Have you ever wondered how online casino games work? How card draws are generated in a game of online blackjack? Or, how the symbols are determined when you click spin on a video slot?
The secret is random number generator (RNG) software. RNG systems are an integral component of online casino games and are used to determine the outcome of each spin or draw and ensure the results are random.
This article discusses RNG systems, their importance, how they work, and why reviewing and testing them is crucial when playing online casino games.
What are RNG based games?
When you play games like video slots or table games at an online casino, you will encounter RNG systems without even knowing it. This is the underlying technology that determines the outcome of game features like spins on slots, card draws on blackjack and where the ball lands on a roulette table.
Random number generator systems for game results
RNG systems can be a type of device or software that is capable of generating random numbers. The aim of these systems is to produce highly random numbers that can then be used in online casino games. Typically, there are two types of RNGs: TRNG and PRNG. One uses mathematical calculations, while the other uses quantum effects.
How exactly these systems work is a little beyond the scope of this article, but the main point is that they produce random numbers. RNG systems are incorporated into modern online casino games to determine the outcome of things like the symbols displayed for a slot spin, whether a bonus round triggers, the next card you draw in a game of blackjack and what numbers are drawn in an online bingo game.
RNG is a vital aspect of these games as without some type of random system, the results of online casino games can be rigged. Of course, the results are still weighted to create a house edge, but things like spins are genuinely random if the game uses an RNG system.
Examples of RNG based games
Approximately 99% of games at online casinos use RNG systems. Over time, the industry has progressed from classic mechanical slot machines, which used mechanical tumbler systems to determine the outcome of the spins. The following casino games use RNG systems:
- Video slots
- Megaways slots
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Baccarat
- Video poker
- Bingo
- Keno
- Slingo
Video slots are the best example, but with the sheer variety available, understanding how each works can be challenging. In a recent article for CasinoTopsOnline, Robin Storm sums it up best:
“But you can’t just jump in without learning the basics behind each slot variant...”
“Each type has slightly different benefits and negatives, so you’ll want to choose one that suits your playing style. We’ve reviewed thousands of different games and developed a keen understanding of how each variant works.”
You can read more at www.casinotopsonline.com/en-ca/slots. Each time you click the spin button on a slot game, an RNG system is activated that determines what random symbols are shown.
The only casino games that won’t use RNG systems are live dealer games that use physical props for their games. For instance, live blackjack has a real human dealer with real playing cards so there is no need for digital RNG. Similarly, live roulette features a real roulette table.
Testing and reviewing: Why it matters for these games
As you can see, RNG is especially important to ensure a fair gaming experience. If you want a chance of winning any prizes when using technology like slots and table games, there must be a high-quality RNG system in place.
Testing: Checking RNG results for fairness and randomness
A simple way to test RNG systems is to find a demo version of the game. Most online casino games have free play demo versions that you can play using virtual credits. Spend some time testing the game and making sure that you can hit some winning hands or spins.
Some provably fair games also publish the hash results from the RNG systems, and these can be run through hash generators to check for fairness. This is more complicated though and not really applicable for most casual players.
Reviewing: Enjoyability, payouts and overall gaming experience
The best thing you can do is to check the software developer who provides the games. Reputable software developers like Pragmatic Play and NetEnt publish their RNG results and show testing of their RNG systems to prove their fairness.
Oftentimes the software developers have their systems audited by third-party testers as well, who provide accreditation and certification of fairness.
A quick Google search for the software developer should allow you to easily see if they use reputable RNG systems and if their games are rated as fair.
How to find the best RNG games
Not all online casino games are created equal, and, as most platforms offer hundreds of titles or more, it can be tricky knowing which ones are the best. There are some simple things you can look for though when selecting RNG games, including:
- Return to Player (RTP): The RTP percentage denotes how much you can expect to win back when playing a game over a prolonged period. For example, the popular slot Starburst has an RTP of 96.06%. This means that if you spent $100, you would be expected to win back $96.06 or make a $3.94 loss. Simply put, the higher the RTP, the better your chances of winning.
- Volatility: Volatility relates to how often and how much you can expect to win. For example, a game with low volatility will payout frequently, but in small amounts. In contrast, a game with high volatility will payout infrequently, but in larger amounts.
- Max cashout: Most games have a maximum payout you can win. It’s always a good idea to bear this in mind so you know what you are potentially playing for.
- Bonus features: Many games, particularly slots, have bonus features such as free spins or fun bonus games. These can add to the entertainment value of the games and make for a more enjoyable gaming experience.
Play safe and know your RNG games
Hopefully this guide has provided you with a better understanding of what RNG based games are and why it’s important to test them. As long as the RNG software is accurate and the results for spins and card draws are truly random, playing these games is completely safe.
To confirm this is the case, you’ll need to actively test the games in demo mode to check results. You can also use hash testing software where possible and look at external reviews of the games. And, be sure to check for third-party auditing from testing bodies who have verified the fairness of the RNG systems used.
DISCLAIMER: The information presented on this page/site is intended for entertainment purposes only. Please be aware that gambling entails inherent risks, and it's crucial to acknowledge this when utilizing online gambling platforms.
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