The factor of provably fair in gambling: how it works

Provably fair in gambling. What is it, and how does it work? Today, we have an article for you that will help you understand this term.

Provably fair can be called a guarantee for the player. It shows that the online casino is not cheating and is giving honest results. That is, the casino does not influence the outcome of the game in any way, because everything is determined before the bet is placed. Currently, PF works with SHA-256 encryption, which is used in the Bitcoin blockchain network.

There are four variables:

Nonce — a variable number that increases with each spin. If the server crashes, the nonce can return to 0.

Client seed — a random number generated before the user spins.

Server seed — a random number generated by the online casino. Before the player places a bet, they can only see the hash of the generated number. Hash — the result of the encryption algorithm.

Cursor — a variable that is needed if the result requires additional numbers.

For example: A player enters an online casino and, before the game starts, is shown an encrypted file with predetermined game results, where fair randomness is applied. It turns out that the results are known in advance and there is no risk that they will be decrypted before the start. After the game is over, all players understand that it was fair and transparent.

How provably fair works in practice

First, the online casino generates a random number, and the player only has access to the hash (i.e., the encrypted value). 

Next, the player’s browser generates an initial number (which is also hashed). The user receives a client seed — a random number generated before the player makes a spin.

When it comes to betting, the principle of provably fair is not implemented due to the impossibility of determining the outcome of a match in advance. 

However, bookmakers often engage in fraud. This usually happens when the platform cancels a player’s winning bet, claiming that a system error has occurred. At the last moment, the odds are reduced, and off we go.

But it’s not all bad. Provably fair does exist in bookmakers, and it works like this: smart contracts are used to resolve issues of fraud in the betting industry. Smart contracts automate the acceptance of bets and payouts. There is open source code that allows you to check all actions and make sure that everything is “clean.”

How to check the operation of provably fair?

Firstly, certification indicates the presence of good provably fair. This can be the same random number generator certificate.

However, some casinos provide a calculator for independent calculation and verification of provably fair.

In summary

Sometimes you want to play at an online casino, but you also want the process to be fair. Very often, casinos cheat players, rig the results, and the game turns into a complete disappointment.

To minimize cases of unfair game, we recommend checking for the presence of good provably fair. And, of course, choose proven casinos that are above reproach.