as how online slots, poker, and other casino games are generated.
Is it possible to beat a random number generator?
The immediate answer is no. In casinos, legitimate random number generators are designed in a way that prevents players from beating them, while ensuring they’re still fair compared to physical counterparts.
However, it is possible long term. Nevertheless, you’ll need international espionage skills to get your hands on the software and algorithms used to generate the random values that drive these games. Since game producers ensure that their games can only be won fairly, these are highly protected by them.
In any case, you’re unlikely to want to cheat unless you’re a cheater. Games at casinos are inherently random. Because of this, they’re called games of chance, where luck alone determines whether you win or lose. There’s no way to know for sure what will happen in a game, but you can determine the probability.
You may be able to influence the outcome of skill-based online table games like online poker or blackjack. Knowing when to fold, check, and raise and knowing the best starting hands in poker can boost your odds – just like knowing when to hit or stand in blackjack. Nevertheless, card games can quickly spiral out of control because each one has a completely random outcome. A gambling game on the other hand is all about wagering on an uncertain outcome, which is what makes them fun.
Are Random Number Generators as fair as expected?
Legitimate and trustworthy websites use RNG software that has been rigorously tested by independent auditors. Consultants and testing services are regularly provided by third parties to both land-based and online casinos. The goal of this is to ensure that patrons of regulated physical and online gambling venues enjoy a fair and fun gambling experience. An audit may include the following:
- Inspections of lottery and pari-mutuel systems
- RNG inspections
- Evaluations of games and mathematics
- Live dealers, sportsbook, or gambling exchange evaluations
- Game payout checks and reports
It means that the RNGs of a betting site are random when it is certified as fair. Checking this is as simple as looking for the certification seal on the gambling website, which is typically found at the bottom of almost every page.
Furthermore, gambling operators are not allowed to make any changes to individual machines or games without involving regulators and following extensive procedures. A gambling site found to be in breach of such rules could face hefty fines or even have its license revoked.
Independent companies like eCOGRA and TST (Technical Systems Testing) conduct regular, thorough RNG checks. They also evaluate live dealers, audit poker systems, perform penetration testing, verify game payouts, and conduct many other tests and checks to ensure the fairness of online gaming.
Conclusion
After an exhaustive consideration of Random Number Generators, it is clear this technology plays a significant role in fairness at online casinos. You should make sure to ensure that a casino you’re playing at has this fair technology added to its games. This way you can sit back and enjoy gambling with no manipulation of odds. Try online casinos with RNGs and enjoy the power of sheer luck in gambling!