How the random number generator (RNG) works in slots
1. Purpose of RNG
RNG provides a completely unpredictable and independent result of each spin. Without a high-quality RNG, any slot model could be compromised, which threatens both the integrity of the game and the reputation of the operator.
2. Components of a random number generation system
1. Hardware entropy source
Thermal noise of resistors, power fluctuations, quantum noise.
Continuous collection of raw random bits.
2. Entropy conditioning unit
Deletion of repetitions and statistical anomalies.
Enhancement of uniformity of distribution of source bits.
3. Pseudo-random generator (PRNG)
Algorithms (for example, Mersenne Twister, Xorshift, Fortuna) are initialized with a "grain" from a hardware source.
A sequence of bits is generated according to a deterministic formula, guaranteeing speed and low delays.
3. Algorithmic spin cycle
1. Initialization
When the machine is turned on or the game session starts, the PRNG receives a "seed" from the conditioning unit (usually 128-256 bits).
2. RNG Request
The game core, each time you press "Spin," asks PRNG for the required amount of random bits (usually 32 or 64 bits per reel).
3. Snap to reels
The resulting bits are divided into Rᵢ numbers.
For each reel, the position is calculated: Pᵢ = Rᵢ mod Sᵢ, where Sᵢ is the number of characters on the reel.
4. Result display
Symbols with Pᵢ positions are displayed.
The game core matches the combination with the paytable and calculates the winnings.
4. Setting up a mathematical model
RTP (Return to Player)
Specified by model parameters: symbol weights and the number of active lines.
Example: RTP = 96% means that on average, players return 96 ₽ per 100 ₽ of bets.
Volatility
Determined by the distribution of winnings: the frequency of small winnings versus the probability of large ones.
Regulated in conjunction with RTP: shifting rare symbol weights increases risk and potential gain.
5. Certification and Quality Control
1. Testing by independent laboratories
GLI, BMM, iTech Labs test RNG for statistical properties: uniformity, independence, lack of correlations.
2. Regulatory requirements
Each jurisdiction sets minimum RTP, maximum volatility, logging rules.
3. Logging RNG requests
The logs contain time, session, RNG calls, and received bits.
Stored for audit and dispute investigation.
6. Protection against manipulation
Software digital signature
Prevents substitution of algorithms and symbol weights.
Hardware intrusion sensors
When physical access is attempted, the machine locks and sends an alarm.
Link encryption
TLS/VPN for transferring logs and updates, excludes data interception or spoofing.
7. Features of modern implementations
Hardware RNGs in the SoC
Embedded in single board computers (ARM TrustZone RNG).
Separation of roles
Pure hardware RNG generates seed, and PRNG serves to quickly form a bitstream.
Update and OTA
RNG firmware is fixed during certification; updated only through a secure channel and with re-verification of the signature.
8. Example of a work cycle
1. The player bets → the game engine requests 3 × 32 bits from the RNG.
2. RNG returns bits B₁, B₂, B₃.
3. The indices of the symbols are calculated: Iᵢ = Bᵢ mod S, where S = the number of symbols on the reel (usually 20-30).
4. The spin result is generated, the win is calculated, the balance is updated.
5. Log calls and results for further analysis.
Conclusion
RNG in slots is a combination of hardware entropy sources and high-performance pseudo-random algorithms. Its architecture and certification process ensure integrity, compliance and anti-manipulation, and the mathematical model provides the stated RTP and volatility metrics.
RNG provides a completely unpredictable and independent result of each spin. Without a high-quality RNG, any slot model could be compromised, which threatens both the integrity of the game and the reputation of the operator.
2. Components of a random number generation system
1. Hardware entropy source
Thermal noise of resistors, power fluctuations, quantum noise.
Continuous collection of raw random bits.
2. Entropy conditioning unit
Deletion of repetitions and statistical anomalies.
Enhancement of uniformity of distribution of source bits.
3. Pseudo-random generator (PRNG)
Algorithms (for example, Mersenne Twister, Xorshift, Fortuna) are initialized with a "grain" from a hardware source.
A sequence of bits is generated according to a deterministic formula, guaranteeing speed and low delays.
3. Algorithmic spin cycle
1. Initialization
When the machine is turned on or the game session starts, the PRNG receives a "seed" from the conditioning unit (usually 128-256 bits).
2. RNG Request
The game core, each time you press "Spin," asks PRNG for the required amount of random bits (usually 32 or 64 bits per reel).
3. Snap to reels
The resulting bits are divided into Rᵢ numbers.
For each reel, the position is calculated: Pᵢ = Rᵢ mod Sᵢ, where Sᵢ is the number of characters on the reel.
4. Result display
Symbols with Pᵢ positions are displayed.
The game core matches the combination with the paytable and calculates the winnings.
4. Setting up a mathematical model
RTP (Return to Player)
Specified by model parameters: symbol weights and the number of active lines.
Example: RTP = 96% means that on average, players return 96 ₽ per 100 ₽ of bets.
Volatility
Determined by the distribution of winnings: the frequency of small winnings versus the probability of large ones.
Regulated in conjunction with RTP: shifting rare symbol weights increases risk and potential gain.
5. Certification and Quality Control
1. Testing by independent laboratories
GLI, BMM, iTech Labs test RNG for statistical properties: uniformity, independence, lack of correlations.
2. Regulatory requirements
Each jurisdiction sets minimum RTP, maximum volatility, logging rules.
3. Logging RNG requests
The logs contain time, session, RNG calls, and received bits.
Stored for audit and dispute investigation.
6. Protection against manipulation
Software digital signature
Prevents substitution of algorithms and symbol weights.
Hardware intrusion sensors
When physical access is attempted, the machine locks and sends an alarm.
Link encryption
TLS/VPN for transferring logs and updates, excludes data interception or spoofing.
7. Features of modern implementations
Hardware RNGs in the SoC
Embedded in single board computers (ARM TrustZone RNG).
Separation of roles
Pure hardware RNG generates seed, and PRNG serves to quickly form a bitstream.
Update and OTA
RNG firmware is fixed during certification; updated only through a secure channel and with re-verification of the signature.
8. Example of a work cycle
1. The player bets → the game engine requests 3 × 32 bits from the RNG.
2. RNG returns bits B₁, B₂, B₃.
3. The indices of the symbols are calculated: Iᵢ = Bᵢ mod S, where S = the number of symbols on the reel (usually 20-30).
4. The spin result is generated, the win is calculated, the balance is updated.
5. Log calls and results for further analysis.
Conclusion
RNG in slots is a combination of hardware entropy sources and high-performance pseudo-random algorithms. Its architecture and certification process ensure integrity, compliance and anti-manipulation, and the mathematical model provides the stated RTP and volatility metrics.
