Online bingo is expected to simulate the randomness of its physical counterpart, where no one can predict the numbers appearing in each session. In a digital environment, there are means to achieve actual random results. This article will answer the questions “are bingo sites random” by discussing the RNG behind each bingo game.
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Is Bingo Completely Random?
Randomness is an essential aspect of bingo and every casino game. Every game of chance relies on RNG to pick a result and determine the winners. In real life, we have dices, roulette wheels, card dealers, and a bingo tombola. For online bingo sites, RNG algorithms mimic the randomness of an actual tombola when picking the session numbers.
Traditional digital bingo uses a random functioning included in its programming, such as JavaScript using Math.random() and Python, with randint. These functions simulate the 1 in 75 or 1 in 90 odds of drawing a specific number for the two popular bingo games.
Real bingo site operators must go beyond basic pseudo-random number generators and ensure an incredibly high level of entropy. Meaning it’s near impossible to predict what the next number will be. Most basic generators will follow some patterns; for example, if you generate a number within a second of the previous one, it will be lower 78% of the time. These hints are precious to give a bingo hacker a slight edge.
Licensed bingo sites use advanced algorithms to be purely and incredibly random. Third parties audit these systems to ensure the tech stack is fulfilling its promises of security and randomness. Such audits allow for trust and show that the given bingo site is not rigged and the results are not manipulated.
How Bingo Sites Ensure True Randomness?
Legitimate online bingo operators have several ways to assure true randomness for their games.
Random Number Generators (RNG)
While you might think that a program can just crunch the numbers by picking 1 of 75 or 90 numbers in a digital tombola is good enough, traditional RNGs are open to exploits. These exploits allow specific individuals to predict the numbers appearing in each session accurately.
Simulated randomness is not the same as actual randomness. When you roll dice or flip a coin, environmental factors can influence the results of these RNG devices. These environmental factors are not possible to integrate into traditional RNG formulas.
To achieve authentic randomness, trusted online bingo sites utilize a pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) algorithm. PRNG uses a seed to generate multiple results in each bingo session. These seeds are generated by real-world factors, including the system’s clock and LED lighting. PRNG algorithm makes it virtually impossible for any player or operator to predict the numbers that can come up in any bingo game.
Fraudulent Pattern Analysis
Some criminals continue to crack the code despite the attempt of a PRNG to create authentic random results. Once a hacker is familiar with the PRNG algorithm or how it generates its seed, they can accurately predict what numbers will appear in the next game. Criminals will try to find a specific time or pattern when the PRNG gives favorable results. Those attempting to crack a bingo’s RNG are seen as having suspicious betting behaviors, such as purchasing a specific number of tickets at a particular time of day.
A fraud detection system that uses machine learning/AI learning analysis to go through all players’ playing patterns is part of the security measures among online bingo websites. Accounts attempting to crack the algorithm are flagged by the fraudulent pattern analysis system and reported to the administration. Fraudulent preventive solutions occur in real-time, allowing operators to act quickly against criminals who are getting an unfair advantage over legitimate players.
ML/AI analyses are also significant in finding players using multiple accounts. Due to bonus abuses, online bingo sites look down on people with more than one account. By creating multiple accounts, cheaters can boost their odds of clearing the wagering requirement on the bonus credits and walk away with practically free money.
Fraudulent pattern detection can flag players based on their IP address. This system is why online bingo operators discourage the use of VPNs or TOR network since the ML/AI analysis red flags IPs from these services.
Third-Party Security Audits
With online bingo being a highly regulated market, there is a requirement for neutral testing on an online bingo’s RNG. This is where third-party auditors come in to test online bingo gaming’s fairness and that there are no biases with the outcome. GamingLabs is a popular security audit in the internet gaming industry.
To test an online bingo’s RNG, auditors use their custom software built by consultants, in-house staff, and experienced mathematicians. These tests will check the source code, RNG period, RNG range, seeding process, and other essential aspects of an online bingo’s RNG.
UKGC-licensed online bingo sites will likely have their gaming platform audited by third-party testers. All online bingo games operating within the UK’s jurisdiction must meet the requirement of “acceptably random” results. This means the RNG algorithm can create unpredictable results, and the seeding process can generate actual random results.
Penetration Testing
Data breaching is a severe threat among online bingo operators. Players’ personal information and money can fall into the wrong hands if a bingo platform has certain flaws that criminals can use to their advantage. These flaws can also allow hackers to efficiently attack the bingo gaming system and turn it to their advantage.
To prevent data breaching, gaming auditors conduct penetration tests on an online gaming platform’s security measures. These tests are considered white-hat hacking since it involves cracking an online bingo’s security with consent from the operator.
Experienced cyber security personnel or those with a background in hacking are the ones to conduct the tests. They will go through various angles of a site’s security to find any potential weakness its software providers fail to account for. The online bingo operator provides detailed reports of the penetration testing results. These results are presented to the regulation office as part of the license requirement.
Can Online Bingo Be Fixed?
There are two conditions for any criminal to cheat other bingo players: having control over the RNG algorithm itself. Hackers must also be working with the operator or one of its staff to ensure all complaints fall on deaf ears.
While these two conditions may sound impossible, they happen through rogue bingo sites. Unlicensed or illegitimate bingo platforms can set the RNG of their games to favor a player of their choosing, likely a group member.
You can avoid fixed online bingo games by looking for trusted and licensed operators. This includes verifying an online bingo site’s license, customer feedback, blacklist status, and third-party auditor’s seal.
Using the PRNG algorithm, bingo sites are random as physical bingo halls. Third-party auditors ensure the randomness of any online bingo site complies with various jurisdictions’ requirements.