Random Number Generator in a Slot Machine

Dear John,

Have read your article and several others regarding the random number generator. Did I understand correctly, are the random numbers truly random?

Thank you for your attention,
Mitch

Dear Mitch,

The numbers produced by the Random Number Generator in a slot machine are not truly random because they are the result of a mathematical process. If you knew the formula used and the value of the last random number generated, you would be able to calculate the next random number that would be generated.

The Random Number Generator is more correctly called a Pseudo-Random Number Generator. The numbers appear to be random, have many of the properties of random numbers and satisfy many of the tests for randomness, but are not in fact generated by a random process.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos,
John

Send your slot and video poker questions to John Robison, Slot Expert, at slotexpert@comcast.net.

For more information about slots and video poker, we recommend:

The Slot Expert's Guide to Playing Slots by John Robison
Break the One-Armed Bandits! by Frank Scoblete
Victory at Video Poker and Video Craps, Keno and Blackjack! by Frank Scoblete
Slot Conquest Audio Cassette Tape (60 minutes) with Frank Scoblete
Winning Strategies at Slots & Video Poker! Video tape hosted by Academy Award Winner James Coburn, Written by Frank Scoblete
The Slot Machine Answer Book by John Grochowski
The Video Poker Answer Book by John Grochowski

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John Robison

John Robison is an expert on slot machines and how to play them. John is a slot and video poker columnist and has written for many of gaming’s leading publications. He holds a master's degree in computer science from the prestigious Stevens Institute of Technology.

You may hear John give his slot and video poker tips live on The Good Times Show, hosted by Rudi Schiffer and Mike Schiffer, which is broadcast from Memphis on KXIQ 1180AM Friday afternoon from from 2PM to 5PM Central Time. John is on the show from 4:30 to 5. You can listen to archives of the show on the web anytime.

Books by John Robison:

The Slot Expert's Guide to Playing Slots