How Random Number Generators (RNGs) Work

Ensuring Fair Play in Casino Games

Ever wondered how casinos ensure their games are truly fair? It all comes down to something called a Random Number Generator, or RNG. But how do RNGs work? Are they really random, or just a marketing trick? We all want to know we're getting a fair go, so let's break down what RNGs are all about and why they're essential for a trustworthy online casino experience.

From the flashing lights of slot machines to the spin of a digital roulette wheel, RNGs are the silent force behind many casino games, guaranteeing that every outcome is unpredictable and unbiased.

But how do these RNGs actually work, and what guarantees their fairness? To answer these questions, we need to delve into the world of PRNGs, TRNGs, and the rigorous testing they undergo behind the scenes.

RNGs vs PRNGs vs TRNGs - Understanding How Casinos Generate 'Random' Numbers

When you play a casino game, whether it's online or in a physical casino, you're relying on the fact that the outcomes are random and fair. But how do casinos actually create that randomness? The answer lies in something called a Random Number Generator, or RNG.

However, it's important to understand that most casinos don't use truly random number generators. Instead, they (generally) use something called Pseudo-Random Number Generators, or PRNGs.

What is a Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG)?

Think of a PRNG as a sophisticated mathematical recipe that generates a sequence of numbers that appear random. It's not truly random in the same way as a coin flip or a roll of dice, which are influenced by unpredictable physical factors. Instead, a PRNG is an algorithm - a set of instructions - that produces a sequence of numbers that mimic true randomness.

Why Do Casinos Typically Use PRNGs?

Given that PRNGs are not truly random, you might wonder why casinos rely on PRNGs. At first, it may sound unfair to rely on this technology - but here's why:

• Speed is Essential: Casino games need to generate random numbers constantly. PRNGs are incredibly fast and efficient, capable of churning out thousands of random numbers per second with minimal computing power. This ensures a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
• Rigorous Testing and Certification: Regulatory bodies like the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) have established strict standards for testing and certifying PRNGs used in casinos. These tests ensure that the PRNGs produce results that are statistically random, unbiased, and unpredictable. This rigorous testing gives players confidence that the games are fair, but we'll talk about this in a bit more detail later.
• Reproducibility for Auditing and Troubleshooting: While it might seem counterintuitive, sometimes it's necessary to be able to reproduce a sequence of random numbers. This is crucial for auditing purposes and for investigating any potential issues or disputes. PRNGs, because they are based on algorithms, allow for this reproducibility.

What About True Random Number Generators (TRNGs)?

At risk of overcomplicating the topic, we'll touch on True Random Number Generators for some useful context. TRNGs, in contrast to their psuedo sibling, use unpredictable physical phenomena (think radioactive decay and atmospheric noise) to generate random numbers. They tap into the inherent randomness of the universe.

Wait - if TRNGs are truly random, why don't casinos rely on them?

• Slower Speed: TRNGs are often limited by the speed of the physical process they rely on. This can make them too slow for high-volume casino games.
• Difficult to Certify and Audit: While TRNGs are inherently random, it's still necessary to monitor and test them to ensure that the hardware is functioning correctly and that the output is truly random and unbiased. Understandably, this is considerably more complex and expensive than certifying PRNGs.
• Lack of Reproducibility: The inherent unpredictability of TRNGs makes it completely impossible to reproduce a sequence of random numbers, which can be problematic for auditing and troubleshooting.

The Hybrid Approach: A Combination of Methods

In some instances, some casinos can use a hybrid approach, combining a TRNG with a PRNG. The TRNG is used to generate a truly random 'seed' value, which is then used to initialise the PRNG. This combines the benefits of both technologies: the true randomness of the TRNG with the speed and efficiency of the PRNG. It's fairly uncommon, though.

Ultimately, regardless of whether a casino uses a PRNG, a TRNG, or a hybrid system, the most important thing is that the RNG used is rigorously tested and certified to ensure fairness and randomness. This commitment to testing and certification is what ultimately protects players and ensures a trustworthy gaming experience.

RNGs: The Tech That Powers Fair Play

You'll find RNGs in games you expect, like:

• Slot Machines: Generating the symbols that appear on the reels after each spin.
• Digital Roulette: Determining where the ball lands on the virtual wheel.
• Keno: Selecting the numbers that are drawn in each game.

And even in games you might not expect:

• Poker and Blackjack: Ensuring that the virtual card shuffling is fair and unbiased. In fact, RNGs are often a better way to shuffle cards than manual shuffling!

But how can you be sure that these RNGs are actually fair? That's where the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) comes in. The UKGC is there to protect players by implementing fairness standards that all licensed UK casinos must follow. This means that neither players nor the casino can meddle with the results, guaranteeing a provably fair game.

Ensuring "True" Randomness: Algorithms and Seeds Explained Simply

Okay, so how do these RNGs actually work? It boils down to a few key things:

• Seed Value: Think of this as the starting point for the RNG's 'randomness journey'. The seed could be anything, such as the time the game is started. In fact, time is a great unique starting value for every number sequence.
• Complex Calculations: These are mathematical formulas that use the seed value to generate a series of new numbers. The calculations are chained together, so the latest number is used to produce the next, creating a continuous stream of numbers that appear random.
• Continuous Process: The RNG algorithm never actually stops. It's constantly churning out new numbers, even when no one is playing the game - this ensures that there is always a fresh set of numbers ready to be used for the next spin, deal, or draw.

It’s important to remember that RNGs don't rely on chance! Instead, they work using a pre-determined formula, but the results are 'pseudo-random' which is deemed random enough to be fair.

