How They Work

At the heart of the video poker machine is the Random Number Generator or RNG. A RNG is a software algorithm used to ensure a truly random outcome of game play. Not all RNG's operate in the same manner. Here's how the industries leading Video Poker machine manufacturer International Game Technology's video poker RNG works. While the machine is not being played, the RNG runs hundreds of times per second. The RNG has billions of possible outcomes for any set of cards. Once the Start, Deal or Bet button is pressed (or the first coin is deposited), the outcome is determined regardless of game play or the number of coins bet.After the first five cards have been dealt and displayed, replacement cards are drawn from the top of the deck. Therefore, no matter which card is thrown away, the replacement card will remain the same. For example, a player is initially dealt the following hand; JH, QH, KH, 7D and 7S. If the player discards the pair of sevens, and draws the 7C and the 7H, they would have had four sevens had they originally discarded the JH, QH and KH.

International Game Technology is not the only video poker machine manufacturer. Therefore, their competitor's RNG's may operate differently.