Many of us have seen it; when a person loses at slots, they frequently ask “are the slots fixed?” The thought process behind this question is completely understandable. While there are no guarantees when betting, licensed gaming operators do provide assurance that their RNG’s are functioning appropriately. The RNG (random number generator) in an online slot determines the winning combination based solely on chance. No one can influence the RNG as to what the winning combination should be or what combination should appear.
In order to ensure that the RNG functions appropriately, the RNG must pass a series of statistical randomness tests. These tests are extremely thorough. The tests involve drawing large quantities of numbers and analyzing them for a wide range of characteristics such as uniform distribution and correlation between successive values. The tests also include the examination of any potential biases or correlations in the drawn numbers. If any biases are detected during the testing phase, the RNG fails the test.
An additional feature used by some RNG’s is the ability to re-seed itself with new random information at predetermined intervals. This provides added protection against potential compromises of the RNG’s internal state. An example of an entity that tests RNG’s is a company named Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), which is accredited under the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. The ISO/IEC 17025 is recognized internationally as a standard for testing and calibration laboratories. It represents a recognition that the laboratory issuing the certification has demonstrated compliance with the standards that govern such testing and calibration.
RNG testing in online casinos involves three main areas. The first area is a statistical evaluation of the raw RNG generator. This includes the generation of an extremely large quantity of numbers (often exceeding hundreds of millions) and evaluating these numbers using a variety of statistical tests. For example, the tests may evaluate the distribution of these numbers to determine if they follow a uniform distribution, or whether there are any detectible biases. Additional examples of tests include evaluations of the correlation between successive values, runs, gaps, and other characteristics of sequences of random numbers. If any detectable biases are found during this portion of testing, the RNG will fail.
The second area evaluates the source code and implementation of the RNG. This includes a detailed review of how the RNG is seeded, whether the algorithm is suitable for cryptographic applications, and whether there are any potential paths for altering the behavior of the RNG.
The third area is perhaps less well known. As previously mentioned, an RNG generates numbers based upon a set of rules that translate those numbers into reel stop positions. Although the RNG determines what happens on each individual spin, it does not ultimately decide what happens in relation to the RTP (return to player). The RTP is determined by the developer of the game through the use of math models that determine how often certain combinations occur. The RPG does not attempt to achieve a particular RTP. Rather, it simply generates a large number of possible combinations and then applies a weighting to each combination to reflect its likelihood of occurring. The end result is a game that will eventually pay back approximately 96 percent of all bets placed on it, assuming it is played sufficiently long.
As previously mentioned, RNG’s do not retain any memory from one spin to another. Therefore, each spin is an entirely independent event. There is no relationship between what occurs on one spin and what occurs on subsequent spins. To illustrate this concept further, consider rolling a fair six-sided die repeatedly until a 6 appears. Even though you roll 5’s repeatedly, the odds of rolling a 6 remain exactly 1 out of 6 for each and every roll. Similarly, in slots, there is no relationship between what occurred on your previous spin(s) and what will occur on your next spin(s).
While the preceding discussion focused primarily on certified RNG’s used in licensed online casinos, it is also important to recognize that not all online casinos are created equally. Some unlicensed online casinos will intentionally manipulate their RNG’s to favor themselves. However, even in cases where this type of manipulation may occur, players will generally not realize that this is happening.
There is no legitimate method to predict what will occur on any given spin in a certified RNG-driven slot machine. Many websites offer slot prediction tools for sale claiming that these tools will increase your chances of winning. Such tools do not exist and are merely scams intended to separate players from their money. Players can relax knowing that certified RNG driven slots are truly random and unbiased.
Some players believe that certain slots are “hot” or “cold.” In reality, certified RNG driven slots do not exhibit such tendencies. All certified RNG driven slots use algorithms that produce results that are perfectly random and unbiased. The only factor influencing perceived trends is variance. In other words, even in truly random events (such as flipping coins) clusters and streaks will naturally occur due to natural clustering phenomena.
Additionally, some players believe that they can predict the outcome of future spins based upon various factors such as time spent playing, number of spins since a bonus was triggered, etc… However, certified RNG driven slots utilize serverside generators that use cryptographically secure methods to generate outcomes. Because of this, regardless of whatever action you perform on your local machine (i.e., clicking buttons), you cannot possibly influence the outcome of future spins.
