All About Random Number Generators

If you ever hear of any casino claiming they have a truly random number generator, they are not really telling the truth. The thing is, with any kind of computer-based system, a number generator needs to be based around some kind of algorithm. If you can figure out what that algorithm is, you can predict what the numbers are going to be.

In order for a number generation system to be completely random, there would need to be an equal chance of any specific number appearing. When an RNG system is based on an algorithm, this isn't actually possible.

So Can You Cheat?

So does this mean you can cheat at online gambling games by figuring out the algorithm? Technically yes, but in most cases, it would be very difficult to pull it off. Since knowing the algorithms that an RNG system is based off would enable you to cheat, it's not really surprising that companies want to keep this information under wraps.

Even if you did have access to some of this information, it would be very difficult for the majority of people to interpret it. In most of the cases where someone has figured out an RNG system and used it to cheat, it is because that person had some relation to the company that produced the system.

So Can Casinos Cheat?

So can a casino use a random number generator to cheat players out of their hard-earned money? It is certainly possible. Many casinos have been exposed in the past for having so-called random systems which actually heavily favored the house.

If you want to avoid being cheated, you need to be very selective about the casinos you choose to play on. Regulatory bodies such as the UK Gambling Commission will run checks on RNGs to ensure casinos are not cheating their customers. Whenever you pick a new casino to play on, make sure they are verified by such an institution.

In most situations, a casino should also have had their random number generator system audited by a neutral third party. You should be able to find this information somewhere on any casino site. Be wary of any gambling house that doesn't provide this kind of information, as they might have something to hide.

Don't Try Cheating

While it's not really possible for a casino to have a truly random number generator, that doesn't mean you can use it to your advantage. While these systems are not truly random, the RNGs are incredibly difficult to figure out unless you have specialist "inside" knowledge.

As a player, you should always make sure the fairness and reliability of a random number generator has been assured. Avoid playing on any casino that can't verify its number generator from an independent third party report. Unless you have a strong interest in mathematics, you don't really need to worry too much about how these number generators actually work.