Post
Topic
Board Project Development
Re: Transparent Random Number "Generation"
by
bitlotto
on 18/06/2011, 22:50:48 UTC
Random.org does not use pure computer randomization functions:
RANDOM.ORG offers true random numbers to anyone on the Internet. The randomness comes from atmospheric noise, which for many purposes is better than the pseudo-random number algorithms typically used in computer programs. People use RANDOM.ORG for holding drawings, lotteries and sweepstakes, to drive games and gambling sites, for scientific applications and for art and music.
I agree its random but people still have a hard time understanding and trusting it. I can't think of a single million dollar lottery that uses computers. Only balls. People can see it and everyone understands it. Does random.org allow for getting data at a very specific time. If not there is no way to verify what the person got is right or not.

Quote
This is useful in any number of scenarios with users who don't want to trust the owner of the website for their "randomization".
It works but like I said, because it depends on a generated block the person with the key can cheat with the last block. Yes, I know they would need a pretty nice computer but it's within the realm of possibility. HIGHLY improbable as it would cost a fortune but without spending too much you could in theory help your odds *very slightly* by trying to solve the last block checking it and seeing if you like it and not submitting the block if you don't. It gives the cheater with the key a do over at the end. Probably could only do it once and he's not even guaranteed he'd be the last one anyways. For small jackpots it doesn't matter as the cost to cheat would be huge. But if it was 100's of millions. It would be worth it. Maybe.