Finally, some players mistakenly equate certified RNG driven slots with provably fair casino games. While provably fair games do indeed allow players to independently verify each outcome, they lack many features present in certified RNG driven slots (i.e., bonus rounds with numerous ways to win). Additionally, while provably fair games may demonstrate that a particular outcome has not been manipulated post facto, they do not necessarily guarantee that the overall game mathematics are favorable (i.e., high RTP), nor do they guarantee that the casino operator will honor their obligations regarding payment and withdrawal terms.
Certified RNG-Driven Slots Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does a random number generator (RNG) function in an online slot?
A: A random number generator is responsible for determining each unique outcome resulting from a bet made on a slot machine. In addition to generating random numbers to determine winning combinations, the RNG uses a set of predetermined rules that map these randomly generated numbers into reel stop positions.
Q: Are online slots truly random?
A: Yes. Provided that you play at an online casino that utilizes certified RNG’s to drive their slot machines and provided that you select games developed by reputable companies with proven track records, then yes. The certifications provided by reputable entities (i.e., iTech Labs) serve as proof that the RNG’s being utilized by these casinos are producing truly random results.
Q: Can online slots be manipulated by a casino?
A: Certified RNG-driven slots used by properly licensed online casinos cannot be manipulated by casino operators. While casino operators can select between different RTP versions available from the game developers for deployment at their respective online casinos, they cannot manipulate the underlying math used to calculate RTP in certified RNG-driven slots.
Q: Can I predict future spins on an online slot machine?
A: No. Certified RNG-driven slots operate utilizing server-side generators employing cryptographically secure methods to generate outcomes. Regardless of whatever actions you perform on your local machine (clicking buttons), you cannot influence the outcome of future spins.
Q: Does prior spin activity impact future spin activity?
A: No. Each spin on a certified RNG driven slot machine is an independent event. Losing streaks do not influence your odds for winning on subsequent spins, and winning streaks do not negatively influence your odds for losing on subsequent spins.
Q: Where can I obtain more information about RNG testing and certification?
A: One place to begin researching RNG testing and certification is through Gaming Laboratories International (GLI). GLI is an organization with extensive knowledge regarding RNG testing protocols. GLI offers certification services for RNG compliant games developed by reputable manufacturers. Additionally, GLI maintains strong relationships with regulatory agencies throughout North America.
Q: How can I identify if an online casino uses certified RNG-driven games?
A: You can identify whether an online casino uses certified RNG driven games by conducting research on the website’s licensing status and identifying any seal logos provided by organizations such as eCOGRA or iTech Labs. Clicking through these links will typically direct you to reports documenting specific certification details regarding game compliance with applicable regulations.
Q: What constitutes acceptable evidence of RNG certification?
A: Acceptable evidence includes documentation issued by reputable third-party organizations (e.g., iTech Labs) demonstrating compliance with applicable testing methodologies and reporting test results consistent with expected statistical distributions associated with truly random outcomes.
Q: What role do independent testing labs play in verifying fairness in online slots?
A: Independent testing labs conduct technical evaluations of games submitted for certification purposes. They evaluate both the game itself and its underlying math model to verify compliance with regulatory requirements governing aspects such as RTP, volatility, and paytable functionality.
Q: What types of statistical randomness tests do independent labs employ when evaluating RNG performance?
A: Independent labs utilize a variety of statistical randomness tests when evaluating RNG performance. Examples include tests evaluating uniformity of distribution and tests detecting potential biases in consecutive values.
Q: What level of accuracy must be achieved during RNG testing to satisfy regulatory compliance requirements?
A: Regulatory agencies maintain varying expectations regarding levels of accuracy required for compliance purposes. Generally speaking however, results obtained during RNG testing are subject to very stringent error tolerances to ensure compliance with regulatory agency requirements.
Q: What types of additional evidence beyond mere certification can assist me in verifying fairness in online slots?
A: Evidence related to adherence to applicable regulatory guidelines and laws governing aspects such as RTP disclosure and operator transparency may help to alleviate concerns regarding fairness in online slots.
Q: Who are some examples of notable independent testing labs providing RNG certification services?
A: Examples include iTech Labs, eCOGRA, BMM Testlabs, TST (Technical Systems Testing), and GLI (Gaming Laboratories International).
Q: What are some things I should look for when choosing an online casino at which to gamble?
A: Some things you should look for when selecting an online casino at which to gamble include:
* A valid license from a reputable jurisdictional authority;
* Reputable third-party organizations providing evidence of certification related to game fairness and integrity;
* Clear and transparent disclosure related to RTP;
* Operator transparency;
* A reputation among peers for treating players fairly;
