This post is syndicated by the Las Vegas Advisor for the 888 casino group. Anthony Curtis comments on the 888 article introduced and linked to on this page.
A.C. says: This article addresses one of the most discussed topics relative to machine play: How does the random number generator (RNG) create results? While the fact is that it really doesn’t matter in terms of strategy considerations for players, the workings of the RNG have always been of major interest for one reason, which is how it affects the timing of jackpots. This article explains when the RNG stops and how that affects jackpots, bringing home the reality that when you walk away from a machine that immediately pays a jackpot to the next player, it almost certainly wouldn’t have hit for you had you played longer.
This article was written by Jerry Stich in association with 888Casino.
Random Number Generator Explained
The random number generator (or RNG) is the heart and brains of all modern electronic casino games. This article explains how the random number generator works. It also tries to clear up some myths and misconceptions. Read on to learn more about this simple yet complex piece of slot machines, video poker, and keno games in every casino.
A random number generator is a computer algorithm contained on a microchip inside a slot machine or video poker or keno machine. It has the simple function of generating a number between 0 and about 4 billion (4,000,000,000). It does this continuously, hundreds of times a second. It functions 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as long as there is power.
Because the RNG is programmed it technically is not random. Rather it is a “pseudo-random number generator” (PRNG). This is because the series of numbers must start somewhere and is actually predetermined.
Did I understand that there is NO skill in playing Video poker and all results are determined by the RNG?
very interesting.i’m older now so mainly go to Atlantic City casino.in one i go to they removed the machine i liked to play,jokers wild progressive.i asked the ceo why,he said because they didn’t make money for their casino much on them.i see they took out and replaced some other video poker machines too with regular slot games.i see now why because they can’t rig the vp games with the rng.when i’m not in a casino i’m at home playing lottery.but,since i won a few times,now i don’t win,so,can the lottery be rigged against winning,in certain states,stores,etc. or are they random?
Laws require them to be random. Nothing is cheat-proof, but it’s unlikely that you’d be cheated in a state-run lottery, except for the ridiculous take-outs.
John, there is a lot of skill involved in playing video poker, but the RNG determines what cards you are dealt. Once you get those cards, the skill is in playing them correctly to maximize your expected return, along with choosing the best paytables to play to begin with.
I would be curious as to the situation found in racinos where a bingo system is in play specifically as it relates to BJ. I know the VP machines are predetermined and sometimes this is enforced via a “genie”.
On the BJ machines how could they predetermine a win since a user could hit a 20, etc.?
If it’s Random, how do they control payouts to meet state gaming payout regulations in some states such as Nevada? I believe it is random but there has to be more to it then just being totally random. The casino already knows what the odds are before they sit a slot machine out on the floor. So does the Nevada state gaming control board.
BTW: Just a guess but maybe the number combinations a random selector has to choose from?
Law requires random, but pseudo-random is acceptable . Is it possible to explain , in the most layman terms possible, how a random number generator can be programmed to pay 99.73% of the time? I understand that the pseudo can be programmed to pay different % payback, but 2 questions. Number 1 how?, number 2 why are they allowed to call it RNG , when it’s pseudo rng?
THe number 2 question’s answer is probably the state legislature.
The RNG and the PAYOUTS are two separate concepts. RNG is determined by mathematical formulas that pass statistical tests of randomness. Payouts are set by the casinos and have nothing to do with the RNG. For example, consider the following game:
a machine requires you pay 100$ and then you are dealt one card from a standard deck of 52. If the card is black ,the machine returns $199.60 to you. If the card is red, you get back nothing. The RNG says you get back 199.6 half the time and 0 half the time . So, the payout is such that the machine returns 99.8% on average.
The fact that the numbers generated by a RNG are pseudo random and can be determined by mathematical formulas is immaterial. They still pass all the statistical tests of randomness.