How To Understand A Random Number Generator in Slots

There is a big misconception that ‘recreational’ players do not need to understand the maths that goes into gambling. While they might not need to have a predictive algorithm like a lot of players use with sports betting, they should understand the fundamentals of gambling maths before they place any bets. This is evidently the case even in the simplest of casino games like slots – by understanding the basics of how these types of machines work, you will be better equipped to place bets in your online casino of choice.

Another thing to note is that regardless of your skill level when you enter a casino whether it be online or land-based, you must understand the basics of the games that you are going to play before you play them. If you want to become a high-level player, regardless of your game of choice, the dynamic is irrefutable. The more you understand the maths behind your chosen game, the better placed you are to play.

RNG – Random Number Generator

In slots, the random number generator (RNG), is king.  All this is now done with a computer chip and isn’t just exclusive to slot games; it is also a feature in video poker machines and keno machines as well.

So here’s how it works. As the name suggests, the RNG has only one purpose, and that is to generate random numbers. It does this consistently; It will generate numbers in a fraction of a second and then it will continually repeat the process, regardless if the machine is being played or not.

This is a crucial distinction to what most people think. The misconception is that when a player pulls the handle or hits spin, the machine will only then generate the number to determine, whether or not the player has won on that particular bet. In actuality, what happens is that the RNG supplies the machine with whatever random set of numbers it has produced at that particular moment, as we said the numbers are dropped 24/7.

What this means is the process is an entirely separate entity to the game that is being played. The RNG supplies the game with a random number, and the game itself will interpret and express that number in slot symbols or other games like keno numbers or poker cards. It also means that the game is entirely random. The casino does have the math in their favour, and they will never rig a game to take money from players. All regulated casinos will have to abide by the laws that are covered in their gambling licence; otherwise, they will be shut down.

What this means for slots players

What this means for every slot player is that the game won’t react and change based on how much you have won or lost in your session of play. It won’t know if you are down to your last bet or if you are up thousands of pounds.

The most important thing to take away from this information is that a few common myths have been busted. No matter how many times you spin a slot, the algorithm will never change. Even if the jackpot has just been won or you have 5p left your odds will always be the same. The only thing that helps you understand how much you might get back is to look at the RTP of a slot game. We have an article detailing what RTP and what it means here for you to read over.