What does RNG mean in iGaming?
The Random Number Generator (RNG) is a very basic component in the world of iGaming. It serves to ensure that every result of games, whether slots, roulette, or card games, comes out completely random and fair.
How RNG powers iGaming fairness
RNG in iGaming is a digital process that replaces physical randomness, such as shuffling cards or spinning a roulette wheel. It does this, by generating a stream of random numbers used to determine game outcomes. For instance:
- in slot games – RNG selects symbols to appear on the reels for each spin,
- in online blackjack – RNG decides the order of cards in a virtual deck,
- in virtual sports – RNG determines unpredictable results like race finishes or match scores.
The key feature is that these outcomes are not influenced by prior results, making each round independent and fair.
A Layman’s analogy – The digital dice roller
Imagine RNG as a digital dice roller. Each time the dice is “rolled” (e.g., a slot button is pressed), the RNG algorithm generates a new random number, just like a dice showing a random face. The number rolled by the RNG is mapped to a specific outcome:
- in a slot machine, a random number might correspond to a symbol combination, like cherries or bars,
- in a roulette game, it could determine where the virtual ball lands.
Just as a physical die doesn’t remember its last roll, an RNG has no memory of past outcomes. This ensures that no patterns or trends can develop, maintaining true randomness.
Types of RNG and their applications
RNGs play a critical role in ensuring fairness and unpredictability in iGaming. There are two main types of RNGs used in the industry: True Random Number Generators (TRNGs) and Pseudo Random Number Generators (PRNGs). Each serves a different purpose and is employed based on factors like cost, speed, and application needs. Let’s explore both.
True Random Number Generators (TRNGs)
TRNGs draw their randomness from physical occurrences that, in themselves, cannot be completely predictable. Unlike pseudorandom number generators that depend on algorithms, TRNG sources their randomness from real-world processes such as atmospheric noise, radioactive decay, or thermal noise.
A good example of a source could be the fluctuation in atmospheric noise or the time between the decay of radioactive particles. It is impossible to predict or duplicate such events, and the high level of security makes TRNGs intrinsically random. Lacking any reliance on deterministic mathematical processes, they are often described as “truer” in randomness.
However, because of their dependence on physical processes, TRNGs are relatively rare in iGaming. They are very expensive to implement and maintain, because they require special hardware and constant monitoring of physical phenomena. In addition, TRNGs are slower than PRNGs, which makes them less suitable for real-time applications like online slot machines or table games, where speed and scalability are crucial.
For instance, QRNGs, as a subgroup of TRNGs, are used only in specific cases where high-security applications need to be implemented, which is by far not very common within iGaming. High-level security offered by TRNGs usually means big operational complexities and high costs when it needs to be scaled-that is not exactly what iGaming looks for.
Pseudo Random Number Generators (PRNGs)
PRNGs, on the other hand, use mathematical algorithms to produce sequences of numbers that appear random but are generated from a starting value, known as a seed. These algorithms, such as the Mersenne Twister or Linear Congruential Generator, follow a deterministic pattern but are designed to appear completely random within the system.
The key difference with PRNGs is that while they may seem random, they are generated by a formula, which means the same sequence of numbers can be reproduced if the seed is known. However, with the right seed value and enough iterations, PRNGs can produce numbers that are statistically indistinguishable from true randomness, making them suitable for most iGaming applications.
Why PRNGs dominate iGaming:
- scalability – PRNGs can quickly generate large volumes of random numbers, which is ideal for high-speed gaming applications like slots, table games, and lotteries. Their deterministic nature makes them highly efficient for processing many random results per second without requiring additional hardware,
- cost-effectiveness – PRNGs are less expensive to implement because they don’t require specialized hardware or physical phenomena. They simply rely on a computer’s processing power to generate results, which makes them far more accessible for iGaming operators,
- speed – the performance of PRNGs is much faster than TRNGs, as they don’t need to interact with real-world phenomena. This ensures quick and smooth gameplay, especially in online slots where players expect results in real-time.
For instance, popular casino games such as Starburst make use of PRNGs to produce random outcomes for every given spin. These games require both the speed and scalability of PRNGs to serve millions of spins daily while providing fair results. Similarly, in table games like blackjack or roulette, PRNGs often help in shuffling the deck of cards or spinning the roulette wheel to ensure that every outcome remains independent and random.
The certification process – Guaranteeing RNG integrity
Certifying RNG systems in iGaming is a detailed and critical process, ensuring outcomes in games are random, unbiased, and aligned with regulatory standards. This process includes multiple layers of testing, analysis, and ongoing monitoring to meet industry requirements.
Comprehensive testing
Independent labs test RNG systems for randomness using a variety of advanced statistical and mathematical methods. The goal is to confirm that the outcomes are truly random, unpredictable, and non-reproducible. The most important tests include:
- chi-squared analysis – compares outcomes against the expected probability over a large data set,
- runs tests – examines patterns to verify randomness and ensure there are no predictable sequences,
- diehard test suite – a battery of high-standard tests to search for anomalies in randomness,
- serial correlation tests – these tests verify that the outcomes are independent of previous results, ensuring that no pattern can affect the next result.
These tests validate the RNG’s capability to produce non-biased results on a consistent basis, with a statistical pass threshold set at a 95% confidence level. This means that the results should, for the most part, follow randomness in real gaming scenarios.
Source code evaluation
Source code reviews play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of programmable RNGs. Labs analyze:
- algorithm design – to verify compliance with randomness standards and prevent predictable sequences,
- tamper-proof measures – code is checked for vulnerabilities that could allow manipulation,
- hash validation – control sums are assigned to code versions during certification, ensuring any unauthorized changes are immediately flagged.
These evaluations provide a foundation of trust in the system, guaranteeing that the RNG operates as designed without external interference.
RNG logging and monitoring
In iGaming, logging within certified RNG systems is vitally important. Logs log every result produced by an RNG in a robust audit trail fashion. Key benefits include:
- transparency – operators and regulators can audit results for fairness,
- issue detection – monitoring systems detect and report anomalies, such as repeating patterns or technical failures,
- audit compliance – logs are necessary for periodic regulation checks so that games can stay complaint over time.
Certification results
At the end of the certification process, RNGs must meet stringent requirements for fairness, unpredictability, and uniformity of outcomes. Certification is typically awarded by recognized testing bodies like iTech Labs, GLI, or eCOGRA. Their seals of approval signal to both regulators and players that the RNG system operates with integrity and transparency, adhering to international standards.
