Behind the veneer that is placed on the front of online casino games, the excitement of making a wager and seeing it happen is only a screen away. You are probably curious to know what exactly goes on behind this seemingly front-end.
Well, here’s how this question is explained in the simplest terms, contrary to what you see happening in real-life casinos, where the wheels are spun and the cards are shuffled up in table games, algorithmic programmes generate outcomes for online casino games.
Essentially, this system of fairness is called the Random Number Generator, RNG.
Maybe most players will automatically ask themselves if casino apps are “rigged” to play in their favor, especially following a losing streak. Fair enough, but the good news is that licensed casino apps employ highly controlled RNGs which produce entirely random and unforecastable results, and each game round is provably fair.
Such systems are employed to offer a fair balance of game experience, on which neither player nor casino can make a difference.
What Is an RNG?
A standard RNG is an application program that generates unpredictable, random results without any noticeable pattern. Think of it as a never-ending random pattern being generated by a program, even when you are not gaming.
Such algorithms drive nearly all the games that you will play in a casino application, whether slots or roulette, even blackjack and poker. For example, when you trigger the spin button on a slot machine, the RNG instantly selects random numbers that correspond to some symbols on the virtual reels.
The graphic animation that you see is just a display of the result already determined the moment you triggered spin to help you get a more realistic experience. It is processed within less than a second, so every game result is independent and unpredictable.
The RNG is not “aware” that you’re losing or winning and isn’t attempting to score any particular result. Every spin round is independent, so there are no boosted chances of winning after a losing streak. Also, it produces random numbers that are translated into game results, duplicating natural randomness that you would find in actual casino games.
Types of RNGs Used In Casino Apps
As we have given the proper explanation of the RNG system, now it is important to mention the types of RNG systems used by casino apps. To make it clearer, we are going to provide a bullet point for them:
- Pseudo-RNGs are computer algorithms that use mathematical equations and a “seed” value to generate sequences of numbers that appear random. They’re “pseudo” because they aren’t actually random in the absolute, you couldn’t possibly predict it without looking at the output sense. They’re governed by an equation, but the sequences that they generate are so complex and intractable as to be effectively random for the purposes of a game. The majority of mobile casino games use PRNGs because they work, are reliable, and can be tested.
- True RNGs are hardware-based algorithms that provide randomness from physical processes like atmospheric noise and others. These kinds of hardware-based systems provide unpredictable events to generate numbers, making it impossible to track. While this option is a bit more reliable and provides better randomness, it appears to be more complex and expensive to use. This is one of the main reasons why they are less commonly seen in standard casino apps and more frequently used in more serious, high-security applications or premium gambling platforms.
As we did some research, most online gambling platforms use a pseudo-RNG system, regularly tested for fairness, because it is cheaper and provides excellent performance.
How RNGs Ensure Fairness and Prevent Cheating
The application of RNGs in casinos lays down a complex system that is adverse to players’ game outcome tampering. This technology provides the basis of trust in gaming on the web. Independent testing labs also have a critical role to ensure that confidence remains in the system.
Some of these labs include eCOGRA and iTech Labs, which test RNG systems. The third-party testers use advanced statistical techniques to verify that the numbers that are produced are random and that the game result is indeed a representation of the published RTP percentages.
Understanding the main features of a Casino App helps illustrate how these secure systems work together to create a reliable gaming experience.
Licensed casino operators’ certified RNG systems are to be sent for routine recertification, which mostly happens monthly or quarterly. Recertifications ensure the algorithms function effectively in the long term and remain unchanged.
Testing is done through the simulation of millions of game results to check if there is or isn’t any statistical anomaly that can indicate predictability. Apart from that, the algorithms themselves have multiple levels of protection in a way that nobody, not even the casino workers, can control future events.
RNGs these days are using cryptographic algorithms of the type found in banking security, and it is impossible to hack them.
How to Identify Casino Apps with Fair RNGs
To provide some help for you to identify casino APPs with fair RNGs, there are some indicators that you can use to verify this information about safety. We will provide these indicators to make it clear for you:
- Check if a casino app provides a reliable license from a reputable regulatory company. We would recommend these ones – UKGC, MGA, Curacao. Licensed casinos provide such information when you scroll down the main page of an official gambling platform.
- Look for RNG certification seals from reliable agencies. Usually, fair casinos and casino apps provide these kinds of verification badges, and when you press them, they transfer you to a link providing detailed information.
- It would be the best decision to check game providers known for fairness. The recommended ones from us would be NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech…
RNGs vs Live Dealer Games
Some people do not understand the difference between RNG and live dealer games. So, to avoid this confusion, we have decided to clearly provide the difference between these two:
- RNG-based games – These types of games are fully digital, in which all outcomes are determined by the random number generator software. Each card deal, or spin of the reels, is the result of the RNG calculations. RNG games are entirely software-based and can be played at any time without having to wait for dealers or other players.
- Live Dealer-based games – Such games feature video of real human dealers operating physical gear in dedicated studios. Real cards are shuffled and dealt, and real roulette wheels spun. Players communicate with these games through an interface that translates digital choices into action for the dealer. The outcome relies on physical events rather than algorithmic calculation, but the streams and betting consoles remain on secure digital hardware.
To say shortly, both of these types offer a legit gambling experience, but have different mechanics. RNG is more associated with instant play and unique mechanics that can never be seen in physical casinos. Though live dealer games offer more social interaction and physical gear, which are preferred as more trustworthy for some players.
Common Myths About Casino Algorithms
Despite the sophisticated technology and regulation of casino RNGs, there have been some common myths that have been passed among players. An understanding of the reality behind such myths can allow bettors to have realistic expectations when wagering online.
There is another myth that says casino apps monitor your wins and “cheat” when you are winning too much. What is true is that RNG systems are designed so that this kind of modification is impossible. Algorithms decide outcomes without paying attention to the player’s history, and it is illegal for casinos to do such a thing, which would impose massive fines on the operator.
Another widely spread misconception is the belief that if you play slot games and spin for long enough, the game will “pay out”. The truth is that RNGs do not have memory and can not remember previous spin statistics.
Every round is unique and completely random. If a machine has not paid out for quite some time, it does not specifically mean that it is time for that exact machine to pay. Some players even think that they can recognize patterns and use them to their advantage, but this is also false information.
To say shortly, slot games are completely based on pure chance, there is no chance of predicting future outcomes.
