How Does A Random Number Generator Work?

Random number generators are used by casinos to ensure their games are fair. They are typically used by online slot games, though they are also used widely online. Many people have heard of these generators, but they aren’t quite sure what they do.

If you’re wondering how the random number generator works then below you’ll find out everything you need to know.

Understanding the random number generator

In a land based casino a random number generator is placed inside a slot machine a lot like a chip that is in your computer. It comes in the form of a microprocessor and the random number generator basically generates random numbers on the slot machines reels. The numbers are chosen randomly every millisecond. It works in much the same way for online games also.

The generator chooses a specific value which can be anything from 0 to 4 billion. This value is then broken down into specific numbers which correspond with the symbols on each reel. Therefore the symbol the slot machine lands on will depend upon the numbers that were chosen by the generator. The number isn’t chosen until you place a coin in the machine or you press the spin button.

The actual process that the generator uses to choose the numbers is fairly complex. It is based on an algorithm and extends far beyond most people’s mathematical capabilities. Before it is placed into a game, the random number generator is tested in a laboratory to ensure that it works properly.

Is there a set cycle?

One of the biggest misconceptions regarding random number generators is that they work in a set cycle. This is completely false. If you are expecting a pay-out after a set amount of spins, you’ll be extremely disappointed. Many people even try to sell a strategy to beat the random generator. It cannot be done so don’t bother wasting your money.

The slot games are 100% random. There are a lot of different number combination possibilities. For example, if there are 10 different stops on a reel, there would be a total of 1,000 different combinations that you could end up with. The odds of getting a combination of 3 numbers is 1 in 1,000.

 

However, to put this in perspective, think about the odds of flipping a coin. If you flip it 100 times you have a 50/50 chance of getting heads or tails. However, if you do flip that coin 100 times, it is highly unlikely you will get exactly 50 tails and 50 heads. The same applies to the numbers created by the generator.

Random number generators have been used in online gaming for many years. They help to ensure fair gameplay and increase your trust in a casino. Nobody wants to play on a machine that is fixed. You want an equal chance of winning. They are a lot more complex than you realise and the ones you find on leading online casino sites and in big name casinos are always tested before they are installed.

Playing on a slot machine is 100% luck and 0% skill. There are no ways to cheat the system.