Have you ever wondered how casino game developers keep their tables and slots fair and random? It’s all down to the algorithms. Specifically, iGaming studios and reputable casinos like us, Tonybet, use one such algorithm, RNG, to make sure that every outcome is decided at random.
But how does RNG actually work in practice? What games use RNG to help keep things fair for players? Chances are that you’ve probably played a few games that use this algorithm without even realising it.
In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about RNG and where it pops up in online casino games. In fact, by the end, you might want to dig into the science of iGaming even further! Let’s get started with the absolute basics.
What does RNG mean?
RNG stands for random number generation – it’s an internal algorithm that produces completely random sequences of numbers.
Casino game developers use RNG algorithms to ensure that every time a player taps ‘spin’ or places a bet in a virtual game, the outcomes are completely unpredictable.
RNG is an important part of online casino gaming because it helps to ensure that games are above board, and that there’s always a chance for players to win prizes.
That said, casino games are also designed to weigh certain prizes at certain odds and probabilities. This means that even though the RNG algorithm could generate a jackpot, the chances of it doing so are still designed to be slimmer than, say, it generating a small line win.
How does RNG work?
RNG in online casino games typically follows a system known as PRNG, or a pseudo-random number generator. This is a specific type of algorithm that produces random sequences of numbers – and it does this by selecting seeds, which decide which ranges of numerical values and outcomes the PRNG will work with.
When a player starts a game or completes an action, the game will request its PRNG to pick a seed and a random number sequence. It can generate number sequences milliseconds at a time – meaning that it is virtually impossible to tell what sequence will appear and how a game will ultimately end up!
Is RNG fair to players?
Yes! In fact, due to RNG algorithms, players know that games are completely fair and transparent. Through RNG, developers ensure that there is always a chance for prizes to be won. They will vary in probability, but it is never impossible to win jackpot prizes, for example.
RNG is used in casino games to offer a completely unpredictable experience. This is not just to mimic the randomness of games of chance that you’ll find at a typical land casino – it’s also used to help make sure that games are robust and ‘uncheatable’!
Despite what some online guides might have advised over the years, there are no shortcuts or cheat codes you can use to break or beat games based on RNG.
RNG is highly complex – systems that use this algorithm are typically designed using proprietary tools that are impossible to crack, through rudimentary means or otherwise.
Therefore, both players and casinos are protected. Online casinos such as Tonybet only ever choose transparent and audited games and tables that use algorithms such as RNG. That way, we can assure players that everything they play with us is demonstrably fair and regulated.
Which casino games are based on RNG?
The vast majority of casino games could use RNG. In particular, it’s common to see slot games use this technology to ensure that every spin a player makes is truly random and unpredictable.
Specifically, it’s dealerless games that use RNG technology – such as digital versions of blackjack, craps and roulette. Wherever there isn’t a croupier or dealer on hand to manage cards or play, there will likely be RNG technology involved.
This means that even outside of slots, you can expect regulated games and tables from reputable developers to offer completely random and unpredictable betting experiences. RNG algorithms stay active throughout the gameplay, meaning that they will always be generating new, random sequences of numbers regardless of how many times players hit ‘spin’ or place bets.
How RNGs work in slot machines
The RNGs used in slot machines – both in land casinos and online – vary in terms of complexity and scope. For example, with a simple slot machine or game where there are only three reels, an RNG might give each reel a random number on a set scale based on how many symbols are in play.
Let’s say that there’s a three-reel game with 12 symbols. This means that a machine will likely have an RNG that runs on random sequencing between the numbers one and 12 per reel. This leads to random combinations and outcomes, though this is a very basic example!
Regardless of the size and complexity of a slot machine or game, an RNG used in this way will determine which symbols appear, assigned to specific numbers. The more reels and symbols there are, the more complex the algorithm becomes.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that a slot’s RNG will decide if a specific seed or spin is going to generate prizes or not! It will simply decide which symbols fall where, meaning that you will still need to watch out for paylines to see if you win.
