Every piece of software that powers online casino games is equipped with a component called the RNG or Random Number Generator. This is the element that reveals how online gambling is all about chance and uncertainty. Hence the name, the RNG is essentially a mathematical application with the ability to generate a completely random number.
How it Works
For example, in the game of European roulette, it randomly generates a number between 1 and 37. Numbers 1 through 36 correspond to those same numbers on the wheel while number 37 corresponds to 0 on the wheel. If the RNG generates number 21, the casino software would then stop on that number and bets would either be paid out accordingly or forfeited.
For a single deck card game such as poker, the RNG generates a number between 1 and 52, with each individual number corresponding to a single card in the deck. Therefore, if number 2 corresponds to the 2 of spades, the number is generated and the virtual dealer will accordingly throw out the 2 of spades. The RNG deals in complex mathematical processes because obviously, once a 2 of spades is dealt out, the same card cannot be distributed again. Online casino games that involve multiple decks of cards generally are more complicated in their random procedures as well.
The RNG is also busy in the game of craps. As you know, this game involves the rolling of two dice. Because of the nature of craps, the RNG must simultaneously generate two numbers, each corresponding with the dice between 1 and 6. If the RNG generates the numbers of 3 and 3, this is exactly what will be displayed on the two dice.
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RNG Testing
In order to be considered as fair, the numbers the RNG generates must have these two crucial elements: unpredictability and unbiased. As it relates to online gambling, bias describes a certain random number that is generated considerably more than others. Should this random number be generated in a cycle that consistently repeats, the chance for predictability increases dramatically. This becomes a problem because savvy players looking to cheat the system might be able to recognize the cycle and figure out the next number in a game of roulette, cards or craps. Let’s be honest, if you notice the number three showing up on the dice more frequently than others, you would probably take note and modify your approach to increase you chances of winning. While this could turn out to be a favorable in certain situations, it definitely isn’t good for the integrity of the online gambling industry.
To make sure that the numbers an RNG generates are truly unbiased and unpredictable, online casino gaming platforms are regularly tested by independent testing firms such as Technical Systems Testings and eCOGRA. Once these trusted bodies are certain that a platform’s RNG meets industry standards, the software is then certified as fair. Because of their outstanding reputations, you may want to specifically seek out online casinos that have their gaming platforms tested by these reputable organizations.
