What is a Random Number Generator?

Online casino games that use digital code to deliver results use a Random Number Generator (RNG) to deliver the outcome of the betting round. The RNG guarantees that the outcome of each game is random.

Real Money Gambling: If you play at an online casino for real money or crypto, you must be 18 or over to pass the KYC check. Also note that in some countries, you will need to be 19, 20 or 21 – make sure to check your local jurisdiction’s online gambling laws.

How do random number generators work?

Online casinos operating under legitimate and trustworthy licensing authorities use advanced cryptographic RNGs. Random Number Generators are a complex piece of technology set up to ensure all game results a fair and random. Industry developers have spent years perfecting RNGs to match the odds, outcomes, and variations of land-based table games.

• These complex algorithms generate millions of unpredictable numbers every second.

• When you hit ‘spin’ or ‘deal,’ the online casino game uses the RNG to pick numbers using a complex mathematical formula that starts with a ‘seed, which is a random value often based on the current time or other unpredictable system data.

• These numbers don’t mean much on their own, so the game maps them to possible outcomes—like which slot symbols land, what card is drawn, or where the roulette ball lands. For example, if the RNG gives the number 0.763, the game might multiply that by the number of symbols on a reel and use the result to decide which symbol appears.

• This process happens in milliseconds every time you play, ensuring the outcome is fast, fair, and can’t be predicted or influenced.

The most crucial part is that the software providers who create and map their RNGs go through rigorous statistical tests. These tests are carried out by independent auditors to guarantee fairnessm thus makinf sure sure no outcomes are biased or manipulated.

The Basic RNG Concept For Beginners

How does an RNG work with online video slots?

Each time you spin the reels on an online video slot, you activate the RNG code, which in turn will select a random reel outcome and deliver the result when the reel stops spinning. Despite all the complex mathematics and code behind the RNG algorithm, the process of getting to the result of your spin is a mere three steps.

• RNG Activation: The RNG activates the moment you press spins or if an active auto-spin triggers the next spin.

• Reel Spin Result Selection: Before the reels spin, the RNG selects the result, but you can’t see it yet.

• Your Result: The reels spin for authenticity, and the result the RNG selected then displays.

Each spin is an independent instance. For example, if the slot has a jackpot and there is a 1,000 to 1 chance of hitting the jackpot, every spin will give you the same 1,000 to 1 odds. The rest is down to variance and probability.

How does an RNG work with table games?

Table games are not all alike, while online slots generally have the same pattern of play.

• Card Games: The RNG uses a technique called constant shuffle. When you select a deal on baccarat, the cards are already predetermined. However, what about blackjack or poker? These games require more action. For example, hit, split or call. To cater for the player input, the RNG shuffles the card constantly; then, when you press hit, split or call, the RNG will stop on a random card.

• Rolette: Roulette requires a simple RNG that selects one of thirty-seven results on a single-zero roulette game or one of thirty-eight results on a double-zero roulette game. The mathematics behind the RNG is still complex, but it does try to mimic the same odds you would get playing a land-based or live dealer roulette game.

• Bingo, Dice & Lotto: The RNG already randomly selects the result of the round before as soon as all bets are placed. You get to see the results unfold on the screen via graphics and animation simply for entertainment purposes.

Constant shuffle means no card counting: Although some players can get a away some forms of card couinting when playing live dealer blackjack, the contnat shuffle on RNG games means card counting is impossible. The reason for this is because the very nature of card counting relies on the deck not being shuffled.

How do I know a random number generator delivers fair results?

If you have ever asked yourself how trustworthy an RNG is, don’t worry; you are not alone. Plus, if you are reading this guide, it’s a step in the right direction to give yourself peace of mind. Knowing that the results are fair is an integral part of online gambling. There is some good news here.

• Proactive Software Providers: Most reputable software providers take it upon themselves to ensure they have their RNGs professionally tested. For example, Pragamtic Play, Playtech, Play’n GO, Betsoft, and other reputable game developers display their RNG certificates on their websites.

• Strict Licensing Frameworks: Licensing authorities across the globe require all software providers to have their RNGs checked by a third-party and approved random number generator algorithm testing company.

How to avoid being scammed by fake RNGs: One of the best tips we can give you to avoid being scammed by a fake RNG is to only play at online casinos that hold a licensing certificate.

Reputable RNG Testing Companies

The four most reputable RNG testing companies approved by many of the world’s most stringent and well-known licensing authorities are eCOGRA, iTechlabs, BMM Testlabs, and Quinel. Most software providers will ensure they have a certification of RNG testing from one of these companies.

Are there alternatives to RNG casino games?

You have a couple of alternatives to playing online casino games that use RNGs.

• Provably Fair: If you are in a jurisdiction that allows you to sign up for cryptocurrency casinos, then you can play crypto games using the probably fair algorithm. This method of delivering game results allows you to verify the results of your session.

• Live Casino Games: Live casino games use live dealers and croupiers who deal cards and spin roulette wheels in real time via webcams. As for game shows, some may use RNGs; however, on most Wheel of Fortune live dealer games, the host of the game spins the wheel manually.

• Land-Based Casinos: If you prefer to see the action unfold in front of you up close and in person, you can always visit a land-based casino.

Regardless of the type of video slot game you play in a land-based casino, via a live dealer studio, or using fiat bets, an RNG will always decide the results of the game.

How to stay safe and choose casinos with legit RNGs

The key to making sure you are playing online casino games with trustworthy RNGs is to play at casinos licensed by a reputable authority. We’ve listed some of the most reputable in the How do I know a random number generator delivers fair results?

However, just because an iGaming website says it has a licensing certificate doesn’t always make it true. You only need to look at our blacklisted casinos page for a list of sites that claim to operate according to the rules of the Malta Gaming Authroity (MGA) framework. Yet, the MGA has explicitly said it does not license these sites.

How can we help you avoid being scammed? Always read casino reviews and also always check the casino’s licensing certificate by using our guide to How to Check Online Casino Licensing.

FAQ

How do I know if the casino game’s RNG is legit?

Playing at online casinos that operate under a reputable licensing authority. The framework will ensure that all games have a valid certificate of approval from globally trusted RNG algorithm testing companies such as COGRA, iTechLabs, BMM Testlabs, or Quinel.

Can an online casino rig the RNG?

Yes. However, only malicious online casinos with no licensing will do this. As a result, always check that the casino has proper licensing.

When I play online slots, does the RNG decide the outcome before the spin ends?

Yes. The RNG picks the result the moment you select the spin button. The reel spins are simply there for visual effect.

Do live dealer games use RNGs?

Mostly no. Some may use RNGs for bonus games or to select random multipliers for some games. However, on the whole, live dealer games use real cards, and the game show host spins the wheels or operates the game mechanics manually. However, there are still some live game shows that use RNGs.

What’s the difference between RNG and Provably Fair games?

Provably fair games let you check and verify the randomness yourself. They’re often found at crypto casinos and offer more transparency for tech-savvy players. On the other hand, RNGs need to rely on the reputation of the licensing authority, software provider, and testing company.