What Is RNG in Gambling? Randomness at Blockchain Casinos and Beyond
Random Number Generation (RNG) is the technology behind the randomness and fairness of outcomes in gambling.
It doesn’t matter if it’s used in slots, poker, or roulette; RNG guarantees that each game result is independent and free from manipulation, which makes it fair for everyone.
In this guide, I’ll dive into the different types of RNG and their applications, with a special focus on blockchain-based RNG used at crypto casinos.
What Is RNG?
Random Number Generator/Generation (RNG) technology is a system that generates random outcomes in games to ensure fairness and unpredictability.
It’s a technology you’ll find in many types of games (gambling, video games, etc) that rely on random results.
RNG is the process that ensures the outcomes of games like slots, poker, and roulette are unpredictable and fair. Casino games are regularly audited to ensure their RNG systems are in working order.
How Does RNG Work?
As a complex mathematical algorithm, the RNG generates a sequence of numbers with no discernible pattern. Here’s an example of how the process works in your average online slot machine:
- The RNG: Constantly produces random numbers assigned to different symbols on the slot machine.
- The Spin: When you hit ‘spin,’ one of these random numbers is selected to determine the reel positions.
- The Result: The game’s software translates this outcome into what you see on the screen.
This process happens almost instantaneously, even if the reels appear to spin for a few seconds. The same principles apply to other online casino games like video poker, blackjack, and roulette.
The key takeaway is that RNG ensures each game outcome is independent of the previous one. For a more detailed and scientific explanation, you can check out this paper on RNG.
Why Is RNG Important in Gambling?
Game fairness has always been one of the most debated issues when it comes to gambling. This is especially true when you don’t win: your first thought is often “That wasn’t fair!”
This issue is, therefore, not new to online gambling. However, it’s somewhat intensified at online casinos, where all the action takes place on the screen in front of you.
In many cases, online players are wary simply because they don’t understand the concept of house edge and believe games are unfair.
Quite simply:
RNG ensures you aren’t being cheated out of your money (you have as much a chance to win as any other player).
Different Types of RNGs
There are a few different types of Random Number Generator technologies, namely:
- Software-Based RNG (Pseudo-RNG): This is most commonly used in fiat online casinos. It uses algorithms to generate numbers based on an initial seed value. While it is not the strongest type of RNG out there, it produces sufficiently unpredictable results.
- Hardware-Based RNG (True RNG): This type of RNG uses physical processes, like electronic noise, to generate truly random numbers. Of course, it’s much less common in online casino platforms due to higher costs and complexity.
- Quantum RNG: This cutting-edge technology uses principles of quantum mechanics to generate random numbers. It’s considered the most secure and is truly random, but it still in the experimental stages for most commercial applications.
- Blockchain-Based RNG: Used at many crypto gambling platforms, this type of RNG combines player and casino inputs with blockchain technology to create verifiable and tamper-proof outcomes.
As a crypto casino aficionado, I’m naturally most interested in blockchain-based RNG. If you’ve ever played one of BC.Game’s or Stake’s provably fair games, you’ve already encountered this type of RNG!
Blockchain-Based RNG
Many blockchain casinos, as you’ve probably guessed, have incorporated blockchain-based RNG into some (or all) games on their platforms.
The nature of this RNG system means that the games using it are provably fair. You can personally verify the fairness of the RNG system by checking each round outcome.
Psst: My guide on provable fairness at crypto casinos should get you up to speed if you’re looking for more insight.
What you need to know:
Blockchain casino RNG uses decentralized technology to generate random numbers, making the process even more transparent and secure.
Unlike traditional RNGs controlled by the casino, blockchain-based RNGs are not under the exclusive control of any single entity, including the casino itself.
For example, in some blockchain casinos, both the player and the casino contribute to the random seed, ensuring that neither party can manipulate the outcome.
This dual contribution guarantees that the results are genuinely random and verifiable.
Stake Casino is very transparent about its RNG and provably fair system, as you’ll discover in this forum post.
Do All Crypto Casino Games Use Blockchain-Based RNG?
No! Most crypto casinos stock games made by dozens of providers. Many of these games are available at traditional online casinos, too.
Most of these games are powered by software-based RNG (which we know does not offer true randomness and cannot be verified by us as players).
In general, there are three avenues where you’ll find blockchain-based RNG games:
1. Crypto Casinos Offering In-House, Provably Fair Games
As I mentioned already, some crypto casinos have a selection of in-house games that are provably fair. These select games are almost always powered by blockchain-based RNGs.
These platforms include:
2. Fully Decentralized Casinos
Of course, there are some decentralized platforms that consist entirely of one or two in-house and provably fair games that are powered by blockchain-based RNG.
In these rare cases, you could say the entire casino is powered by blockchain-based RNG.
Here are some examples:
3. Third-Party Games
There are a few software developers who have created games powered by blockchain-based RNGs – these games are all provably fair and can be found at the top crypto casinos, and even some traditional fiat casinos!
These providers include:
- Spribe
- BGaming
- Turbo Games
You should know that these providers are the exception to the rule. Most software providers still rely on older RNG technology to power their games. And though it is supposedly audited, there’s no way for us to check the fairness of each outcome.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what RNG technology is and how it works, you might be a bit more picky of the casino games you choose to play!
When it comes to blockchain-based RNG and provably fair games, fairness is all but guaranteed.
As for software-based RNG on more traditional casino games, things aren’t always so clear (what a surprise, huh?)
In any case, be sure to choose casinos that offer the latest technologies and are regularly audited for fairness.
