How Casinos Use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to Ensure Fair Play

Online gamblers need to trust that the games they are playing on the internet are fair and that the outcomes are determined by chance and not open to manipulation. Whether that is spinning the reels on a new slot game, playing a hand of poker or betting on the roulette wheel at an online casino, players need to know that gameplay is fair.

This is where RNGs come in – so what does RNG mean? RNG stands for Random Number Generator and these are tools used in online gambling to ensure the results of an activity are genuinely unpredictable.

• What does RNG mean?
• Types of RNGs
• Can you beat RNGs?
• How are RNGs tested?
• Importance of fairness at online casinos
• What is the future for RNGs?

What does RNG mean?

RNGs represent casino algorithm software that generates a sequence of random numbers or symbols, designed to produce outcomes that are statistically unpredictable and therefore stimulate the element of chance in casino games. They are utilized in various casino games – including slots and table games like blackjack, poker, roulette and more – to ensure that every spin, shuffle and deal is truly random.

RNGs generate numbers at an extremely high speed, every second producing sequences of independent numbers without following any pattern. The operation of an RNG begins with a seed value, which serves as the starting point for generating a sequence of numbers. The algorithm uses various mathematical equations and inputs such as the current time, system information and player actions to produce a series of seemingly random results.

We must note that true randomness is tricky to get in these computer systems, because they are inherently deterministic in their nature. However, RNGs work to create the illusion of randomness by utilizing complex algorithms and external variables as inputs to generate unpredictable results. Therefore RNGs ensure that all players have an equal chance of winning when playing casino games online and that there is no way that the results can be rigged or tampered with.

The key characteristic of an RNG is that it produces outcomes that are statistically independent and uniformly distributed. Each number generated is unrelated to the previous number or future numbers in the sequence, guaranteeing that no patterns or biases can be found.

Types of RNGs

There are two main types of RNGs – hardware and software random number generators. Hardware RNGs are physical devices influenced by external factors while software RNGs are integrated into online casinos. Software RNGs come in two different forms – True Random Number Generators (TRNGs) and Pseudo Random Number Generators (PRNGs).

TRNGs are more expensive to implement but produce more unpredictable results than PRNGs. TRNGs create random numerical values by utilizing physical events with random elements like noise signals that make it impossible for hackers to compromise because they cannot predict the sequence of numbers involved thanks to the inherent randomness of this real physical event.

PRNGs make use of algorithms to create large strings of numbers that have relation to a shorter string of numbers. This shorter string of numbers is referred to as a seed number and is often based on a physical or natural source like TRNGs. As PRNGs are completely digital and rely on both a seed number and algorithm, a hacker could attempt to access both to guess or reverse-engineer the values, although the chances of this happening are very low.

You will find RNGs in almost all aspects of life including things like computer simulations, statistical sampling and also security applications, with online casinos using PRNGs to ensure the element of randomness in all games that don’t involve real-life dealers.

Can you beat RNGs?

Legitimate RNGs at reputable online casinos are designed to ensure that they cannot be beaten by the average player but that they remain fair when compared to land-based casino games. It is possible to hack an RNG though, although you would need to access the software and algorithms that were used in their creation and this is difficult as they are highly protected by the game developers.

How are RNGs tested?

Legal and reputable online casinos have their RNG software regularly tested by independent third-party auditors to ensure that gameplay remains fair. Auditors will regularly provide both consulting as well as full testing services to online and land-based casinos to ensure players get a fair experience when gambling online or in real life. These audits can include RNG inspections, game payout assessments, game and mathematics evaluations and more.

When an online casino has been certified for fair gaming, that means its RNGs have been tested and the outcomes are truly random. Players can check this by looking out for a certification or seal from a trustworthy auditor, usually located at the very bottom of every page on a site. Gambling operators are not permitted to make any changes to individual games unless they follow an extensive compliance process and notify the relevant gambling regulators. If they are found to have breached rules then they may be hit with a severe fine or even have their license revoked.

Here we are going to look at some respected independent bodies that conduct RNG checks and tests in more detail:

• eCOGRA: Established in 2003 at the behest of the online gaming industry as the first industry self-regulation system, eCOGRA stands for eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance. Based in London in the United Kingdom, they are a leading independent and internationally approved testing agency specializing in the testing, inspection and certification of online gambling software and systems. Their rigorous testing and certification processes give regulators and customers the confidence that gaming operators and software and service providers are compliant. They have built up a reputation as one of the iGaming industry’s most trusted voices over the last 20 years, having tested and certified thousands of games for online gambling jurisdictions across the globe.
• TST: A subsidiary of Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), TST stands for Technical Systems Testing and they are a company renowned for testing and consulting services provided around the world in both land-based and iGaming markets since 1993. They have offices in London, Italy, Macau, Manila, the Netherlands and Vancouver, with their interactive gaming systems verifying requirements for both single-player and multiplayer games online and on mobile.
• iTech Labs: One of the leading accredited testing laboratories for online gaming worldwide, their clients include some of the largest companies in the online gaming industry. Integrity, quality, set prices and meeting deadlines are their guiding principles. In operation since 2004, iTech Labs test across multiple locations including Australia, Asia and Europe. They test RNGs in more than 15 languages using different algorithms and hardware generators and believe their experience is unmatched in the industry.

Importance of fairness at online casinos

The importance of fairness at online casinos cannot be overstated, as players want to make wagers on games safe in the knowledge that the results are not being manipulated. Over the last several years the iGaming industry has made great strides in correctly licensing online casinos so players know which ones to play at and who to avoid. Affiliate reviewers help this process, bringing the standards of what players can expect up by comparing sites.

Anyone new to the world of iGaming simply needs to know that they should only part with their hard-earned cash at an online casino that is licensed by a professional authority. This is because officially licensed online casinos must follow strict rules and regulations when offering their services, with the fair use of RNGs one of the most important requirements.

Here we are going to delve into some of the biggest licensing bodies out there:

• United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC): Formed in 2007, the UKGC is an executive, non-departmental public body of the government of the UK responsible for regulating gambling and supervising gaming law in Great Britain.
• Malta Gaming Authority (MGA): Formerly the Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA), the MGA is the control board of Malta that regulates most forms of gambling in its territories including both land-based and online gambling services.
• Curacao eGaming: Based in the Caribbean island nation of Curacao, this regulatory body has been providing gambling licenses since 1996.

What is the future for RNGs?

With the advancement of technology and the rise of artificial technology (AI) we can expect there to be advances in how RNGs work in the coming years. More sophisticated algorithms being used to enhance the randomness of game outcomes even further is expected, while the use of blockchain and decentralized RNGs raise the prospect of increased security and transparency in the field of iGaming. You should only ever play at online casinos that implement RNGs and have them regularly tested to ensure you get the best gaming experience possible.