Introduction
Online casinos have a lot to do in order to earn players’ trust. The internet is home to scams and fraud, making it a dangerous place for the uninformed and reckless. Since players are handing over their hard earned money to someone they can’t see face to face or may know little about, they aren’t crazy for wanting to make sure that their experience is both safe and fair.
Traditionally online casinos have used RNG algorithms to determine the outcome of games. Many players are reassured knowing that outcomes aren’t manipulated through RNG certificates, digital proof from a third party confirming the true randomness of algorithm and game outcome.
But not all RNGs are created equal, and neither are the certificates.
Other players see RNGs as “black boxes” since the algorithms cannot be viewed and verified by the players themselves, hurting the level of trust between them and online casinos.
Crypto casinos are bringing about their own ways of operating and building trust. In such a competitive marketplace, casinos have to do everything they can in order to stand out, including building that precious trust.
Crypto and blockchain have brought a lot of innovations with them, including “provably fair” games. This algorithm allows players to verify the randomness of game outcomes for themselves to ensure no manipulation took place using blockchain technology.
This has totally changed the landscape of online gambling, pushing more and more players to use crypto in order to play. Developers and casino operators have responded utilizing this technology as players look for more assurance of fairness in their games.
We’re going to explain in detail how RNG works, what “provably fair” games really are and how they work, their differences from RNG games, what games to look for, and how to check the fairness of games for yourself.
What Is RNG (Random Number Generation)?
RNG is software built to replicate randomness of games by way of an algorithm.
Each new instance is given a random “seed” number and goes through the code multiple times over to produce a new random number based on the same seed. The software of the game then attaches each number to a specific symbol or result which the software will display on the interface the player can actually see.
Even when a player is not playing a game, the RNG software is continuously producing randomized results each second, leading to unpredictable outcomes for players. When a player actually hits play, the RNG uses the most recently generated number and shows the ensuing result on the screen.
Despite the age of the underlying technology, RNGs remain the most popular choice in determining outcomes for online casinos and are used for multiple games, including slots, dice, and card games.
Players should be aware of the differences between Pseudorandom RNGs and True RNGs.
Pseudorandom RNGs (PRNG)
This is what we have discussed and what online casinos use as the basis for determining their game outcomes. While all outcomes are essentially predetermined, the vast amount of outcomes generated means players will randomly land on one of thousands, simulating the randomness of the casino games.
They are not truly, mathematically random because the algorithm’s process remains the same. You could technically predict the outcome of the game if you knew the seed, but that is hidden from players.
True RNGs (TRNG)
These are typically used for cybersecurity and cryptography. A physical specialized device is used to generate random outputs based on measurements of some kind of natural processes, like electrical noise, or the interactions between them.
Are RNG Games Fair?
Any licensed online casino will be required to have its game’s RNG vetted for actual fairness by an auditing service, verified with a certificate. It’s important that RNGs are certified so that online casinos are prevented from manipulating games while building trust and reputation with their player base.
Different authorities will have different requirements for what constitutes correct testing procedures. Be sure to check your casino’s licensing authorities site for what their rules actually are. Some may be more strict than others, which can be a risk factor.
Third party auditors undertake extensive testing by evaluating factors like the actual code, seeding, outcome distribution, potential biases, and other technical elements. In addition, RNGs must go through periodical testing to ensure standards are continuously upheld.
If RNG Is Certified What Are The Issues?
Players can’t actually see the algorithm and seed generation for themselves. It’s still a “black box” for players in that you have to trust the algorithm used is fair and that the auditor’s testing is comprehensive.
Some casino operators keep outdated RNG certificates on their page to maintain the image of trust, but it’s not a good sign for players if there’s any potential for altering or manipulation of the algorithm.
Remember, each authority has its own guidelines, so some certificates may not be based on equally thorough testing.
This was something players had to accept: until now.
What are “Provably Fair” Algorithms?
Provably fair algorithms and games are made up of three things
Randomness
Immutability
Player Verification
Like RNG algorithms, “provably fair” algorithms generate random seeds, but they generate two seeds: one for the server, and one for the client.
