Since we live in an era of technologies, it is no wonder that there are hundreds of online casinos which offer high-quality games. The online casinos are convenient, secure and just as exciting as their land-based counterparts. Moreover, every reputable online casino partners with various leading software providers which are responsible for the huge diversity and excellent quality of online games. The benefits the web-based casinos offer are a lot, however there is one remarkable aspect which made even the most conservative players change their minds.
The fact that most of the online games use the so-called Random Number Generator /RNG/ is undoubtedly one of the reasons why the online casinos gained in popularity so much. Most video poker machines also operate on the same principle as they usually contain this unique device. Thanks to the RNG, you can play your favorite casino games online and rest assured that their outcome is not predetermined in advance.
Overview
The Random Number Generator is responsible for generating numbers virtually which cannot be predicted in any way. The whole process is recurring and there are several ways to generate digital data frequently and consistently. Some are more efficient than others due to the fundamental rules the particular method is based on. Several types of RNGs can be distinguished, depending on the principle they use to operate.
Types of Random Number Generators
The numbers that are generated by the RNGs can be classified into two main groups – true random and pseudo random numbers. What sets them apart from one another is the way in which they are produced. The device which operates by using the first principle, generates numbers by taking into account events that occur outside the machine. For instance, since your actions are considered unpredictable, the program can use some of your recent activity such as pressing a particular button or moving the mouse at a certain time in order to produce random numbers.
The device which is used by most modern casinos is known as Pseudo Random Number Generator. Unlike the True Number Random Generator, it doesn’t use any external source or data in order to function. It simply produces combinations of numbers which are transformed into cards within seconds. In order to determine the exact numbers, the program takes into account a particular digit and it applies one of the basic mathematical operations such as subtraction or division.
While it is true that all of the numbers are generated completely random, from a statistical point of view after all the possible combinations come to an end eventually. Also, the outcome a certain combination leads to will be always the same. This is the reason why if you were to look deeper into the fundamentals of this device, you will figure out that all of the numbers are indeed random but only to a certain extent. In any case, this doesn’t mean that the games are preset in some way but that the generator behind them has a certain limit of combinations which is reached at some point.
Fairness & Legitimacy of the RNG
The complicated and efficient mechanism of the RNG is not the only thing that makes it reliable and fair. All of the casinos are required to monitor every single video poker machine that contains such a device on a regular basis to make sure it operates properly. Moreover, several independent gaming authorities conduct special tests in order to determine how plausible these cutting-edge devices truly are. They are responsible for testing their randomness and credibility and their opinion is completely unbiased. If the virtual games manage to match the set criteria, they are considered plausible and fair.
One of the most popular third-party companies that specializes in iGaming testing is Technical Systems Testing (TST). Apart from conducting evaluations of different types of RNGs, it also deals with poker system and security audits as well as live dealer evaluations. Furthermore, the company is responsible for verifying the game payouts and fairness. All of the casinos that are regulated by TST are labelled as reliable and trustworthy, meaning that the games that they provide are not determined beforehand in any way. If a certain casino has passed all of the tests conducted by the company, this is also an indicator that the payout it offers is in accordance with the requirements for the minimum payout percentage established by the respective gambling commission.
Another reputable independent testing company which takes great responsibility when it comes to protecting players worldwide from dishonest online casinos is eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA). Established in 2003 and based in London, this company takes credit for introducing the first official self-regulation program on the online gambling market. If the software of a certain casino has met all of the requirements of this company, it is granted eCOGRA’s seal which indicates fairness and reliability. Besides game and RNG evaluations, the company also supervises how fast and regular the payouts are.
Conclusion
The RNG has become an inseparable part of every virtual game and it is used by a number of casinos. Thanks to it, you can play a wide range of games, including video poker and rest assured that they are completely fair and random. This unique device has proven to be extremely efficient and reliable which is the reason why its basic principle is also applied in other modern technologies.
In general, every fully-regulated casino is subjected on a regular basis to various tests, conducted by an independent gaming testing authority. This is the reason why it is highly recommended to play in only reputable casinos which have been verified and approved by the respective gaming commission. This way you can rest assured that whenever you play video poker, its outcome won’t be preset in advance. Knowing that the casino of your choice has a seal which indicates fairness and reliability, surely brings the needed peace of mind and lets you fully enjoy video poker. This is the reason why it is important to be familiar with the most popular independent testing companies and the functions of the RNG.