In the world of online casino games, ensuring fairness and randomness is paramount. Players need to know that every round they play offers the same chance of winning as the next. We approach games like lottery cards, using a little superstition, but mostly being aware that each card is random and has the same win probability as the next.
As for casino providers, we need to make sure that we support industry fairness testing on a regular basis in order to maintain our certifications and licenses. All of our games undergo rigorous testing to ensure they align with the game’s built-in house edge.
In order to make sure online casino games are random and fair to play, they include a Random Number Generator (RNG). Whether you’re playing slots, video poker or table games, RNGs assure that every game is honest and that each outcome is random and unbiased. The inclusion of RNGs means games can run independently in our online casino without the possibility of anyone influencing outcomes.
If the term Random Number Generator (RNG) is new to you, read on. This guide will explain how they work at Bodog and at brick-and-mortar casinos.
What is a Random Number Generator (RNG)?
A Random Number Generator (RNG) is what the name suggests; it’s a tool that spits out a number in a completely random and unpredictable way. For example, if you play craps at a casino, the dice are the RNG in the game; each die displays one of six numbers at random when rolled. There’s no way to predict which number will land and, as long as you’re following the rules of the game, no way to control the outcome of the dice thrown.
Another example of an RNG at a brick-and-mortar casino is a deck of cards in baccarat. When the deck is shuffled properly, each betting side (Player and Banker) has an equal chance of being dealt any card in play. You wouldn’t be able to anticipate what will be dealt, or influence the cards in play. Everything is random thanks to the RNG (shuffled playing cards).
Of course, you can’t use physical dice and cards in the world of online casino games, so RNGs look different at Bodog and any other online casino. On the web, they rely on a sophisticated algorithm instead of physical manipulation. These algorithms produce long sequences of numbers that lack any predictable patterns. In online casino games, this technology ensures that every spin of a slot machine, deal of a card, and roll of the dice is entirely random and unpredictable—just like it’s supposed to be.
How RNGs Work in Online Casino Games
Below you’ll see a few terms to familiarize yourself with in the world of RNGs within online casino games, starting with algorithm-based systems.
Algorithm-Based Systems: Most online casinos use Pseudo-Random Number Generators (PRNGs), which rely on complex mathematical formulas to generate random sequences, starting from an initial “seed state” (more on that in a moment). While these systems are not truly random, they are considered sufficiently unpredictable for online casino games.
Seed Number Initialization: As mentioned, the RNG algorithm requires an initial seed value, which acts as a starting point for the algorithm to begin generating random sequences. This “seed” is usually based on highly variable factors such as time, player interactions, or even hardware activity, and kick-starts the algorithm into action.
Continuous Generation: RNGs constantly produce random numbers, even when the game is not in play. When a player initiates an action (ex. by pressing the “Spin” button on a slot machine or the “Deal” button in blackjack), the most recent random number is used to determine the outcome of the spin. This creates an almost infinite sequence of numbers and allows games to run 24/7.
Importance of RNGs in Online Casino Games
Without RNGs, there would be no online casino games. We’ll cover the main reasons why.
Fairness: Game outcomes could be easily manipulated if there were no RNGs imbedded in the software. By using RNGs, online casinos ensure fairness for all players as well as the house. It doesn’t matter who plays the game, when they play it, or what was the last outcome; with RNGs included, every session is random and fair.
Unpredictability: Just as important as fairness in a casino game is unpredictability. Every result must be independent of previous outcomes and not follow any obvious patterns, providing a genuinely unpredictable casino session. This is why the idea of casino games running hot or cold is just a myth; everything is random, even a long stretch of wins or losses that appear to defy the odds.
Regulation and Testing: Reliable online casinos have their RNGs tested regularly. When they pass testing, the casino is certified by independent agencies like eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and Gaming Laboratories International (GLI). At Bodog Casino, our games are certified by the Australia-based testing agency, iTech Labs.
RNGs in Different Online Casino Games
RNGs are in all of our casino games, helping determine random outcomes in different ways.
Slot Machines: RNGs determine which symbols appear on the reels after each spin and where the reels stop at the end of a spin. The paytable and bet size dictate the rest.
Blackjack: Cards are dealt using RNGs to replicate the randomness of a physical deck. The deck is “shuffled” after every round, so you won’t be able to track discarded cards.
Baccarat: Just like with blackjack, baccarat is a virtual card game that uses RNG technology to determine which cards are dealt from the six-deck shoe. Cards are shuffled after each hand, meaning all cards have the same odds of being drawn at the start of the round.
Roulette: In a brick-and-mortar casino, the roulette wheel is the RNG; with virtual roulette, however, RNG algorithms determine where the ball ends up. There are 37 or 38 possible end points, depending on the version you’re playing.
Video Poker: Video poker is similar to a slot machine, except there are poker icons instead of game symbols. RNGs ensure that each card that appears during a round is completely random, just like someone physically shuffling the deck.
Common Misconceptions About RNGs
There are some misconceptions about how RNGs work and their role in casino games. We’d like to take this opportunity to clear some up.
RNGs Can Be Manipulated: Reputable online casinos use highly secure RNG technology that is regularly tested to prevent tampering. Don’t fall for online scams that try to sell RNG-busting software to casino players.
RNGs Favour the House: While the house always has a statistical advantage in any casino game due to house edge, RNGs are designed to be fair and random.
Patterns Can Be Predicted: Despite claims of pattern prediction, true RNGs produce sequences that are impossible for people to predict, and that’s how online casinos can exist. If you played a slot game 1,000 times and recorded the outcome of every spin, you still wouldn’t be able to predict the outcome of the 1,001st round.
How to Verify RNG Fairness
Before playing at any online casino, it’s essential to verify that their games are tested and certified by reputable third parties in the industry. Look for certifications from well-known testing agencies like:
– eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance)
– Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
– iTech Labs
iTech Labs is the testing organization that we work with. Our casino games are 100% certified by this Australia-based agency that audits millions of games to ensure fairness and random results in exchange for the certification needed for licensing.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how Random Number Generators (RNGs) work is helpful for anyone who plays casino games online or in person. Getting a complete understanding of the games you play, from rules to strategy to mechanics, will round out your casino knowledge and make you a more informed player.
The main takeaway is that RNGs help maintain the integrity of online gambling by ensuring that each outcome is entirely random and fair for everyone involved. The same as rolling a dice or spinning a roulette wheel, digital casino games have an equivalent level of fairness thanks to the algorithms that randomly shoot out sequences of numbers to guide each game. Whether you’re playing slots, blackjack, video poker, or roulette, you can trust that legitimate online casinos use certified RNGs to keep the gameplay honest and unpredictable, and keep the fun rolling. Sign up for an account at Bodog to see what RNG-equipped casino games look like.