From random number generators to cloud servers, this is a peek at how online casinos make the virtual dice roll and the cards turn
Not so many years ago, if you were going to play blackjack or try your luck on a slot machine, you had to walk through the heavy doors of a brick-and-mortar casino. Today, tens of millions of individuals experience that same rush with a few flicks on their phone. Online casinos are one of the most compelling examples of how technology has transformed an old-timer’s favorite into a silky smooth experience on the web.
But what’s really happening behind the flash and dash of the graphics and silky-smooth play? Let’s pull back the curtain and investigate the technology of online casinos, and how it keeps evolving to meet the demands of a constantly-online, constantly-on-the-go crowd.
A top model in Africa
The increase in online gambling websites has been especially stunning in Africa. A prime example is Betway, a premier-of-the-line sports book for online sports betting. Not actually a casino in the traditional sense, Betway illustrates how far the technology employed for online gambling has come. The website is an entire, interactive experience for the sports fan with an emphasis on responsible gaming and the utilization of official licenses.
And to top it all, Betway extends beyond the game with its “Betway Cares” initiative where it supports local sports teams and sports centers. And a reminder that despite all the technology, these sites can still have an active presence in the communities they inhabit.
The engine: Random Number Generators
At the heart of all casino games online is a simple but crucial piece of technology: The Random Number Generator, or RNG. It is the behind-the-scenes engine that causes slot reels to spin at random, roulette wheels to stop impartially and electronic cards to be dealt randomly. Without it, no player would ever suspect the games to be fair.
RNGs use advanced software to generate streams of numbers that mimic genuine randomness. While nothing a computer can create can actually be random in the most technical sense, these algorithms are designed to be sufficiently random that outcomes cannot be manipulated. Independent auditors often run them regularly to make sure fairness is inherent in the system.
For the gamers, it is all going on behind the scenes, but it’s the reason why clicking “spin” doesn’t feel any less random than grabbing the handle of a slot machine at Vegas.
Graphics and game design
After ensuring fairness, the second challenge is player engagement. This is where design applications and graphics engines come into play. Developers are appropriating a lot from the world of video games, applying the same types of rendering that drive console games to create card tables that feel real and slot machines shine on your screen.
Casino games today are no longer a series of static images; today they’re animated, fast and graphics-heavy. Coders utilize programming languages like JavaScript, C++ and HTML5 to make such games responsive across desktop, tablet and smartphone platforms. The move to HTML5 was especially important, replacing older plugins such as Flash that are no longer maintained. With this switch came smoother play that won’t drain your device battery or freeze during a spin.
Security and encryption
Of course, nobody would venture online if their money and data weren’t safe. Behind the user-friendly interface is a stronghold of encryption technology. Most serious websites use SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificates; the same banks do. That means that when you provide personal data or deposit funds, it all gets encrypted into unreadable code as it travels over the internet.
Payment handling is another part of the equation. Online casinos tend to have established relations with trusted financial providers, such as credit cards right up to e-wallets, with quick and safe payments. Fraud detection software also monitors questionable activity, both to protect the platform and player.
The power of the cloud
Running an online casino is not just about game development; it’s handling enormous amounts of traffic, especially when the users are coming from all parts of the world. Cloud computing is the backbone of the industry today. With cloud servers, casinos can quickly scale their operation, handle the spikes in loads without any delay and store player information safely.
Cloud platforms also enable simpler game updating, debugging and deployment of new features without downtime. For gamblers, this translates to a smoother, more streamlined experience logging in from Lagos, New York or Cape Town.
Live dealer technology
The most popular product over the past decade is live dealer gaming. Instead of computer-generated play, the player can connect with a live dealer through a live video feed. This merges the home convenience of digital play with the realism of being in an actual casino environment.
The technology used is quite advanced. Multiple high-definition cameras capture multiple angles of the table, while specialized sensors and software track the cards or roulette ball. Low-latency streaming technology allows there to be no dreaded delay between a dealer’s body language and what players are able to see on their screens. Chat functionalities add a social aspect, so that it feels less isolating and more similar to sitting around a real table.
Mobile-first mindset
It’s a given that smartphones are today’s default gaming device. Developers design with tried-and-true “mobile-first” design principles in mind, producing games that run efficiently on smaller screens but without diminishing the amount of detail and fun. That means responsive design, sleek touch controls and lightweight programs that don’t take up storage space.
Mobile apps for many platforms also come with push notifications, letting players know about bonuses, tournaments or altered odds in real time.
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