Your complete guide to understanding poker room random number generators. Practical tips, step-by-step instructions, and expert advice for online poker players.
How Poker Room Random Number Generators Work
Every online poker hand relies on a Random Number Generator to deal cards. Understanding how RNGs work and how they are audited addresses the most common concern about online poker fairness.
What Is an RNG?
A Random Number Generator is a mathematical algorithm that produces sequences of numbers with no discernible pattern. In poker, the RNG determines card order for every deal, shuffle, and board card.
Hardware vs Software RNG
Software RNGs use mathematical algorithms. Hardware RNGs (HRNG) use physical entropy sources like electronic noise. Major rooms like PokerStars use hardware RNG systems for maximum randomness.
Third-Party Auditing
Reputable poker rooms have their RNGs tested and certified by independent auditing firms like Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), BMM Testlabs, or iTech Labs. These certifications verify statistical randomness.
CoinPoker's Provably Fair System
CoinPoker uses a blockchain-based system where the shuffle can be independently verified. Players can confirm that cards were dealt fairly after each hand — a level of transparency unique in online poker.
Common Misconceptions
Bad beats are not evidence of a rigged RNG — they are a normal part of poker mathematics. Over millions of hands, statistical analysis consistently confirms that properly certified RNGs produce fair results.