There is an important distinction from traditional RNG algorithms to remember: provably fair algorithms introduce a hashed seed, or a seed that becomes rearranged and encrypted. The original server seed is private until after the game, and instead players see the hashed version of the seed beforehand.
During the game both the hashed server seed and player seed combine with each other to yield a “provably fair” and verifiable result. The algorithm also generates a nonce number that starts at 0 or 1 and increases with each game to keep it unique.
Since the algorithm uses blockchain technology, that means the outcome and record of the game are immutable (unable to be altered) before the outcome is revealed. Without getting too deep into it, blockchains record transactions and then reconfirm the transaction on its ledger, making it extremely hard to manipulate the outcomes, if at all.
Whereas fiat players must rely on an online casino’s certificate and word, “provably fair” algorithms let crypto players independently verify the outcome of a given game for themselves. While the algorithm is still random, similar to RNGs in fiat casinos, a record of the input and result seeds are produced for players and stored permanently on the blockchain, published by an automated smart contract.
What Do Provably Fair Algorithms Mean For Crypto Players?
Trust is built with transparency, instead only relying on reputation, as players can see the original server seed attached to a unique game identity, instead of being in the dark about what the algorithm actually produced.
Now, there is no longer a question of fairness since crypto players can actually see the random input and results after the game while also having the agency to verify for themselves.
This approach in algorithms signals new potential for more confidence between players and casinos, with a more direct approach in the relationship instead of having different regulators and auditors arbitrate the legitimacy of a game.
When no oversight authority is present, probably fair games become the basis of legitimizing that trust.
For a lot of players, online casinos entail giving up important private information, but the use of crypto lets users keep their anonymity while still playing games. More and more provably fair games are becoming available for players to bet on, leading to more variety and enjoyment when using crypto.
“Provably fair” gaming is something only possible with blockchain and smart contract technology while still being relatively new, so let’s clear up some possible confusion.
How Provably Fair Works Step-by-Step
There’s a ton of options for provably fair games, but I’ll use Classic Roulette by OneTouch Games as an example to understand how these games work.
Let’s assume you already have your wallet set up and money deposited so we can get straight into using provably fair features.
Once you’re in the game, go to the side tab for extra options and look for the provably fair tab.
Click on the provably fair tab which will give you the hashed server seed for the casino and the client seed for the player. Provably fair games will let clients use their own seed if they prefer. This affects how the games “shuffle” their results.
The encryption closes the result of the game (what number it lands on) to prevent interference from both the casino and player.
Now for the fun part, place your bets as you see fit before clicking spin. During the bet and game, a few things happen. A nonce is assigned to the game round to make sure that each game is unique and player actions are recorded.
Then the server seed, client seed, and nonce are put together and hashed again to produce a pseudo RNG outcome of the results resulting from the shuffle. These are the results that become recorded onto the blockchain.
Once you get the outcome of the game, go back to the provably fair tab, where you’ll see the rest of the information needed to verify the game. You’ll be able to see the revealed server seed as well as the shuffles.
We’ll put our values and seeds into the corresponding sections of a “provably fair” calculator tool (I’m using Provfair’s here) to make sure the game was indeed fair! Make sure your calculator verifies either SHA256 or SHA512. Most games use SHA256. Cross reference all of the values given to make sure they match.
Each casino and game will likely have its own variation on the steps outlined above, but the basic process remains the same. Crypto casinos using provably fair games properly will make it easy for players to access the information and tools needed to verify the outcome of the games.
Don’t be afraid to use external tools to do so!
RNG vs Provably Fair—Pros & Cons
Now that you understand how provable games work compared to RNG games, let’s go over the pros and cons of each to help you decide what kind of games you should choose.
Pros of RNG Games
More game variety, with plenty of pre-existing options since RNG games have been around for as long as online casinos have existed.
Good RNG games have audit certificates from third parties licensing from governing authority. There are many reputable auditors such as eCORGA and iTech Labs.
