RNG in iGaming: what it is, how it works, and why it’s trusted

Most online casino games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomize results and ensure fair and unpredictable outcomes on every slot spin and every card turn. Arguably, a fully functional and certified random number generation algorithm is the most important part of any casino game.

So, what is RNG, how does it work, and why does it matter?

What is RNG and why is it so important?

The goal of RNG gambling is to create a fair foundation that is as unpredictable and random as turning a physical roulette wheel or dealing a hand of cards. RNG works by processing a random set of numbers based on a predetermined set of instructions.

Developers must test and certify RNG algorithms while subjecting their systems to regular auditing. As a result, the software remains secure, and the process stays random, adding a provably fair element that enhances player trust.

So, what is RNG in iGaming? In simple terms, it’s something that the player doesn’t feel, but would certainly miss if it weren’t there, and something that forms the backbone of the entire online gambling sector.

How does RNG work in simple terms?

To understand how RNG casino games work, we can use online slots as an example.

Once the player hits “spin”, an RNG algorithm stops on a random set of numbers that determines the outcome. It dictates where each symbol will appear, whether they will form a payout, and whether the game will trigger any jackpots or bonus features.

The algorithm uses predetermined code to generate that number, but it’s random—the casino can’t influence it, and the player can’t predict it. What’s more, as each result is independent and not influenced by previous outcomes, players get a fair result every time.

So, if we use a simple, three-reel slot like Cash'n Fruits 27 as an example, it’s akin to assigning every outcome (win, max win, lose, etc.) to a number from zero to nine, rolling a handful of dice when you hit “spin”, and then using the final digit from the total to determine the outcome.

Of course, the actual RNG algorithm in this and other slot games is much more complex, but the idea is the same—it’s a way of ensuring a random result that can’t be manipulated on either end.

The power of HRNG (TRNG vs PRNG)

You may have heard that casino games are not truly random. It’s technically true, but it’s also very misleading.

RNG casino games typically use something known as a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG). The term may conjure images of gremlins in the machine tinkering with the results, but in reality, it just means the RNG is not 100% random, as it relies on a specific input.

RNG slots, for instance, use an algorithm to process a sequence of random numbers, but someone needs to program that algorithm. It’s not predictable in the sense that a player, casino, or developer can predict every outcome, and it remains safe and secure in that regard. However, it’s also not truly random.

True random number generators (TRNG), on the other hand, use physical phenomena to create truly random outcomes. Instead of relying on programmed algorithms, the developer may tie them to phenomena such as photon behavior.

So, if a PRNG isn’t truly random, why do game providers use it?

Well, there are a few reasons:

• Speed: iGaming mechanics rely on speed and fluidity, and as TRNGs use slow physical models, they often struggle to keep up.

• Reproducibility: The unpredictability of TRNGs means it’s impossible to reproduce results, which, in turn, makes it difficult for developers to audit their systems.

• Certification: RNGs are subject to strict regulation and certification, so the results must be reproducible to appease regulators and ensure industry compliance.

Some developers have turned to hybrid random number generators (HRNG) to combine the best of both worlds. For example, they may use a TRNG to generate a “seed” number, before the PRNG takes over. It’s truly random, yet it’s more reproducible than TRNG.

How RNG-based games work in the iGaming sector

Video game developers use RNG to randomize loot, and the cryptocurrency sector uses it to generate cryptography keys, but RNG iGaming is one of the most important and widespread uses of RNG algorithms. It’s the foundation of fairness and randomness, and determines results in many types of casino games.

Types of games that use RNG

To understand how RNG-based games work in the casino sector, consider live dealer games vs virtual table games.

A live dealer game uses real dealers and equipment, so card shuffles, wheel spins, and dice rolls provide the necessary randomness, while betting rules and game boards (such as the green spaces on a roulette wheel) ensure a reliable house edge.

Virtual table games are entirely digital, with no dealer intervention. So, RNG software must generate every game outcome. This software determines whether the player hits a natural blackjack, wins a single number bet, or lands a royal flush.

The process is just as random, and by negating the effects of dealer mistakes and practices such as card counting and edge sorting, RNG produces more reliable results for the operator.

RNG determines where symbols will appear in a slot and which cards the dealer shows in games of virtual baccarat and blackjack, and it’s also used in casual games, lottery games, and more.

Of course, the benefits of RNG only apply if the developer follows strict RNG certification protocols, so casino platforms must ensure they partner with a slot provider with certified RNG games.

Do live dealer games use RNG?

It’s often said that live dealer games don’t use any RNG, but that’s not the case for all live casino games.

For the most part, live dealer games operate like land-based casinos, and randomness comes from the equipment and dealer/player. The dealer shuffles the cards in blackjack and spins the wheel in roulette, while the player rolls the dice in craps. But the emergence of live casino slots, which operate like a cross between a slot machine and a live game show, has seen a rise in hybrid models that combine real equipment and actions with RNG.

