The move to online play has seen many classic casino games turned into digital versions, with players able to access them from devices like their laptop, smartphone or tablet. Thanks to technology behind the scenes, these games can replicate the random chance of using physical playing cards, dice or Roulette wheels.
If you’re wondering quite how online casino games work, then read on, as this guide sets out the tech driving these games and how they maintain principles of fair play as well as data security.
The random number generator
If there’s only one thing to understand about online casino games, it’s the random number generator (RNG). These are the computer algorithms that drive most of the events of the games, ensuring that all outcomes are entirely random and impossible to predict.
But how do RNGs work? Well, in any given second, the algorithm generates a random sequence of potentially thousands of numbers, with each of those corresponding to a different playing card, dice face, pocket on the Roulette wheel or symbol on the slot reels.
When the player initiates a game action the RNG will use the sequence of numbers from that particular instance to determine the outcome. This way nobody knows what the outcome is going to be and all players have the same odds at all times – keeping the game entirely fair and the playing field level. Whether you’re spinning the reels or playing a hand of Baccarat, the result is determined the moment you make your move, not by anything you or anyone else can influence.
Before any RNG can go into use it needs to be audited and tested by an independent authority, who will then regularly check to ensure that it continues to perform as intended. So, all players can rest assured that online casino games are transparent and fair with their odds.
Data security
Another important aspect of online casino platforms is the matter of data security, especially with sensitive financial data. Any sites regulated by recognised authorities – such as the UK Gambling Commission or Gibraltar Regulatory Authority – must comply with strict guidelines on security and data handling.
In practice, online casinos utilise advanced encryption technology to ensure that data is transmitted securely and cannot be intercepted or accessed without authorisation. The level of encryption used is on par with that used by banks and other financial institutions, so players can rest assured that their data is being handled with care.
Return to player and house edge
For a slightly less technical perspective, it’s also good to understand how the house edge and return to player (RTP) percentage work.
The house edge is present in every casino game, representing the built-in advantage that the platform has over players. It doesn’t make the games unfair – it just makes sure that they are slightly more weighted in the casino’s direction on the whole.
RTP is essentially the opposite. It represents the percentage of wagers that a given game is expected to return to players over time, such as 97 out of every 100. But this figure is worked out over very long terms, so it is more of a guide than any guarantee of short-term outcomes.
With a combination of advanced technology and strict regulation, online casinos ensure that all their games remain both fair and balanced for all players.
