Emma Smith | January 10, 2023 | Updated on: January 2nd, 2025
If you played online, you have come across the term random number generator. But what is it, and what does it do? Well, you hear many players and casinos refer to casino games being random, but they aren’t.In no way do we mean casino games are fixed to give the casino an edge, but that is where the RNG comes into play. Below we take you through the purpose of random number generators and how they work. We also answer the most sought-after questions about this software.
RNG Page Content
- Understanding Random Number Generators
- RNGs at Casinos
- Casino RNG Cheat Software
- How to Test a Random Number Generator
- Slot Machine RNG
- Keno RNG
How Do Random Number Generators Work
A random number generator is a computer program that uses an algorithm to create a result. Each result from this program is random. There are various types of random number generators. Casinos use a pseudo random number generator.
This is one of the most crucial parts of the gaming industry online. They make sure that casinos are fair and that each player has a chance at winning. The random number generator that is used at casino sites does not need an external input to create an output.
They use an algorithm and seed number to produce the outcomes. Every millisecond a new seed number is produced. How this is done is that the last two numbers are used in a mathematical operation by forms of subtraction, addition, multiplication, and division to create a new random outcome.
Of course, like any mathematical operation, an exact input will always have the same output. This is why we say the mathematical process that happens with a RNG is not truly random. This is also why random number generators can be hacked, and algorithms can be fixed. Of course, if one were to hack a casino’s pseudo random number generator, they would need that particular algorithm and seed number. These have to be the exact ones being used by that casino site.
How Random Number Generators Work at Casinos
An RNG can be found on virtual games or games where there is no dealer present. Of course, it’s easy to assume that this can only be found in internet casinos; however, offline casinos also use random number generators. These can be found in their virtual roulette blackjack, video poker, keno, and video slot games.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how a casino site would use a RNG:
- The random number generator will produce random numbers.
- Each time you click on the deal or spin button, this program will send a random value to the gaming software.
- The software will then turn those random values into a result that you can understand.
For example, with a slot machine, each symbol on the reel will be assigned a value. If they are 10 symbols per reel on a 5-reel slot machine, the RNG will create a value from 1 to 10 for each of these five reels. You will win when 5 of these “random” symbols make a combination.
Cheating Random Number Generators
Cheating a random number generator at a casino is theoretically possible. Again, we do not recommend that you do so. The algorithms used by these random number generators can be hacked; however, not everyone is capable of hacking advanced programs such as these.
With that, there happens to be players who tried to cheat an RNG at casinos and succeeded. Of course, it didn’t take casinos too long to catch on, and needless to say, the player that did faced seven years in jail. The player was also placed in a black book which prohibited them from visiting any casinos.
How, you ask? Well, the individual was a computer programmer that worked at the Nevada gaming board in the 1990s. His job detailed finding errors and flaws in the software used for computerized casino games. After all that work, he became tempted to adjust a gaming machine. He used his knowledge to modify a slot to pay out large money when a specific sequence hits.
The individual and his partner managed to win thousands of Dollars between 1993 and 1995. He then moved his focus on to Keno games. He developed a program that would determine the numbers the RNG would select beforehand. This is when the authorities caught on. When the partner tried to redeem a winning ticket, investigators were called by casino executives, and this is when the individual was found guilty and arrested.
How to Test Random Number Generator
You may wonder if any casino sites we recommend have rigged number generators, and you can rest assured that they don’t. Also, the casino sites we recommended to you use a software that a third-party company tests.
All licensed and regulated casinos will have software which an independent third party regularly tests. The third-party company offer testing to land-based casinos and web-based casino sites. They will offer a range of services such as
- game and mathematics evaluations
- random number generator valuations
- payout verification
- reporting live dealer and sports betting exchange evaluations
- pari-mutuel and lottery system evaluations
- poker system audits
- full security audits of casinos sites
A random number generator will have to pass the third party’s test before it is certified, meaning the RNG is truly random. The third-party checks that the games are not influenced by external variables such as VIP cards, the amount of credit that players used to play, or the size of the potential payout. The third-party auditor will also ensure that all machines need the minimum payout percentage issued by gaming commissions and authorities. It is important to remember that the rules on the payout percentage will differ depending on where you are playing from.
Slot Machine Random Number Generator
With slot machines, the random number generator ensures that the game is not reacting to how much you have won or lost previously. The random number generator online slots have no idea how many credits you have left, if you bought more credits to keep playing or make large bets. It has no external recollection attributes.
Each outcome is completely random, which is why most superstitions and myths about slots are not true. Whether you’re playing on a hot or cold slot machine or have a rabbit’s foot in your handbag, the random number generator doesn’t care. All the RNG ensures is that each output from the slot game is random, meaning any player has the opportunity to win the big jackpot.
Keno Machine Random Number Generator
The random number generator used in online keno games has to create results at a rapid pace. Keno is a lottery style game where you have to select 20 different numbers between 1 and 80. The more numbers you match, the bigger your payout.
However, what are the chances that you will match 20 out of 20 of these numbers. In fact, it is considered nearly impossible because of the random number generator. A keno random number generator needs to be able to calculate and return outcomes at a speedy rate. Because of how the game is played, the random number generator in this game has to be able to handle large numbers of calculations.
That is quintillions of options which is about thousands of results being produced every second. With each Keno draw, the random number generator will show the number current for that split-second. It will match it against the selected 20 numbers for the equivalent number in the arrangement.
Conclusion Of RNGs
The one thing that you always have to remember about random number generators is that they are programmed to select certain combinations to give a consistent return to player. Internet casinos have to monitor the RTP of its casino games to ensure that the random number generator is not faulty.
This can be done by dividing the total value of payouts by the total turnover the machine has made. The results have to be as close as possible to the RTP. If not, then the random number generator has to be reviewed.
This program has ensured that casino gaming is there and offers all players an equal chance of winning. To enjoy a safe a gaming experience, make sure you’re playing at casino sites that regularly audit the random number generator.
Alternatively, to spend less time searching for such casinos, pick a casino site that we recommend on this website as we have ensured that all is fair at those websites.
FAQs About RNGs
Casinos uses a pseudo random number generator in their virtual games that don’t have real dealers. The RNG shuffles cards or give slots, roulette, keno outcomes.
Yes, regulated casino sites use RNGs to ensure that their games are fair. These casinos will also have their RNG regularly audited to ensure that everything is above board.
The RNG used in a slot creates a value for each symbol, and to win you need to match the”random” symbols in a winning a combination.
An RNG is a program which generates random outcomes for casino games. It is a set of algorithms that create a random outcome with each input
Reading the code used in a random generator will not be easy if you don’t understand advanced mathematics.
RNGs are fair despite the fact that it can get hacked. Also, the hacker would need the seed number which is not easy to get. Outsmarting the casino will take some doing
