HOW DOES RNG WORK? UNDERSTANDING THE MECHANICS OF RANDOM NUMBER GENERATORS IN ONLINE CASINOS

Random Number Generators are the fulcrum of any computer game, including online casino games. Although you’d expect to have to immerse yourself in an ocean of mathematical concepts to understand how random number generators work, that isn’t the case.

In this post, we’ll dive into the random number generator and unveil its mechanics and core concepts that allow it to provide so many fascinating casino games for us to enjoy!

What is RNG in Online Gambling?

The unpredictability of casino games is the cornerstone of gambling as we know it. The most traditional form of random number generation is coin flipping. This unpredictability, or randomness, is nothing but the RNG at work. RNG stands for random number generator, and its function is to generate random numbers continuously.

What exactly do we mean by “generating random numbers”? Well, if we think about it, true randomness cannot be achieved by any equation we create. It’s impossible to start generating random numbers with a man-made equation since no result would truly be random.

In fact, this is precisely why today’s random number generators are actually referred to as ‘pseudo-random number generators‘. The initial seed value (the number used by random number generators to generate random numbers) is known, so the output can, technically, be predicted.

What does this all mean? It means that pseudorandom number generators get the job done but they don’t translate to truly random numbers.

How Does RNG Work in Online Casino Games?

Let’s tackle this question by establishing that not all random number generators use the same computer algorithm. Computer algorithms vary in complexity; one software algorithm can be far more complex than the other. This largely depends on its purpose, but the set of principles remain the same.

The first principle we’ll talk about is called entropy. This is the metric used to determine the approximate true randomness of data, whereby the high entropy ensures high-quality randomness. Sufficient entropy is needed to obtain computer-generated random numbers.

The next principle we’ll consider is called seeding. As opposed to entropy, seeding is the metric used to calculate how unique the generated numbers are. Different seed values ensure that the same sequence won’t be produced. In fact, this produces billions of sequences.

The Mathematics Behind Random Number Generators

There are two different categories of RNG: limited or unlimited distribution. Limited Distribution RNGs produce random numbers within a specific range or set of values. The numbers generated are constrained within predetermined limits or a finite set of possibilities. For example, an RNG that generates numbers between 1 and 100 falls under the category of a limited distribution RNG.

Unlimited Distribution RNGs generate random numbers that can theoretically span an infinite range or a vast and unbounded set of values. These RNGs have the capability to produce numbers without any predetermined upper or lower limits.

In casinos, the use of Limited Distribution RNGs is more common. Games typically have specific ranges or sets of values for their outcomes, such as the numbers on a roulette wheel or the combinations of playing cards in a deck.

Pseudorandom vs. True Random: Differentiating RNG Types

Let’s take a step back and understand the difference between a pseudorandom number generator and a true random number generator.

Pseudorandom number generators generate numbers that look random but are actually produced using mathematical formulas or algorithms. They start with an initial value called a seed and use calculations to generate a sequence of numbers. Pseudorandom number generators are deterministic, meaning that if you start with the same seed, you will always get the same sequence of numbers.

Now, true random number generators generate numbers from physical processes or sources that are inherently unpredictable. They rely on capturing random events from atmospheric or thermal conditions, such as atmospheric noise, radioactive decay, or thermal noise. True random number generators extract randomness from these natural phenomena.

Where is RNG Used in Online Casinos?

As we’ve mentioned previously, random number generators are the backbone of online casinos for many reasons. First of all, they ensure that the casino operates in a fair way. How? Online casinos often undergo regular audits and testing by independent third-party organizations to verify the fairness of their games. These audits check the performance of the RNGs used in the games to ensure that they produce truly random and unbiased outcomes.

Apart from the legal aspect of casinos, random number generators are crucial to operating the games therein. RNGs are used to determine the outcomes of various casino games, such as slots, roulette, blackjack, poker, and more. The RNG generates random numbers that determine the symbols, cards, or winning combinations in these games. This ensures that the results are unpredictable and unbiased, simulating the randomness of traditional games.

RNG in Different Online Games

How do random generators of so many numbers factor into the games we all enjoy? This is the part where we’ll explain how RNGs function in each type of casino game and why they produce random numbers to create the basis of each game.

Live Casino Games

In live games, where real human dealers interact with players through a video streaming platform, RNGs are used to ensure fairness and random outcomes for certain aspects of the game.

First and foremost, in games like blackjack or baccarat, the RNG determines the order in which the cards are shuffled before being dealt by the live dealer. Also, in games like roulette, where a ball is spun on a wheel with numbered pockets, it is the RNG that determines the winning number. Yes, the live dealer spins the wheel, but the result is determined by the random number generator that uses a truly random seed each time.

