The online gambling market has achieved some incredible feats since it was first introduced. One of the most impressive achievements is the billions that go into the industry every year. Today, iGaming is popular enough to compete with its land-based counterpart. Many even believe that the new industry might overtake its predecessor soon.

When discussing iGaming, most bring up slots. While the classic casino games are the foundation on which online gambling is built, they are far from the only option that gamblers have nowadays. However, apart from the deeply immersive live experience at online casinos today, most online gambling games run on a random number generator. 

The RNG algorithms are the cornerstone of online casino entertainment. Without them, it would be impossible to replicate the feeling of randomness and chance that we’ve come to identify with gambling. Because of their significance, it is important that we understand their significance in the gambling industry. That is why we’d like to go over some of the most common ones used in iGaming. 

What are RNGs?

As one can guess, a Random Number Generator (RNG) is a software capable of producing random numbered results when triggered. The great thing about RNG algorithms is that they are capable of producing a vast amount of sequences per second. What is more, each of the sequences is completely random. But, how is the tech used in online casinos?

Most gambling websites use what we’d call pseudo-RNGs. The major difference is that pseudo random number generators don’t require any sort of access to external data in order to work. Instead, there is a seed number that works in tandem with a complex algorithm, producing the random results that we expect. The results in this case is a sequence of numbers, each tied to a specific game, in a specific way.

Because of the fully random nature of the RNG, players can rest assured that the games at online casinos work as intended. What is more, gambling sites are taking cyber security more seriously than ever. In an era when cybercrime continues to be a problem, understanding the basics of how to fight back is more important than ever. iGaming companies understand that, and have dedicated a good portion of their funds to combat external attacks. 

The Popular RNGs

Understanding the basic concept of a random number generator is a good start. But, there are plenty of gamblers who might be interested in further probing this topic. The next question on many people’s minds might be; what are the most common RNG algorithms used by online casinos? In the digital age that we inhabit, gambling sites are spoiled for choice. But, there are some that stand above the rest. 

Among the algorithms available today, the three most common ones are XORShift, Mersenne Twister, and LCG. Some might already be familiar with the programs mentioned. But, in case you are new to the industry, we are going to discuss each one individually, and give you an idea of how they work.

XORShift

XORShift generators are often called shift-register generators. They were invented by the American mathematician and computer scientist George Marsaglia. The cool part about XORShift RNGs is that they don’t require excessive use of sparse polynomials, rather they generate numbers in a sequence by taking the exclusive or (XOR) of a number, and its bit-shifted version. Thus, the name XORShift is perfect. 

XORShift RNGs are among the fastest pseudo random number generators in the business, which makes them perfect for online gambling. Players can expect fast results with each spin of the reel, even when the website has reached the peak of traffic. The issue is that XORShift RNGs don’t always pass the statistical test. However, computer scientists and developers have found a solution in combining them with non-linear functions, significantly improving their reliability. 

Mersenne Twister

Developed by two Japanese mathematicians in 1997, the Mersenne Twister was created with one goal in mind; to address the issues most commonly associated with other pseudo RNGs at the time. Named after the Mersenne prime, this algorithm places that number at its center, using it as a period length. Today, Mersenne Twister is one of the most popular RNGs, used as the default by some of the most popular programming languages and software developers in the world. 

Some have criticized the Mersenne Twister as outdated. After all, it emerged in the late 20^th century. Technology has come a long way since then, especially digital tech. Others continue to praise the PRNG as being the first to address some of the most common issues with random number generator algorithms of its era. Its continued use by many companies to this day stands as a testament to the algorithm’s quality. 

Linear Congruential Generator

Linear Congruential Generator (LCG) is the final RNG that we are going to be discussing in this article. By using a piecewise linear equation, the LCG is capable of yielding pseudo-randomized number sequences and calculations at a fast pace. It is one of the oldest methods of randomized number generation, and the LCG is among the oldest PRNGs that is still being used today. The success of LCG lies in its simplicity. The theory behind them is easy to grasp, and their implementation can be done at no time at all. 

Linear congruential generators are fast and require little memory to operate. Naturally, they are valuable for simulating multiple independent sequences simultaneously, which is imperative in the realm of iGaming. Furthermore, LCGs require relatively small moduli to function. When used in tandem with a large enough state, they can solve some pretty difficult statistical tests. 

What Games Require RNG?

Finally, we’d like to give you an idea of what online casino games require Random Number Generators, and which ones don’t. Slots are built on RNGs, and they cannot function without them. The same is true for virtual versions of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and even poker. However, when a living human dealer is involved, RNGs become unnecessary.

The dealers in live casinos use physical cards or other accessories. Thus, there is no need to program these games using any sort of algorithm. The dealer simply shuffles the cards, and then deals them out to the players who are participating from the chat.

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