What An RNG Is (In Plain English)
An RNG is software that produces random results. In online poker, that randomness is used to simulate:
- a shuffled deck
- a fair deal
- unpredictable card order
The goal is simple: no player (and no employee) should be able to predict or manipulate the next card.
If you want the complete online poker foundation (formats, rules, strategy, bankroll), start with Online Poker Guide: Rules, Strategy & Tips. This article explains RNG in plain English, what legitimate sites do to keep games fair, and what red flags to avoid.
Why Online Poker Can Feel “Less Fair” Than Live Poker
Most fairness doubts come from psychology, not reality.
Online poker feels different because:
- you play more hands per hour, so extreme outcomes show up more often
- you remember painful losses more than routine wins
- you can’t see the physical shuffle, so your brain distrusts it
- you may play tired or tilted, which makes outcomes feel personal
This is also why understanding variance and equity matters. If you need a refresher, How To Calculate Poker Equity In Real Time helps you stay grounded when results swing.
How A Poker Site Uses RNG To Deal Cards
Here’s a simplified view of what happens:
- The software creates a virtual deck of 52 cards
- The RNG determines a random order (like a shuffle)
- Cards are dealt from the top of that randomized deck
- The shuffle is repeated each hand
The important point: the shuffle must be random enough that outcomes can’t be predicted or repeated.
Pseudorandom vs “True Random” (What You Actually Need To Know)
Most online poker RNGs are pseudorandom, meaning:
- they use algorithms to generate randomness
- when properly built and seeded, they behave like real randomness for poker
Some systems incorporate true random sources (like hardware noise), but from a player perspective, what matters is not the label. What matters is:
- unpredictability
- proper testing and auditing
- secure implementation
How Legit Sites Prove Fairness
Good poker rooms don’t just say “trust us.” They build systems that can be tested.
1) Independent Testing And Certification
Reputable operators often use third-party labs to test RNG behavior and verify outcomes match expected randomness.
2) Ongoing Monitoring
Fairness isn’t just a one-time test. Strong operators monitor:
- unusual win patterns
- abnormal game outcomes
- suspicious player behavior
3) Licensing And Regulation
Licensed sites are typically required to meet technical standards and undergo compliance checks. This doesn’t guarantee perfection, but it raises the cost of cheating and adds accountability.
What “Fair RNG” Looks Like In Real Results
A fair RNG still produces:
- coolers (set over set, straight vs flush)
- bad beats (a worse hand hits on the river)
- streaks of losses or wins
Randomness includes runs. In fact, real randomness often looks “clumpy” and emotional, even though it’s fair.
If you play online frequently, you’ll see more unusual hands simply because you’re seeing more hands overall.
The Real Threats To Fair Play Aren’t Usually RNG
When players worry about cheating, the bigger risks are often:
- bots
- collusion
- multi-accounting
- ghosting (someone else playing an account)
RNG fairness is one piece. Player pool integrity is another.
Later in this series, you’ll cover:
Red Flags: Signs A Poker Room Might Be Shady
If you want to protect yourself, watch for these warning signs:
- No clear licensing or operator info
- Withdrawal complaints are common and consistent
- No meaningful responsible gaming tools
- Strange “private club” games with no oversight
- Unusual patterns like constant soft play between the same accounts
- Support that dodges questions about security and verification
A simple rule: if a site feels sketchy, don’t deposit. There are always other options.
What You Can Do As A Player To Protect Yourself
You can’t audit RNG yourself, but you can reduce risk.
Choose Better Rooms
- Prefer reputable, established operators
- Check if they are licensed and transparent
- Look for clear security policies and user protections
Use Strong Account Security
- Enable 2FA
- Use a unique password
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for real-money sessions
- Don’t share devices or accounts
Keep Your Emotions Out Of “Fairness” Judgments
After a bad beat, it’s easy to blame the RNG. The better habit is to ask:
- “Did I make the right decision with the information I had?”
This is why pot odds and equity matter. They keep you decision-focused instead of outcome-focused.
RNG Myths That Hurt Your Game
Myth 1: “The Site Makes You Lose When You’re Winning”
In regulated environments, this is extremely unlikely. It would also be detectable over massive sample sizes.
Myth 2: “You’re Due For A Win”
Random outcomes don’t “balance” in the short run. Each hand is independent.
Myth 3: “Online Poker Has More Bad Beats Than Live”
You see more bad beats online because you see more hands. The rate is similar, the volume is higher.
Quick Takeaways
- RNG is how online poker shuffles and deals cards digitally
- Randomness includes streaks, coolers, and bad beats
- Legit sites use audits, monitoring, and regulation to prove fairness
- The bigger fairness threats are often bots and collusion, not RNG
- Focus on decision quality (pot odds + equity) instead of emotional outcomes
Mini FAQ
Can Online Poker Be Rigged?
A reputable, regulated site has strong incentives and oversight to prevent manipulation. Shady, unregulated rooms are the bigger risk.
Why Do Bad Beats Feel More Common Online?
Because you play more hands per hour, and negative outcomes stick in memory more than normal hands.
Can I Tell If A Site’s RNG Is Fair?
You can’t test it directly, but you can choose licensed sites, avoid red flags, and trust long-term patterns over single sessions.
Where To Go Next
You’ve now learned why online poker can feel emotionally “rigged” even when it’s random, and what legitimate sites do to keep dealing fair.
If you want to reinforce this, the best next move is to understand how the poker table itself changes your decisions, because online poker offers different table types (6-max, full ring, heads-up) and each one rewards a different style.
Continue with The Difference Between Cash Games and Tournament Poker.
