RNG in Gambling
A Random Number Generator or RNG is a digital dice roller i.e. a computer program or hardware device that was designed to produce a random sequence of symbols and numbers. The sequence lacks any pattern and is absolutely unpredictable. Think of it as flipping a coin, but digitally, eliminating the chances of tweaking the odds to your favor when you gamble.
In the context of gambling, RNG ensures fairness by creating random outcomes for games and players. For example, when you gamble on a slot machine, the RNG will determine which symbol appears on the reels when you click ‘spin’. In poker or blackjack, the program will shuffle the deck and deal the cards virtually and randomly.
This randomness is vital for maintaining fairness in online casinos. It’s what casinos use to offer every player an equal chance of winning to that of the other player. Without it, games could be predictable or biased.
When looking for the best online casino in Canada, it is very important to choose one that uses good RNG technology to ensure transparency and fairness in the games. Such casinos are the only ones offering a secure and fair gambling experience.
How Does RNG Work: TRNG and PRNG (Types of RNG)
Random Number Generators come in two main categories:
- Pseudo-Random Number Generators or PRNGs
- True Random Number Generators or TRNGs
Each of these two works differently and comes with its set of strengths and weaknesses. This is important to understand, especially concerning online casino legislation in Canada.
PRNGs are algorithms that use mathematical formulas to produce the number sequences. They start with one value which is called a seed and then generate other numbers based on the seed. They are deterministic and not random, which means that, given the same seed number, the sequence will always be the same. In other words, the result of your game will depend on the algorithm used and the initial value.
In the case of TRNGs, these are more random since they derive it from physical phenomena. The devices capture unpredictable events to generate the numbers, which makes it impossible to predict the next number in a sequence. It’s more similar to a physical dice.
In online gambling, TRNGs are often preferred in Canadian casinos due to their randomness, since they ensure fairness and compliance with the country’s regulatory standards and the standards of the different provinces.
RNGs in Casino Games: Where are They Used?
RNGs are the key to offering fair online casino games, and top software developers and casinos surely know it. They determine the results independently of external factors. Unlike the physical casinos where the outcome can be influenced by many things, including human error or even bias, RNGs offer fully impartial results.
As such, these are utilized extensively in casino games like roulette, blackjack, and slots. They control the outcomes of the spinning reel, the shuffling decks, the rolling dices, the tossed coins, and much more. In a slot machine, the RNG will determine the position of the reel, for example.
Live dealer casinos, which incorporate elements of human interaction more than any other games, also rely on RNGs for the game outcomes.
It is important to differentiate between two terms that sound similar but are entirely different: RNG and RTP (Return to Player). The first is about randomness, while the second gives you the average percentage of money returned to the players over time.
Winning Strategies in Slots: What Can You Do?
In online slot games, strategies for winning slots don’t include tactics or skill, especially when it comes to simpler games with fewer paylines and limited features. Slots operate on RNGs, ensuring that each spin is unpredictable and independent, so there isn’t really a way to influence the outcome or predict when the game will pay out.
Despite popular belief, there aren’t any math strategies that will guarantee that you’ll win in a slot game. Each of the spins is random, and the past results don’t affect the future ones.
Still, when playing at real money casinos, there are some things that you should check to boost your chances. For instance, you can play for the jackpot when it reaches its borderline, since this is when it has the highest chance to hit. You can also play high RTP slot machines to get more frequent, smaller wins, or play low RTP games for those rare, life-changing wins. And of course, you should follow tips like choosing reliable payment options such as Bitcoin to boost your security and convenience.
Casino Control in Slots: Can Casino Operators Control Which Player Wins?
Licensed online casinos will not — and can’t control which player wins in the game. The slot outcome is determined by RNGs, which make sure that no one can tamper with the outcome of the game. So, if you gamble at secure, trusted casinos, they won’t be able to manipulate the results. The regulatory and licensing bodies oversee the casinos to ensure compliance with their fairness standards.
Are There any Algorithms in Online Roulette?
