RNG Explained: How Random Is ‘Random’ in Games and Casinos?

The term RNG is used extensively when discussing online casino games. RNG is a short term to describe the Random Number Generator, an algorithm used in online gaming to ensure all game outcomes are unpredictable. Games that have RNG attached include online slot machines, table games and also virtual games. Whilst many punters believe that gambling odds are very much in the casino’s favour, the site would have gone through numerous testing audits to ensure all games are fair.

In a nutshell, all gamblers should be opting to play at fairness tested online casinos. Such accreditation stamps can be located at the bottom of the casino’s landing page / lobby.

RNG in Online Games and how audits work

Random Number Generation when playing online is crucial, and is a gateway to players landing potential wins. An online casino, or a game development company would recruit an external company to conduct RNG testing and audits, with a vast number of testing centers available. When the testing body test casino games for RNG, they take the following steps:

Seeding: Game seeding is a crucial part of gaming algorithm features and also generates numbers for the game (cards in card games).

Algorithm: The seed that is produced above is then linked with mathematical formulas. These two combined together will produce numbers being generated at random, ensuring game fairness.

Output: The Output in RNG, tests the above 2 processes over a period of time to ensure consistency in a random number being generated.

Repetition: Once the process starts flowing and numbers are generated at a steady pace at random, the testing body looks at different game rounds. This also includes the RNG displayed in both base games and bonus rounds. Number patterns are tested per round, game and bonus rounds.

RNG in Online Casinos

Seasoned players are drawn to casinos with an RNG sign of approval, and to be honest, as it should be. Sites that have games and the whole website tested for RNG, display integrity with RNG accreditation putting people’s mind to rest that they are playing at a fair gambling site. Here is why gamblers should always opt to sign up and play at RNG accredited online gaming sites:

Game outcomes are unpredictable

One of the most attractive features of playing any game is the fact that the outcome is unpredictable. One game you could be facing a $50 loss, and the next, you could be walking away with a generous $200. The unpredictability of gambling makes playing fun, might make your heart miss a beat at times, but is still exciting.  Knowing that a casino is tested, allows you to get excited with the notion of winning in mind.

Skill and Chance both matter.

You could equip yourself with all the gaming skills you need, but without an RNG accredited casino, you cannot truly test your skills. Once a casino is tested, it is an even playing field, where you pray to the gaming gods, and also use your skill and experience to beat the odds. Winning at online casino sites is not impossible, you just need a good amount of game knowledge, luck and also a fair website.

Tested Casinos ensure fairness

Tested casinos are fair, there is no way around that. If the site teams up with industry leading software developers, you can rest assured that games are RNG tested, Games houses such as NetEnt, Yggdrasil, Greentube, iSoftBet etc all have their games RNG tested prior to market launch. Why? Both licensing obligations and also strengthening their playerbase. Players are attracted to fairness, and RNG games are 100% fair. Online casinos also undergo the fair gaming accreditation for their respective sites. This  also ties in with upholding one’s gambling license.

How do gambling regulators impact RNG and fairness at online gambling sites

Reputable online casinos hold gambling licenses, this is the only way to operate in today’s gambling markets. Some notable gambling licensing bodies, include the Malta Gambling Authority (MGA) and the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC). Both of these institutions operate with a variety of worldwide online casinos, all of which have an obligation to uphold rules and regulations to keep their gambling license. One of the terms of licensing bodies includes having all games and the whole website tested. Why? To ensure a fair approach to gambling.

The UKGC have issued a paper / guideline for all operators on how testing should be conducted. This includes annual game testing, live RTP monitoring, annual third party audits, in house audit guidelines and more. Using the same strategy, the MGA asks for the above from all licensees along with seeking MGA approval prior to a new game being released to the market. The game would need to have a certificate from a testing lab, that highlights that game outcomes are 100% random. Both licensing bodies offer guidance on how to approach RNG, but one thing is for sure, a casino will not be approved for a gambling license without the site not having an RNG lab certificate. Random Number Generator is a must at licensed and regulated online casinos.

Avoid unlicensed casinos

One thing to definitely avoid is unlicensed casino online sites. When a casino is not licensed, they have no obligation to anyone, and no gambling license to uphold and worry about. Such casinos are sometimes referred to as scam casinos, rouge casinos, or offshore unlicensed sites. If a casino has not gone the extra mile to get a gambling license, why would a site test their games? Scam / Fakes sites do not test their games for RNG, they do not want that extra cost or burden. They are okay to have the odds in their favour, as no external audits will be conducted on unlicensed sites.

The Game Testing labs

We always urge players and punters alike to stay away from unlicensed sites and always play at legal and licensed casinos. Companies such as eCorga, Igaming Labs International and RNG labs are all available to assist with RNG certifications. When visiting an online casino in the future, scroll to the very bottom of the site’s lobby and look out for one of the logos of these labs. This ensures the site is fair, and game outcomes are all at random.

FAQ

What is RNG?

RNG is a short term used for Random Number Generator, a feature in igaming that ensures random game outcomes.

Who does game testing?

Both the software developer and the testing labs will do testing on games to ensure the game is fair. This is done using a variety of steps and mathematical algorithms.

Why is RNG important?

RNG ensures fairness, by generating random numbers and outcomes. This ensures that the odds are not in favor of the gambling sites, with luck and skill coming into play.

Are non Random Number Tested games fair?

If a game is not tested for RNG, one cannot say if it is fair or not. However, having a game RNG tested and approved does denote that the game generated random outcomes.