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The loophole is that the state of the pseudo random number generator is observed (indirectly) and used for predictions. What if slot machines would use a real s
by lindig 8y ago
The loophole is that the state of the pseudo random number generator is observed (indirectly) and used for predictions. What if slot machines would use a real source of randomness? I assume that this would cause difficulties with the licensing process for these machines because the "fairness" of the machines would be harder to prove.
- bluepnume 8y agoI wouldn't think so. Whatever random result you get, you can bound it to make sure the probability works in your favor a fixed proportion of the time, right? `if (pseudoRandom() < 0.57) houseWins()` gives the same payout as `if (trueRandom() < 0.57) houseWins()` for all intents and purposes; the only difference is the former is more predictable to people trying to game the machine.
- kbenson 8y agoI think the licensing requirements for these machines are strict enough that they want reproducibility in the testing, which would be one reason to require pseudo-random numbers instead of real random numbers. I imagine they might just simulate a million transactions and test the outcome. If it falls outside of expected probabilities, they can dive deeper, and also have a pseudo-random seed to fall back on to figure out if it was just randomness or something is broken or configured to do the wrong thing.
- jacquesm 8y agoThat's exactly the reason why they use PRNGs.