The provably fair algorithm is an alternative online casino game RNG used when betting using cryptocurrency. It has become popular because it allows you to verify the integrity of game results.
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Why are Provably Fair casino games growing in popularity?
Cryptocurrency enthusiasts often appreciate the added flexibility that digital currencies provide. In the iGaming world, their popularity is further boosted by provably fair algorithms, which give players greater transparency and control.
- Players can enjoy the freedom of self-custody cryptocurrency wallets.
- Crypto transactions often come with lower fees compared to banks as there is no intermediary per se.
- The provably fair algorithm gives players the freedom to check the results of their gaming sessions to ensure the results are fair and that they have not been tampered with.
As crypto enthusiasts tend to crave freedom away from the norm, you can see why the provably fair algorithm has become so popular among the cryptocurrency online gambling entertainment community.
How can I verify game results using the provably fair system?
Checking results using the Provably Fair algorithm depends on the crypto casino and games you play.
As a result, if you play at crypto casinos, you will come across a variety of ways to check the results. Some are advanced, while there are casinos that offer in-house tools, making the process more straightforward for those who do have or do not want to learn the technical skills needed to check crypto game results.
Verification Tools Built Into the Crypto Casino
Many casinos offer built-in verification tools that automatically show players the provably fair data processed along with a hash—for example, BC.Game.com. You can use the tool to check the integrity of the game result without doing manual calculations. For us, this is the best option available, but not all crypto casinos offer such advanced tech, which means you will need third-party software.
Third-Party Verification Services Partnered with Crypto Casinos
Some online casinos integrate with third-party verification platforms that provide transparency and independent auditing of the results. You can also go over to the third-party platform and use the services to check and verify your results. It’s still just as useful as using the built-in verification tool, depending on how you look at it.
Independent Third-Party Services (Server & Player Seed)
These services check the integrity of the game results for your session by cross-referencing the server and player seeds and ensuring that no tampering has occurred. You should be able to get both the server and player seed from your crypto casino if the game is labelled as provably fair. Once you have this information, you can enter it into the third-party checking service, and it will let you know if there has been any tampering.
Some third-party options available:
- Fairness.com
- Bitcointalk tools
- Open-source scripts
Hashing and Reversibility (Complex but Popular)
After your session is over, you can use the publicly available server and player seeds along with the nonce (number sequencing) to generate the result using a specified hashing algorithm (like SHA-256). By comparing the generated result with the one shown in the game, players can confirm that the result was not manipulated.
Software Provider Built-In Tools: One software provider that has impressed us with its commitment to the Provably Fair algorithm is BGaming. Take a look at how the game developer is committed to giving you built-in widgets to test game results are fair – BGaming Provably Fair.
How Does The Provably Fair Algorithm Work?
There is a sequence used to ensure your game session syncs with the server’s version. By linking these sessions, you can then retrieve and verify the results relevant to you. The process essentially uses Cryptographic Randomness, Fairness Verification System, Client-Seed and Server-Seed Based RNG, and Transparent RNG Mechanisms.
- 1. Server Seed (Hashed): The casino generates a random server seed and provides a hashed version of it to the player before the game starts. This ensures the casino can’t change it afterward.
- 2. Player Seed: The player can input their seed (a custom value) or use a default one generated by the casino.
- 3. Number Sequence (Numbers Increase): A number that starts at 0 and increments with each game round to ensure unique combinations even if seeds don’t change.
- 4. Seed Combination: The system combines the server seed + player seed + the number sequence.
- 5. Random Outcome Generation: This combination is run through a cryptographic hash function (e.g., SHA-256) to produce a verifiable, random result.
- 6. Game Result: The hashed output determines the game outcome (e.g., card draw, dice roll, slot spin).
- 7. Verification: You can use one of the verification methods mentioned in the ‘How can I verify game results?’ section.
If you have any questions about any of these verification methods, feel free to leave a comment below, and we’ll happily answer your queries. We always want to make sure you get all the information you need. Also, you can check our FAQ section at the end of this guide, as you may find the answer there.
How Does the Algorithm Work for Online Slots?
We know most players will want to know specifically how the provably fair algorithm maps to symbols on the reels of an online slot machine. To help you get a better understanding, here is a simplified version to explain how the algorithm delivers random results to trigger combination wins and features.
- Seed Combination + Hashing: The seeds and nonce are hashed to produce a random number.
- Random Number → Reel Positions
- The hash is converted into a number (e.g., a float between 0 and 1).
- That number maps to a specific outcome based on the slot’s internal paytable or RNG range. The calculated position for each symbol on the reel, whether it is a wild, scatter, collect symbol, or symbol, is then decided.