Exploring RNG Randomness: Our Simulation

To better understand how RNGs work, we created our own simulator using a sophisticated random number generator from the NumPy library, allowing us to generate millions of numbers and analyse their statistical properties. Our simulator uses a mathematical algorithm to create a sequence of numbers that appear random, similar to how real casino games use RNGs. We call this a pseudo-random number generator, or PRNG.

Our PRNG Simulation Setup

We ran our simulator a massive 10,000,000 times per simulation to generate a robust dataset for analysis. To then assess the randomness of the simulated numbers, we focused on three key statistical measurements to ensure independence, verify even distribution, and assess uniformity.

• Serial Correlation: A measure of the relationship between consecutive numbers in the sequence. A truly random sequence should exhibit a serial correlation close to zero, indicating no predictable pattern.
• Mean: The average value of all generated numbers. For a uniformly distributed RNG (where all numbers between 0 and 1 are equally likely), the mean should be approximately 0.5.
• Standard Deviation: A measure of the spread or variability of the numbers around the mean. For a uniformly distributed RNG between 0 and 1, the expected standard deviation is approximately 0.2887.

PRNG Simulation Results: A Detailed Look

To provide a transparent view of our findings, we're presenting the results from each of our ten simulation runs for each of the key measurements:

Serial Correlation (Target: Close to 0):

• Run 1: 0.000392
• Run 2: -0.000212
• Run 3: 0.000060
• Run 4: 0.000202
• Run 5: -0.000143
• Run 6: 0.000007
• Run 7: 0.000104
• Run 8: -0.000515
• Run 9: -0.000351
• Run 10: -0.000177

Mean (Target: Close to 0.5)

• Run 1: 0.500089
• Run 2: 0.499942
• Run 3: 0.499963
• Run 4: 0.499884
• Run 5: 0.499822
• Run 6: 0.499993
• Run 7: 0.500026
• Run 8: 0.500032
• Run 9: 0.499909
• Run 10: 0.500072

Standard Deviation (Target: Close to 0.2887)

• Run 1: 0.288787
• Run 2: 0.288760
• Run 3: 0.288676
• Run 4: 0.288619
• Run 5: 0.288784
• Run 6: 0.288660
• Run 7: 0.288705
• Run 8: 0.288700
• Run 9: 0.288670
• Run 10: 0.288647

What These Results Tell Us

Overall, the serial correlation values are consistently very close to zero, the mean values are consistently very close to 0.5, and the standard deviation values are consistently very close to 0.2887. This provides strong evidence that our simulator and, by extension, real-world PRNGs, are capable of producing numbers that are statistically random. The consistency across all ten runs further reinforces this conclusion.

It's important to note that real-world RNGs undergo rigorous testing and certification, as described below, to ensure their fairness and reliability.

Trust But Verify: How RNGs Are Audited for Fairness

To ensure that RNGs are truly fair, UK casinos must use certified RNGs and undergo regular audits by independent testing agencies. The UKGC sets the standards and regulations that these agencies must follow.

Here's what the testing agencies check for:

• Statistical Analysis: They use complex maths to verify that the RNG outputs are truly random and unpredictable, guaranteeing a uniform distribution of numbers across all possible outcomes.
• Authenticity, Security, and Integrity: They measure these parameters to identify any vulnerabilities, system weaknesses, or potential biases that could compromise the fairness of the games.

Trusted third-party organizations, such as eCOGRA and iTech Labs, are approved by the UKGC to conduct these audits and ensure that casinos are meeting the required standards, so players can have confidence in the fairness of the games they choose to play online.

Provably Fair Gaming: Taking Transparency to the Next Level

Provably Fair Gaming (PFG) takes transparency a step further by providing players with tools to verify the fairness of each game round in real-time. It might sound like something from a science fiction film, but PFG is a real and innovative concept used to measure fairness as you play.

PFG systems typically use two key techniques:

• Cryptographic Hashing: This uses the same technology as cryptocurrencies to generate a unique 'fingerprint' for each game round - this fingerprint cannot be reversed or manipulated, ensuring that the outcome is tamper-proof.
• Seed Verification: After each round, the player is provided with the seed value (the starting point for the RNG algorithm) and other data used to generate the outcome. Using this information, players can independently verify that the game was fair.

PFG systems are still relatively new, but they represent a significant step forward in ensuring transparency and building trust in online casinos.

Choosing Trustworthy Online Casinos: What to Look For

With so many online casinos to choose from, how can you be sure that you're playing at a trustworthy one?

Here are a few key things to look for:

• UKGC Licence: This is a MUST. Always check for a valid UKGC licence. This is the most important sign that the casino is operating legally and fairly, and you should be able to find the licence number displayed on the casino's website. On 21.co.uk, you can find it on every single page at the very bottom.
• Clear Terms and Conditions: Reputable online casinos provide clear and detailed terms and conditions that outline the rules of the games, the bonus policies, and the procedures for deposits and withdrawals. Lack of transparency is a red flag. At 21.co.uk, we have comprehensive terms and conditions that we recommend you read through.

At 21.co.uk, we are committed to providing a safe, fair, and transparent gaming environment. We use certified RNGs, undergo regular audits by independent testing agencies, and are fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission.

Play with Confidence: RNGs and Fair Gaming at 21.co.uk

RNGs are the backbone of fair gaming in the online casino world, ensuring that every spin, deal, and draw is truly random and unbiased, giving every player an equal chance of winning. By choosing a reputable online casino like 21.co.uk, you can play with confidence knowing that the games are fair and your gaming experience is protected.

Ready to experience a premium online casino paving the way for fair and transparent gaming? Browse our selection of casino games at 21.co.uk and start playing!