Generally speaking, if the game uses real equipment and the dealer takes charge, there’s likely no RNG involved. If it focuses on digital elements, such as a large slot grid, it’s using RNG.

Players are very accepting of this fact, as it seems that the main draws of live casino games are the immersive and communal factors, as opposed to the absence of RNG. There was a time when players distrusted RNG and only believed what they could see for themselves, but most modern players understand the rigorous testing procedures behind the release of every game, as well as the severe penalties imposed on developers and operators that don’t meet regulations.

How RNG outcomes determine game results

We gave the example of a dice roll and several basic outcomes above, but online casino games are much more complicated than that.

In Lucky and Brave Fortune, for instance, players can reveal seven standard symbols across 243 ways to win, while also triggering a Hold and Win feature and two jackpots. Even Mystical Luck Hold and Win, which adopts a classic setup with three reels, still has eight standard symbols, a Wild, jackpots, and 27 paylines.

An RNG system isn’t simply determining whether the player wins or loses; it’s considering all the different elements in the games and mapping their placements and outcomes.

The RNG algorithm in online slots considers factors such as:

• The symbols, paylines, and winning combinations

• The frequency of bonus triggers

• The outcome of a free spins feature or other bonus game

• The likelihood of a jackpot trigger

• The rank and suit of the next card in a “double-or-nothing” mini-game

RNGs aren’t simply generating a number from one to 10 when the player hits “spin”. They are constantly cycling through millions of computations, stopping when the player interacts, and translating that number into an outcome according to the algorithm.

As each result is independent, the game doesn’t consider whether the player has won or lost 10 games in a row. They have the same chance of success every time.

How developers guarantee security and fairness

Whether it’s a graphically advanced and feature-rich slot like Lucky Arena Hold and Win or a retro-inspired release like Lucky 5 Bells, every slot undergoes a rigid, multi-step testing and certification process that ensures RNG gambling is as random and as fair as advertised.

The RNG certification process

Developers implement math models, but auditors check and certify them. If a licensed slot provider releases an RNG game, it means the RNG has been certified by regulator-approved independent organizations such as:

• eCOGRA: One of the biggest certification services, eCOGRA launched in 2003 and is approved by many regulators, including those in the United Kingdom, Curaçao, Malta, and Alderney. In addition to RNG certification, it also offers various other iGaming services, including dispute resolution and cybersecurity.

• GLI: Regulators in over 700 global jurisdictions trust Gaming Labs International to provide certification, verification, and advisory services, making it one of the industry’s biggest testing and certification companies.

• BMM Testlabs: A massively influential organization, BMM Testlabs has been offering regulatory compliance services since 1981 and has pioneered numerous online gaming standards.

• iTech Labs: The Bulgaria-based iTech Labs offers certification services, including RNG certification, to developers and operators across major European regulated markets.

• TST: TST joined the GLI group back in 2010 and provides RNG certification, security audits, and math model evaluations to companies throughout the online gambling sector.

The slot provider doesn’t police its own systems. Instead, it develops the RNG to specific, demanding standards, checks to ensure it is fully functional, and then seeks RNG certification. Every RNG, every game, and every outcome is meticulously vetted before the developer releases the game, and this ensures the highest levels of security, fairness, and randomness for all RNG gambling.

The RNG certification process for online casino games varies, but it typically looks something like this:

• Source code review: The lab reviews the source code of RNG casino games to ensure it is properly implemented and complies with industry standards. They’ll check that the algorithm is sound and meets current industry standards.

• Analysis of results: It performs a series of tests to check RNG output over many outcomes. The results are then analyzed to check for randomness, with the lab looking for predictable patterns that suggest the absence of true randomness.

• Seed check: The seed value is crucial to the performance and randomness of an RNG, so the auditor will check how it’s generated and confirm that the process and output are unpredictable.

• Security checks: The lab confirms that the RNG algorithm is not susceptible to attacks, and players aren’t able to influence or predict the outcome.

• Regular audits: After the initial checks and certifications, the auditor may conduct regular checks to confirm that results are consistent and the software remains random and secure.

Regulations, security, and the risks of noncompliance

Before they’re made available in certain jurisdictions, RNG casino games must be certified by regulator-approved testing houses, but compliance doesn’t end there. Developers and operators must prove that their games continue to meet regulations and remain fair, random, and secure.

In incidents of noncompliance, gambling regulators may initiate a review, which can lead to everything from a formal warning to a license suspension. It’s imperative, therefore, for operators to work with trusted iGaming developers, ones that fully commit to RNG compliance and meet requirements in all relevant jurisdictions.

Casinos are also increasingly turning to third-party audits to provide additional layers of compliance, security, and fairness, as modern players see third-party certification seals as a badge of trust.

Although it’s common to see fines and suspensions relating to a breach of AML/KYC regulations, penalties for noncompliance with RNG regulations are extremely rare. But that has more to do with the meticulous development cycle and third-party involvement than regulatory negligence.

