The evolution of RNGs in online casino technology

Random number generators, also known as RNGs, play a vital role in the online casino industry. This piece of technology helps ensure that casino games are truly fair to play. Without them, players could feel cheated and they may be dissuaded from playing games altogether. 

In this guide, we explore the evolution of RNGs, specifically in the online casino world. We look at their creation, how they evolved, their use in casino games today and explore the benefits they have brought to gamers and casinos alike.

What is an RNG?

A random number generator is a piece of technology that creates an unpredictable sequence of numbers or symbols, or chooses a number at random. In the world of casinos, they’re used in the likes of slot machine games. 

The purpose of RNGs in online casinos is to mimic the randomness that is found in physical casinos. In those establishments, cards are shuffled, dice are always thrown at random and the roulette wheel spins in an unpredictable way. 

This offers players peace of mind in the knowledge that the games cannot be rigged or tampered with, and that they have a fair chance of winning. 

The history of RNGs

RNGs have been around for some time. The earliest physical forms are dice, dating back some 5,000 years to Turkey. 

However, the virtual RNGs that we know today didn’t come around until computers were invented. In 1947, the RAND Corporation created a fully automated table of random numbers using an electronic system. The technology has since evolved in dramatic and innovative ways.

Casinos should be clear and open about the way in which they operate their games. Jackpot Village, for example, uses RNGs for its games and also has an independent auditor test the efficacy of its system. This helps ensure it is offering its players the fairest experience possible.

How have RNGs evolved?

Over the years, different types of random number generators have been developed. While they all achieve the same result in producing random numbers, each has its own purpose.

Many online casinos use a method called pseudorandom number generation. This form of RNG produces numbers at random without any need for external data. It achieves this by using a seed number to create an output. 

This seed number is then passed through a series of algorithms that produces the next number. It’s like a mathematical equation, which means the numbers aren’t completely random – this is why it’s called pseudorandom. 

In the context of an online casino, seed numbers are constantly being created, every millisecond in some cases. This allows the likes of dice to be rolled at random, cards to be dealt fairly, numbers spun on roulette in an unpredictable fashion, and symbols on slot machine games to appear randomly. 

How are RNGs used in online casinos today

There has been an interesting change in online casinos in recent years with the advent of live table games. 

This form of gaming involves live streams from physical casinos that people can watch and bet along with in real time. Given that there’s no gaming software involved, there has been no need for the use of RNGs. However, it left some with concerns over the fairness of these live games. 

However, as many of these tables are found in real casinos, they have to undergo the same rigorous fairness checks. Sometimes they’re in studios, but the dealers and croupiers are still subject to the same checks and supervision, with all streams recorded in case of any dispute. 

RNGs are also used nowadays in virtual reality (VR) slot machine games, a new and emerging feature of many online casinos. 

What are the benefits of using RNGs

There are many benefits offered by RNGs that online casinos have embraced. They have allowed the industry to flourish and grow. Let’s take a more specific look at some of those benefits:

• Randomness – the primary benefit offered by RNGs is that they ensure the randomness of a process. This is a vital feature that fills the gap left by the absence of physical dealers in casinos. 
• RNGs are subject to third party testing – all reputable casinos submit their RNGs for testing by an independent third party. There are companies that specialize in this type of test, and that allows for a more rigorous approach to be taken. 
• Encourages the development of new, fairer games – with RNGs becoming the gold standard, game developers can factor them into their software and games from the off, allowing for a truly fair and random experience for players.