Random Number Generators

Random number generators, commonly abbreviated as RNGs, are the programmes that are responsible for determining the outcome of any given spin of a slot machine. Many players wonder how these work. When exactly does the Random number generator pick a random number and thereby determine the outcome? When a coin drops? When we hit the Start button? Or at some other point?

The answer is that the Random Number Generator spits out random numbers every millisecond, so there are literally thousands of random number sets per second. The particular set selected by the RGN determines the outcome of each spin. It does this at the precise moment when the first coin taps a sensor inside the slot.

This decision is not dependent on any factors of game play, such as how many coins are bet, whether the player is winning too much money, or whether he thinks really positive thoughts before pressing the start button. With all IGT games, when the “start deal” or “bet” button is pushed while playing credits, or the first coin is inserted, the randomly selected outcome has already been determined, and the machine just sits around for the next bunch of milliseconds waiting for you to decide what you'll do next.

Some players believe that the number of coins inserted into a machine somehow influences the outcome, but this isn’t the case. The outcome has been established before the first coin stops jingling. If you put in one coin and you get a royal flush or a mega-jackpot, you would have got that same royal flush or those three centre-line treasure chests if you had put in three or five coins.

The law requires that all slot machines have random outcomes, hence the almost universal use of random number generators. But beware – there are casinos operating in places that do not have such high-minded gaming regulations. Some cruise ships operating in international waters are examples of casinos not bound by such regulations. Swim with such sharks and you might regret it...

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