Random Number Generator (RNG): what is it?

Everyone has their own favorite casino. How to choose your favorite casino is something we have discussed in the past. Needless to say, fairness is always at the center of legal online casinos. Beyond the fact that players want to play at a legal online casino, they need a guarantee that the game play is fair and that the results are not manipulated or predictable. To ensure this, online casinos use random number generators, or RNGs. In this blog, you will learn to understand the crucial role of RNGs in online casinos and how fair and reliable game play is guaranteed.

What is a Random Number Generator (RNG)?

A random number generator is a computer algorithm that produces a sequence of numbers without any pattern or predictability. These sequences are used in the development of games of chance to randomly determine the outcome of a game, whether to determine the result on the spin of a slot machine, the dealing of cards in a poker game or the outcome of a roulette, the outcome is always completely random.

Types of RNGs

There are two types of Random Number Generators (RNG): "real" RNGs that use unpredictable physical phenomena to generate the random numbers (such as atmospheric noise), and pseudo-random RNGs that use mathematical formulas to generate random numbers. Online gambling usually uses pseudo-random RNGs because of their reliability and speed.

The importance of a Random Number Generator (RNG) at online casinos

In a land-based casino, randomness is guaranteed by physical factors: the way dice are rolled, the speed of the roulette wheel, the way cards are shuffled. In an online environment, where these physical factors are absent, RNGs are essential to ensure this randomness.

RNGs ensure that casino games are fair by ensuring that each outcome is independent and unpredictable. This means that previous results do not affect future results, and each player thus has an equal chance of winning. RNGs also prevent manipulation of results by the casino or players.

The fairness and reliability of RNGs

To be reliable, RNGs must be designed correctly and used correctly. A good random number generator will produce sets of numbers that are evenly distributed and independent, meaning that each number has as much chance of appearing as any other number, and the probability of each number is not affected by previously generated numbers.

To ensure the fairness and reliability of RNGs, online casinos undergo regular audits by independent bodies. These bodies test RNGs to ensure that they actually produce random and fair results.

RNGs and specific games

"Now where is this used in an online casino?" is among the frequently asked questions. The role of RNGs varies somewhat depending on the type of online game. For example, in online casino dice slots, the Random Number Generator determines the outcome of each spin by generating a random number corresponding to every possible position on each reel. In an online card game such as poker or blackjack, random numbers are also used to randomly shuffle and deal cards. The only place in an online casino where RNGs are not active is at a Live Casino, because the randomness is physically created there.

Conclusion

We can say that a number generator plays a crucial role at online casinos. It ensures the fairness and reliability of the games. Although its use presents certain challenges, technologies and regulations ensure that players can trust the randomness of online games on our platform. By understanding how RNGs work, players can gain a better understanding of the inner workings of online games and play with confidence.