What is RNG? The Importance of RNG in Online Casino Gaming

❓ What Does RNG Mean?

The initials “RNG” stand for “random number generator.” A random number generator is an algorithm that creates a number at random within a set of parameters. For example, the RNG may be set to output a random number between 1 and 52, to simulate the random dealing of a deck of cards.

While an algorithm-based number generator can never truly be random, these RNGs are developed to simulate randomness as closely as possible via complex mathematical equations.

🎮 How RNGs are Used in Real Money Casino Games

Online casino games use RNGs to determine their results. At the start of the game, the RNG is called, and the output from the RNG is used to settle the random elements of a game. For example, in casino card games such as blackjack, the RNG determines the value and suit of each card that’s dealt. Similarly, slot games use the outputs from the RNG to determine which symbols will appear on the reels.

Let’s look at a brief walkthrough of how an RNG is used to determine the results of a real money slot game:

1. The player opens the game and places a bet.
2. The game calls the RNG, which outputs a series of random numbers.
3. The slot interprets these random numbers to determine the result.
4. The reels start spinning, and the outcome is displayed on the screen.

Casino games can call hundreds of numbers from the RNG in a split second, meaning that the result of the game has been determined before the reels have the chance to start spinning.

🔎 Why Casino RNGs are important

Real money RNGs are an integral part of the online casino experience, as they:

• Create a Fair Gaming Environment – RNGs are used to simulate random outcomes, like those you’d find in a brick-and-mortar casino. The randomness of the outputs makes the results of these games fair.
• Generate Results You Can Trust – The outputs from RNGs are generated independently of the casino, so you can be sure that the outputs are legitimate and trustworthy.
• Are Verified By Experts – RNGs from licensed game providers are regularly audited by regulatory bodies to make sure that their outcomes are truly random. Data from real money games, such as blackjack, slots, and instant win games, are back-tested to check for anomalous results. The algorithms are also examined for any weaknesses that could be exploited.

🔒 Why You Can Trust RNGs

Any game provider with a valid gaming license from a respected gambling authority, such as the MGA or UKGC, must have their RNG audited by the regulator. This is to make sure that their outputs are legitimate based on the parameters that are set.

Regulators take a number of steps to ensure the validity of a random number generator, such as:

• Review the RNG documentation to understand how it is implemented in the developer’s gaming system.
• Evaluate the RNG algorithm and the hardware that it runs on to make sure that there are no vulnerabilities.
• Check the source code of the algorithm to make sure that it aligns with the documentation.
• Conduct statistical testing of the RNG’s output data to make sure that the results align with expected results.

If the auditor finds any issues, they’re immediately reported to the developer and their licensing body for correction. Once a correction has been made, the RNG is re-audited to check for compliance.

Some of the best online game providers have additional certifications from independent testing services such as eCOGRA or iTechLabs. Many of these auditors conduct live testing to make sure that the algorithm is generating the expected results for real money players.

🛑 Busting Common RNG Myths

Many online casino players have misconceptions about RNGs and how they work, so we want to set the record straight. Our experts have addressed the most common RNG myths and explained the real truth behind the technology.

⏰ RNGs Payout More at Set Times

The results of RNGs do not change based on the time of day or day of the week. Thousands of numbers are randomly generated every second, so the idea that you can expect a higher output of positive or negative results at certain times of the day is ludicrous. If that were the case, everyone would just play during the “high-payout” times!

🕵️ Casinos Interfere with RNGs to Stop You Winning

Online casino sites do not have any influence over a game’s RNG. The random number generators are created and managed by the game’s developers. While casinos can request different RTP levels from slot games, they do not have any influence on the results of individual rounds.

After all, casino games are created with a built-in house edge, so casinos don’t need to interfere with the results to make money.

🖱️ You Can Manipulate the RNG to Change the Outcome of the Game

An urban legend among many online casino players is that you can make certain mouse movements to manipulate the RNG and change the outcome of the game. This likely comes from the fact that some random number generators can use real-world events to generate truly random numbers.

For the most part, online casino RNGs are algorithm-based, meaning that the numbers are generated by a long series of mathematical equations. Results are generated in a fraction of a second, so there’s no chance that you’ll be able to influence this algorithm after making your bet.

The thing is, even if a game does use this special type of RNG that tracks your mouse movements, there is no way to know how they’re impacting your results! You may think you’re creating a positive result by moving your mouse a ¼ inch left and 2 inches up, but in reality, you have an equally likely chance of creating a negative outcome.

🔥 Some Games are Hot or Cold

Some superstitious casino players will avoid certain games, thinking that they’re “always cold,” while praising others for always “being hot.” In simple terms, a “cold” game will frequently payout less than expected, while a “hot” game pays out more than expected.

While it’s true that short-term variance can make games look “hot” or “cold,” the key word here is “short.” There aren’t specially selected casino games that are guaranteed to run hot forever, just as there aren’t games that will always run cold. In the long run, the results of all games will converge to their expected payout rate, which is why we always encourage you to play high RTP games where possible.

⛓️ How the Blockchain Can Impact Casino RNGs

Blockchain technology represents the next step in casino transparency, as it offers a secure and convenient way to publicise the output of a game’s RNG. We’ve found that crypto casinos have been utilising this technology to record their RNG results, allowing you to look back through the results and verify them yourself.

Developers such as InOut Games have taken this concept and integrated it into their games, such as the Chicken Road series. They offer instructions on how to check the legitimacy of the RNG yourself, explaining how the results are generated and giving you full transparency over the process.

We believe that real money casino game developers will continue down this path of transparency, creating fully-verifiable outputs that provide you with 100% trust in the results.

📝 Summary

RNGs or random number generators are algorithms that are used to create random numbers, which determine the results of real money casino games. Casinos use RNGs to simulate randomness, offering a fair and trustworthy way to generate results for their games. All licensed developers have their RNGs regularly audited by qualified testers to make sure that their outputs are within the expected limits.

To find the best real money casinos offering games powered by RNGs, check out our list of recommendations.