While some casino games have a skill element in the outcome, some casino games are purely according to chance. Because all online casino games are partly or completely driven by chance, all casino games rely on a random number generator, or RNG within the software that powers the game. The RNG is a mathematical application that does precisely what it says: generates a completely random number. Not all RNGs are the same, and they have to be tested extensively to make certain that the numbers they generate actually are random.

In certain games, the use of an RNG has an obvious role. In European roulette, as an example, the RNG generates a number from 1 to 37 (with 37 corresponding to “0”) on the roulette wheel. The RNG generates a number, the casino stops, and bets are paid or forfeited.

In craps, the RNG must generate two random numbers simultaneously, as well as in single deck card games, the RNG has to generate a number from 1 to 52, with each of those numbers corresponding to a particular card. During a single deck card game, the RNG must “remember” which cards it has already dealt in order that they will not be dealt again. With multiple-deck games like online blackjack, the RNG has an much more complicated mathematical algorithm driving it.

Some RNGs require the user to specify an initial “seed” value, which itself varies randomly. Many of them use the time on a clock as a seed, so that there is no human intervention at all within the RNG. You will find some RNGs that truly involve numerous RNGs running all at the exact same time, with one RNG picking from among-the results, creating a sort of super-randomness to the calculation. Bear in mind, these are very oversimplified ways of describing how RNGs work, but it provides you with some perception 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 unpredictable and unbiased. To make sure that this really 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 card games or millions of throws of dice to ensure that the numbers are unpredictable and unbiased.

Within your online research about internet gambling, you might stumble across someone or site telling you that a certain playing slot machine has a “cycle” which 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 predicting hits. These ploys are not gambles at all: they are just good ways to throw away your money. Save those hard-earned dollars for another thing!

When selecting among online casinos, you will want to look for ones whose gaming software is tested by eCOGRA, Certified Fair Gambling (CFG), Gaming Associates, BMM International, Technical Systems Testing (TST), Price Waterhouse Coopers, or another reputable independent auditor. A casino online that’s up front about its software platform and independent auditing is much more likely to give you a fair and fun internet gaming experience.