Ever wondered how random are online casinos? If you’re not a seasoned player, you may not be sure RNG certified online casinos work. In this guide, I’m going to tackle the fair and random aspect of casino games, so you can understand exactly how wins are given out and whether you need to worry that you’re being played.
Why is this information important? Well, you’re placing a lot of trust in your chosen crypto casino so it’s always a good idea for you to grasp the basics of how random number generation works. This will also make it easier for you to avoid those sites that don’t actually deliver fair wins.
I’ll start out by explaining whether casinos really use RNGs (Random Number Generators) and how.
Do online casinos use RNG (Random number generators)?
Yes, online casinos use RNG to determine when a win is given out in games that depend on a computer for their outcome. This is the only way to ensure that a game is fair and random, and that the game experience is truly unpredictable.
Online casinos use RNG to determine when a win is given out in games that depend on a computer for their outcome. This is the only way to ensure that a game is fair and random, and that the game experience is truly unpredictable.
Naturally, this doesn’t apply to live dealer tables. In this case, there’s the professional dealer who deals out cards and rolls the dice - the randomness of the win is guaranteed by the fact that you’re watching the action unfolding in front of you. You can see the dealer shuffling the cards, or physically throwing the dice, so you can oversee the fairness of the gameplay for yourself.
You won’t be able to do this when playing slots or table games that aren’t live. In this case, you’re playing against a computer. And who’s to say that the computer isn’t rigged to deliver results in favor of the casino? Stranger things have happened, after all.
Enter RNGs - random sequences of numbers that are continuously generated by the system. These numbers are an algorithm that determines what happens next in the game. Thus, in slots, they decide which symbols land on the reels and in which sequence. If you’re playing roulette, they ‘choose’ which pocket the ball lands in.
Likewise, card games depend on an RNG sequence to shuffle and deal cards, while with dice games and bingo the sequence will generate the numbers that come up. If you ever wondered how do lottery random number generators work, there’s your answer.
This is also why, at an online casino, you will sometimes find table games like roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and video poker referred to as RNG roulette, RNG baccarat, and so forth. This distinguishes them from the live format of the game, where you’ll have a human dealer fulfilling this role.
So, how random are online casinos, really?
Understanding exactly how do RNGs work will help you understand the extent of the randomness of an online casino. Games of chance are defined by their randomness, which means that you can’t anticipate or control the outcome.
Does this mean that wins are all 100% random, and is there nothing you can do to predict them? Well, you can employ various hacks to improve your chances. You can pick a popular strategy, use high-payout decentralized casinos, plan your bankroll, choose a high-RTP slot or a game with a low house edge, for example. But none of this will actually guarantee a win.
If you’re actively trying to beat the casino’s RNG, you’re going to have a very hard time with it. I’m often asked by new players what they can do to beat the computer. To do this, you’d need to literally access the site’s software and manipulate the algorithm. This would not only be highly illegal, but it’s also pretty much impossible because both gambling sites and software providers tend to invest heavily in digital security. So yeah. Don’t bother trying it, we’re here to have fun, after all.
Think of it this way: if players could predict the outcome of random number generator online slots, casinos would go out of business very fast. So yes, the results produced by RNG games are truly random, based on seed values that are processed via complex mathematical algorithms that ensure a high level of accuracy and fairness. This is how RNG online casinos can absolutely guarantee that every round you play is not skewed in their favor, and instead mimics the randomness that you’d find in a land casino.
...the results produced by RNG games are truly random, based on seed values that are processed via complex mathematical algorithms that ensure a high level of accuracy and fairness.
How do online casinos generate random numbers?
RNG software online casinos have a very sophisticated system in place to carry out random number generation. Random generation can either be based on a true random number generator (TRNG) or a pseudo random number generator (PRNG). Without complicating matters too much, the differences between the two revolve around the way the randomness is generated.
TRNGs generate randomness based on physical processes, such as electronic noise, or even the weather. They are extremely secure and unpredictable, but also rely on a complex process that is slower to generate numbers.