RNG and RTP: Connected, important, but distinctive terms

There are just as many players searching for “what is RTP?” as there are “what is RNG?”, and unfortunately, it seems that many beginners treat these abbreviations as if they were synonymous with one another.

In fact, they are very different, but equally important and closely connected.

A return-to-player (RTP) is a measurement of player success. Expressed as a percentage, it calculates the average return over an extended session. After developing a slot and implementing an RNG, an iGaming provider will run a number of test games, and for slots, that number is often in the millions.

They’ll subtract the total player returns from the total wagers to get the RTP. To keep things simple, let’s assume that a developer runs 1,000 spins at $1 each and receives $960. It means 96% of wagers were returned to the player, and that 96% becomes the RTP.

The average RTP sits around 95-96%, but as players become more aware of this metric, they are increasingly seeking higher RTP games, which is why 1spin4win puts out so many titles over 97%, including Lucky Honey (97.2%),  Lucky Easter 27 Hold & Win (97.1%), and Booming Spins 243 (97.25%).

In essence, the RNG creates the randomness, while the RTP measures its output.

Common myths, misunderstandings, and misconceptions about RNGs

For every player searching terms like “what is RNG?” and learning the basics of iGaming randomization, there are a dozen asking Google about hot/cold slots, the best time to play, and how to beat a random number generator.

Clarity is key, and casinos should do all they can to educate their players. Some of the most common myths to dispel include:

Hot slots and cold slots

This is the idea that some slots are “hot”, and are currently paying out a lot of money, while others are “cold”, and won’t pay anything. But each spin occurs independently of the one that went before, so if a slot is on a run of 10 wins or losses, it’s a coincidence, and doesn’t impact future spins.

Beating the RNG

As noted above, casino games undergo strict testing by developers and independent auditors. Part of that process is checking that the RNG is random, unpredictable, and not susceptible to hacks or exploits. It’s random, and players can’t beat it with skill, patience, knowledge, or exploits.

The “big red switch”

Read through any casino’s reviews, and you’ll encounter a flourish of negative comments complaining that the casino is rigged against them, and that it flipped a switch to stop them winning. Of course, there is no such switch, and while players will always react negatively to losing streaks, educating them on the RNG implementation and certification process may dispel some of their beliefs.

Live casino games are fairer

Some players have an inherent distrust for RNG table games, and need to see the action to believe it. But all iGaming titles undergo strict testing, and RNG casino games are just as random and provably fair as live dealer games.

The vital connection between RNG and responsible gambling

Regulators adopt a strict stance on responsible gambling, and as concerns grow, the regulations tighten and place more of an emphasis on operator responsibility and accountability.

RNG is key to this process. It’s imperative that casinos educate their players on how RNGs work to discourage irresponsible behavior.

Chasing losses is a prime example, as it’s one of the first signs of problem gambling and can have a catastrophic effect on a player’s bankroll. It occurs when players lose large sums of money and then gamble more money and for longer periods than intended to try and win it back. Oftentimes, the belief that the game “owes” them a win drives their actions.

After all, if they pump large sums into a slot and lose, they may think it’s due for a win and keep playing. If they know that each spin is independent, they’ll be more inclined to take a break.

Education also reduces emotional and impulsive behavior. Some players may start to think that the fates are conspiring against them, but will eventually turn in their favor. They may believe that they just need to persist, often because they misunderstand RTP and think it applies to every gaming session and not millions of test spins.

Either way, by informing players of the realities of online gambling and ensuring they know the algorithms that govern results, a casino can encourage responsible gaming, avoid regulatory reproach, and stay compliant.

Key takeaways

The RNG acronym stands for “random number generator” and refers to an algorithm that creates random, fair results in slot games like Golden Joker Fortune and Buffalo’s Wealth Fortune, as well as other online casino games.

Developers use advanced RNG technologies that constantly generate number sequences, stop when play begins, and then map the resulting numbers to a specific outcome.

That outcome is random and unpredictable, resulting in safe games for the casino and fair games for the player.

FAQs

What is RNG in online casino games?

RNG casino games use complex, certified algorithms designed to produce random results that ensure unpredictable outcomes. Most casino games rely on RNG, with the exception of many live casino titles, which rely on real equipment and dealers to simulate land-based casino action.

What’s the difference between TRNG and PRNG?

TRNG is a “true” random number generator that generates results based on unpredictable physical phenomena, ensuring every aspect is completely random. A pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) is still random and unpredictable, but requires a programmed algorithm that drives results.

Can players beat an RNG casino game?

No, RNG casino games produce unpredictable outcomes. There’s no way for players to predict results and consistently beat an RNG, although they can still hit a lucky streak and receive a sizeable payout.

How does RNG differ from RTP?

A random number generator (RNG) is an algorithm that randomizes results; a return to player (RTP) dictates the average amount that a game pays to players over an extended session.

Do iGaming platforms test RNG algorithms?

Yes, they conduct rigorous internal testing and must also certify their RNG with approved, independent testing organizations.