RNG vs. live dealer games comparison
Over the past few years, there has been a huge boom in live casino gaming – where you can play table games with a real dealer. This is where you play games such as blackjack through a stream, placing bets virtually but based on what the dealer turns up.
There are some obvious differences between RNG and live dealer games. For one, with the dealer taking control of cards, dice or spinning the roulette wheel, there’s no need for RNG algorithms to decide the randomness of an outcome.
This is because live games operate on genuine chance, much like real Vegas experiences. You never know which cards are going to get turned up next!
In some cases, live dealer games might use RNGs if, for example, there’s a digital element to the gameplay. If there are slot-style elements or digital games of chance embedded into a live dealer experience, then this will likely be the case.
However, for the most part, live games keep the randomness and unpredictability high with genuine shuffling of cards, and the use of genuine casino technology and hardware. In reputable live dealer games, the roulette wheels you see are real, and the cards being dealt are also real.
There is some debate over which type of game is fairer to players. Ultimately, both offer unpredictable experiences, meaning that you can always expect a fair draw of the deck or shake of the dice!
Whether you prefer RNG games or live dealer tables is, of course, your choice. At Tonybet, we’ve lined up a mix of RNG and live dealer games, so if you want to switch between the two at any time, you can!
Myths about RNG
Given that RNG is something of a mysterious phenomenon to many casino players, it’s reasonable to expect that there’s some misinformation out there. So, let’s take a moment to break down some myths and misconceptions, and explain some of the basic science behind RNG before you start playing games for real!
‘You can beat RNG games’
This all depends on what you mean by ‘beat’ – but no, it’s impossible to crack or cheat your way around any casino games that use RNG. They’re designed to help keep games fair for everyone, meaning that even the most ardent hackers or programmers won’t be able to spin things their way every single time.
‘Odds change depending on how much you bet’
This is a common myth. There’s absolutely no change in the RNG algorithm if you increase or decrease your bet. It might seem as though you get a better run of luck when you change your chip size, but this is simply because of the random nature of the game! You never know how each spin or play is going to work out.
The only twist on this, however, is where you play slot games that specifically change the variance or volatility when you place certain bets. This means that some games can change up how frequently they pay or how big prizes can be. Slot developers have to tell you when this mechanic is in place, so don’t worry about it being a hidden trick!
‘The odds change depending on when you play’
This is a classic myth that’s been around since the early days of fruit machines, and it has continued into the online era.
The bottom line is that RNG doesn’t care what time of day or what day of the week you play games. It’s completely random!
Again, it might seem as though you get a lucky streak on a Thursday night compared to a Sunday morning – but that’s not by design. Playing games ‘at the right time’ isn’t about catching RNG on a schedule!
Of course, if you have betting or gambling rituals that work for you and you have a healthy control over your bankroll, far be it from me to dissuade you from playing games at specific dates and times.
‘Some games are hot, and others are cold’
This is yet another classic myth that has transferred from physical gaming across to the digital world. It essentially revolves around the idea that, eventually, machines will be due to pay out. Those that have paid out recently are ‘cold’, and those that haven’t paid out for a while are ‘hot’.
This is a dangerous misconception because it plays into the idea that everyone is due a win. This can lead to some players chasing wins and losses without taking into account their bankrolls. It’s healthy to set clear money and time limits before you play, and to avoid falling into this thought spiral!
What’s more, RNG doesn’t work this way – it’s completely indiscriminate when it comes to deciding when payouts and big wins are due. So, even if someone wins a progressive jackpot in one slot game at, say, 1pm on Friday, this doesn’t mean that it won’t be won again for months – someone could win it again at 3pm that same day!
Conclusion
RNG isn’t the enemy! It’s an algorithm that helps to keep games fair and unpredictable. So, everyone has a chance to win prizes, and although this means that there’s always mystery behind what will come up next, it also means that there will always be a chance for you to win prizes.
Take a look at some of Tonybet’s slots and digital casino games alongside our live experiences for a taste of unpredictable gaming action!
