How RNGs Work in Games
In casino games, Random Number Generators (RNGs) work behind the scenes to ensure fair and unpredictable outcomes. Let’s have a look at how it works in various games.
- Pokie machines: For online pokies, the RNG decides the outcome of each spin. When you press “spin,” the RNG selects a random number for each reel. These numbers correspond to the symbols you see on the screen.
- Roulette: In online roulette, the RNG generates the number the ball will land on. This replaces the physical spinning wheel used in land-based casinos, ensuring that results can’t be predicted.
- Card games: For card games like blackjack or poker, the RNG shuffles the virtual deck. It determines which cards are dealt to players, just like a real-life dealer would shuffle and deal cards randomly.
- Crash games: In crash games, the RNG decides when the game will “crash” and stop multiplying players’ bets. This makes the game unpredictable and fair, as no one can know when the game round ends.
- Dice games: For dice games like online craps, the RNG simulates the roll of a die by generating a number that mimics a fair, physical dice roll. Each roll is random, meaning it’s independent from previous rolls.
RNGs’ Role in Ensuring Fairness and Transparency
The role of Random Number Generators (RNGs) in ensuring fairness and transparency at online casinos is crucial. Since players are not physically present, they must rely on the casino’s systems to trust that the games aren’t rigged. RNGs play a major part in maintaining that trust by ensuring that every game result is completely random and unbiased.
Fairness
Fairness in online casino games doesn’t mean you have a 50% chance of winning against the house. If this were the case, casinos wouldn’t make any money. Fairness means that no player has an unfair advantage over another and that the casino can’t manipulate outcomes in its favour.
RNGs achieve this by generating outcomes that can’t be predicted. Whether you’re playing a slot machine, blackjack, or craps, the RNG makes sure that each spin, deal, or roll is independent and random. This independence guarantees that previous outcomes do not affecting future ones.
For example, just because a slot machine hasn’t hit a jackpot for a while doesn’t mean it’s more likely to hit soon. Each spin gives you the same chance of getting a specific outcome.
RNGs also protect the casino’s fairness by preventing tampering or rigging. The software is constantly tested and audited by independent organisations. If a casino’s RNG is certified, you can rest assured that the games are fair.
Transparency
Transparency in online gambling means that players understand how the games work and know that they are not being deceived. RNGs contribute to this by making the game outcomes transparent.
Licensed online casinos undergo regular audits by third-party testing agencies like eCOGRA or iTechLabs, in addition to the audits performed by the licensing authority. These audits verify that the RNGs are working correctly and delivering fair results.
While the RNG generates random outcomes, the Return to Player (RTP) percentage gives you an idea of the average return on your bets over the long term. This adds another layer of transparency.
At licensed and safe online casinos, you’ll always be able to find the applicable RTP within the game information in each specific game.
How RNGs Build Player Confidence
For online casinos, building player confidence is essential for long-term success. RNGs are at the heart of this, as they remove any possibility of human intervention or manipulation. Thanks to complex algorithms, you can trust that the results are fair.
In summary, RNGs ensure that online casino games are fair and transparent. They prevent rigging, guarantee randomness, and build trust by being regularly tested and certified by third-party auditors. This technology is vital to the smooth operation of online casinos and to maintaining a fair and enjoyable experience for all players.
Debunking Common RNG Myths
Myths about how Random Number Generators (RNGs) work in online casinos are numerous. If believed, they can cause you to doubt the fairness of the games. Let’s look at some of the most common myths and debunk them.
Myth 1: Casinos Can Manipulate RNGs to Favour the House
One of the most common myths is that online casinos can manipulate RNGs to ensure you lose more. In reality, reputable online casinos can’t interfere with RNGs. RNGs are tested and certified by independent auditors. These organisations ensure that the RNGs work correctly. The house edge, which ensures the casino profit over time, is built into the game itself, not the RNG.
Myth 2: RNGs Aren’t Truly Random
Some people believe that RNGs can’t be truly random because they’re based on algorithms and must follow some pattern. While it’s true that RNGs use algorithms, these are highly complex and made to simulate true randomness. Certified RNGs pass extensive tests to ensure they provide the randomness you’d expect from physical elements. The results are as unpredictable as physical game mechanics.
Myth 3: RNGs Can Be “Hot” or “Cold”
There’s a persistent myth that RNGs can go through hot and cold streaks, where you are more likely to win or lose. For example, after a losing streak, some players believe a win is due because the RNG must “balance out.” In reality, RNGs do not have memory. Each spin, roll, or card dealt is independent of previous results, meaning patterns or streaks can’t be predicted.
Myth 4: You Can “Beat” the RNG by Timing Your Play
Another myth is that you can outsmart the RNG by timing your play, especially in slot machines. The belief is that you can influence the outcome by hitting the button at the right moment. This is not true. RNGs generate thousands of numbers per second, and the moment you press a button, the RNG instantly picks a number. There’s no way to control which number the RNG will generate.
Myth 5: Certain Games Have Better RNGs than Others
Some players believe that certain games have better RNGs, offering more “fair” outcomes than others. In reality, all RNGs function on the same randomness. The difference between games is not in how the RNG works, but in the design of the game. For instance, slot machines have different RTP (Return to Player) percentages and volatility levels, but these factors are not connected to the RNG.
Conclusion
Random Number Generators (RNGs) are essential to ensuring fairness and transparency at online casinos. They create random outcomes in games like slots, roulette, card games, crash games, and dice games. RNGs work behind the scenes using advanced algorithms to keep each game fair and unbiased.
Certified and regularly tested by independent auditors, RNGs provide assurance that the games you play are fair. To make sure that the casino you’re playing at uses a certified RNG, simply choose a casino licensed by a reputable gambling authority.