If you have been involved with online casinos for long enough, then chances are that you have heard of RNG or Random Number Generators. RNGs are a crucial part of online casino games as they are programs that generate the random numbers necessary for chance-based digital games.
There are two types of RNGs: the True Random Number Generator (TRNG) and the pseudo-random Random Number Generator (PRNG).
In this article, we will discuss what RGNs are in general and also help you understand the difference between TRNGs and PRNGs.
So, let’s get started.
What is a Random Number Generator (RNG)?
RNGs are a type of computer program that generates number sequences in a random order. Each second, RNGs produce a vast sequence of independent numbers that don’t follow any pattern.
These programs are responsible for providing a single or collection of numbers from the series when requested at any point.
On one hand, RNGs ensure that online casino games offer random results, and on the other hand, they ensure that no gambler can predict the possible number patterns to trick their way to winning a slot.
It also guarantees to the player that jackpot games are actually random, and not set up in such a way that it benefits the casino owner more than them.
What is a TRNG?
True Random Number Generators (TRNGs) use physical events that have random elements, like noise signals, to create random numbers.
The advantage of this mechanism is that it makes it impossible for an attacker to compromise the system because there is no way for them to predict the number sequence because of the inherent randomness of the physical event associated with it.
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What is a PRNG?
A pseudorandom number Generator (PRNG) uses algorithms to create a sequence of numbers that are based on a shorter string of numbers.
This shorter string is called a seed number and can sometimes be based on a physical or natural source, much like a TRNG.
Since the system is entirely digital and relies on a seed number and an algorithm, a hacker could try to access both to guess or reverse-engineer the values to analyze the sequence.
However, the chances of the attacker being successful in their ordeal are extremely low.
PRNG vs TRNG
Both PRNGs and TRNGs start predicting number sequences with a seed number. With RNGs, the system simply outputs a result as opposed to repeating itself like the PRNG.
This means it is impossible to predict the next number in any sequence produced by a TRNG.
Although PRNGs are also random, they are not as random in generating number sequences as RNGs. For instance, a PRNG cycle can only be changed with a new seed, and you could observe the pattern as the system repeats a cycle of numbers.
Using this, players can either raise or lower their bets after taking into account upcoming results.
As far as we know, no legitimate online casino uses PRNGs. They are used in some offshore unlicensed gambling sites that operate in unlicensed markets.
For example, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) does not approve any casino that uses a PRNG method. The state’s DGE license is only given to casinos under their domain that have TRNGs running on all software systems.
PRNGs are used in what’s called “social casinos” where tokens are offered instead of real money. In these casinos, players don’t earn money, instead, they end up collecting more chips as they play, which enables them to play more games.
Can You Trust A PRNG?
You need not worry about PRNGs because they aren’t used in real-money gambling. These generators are only found in social casinos where randomness isn’t the name of the game.
Although PRNGs are known to eventually repeat their number sequence, they offer a level of sophistication for beginners who are not dealing with real money, as they use only a certain level of randomness.
In the case of professional gamblers, they are not going to be playing at social casinos as there is no real money involved.
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Conclusion
Though PRNGs and TRNGs do appear to work similarly, they have their key differences.
In the former, the system starts to repeat its numerical cycle after a certain point, which gives gamblers a rare possibility of being able to find the beginning and end of the cycle.
This would help increase your chances of winning a jackpot as you will be able to predict upcoming results.
However, real money casinos can’t afford any security lapse, hence they stick with RNGs. There is no way any savvy gambler can take advantage of the TRNG system as their sequences are determined by real-time events and don’t necessarily follow any sequence.
Social casinos tend to use PRNGs because they don’t handle real money, whereas real-money casinos prefer TRNGs because of how bomb-proof they are when it comes to being unpredictable and keeping the game fair and square.