PRNGs, on the other hand, generate randomness using algorithms. They rely on an initial value, called a seed, and a mathematical formula to produce a sequence of numbers that appears random.
How do online casinos generate random numbers? Gambling sites tend to opt for PRNGs, as they are faster and simpler to generate than TRNGs.
Scientifically-speaking, PRNGs are not 100% random as the computer uses a value that is predetermined. However, for the purpose of everyday life - and, more importantly, for casino wins - they can be considered random. There are security measures in place to tackle the possibility of repeating or looping sequences. RNGs in online casinos are working 24/7 even when the game is not being played. When you roll up to a game that wasn’t being used, the last number generated is used from the memory to map the outcome without repeating the last one.
RNGs in online casinos are working 24/7 even when the game is not being played.
What third parties test online casinos’ RNG?
Knowing how do online casinos generate random numbers in a fair manner is one thing, but how can you tell if this isn’t the case? You’re not expected to take this on trust, of course. Both leading software providers and online casinos themselves use a number of independent auditors to confirm that yes, wins are fair and random. Moreover, if a casino is licensed by a gambling regulator such as the Malta Gaming Authority, or Curacao eGaming, regular auditing is part of the conditions.
Both leading software providers and online casinos themselves use a number of independent auditors to confirm that yes, wins are fair and random.
If you’re playing a game by a leading provider, such as Red Tiger, you can rest assured that the games are all audited for RNG fairness. Big brands operate with very strict auditing requirements across various countries, satisfying the standards of each market. This is why licensed software providers are described as providing ‘authenticated’ games, meaning that they ask third parties that test online casinos’ RNG to certify their fairness.
You can check this by visiting the official page of the provider, where you’ll find the auditing process explained in detail. Some online casinos also undergo separate auditing. To find out if this is the case, scroll down to the bottom of the landing page and look for the logo of an independent testing laboratory. Alternatively, click on the ‘game fairness’ section of the terms and conditions. Below are the top testing agents in the industry.
eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance)
Established in 2003, eCOGRA is an agency based in London that focuses on ensuring fair gaming, player protection, and responsible operator conduct. It is known for taking a comprehensive approach to testing and certifying RNGs, and the presence of its Seal of Approval signifies that an online casino meets industry standards. The agency works closely with gambling regulators and has certified hundreds of online casinos worldwide.
iTech Labs
This Australian testing and certification laboratory was founded in 2004 and comes with a strong reputation in the online gaming industry. iTechLabs conducts rigorous statistical tests to check whether gaming software is fair and reliable, and its certifications are widely accepted in numerous regulated markets./p>
GLI (Gaming Laboratories International)
Established in 1989, Gaming Laboratories International is one of the oldest and most respected testing agencies in the gaming industry. GLI provides a wide range of testing services, including RNG certification, to both land-based and online casinos. It has offices in North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, and is recognized by regulators around the world.
BMM Test Labs
BMM Test Labs has been a prominent name in the RNG testing space since 1992. BMM offers independent testing and certification services to ensure that online gaming software meets stringent international standards. Its certifications are not as common as those of the other three laboratories, but it is still highly respected in the online casino industry.
How do slot machines generate random numbers?
If slots are your thing, you’re going to want to pay close attention to how RNG works in this case. Whether you’re playing online or at a physical casino, the principles are exactly the same and both versions use random number generation.
When you play a slot machine, whether online or in a land-based casino, the Random Number Generator (RNG) plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of each spin. So, how do random number generators work in slot machines? Let’s say you’re playing a five reeler with 20 symbols on each reel. Each reel spin is controlled by the RNG, which assigns a number to each symbol on the reel. When you press the spin button, the RNG selects a random number for each reel, which corresponds to a specific symbol.
For instance, the RNG will generate five separate random numbers, each determining the position of one reel. These numbers decide which symbols land on the payline, creating a unique combination for each spin. The symbols are chosen independently, so the outcome of one reel has no influence on the others. This system ensures that each spin is entirely random and fair, offering an equal chance for any combination of symbols to appear.
