Sweepstakes Casino RNG Explained: Fairness & How it Works

What is an RNG?

An RNG, aka a random number generator, is an algorithm that produces random results. RNGs aren’t exclusive to the sweepstakes casino gaming industry. However, they’ve been adopted by software developers to ensure their games are fair.

Every sweepstakes casino game you play, from slots to scratchcards, is powered by an RNG. The only exception to this rule is, of course, live dealer casino games. However, if you’re playing an animated game, the results you see on screen are produced by an RNG.

What’s the Point of RNGs?

Random number generators mimic the processes used by land-based casinos to ensure fair results. For example, when you play roulette in a land-based casino, you’ll see the croupier drop a ball onto a spinning reel.

This process is random because the croupier can drop the ball at any point. From there, the ball bobbles around the wheel of its own accord until gravity takes over and it drops into a numbered slot. It’s virtually impossible to predict where the ball is going to stop.

A sweepstakes online casino RNG uses mathematically-driven algorithms to replicate this process. That’s why the top sweepstakes casinos have games powered by RNG technology.

RTP vs. RNG

You may have seen the initialism RTP attached to sweepstakes online casino games. We’re not going to explain the nuances of RTP in this article, but it’s worth touching on what it means.

RTP stands for Return to Player. It’s a statistical value that represents your expected long-term return. For example, if a sweepstake slot has a 97% RTP, it means you can expect to get back 97 cents for every dollar wagered.

Surely a game can’t be truly random if we know it has a fixed long-term return? While that’s an understandable assumption to make, it’s incorrect. It’s incorrect because games can still be random with a fixed RTP.

They’re random within a framework. By that, we mean the results will converge on an expected return over millions of trials. That’s the framework. Within that framework, the results for each individual trial will be random.

There’s no way of predicting the outcome of a trial based on the RTP value. That’s because the RTP is an average calculated over millions of trials. The RTP for each spin of a slot, for example, won’t necessarily reflect the game’s long-term RTP. Therefore, RTP values don’t affect the role of RNGs in sweepstakes casino gaming.

How RNG Works in Sweepstakes Casinos

Sweepstakes casino RNG algorithms produce random sequences of numbers from an initial seed value. Here’s how these processes interact to create fair outcomes:

Step 1: Seed Generation

The process of generating a random sequence of numbers begins with a seed value. The seed value is generated by a random event, such as the moment you place a bet or the time of day.

The seed value must be created this way to ensure no two sequences are the same. So, if you tap the spin button on a slot at the same time as someone else, the seed values will be different. As long as the seed values differ, the sequence of numbers produced will differ.

Step 2: Number Generation

Once the seed value has been created, it’s put through a series of complex mathematical equations and operations. The result of these equations and operations is a sequence of random numbers.

These mathematical operations must be sufficiently complex to ensure the sequences are not only random but also unpredictable. This is one of the things an RNG auditor company tests.

Step 3: The Results

The sequence of random numbers gets converted into actions. For example, if you’re playing a sweepstakes slot, the numbers are converted to symbols. These symbols can be aligned in one of two ways: a non-winning combination or a winning combination.

The same goes for other sweepstakes casino games, such as blackjack, roulette, and crash games. Casino software turns random numbers into onscreen actions that mimic what happens in a live casino game.

Step 4: Re-seeding

Seed values change over time to prevent predictability. This is known as re-seeding. All legit sweepstakes casino RNGs have re-seeding protocols built into their algorithms.

Step 5: RNG Testing

Testing doesn’t happen while you’re playing games, but it’s an important part of the process we’ll discuss in the next section. Testing ensures that algorithms are fair from the start and haven’t been tampered with.

Who Tests RNGs?

Independent auditors test RNGs. These companies are subject to the same laws and regulations as their casino counterparts, which means they’re legally bound to remain impartial.

This means any irregularities are noted by the testing agency and reported back to the software provider. If the irregularities aren’t addressed, the information is passed on to a gambling authority that can stop the game from being released.

