Players often express assumptions that games are rigged. It’s understandable, as it’s difficult to maintain neutrality after enduring prolonged losses. However, having knowledge of how everything works may reduce such thoughts.

The heart of every online casino game is the RNG (Random Number Generator), more specifically, the PRNG (Pseudorandom Number Generator). The PRNG is based on specific formulas that are designed to produce random values. These random values are then assigned to symbols on the slot machines, so players see beautiful graphics on the screens rather than just numbers.

It is this PRNG that ensures fair gameplay for both players and casino operators. It’s important to note that casinos are just users like players. Developers do not have access to their settings; For example, m88 bookmaker,they simply provide the opportunity to host the game on their website and accept bets. All processes take place on the servers of the developer itself.

Is it possible to compromise a PRNG?

Yes, in theory, it is possible. However, it would be extremely difficult as the generation methods used are far from basic. For the protection of developers’ interests, the sequences are designed to be undetectable, and the algorithms employed are kept undisclosed. Here is an in-depth explanation of how PRNGs function, which will give you an understanding of the potential scenarios.

There is at least one confirmed instance where exploiting the algorithmic operations provided an advantage to a player. A Russian individual named Alex purchased a Mark VI slot machine from Aristocrat and successfully deciphered its random number generation mechanism.

Consequently, he was able to accurately predict when the system would generate numbers associated with significant payouts in a real casino. This case, which came to light in 2011, is a relatively recent example. Further details regarding this case are discussed in the accompanying article.

Pseudorandom Number Generator

By default, online casinos often refer to RNG, which stands for Random Number Generator. However, in most cases, this is not an accurate definition of what is used in online gambling. A more precise term would be PRNG, which stands for Pseudorandom Number Generator. What is the difference between the two? Let’s find out.

There are various methods for generating pseudorandom numbers, and they all essentially utilize some mathematical formula to obtain the results. A certain seed is taken into account.

To have a clearer understanding of what we are discussing, let’s break down the early methods of generating pseudorandom numbers. This is the simplest and most direct method, invented by John von Neumann in the 1940s. It involves taking a four-digit seed, squaring it, and extracting the middle four digits from the resulting number. Then the process continues.

For example, squaring 7839 gives us 61449921. This would be the result for one round of the game. We then square the middle four digits of 61449921, which gives us 20241001, the result for another round. This process continues, and after 20241001, we obtain 5764801. If we have a seven-digit number, for the next iteration, we take the second to fifth digits.

As you can see, if you know the seed and the mathematical formula, you can determine what results will be generated. To increase the difficulty for potential hackers, the seed is changed periodically. For example, a series of numbers derived from one seed is terminated, and a new seed, such as 1649, is introduced. Hackers would then need to determine the seed once again.

The method devised by John von Neumann is not used because it is too simplistic and cannot generate a large number of random numbers. It quickly falls into what is known as a cycle, where calculations can no longer proceed. For instance, the number 23000000 generates four zeros when squared, and the cycle continues with more zeros indefinitely. If such a cycle occurs in a winning combination, the casino would undoubtedly suffer significant losses.

True RNG

According to authoritative analysis by m88, this technology generates true random numbers. There are no patterns involved, making it impossible to predict the results. It is not just software but an independent machine that is connected to casino games to ensure random outcomes.

To achieve this, a TRNG is used in conjunction with external sources of entropy. Entropy refers to unpredictable elements. For example, a TRNG can utilize sound card noise to establish a baseline or CPU clock counts, temperature, and more.

The challenge is that a true RNG is much more expensive than a PRNG, requiring additional time and resources for setup and configuration. It also produces results at a slower rate. Therefore, in most cases, the random number generator in casinos does not produce truly random outcomes. Hence, in theory, compromising a casino is possible, but it would be highly challenging. It is something that an ordinary person wouldn’t even dream of. Winning a jackpot might be easier.

PRNGs also have their drawbacks. Issues like the problem of completing a cycle, as seen in methods like the square method, are common. Additionally, each consecutive number depends on the previous one until the seed is changed.

What algorithms do developers use?

According to two iTechLabs reports from 2012 and 2015 provided by m88, the developer NetEnt uses the Fortuna algorithm. This algorithm is based on constantly changing entropy sources, such as computer mouse movements and cooler noise. It generates unpredictable numbers that cannot be determined.

On the other hand, Igrosoft states that they use the standard Mersenne Twister (MT19937) GCF algorithm. This algorithm is widely used and known as one of the most common PRNGs in modern times. However, it’s important to note that there are various variations of this algorithm, and not everyone necessarily uses the exact same method.