The RNG, a random number generator, is responsible for the sequence of all events in online casino games. And there are legends on the Internet that it can be tweaked, calculated, or hacked. Let’s take a look at how the RNG works before thinking about how to trick it.
Mechanical casino slots that operated in the first half of the 20th century did not have a random number generator. But they had a mechanism that untwisted reels at a certain speed, and observant users began to notice patterns. Such stories formed the basis of the myths that online slots can also be beaten if you understand the operation of the RNG.
A casino RNG is a physical device with its own program or exclusively a program protected by the MD5 cryptographic algorithm. RNG is used in all types of online casino games: slots, video poker, roulette, card games and others.
It is rumored that some non-UK online casinos manipulate RNG algorithms, but we assure you that this is not possible. Many international certifications proving it, and a casino without UK license or independent online casino is just as safe for UK players.
According to the method of implementation, there are two types of generators for casino slots:
- HGNG – hardware random number generator;
- PRNG – pseudo-random number generator.
Hardware Random Number Generator (HGNG)
HGNG is used in gambling halls or land-based casinos, it is practically not used in online casinos.
A hardware random number generator is a device (microcircuit or board) that generates a random sequence in accordance with the chaotically changing parameters of a physical process. Completely unpredictable processes are taken as a basis:
- quantum phenomena;
- isotope emissions;
- shot noise, and so on.
A certain number characteristic of the physical process is the starting point, on the basis of which the HGNG generates the result – the state of the roulette wheel, the position of the reels, and so on.
The HGNG is located inside the device, protected by a seal, and casino employees do not have access to it. The generator is tested by an independent laboratory prior to installation. To tune the generator in its favor, the casino must remove the seal, perform a flashing and return the HGNG back. In licensed institutions this is absolutely impossible, since they are under constant control. It is impossible to influence the generator’s operation from outside.
Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG)
PRNG is a protected program, inside which a mathematical algorithm is implemented that produces random sequences of numbers. Such a generator is most often used in online casino games. Moreover, each slot machine has its own secure algorithm.
The PRNG works continuously, the algorithm constantly generates numbers in an unpredictable order. The starting point for the operation of such an RNG is a number with several thousand or even millions of decimal places.
To get a random number from the number at the starting point, the generator algorithm performs a long series of mathematical operations. What these actions are, their number and order is a secret development. The result looks random. To access the PRNG settings, you need to bypass the encryption algorithm protection, which is impossible in licensed games.
RNG Working Principle
HGNG and PRNG work on the same principle, while having different starting points and different algorithms. The generator operates continuously. Many people mistakenly believe that the RNG generates a sequence at the moment the start or start button is pressed. This is not the case, numbers are generated constantly. It’s just that the issuance, noticeable to the user, is made only at the moment he performs actions in the game.
Theoretically, it is possible to calculate the next number in the issue if you know the algorithm of work and the period of issue. But in practice, the algorithm and all its parameters are hidden and reliably protected. Therefore, specialists who claim that they have found a way to constantly win are engaged in fraud or simply do not understand the issue.
RNG Certification
As we mentioned above, each developer has their own RNG. It can be used in one or more games. Also, RNGs are used by poker rooms, in which the generator is responsible for the fact that the issued cards will indeed be random.
But before the game reaches the end user, the RNG undergoes a multi-stage verification and certification.
It is the product developers who are obliged to obtain the RNG certificate. The RNG is transferred for audit to a specialized company of the relevant jurisdiction. Auditors are serious companies that, by issuing a certificate, meet their reputation.
Obtaining an RNG certificate is an expensive and troublesome procedure that is solved not only financially. The generator must comply with the approved standards and declared parameters, which is checked during certification.
To simplify the procedure, you can buy RNGs from certified suppliers. In this case, the certificate is automatically attached.
What Happens After Certification
At the end of the check and after the issuance of the certificate, the HGNG will be sealed. The presence of the seal is regularly checked to ensure that there is no tampering. Software RNGs are blocked using special software.
The certificate that the RNG receives contains not only the generator algorithm, but also a list of all games in which the developer uses it.
Please note that it is incorrect to talk about casino RNG. The random number generator only applies to hardware or software games in which random events occur. A licensed casino, when buying licensed games, automatically offers a verified product with a certified RNG.
RNGs are constantly changing, they are becoming more complex and secure. In modern games, generators are much more serious and have enhanced protection against hacking. Therefore, the presence of fresh slot machines on the online casino website is an indirect confirmation of fair play and the seriousness of the resource.
Is It Possible to Hack RNG?
Modern random number generators are protected using the MD5 and other algorithms. It is used to protect passwords and has the highest protection against hacking. At the moment, not a single case of legal circumvention of this protection has been recorded.
