While some casino games have a skill aspect in the result, some casino games are purely based on chance. Because all online casino games are to some extent or completely driven by chance, all casino games rely on a random number generator, or RNG in the software that powers the game. The RNG is a exact application that does what it really says: generates a fully random number. Not all RNGs are the same, and they have to be tested extensively to ensure that the numbers they generate actually are random.
In some games, the use of an RNG has an obvious role. In Western european roulette, for example, the RNG generates a number from 1 to 37 (with 37 related to “0”) on the roulette wheel. The RNG generates a number, the casino stops, and table bets are paid or forfeited.
In craps, the RNG has to generate two random numbers simultaneously, and in single deck games, the RNG has to generate a number from 1 to 52, with all those numbers related to a specific card. During a single deck card game, the RNG has to “remember” which cards it has already treated so that they won’t be treated again. With multiple-deck games like online blackjack, the RNG has an even more complicated exact criteria driving it.
Some RNGs require the user to specify slot a preliminary “seed” value, which itself varies randomly. Some of them use the time on a time as a seed, so that there is no human involvement at all in the RNG. There are some RNGs that basically involve numerous RNGs running all at the same time, with one RNG picking from among the results, creating sort of super-randomness to the calculations. Of course, these are very oversimplified ways of describing how RNGs work, but it gives you some idea of the “brain” behind the many online casino games you enjoy.
To be deemed as fair, numbers spit out by any RNG have to be capricious and fair. To make sure that this is the case, internet gaming platforms have to be tested regularly by independent testing entities like eCOGRA. The testing groups have to test the RNG algorithms over millions of hands of games or millions of throws of chop to ensure that the numbers are capricious and fair.
In your investigating online about internet playing, you may bumble across a person or site hinting that a certain slot machine game has a “cycle” that is predictable enough that you can learn when it’s “due” for a jackpot, or that may want to sell you some sort of system for guessing hits. These ploys aren’t gambles at all: they’re just good ways to throw away your money. Save those hard-earned dollars for something else!
When choosing among online casinos, you should look for ones whoever gaming software is tested by eCOGRA, Certified Fair Playing (CFG), Gaming Associates, BMM International, Technical Systems Testing (TST), Price Waterhouse Coopers, or another reputable independent auditor. A casino online that is up front about its software platform and independent auditing is far more likely to give you a fair and fun internet gaming experience.