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NIST SP 800-22

Statistical test suite for RNGsissuer NIST (US National Institute of Standards and Technology)version Rev. 1averified 2026-08

NIST SP 800-22 Rev. 1a is a statistical test methodology, not a certification, for random and pseudorandom number generators used in cryptographic applications. It defines a battery of tests that analyse long binary sequences for patterns and biases that a truly random source would not exhibit. Gaming test labs (such as GLI, BMM, iTech Labs and eCOGRA) apply these tests to captured RNG output as part of RNG evaluation, alongside other checks. NIST itself stresses that no statistical test can absolutely certify a generator; passing indicates no detectable non-randomness, not proof of security.

Current version

RNG / crypto methodology

Rev. 1a

Rev. 1a (April 2010); under revision since 2022

What it covers
Frequency (Monobit) testFrequency test within a blockRuns testLongest-run-of-ones in a blockBinary matrix rank testDiscrete Fourier Transform (spectral) testNon-overlapping and overlapping template matching testsMaurer's universal statistical testLinear complexity, serial, approximate entropy, cumulative sums, random excursions (and variant) tests
Applies to
Statistical evaluation of RNG/PRNG output in game and RNG certificationRandomness testing of cryptographic random and pseudorandom number generatorsLab methodology for validating that generated bit sequences show no detectable statistical bias
Key facts
IssuerNIST (US National Institute of Standards and Technology)
CategoryRNG / crypto methodology
Where it’s usedUsed by gaming test labs worldwide as an RNG statistical-testing methodology; not a jurisdiction-specific regulation.
Number of tests15 statistical testsFocus on different forms of non-randomness in binary sequences
Current revisionRev. 1a, April 2010NIST announced in April 2022 a decision to revise it under the Crypto Publication Review Project
NatureTest methodology, not a pass/fail certificationCannot substitute for cryptanalysis; complements RNG design guidance in SP 800-90 series
Related standards
NIST SP 800-90A/B/CGLI-19FIPS 140-3
Related terms
rng
Sources
NIST SP 800-22 Rev. 1a — A Statistical Test Suite for Random and Pseudorandom Number Generators (CSRC)csrc.nist.gov
NIST Crypto Publication Review — decision to revise SP 800-22 Rev. 1a (2022)csrc.nist.gov

A standard is a ruleset, not a promise. A certificate against NIST SP 800-22 attests that a game or system met it at test time — it does not change the house edge or guarantee a session outcome. This is a teaching summary; confirm against the issuer (NIST (US National Institute of Standards and Technology)).

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