Players have always questioned the fairness of online slots. Are they really random? Are the outcomes as realistic as they are on a land-based slot?

The short answer is yes.

Online casinos use a Random Number Generator, which is usually abbreviated as an RNG. This is a computer program that is able to consistently produce a random and unique series of numbers every time it is used. The RNG’s used by online casinos determine the outcomes of thousands of Online Slots that are currently available. All outcomes today are determined by algorithm, a computer chip and an RNG. Software RNG’s apply to all online games including Roulette, Dice Games, Video Poker and most other Card and Table Games.

When it comes to randomness, both classic slots and the more advanced multi-lined video slots (including their bonus rounds) all have RNG’s constantly working to produce random outcomes and realistic results. The Random Number is in fact generated by a complex mathematical equation prior to producing a specific output.

A more in-depth look at how the Video Slots’ RNG works can be explained as follows: Most have up to five separate reels and each reel has approximately 50 individual symbols. Remember, there are more ‘lower’ valued symbols than there are jackpot (or other higher valued) symbols on each reel. Once a player hits spin, five random numbers are drawn by the program (one per reel). Each individual reel will then stop according to the random numbers that were selected by the RNG program.

Players will either win or lose and the system will quickly calculate whether the player has won or not when the last reel stops. Prizes will be instantly added to their balance. If the ‘Free Spins’ round is activated, the reels also spin using the same RNG process.

If a bonus ‘picking round’ is activated, the Random Number Generators may also kick into play, unless the bonus game is a game of skill. Occasionally the ones that you didn’t select are sometimes revealed to you to show you what you may or may not have won.

The classic 3 reel slots need less explanation as they have no bonus rounds and usually just have one to three winning paylines. The RNG works in exactly the same way as it would on any other sized slot.

Many people hold the myth that slots are on some kind of cycle. This is simply not the case. Each outcome is as independent and unique as the last. Many of the RNG’s used by online casinos are frequently tested to see that the results are fair. There is not one RNG for all casinos. Percentage payout will vary a small fraction from one online casino to the next. Players can generally trust the integrity of an online casino and it’s RNG especially if they have been certified by Technical Systems Testing (TST) or have been approved by the e-Commerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA).