The move from purely land-based locations into the online space was a major change for the casino industry.

Classic games needed to adapt to fit into the new, digital format and online casinos needed to implement measures to ensure the security of player’s data, as well as the principle of fair play.

Behind the scenes of every game in an online casino are a variety of complex mechanics and technologies that power their operation and random nature.

To understand just how complicated these seemingly simple games are, read on as we explore some of the mechanics and tech that make modern online casino games possible.

Random number generators (RNGs)

Possibly the single most important mechanic involved in online casino games is the random number generator (RNG).

This complicated computer algorithm is what replicates the random nature of in-person play, producing random results on each digital card draw, Roulette wheel spin or dice roll.

In any given instant, the RNG will generate a sequence of unpredictable, completely random numbers, between hundreds and thousands of individual numbers per second.

Each number corresponds to a potential outcome – whether that’s a pocket on a Roulette wheel, the face of a playing card or a position on a slot game reel – which allows the computer to determine the results of a game.

When a player engages the game, the computer will use the set of numbers generated at that moment to determine its outcome.

The sheer volume of potential numbers involved and the completely random nature of the RNG ensures that it is effectively impossible to predict the outcome of a game.

To go into use, an RNG must be tested and certified by an independent authority to make sure that they operate without bias.

They are also subject to regular testing and auditing, so players can rest assured that the games they’re playing are entirely fair in nature.

Encryption

Another key factor for online casinos is their ability to protect the data of their players, delivering a secure experience.

All reputable casino sites will utilise advanced encryption technology – such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) – to create an extra layer of security to all data and transactions carried out on the site.

The level of encryption and security protocols employed by online casinos are in the same league as those used by banks and other financial institutions online – which shows just how seriously they take protecting player data.

Live dealer games

A more recent development in the online casino game space is live dealer games, which bring together online play with the presence of a live dealer.

This fusion of digital and live elements is even more complicated to pull off, relying on a lot of behind-the-scenes tech.

Aside from the video streaming technology, the biggest component driving live dealer games is optical character recognition (OCR).

This is what translates images into data that the software can process, synchronising the live action with the digital user interface.

And that’s only scratching the surface of what goes on behind the screen of online casino games.

As technology continues to develop, we could see even more complexity added to the mechanics that drive these games.