The future may have been digital in the early 2000s, but in the last decade its been all about being online and naturally casino entertainment followed this trend. Online casino platforms serve as the digital backbone for a wide range of casino games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games. These platforms are powered by modern software and cutting-edge technology to provide a flawless and immersive gaming experience to players worldwide. But how do they ensure their players get a fair and fun gaming experience, and how can players ensure they’re enjoying their favourite online casino games for real money at an equitable and trustworthy level?
There are plenty of methods used by legit venues including encryption and firewalls, licensing and regulation, and third-party testing of software such as the focus of today’s article; RNG. So join us as we explore how RNG software protects and prevents players from cheating the system.
How Do RNG’s Work? Simple Software, Complex Outcomes
RNG stands for ‘random number generator’ and is a piece of software implemented into all online casino games to ensure fairness by providing random outcomes.
Technically, there is no truly random system, as given enough time (be this ad infinitum) some manner of pattern may appear. However, when you consider that a standard 5x3 reel video slot; for example, has millions of unique outcomes, the randomness achieved by random number generation software is about as close to random as you can get.
Most importantly as a piece of software, the outcomes of RNG are not influenced by any outside forces such as the developer or casino (aside from the mathematical model used by the game), which removes bias and further ensures randomness.
The RNG software used in online casino games is known as a ‘pseudo-random number generator’ (PRNG) and in the next section we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of how this software works.
RNG and Online Casino Games: PRNG in Action
Pseudo-random number generation is used across the gamut of online casino games though the way it is applied to the gameplay process differs between games. In online slots, RNGs determine the symbols that appear on the reels; in roulette, they choose the numbered slots where the ball lands. Card games employ random number generators to shuffle and deal with hands, whereas virtual bingo and dice games use them to produce numerical outcomes.
These RNGs create random results based on seed values derived from the system clock and processed through complicated algorithms to assure great accuracy and fairness.
Here’s how the process works in layman's terms:
- The seed serves as a key, revealing the range of possible outcomes for the algorithm to consider.
- The 'hashing algorithm' then takes this data and applies its predefined conditions (such as mathematical models such as RTP, volatility, and variance) to produce the output.
- Instead of portraying this numerically, the consequences are normally determined by the application for which the software is utilised. In the case of slots, each value generated is associated with a 'tile' (a position on the reels) and a picture (in this case, a game symbol).
- The player then receives the outcome. All of this mathematical magic happens in seconds meaning the average player never even notices.
Can RNG Software be Tampered With? Preventing Cheating and Game Manipulation
Derived from high-precision timing sources, RNG systems use sophisticated algorithms and seed values to create outcomes that cannot be anticipated or controlled. Even this description has gone over most of our heads!
Given the strict security policies and protections in place by game creators and regulatory authorities, it is nearly impossible to beat a RNG by means of access to the proprietary software and ability to alter the underlying algorithm.
Not to mention, as regulators are strict and diligent, if you were successful in rigging the game, you'd likely be caught rather quickly and face fines and legal ramifications. All trusted online casino sites are licensed and regulated by the governing bodies of the region(s) in which they operate.
In the UK the creme de la creme is the UKGC (United Kingdom Gambling Authority), with other commonly used MGA (Malta Gaming Authority), AGCC (Alderney Gambling Control Commission), and Curacao. In order to retain their licence online casinos have to be frequently vetted and audited to ensure they are in line with the legal requirements of the region, and are operating fairly and transparently. This licence is time consuming and costly to gain, so trustworthy casinos will be vigilant in the games’ they host and the way they operate to retain their accreditation.
Put simply, if you're a scammer with a bit of computer know how there are far easier ways of making a quick buck than laboriously trying to augment online casino RNG software with the hope of keeping your actions under the radar longer than a few days or weeks, and at the end of it likely get caught and fined anyway!
Independent Testing and Certification of RNGs
It isn’t just the casinos and the regulators who have a hand in ensuring RNG’s remain untampered. Most developers and casinos will have their games third party tested to ensure fairness. The most regarded independent testers are as follows:
- BMM Test Labs: Having spent more than thirty years in business, BMM Testlabs is among the most revered authorities. It tests any kind of online casino game and deals with casinos all across several countries.
- iTechLabs: Operating with brands in America, Asia, and Europe, iTech Labs has been around since 2004. The brand has stringent national rules and restrictions to ensure that the gaming content of its consumers complies with present licencing criteria.
- Gaming Labs International: Since GLI certificates are approved in controlled marketplaces all around, iGaming enterprises hunt after them.
- eCogra: Probably the most well-known body UK gamers know since eCogra (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance) is situated in London. eCogra is dedicated to validating provider responsibility and safeguarding player rights by checking systems and software used in online betting to guarantee fair games.
How to Identify Safe Casinos with Certified RNGs
Legitimate online casinos with unfettered RNG software are easy to recognise, partially because they are the majority! As long as the site's licensing, player reviews, and overall reputation (including affiliations with other networks) are satisfactory, you can be confident that the online casino games you are playing are fair.
Reputable websites will be completely transparent about licensing, accreditation, testing, and so on. They will also emphasise safe gambling and provide a well-implemented customer care system. You can easily find legitimate sites’ accreditations, as they are usually found at the bottom of every page of their site.
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