In the past, there was a common belief among players that they could estimate the moment when the grand prize could be won. Another popular belief was that most USA online casinos tweaked their slot machines to ensure that players get the last possible prizes. While this might have been true once upon a time, digitization and the subsequent invention of Random Number Generators have made this impossible nowadays.
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What is an RNG?
A Random Number Generator (RNG) is a software designed to generate an unpredictable sequence without a specific pattern, in essence creating randomness. How then does an RNG work in casino games like slots? It follows this principle: A value is assigned to each of the symbols on a reel.
Let’s assume this is a 6-reel slot with 10 symbols on each reel. The RNG then generates a value between 1 and 10 for each of the 6 reels. The result would be 6 separate symbols. So, if you achieve a winning combination with these 6 random symbols, your winnings will be paid according to the chart.
The Mechanics of RNGs
It is theoretically impossible to generate randomness with a mathematical equation because if an equation can be applied, it means that the results can be determined. However, algorithms can be created with these characteristics:
- There is no repetitive sequence.
- A standard deviation exists in a way that the outcome is evenly distributed in the long term.
Once there is a repetitive sequence, it means that the result can be determined theoretically, therefore the outcome isn’t random. However, once there is no repetitive sequence, then the outcome is believed to be truly random.
If the results are unevenly distributed and the results are skewed over a long period of time, then the outcome isn’t random. Once the requirements of an unrepeatable sequence and an even distribution over an extended period of time is met, then the outcome is deemed to be random.
How Are RNGs Used By Casinos?
Random Number Generators are used for games without dealers – virtual casino games. It’s easy to assume that this means that they can only be used by USA online casinos. In reality, RNGs are used by offline casinos for virtual roulette, blackjack, video poker, slot machines, and keno games.
The online gaming industry is heavily dependent on RNGs since online casinos in the USA aim to provide fair and random games. Randomness prevents monotony, otherwise, players would be able to predict the game and gameplay would eventually become boring. In addition, if a pattern has been linked to a specific game, players would discover this in time and leverage this to their advantage, bankrupting the casino eventually.
Random Number Generators determine the fairness and speed of online casinos. Thanks to RNGs, games can be operated efficiently by an online casino at the speed of light, without any errors. Additionally, RNGs are completely credible, making them invaluable to online casino operators.
Types of Random Number Generators
Two types of RNGs are commonly used:
- Pseudorandom RNG
- Hardware RNG
The major objective is the same, however, each unique in its own way.
Pseudorandom Number Generator
This type of RNG is also called a software random generator. Pseudorandom RNGs generate random numbers using mathematical algorithms, in contrast to hardware RNGs that use a physical device. The algorithm is initialized with a “seed” value which is a number with millions of digits after the decimal.
The seed value is derived from a repeatable operation in the computer such as the computer’s clock, keystrokes, or mouse movements. The algorithm solely handles the generation of random numbers and determines the result of the game. Game providers also incorporate Pseudorandom Number Generators to ensure that their game titles are fair.
Hardware Random Number Generator
A Hardware RNG is an external device that is connected to the casino’s server through a USB port. Seed values aren’t required for this type of RNG, because the numbers generated by hardware RNGs are not computed values that can be gotten from a repetitive algorithm. Instead, the numbers are generated by digitalized snapshots of physical processes.
Despite what you might have heard, it is impossible to cheat a hardware RNG since it is located within the machine and properly secured. Since there is no algorithm or repetitive sequence of numbers, even if one number is determined by chance, it is impossible to accurately predict other numbers. This is why hardware RNGs are also referred to as True RNGs. Hardware RNGs are popularly used in land-based casinos.
How Do Casinos Ensure the Integrity and Fairness of RNGs?
Online gaming authorities in the USA and across the world have made it mandatory for online casinos to comply with set rules and regulations. Click here to check out the most trustworthy casinos to play at. In addition to the legal licenses required for operations make it mandatory for casinos to provide fair and random games.
For further proof of randomness, online casinos employ third party companies to test the RNG. Once the outcome of the game is discovered to be 100% random, an RNG certificate is awarded to the casino by the independent agency. In addition to RNG testing and evaluation, other services provided by independent agencies include:
- Penetration testing
- Games and mathematics evaluation
- Poker system audits
- Game payout verifications
Tested and Trusted
The certificate proves the fairness and integrity of the USA online casino and can be seen on the online casino homepage. To protect the confidential information contained in the original report, most online casinos only display the logo of the independent testing agency and a badge showing that the games are fair.
Fair games are not determined by external variables like VIP cards, number of credits, and cashout amount, and so on. To gain the badge of approval, the machines must also meet the minimum payout percentages stipulated by the gaming authorities and federal commissions.
