Online bingo has come a long way from traditional halls, and one of the main tools that made the shift possible is the random number generator or RNG. If you’ve ever wondered how numbers are selected in online bingo games, or how fairness is ensured in every game, RNG technology is the answer.
ROLE OF A RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR (RNG) IN ONLINE BINGO
By reading on, you’ll learn exactly what RNGs are and why they are so important to the player experience at Paddy Power Bingo.
SO WHAT IS A RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR EXACTLY?
Let’s start with the basics. An RNG is a computer algorithm used to produce an unpredictable sequence of numbers. This type of algorithm is used in almost all online casino games, including slots. In bingo, this sequence is used to choose the numbers that are drawn and then automatically marked off bingo cards.
Unlike traditional bingo, where numbered balls are physically drawn from a machine or manually by the caller, online bingo games use RNG software to generate these numbers instantly. This ensures that results are entirely random and unbiased.
WHY IS A RNG SO IMPORTANT IN ONLINE BINGO?
You might be wondering why all the fuss about RNG. Can’t the number just be drawn like in the old days? Well, no, in the world of online gaming random number generators are relied on for several key reasons.
- Fairness and Trust – In traditional bingo, players can see the balls being drawn. There is an inherent sense of trust because the process is visible to all. Online bingo is different since players cannot see the balls pop out of the machine. Using RNGs ensures that the numbers picked are just as random as those chosen by a machine.
- Compliance and Regulation – Online bingo operators, such as Paddy Power Bingo, are subject to strict regulations. As a licensed platform, we must ensure that the RNGs used to operate our games meet industry standards and undergo regular testing by independent auditors. This ensures that our games are always fair and random.
- Speed and Efficiency – With RNGs in use, there’s no need to wait for physical balls to be drawn or numbers to be announced manually. The software is capable of generating numbers in a fraction of a second, making your online bingo experience faster and smoother.
HOW DOES RNG WORK IN ONLINE BINGO?
Now that we know why RNG is important for online bingo games, let’s look at how it actually works.
Random number generators are essentially software embedded into the game’s coding. Every time a new round of bingo begins, the RNG kicks into action. It generates numbers from a set range, such as 1 to 75 in 75-Ball Bingo, and these numbers are displayed through an animation on your screen.
It’s worth understanding that RNGs are constantly running the background of any game, even when no one is playing. This helps maintain the randomness of the sequence, ensuring that no one can predict the next number to be called.
ARE RANDOM NUMBER GENERATORS REALLY RANDOM?
One of the most common questions from players is whether RNGs are truly random. After all, a computer program isn’t the same as a human drawing numbers from a machine, right?
While it’s true that RNGs are based on algorithms, the sequences they produce are sufficiently random for gaming purposes. Most modern RNGs are classified as “pseudo-random”. This means that while they follow a set algorithm, the numbers generated are practically impossible to predict.
To put it simply, it would take an immense amount of computing power and time to try and predict a future outcome based on previous results.
The UK Gambling Commission requires all licensed online bingo operators to use certified RNGs that meet stringent standards for randomness. These systems are regularly tested by independent agencies to ensure they deliver fair results to players.
HOW RNGS ENSURE FAIRNESS FOR PLAYERS
Fairness is key in any game of chance and random number generators are the backbone of fair play at Paddy Power Bingo. Without them, players could never be sure that the numbers are truly random. Here’s how RNGs keep everything on the level:
- Independent Testing – To be licenced in the UK, bingo sites must use RNGs that pass rigorous testing by independent test labs. These agencies verify that the numbers generated are truly random and that the software cannot be manipulated.
- Auditing and Compliance – RNGs are regularly audited to ensure they comply with the regulations set out by the UKGC. This includes verifying that the software cannot be tampered with.
DO RANDOM NUMBER GENERATORS AFFECT THE TYPES OF BINGO GAMES AVAILABLE?
Absolutely! RNGs can generate numbers for any game format, so they allow Paddy Power Bingo to offer a variety of bingo variants. Whether it’s 80-Ball, 90-Ball, or even innovative formats like Slingo, RNGs can handle them all.
The flexibility of random number generators means that developers can get creative with the types of games they offer. This is why you find themed bingo rooms, progressive jackpots, and a wider variety of game options online compared to traditional bingo halls.
ONLINE BINGO RNG FAQS
WHAT IS AN RNG IN ONLINE BINGO?
An RNG, or random number generator, is a computer algorithm used to generate random numbers for online bingo games. This software is commonly used to ensure fair and unbiased results in online casino games, including slots and table games.
HOW DO RNGS ENSURE FAIRNESS IN BINGO ONLINE?
RNGs are regularly tested by independent and certified test labs. These agencies ensure that the numbers generated are completely random and cannot be predicted or manipulated.
ARE ONLINE BINGO GAMES AS FAIR AS TRADITIONAL BINGO?
Yes, online bingo games at Paddy Power Bingo use certified RNGs that guarantee randomness. This makes all our games totally fair and random.
THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO SAFER GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