- Outcome Displayed:
- The outcome is already decided in step 2. However, for fun and anticipation, the reels spin, then stop at the calculated positions.
Provably Fair Vs. RNGs (Random Number Generators)
The first point we need to make in case you didn’t already pick up on it is that the Provably Fair algorithm is a type of RNG. However, for the sake of iGaming terminology, you will see people refer to them as RNG and Provably Fair, meaning the RNG is the standard version and Provably Fair is related to cryptocurrency gaming.
Now, the key difference between an RNG and the Provably Fair algorithm is verification. I.e., as a player, you can verify the results of a casino game using the Provably Fair algorithm. You have peace of mind and several options to verify the results.
Conversely, if you are playing a casino game that uses a standard RNG, then you cannot verify that the results are fair and random. Instead, you need to rely on and trust that the licensing authority is actively monitoring game RTPs (Return to Player) are consistent and that trustworthy companies are verifying the software providers’ RNGs.
For more information covering RNGs, you can read the Casinoplusbonus guide to Random Number Generators.
Are Testing Certificates Required for Provably Fair Algorithms?
Yes. If an online casino is operating under a reputable licensing authority, then in the same way standard RNGs require testing certificates, so do Provably Fair algorithms. That means not only do you get to verify your results, but you also get peace of mind that a trustworthy online gambling authority approves an expert testing company and has approved the algorithm. Plus, game RTPs (Return to Player) are also being monitored.
Reputable Algorithm Testing Companies on the iGamng Scene
The four companies below have been approved by licensing authorities across the globe. They are currently the leaders of the iGaming algorithm testing industry.
Round Up + Casinoplusbonus Cryptocurrency Guides
The provably fair algorithm has become a major leap forward for transparency in online gambling, especially within the crypto casino space. You will also see it used as a marketing tool by many crypto casinos who want to project fairness. We generally think this kind of marketing is fine and perfectly within ethical boundaries if the casino does truly host games that use the provably Fair algorithm.
As for the popularity of the Provably Fair way of fetching random results, unlike traditional RNGs, it allows you to verify every game result using cryptographic principles.
No Blind Trust Required
You will see many players say that they prefer having the ability to check results because it means there is no blind trust required. On the other hand, standard RNGs are asking you to put your faith in the licensing authority and algorithm testing companies certifying them. It is down to you whether you prefer RNG or Provably Gair gameplay.
Whether you’re playing slots, dice, or card games, the ability to confirm the fairness of each outcome builds trust and empowers players. You get a hash of the server seed before gameplay, a unique player seed, and a nonce that increases with each round. This combination ensures a fair, random, and verifiable result.
From simple built-in tools to advanced third-party verifiers, crypto casinos are increasingly offering flexible ways for players to validate outcomes. And as crypto adoption grows, we expect provably fair algorithms to become the new gold standard of RNG gaming.
Always Gamble Responsibly: Gambling is an exciting hobby, but it can also be addictive. Where possible, set responsible gambling limits at the casino you play at. If there are no responsible gambling tools, then take a look at our advice covering bankroll management for casino gameplay.
FAQ
What’s the difference between server seed and player seed?
The server seed is generated by the casino and kept hidden (but hashed) until after the game. The player seed is either created by you or auto-generated by the casino. Together, they are used to generate a random result. The key benefit is that you get the server seed hash before the game starts, so the casino can’t cheat by changing it after the fact.
What is a nonce and why is it needed?
A nonce is a number that starts at 0 and increases with every game round. Even if the seeds stay the same, the nonce ensures that each game round produces a unique outcome. Without the nonce, you’d get the same result repeatedly from the same seed combination.
Can I verify provably fair results on mobile devices?
Yes, most provably fair games and tools are mobile-compatible. Casinos with built-in verification tools usually support mobile browsers, and third-party verifiers like Fairness.com or open-source scripts work fine on most smartphones.
What if I don’t understand how hashing works? Can I still check fairness?
Absolutely. Many crypto casinos simplify the process with user-friendly tools. These tools show you the hash, server seed, player seed, and nonce, then verify the result for you—no technical knowledge required.
Are all crypto casinos provably fair?
No. Just because a casino accepts cryptocurrency doesn’t mean it uses provably fair technology. Always check if the game or platform clearly states “provably fair” and provides the necessary data (seeds, hash, nonce) for verification.
Can provably fair algorithms be manipulated by casinos?
Not if implemented correctly. The hash of the server seed is provided before play, making tampering detectable. However, shady or unlicensed casinos may still try to game the system, so always play at reputable sites with independent audits or third-party verifiers.
Haley Hollingdale
April 15, 2025 at 4:16 pmWhy can’t they do the same with the other RNGs? I like the third party system check and that there are lots of websites to check. It feels far more trustworthy.