In online roulette, the algorithms are used to power the Random Number Generators, not to tamper with the game. Said algorithms will generate the numbers appearing on the roulette wheel randomly, i.e. decide where the ball will land on the wheel, mimicking the same unpredictability that comes with traditional roulette played at physical casinos.
Some of the factors that influence the game outcome in roulette include:
- The initial position of the ball
- Air resistance and similar external factors
- Speed of the wheel’s rotation
However, when it comes to online roulette, these factors are non-existent. Algorithms play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the game and creating an entirely random outcome, unaffected by external influences. It’s how online casinos uphold the fairness of online roulette, even more so than in physical casinos.
In addition to fairness, there are other things that enhance the player’s experience. Reliable payment options such as Bitcoin offer players security and privacy in transactions. Wager-free bonuses offer an added incentive, allowing players to withdraw winnings without having to jump through hoops.
Cheating with RNG: How Can Online Casinos Do This?
Online casinos cannot cheat with RNGs, not if they have a legit license and operate under the oversight of regulatory bodies like the MGA or the UK Gambling Commission. Potential cheating methods are prohibited and subject to penalties, but they do happen in unlicensed, scam casinos, which is why you should be extra careful when choosing a website to gamble on.
Luck vs. Skill in Casino Games: Are Casino Games All about Luck?
In casino games, there is this blurry distinction between luck-based and skill-based games. When we say blurry — we mean it, since all games are dependent on luck, with some games requiring skill as well.
Now, every game in casinos is luck-based, but one category is entirely so, slot machines. Slots rely entirely on chance and RNGs which determine the results, and players have little to no influence over the outcome, except in cases where they can make some kind of choice. For instance, there are slots where you can choose whether you want to bet the won bonus amount, use free spins, etc.
On the other hand, skill-based games like poker, blackjack, and baccarat involve some gaming experience, strategic decision-making, and knowledge of the game’s rules. In these games, players can employ tactics like card counting and bluffing, which can have a big impact on their winning chances.
The return to player or RTP levels varies between skill-based and luck-based games. Luck-based games will typically have fixed RTP levels determined by the game’s regulations. Skill-based games can offer higher RTP due to the influence of player decisions.
Popular Myths about Winning at Casinos
Some of the most popular myths about winning at casinos are that slot machines are more likely to produce wins at a certain time of the day or the week.
In reality, a slot’s outcome is determined by RNGs, which makes the wins luck-based and nothing else. Deceptive factors creating the illusion of winning in casinos can mislead the players, but in the end, it is luck that prevails in the outcome.
The most important thing you will read in our complete guide to online casinos is that myths are exactly that — twisted realities that take you away from the truth — slots are entirely random.
RNG Certification in iGaming: Audits and Tests
In the iGaming industry, the certification of a Random Number Generator (RNG) is very important because it tells you if the casino and the games are fair and random. Legal regulations these days mandate audits and tests that uphold such integrity. Companies like eCogra, Gaming Laboratories International, iTechLabs, PWC, BMM Testlabs, all play a role in verifying RNG compliance. Their verdicts and their stamp on a casino website hold a huge weight in the industry and will show you if the casino or the games are really as fair as promised.
Reputable casinos will undergo mandatory checkpoints to ensure their RNG integrity, including:
- Cryptographic Random Number Generator audit — evaluates the security of RNGs for encryption
- Software RNG audit — ensures reliability of the software-based RNG
- Source code audit — reviews the RNG code for errors
- Hardware RNG audit — ensures reliability of the hardware-based RNG
- Implementation audit — evaluates the integration of RNGs for security
These tests and audits are essential for maintaining the fairness of online gambling platforms, as well as their dedicated casino apps.
Wrapping Up
Understanding RNGs is a very important part of gambling. It might just be the most important part because this is what ensures randomness and fairness in game outcomes. It’s what will assure you that the results are unpredictable and unbiased. The importance of understanding RNGs is big these days, since it allows you to learn which sites you can trust and how you can find them. It’s not all about searching for wager-free bonuses (though they won’t hurt, right?).