Random number generator online slots to try
Let me start by repeating that any slot you choose to play should be using RNGs. If it’s not, you’re at a rigged casino. Move away and pick one of my recommended sites below because you don’t want to be taken for a ride. If you’d like some specific examples, here are a few of my top favorites.
Mega Joker, by NetEnt: This is a good one if you’d like to take advantage of its high RTP, a whopping 99%. While true that you can’t predict a win with RNG, you can try to give your chances a helping hand. Mega Joker has a 2,000x max win, and if you go for the 10 max bet you can land a nice cashout. The game’s RNG is audited by eCOGRA.
Reactoonz, by Play ‘n Go: With an RTP of 96.51%, this slot uses the ClusterPayz mechanic, so you’re still maximizing your odds of striking a hit. I’m picking this slot for those of you who prefer larger, less frequent wins. The extreme high volatility here means that when the RNG gods decide to smile down upon you, it won’t be a small amount. The game’s RNG is audited by BMM Testlabs.
Da Vinci Diamonds, by IGT: Perhaps you prefer an RNG algorithm that delivers more frequent wins and lower payouts. Not going to quibble with a regular dopamine hit, and this is one is real fun. The RTP is 94.94%, so it’s pretty average, but the low volatility means that you won’t be waiting too long for a modest payout. Plus you get this really entertaining story line with various masterpieces lining up for a win. Da Vinci Diamonds is audited by the GSA Systems.
How do lottery random number generators work?
While traditional lottery draws used physical balls to determine winning numbers, modern lotteries rely on RNGs to determine the winning numbers. This applies both to the online version you find at gambling sites, and even the national ones. This is how the process works.
The RNG is initialized with a starting point for the number generation process. A sequence of numbers is generated within a predetermined range. This could be between 1 and 49, for example in a standard 6/49 lottery. Each of these numbers corresponds to a potential lottery ball in a traditional draw.
The RNG will then randomly select the necessary number of winning numbers from the sequence it has generated. For example, if six winning numbers are needed, the RNG chooses six from the generated sequence. All numbers are selected independently of one another, which means that each number has an equal chance of being chosen.
Top safe & RNG certified online casinos
Which are the best RNG online casinos? Every site you see recommended by myself or by any other of the casino experts at Cryptocasinos.com is an RNG online casino. Below, you’ll find some of my top choices with the list of games compared. I chose these based on the number of RNG-certified games, the quality of these games, and the presence of authenticated top casino game providers.
At the far end you’ll notice a column with provably fair games. This is usually a term that’s used mostly for Bitcoin (or crypto) games. The term provably fair means you don’t need to rely on the certification of a third party. Instead, you can check the fairness and randomness for yourself.
The casino gives you the opportunity to generate a seed, which is then used in conjunction with the server seed to create the outcome. This means that it won’t have full control over this generation. At the end of the game you are given both seeds, which you can input into an app like Random.org to reproduce the game’s outcome and confirm that it matches the result they received during the game round.
As you can see, there isn’t just one best RNG online casino . All the below sites offer a super gambling experience, so it’s a matter of finding which one suits you best.
| Casino | Number Of RNG Games | RNG Software Providers | Popular RNG Slots | Popular RNG Table Games | Number Of Provably Fair Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stake.com | 3,000+ | 45+ | Wanted Dead or A Wild, Sweet Bonanza | Stake Roulette, Baccarat Stake Originals | 18 |
| Flush | 5,000+ | 30+ | Jammin' Jars, Gates of Olympus | First Person Video Poker, Diamond Bet Roulette | n/a |
| Bitcasino.io | 5,000+ | 40+ | Wild Coyote Megaways, Sugar Rush | Bombay Roulette, Dragon Tiger | 9 |
| Cloudbet | 3,000+ | 15+ | 9 Masks of Fire, Temple Tumble Megaways | 9 Pots Of Gold Roulette, Blackjack First Person | 12 |
| FortuneJack | 3,000+ | 30+ | Big Bass Splash, Gates of Thunder | n/a | 18 |