In order to shuffle cards online, programmers apply a software program namely Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG). The software not only helps in shuffling but also assists in dealing with players.The Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG) system ensures total fairness due the highest level of randomness and encryption. Poker sites and the online games played in these portals use PRNG. So, what does a PRNG help in? It helps to spin the wheels, roll the dice and pull the cards. There are several facilities offered a random number generator. They include:
* Unpredictable
* Evenly Distributed
* Statistically Independent
The numbers generated by Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG) are random. Thus, total fairness is enjoyed both by the site and the poker players. A small example can justify this. In case the PRNG is biased, it would be easily recognized by players. Besides, players might also use it for their benefit. Again in case there is some biasness the poker game would go against the house. Even if the game is offered for free there is similar PRNG.
A lone PRNG supports the entire poker gaming system. To ensure there is complete randomness and after the server gets a restart the time span taken by PRNG to get started is 10 seconds. Random numbers are seen during the shuffling of cards, the numbers seen during rolling of a dice, slot machine position and the position of the roulette wheel when stopped.
The random numbers generated initiate from PRNG “seed”. The sequences that show up cannot be predicted. Thus, the seed is calculated utilizing several factors to ensure there is no repetition of numbers. Some of the factors include several parameters, time of that particular day and network activity.
Sun provides the SecureRandom (package java.security) used by poker gaming system. Thus, they provide the PRNG. The PRNG is based on message digest. It helps to prevent same numbers from coming back again. Thus, now you can understand how these poker sites ensure fairness.
