If you have ever wondered why some spins in online slots bring a win and others do not, it is worth understanding how Random Number Generators (RNGs) work. It is this mechanism that is responsible for the unpredictability of results. It’s built into every game and guarantees fairness, whether you’re playing on a mobile app or on a site like odin-valhallarising.com.
What an RNG is and Why It is Needed
A random number generator is a software algorithm that creates sequences of numbers without any apparent logic or patterns. The pseudo-random generator (PRNG) is mainly used in online slots. It works based on formulas and a starting value (seed), such as the time on the server or other parameters. Although PRNG is formally predictable, when properly implemented it provides a high level of randomness.
There are also hardware random number generators (TRNG) based on physical processes like atmospheric disturbances. But they are hardly ever used in online slots due to technical complexities and costs. PRNGs are much easier to use and still meet licensing and integrity requirements.
How PRNG Determines the Result of Each Spin
The generator’s operation is simple but reliable. The algorithm starts with a seed value and continuously generates millions of numbers per second, even when the player does not press the spin button. When a spin starts, the system takes one of these numbers and converts it into the results on the screen – symbol placement, winning lines and payouts.
The numbers themselves are not displayed, they just serve as an internal code that “tells” the slot which symbols to show. Thanks to this, each spin is independent of the previous one, and players get an equal chance of any outcome.
This means that even if the slot has just given away a big win, the probability of a new combination falling out remains the same.
Why You Can’t Predict or Guess the Outcome
One of the key properties of PRNG is the independence of each outcome. Neither winning nor losing series changes the probabilities of subsequent spins.
Sometimes you can hear myths about “hot” and “cold” slots, which supposedly can be calculated from the history of spins. This is a misconception. All officially licensed slots are tested, which confirms their complete randomness and lack of patterns. Even if someone knew the algorithm, they would need access to the server and the current seed, which is excluded thanks to the casino’s security system.
Who Checks the RNG Performance and How It Affects Players
In order for players to be assured of fairness, generators are audited by independent labs – such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs or GLI. These organisations run tests to check randomness, evenness of distribution and tamper-proofing.
The results of the tests are publicly available on the websites of the game providers or casinos. If a slot has an RNG certificate from a well-known laboratory – it means that you can be sure that its algorithms work honestly and meet the stated conditions.
In addition, auditors make sure that the claimed RTP (Return to Player) corresponds to the actual results of a long distance game.
How RNG, RTP and Volatility are Related
It is important to realise that RTP is calculated over a distance of millions of spins. This means that a short playing session can be either successful or unsuccessful, and this does not disturb the generator in any way.
Volatility (or dispersion) shows how often and how much the slot gives out wins. It is also laid in the RNG algorithm and affects the dynamics of the game.
Myths about Hot and Cold Slots: Why It Doesn’t Work
One of the most common myths is an attempt to catch the moment when the slot supposedly starts to give out winnings more often. In practice, this is impossible.
PRNG does not take into account the history of spins. If the slot paid out big wins, it does not mean that it will become “cold”, and vice versa. Each spin starts from scratch, this is the main thing to remember for everyone who plays.
That’s why strategies to catch up after a series of losses or catch a wave are just an illusion that has nothing to do with the real work of the algorithm.
Why Honest RNGs Work Consistently
The algorithms used in RNGs, such as Mersenne Twister or other cryptographically secure generators, have been proven for years. They provide a high level of unpredictability and stable performance.
In addition, many game developers use a combination of hardware TRNGs to generate the seed and PRNGs to calculate the spins themselves. This enhances security and makes predicting the outcome almost impossible, even for developers.
Provably Fair: How a Verifiable Fairness System Works
Provably Fair is a technology that allows players to independently verify the fairness of each game round. It is based on cryptographic methods and is most often used in crypto-casinos and simple games like crash games or roulette.
The principle of operation is as follows:
- The casino generates a server seed and publishes its hash before the game starts;
- The player adds his client seed or uses a suggested one;
- After the end of the round, the server reveals the original seed and the player can check the match with the hash;
- In this way, it can be verified that the result has not been changed after the bet.
Provably Fair does not allow the casino to change the results after a spin, as the outcome is formed before the game starts.
This system is not yet common in classic online slots, but it is actively used in crypto-games. It enhances players’ trust due to complete transparency and impossibility of manipulation.
What is Important for the Player to Remember
If you want to be sure in the honesty of the slot, pay attention to several points:
- Casino licence and availability of RNG certificates;
- Specified RTP and independent verification of its compliance;
- Information about the provider and its reputation in the market;
- Realisation that every spin is independent and there is no way to influence the outcome.
Slots are entertainment and it is important to understand their mathematical nature. Play consciously, don’t fall for myths and always check the provider’s information.
