In the online casino world, you might come across the term Random Number Generator (RNG). In a nutshell, an RNG is a piece of software that ensures that outcomes of online slot games are truly random and cannot be predicted.
Online casinos in the UK like Spin Genie have their RNGs tested regularly by independent bodies to make sure that their games are fair and safe for players.
In this article we explain how RNGs work, as well as debunking some common misconceptions about them.
What Is an RNG?
RNGs are pieces of software that are used to ensure the randomness of outcomes. They are commonly used in online casinos to generate outcomes (for example, the result of a spin on a slot machine) to ensure that wins or losses are completely down to chance.
There are two types of RNG: True Random Number Generators (TRNGs) and Pseudo-Random Number Generators (PRNGs). A TRNG is a piece of physical hardware that measures certain environmental signs to generate a random outcome. The advantage is that the outcomes never follow a standard pattern, but the disadvantage is that the associated computer programme can be slow.
PRNGs are more commonly used in online casinos. A PRNG is a software tool designed to generate a random number sequence using an algorithm and a specified value (usually called a ‘seed’).
How Do RNGs Work in Online Casinos?
RNGs generate random outcomes for various games at online casinos, including slots, roulette and blackjack. Behind the scenes, the RNG assigns a number to every possible outcome, such as each symbol in a slot game or each pocket on the roulette wheel.
The RNG then calculates the outcome, incorporating all possible outcomes with the game’s conditions (such as RTP, volatility and variance) to provide a truly random result. Of course, the results appear on your screen in the form of a combination of slots on the reels or a roulette wheel with the ball in a pocket, but behind the scenes there are lots of mathematical calculations happening in seconds.
Why Are RNGs Important for Fair Play?
RNGs are essential to ensuring fair, safe online gambling and gaining the trust of players. If outcomes at casinos are not truly random, this means that the casino is likely to be engineering outcomes for its own profit.
Regulatory bodies such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), eCOGRA and iTech Labs certify RNGs to ensure that their outcomes are truly random.
Legitimate casinos such as Spin Genie display certifications on their websites to prove the fairness of their RNG systems, and they can be fined or even have their licence suspended if they are found to be offering games that are rigged.
Common Misconceptions about RNGs
There are a few myths about RNGs, which often arise from misunderstandings about work – or from players who believe that outcomes do not seem random. Some people claim that casinos are able to manipulate RNGs to create desirable outcomes. But in reality, genuine RNGs are unbiased and it is impossible to influence their outcome – on the casino’s side or on the player’s.
Others believe that the outcomes generated by RNGs are not truly random. For example, some players feel like this must be the case when they experience a series of losses; they believe that the casino ‘must be rigged’. However, the truth is that all outcomes really are random, and it’s all down to chance.
How to Identify a Trustworthy Casino with a Certified RNG
Before playing at an online casino in the UK, you should always check that it is licensed by the UKGC. This means that its RNGs will be certified, and tested regularly to ensure fairness. You should be able to find the Gambling Commission logo on the casino’s website, but you can also check by searching the UKGC’s public register of operators.
Online casinos are also required to display their licence number on their site. You can usually find it at the footer of each page, and if you can’t see it this is a sign to steer clear. It’s also possible to look for badges from testing bodies such as iTech Labs on casino websites (at Spin Genie you can click on the iTech Labs badge to see our certificate).
Play It Safe with Spin Genie’s Regulated RNG
Spin Genie is a safe, secure online casino that is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, and an RNG that is independently verified by iTech Labs. Join us for an exciting gaming experience with a regulated online casino. Always gamble responsibly at licensed casinos, and never spend more than you can afford to lose.
