Random Number Generators (RNG) — The Cornerstones of Online Fairness

Ah, good old RNG! Probably the most important invention in the history of online gambling. The reason they are so vital is that they ensure fairness in an online environment. And you can trust me when I, Aussie, tell you this: if fairness wasn’t guaranteed, nobody would be playing online!

You see, for land-based casinos, it’s fairly easy to establish trust with their customers — you can just see how they spin the wheels, deal the cards, and roll the dice. That is enough to convince most players to trust the casino.

However, the online sphere is a much more complex beast. Online casinos are having a harder and harder time proving that they’re fair. This problem is worsened by grumpy players who are especially suspicious if they’re on a losing streak.

This is further exacerbated by bad actors in the online gambling world, such as shady and rogue casinos who want to scam players out of their winnings, horrible anti-player T&C, etc.

However, there are still honest and reputable establishments out there, and they use cutting edge technology to guarantee fairness in their online casinos. One of the main ways to do just that is via random number generators. That is why I, Aussie, am gonna break them down for you right now!

What Are They, and How Do You Simulate a Roulette Wheel?

Well basically, my friend, an RNG is a piece of software that produces random numbers. These programs are used to create virtual simulations of certain basic casino activities: such as shuffling cards, throwing dice, or pulling pokie levers. So how do they work? Well, basically, they use an algorithm; this means there’s a certain string of rules that produces random numbers accurately.

There are two different kinds of RNGs:

1. Software RNGs, also called Pseudo-random number generators.
2. Hardware RNGs, also called True random number generators.

It bears mentioning that RNGs are behind practically all the games you can find in online casinos. In fact, almost every digital game uses an RNG in some capacity!

Understanding the Difference and How It Impacts Online Gaming

Like I, Aussie, mentioned above, there are kinds of RNGs. The key difference is that pseudo-RNGs need a random seed for their algorithm to work, while true RNGs do not.

Casinos, both land-based and online, use pseudo RNGs. These are preferred over True RNGs, as they don’t run the same set of sequences, and this makes them less predictable.

How This Affects Online Roulette

RNGs are implemented in all online casino games. However, their role is incredibly important in online roulette. Firstly, it’s simple to implement; since roulette only needs one random number per spin.

Let’s take European roulette as an example. It has 37 numbers — 1 to 36, and a 0. Therefore, the RNG has to pick a number from that range. What’s more, greater numbers than those are utilized, these numbers are then reduced to match the numbers appropriate for a European roulette wheel. By using this, the game determines on which number the ball stops.

RNGs are used as a certificate of randomness and fairness and to assure players that a casino’s games are not dishonest. Another side-effect of the RNG is that the players can’t use any roulette strategies in order to assure their wins, since it’s impossible for players to guess where the ball will land. Basically, you’re completely subject to the whims of Lady Luck!

Are These Random Outcomes Fair?

As you know, whenever both gambling and money are involved, there are always complaints and objections, and these tend to centre around the fairness of the casino. Due to RNGs being the cornerstones of a casino’s legitimacy, questions often arise around the legitimacy of the outcomes of these generators.

But what you have to realise is that every renowned and reputable casino is regulated and licensed by some regulatory body. Furthermore, all the games are tested, and this is always done by third parties, to ensure objectivity. Most aspects of online casinos are checked regularly; and this includes RNGs, of course, since they power most of the games.

In fact, there are many businesses that work in the field of testing online gambling games. They work tirelessly to make sure that the various casinos they test are suitable places to gamble your hard-earned money.

One of those businesses is Technical Systems Testing (TST). They specialise in various aspects of testing, like live dealer testing, RNG test, etc. What’s more, TST are reputed to have the best RNG evaluations on the market.

It’s easy to see which casinos want to provide a safe and fair space for us to have fun and which ones just want to take your hard-earned money. If they’re unlicensed or uncertified, or at the very least don’t have a badge, they should be approached with caution.

Betting Strategies & The Lack of Physics in Online Roulette

There are many betting strategies in roulette. One such example is the infamous Martingale system, which is based on the principle of doubling down after a loss. This is a basic strategy, which is scorned by professional gamblers. Indeed, plenty of casinos advertise the fact that they allow the Martingale, which really should speak volumes about its efficiency!

When dealing with RNGs, most betting strategies make the same mistake — they assume each number on the wheel is equally probable. Yet, casinos have a house edge of 2.7% in European roulette and a whopping 5.26% in American roulette (due to the double zero); naturally, this means the various betting strategies gamblers use inevitably fail over time.

And since online roulette isn’t happening in the real world, physics is simply out of the question. There is no way for you to predict how the ball will land. Since there is no ball and there is nowhere for it to land, it’s just an RNG selecting a number. The animations are just for aesthetic purposes.

Summary

There you go then! Hope you know what RNGs are now. Now that I’ve shed some light on the subject, you can go and gamble away without any unfounded suspicions.

So go out now and enjoy yourself — have a bit of fun! Good luck, and play smart!

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