Published on: 2024-08-02
A Random Number Generator (RNG) is a sophisticated algorithm used in online casinos to ensure the outcomes of games are completely random and fair. It generates numbers without any predictable pattern, ensuring that every spin, card draw, or game outcome is entirely random and unbiased. Within this article we deep further into eCOGRA’s RNG Testing as a technical requirement for various international jurisdictions.
Why is an RNG crucial for casino games compliance?
RNGs are critical for compliance in casino games because they guarantee fairness and transparency. Regulatory bodies mandate the use of certified RNGs to ensure that players are not being cheated and that the games meet strict standards of randomness and fairness. This builds trust and maintains the integrity of the online gambling industry.
How does an RNG work?
An RNG works by using a seed value and complex algorithms to produce a sequence of random numbers. These numbers determine the outcome of a game. For instance, in a slot game, the RNG decides the symbols that appear on the reels. The process is instantaneous and ensures that each game result is independent of previous results.
RNGs as Algorithms:
At their core, RNGs are algorithms. They are sets of instructions or procedures designed to produce sequences of numbers that lack any predictable patterns. These algorithms use mathematical formulas to generate numbers that simulate randomness.
Role of Algorithms in RNG Functionality:
- Seed Generation: The algorithm typically starts with a seed, which can be a number generated from the current time, a user’s mouse movements, or other data. This seed is crucial because different seeds will produce different sequences of random numbers.
- Number Generation: The algorithm processes the seed through a series of mathematical operations to produce a sequence of random numbers. The complexity of these operations ensures that the sequence appears random.
- Re-seeding: To maintain randomness over time and prevent predictability, the RNG algorithm can be periodically re-seeded with new initial values.
How does RTP differ from RNG?
Return to Player (RTP) is a percentage that indicates the average amount of money a player can expect to win back from a game over a long period. It reflects the house edge. RNG, on the other hand, determines the randomness of each individual game outcome. While RNG ensures each game is fair and random, RTP provides insight into the long-term payout potential of the game, assessed over millions of rounds.
Why does an RNG not apply to Live Dealer Games?
RNGs do not apply to Live Dealer Games because these games use real dealers and physical equipment, like cards and roulette wheels, to determine the outcome. The randomness in live dealer games comes from the physical shuffling of cards or spinning of the wheel, rather than a computerised algorithm.
The application of an RNG for an online slot game
In online slot games, RNGs determine the symbols that appear on each reel after a spin. The RNG ensures that each spin is independent and random, providing a fair chance for players to win. The RNG runs continuously, even when the game is not being played, ensuring unpredictability and fairness.
The importance of an RNG testing and certification for the iGaming industry, and how eCOGRA upholds compliance
RNG testing and certification are vital to maintaining fairness and integrity in online gambling. Independent testing labs, like eCOGRA, rigorously test RNGs to ensure they meet stringent standards of randomness and fairness, before online casino games are released to the public for entertainment. eCOGRA certification assures players and regulators that the games are fair and operate correctly, thereby upholding the highest standards of compliance in the industry.
Our RNG Testing Service at eCOGRA
At eCOGRA, we provide comprehensive RNG testing services to ensure your online casino games meet stringent regulatory standards and guarantee fair play. Our expert team uses advanced methods to rigorously evaluate RNGs, ensuring they produce genuinely random results.
Our testing methodology is approved by leading online gambling jurisdictions such as Great Britain, the Netherlands and Spain amongst others.
This meticulous, statistically sound approach, combined with the evaluation from our expert inhouse mathematicians, ensures a streamlined and robust experience for our clients.
RNG testing is more than a technical requirement; it directly influences player confidence. By providing transparency and assurance, our service offering ultimately builds trust in the legitimacy of game outcomes, fostering a gaming environment where players can engage with confidence.
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