Reputable online casinos use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure their games are fair and unpredictable. If you’ve ever had a long winning or losing streak, you might wonder what influences the results. Many reputable casinos, like WildFortune Casino, rely on sophisticated technology to keep games fair.
This guide explains what Random Number Generators (RNGs) are, how online casinos use them, and how they generate results in slots and table games like baccarat or roulette. We’ll also look at how fairness is assessed, the pros and cons of RNGs, and their importance in online gaming.
What is an RNG and how does it work?
An RNG is a software algorithm that produces thousands of random, unpredictable numbers per second to determine a game’s outcome. When you spin the slots, play table games like roulette and poker, or even use scratchcards and bingo, an RNG is what determines the result. These algorithms generate number sequences that don’t follow any pattern and cannot be predicted.
When you play a game, a random number from the sequence is used to decide what happens. For instance, when you click the “spin” button on a slot, the RNG assigns a random number to that spin, which dictates the symbols you see, the card you’re dealt, or the numbers drawn in bingo.
A key feature of RNGs is that they don’t track past wins or losses. Each game result is independent, with no memory of previous outcomes or influence on future ones. This is what makes games at regulated casinos, like those you might find at Wildfortune Casino, fair and prevents anyone — the player or the casino — from accurately predicting what will happen next.
Types of RNGs
Now that we know what RNGs are, where do the random numbers come from? It depends on the type of RNG being used. There are two main types: true RNGs and pseudo-RNGs:
- True Random Number Generators (TRNGs) use unpredictable physical phenomena, like atmospheric noise or radioactive decay, to generate numbers. However, they are slower and not practical for the fast pace of online casino games.
- Pseudo-Random Number Generators (PRNGs) use a complex algorithm to create sequences of numbers that appear random. They start with a “seed” value, often derived from unpredictable data like the current time in milliseconds, making them fast and efficient enough for online casino games.
How RNGs generate results in games
The process of generating an outcome in a virtual game differs from live dealer games, where a human dealer shuffles cards. RNG-based games are free from human bias or error:
- Slots: When you spin a slot, the RNG selects a number. This number corresponds to a specific combination of symbols on the reels. Each symbol has a set position on a virtual table, and the RNG’s number points to which symbols will be displayed. The outcome is determined the instant you hit the spin button.
- Table Games: In virtual games like blackjack or roulette, a similar process occurs. The RNG picks a number, which the game then uses to determine which card is dealt or which number wins on the roulette wheel. In blackjack, each card is drawn from a newly shuffled virtual deck. In roulette, the RNG selects a number from 0 to 36 (or 37 in American Roulette) to be the winning number.
- Bingo: The structure is slightly different for bingo. The RNG draws random numbers one at a time. To ensure fairness within a round, once a number is called, it cannot be drawn again.
How fairness is tested: regulators and testing labs
Randomness doesn’t automatically guarantee fairness, which is why online casino games undergo strict testing. At reputable casinos, like those featured on our site, all games are thoroughly checked by independent labs to certify that their RNGs produce fair results and that the payout percentages are accurate.
This process is enforced by regulatory bodies like the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which requires all casino games to be tested before launch and re-tested after any updates. Leading testing labs include:
- eCOGRA.
- iTech Labs.
- Gaming Laboratories International (GLI).
- BMM Testlabs.
- Gaming Associates.
Licensed casinos are closely monitored, and any game that fails to meet standards must be fixed or removed. These regulations also mandate player protection measures, such as KYC (Know Your Customer) checks for account verification and responsible gaming tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion options.
