They use mathematical equations to make games random, so the outcome of every dice roll and card dealt is unpredictable. RNGs aren’t limited to casinos; you’ll also find them used in cryptography, statistics, and other fields. If you’ve ever wondered how the iGaming industry ensures games aren’t rigged, and everyone has the same chance at winning a jackpot, RNGs offer an answer. Keep reading to learn more about what RNG means in iGaming and online casinos.
What is an RNG?
Before the advent of computers, card shuffling, dice rolling, and coin flipping were some of the most common ways to generate random numbers. Land-based casinos still use card-shuffling and rolls of the dice as the preferred RNGs for a variety of games. In contrast, when you play games in an online casino, computer-generated algorithms automatically create long strings of random numbers, resulting in completely unexpected combinations. When we talk about RNG in iGaming, were referring to the random numbers computer software generates that determine a game’s results. The software is at work when a player plays poker or spins the slots, as seen here: https://www.ignitionc asino.eu/crypto/bitcoin-casino. When you play a game that doesn’t involve a live dealer, RNGs ensure randomness by producing a set of values that aren’t connected in any way.
Types of RNGs
Whether you play casino games or games on Facebook Messenger, RNGs determine whether you hit the jackpot or score a unique item. While there are several types of RNGs, pseudo-random (PRNG) and true random (TRNG) are the most common types used for generating numbers.
PRNG: produces random numbers using a software algorithm, resulting in long strings of numbers. The process approximates the properties of random numbers. Despite technological advances, a mathematical formula can’t produce a truly random sequence of numbers, but PRNG comes close.
TRNG: uses a mechanical process to generate numbers using physical hardware. It is usually used in real-life situations, unlike PRNG.
Role of RNGs in Online Casinos
Unless you visit an online casino with a live dealer, when you play casino games online, the games use PRNGs to ensure the element of chance. The system doesn’t rest, generating numbers all the time, so it’ll be ready when the next player logs onto the site. If you’re playing online slots, RNGs determine the symbols that appear when you spin the reels. The same goes for the cards you’re dealt in an online card game and the numbers that appear when you roll the dice. RNGs lend credibility to the online casino experience and help give the games the feel of a traditional casino.
Slot Machines and RNGs
As some of the most popular casino games, you’ve probably given slot machines a spin at one time or another. However, you may not know the mechanics behind how they generate random symbols each time you spin. Like other casino games, RNGs lie at the heart of online slots. Although the outcome of a game of slots isn’t displayed numerically, when you play slots, each image corresponds to a numerical value. There’s no pattern to the outcome, and the results are 100% random. You’ll see the image on your screen while playing as RNGs work behind the scenes to determine the results. Brick-and-mortar casinos use the same technology in their machine games, such as video poker and jackpot slots. RNGs ensure all players have a fair chance at winning.
Table Games and RNGs
RNGs power table games in online casinos in a similar way as they do in slot machines. While the mechanism is similar, generating randomness in dice-based and card games is more complex because multiple people often play these games simultaneously at the same table. The software algorithm for online table games works on the same principle as slot machines. However, it must also analyze the distribution of players to provide random outcomes based on the situation. The combined input of all players determines who ends up winning in this scenario.
Is it Possible to Beat RNGs?
As tempting as it may be to believe you can predict the random outcomes in casino games, the truth is it’s close to impossible. The iGaming industry uses RNGs designed to defeat attempts to game the system and ensure a fair chance for all players. No system is perfect, and while average players won’t be able to beat the system, a determined thief with access to a game’s algorithms and software could do so. However, casinos have security measures in place to prevent this from happening. So, the next time you visit an online casino, you can rest assured the game you’re playing is unpredictable and gives you a fair chance of winning.
