What do the experts say about video poker?
They say that poker machines have Random Number Generators. That means that every spin has a random chance of what’s going to come up. Here is how they explain that:
1. What is a Random Number Generator (RNG)?
An RNG is a software algorithm designed to generate a sequence of numbers that do not display any discernible patterns. In the context of video poker, RNGs are used to simulate the randomness of shuffling a deck of cards, making sure that each deal and outcome is unpredictable and independent of previous hands.
There are two main types of RNGs used in gaming:
• True Random Number Generators (TRNGs): These rely on physical phenomena (e.g., radioactive decay or atmospheric noise) to generate randomness. However, most video poker machines do not use TRNGs due to the complexity and cost of the hardware.
• Pseudo-Random Number Generators (PRNGs): Most video poker machines use PRNGs, which use mathematical algorithms to generate sequences of numbers that mimic true randomness. While these numbers are not truly random (because they are generated by a formula), they are sufficiently unpredictable for gaming purposes.
2. How RNGs Work in Video Poker
In a video poker machine, the RNG is constantly running, even when the machine is not being played. It continuously cycles through millions of possible card combinations every second. The moment you press the “Deal” button, the RNG selects five cards from a virtual deck to deal to you, simulating the first five cards you would get in a physical poker game.
For video poker, a virtual deck of 52 cards (or 53 if using a joker in games like Joker’s Wild) is “shuffled” by the RNG. This means that every card you see on the screen is selected randomly, and there’s no way to predict or influence the outcome based on past hands.
3. RNGs and the Draw
After the initial deal, the cards you discard are replaced by randomly drawn cards, again using the RNG. These replacement cards come from the remaining deck of 47 (or fewer if jokers are involved) virtual cards that were not part of the initial deal.
Importantly, the RNG does not adjust based on the current game state—it simply continues to generate random numbers that correspond to cards in the deck.
4. Fairness and Certification
To ensure fairness, all video poker machines are regulated and tested by independent gaming commissions or third-party testing labs. These organizations verify that the RNGs used in the machines are:
• Fair: All cards or outcomes have an equal chance of being drawn.
• Unbiased: The RNG does not favor the casino or the player in an unfair way.
• Unpredictable: Players or outside parties cannot predict or manipulate the sequence of numbers.
Regulated machines use cryptographic algorithms in their PRNGs to ensure results are as close to random as possible.
5. Misconceptions About RNGs
There are a few common misconceptions about how RNGs work in video poker:
• Previous hands don’t matter: The RNG is constantly cycling through numbers, and each hand is independent. A string of bad hands doesn’t increase your chance of a good hand next time, and vice versa.
• No memory: Video poker machines do not have memory. They do not track whether you’ve won or lost previously to adjust the game’s difficulty. Each deal is a fresh, random event.
• No way to time the RNG: Some players believe they can “time” the deal by hitting the button at a specific moment, but because the RNG cycles through numbers so quickly (millions per second), it’s impossible to predict or influence the outcome by pressing the button at a certain time.
6. The Role of RNG in Double Double Bonus Poker
In Double Double Bonus Poker, the RNG plays the same fundamental role as it does in other video poker variants. However, because this game has a special payout structure (with bonuses for certain four-of-a-kind hands, especially when accompanied by specific “kickers”), the RNG indirectly determines whether you land one of these lucrative hands.
However, the payout structure and odds of hitting these bonus hands are still calculated based on the game’s underlying probability, which the RNG mirrors. Even though you might aim for hands like four Aces with a kicker, it’s still the RNG that ultimately decides the deal.
7. RNG Security and Tampering
In legal and regulated casinos, video poker machines are regularly audited to ensure that their RNGs cannot be tampered with. This ensures that:
• Players cannot manipulate the outcomes by any external means.
• Casinos themselves cannot rig the machines to produce unfair outcomes.
Hacking or tampering with an RNG is illegal, and severe penalties exist for anyone attempting to alter a machine’s RNG or outcomes.
8. The Future of RNGs
With advancements in technology, RNGs continue to improve, becoming faster, more secure, and even closer to true randomness. Blockchain technology and quantum RNGs are being explored in some online gaming platforms to provide even greater levels of fairness and transparency.
Conclusion
The RNG is the heart of the fairness in video poker, ensuring that every hand you play is as random as possible. Understanding how it works can demystify the game and help players focus more on strategy, knowing that there’s no way to predict or influence outcomes. While games like Double Double Bonus Poker may offer exciting payouts, it’s important to remember that the RNG ensures every hand is a unique, independent event.
Yes, so what does this all mean? If you enjoy playing poker, it can have the best payback odds of all machines in a casino, especially on a cruise ship.
Come back for the next blog on how to choose, which game to play……….
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