What is RNG in Poker Software and Why Your Game Needs It?

Have you ever wondered how online poker games maintain fairness and unpredictability? The answer is a Random Number Generator (RNG). For poker players, the assurance of an unbiased and secure poker gaming platform is very important. While several factors contribute to a platform’s integrity, RNG certification stands out as a cornerstone of trust.

RNG ensures that every shuffle, deal, and card distribution is entirely random, upholding fair play and fostering player confidence. But what is RNG in poker? And how does it impact and determine the popularity of your online poker platform?

What Does RNG Mean in Poker?

RNG, at its core, represents the fairness parameter in online skill-based games, such as poker. Random Number Generation algorithm is used to produce unpredictable number sequences.

In online poker games, RNG is applied to simulate the randomness of card outcomes. This includes shuffling and dealing cards, which mimics a human dealer.

Unlike the physical poker game, online poker platforms have an advanced algorithm to make deals, analyze hands and showcase results. The randomness of RNG ensures that no player, system or third-party entities can either predict outcomes or give unfair advantages to certain poker players. In other words, RNG poker software is the foundation for maintaining trust and principles in online poker platforms.

How Does a Poker RNG Work?

RNG operates by generating unspecified number sequences. This advanced system works by forming complex algorithms where each card is assigned a specific number. When the cards are shuffled and dealt, the advanced algorithm produces results that can’t be predicted.

Let us take a look at how the algorithm works step by step:

Step 1: First, individual cards in a deck are assigned a unique value. These values form the basis for the randomization process.

Step 2: The RNG then generates random numbers with a cryptographically secure algorithm (a CSPRNG). Creatiosoft uses Fortuna, designed by cryptographers Bruce Schneier and Niels Ferguson, with AES in counter mode (AES-CTR). Because it is cryptographically secure, past results can’t be used to predict the next card.

Step 3: Fortuna is seeded from several sources of unpredictable data (entropy), such as the operating system’s entropy source and changing system data like memory, CPU and disk activity. It keeps collecting fresh entropy and re-seeds itself continuously, so its output never falls into a repeating cycle.

Step 4: The RNG is then tested by an independent lab. iTech Labs reviewed the source code of Creatiosoft’s RNG, ran Marsaglia’s Diehard tests on 160 million bits of its output and chi-square tests on shuffled 52-card decks, all against the UK Gambling Commission’s Remote Gambling and Software Technical Standards. It found the card sequences unpredictable, non-repeatable and uniformly distributed, certified the RNG and fingerprinted the certified code.

Step 5: During play, the server uses these random numbers to shuffle the full deck before every hand. Cards are dealt from the server, so players’ devices never see undealt cards.

Why is RNG Crucial?

– Impartiality and Unpredictability

RNG systems work by eliminating all possibilities of predictions and external manipulations in an online poker platform. Without a reliable RNG system, online poker gaming presents multiple risks that may lead to unfair advantages or manipulations. Integration of RNG in poker platforms ensures that every shuffle and ‘deal’ is unpredictable and fair. This gives poker players the confidence that every hand dealt is free from influence.

– Trademark of Trust

RNG certification is the biggest hallmark of trust in online gaming. As the poker industry places high importance on credibility, poker players are more likely to choose a poker platform that guarantees randomness. It gives them confidence in the fair gaming laws observed by the poker platform.

– Commitment to Transparency

RNG certification is a crucial step for skill-based games such as online poker. Poker platforms acquiring it often gain a competitive edge. It shows a commitment to transparency and fairness and, thus, attracts more poker players. In other words, with an RNG certificate, your poker platform can be established as reliable.

– Mitigating Security Risks

Without RNG, your platform is vulnerable to manipulation by hackers or unethical players. By ensuring randomness, RNG software acts as a robust defense against such threats.

– Industry Standard Compliance

RNG certification is a prerequisite for operating an online poker platform under many jurisdictions and gaming regulators. However, as RNG certification is an important compliance component, only independent testing laboratories approved by those regulators are recognized.

How To Acquire Poker RNG Certification?

Though the market is flooded with many independent testing agencies, RNG is considered valid only when the certification is done by an independent testing laboratory approved by the regulator. These testing agencies thoroughly evaluate the software’s randomness and compliance with global gaming standards.

Internationally recognised testing laboratories for RNG include:

1. iTech Labs
2. eCOGRA (stands for eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance)
3. Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
4. BMM Testlabs

These organizations are widely acclaimed for using strict testing protocols to ensure RNG algorithms meet the set standards of fairness, transparency and security. Upon certification approval by any of these labs, your online poker platform will be allowed to display the certification logo.

RNG Certification Cost

RNG certificate pricing depends on several factors like:

Complexity of the software — The more complex the algorithm system, the higher the testing and certification fees associated with it.

Type of certification — Some agencies offer comprehensive testing modules, while others may focus on specific components of the algorithm like security or randomness.

Testing agency — Not every certification body has the same certification fee charges. The choice of regulatory testing agency can also determine the cost of RNG certification services.

Typically, the certification process involves a one-time testing fee. Periodic audits and re-certification requirements based on international regulatory standards can also have additional costs but the upfront investment benefits your poker rng software in the long run.

Choosing the Best RNG Certified Poker Software

Needless to say, RNG certification by a reputed testing agency can magnify your online poker platform’s presence among poker communities. Naturally, the integration of a reliable RNG system into your poker platform is paramount. To get your hands on the best RNG-certified poker provider, here are a few factors that should be considered:

Experience determines everything! Choosing a poker platform provider with a proven track record in developing reliable RNG poker platforms will work to your benefit. Avoid association with poker platform providers who do not have solid industry experience.

The quality of testing is another critical factor that you must observe! Ensure that your poker software provider offers an RNG system that can be certified by top agencies like iTech Labs or GLI.

Choose a provider whose RNG is already certified by an independent lab, such as iTech Labs.

RNG algorithms are highly advanced automated systems that may need support. Thus, reliable customer support is crucial for maintaining the RNG system in case of any technical issues.

To Sum it Up

Understanding what RNG is in poker and its significance is key to creating a successful poker platform. Poker RNG certification adds credibility to your platform and gives players a clear reason to trust every deal.

At Creatiosoft, the RNG that shuffles and deals cards on our platform is certified by iTech Labs, and we’re happy to show the certificate on a call. The same platform runs real-money poker for 10+ live operators. You can read how the shuffle fits into the wider stack on our technology page, or see what comes with our white label poker software.

Originally published on the Creatiosoft Poker blog.