While there is still a sizable number of people who enjoy playing slots at physical casinos, this is no longer the only option for playing and enjoying these games. Modern technology applied to gamingand gambling has made it possible for players to enjoy their favourite casinogames wherever they are as long as they have a compatible device and an internet connection. The success of online casinos as well as their ability to keep their slot games fair and enjoyable hinges on random number generators (RNGs). Old slot game models had mechanical parts and used physical reels. When a player placed their wager and pulled the handle or lever, the wheels would start spinning and the printed numbers or symbols shown when the reels stopped determined the outcome.
Today’s slot games do not use mechanical parts and instead use random number generators. These can either be a microchip as you would find in many physical casinos or an algorithm in the case of online slots.
These chips or algorithms generate numbers between one and several billion or another large number depending on how they are set. The number determines when and where the reels stop once they are spun. This makes online slot outcomes unpredictable and random.
Random number generators keep online slots fair because everyone has roughly the same chance of winning, although a casino can set its RTP and volatility to alter the odds of winning for everyone. This helps keep the games fair.
RNGs have also made it possible and easier for developers to create more interesting and different slot games. If you visit any reputable online casino, you will find hundreds of online slotsto choose from. The RTP is the percentage of funds returned to players in the long term. They are usually set as a percentage. An RTP of 85% RTP is expected to return an average of 85 pence for every £1 wagered. It is nearly impossible to produce perfect randomness on a computer and this is why RNGs produce what are known as pseudorandom numbers. Although these numbers can seem random, they are determined by a number known as a seed. Developers can adjust the RTP by modifying the seed so there is a higher chance of winning at a specific game. To ensure a consistent RTP, many casinos ensure that the RNG can only produce numbers in a given range. Casinos can then track the RTP to find out if their random number generator is working as expected. Although there is no way of knowing when a slot machine is “hot” (likely to produce a win), we know that timing is critical. Because the RNG is always producing numbers, a delay of a few milliseconds in pressing the button or pulling a lever can be the difference between a big win and a small one.
Random number generators are used in different technological and computing applicationsin different industries, but they find a lot of use in the casino industry. Apart from slots, they can also be used to determine the outcome of other games where random selections determine wins.