How random number generation works within online casino slots
One of the major concerns of casino players is fairness. And given that, according to ENV Media, 51% of players believe that casino game outcomes can be manipulated, the need to ensure fair play is very apparent. This is important because it can help build customer trust.
Even when ranking casino platforms, most affiliate platforms always consider such factors. In fact, Erik King claims that they are very unlikely to rank a platform that’s not trustworthy. And one of the ways to improve trustworthiness is by providing fair play. This is where RNG comes in, and we will uncover how operators use it to provide better slot gaming experiences.
Understanding random number generation (RNG)
Just as the name suggests, a random number is basically selected by chance or, rather, ‘randomly.’ This number is usually selected from a specified distribution whose elements are equally likely to be chosen.
For it to occur, two conditions must be fulfilled:
- Values must be equally distributed over a specified interval
- Past or present outcomes cannot provide the grounds for predicting future values
While their applications are broad, the casino industry has been taking advantage of them for a long time now. In online slots, these numbers determine the position of the reels every time you hit “spin.”
Now, these aren’t your everyday numbers like 1, 2, 3. An RNG generates thousands of numbers per second, even when no one is playing. Each number corresponds to a specific combination of symbols on the reels. When you press “spin,” the RNG instantly picks one of those numbers, which becomes the result of your spin.
As a result of this broad application, the RNG market has really grown. According to Grand View Research, the global market peaks at $4.73 billion and will continue growing by a CAGR of 8.2% within the next few years. Plus, there is a growing demand for quantum-based RNGs that can offer higher entropy and true unpredictability, which may lead to the industry’s further growth.
RNG operation in online casino slots
Before we explore how operators use technology to improve fairness, it’s important to note that there are mainly two types of RNGs – true random and pseudo-random. While True Random Number Generators (TRNGs) use physical events like noise and signals to generate random numerical figures, Pseudo-Random (PRNGs) apply algorithms to create values based on shorter strings of numbers.
In the casino industry, operators often rely on PRNGs to create randomness in games like slots that don’t feature live dealers. But that’s not all. You can use them for other basic activities, such as automated card shoe shufflers.
And as we have already highlighted, this system is usually active all the time. Consider a three-reel online slot with 10 symbols per reel, for instance. The RNG assigns a value to every symbol and then chooses a figure between one and ten for each reel.
This results in three random symbols that are assigned independently of each other. If they form a winning combination, your spin could be successful.
Can this system be manipulated?
Well, for an average player, the answer is no. Even though some players may think they can predict slot outcomes, RNG technology makes this very difficult. By using complex algorithms and seed values, PRNGs create randomness that’s nearly impossible to hack.
Of course, patterns exist mathematically, but they often change so quickly that exploiting them becomes impossible unless you’re a spy with global surveillance skills. Plus, operators often apply strict testing and encryption to avoid manipulation, while others always have independent audits to ensure their infrastructures are fair.
Therefore, as a player, it’s important to check whether the platform is certified as fair; otherwise, you risk participating in an unfair environment. Look for the certification seal found at the platform’s bottom.
Also, reputable platforms won’t just make any changes to their systems without alerting gambling regulators. Remember, regulators are always working hard to provide a safe gambling environment for players, and breaching rules for operators could even lead to licenses being revoked.
What does the future hold for RNGs?
Technology is moving really fast, and we may see this shift affect future RNGs. Let’s take quantum technology, for instance. Known for its ability to solve complex problems within no time, quantum technology can help create truly random numbers.
The best part is that it can use the innate randomness of quantum phenomena, such as the behavior of photons, to improve the unpredictability of outcomes. And as the world gravitates towards this technology, we may also see online casinos welcome it.
And, of course, we can’t fail to mention how blockchain-based RNGs are also becoming popular. As you may know, blockchain is decentralized, meaning it provides a high level of immutability and transparency. This preserves the integrity of the generated random numbers, making them more resistant to manipulation.
Wrapping up
No one wants to play on a platform that is more likely to manipulate outcomes. At their core, casino games are games of chance, where outcomes are based on probability. But unfortunately, some platforms may want to manipulate the outcomes in their favor, so ensuring they are certified as fair is important.
By regularly auditing their RNG infrastructures, operators can ensure no player has the advantage over the other. And now that technology is advancing really fast, we may see quantum and blockchain-based RNGs dominate the slot industry in the coming years.