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I want to set up "public lottery", in which everyone can see the selection is random and fair. If I only needed one bit, I would use, for example, the LSB of the closing Dow Jones index for that day. The problem is, I need 32 bits. I need a source that is:
I suppose I could just pick 32 stocks or stock-indices and use the LSB of each, that would be at least difficult to manipulate, and run them through some hash to eliminate any bias toward 0, but that doesn't really qualify as "simple". Other thoughts: some feed of meteorological or seismological data. That would be more difficult to manipulate (much easier to buy a share of stock than to cause an earthquake) but harder to authenticate (since there aren't armies of auditors watching weather data).
Any suggestions?
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Definition(s): A component of a DRBG (which consists of a DRBG mechanism and a randomness source) that outputs bitstrings that are used as entropy input by the DRBG mechanism. The randomness source can be an entropy source or an RBG.
Randomness has many uses in science, art, statistics, cryptography, gaming, gambling, and other fields. For example, random assignment in randomized controlled trials helps scientists to test hypotheses, and random numbers or pseudorandom numbers help video games such as video poker.
Randomness in Proof of Stake blockchains is important for a fair and unpredictable distribution of validator responsibilities. Computers are bad at random numbers because they are deterministic devices (the same input always produces the same output).
Randomness (entropy) is the cornerstone of cryptography as it is used to generate session keys. The more random the numbers, the more secure the cryptographic system. The challenge then, becomes one of generating true randomness. Many of today's systems use pseudo-random number generation.
Check out http://www.random.org/ They have a section for Third-Party Draw Service
The Third-Party Draw Service is useful for people who operate raffles, sweepstakes, promotional giveaways and other lottery type services professionally. In a similar fashion to a certified official, RANDOM.ORG acts as an unbiased third party who conducts the drawings in a manner that is guaranteed to be fair and truly random. The drawings are made using true randomness that comes from atmospheric noise, which for many purposes is better than the pseudo-random number algorithms typically used in computer programs.
Check out the Public Records for details about recent drawings held with the service.
This sounds like what you are looking for, but you would end up having to rely on random.org for the numbers.
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