More stability in payouts, not as dependent on crypto volatility or network issues when using fiat.
No crypto needed, you can play RNG games with regular fiat currency.
Pros of Provably Fair Games
There’s more transparency since players can see the seeds used and their output after a game ends.
Neither the casino nor player knows who wins until after they are combined to produce the result, so it’s actually fair.
Blockchain technology prevents the record of transactions from being altered or manipulated.
Users can audit blockchain records on the site to ensure the transaction history is correct.
No need to rely on operator honesty or certification when you can verify the legitimacy of the result for yourself.
Cons of RNG Games
You still have to put trust in casinos and certificates. There’s no real way for players to actually see for themselves the raw results of the seeds used.
Not all RNG certificates are created equal.
Unregulated casinos that claim RNG having certification could be home to manipulated or unfair odds.
The transaction speeds are going to be slower, dependent on your bank and payment methods
Cons of Provably Fair Games
Provably fair games are only available with crypto.
Many provably fair games are unregulated or unlicensed by a governing authority. Thus, you are putting your trust in the algorithm and blockchain.
Actually verifying the fairness of the game can be dependent on the game and interface.
Some provably fair systems casinos use are closed, meaning players can only verify the results within their site.
Each type of game has their benefits and downsides, so make sure you consider your level of trust and privacy you expect when playing on an online casino before sticking to one type of game over the other.
What Games Use Provably Fair or RNG Algorithms?
You should be aware by now that not all games on an online crypto casino are actually provably fair, many games are traditional RNG. Any provably fair game will offer the hashed seed and the client seed in its setting or information panel. RNG games will not offer the same information to the player.
Crash Games
Crash games are relatively newer and are a popular form of provably fair gaming, getting their start on crypto casinos before finding their way to fiat and RNG based casinos.
The game is relatively simple: Place a bet on a multiplier, hopefully hit more multipliers, and cash out before the bet crashes.
The exciting part is deciding when to cash out on a multiplier or wait for a bigger one while trying to predict when your bet “crashes out” on screen. The speed of the gameplay varies from seconds to minutes, making it a popular choice for fast paced gameplay.
Most strategy for this game is found in sizing your bets to endure swings in over rounds. These types of games generally have a house edge of one to three percent, making it one of the better games to play from a pure numbers standpoint.
Slots
Slots are one of the most common types of provable games available to crypto players today. Many slots on crypto casinos use the provable algorithm to determine spins, bonus features, wild symbols, and hit rates to make the entirety of the experience enjoyable and verifiable for the player.
Slot players, and all players for that matter, should note that the provable fairness of the game does not affect the return to player (RTP). Slot games are still volatile by their nature, so whether RNG or provable, choose a slot that has your preferred RTP and betsizes.
You should be sure to check that the specific slot of your choice uses a provably fair system, as many casino operators offer both RNG and provably fair slot games.
Table Games
Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker games are all classic table games that are offered on many crypto casinos using provably fair systems. Players will be familiar with the rules of the games and how to play, but will also be able to verify the legitimacy of the outcome.
Some operators will host their own provable version of the game while also hosting game providers’ versions based on RNG, letting players choose between the two. Always check the information tab in any game interface to make sure you are playing your preferred choice.
Other Common Games
Dice, plinko, keno, and mines are other common games for both provable and RNG games. All games have their own strategies, and a lot of game providers offer variants with special rules and bonuses.
Each game might have slightly different ways of using provably fair algorithms, but the three elements of randomness, immutability, and verifiability should all be included to make a game “provably fair”. Be sure to check the information panel for details on how each game uses these elements.
What About Live Games?
This includes table games and game shows with live dealers being filmed. They have become popular in recent years for those looking to get a more in person feel. They can be exciting forms of the games we all know, and more social with chats for players.
However, most live tables don’t really use either algorithm, since they are using the same tables and cards found in a physical casino.
If live tables do use an algorithm, it is RNG. But live dealer games should play like more traditional experiences, especially in games like blackjack, where shoes are typically seven decks, instead of potentially thousands in RNG.
