Random number generators (RNGs) are a big part of online gambling, computer security, statistical sampling, cryptography, and other key areas involved in technology — but how do they actually work? You can discover the answer to this in the following RNG guide.
Where Are Random Number Generators Used?
Random number generators are used in countless places in 2023. Here are some of the most popular examples:
- Gaming and gambling
- Cryptography
- Cryptocurrency wallets
- Scientific studies
- Mathematics
When it comes to the online gambling world, RNGs are especially important. When people play games like casino slots online (but only through legitimate, licensed sites like Spin Casino, whose wide array of games are actually regulated and use RNGs properly), RNGs provide the random numbers that are required for the luck-based aspect. Essentially, they ensure that online casinos can’t influence the gameplay in their own favor (hence why it’s important to only ever play through officially licensed and reputable platforms). Instead, everything is equal, fair, and (most importantly) random. Random numbers are produced at large without any sort of predetermined pattern, which is ultimately all that matters.
Let’s think more about online slot games for a second. If you have a 3-reel online slot machine and each reel has 3 symbols, the RNG will create a value of 1-3 for each of the 3 reels. Then, when 3 random symbols land together to make a winning combination, the player will win.
Aside from gaming and gambling, RNGs are also used in other key areas. Here’s a detailed look at the main ones.
Machine Learning
You’ve heard of machine learning (ML) before, right? This is the use of computer systems that are able to learn without following specific instructions. Face ID (facial recognition) is a good example of machine learning.
A lot of the time, random numbers are required in machine learning. This works by the generator being initialized with a ‘seed’ (the starting point number) so that the RNG can then start to create random values from it. As this happens, the RNG will follow a specific algorithm.
Cryptography
In order for passwords and other important online digital data to be encrypted, the generation of random numbers is necessary. This is why RNGs are often used by companies to keep their account holders’ accounts safe.
Cryptocurrency Wallets
Over the past 10 years, cryptocurrencies have exploded in popularity. In a nutshell, cryptocurrency is a digital type of currency that you store using a crypto wallet. Encryption keys for crypto wallets are calculated using RNGs, which ultimately helps to keep people’s cryptocurrencies safe.
Music Streaming
When you want to shuffle songs or play entirely new songs at random on music streaming platforms, RNGs are used. For example, if you have an album you really like but you only want to play random songs from it (rather than listening to the album front-to-back), then your music streaming app will use its random generator to do this.
Summary
Moving into the future, RNGs will continue to be a huge part of modern technology.
Whenever you play in any online casino, RNGs will be functioning in the background to ensure that the games you’re playing, whether it’s online roulette or online slots, provide you with a completely random and luck-based experience.
Similarly, RNGs will also continue to be used in other areas, such as the fast-growing world of cryptocurrencies. With the help of RNGs, crypto owners will be able to continue storing their cryptocurrencies in crypto wallets without having to worry about hackers and cybercriminals.
