When we play at online casinos, we hear a lot about RNG, or Random Number Generators. But what actually are they?
A random number generator is an automated computerized process that produces vast sequences of numbers or symbols every second, which do not form a predictable pattern. In other words, software that comes up with numbers completely at random.
RNGs are used in the gambling industry in the randomization of casino game results, as well as for generating statistical samples, computer simulation, cryptography, randomized design, and for other uses where an unpredictable outcome is required.
RNG Use in Online Casinos
To ensure fair gaming at all times, online licensed casinos are required by law to use RNGs that have been regulated and tested by independent authorities. RNGs are used on all online casino games including video slot machines, roulette and card games like blackjack, poker, craps and baccarat.
At an online casino, the process of shuffling cards is substituted with a mathematical formula to guarantee every card dealt, dice rolled or wheel spun is entirely random and that the result cannot be predicted.
Casino sites use RNGs called pseudo random number generators (PRNG) in their gambling games. This is a complex computer program algorithm that automatically produces long strings of random numbers determined by a fixed shorter value, called a seed number.
Online casino random number generators are continuously generating a flow of numbers which are triggered on the click of a spin on a slot machine or deal of cards in table games. They work in tandem with the games software to pick out a number at random that determines the card to be dealt, the result of a slot game or roulette spin, or the value of a potential payout.
Random Result Every Time
The process of using random number generators means that each time you click deal or spin, a unique value in the RNG is activated. So when playing blackjack, this ensures that the order in which cards are dealt is unpredictable and completely random, in roulette that the unique RNG result defines which is the winning number on the wheel, and in online slots, the RNG will determine when the reels will stop spinning on the slot machines. RNGs work to ensure slot games and all other games are fair.
Random number generators (RNGs) are vitally important for online casinos and without them online gaming wouldn’t be fair or an enjoyable place to play. The random number generators’ fair system of automating a result allows the casino software to generate random numbers which trigger cards, paylines and winning combinations at a gambling site, decide certain gameplay actions and of course determine when players win or lose.
RNG Use in Live Casino Games
In land-based casinos or live dealer games, no RNGs are used at the tables because real-life dealers shuffle, sort and deal real cards, roll real dice and spin an actual roulette wheel, which naturally adds a random element.
Dealers randomize cards by using a single deck and shuffling them after each hand, or in games like blackjack, by using cards from a casino shoe that hold up to eight decks of pre-shuffled playing cards. Likewise, the unpredictable nature of where a roulette ball will fall on the roulette wheels means they’re not needed for land-based casino table games in the same way because the result is already randomly determined and an uncertain outcome is guaranteed on every single spin.
Can You Cheat a Casino Random Number Generator?
To be honest, the short answer is no but the long answer is yes. Random number generators have been stringently tested and implemented to ensure complete randomness in the production of a result. They are carefully designed so that players can’t ‘beat’ them and skew an outcome to provide a winning combination, guaranteeing fair play for all players.
While theoretically it is possible to beat an RNG, the chances are extremely low as you would need to be an elite-level hacker in an international spying agency to break through the failsafe security blocks of an RNG algorithm.
Furthermore, would you even want to cheat an RNG? Half the fun of casinos is the total randomness of the gameplay, where sheer luck determines the outcome of the game. While predicting the result of a complicated algorithm is virtually impossible, many online casino players enjoy working out the probability of a certain result happening. Online table games like blackjack and poker allow players to use strategies to affect the game and improve odds in their favor.
100% Fair Play at PlayStar
Independent regulators test RNGs and constantly audit an online casino’s use of them, only awarding an operating license to those that meet all of the rigorous requirements.
To ensure complete fairness at all times, PlayStar and its third-party game providers regularly use the services of internationally reputed independent auditors, who undertake an extensive process to evaluate and review the games and payout percentages, and for game payout verification purposes.
When you play at PlayStar, you can rest assured knowing the slots, table games and other real-money titles you’re enjoying are regularly tested and that you’re playing in a safe and secure gaming environment where the fairness of our games and enjoyment of our players is our top priority.