Table Games

When you load up any table games (like poker, roulette, blackjack, baccarat and craps), the RNG is initialized with a seed value. The seed can be based on various unpredictable factors, such as the current time, player inputs, or other sources of randomness. This seed ensures that each gaming session starts with a unique starting point.

The RNG generates a continuous stream of random numbers using a complex mathematical algorithm. These numbers are generated at an extremely rapid rate, typically many times per second. The algorithm used is designed to produce numbers that are statistically random and unpredictable.

In card games (poker, blackjack and baccarat), the RNG numbers may be mapped to different cards in a deck. The numbers determine which card is dealt next, replicating the randomness of shuffling and dealing in a physical card game.

In roulette, the RNG numbers correspond to the various slots on the roulette wheel. The number generated determines the winning slot on the virtual wheel, emulating the randomness of a real ball landing on a specific number.

In craps (or other dice games), the RNG numbers can be mapped to the possible outcomes of rolling dice. The numbers determine the values on the virtual dice, simulating the randomness of a physical dice roll.

Slot Machines

The one place random numbers are simply indispensable is slot machines. Firstly, the random numbers generated by the RNG are mapped to specific outcomes on the slot machine’s virtual reels. Each number corresponds to a particular symbol or position on the reels. The mapping determines the symbols that appear on each reel when the spin button is pressed.

Last but still important, RNGs help maintain the slot’s Return to Player (RTP). The RTP (written in percentage form) is basically the average percentage of wagered money that players can expect to win over the long term. The RNG contributes to maintaining the RTP percentage by generating random outcomes that match the expected payout ratios established by the slot provider.

RNG Certificates in Gaming Industry

Let’s start by clarifying what RNG certificates are. RNG certificates are certifications that verify the integrity and fairness of the random number generators (RNGs) used in various games, including online casinos, slots, poker, and other gambling platforms. These certificates are typically issued by independent testing firms or regulatory bodies.

RNG certificates serve as proof that the RNG used in a gaming system or platform is reliable, unbiased, and generates random outcomes. To obtain an RNG certificate, the gaming platform or software provider must undergo rigorous testing and auditing procedures. Independent testing laboratories or regulatory bodies examine the RNG algorithms, seed generation methods, and statistical analyses of the generated numbers.

Why are RNG certificates important? Well, many jurisdictions require gaming operators to obtain RNG certificates as part of their licensing and regulatory requirements. There are some very well-known testing laboratories that specialise in RNG certification in the gaming industry, including eCOGRA and iTech Labs.

Ensuring Fairness and Security: RNGs in Online Casinos

RNG has many statistical properties, one of which is the inherent fairness that it provides when it comes to casino products. The random numbers are used to determine the position of symbols on slot reels, the cards dealt in card games, or the winning numbers in roulette, among other game elements.

Furthermore, RNGs provide every player with an equal chance of winning. The random nature of the numbers generated ensures that the games are not rigged or manipulated to favour the casino or any specific player.

Also, what many people don’t realise is that RNG adds a layer of security that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Online casinos employ secure implementations and encryption protocols to secure their RNG. This ensures that the random number generation process is protected from external interference or manipulation. Secure encryption protocols also safeguard the transmission of RNG data between the player’s device and the online casino server, protecting it from unauthorised access or tampering.

How Does RNG Affect Casino Strategies?

Can computer programming, in this case RNG, affect your strategy when it comes to playing specific games efficiently? If you’re used to strategies that aim to predict the outcome of a specific game, then you’ll need to alter your idea of a strategy for casino releases.

Instead of relying on predicting specific outcomes, casino strategies often focus on probability and expected value. Players analyse the probabilities of certain events occurring and calculate the expected value of their bets to make informed decisions. RNGs do not affect these fundamental principles, as they try to determine the probability of their selected outcomes.

As we’ve mentioned, the purpose of a random number generator is to ensure that the outcomes of casino products are random and unpredictable. This pure randomness makes it challenging to develop strategies that guarantee consistent wins. Casino strategies that rely on predicting or exploiting patterns in the outcomes become ineffective due to the inherent randomness of RNG-generated results.

Since the outcomes are random, players need to consider the potential volatility in their bankroll and adjust their betting sizes accordingly. Strategies such as setting win/loss limits, using betting systems, or employing progressive betting may be employed to manage the bankroll effectively.

With RNGs in place, players can and should strategise by selecting games with favourable odds and higher RTP percentages. By choosing games with lower house edges, players can maximise their chances of long-term success. This strategy involves understanding the odds and paytables of different games and making informed decisions. Don’t hop into the first game you like — do your research! Make sure that the game you choose has an acceptable house edge, good winning potential and great replay value.