The three big names in the casino RNG testing world are:

These three companies operate slightly differently, but they all have the same aim: making sure RNGs produce fair results. Here’s how they do it:

Software developers must contact a testing company. They do this because regulators require games to be certified as fair by independent auditors.
The auditor reviews a selection of compliance documents before starting its tests.
Once the documents have been processed, the auditor examines the RNG’s source code. Any known weaknesses are identified at this stage, along with various baseline protocols, such as the way seed values are generated.
After assessing the source code, the auditor used the RNG to generate raw numbers. These numbers are put through a diehard test, which is a set of tests designed to verify the legitimacy of each sequence.
The final stage of the process is a chi-square test. This test compares a statistical hypothesis to the results generated. Put another way, the RNG’s results are compared to the statistical norms expected for the game in question.

If an RNG passes these checks, the auditor issues a certificate of fairness. This certificate is date-stamped and, in most cases, subject to regular re-tests.

Common Myths

The games you play at top-rated sweepstakes casinos such as Stake.us and LoneStar are just as fair as the games you play in land-based casinos such as the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

We’ve explained why that’s the case, but there are people out there who still misunderstand the role of RNGs in online casino gaming.

Here are some of the common myths about RNG sweepstakes casino games and why they’re wrong:

RNGs Can Be Rigged → False

RNGs must be tested before they’re certified and used in games available to the public. It’s almost impossible to tamper with source code. However, to eliminate any chance of this, auditors conduct re-tests.

Slots Are Due For a win → False

This myth is based on the assumption that RNGs are rigged, which you now know isn’t true. Slots do have theoretical long-term return rates (RTPs), but that’s very different from saying the results are predictable.

Legit RNGs ensure that predicting the outcome of a single spin is impossible, which means you never know when wins are going to hit, even if you know the game’s RTP.

RNGs Can Be Timed → False

The mathematical operations used by RNGs make it virtually impossible to predict the sequence of numbers it produces. If you can’t do this, you can’t time an RNG and predict when games are more likely to pay.

Casino Staff Can Change RNG Outcomes → False

The games available at sweepstakes online casinos typically come from third-party software developers. For example, Zula Casino has slots from EvoPlay, Booming Games, Slotmill, and dozens of other software providers.

The people at Zula HQ didn’t make these games, and they don’t have access to the RNG source code that powers them. That’s why members of a casino’s team can’t change the outcome of games.

Benefits of RNGs

RNGs recreate the conditions you get in a land-based casino, which makes your online gaming experience feel authentic. More importantly, RNGs ensure online sweepstakes casino games are 100% fair.

This allows you to play your favorite online sweepstakes casino games safe in the knowledge that everything is above board. Because of this, you can focus on having fun and winning prizes at the top sweepstakes casinos.

Sweepstakes Casino RNG FAQ

Can RNGs be rigged?

In theory, RNGs can be rigged, but the RNGs used by legit sweepstakes casinos and software providers are completely fair. Although it’s possible to tamper with the source code, RNGs in the sweepstakes casino world are tested by independent third parties. That means any faults are identified, and only fair RNGs get approved.

Who verifies RNGs?

Random number generators (RNGs) are audited by third-party companies such as GLI, iTech Labs, and eCOGRA. These companies have been around for more than a decade and specialize in putting RNGs through a series of rigorous tests to ensure they’re completely fair.

Does RNG mean games are luck-only?

RNGs are used for games of chance, such as slots, roulette, and blackjack. Their algorithms mimic the processes used by land-based casinos to ensure results are completely random. RNGs can also be used for skill-based games, such as poker, to ensure cards are dealt fairly.

Are RNGs used in all sweepstakes games?

No, RNGs aren’t used for live dealer sweepstakes casino games. Live games are controlled by dealers and croupiers trained to ensure each betting round provides a random result. All of this takes place in view thanks to HQ webcams. Only digital sweepstakes casino games use RNGs.

Do sweepstakes casinos publicly share RNG certificates?

Yes, you can find RNG certificates posted on the websites of certain sweepstakes casinos. You can also find out which testing agency a casino and its software providers use. Testing agencies have public databases you can search through for certificates. Alternatively, you can contact the company and ask for details of when RNGs were tested and if they’ve been certified as fair.

References

Daniel Smyth

Sweepstakes Content Expert 14 Articles

Daniel Smyth has been an authority on all forms of betting and gaming for over 15 years. Starting in the poker world as a player and writer, he now focuses on educating people all aspects of iGaming.

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