In Gaming Laboratory International’s (GLI) latest webinar, the panel highlighted the importance of Random Number Generators (RNG) and how pivotal it is to effectively test this technology.
Beginning the webinar – which was moderated by Maria Wong, General Manager of GLI Asia – Lorenzo Nardini, Senior Math Analyst and RNG Specialist at GLI, discussed the basics of RNG products, and GLI’s role in ensuring these products are suitable for market use.
An RNG, Nardini explained, is a ’computer system or device that provides random results for games’. However, the process of utilising and launching RNGs is rather more complex, as ‘most countries in the world require an independent tester, such as GLI, to assess that the RNG is suitable’.
Problems associated with RNG’s are primarily a result of difficulties with the algorithm, such as if it has not been seeded or properly implemented. Nardini emphasised scaling bias has a core potential problem, identifying the importance of RNG testing to ensure algorithms are implemented effectively.
‘Game suitability’ can be another issue, as algorithm’s must ‘foresee all possible outcomes’ for intended gaming applications. Again, Nardini reiterated that if seeding is not properly performed, this challenge can emerge, emphasising the need for robust testing of RNGs.
Additionally, Nathan Chang, Technical Manager of GLI Asia, detailed the multiple uses of RNG, specifically the central role the technology plays in all games-of-chance offered by betting operators, such as roulette and dice based games, in addition to lotteries and slot titles.
Both Chang and Nardini also placed a heavy emphasis on the importance of verifying RNG, and highlighted potentially hurdles in achieving this, with Chang noting: “We have seen in some cases that when games software and RNG are combining together, it affects the verification procedure of the RNG when the games software is updated, even when the RNG remained unchanged.”
