How Random Number Generators Shape Online Casino Outcomes
Published 10:26 am Monday, March 10, 2025
Random Number Generators (RNGs) are the backbone of online casino games at new casino sites. They create unpredictable outcomes, ensuring that every spin, card deal, or dice roll is completely random. Without RNGs, online gambling would lack credibility, as players need assurance that results aren’t manipulated.
Most casino games use algorithms that generate sequences of numbers at lightning speed. These numbers determine everything—from slot machine reels to roulette wheel spins. RNGs guarantee that no player, casino, or software developer can predict or influence results, making online gambling fair and transparent.
Types of RNGs Used in Online Gambling
Online casinos use two main types of RNGs:
- Pseudo-Random Number Generators (PRNGs) – These are software-based algorithms that generate random sequences without relying on external data. They use a seed number to produce unpredictable results. While PRNGs aren’t truly random, they are secure and efficient when regularly tested and certified.
- True Random Number Generators (TRNGs) – These systems use physical sources, such as thermal noise or radioactive decay, to create randomness. Since they depend on real-world entropy, TRNGs are considered more genuinely random than PRNGs. However, they are more complex and costly to implement in online casinos.
- Most online casinos use PRNGs, as they provide fast, reliable, and cost-effective randomness while still ensuring fairness.
Ensuring Fairness and Preventing Game Manipulation
Regulatory bodies enforce strict testing and certification of RNGs to prevent fraud. Independent auditors, such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and GLI, test casino software to verify randomness. These organisations run millions of simulations to check if game outcomes align with expected probabilities.
Licensed casinos must also follow strict security protocols. Regulators like the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, and Curacao eGaming ensure that RNGs are not tampered with. Any casino failing these tests risks losing its licence and being blacklisted.
Common Misconceptions About RNGs
Many players believe that online casinos manipulate RNGs to favour the house in real-time. In reality, licensed casinos cannot alter game outcomes once certified. While all games have a built-in house edge, RNGs ensure fair odds.
Another myth is that games “tighten up” after big wins. RNGs don’t track past wins or losses. Each spin or deal is an isolated event, meaning that a player’s previous results have no effect on future outcomes.
Some also think that playing at certain times increases winning chances. This is false—RNGs generate results continuously, regardless of when or where a player bets.
RNGs are crucial in maintaining fairness in online gambling. They create unpredictable, unbiased results, ensuring that no one—neither players nor casinos—can manipulate outcomes. Thanks to regulatory oversight and independent audits, online casinos provide a safe and transparent gaming experience. Players can enjoy their favourite games with confidence, knowing that every result is truly random.