This could change in the very near future as crypto and blockchain become more integrated with online casinos’ infrastructures.
Players get a sense of security and trust from these experiences since they can see the gameplay in real time. If this sounds more like your speed of gaming, there are plenty of great live online casino games to check out.
I don’t have the space to list all of the new provably fair games for crypto casinos here, but they are part of an exciting evolution in online gaming. Any solid provably fair game should provide a brief explanation of their process during each round in the information panel.
Don’t neglect learning the details of each game you want to play to assess whether the game is worth your money or not.
Checklist to Verify Casino Fairness for Players
With so many options for casinos and games, it can be confusing trying to decide where and what you should be playing. After all, it’s your money.
Here’s a comprehensive checklist for provable games to make sure you’re playing the way you want.
Check for a “Provably Fair” games page. Since provably fair games are such a big innovation and attractive to players, casinos that use it will likely promote it on their site.
For each individual game, check the information panel. If it has a provably fair tab, it will show the encrypted server seed and the client seed. If it’s traditional RNG, it will likely say so. If not, assume it is traditional RNG.
If it does have a provably fair page, try the demo before depositing any money to play. You can use the same steps I used to see how to actually verify the game. Good sites should let you use external calculators to check the result offsite.
Do your research on the casino site. Many sites will have overviews of game selection, accepted crypto, deposit and withdrawal speeds, as well as specific policies. You can check out our reviews for research on the best provably fair crypto casinos.
Research the operator of the casino for their reputation and how they handle issues like complaints and payouts.
Look for the operator’s licensing authority, regardless of RNG or provably fair games, Trustworthy online casinos should have their authority’s site and license on the page with an ability to check the validity of the license. If any of the documentation is out of date, err on the side of caution and look into other potential options.
Look for their RNG certification. This is especially important if you decide on sticking to traditional RNG options. Take into consideration who the certification comes from and find their website to see how they conduct audits.
make sure you read the terms of service on each casino’s site if there are bonuses in “provably fair” or RNG games, while also checking for any KYC requirements. Some bonuses will have a wagering requirement for them to be considered valid.
Conclusion
Let’s review some of the key differences between RNG and provable games.
Provable games are based on crypto and blockchain technology, offering more transparency to the players and independence in verifying the fairness of the outcome, both important parts of trust that online casinos look to establish with their user base. Since these games are verified by blockchain, there’s no need for an auditor to verify the fairness of the game and its outcome. However, your options may be limited when compared to RNG games.
RNG is the traditional mechanics that determine the outcome of many games hosted today. You may find it more convenient to stick to RNG games if you want selection. However, you are putting trust into the casino operator and their documentation. RNG games do not let you partake in the verification process to determine if outcomes were manipulated. Thus you are depending on the integrity of the operator, their RNG certificate and the auditor’s methodology and routine.
Online casinos with outdated certification can be a risk and should be a red flag.
As always, do your research before depositing money and playing at any online casino.
Check if they have licenses, certification, and good history with online communities.
Read the casino’s terms of service and policies to make sure you are able to deposit and withdraw in an appropriate manner.
See if casinos using crypto have provably fair games, then look for the individual provably fair games.
Remember: Just because games are “provably fair” does not guarantee that the outcome will be in your favor. Always check games’ information tabs to see what their RTP is and if it is right for you.
Gambling is still gambling: wins and losses can be very volatile if you aren’t bankrolling your games properly. Always gamble responsibly and assess your own personal risk every step of the way.
I’ll leave it up to you to decide what types of games are right for you, but provable fairness is here to stay for crypto casinos. The integration of blockchain has made game to game betting a much more assured and transparent process for many crypto players, and the demand for more of these games is indicative of the impact it’s having. Expect more and more casinos and game providers to integrate provably fair games with their selection in the near future.
Not sure what games are right for you? Check out our guide to choosing the best crypto games. If you’re careful and want to keep you and your crypto safe when gambling, read our guides on avoiding rigged casinos and scams.