Are you familiar with RNGs? Or are these simply three random letters to you?
Whether you’re new or not, getting to know what an RNG is and how the system works will help you find acceptable roulette games in legitimate casinos.
In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about RNGs and roulette, including how to spot unfair casinos and biased games. Scroll down to get started.
What is an RNG?
RNGs, also known as random number generators, ensure that games and systems are completely random and work by chance. This means the results of a game are neutral and impartial, so you won’t have to worry about the casino or bad actors affecting the outcome.
For casino games like roulette, RNGs are software algorithms built into the game. However, they can also be hardware devices.
How are RNGs used in online casinos?
When reading about online casinos, you’ll often see reviewers talking about RNGs in casino slots and games. They are critical elements of safe online roulette casino sites, but you should get to know the concept better before playing.
RNGs ensure that each casino game is completely fair and unbiased. They are used for online roulette and plenty of other games, including slots, table games, scratch cards and almost any other casino game you can imagine.
Live roulette and casino games don’t always use an RNG – but this isn’t because they’re unfair. Instead, it’s because a professional dealer will spin the wheel in real life.
The developers build the RNG algorithm into each casino game, and all reliable casino websites will feature it. However, it’s not always a given on sites without licences or credible business information, so always check for these to ensure a safe playing environment.
RNGs and online roulette – what you need to know
RNGs are vital to roulette games, as this traditional casino fixture is based on chance rather than strategy.
Of course, you can use systems and organised approaches while playing to reduce the risk of loss, but ultimately, the games are decided on which pocket the ball randomly lands in – and this is all due to the RNG!
It’s critical to only play roulette games with reputable RNG algorithms, as these mean the game is 100% fair and based on truly random chance. Roulette games without this guarantee might be engineered to deliver unfair results, which could leave you cheated and at risk of financial loss.
Most online roulette sites will list information about their RNG algorithms in their terms and conditions. You can also look at the company that developed your chosen roulette game to see if they use accepted RNG systems.
Again, if you’re playing at a licensed casino, it will always have proper RNGs, as official regulatory bodies require this in order for the casino to qualify for a licence.
For example, the UK Gambling Commission requires all licence holders to have ‘acceptably random’ RNG software as part of their remote gambling and software technical standards (RTS).
Signs a roulette game isn’t fair
What happens if a casino doesn’t list a roulette game’s RNG information?
In this case, don’t panic. There are ways to see whether the game is fair – and similarly, whether it’s not worth your time. These include:
- Software provider – Roulette games by reputable software developers will use an RNG. Roulette games from unknown providers have a higher risk of being rigged. Well-known roulette providers include Pragmatic Play, Playtech and Evolution Gaming.
- Unlicensed casinos – If a casino doesn’t have a licence, it’s less likely to meet stringent safety and fairness standards. Of course, some casinos are safe and even more anonymous, but it’s important to understand this risk.
- Low-quality games – A roulette game with poor graphics, incoherent gameplay and a general low quality might not be as honest as its high-quality counterparts.
- No RNG information – As mentioned previously, it’s always better to choose casinos and games that note their RNG or fairness strategies.
You can even verify a casino’s RNG credibility by checking if it has been tested by top agencies such as GLI or eCOGRA. These are independent testing companies with professional methods for determining fairness.
In addition to these agencies, you can read real player reviews to see if anyone has had an unpleasant experience while playing roulette on any particular platform.
Advantages of roulette games with RNGs
So, it’s clear that RNG algorithms make roulette games safer and protect you against biased play. However, there are other benefits to this technology. Here are some of the main ones:
Casino games with RNGs offer faster gameplay, as RNG systems decide outcomes faster than real-time spins or outdated algorithms. This makes playing more convenient, especially if you’re on a mobile or smart device.
RNG systems also remove any mechanical bias that can occur when playing with physical roulette wheels. Such bias tends to come with wear and tear.
RNG vs RTP: understanding the difference
RNG and RTP are two important concepts in the online casino industry, but they’re also very easy to confuse due to their similar names.
Don’t fall into this trap! Knowing the difference is critical to choosing the casino games that suit your preference.
- RNG (random number generator) is a system that ensures each spin or turn is completely randomised and unique from previous spins or turns, resulting in a 100% fair experience.
- RTP (return to player) is a percentage figure that shows the average amount of stake that will be returned to you once you deposit and start playing a particular casino game. You can use this to find games that match your preferences. For example, a slot game with a 97% RTP will eventually return around $97 for every $100 staked.
Each casino will show an individual RTP for each game. Note that these numbers can vary depending on the platform, so it’s always a good idea to check before you make your stake.
Final thoughts
Understanding the world of RNGs will help any casino user, whether a roulette player or those fond of slot machines. Alongside looking for fair games, always check the legitimacy of the website and read player reviews to get an honest snapshot of what to expect.
