Are Bookies Roulette Machines Fixed?
If you’ve stepped into a high street bookmaker in the UK, you’ve likely noticed the roulette machines—digital screens offering entertaining games with clearly marked betting options. These are known as Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) and are a common feature in licensed betting shops.
This blog looks at how these machines actually work, how fairness is maintained through regulation, and what you need to understand before placing a bet. Whether you’re completely new to roulette, or simply want to know more about the systems behind these games, this guide will help explain the facts clearly.
We’ll explore how results are generated, why they might feel unpredictable, and what safeguards are in place to ensure that the games meet UK standards for fairness.
If you’re unsure about minimum bets, RTP (Return to Player) rates, or how these games compare to other forms of roulette, you’ll find useful information here to help you make informed choices.
Do Bookies Roulette Machines Cheat?
It’s a fair question to ask, especially if you’ve had a run of poor results or feel like certain outcomes keep happening. However, roulette machines in UK betting shops must meet strict rules set by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). These rules are in place to make sure all outcomes are fair, random, and not influenced by external factors.
Instead of using a physical spinning wheel and ball like you might see in a casino, these machines work with something called a Random Number Generator (RNG). This is a type of software that picks a result from all the possible outcomes at random, within a fraction of a second. Each spin is independent, meaning what happened in the last round has no effect on the next.
To make sure everything works as it should, the software is tested by approved third-party organisations. These are companies that specialise in checking whether gambling systems are fair and meet the UK’s technical standards. They test the randomness, verify the software, and check that the RTP figure is accurate.
By law, the RTP – or Return to Player – must be clearly displayed on each machine. This figure represents the theoretical average percentage of all stakes that may be paid back to players over a long period of time. You can usually find it in the game’s help or information section.
It’s important to understand that the RTP is not a guarantee of any return, especially in a single session. It’s simply a guide to how the game is designed to perform statistically across many spins and many players.
Why People Think Roulette Machines In Bookies Are Fixed
Many players may have had moments where they’ve seen the same number come up more than once, or experienced what feels like an unusually long losing streak. These moments can lead to doubts about whether the machine is behaving fairly.
One reason these machines may feel different from traditional roulette is the lack of a physical wheel. In a land-based casino, you can watch the ball spin and land in a number. With FOBTs, everything happens on a screen, driven by the RNG behind the scenes. This digital process may feel less transparent, even though it meets the same fairness standards.
Another reason is the pace. These games tend to be fast – much faster than live table games. That means you can play many spins in a short period, and if things aren’t going your way, the losses may feel quick and surprising.
It’s easy to think the machine is “due” a certain result, or that a number “shouldn’t” come up again so soon. But roulette, whether digital or live, is a game of random chance. Each spin is independent, and any potential patterns that appear are often just coincidences that the human brain tries to make sense of.
What other people say can sometimes influence how you feel. It’s common to hear someone say a machine is “cold” or “due a win”, but these are just personal opinions, not facts. The results are always based on random outcomes, and one person’s experience doesn’t reflect how the machine works.
Why Bookies Don’t Need Rigged Roulette Machines
The idea that these machines are fixed doesn’t hold up when you understand how they’re designed. Roulette machines used in bookmakers already give the house a built-in statistical edge through how the game is structured.
European-style roulette, which is the version most commonly found in UK betting shops, features 37 pockets on the virtual wheel—numbered 1 to 36, plus a single zero (0).
If you place a straight-up bet (betting on one specific number) and win, the payout is 35 to 1. However, since there are 37 possible outcomes, but the payout only covers 36 of them, this slight difference gives the game a built-in advantage for the bookmaker—known as the house edge—which works out at approximately 2.7%.
This means that over a large number of spins, the machine is programmed to keep about 2.7% of all money wagered. The rest may be paid back to players as possible winnings. This built-in edge is what allows bookmakers to make a profit, so there’s no benefit to changing the outcome or fixing results.
Any operator found to be offering unfair games would risk heavy penalties and could lose their gambling licence. That’s why all licensed machines must undergo regular testing and monitoring to prove they’re operating within UKGC rules.
If you want to know more about the game settings or the specific house edge on a particular machine, this information is usually available through the game’s help screen. Staff in licensed shops can also provide support if you need help locating this.
Can Bookies Roulette Machines Be Beaten?
It’s common to hear people talk about possible “systems” or “strategies” to try and win at roulette. Some try doubling their bet after every loss (known as the Martingale system), while others spread their bets across many numbers. These betting methods are based on potential patterns and probability, but they don’t change the fundamental nature of the game.
Because the outcome of each spin is random and independent, there’s no pattern to follow and no formula that can guarantee success. All these systems do is change how your money is used, not your chances of winning.
Even if a certain method seems to work for a while, over time, the house edge remains. Since the potential payouts are fixed and the probabilities are known, roulette machines are not designed to be profitable for players in the long run.
That’s not to say you can’t have winning sessions, but there’s no reliable way to consistently beat the game. Whether you win or lose depends entirely on chance. Understanding this can help you decide how and when you want to play.
If you’re exploring roulette for the first time, keep in mind that outcomes are unpredictable, and no result can be guaranteed. Check the game rules and paytables before playing, as machines can vary slightly in layout and features.
Play Roulette Online For Real Money
At Mr Luck, you have the option to play a wide range of roulette games, including classic styles and newer versions. If roulette isn’t your only interest, there’s also a big collection of slots and other table games to explore.
For sports fans, Mr Luck offers a full online sportsbook, with betting markets on football, horse racing, and much more. Mr Luck is fully licensed and regulated by the UKGC, so you can play knowing the highest standards for fairness and safety are followed.
Feel free to browse the games on offer and choose what fits your style best. Whatever you decide, you’ll have access to an experience that puts your enjoyment and security first.
Roulette, whether online or in a betting shop, is a game of chance. It’s not designed to be a way to make money. You may win, you may lose – outcomes can’t be predicted.
If you choose to play, consider setting personal spending and time limits. Take regular breaks and view gambling as entertainment, not as a source of income.
Help is available through organisations such as BeGambleAware.org, and you can register with GAMSTOP to take a break from all UK-licensed gambling if needed.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.