Many people think that online casinos are rigged, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, if one really thinks about it, an online casino, like any other business, has a financial incentive to operate in both a fair and transparent manner. This is the only way to guarantee it keeps a sustainable and loyal customer base.
To achieve this, online casinos had to come up with a way to introduce a system that would be completely fair and transparent when it comes to producing the outcomes of its games. Can you take a guess on how they did that? By now, you would definitely think of an RNG and you’re absolutely right!
What is an RNG?
In the context of gambling, a Random Number Generator (RNG) is a software program designed to generate a sequence of numbers used to determine the outcome of a game, such as a slot machine or a card game. The RNGs algorithms are basically computer programs ensuring that the outcomes of the games are random and unbiased, and not affected by external factors.
For example, in a slot machine game, the RNG generates a random sequence of numbers that correspond to the position of the symbols on the reels. This ensures that each spin of the slot machine is independent and has an equal chance of resulting in a winning or losing outcome, regardless of the player's previous or future spins.
Similarly, in card games such as online poker, the RNG is used to shuffle the deck of cards, ensuring that the distribution of cards is completely random and not influenced by any external factors. This guarantees that each hand dealt is independent and has an equal chance of being a winning or losing hand.
The Two Types of RNGs
There are two distinct types of RNGs: the TRNG and the PRNG. A true random generator (TRNG) is often a hardware device that creates random numbers by using a physical process that cannot be predicted. These are considered more secure and reliable for applications that require true randomness such as encryption or gambling.
On the other hand, a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) is an algorithm that generates a sequence of numbers that appear random but are actually deterministic. This means that if you know the algorithm and its initial seed, you can recreate the same sequence of numbers. Hence, they're not suitable for applications that require true randomness.
How to benefit from RNG in an online casino game?
Let's say you're in the mood to play some online slots. To have a fair chance at winning, you should choose a reputable casino that uses certified and audited RNGs. For example, you might choose to play at a casino that is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, which requires casinos to use certified RNGs to ensure fairness and transparency. By choosing a casino that uses a certified RNG, you can be confident that each spin of the slot machine is random and unbiased, providing a fair playing field for all players.
It is also important to understand the odds of the games you are playing and to manage your bankroll responsibly. RNGs do not guarantee a win, but they do help you maintain stable fairness on your winning probabilities.
Another Curious Use for RNGs
RNGs are also quite useful for both online and live poker players to work on their game strategy. Using one can be a useful tool for helping you to remain balanced and stick to a Game Theory Optimal (GTO) strategy in poker. Here are a few ways to use RNG in your gameplay:
Practice making decisions: Use an RNG to randomly generate hands and practice making decisions based on your GTO strategy. This can help you get more comfortable with making the best decision regardless of what cards you're dealt. You can also use the RNG to practise making decisions in specific situations, like when you have a tough decision on the river.
Analyse different ranges: Use the RNG to randomly generate a range of hands for you and your opponent, and then analyse how your GTO strategy should change based on those ranges. This can help you better understand how to adjust your strategy depending on different ranges, which can help you stay balanced and unpredictable at the table.
Avoid patterns: Using the RNG to randomly determine your actions can help you avoid falling into predictable patterns, which can make it easier for your opponents to figure out your play style and learn your movements. For example, if you're always raising on the flop when you have a strong hand, your opponents can start to catch on to that particular behavior, and adjust their play style accordingly. By using the RNG to determine your actions, you can remain unpredictable and prevent your opponents from getting a read on your game.
Another important aspect is that while RNGs make sure that the cards are shuffled randomly, they don't guarantee a specific outcome. That's why it's crucial to understand the odds of the game. For example, if you're playing Texas Hold'em and you have a pair of 6s, you have about a 6% chance of making a full house by the river. If you're playing Omaha Hi-Lo, you should consider the probability of making a low hand as well as a high hand. By knowing the odds, you can make more strategic decisions that will increase your chances of winning during the time you play.
Now that you completely understand what RNG means and involves, make sure you make the most of it to start winning more often! If you want to use RNG in your poker game, you should consider using Google or an app to generate the numbers for you. With this information, coupled with practice and experience, you can become a more successful online casino gambler and/or poker player.
