Online pokies (also known as slot machines) have become a popular form of entertainment for millions of players worldwide. One of the key elements that ensure these games remain fair and unpredictable is the use of Random Number Generators (RNGs).
In the digital world of online gaming, RNGs are the backbone that guarantees fairness, preventing any manipulation by operators or players. In this blog, we will take a deep dive into how RNGs work, their importance in online pokies, and how they maintain fairness in these games.
What is a Random Number Generator (RNG)?
A Random Number Generator (RNG) is a software algorithm that produces a sequence of numbers or symbols that cannot be predicted. In online pokies, RNGs are responsible for determining the outcome of each spin, ensuring that every result is completely random and independent of previous or future spins. RNGs are a critical aspect of online gambling because they ensure that the game remains fair for all players.
Types of RNGs
There are two main types of RNGs used in online pokies:
- True Random Number Generators (TRNG): These RNGs rely on external physical factors such as electrical noise or radioactive decay to generate random numbers. TRNGs are considered to be truly random because they are based on unpredictable real-world phenomena.
- Pseudo-Random Number Generators (PRNG): PRNGs, which are more commonly used in online pokies, are algorithm-based systems that use a seed value to generate a sequence of random numbers. While PRNGs are deterministic and not “truly” random, they are designed to mimic randomness so closely that they are functionally indistinguishable from TRNGs in most applications.
How Do RNGs Work in Online Pokies?
In online poker, the RNG generates a random sequence of numbers when a player clicks the “spin” button. These numbers correspond to the various symbols on the pokie’s reels. Once the RNG produces a set of numbers, the game’s software determines which symbols will appear on the reels, and the spin outcome is displayed to the player.
The Role of PRNGs in Online Pokies
Most online pokies use PRNGs because they are efficient and do not require the hardware needed for TRNGs. The PRNG works by starting with an initial seed value, which is then fed into an algorithm that produces a random sequence. The seed value is usually derived from an external factor, such as the current time or the system’s internal clock, to ensure unpredictability.
How PRNGs Ensure Randomness
- Continuous Number Generation: The RNG in an online pokie continuously generates numbers, even when no one is playing. This means that the outcome of a spin is determined the instant the player presses the “spin” button, and the sequence of numbers generated is independent of previous or future spins.
- Impartial Results: Since the PRNG generates random outcomes, the results of one spin have no influence on the results of subsequent spins. This ensures that each spin is fair and independent.
- High Frequency: PRNGs operate at such a high frequency that they generate thousands of random numbers per second. This means that even if two players press “spin” at the exact same time, they will still receive different outcomes.
How RNGs Maintain Fairness in Online Pokies
One of the primary reasons RNGs are used in online poker is to ensure fairness and prevent any form of manipulation. Here’s how RNGs maintain fairness:
Preventing Predictability
Without RNGs, it would not be possible to predict the outcome of a game, which would undermine the fairness of online poker.
RNGs ensure that every spin is completely random and cannot be predicted by either the player or the casino. This level of unpredictability is critical to maintaining trust in the gaming process.
Ensuring Fair Payouts
RNGs ensure that online pokies meet their advertised payout percentages. Each pokie has a return-to-player (RTP) percentage, which indicates how much of the money wagered on the game will be paid back to players over time. RNGs ensure that the results align with the RTP, ensuring that players receive fair payouts based on the probabilities set by the game developers.
Example of RTP and RNG Working Together
If a pokie has an RTP of 95%, the RNG will produce outcomes that ensure, over the long term, 95% of all wagered money is returned to players, while the remaining 5% represents the house edge. However, due to the randomness of the RNG, this doesn’t mean that each session will return 95% to the player. Over thousands or millions of spins, the outcomes will align with the RTP percentage.
Audits and Certification
To maintain fairness and trust, online casinos must ensure that their RNGs are functioning properly. Regulatory bodies and independent testing agencies audit and certify the RNGs used by online pokies to verify that they are producing truly random results.
How RNG Certification Works
- Third-Party Testing: Independent agencies, such as eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance) and iTech Labs, perform rigorous testing on the RNG software used by online casinos. These agencies test millions of spins to ensure the outcomes are truly random.
- Regular Audits: RNGs are subjected to regular audits by these agencies to ensure ongoing fairness. Any discrepancies found in the RNG’s output can result in penalties for the operator or the revocation of their gaming license.
- Compliance with Regulations: Certified RNGs must comply with the gambling regulations of the jurisdiction in which the online casino operates. This guarantees that players can trust the integrity of the games.
Protecting Against Cheating
RNGs are crucial in preventing both players and casinos from cheating. In a decentralized system without RNGs, it would be easier to manipulate the outcome of spins, either by hacking the system or by exploiting patterns in the game’s code. However, RNGs make it nearly impossible for any party to predict or control the outcome of a spin, thereby ensuring a level playing field. This also means that players can earn your payout quickly without concerns about unfair practices, as the game outcomes are entirely random and transparent.
Misconceptions About RNGs in Online Pokies
Despite the essential role that RNGs play in ensuring fairness, some common misconceptions about their function still exist.
- “RNGs Are Rigged in Favor of the Casino”
Some players believe that online pokies are rigged to favor the casino, but this is not the case. While the house edge ensures that the casino makes a profit over time, RNGs ensure that the outcome of each spin is random and unbiased. Third-party audits and the transparency of the RTP protect the game’s fairness.
- “Timing Affects the Outcome of the Spin”
Another misconception is that timing affects the outcome of the spin, such as stopping the reels at a particular moment to achieve a win.
In reality, the outcome of the spin is determined by the RNG the moment the player clicks the “spin” button, and the reels are simply a visual representation of that outcome.
The Future of RNGs in Online Pokies
As technology advances, RNGs are likely to become even more sophisticated, ensuring even greater fairness and security in online poker. Blockchain technology, for example, may be integrated into future RNG systems to provide even more transparency and decentralization, allowing players to verify the randomness of every spin directly.
Conclusion
Random Number Generators are the heart of online pokies, ensuring that every spin is fair, random, and independent. By leveraging advanced algorithms, PRNGs provide an unparalleled level of transparency and trust in the gaming process. As online gambling continues to grow, RNG technology will remain essential in maintaining the fairness and integrity of online poker, allowing players to enjoy their favorite games with confidence.