Online Casino Games That Use RNGs
To ensure that the players are unable to predict the game, RNGs are incorporated into many online casino games. Now that there is a digital version of almost all the games offered by casinos, RNGs are vital in determining the result of the games.
Slots
RNGs are usually incorporated into many video slot games. If you have recently played a video slot game at a casino, whether land-based or online, it is very likely that it was operating together with an RNG. Before RNGs were invented, slot machines were mechanical – they functioned by using physical reels that were spun by pulling the machine handles.
Nowadays, the position of the reels depends on the numbers created by the RNG. Even when the slot machine is not currently in use, the RNG microchip is continually active. As a player, you are only required to press a button or pull a handle. However, it is worth noting that the RNG has already predetermined the results of your spin. Play the best slot games at our recommended casinos to understand how RNGs work.
Roulette
Just like card games, once a live option is unavailable, the RNG simulates the draw of a roulette wheel. While operating under the regulations of a live roulette game, the number where the roulette ball stops depends on the RNG value. You may think that this won’t be as exciting as the atmosphere in a live casino, however, there are brilliant graphics and animations to keep players entertained.
Blackjack
In a game of blackjack, the Random Number Generator simulates a dealer dealing out cards to players. Numerical values are assigned to cards within the RNG microchip and immediately you click ‘Deal’, a seed value is provided by the RNG. The seed value is usually the result of the hand. This implies that the sequence of cards dealt in that hand is random and pre-determined.
The shuffling of a deck of cards can also be simulated by RNGs and programmed in line with the rules guiding blackjack. For instance, if you were playing a one-deck blackjack game, the RNG ensures that the same card doesn’t show up more than once during the same shoe.
Game Sequence and Random Number Generators
RNGs follow the same basic principle in all online games. However, there may be some variations when there is a limit to the possible combinations of numbers. It’s easy to assume that machines might memorize results, especially for games of chance, but this isn’t true at all. RNGs ensure that the processes of generating new combinations are completely different from subsequent ones and previous results are totally forgotten.
For instance, if you’re playing a land-based slot machine and the next player after you hits the jackpot, it’s possible that you might have won if you played after that person. However, this isn’t the case on an online slot. Each win is determined by a specific combination achieved at that time, and not as a result of the previous movements.
How RNGs affect the Return To Player Percentage (RTP)
RNGs are designed to select specific combinations of numbers to generate a consistent RTP. It is mandatory for USA online casinos to validate the functionality of the RTP rate of its game since this ensures the efficiency of the RNG. The RTP is gotten by dividing the total value of a machine’s payout by the total turnover. The outcome must be as precise as possible when compared to the theoretical RTP. Otherwise, the RNG is adjusted.
Theoretical vs Actual RTP
The machines are constantly generating numbers, and the outcome of each spin is determined by the time when the spin button is pressed. Although the outcome is technically random since no special skill is required; yet, only a split second separates a major win from a loss.
Eventually, the payout is awarded at specific rates as a result of the increased probability that a specific number would appear. For this reason, it is referred to as ‘theoretical RTP’. Actual RTPs are usually published by casino operators. The majority of the top casinos use RNGs where both numbers are similar. Check out a list of the top casinos with the best RTPs and start playing.
How RNGs Affect Players
With RNGs, this means that the outcome of the game isn’t determined by your previous wins or losses. The machine and the RNG aren’t aware that you have only a few credits left, or that you have lost cash. From the name, the entire game is ‘random’. The randomness of the RNG essentially affects players in the following ways:
- The speed of your gameplay doesn’t increase your chances of winning, your chances are only increased when you place more bets.
- There’s no need for you to select games based on their popularity or whether more players bet on them. It is equally likely that you’ll get big prizes from games with similar characteristics that aren’t as popular.
- Contrary to what the accumulated jackpot counter suggests, there is no specific time when a grand prize can be won.
- The outcome of your game isn’t determined by the time you are playing, the individual playing before or after you, or the outcomes of their bets. It’s purely determined by chance.
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Random Number Generator FAQ
How can I be sure that the RNG is fair?
As far as you are playing at a legal and regulated casino, there’s no need to doubt the fairness of the casino. As we have stated earlier, online casinos are mandated to undergo independent audits to uphold their licenses and also prove that their games have net all the necessary requirements.
Can the casino manipulate the RNG?
No, the RNG is outside the control of the casino. However, the RTP may be altered without affecting the RNG.
Are RNGs used by conventional casinos?
Yes. RNGs are used by both land-based casinos and online casino operators.
Can I regulate the results of a slot spin by stopping the reels?
No. Many players assume that this is possible, however, the outcome of your spin is determined the moment the spin button is pressed.
Do RNGs use simple, predictable numbers?
No. The numbers generated by RNGs include at least 200,000 digits so It is almost impossible to predict the numbers accurately.