RNG Myths: Are Online Casino Games Rigged?
How random number generators (RNGs) actually work, why “hot” and “cold” slots are a myth, how games are tested, and what fairness really means for your bankroll.
That means: you’re not “owed” a win, the game doesn’t remember you, and long-term the math still favours the casino.
What Is an RNG?
An RNG – random number generator – is software that constantly produces a stream of numbers that are as unpredictable as possible. Each time you spin a slot or deal a hand, the game uses the current RNG output to decide the result.
Key points:
- It runs continuously in the background, even when you’re not clicking.
- Each spin/hand takes a “snapshot” of whatever number the RNG is on at that moment.
- The mapping from numbers → symbols/cards is fixed by the game design.
If the RNG is implemented and tested correctly, each outcome is independent and unpredictable within the game’s rules.
Common RNG Myths (and the Reality)
On a properly designed RNG slot, each spin is independent. The game doesn’t “store” how long it’s been since a big hit. A long losing streak doesn’t make a win more likely on the next spin – that’s the gambler’s fallacy in action.
If a slot advertises 96% RTP, that’s a long-term average over millions of spins, not a promise that “this particular session will give back 96%”.
In regulated environments, game math (RTP, volatility, paytable) is usually fixed in the code and approved by a testing lab. The operator can’t just “turn a dial” in real-time because someone is having a good run.
What changes is your perception: after a big win, normal variance feels “bad” by comparison. You notice cold streaks more because you’re emotionally invested.
The RNG doesn’t track your account’s history. When you stop and return later, you’re just sampling a different point in that constant stream of random numbers. There’s no “memory” to clear, and no “pattern” to break.
Your bet size affects potential payout size, not the underlying probabilities. The RNG picks a result first; then your stake determines how much you win or lose on that result. It can feel personal, but the code doesn’t care whether you bet $0.20 or $20.
Both online and land-based casinos can use RNGs and both can be regulated and tested – or not – depending on jurisdiction. The key is not “online vs offline”, but whether:
- The operator is licensed.
- The games are supplied by reputable providers.
- Independent labs test and certify the RNG and payout tables.
How RNGs and Games Are Tested
In regulated markets, game providers submit their software to independent testing labs. These labs:
- Analyze the RNG algorithm and its implementation.
- Run huge numbers of simulated spins / hands.
- Check that long-term outcomes fit the advertised RTP and rules.
- Verify there are no obvious biases or predictable patterns.
You’ll often see logos or mentions of testing companies and regulators in the footer of licensed casinos. While you can’t personally verify the code, using sites that are properly licensed and audited is far safer than anonymous, unregulated operations.
What You Can Check as a Player
- Is the casino licensed by a known regulator?
- Are game providers recognizable (not generic, unknown clones)?
- Do games list RTP and rules clearly?
- Does the site have a visible “Responsible Gambling” section and tools?
See also: Responsible Gambling & Help Resources
RNG vs House Edge: What Fairness Really Means
“Fair” doesn’t mean “even odds between you and the casino”. It means the game behaves according to its published math.
- The RNG ensures outcomes are unpredictable and match the probabilities built into the rules.
- The rules (paytable, number of symbols, etc.) are chosen so the casino has a built-in edge.
- Over time, the average result trends toward that edge, even if short-term sessions swing wildly.
For example:
A 96% RTP slot is designed so that, over a very large number of spins, it pays out about 96% of all money wagered. That still means a 4% “house hold” long-term.
To see how different games compare, and which ones cost you less in the long run, check:
Practical Takeaways for Real Play
Once you understand RNGs and house edge, the smart move is not to hunt for “rigged vs lucky” games, but to:
- Choose games with lower house edges when possible.
- Understand RTP & volatility if you play slots.
- Set clear bankroll and session limits.
- Avoid chasing losses or believing you’re “due” a win.
- Use licensed, regulated casinos only.
Healthy Mindset
Instead of:
“The game owes me after this cold stretch.”
Try:
“This game is random and has a built-in edge. My job is to decide how much time and money I’m willing to spend on this entertainment – and stop when I hit that limit.”
If You’re Still Worried or Feeling Out of Control
If you find yourself obsessing over whether games are rigged, constantly checking histories, or repeatedly chasing losses “because it has to turn”, it might be less about the RNG and more about how gambling is affecting you.
Helpful next steps:
- Take a break and use limits or self-exclusion tools.
- Read Tilt Control & Session Rules to manage emotional decisions.
- Visit Responsible Gambling & Help Resources if gambling no longer feels like light entertainment.
Gambling101 is an educational and affiliate site. We may earn a commission from partners at no extra cost to you, but we’ll always recommend treating gambling as paid entertainment – and stepping away entirely if it stops feeling safe or fun.