Casino Random Number Generator

Casino Random Number Generator Header Image
Johnny Covers
Last Updated: May 15, 2024
Fact Checked ByLogan Martinez
Download App

A random number generator (RNG) is software that simulates the randomness of casino games. In other words, when an in-person dealer shuffles a deck or the slot machines randomly select winners, online RNG software ensures enough randomness to keep the online games fair.

A random number generation algorithm ensures that providers do not tamper with games by randomizing the numbers using software. Using programmed code, RNGs provide online casino games with random numbers to use, all generated by lines of code.

How Do Casino Random Number Generators Work?

Random number generators used by online casinos are critical to ensure randomness and fair play within their games. Using game and mathematics evaluations to generate random numbers, the generator begins with a value known as the "seed number" or "random seed".

From there, mathematical evaluations produce a new random number, and the process repeats for a continuous stream of random numbers, each starting with the initial seed number. Online gaming relies on these computer simulations to ensure fairness and transparency in its casino software offerings.

This rinse-and-repeat process is constantly evaluated using statistical tests, ensuring that every slot and table game is held to the highest standards of integrity. E-commerce online gaming regulation requires online casinos to use RNGs according to the rules of the authorizing body where their servers are located.

Are RNG's Fair to Online Casino Players?

Yes, RNGs are fair to players. They validate that online gambling is truly as random as it is at land-based casinos. Using RNG-specific software, the best real money online casinos ensure that their gameplay is equally fair and reputable as land-based casinos. RNG algorithms provide an independent third-party level of auditing, ensuring that each winning combination is random and fair.

Every sanctioned online casino will employ one of two types of RNGs to generate statistical randomness to produce results. Let's take a closer look at both options: pseudorandom number generators and true random number generation.

True Random Number Generator (TRNG)

Using a physical process, a TRNG relies on naturally occurring random numbers that can't be forecasted. Methods that fall under this category are atmospheric noise, thermal noise, and radioactive decay.

With TRNGs, the advantage is that they never follow a standard pattern, making them extremely useful in terms of security where unpredictability is critical. The downside, however, is that the computer program associated can be slow and requires a physical hardware random number generator to implement.

Pseudo Random Number Generator (PRNG)

A pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) is a type of RNG algorithm that generates a sequence of numbers that seem random but start with a set fixed value known as the seed number. A user can produce random numbers from the seed number just as the RNG would.

The Linear Congruential Generator and Mersenne Twister are two common algorithms that are considered PRNGs. A pseudorandom number generator still produces random numbers, however, and the program code is built to be fast and provide a good distribution of random numbers.

Various virtual games at casinos online use PRNGs, including those with a roulette wheel, virtual card games, and live dealer games. Widely used in the industry, the pseudorandom number generator is considered the gold standard between the two random generating methods.

Popular RNG Casino Games

Many online casino-style games use an RNG that produces numbers like land-based casinos do. When playing cards online, such as blackjack or video poker, both games have a finite number of cards and use RNGs. Let's take a closer look at a few popular RNG casino games.

  • Slot Machines: Online slots are the most common type of casino game that uses RNG. Each time a slot machine game begins, the RNG software ensures outcomes are random and independent from the previous spin.

  • Live Dealer Games: Table games, including live dealer games that feature a dealer on a webcam, use RNGs. Because there are a finite number of cards in each deck, the RNG must account for the game being played when calculating how the algorithm is set up.

  • Roulette Wheel: Whether a web-based casino has one or five reels, each of the roulette wheel games features an RNG to determine where the ball will land. The key for these games is to ensure that wherever the ball lands, it is entirely unrelated to the last spin. Players can not reverse engineer the randomness of where the ball will land by using a high-quality certified RNG.

RNG Certifications

An RNG is only as good as its certification. This means RNG certification is critical to ensure trust and fairness in the product and the industry. Below are a few of the most popular companies when it comes to RNG certifications:

  • Gaming Labs International (GLI): A world-famous iGaming testing lab, GLI certifications are valid across all regulated casino markets worldwide. With over 30 years of experience across six continents, GLI is considered the gold standard in the RNG certification industry.

  • eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance): Another leading and internationally recognized RNG certification body. An independent organization, eCOGRA certifies RNG systems and the online gambling industry as a whole.

  • iTech Labs: With a focus on iGaming systems at large, iTech Labs also certifies RNG algorithms for the industry. Like GLI and eCOGRA, iTech is internationally known and verifies games that use RNG on multiple continents.

Responsible Gambling

A critical component of any online gambling company is taking responsible gambling seriously. While items like game payout verification and casino game offerings get the headlines, each has a responsibility to educate its customers on responsible gambling.

If you or a loved one are struggling with responsible gambling when it comes to casino games, below are a few resources to get help.

Best Online Casinos
Best Social Casinos
Legal Online Casino States
Online Slots
Online Blackjack
Online Roulette
Best Casino Deposit Methods
Online Baccarat
Online Craps
Online Poker
Online Bingo
Online Keno
More Casino Education
Casino Random Number Generator FAQ
Are casino random number generators rigged?

No, casino RNGs are not rigged. Regulating bodies such as Gaming Labs International ensure RNGs are certified and held to the highest standards of integrity and transparency.

Do all online casinos use random number generators?

Yes, all online casinos use an online random number generator for many games, including slot games and live dealer table games like blackjack or roulette.

Do RNGs influence slot machine results?

Yes, RNGs influence slots using methods such as a pseudo-random number generator to determine every outcome of the reel's spin. The RNG algorithm generates thousands of numbers at random every second. When a player presses the spin button, the RNG randomly decides the final reel position.

How do I know if an online casino game is using an RNG?

There are several different ways to know if an online casino game is using an RNG. For one, check who licenses and regulates the casino, ensuring it is regulated by a reputable authority. If it is, it must use a certified RNG for each game it offers. Most web-based casinos have a fairness page, where they list who audits their outcomes and provide additional information about their RNG source.

Who regulates RNGs?

Several international, independent companies regulate RNGs across the industry. Some of the most popular testing and regulatory agencies include iTech Labs, eCOGRA, and Gaming Laboratories International (GLI).