Random number generators, or RNGs, are widely used in the development of virtual casino games and are also favored in many live dealer titles. But are they capable of making a game truly fair? Could they be rigged by casinos, and is there a way to beat RNG roulette? This article discusses the importance of RNG technology and explains why it is applied in almost all virtual casino games.
What Is a Random Number Generator?
As the name implies, the Random Number Generator (RNG) is a complex algorithm that generates random numbers. It is incorporated into nearly every video game that requires randomness in some form. Various hardware and software RNGs exist, and they are used in cryptography, computer simulations, statistical sampling, and more.
True RNG
Psuedo RNG
RNG Manipulation in Games
True RNG
To illustrate why randomness is essential for a fair result, consider rolling a die or flipping a coin. Because the outcome cannot be predicted, these actions are regarded as truly random and fair. True RNG systems rely on a mechanical device or physical phenomenon to guarantee unpredictability. Although they are preferred whenever possible, they are more complex and less common because of their physical nature.
Psuedo RNG
The most widely used systems today are pseudorandom number generators. They produce results that appear random but are in fact deterministic. Unlike a true RNG, a pseudo RNG uses a computational algorithm to create long sequences of seemingly random numbers that stem from a much shorter initial key known as the seed value.
When the seed value is known, the entire sequence can be reproduced. Therefore, a pseudo RNG cannot be considered truly random. Even so, it provides enough randomness and unpredictability to support critical applications such as modern computer encryption for security purposes.
RNG Manipulation in Games
Some casino players believe that because an RNG (specifically a pseudo RNG) is a mathematical algorithm, casinos can manipulate it to gain an unfair advantage over patrons. However, we should remember that the house always has the advantage when it comes to gambling. For example, the theoretical house edge in roulette is 2.70% for European rules and 5.26% for American rules.
These figures show that casinos do not need to manipulate the RNG to secure their income, as the rules and payouts already ensure profit over time, even if some players get lucky. The built-in house edge gives gambling establishments a long-term advantage over their patrons. This is why reputable, licensed online casinos use independently tested RNGs, allowing players to rest assured that the games are completely fair.
Some gamblers think they can manipulate the RNG to guarantee profits, but that is impossible unless they have access to the game’s code. Others believe that by observing a particular roulette algorithm, they can spot a pattern and predict future outcomes. This is also a misconception: guessing the seed value for the number sequences is impossible without monitoring millions of hours of play, which is unrealistic.
Benefits of Playing RNG Roulette
Today, online casinos feature a vast selection of games, and most of them, including some live-dealer tables, rely on RNGs. Random number generators are essential for creating a gaming experience that mirrors the real thing as closely as possible. Although this software does not produce “true” randomness, it ensures that the game is fair and that results are never rigged or manipulated.
Fair Gaming
The Convenience of Virtual Games
Fair Gaming
Today, RNGs are widely used in online games as well as in slot machines, video poker, and other automated physical casino games. A few decades ago, this was not the case. For example, some slot machines were calibrated to award the jackpot once every three or six months. Other systems were designed so that jackpot amounts could be hit only after a specific number of rounds had been played.
Most gaming machines and online games now run on RNGs, which guarantee complete fairness. While older payout systems could be exploited by casino staff or players, modern RNG-based software is regularly audited by independent third-party companies. Reputable online casinos use RNGs that have been certified and validated through thousands of simulations.
The Convenience of Virtual Games
Another advantage of RNG roulette over live roulette is the convenience and wide selection of virtual variants. Some live tables do use RNG-controlled wheels, but most rely on mechanical wheels, real casino settings (or TV studios), and human dealers. Live games therefore come with certain limitations.
For example, players cannot set the pace of play and usually have only about 30 seconds to select numbers and place bets. Features like Quick Spin or Autoplay are unavailable, and the casino controls the flow. In fully virtual RNG games, players can customize many aspects of play, such as changing table colors and layouts, showing or skipping wheel animations, enabling Turbo Mode or Autoplay, and more.
The range of RNG roulette titles is also much broader than that of live versions. Because these games are virtual, developers can create innovative twists on the classic format, including Double Ball Roulette, Mini Roulette, and Multi-Wheel Roulette. RNG games often provide wider betting limits and, in many cases, more generous rules.
Can You Beat RNG Roulette?
Many people have tried to prove that random number generators are flawed and vulnerable to manipulation. Numerous websites, roulette guides, and books promise to teach you how to beat the RNG. In addition, some computer programs and bots collect vast amounts of data from thousands of rounds. This data is then analyzed in search of patterns, flaws, or sequences of numbers that could be used to make predictions.
All this may sound appealing to players determined to beat casinos at their own game, but it is unrealistic. Because an RNG relies on an algorithm and a seed value, it is impossible to identify any pattern. The results it produces are effectively random and practically unpredictable.
The best way to play RNG roulette is simply to know the rules and to apply an effective strategy, such as making only even-money bets and avoiding wagers with very low odds of success. Money management is just as important: players should always adjust the size of their bets according to their bankroll and risk tolerance. Overall, they should enjoy virtual, RNG-based roulette games the same way they would enjoy a real-life game in a land-based casino.
