What is RNG in Online Casinos?

RNG in games produce random numbers by using mathematical data from a seed number. Based on a seed number (also called a random seed), random numbers are produced for subsequent outcomes. 

For card games, this is done to simulate the experience of a physical casino. A deck of cards contains 52 cards, with specific and fixed combinations. It is not possible, for example, for you to get eight cards of the 4 of spades. As a result, the random seed helps to ensure that the outcomes are fair yet realistic.

Before we try to answer what is RNG, we’ll break down the two types of RNG in online casinos: TRNG (True Random Number Generator) and PRNG (Pseudo Random Number Generator). We’ll take a look at both types in this section along with the underlying technology that produces random numbers.

TRNG (True Random Number Generator)

A TRNG used physical hardware to create randomness for outcomes. TRNGs use mechanical processes to account for indicators that produce unpredictable outcomes, such as atmospheric pressure, temperature, radioactive decay, thermal and atmospheric noise. 

TRNGs can often be slow and mechanical but by virtue of using physical phenomenon, you can be assured that the outcomes are entirely unpredictable and therefore random. Roulette wheels, craps dice and even the blowers for games like Keno and Bingo use TRNGs that continue to be used in the casino industry even now.

PRNG (Psuedo Random Number Generator)

A PRNG uses a software algorithm to produce a random sequence of numbers based on a condition called a seed. The seed number is responsible for determining the subsequent range of numbers that the sequence will produce. 

Two common algorithms used in the PRNG system are the Linear Congruential Generator and the Mersenne Twister. The PRNG is used as the preferred RNG in online casinos across the world. This form is used widely and universally across several formats of casino gaming, including roulette, virtual card games, table games and instant win games. PRNGs are also used in slots to determine the symbols that appear on the reels.

Certain labs across the world have the ability to certify whether a game has integrated RNG fairly in an online casino game. This is an imperative factor to ensure reputation and trust with users. Before depositing and playing at an online casino, you should conduct your own due diligence to find out if a casino has been RNG-certified, and if a valid license has been issued. 

Some of the reputed labs that conduct tests to ensure that a casino has been appropriately certified are as follows:

iTech Labs

iTech Labs is a leading gaming labs company that has previously tested many RNGs in online casinos in more than 15 languages with different algorithms and hardware generators over almost two decades.

The process to determine an RNG includes statistical randomness, unpredictability and non-repeatability, internal state of the RNG, seeding and cycling and usage of random numbers including scaling and shuffling.

RNG testing is conducted by iTech Labs in different stages, which includes a thorough examination of the source code and compilation. Raw numbers are then put through rigorous “diehard” tests. Chi-square tests are then conducted to a larger scale of output, including using a wider range of card decks.

Gaming Labs International (GLI)

GLI uses custom software, which has been iterated and improved since the company’s inaugural year in 1989. The process used by GLI includes a general RNG analysis, comprising a review of the source code, an assessment for the RNG period, determining the seeding and reseeding process as well as an investigation of the RNG range.

Other tests conducted by GLI include diehard tests and outcome distribution tests. GLI uses internal software to analyse calculations, make estimations and plot data for RNG in online casinos.

BMM Testlabs

Headquartered in Las Vegas, USA, BMM Testlabs has been a reputable gaming laboratory for over four decades. BMM Testlabs provides services in testing, quality assurance, sports betting, iGaming, training and certification.

Apart from RNGs in online casinos, BMM Testlabs also conducts tests for virtual sports, volatility analysis, pull tabs, scratch tickets, mathematical analysis of Return to Player (RTP) and odds and source code analysis.

eCOGRA

eCOGRA provides a detailed analysis of an online casino’s RNG system that undergoes rigorous evaluation by external parties.

The process includes an independent certification, a review of the source code, a statistical analysis, seed generation, algorithm testing, periodic testing, certification report, regulatory compliance and continuous monitoring.

There are several RNG casino games used online across the world. In fact, almost every online casino game used some form of randomness. Some of the RNG casino games include roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat, instant win games, bingo, keno and even slots. 

For blackjack, for example, the cards that are drawn by a dealer are produced at random based on the seed and subsequent sequence of cards. For RNG in slots, the outcome determines the reel you see after every spin. This then predicts the outcome of your slots game.