RNG in Casinos: How RNGs Work With Progressive Jackpots

A progressive jackpot is a prize that can increase over time as contributions are added to a jackpot pool. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) defines a progressive jackpot as an incremental prize that increases from a pre-set starting value through contributions from money staked within a game.

The size of a jackpot and the way it grows are separate from the question of how a winning outcome is determined.

In an online casino game, an RNG may be used to generate the random outcome that determines whether a jackpot is triggered. The jackpot system then needs to follow its own rules for how the prize is funded, triggered and awarded.

This means the growing value of a progressive jackpot in casino games at licensed casinos like Genting Casino does not, by itself, make the underlying RNG less random. Learn more below:

• How Does An RNG Work In Jackpot Games?
• How Does RNG Support Jackpot Fairness?
• Are Progressive Jackpot Outcomes Predictable?
• How Are Progressive Jackpot Systems Regulated?

How Does An RNG Work In Jackpot Games?

A random number generator, or RNG, is designed to produce outcomes that cannot be reliably predicted, such as in online slot games.

For regulated gambling software, the UKGC requires RNG outputs and game outcomes to be "acceptably random". This means operators must be able to demonstrate, to a high degree of confidence, that outcomes are random through recognised statistical analysis and testing.

When an RNG is used within a progressive jackpot game, it can therefore provide the random element needed to determine game outcomes. The jackpot mechanism itself operates according to the rules of that particular game.

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Genting Casino Tip: When checking a progressive jackpot game, look at both parts separately: understand how the RNG determines outcomes and read how the jackpot system explains eligibility, funding and prize awards.

How Does RNG Support Jackpot Fairness?

RNG fairness is about making sure the random part of a game works as intended.

A properly implemented RNG should not change its behaviour because a jackpot has become larger. The next outcome should not become more or less predictable simply because the displayed jackpot value has increased.

UKGC standards prohibit adaptive behaviour that changes the probabilities of game outcomes during play. They also require random inputs to be mapped to game outcomes in accordance with the applicable probabilities and game rules.

This is important for progressive jackpot systems. A growing prize can naturally make a jackpot more valuable, but that does not mean the RNG should alter its random behaviour to compensate.

Are Progressive Jackpot Outcomes Predictable?

No. A properly designed RNG should make future outcomes unpredictable.

The size of a progressive jackpot does not provide a reliable indication that a win is "due". Likewise, previous jackpot results should not normally make a future jackpot outcome more likely.

This is an important distinction because a progressive jackpot can grow for a long period without being won. That does not necessarily mean the system is withholding the prize. Random outcomes do not follow a schedule based on how long it has been since a jackpot was last triggered.

The same principle applies when considering a live casino product. Some live casino games use physical equipment and live procedures rather than an RNG for their main outcome, so the relevant game rules should explain how the result is determined.

Great Blue Jackpot

How Are Progressive Jackpot Systems Regulated?

The UKGC has specific technical standards for progressive jackpot systems.

Under RTS 9, jackpot rules must be clearly available to customers before they commit to gambling. The rules must explain matters including how the jackpot is funded, its starting value and any ceiling values. They must also explain how prizes are determined and awarded.

The rules should also explain what happens if two or more players appear to trigger the same jackpot at the same time, including situations where network delays could make simultaneous triggers possible.

These requirements are separate from the RNG requirements in RTS 7. Together, they address different parts of the system:

Part of the system	What it addresses
RNG	Generates random and unpredictable outcomes
Game rules	Explain how random outcomes translate into game results
Jackpot rules	Explain how the progressive prize is funded and awarded
Testing and regulation	Check that applicable systems meet required standards

This separation is useful because a jackpot system can involve more than simply generating a random number.

Understanding Jackpot Randomness

RNGs and progressive jackpot systems perform different jobs. The RNG provides the random element, while the jackpot system manages how the progressive prize grows and how it is awarded.

For regulated gambling products, UKGC standards require RNG outcomes to be acceptably random and unpredictable. Separate requirements also apply to progressive jackpot systems, including clear information about how jackpots are funded, triggered and awarded.

Genting Casino believes that understanding these systems can help players approach gambling information with realistic expectations. A progressive jackpot may increase over time, but that does not make its next outcome predictable or guarantee that it will be won soon.

Understanding how RNGs and progressive jackpots work should help players make informed decisions, not encourage longer or more frequent gambling sessions. Responsible gambling means treating gambling as entertainment rather than a way to make money. Avoid chasing a growing jackpot or trying to recover losses by continuing to play. Set personal limits, take breaks and use responsible gambling tools where available. If gambling becomes difficult to control or starts causing problems, consider seeking independent support.

FAQs

Does a progressive jackpot use an RNG?

It can. Where an RNG is used to determine a game or jackpot outcome, it should meet the applicable technical requirements for randomness and unpredictability.

Does a bigger jackpot make a win more likely?

Not necessarily. The displayed value of a progressive jackpot can increase as contributions are added, but its size does not make the next random outcome predictable.

Can players predict a progressive jackpot?

No reliable prediction method exists for a properly implemented RNG. Previous outcomes should not provide a dependable way to determine when a jackpot will be won.

Are progressive jackpots regulated in the UK?

Yes. The UKGC has specific requirements for progressive jackpot systems, including rules about how jackpot information, funding and prize awards are presented to customers.

Does RNG testing guarantee a progressive jackpot win?

No. RNG testing is designed to assess whether random outcomes meet required standards. It does not guarantee that any particular player will win a jackpot.