RNG: What It Is and Why It’s Essential in the iGaming Market

Technology is at the core of any online gambling platform, and one of the most important technologies is the RNG (Random Number Generator). Whether in casino games, virtual sports betting, or even online lotteries, the RNG is responsible for ensuring the randomness and fairness of the outcomes. In this article, we’ll explore in-depth what RNG is, how it works, and why it is a fundamental component for the success of any iGaming platform.

What is RNG?

The Random Number Generator (RNG) is a technology that generates sequences of numbers or outcomes in a completely unpredictable and random manner. In gambling, this is essential to ensure that all results are fair, random, and impossible to predict for both players and operators.

Whether it’s a slot machine spin, a blackjack deal, or a virtual horse race, the RNG is the mechanism that ensures all players have the same chance of winning and that the game is always fair and transparent.

Types of RNG: True RNG vs. Pseudo RNG

There are two main types of RNGs used in online gambling:

1. True RNG (TRNG): Also known as True Random Number Generator, this type of RNG uses unpredictable physical phenomena, such as atmospheric noise, thermal fluctuations, or even radiation to generate random numbers. It is widely used in situations where maximum randomness is required, such as in critical security systems.
2. Pseudo RNG (PRNG): PRNG, or Pseudo-Random Number Generator, uses mathematical algorithms to generate a sequence of numbers that appears random but is actually determined by a formula. Although technically predictable, PRNG is sufficient for most iGaming applications due to its efficiency, speed, and practical difficulty of predicting the sequence of numbers.

In online gambling, PRNG is widely used due to its efficiency, while TRNG is more common in certain types of lottery games or contexts where true randomness is crucial.

Why is RNG Important in iGaming?

Trust is the foundation of any gambling platform, and RNG is an essential component in ensuring the fairness and transparency of outcomes. Here are the key reasons why RNG is indispensable:

• Fair Play: RNG ensures that all players have an equal chance of winning, regardless of when they enter the game or how much they’ve bet previously. Each spin of a slot machine, for example, is completely independent of the previous spins.
• Transparency: For iGaming operators, maintaining players’ trust is essential for long-term success. The use of audited and certified RNGs by gaming regulatory authorities ensures that the operator is providing a safe and fair gaming environment.
• Protection Against Manipulation: RNG protects both operators and players from any attempt to manipulate the results. It prevents players from trying to “predict” the next outcome or operators from adjusting games unfairly.

RNG Usage Statistics in iGaming

RNG is at the heart of any successful iGaming platform. With the growth of the online gaming industry, the use of reliable RNGs has expanded globally, especially as more countries regulate online gambling. Here are some statistics that demonstrate the relevance of this technology:

• The global iGaming market was valued at $60 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $145 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7%, according to a report by Grand View Research. All these games, from casinos to sports betting, depend on RNGs to ensure fair results.
• The use of Pseudo RNGs (PRNGs) is widely dominant, being used in over 90% of online gaming platforms in 2023. The main reason for this choice is the ability to generate numbers quickly, ensuring randomness and unpredictability of results in real-time.
• The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the UK Gambling Commission, two of the largest regulatory authorities in the sector, require regular audits of RNGs used by iGaming operators to ensure compliance with fair gaming standards. These audits are conducted by independent labs and certified to protect players.
• The live casino segment, which relies on RNGs to ensure the randomness of certain outcomes, experienced a 35% growth in 2023, standing out as one of the most innovative and popular areas in iGaming.

RNG Applications in iGaming

RNG is widely used in various types of games in the iGaming sector. Here are some of the main applications:

1. Slots: Each spin on a slot machine is determined by an RNG, ensuring that all the symbols appearing on the reels are completely random. This prevents any player or operator from manipulating the outcomes.
2. Roulette: In online roulette games, the number the ball lands on is selected by an RNG, digitally replicating the randomness of a physical roulette wheel.
3. Blackjack and Poker: In online casinos, the RNG is used to digitally “shuffle” the deck, ensuring that each card dealt is unpredictable and fair for all players.
4. Virtual Sports Betting: In simulated sports, such as virtual horse racing or football, the results are decided by RNGs, mimicking the unpredictability and excitement of real sports events.

RNG Certification and Auditing

Since RNG is a crucial component in ensuring trust in the game, the certification and auditing of these systems are fundamental. Gaming regulatory authorities in various jurisdictions require iGaming operators to use certified RNGs by independent entities.

• Organizations such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, and GLI (Gaming Laboratories International) are responsible for testing RNGs to ensure they are functioning properly and in accordance with standards set by regulatory authorities.
• The UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority require game operators to submit their RNGs for periodic audits to ensure that game outcomes are fair and random. This compliance is essential for maintaining the operators’ gaming licenses.

Challenges and the Future of RNG in iGaming

While RNG is a robust technology, the iGaming sector is constantly evolving, and new demands are emerging. Here are some challenges and future trends for RNG:

• Cybersecurity: As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, ensuring the integrity of RNGs is essential to protect operators and players. Implementing blockchain-based RNGs could be a promising solution to ensure greater transparency and security.
• RNG in Virtual Reality (VR): With the growth of virtual reality games in iGaming, the role of RNG will expand to provide an even more immersive and unpredictable gaming experience in digital worlds.
• AI and Machine Learning: While RNG is an established technology, the use of artificial intelligence to optimize number generation and adapt probabilities in real-time could be one of the next major innovations in the industry.

Conclusion: RNG is the Heart of Fair Play in iGaming

The RNG is the technology that ensures the randomness and fairness of every outcome in online gambling. Without it, the trust and integrity of the iGaming sector would be at risk. For operators looking to create a secure and fair platform, choosing an iGaming Software Provider that uses audited and certified RNGs is essential.

If you are considering launching an online gambling platform or improving the transparency and trustworthiness of your site, contact us to learn more about our solutions that guarantee a fair and secure experience for all players.