Myth or Fact: Is There a Way to Cheat at Roulette?
Roulette has long captured many people’s attention. The spinning wheel, the small white ball, and the chance of landing on the right number make it both simple and unpredictable. Because of that unpredictability, some people may wonder if there’s a way to “beat” the game.
This blog explores what cheating really means, how both land-based and online casinos prevent it, and why so-called betting systems don’t change your odds. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how roulette works, why fairness matters, and what to look out for if you choose to play on licensed UK sites.
What Does Cheating at Roulette Actually Mean?
Cheating means using dishonest or illegal methods to try and get an unfair outcome. It’s very different from simply choosing where to place your bets.
In land-based casinos, cheating can include:
- Past-posting – adding chips after the dealer has said “no more bets.”
- Collusion – secretly working with a dealer or another player.
- Tampering – trying to interfere with the wheel or ball.
These actions are criminal offences under the Gambling Act 2005 and can lead to arrest, bans, or prosecution.
Licensed casinos use multiple safeguards to stop this. CCTV covers every table, and trained staff check for any suspicious activity. Equipment such as roulette wheels and balls is regularly tested, cleaned and balanced to make sure results remain random.
Legal betting approaches — for example, betting on red or black, odd or even, or several numbers at once — are allowed because they don’t break the rules or change the odds.
In European roulette, which has one zero, the house edge is around 2.7%, meaning that over time, the casino keeps that small statistical advantage built into the game.
Is It Possible to Cheat Roulette in Online Casinos?
In UK-licensed online casinos, such as Mr Luck, digital roulette outcomes come from a Random Number Generator (RNG). This computer system ensures each spin is independent and cannot be predicted. The RNG decides where the virtual ball lands, not the casino or the player.
Before any roulette game goes live, it’s checked by independent testing laboratories such as eCOGRA or Gaming Laboratories International (GLI). These organisations confirm that the software produces random results and complies with the UK Gambling Commission’s (UKGCs) technical standards.
All licensed operators, including Mr Luck, must also keep games within their approved Return to Player (RTP) range. The RTP is the theoretical percentage of stakes paid back to players over many spins, not a guarantee for each individual player.
Trying to manipulate online roulette software or casino systems is a criminal act. Reputable sites use encryption, secure servers, and third-party monitoring to protect both players and their data.
In live dealer roulette, the spins are carried out by trained dealers using physical wheels. The game is streamed from a professional studio, with cameras showing multiple angles. Betting automatically closes before the wheel slows down, preventing late wagers. Licensed operators are required to record and audit these sessions to ensure transparency and fairness.
In both formats, outcomes are random, and no tool, programme, or strategy can alter or predict them.
How Do Casinos Prevent Cheating at Roulette?
Casinos use detailed procedures and technology to protect the integrity of every spin.
In land-based casinos:
- CCTV monitors each table and records every spin.
- Dealers follow strict steps for opening and closing bets.
- Players receive colour-coded chips, so late or misplaced bets are easy to spot.
- Roulette wheels are tested for bias and maintained to stay level and fair.
In online casinos:
- RNG software is independently verified and routinely checked.
- Secure data encryption prevents outside interference.
- Regulatory audits ensure the actual performance of games matches the published RTP.
- Any irregularities must be reported to the Gambling Commission, which can issue fines or suspend licences.
These controls make cheating extremely difficult. While no system is completely immune to faults, ongoing audits and technical standards mean players at licensed sites like Mr Luck can expect fair and unpredictable results every time.
Common Myths About Beating Roulette Debunked
Myth 1: There’s a hidden pattern to the wheel.
Roulette results are random. In European roulette, the wheel has 37 pockets (numbers 0 to 36), giving each number roughly a 1 in 37 chance. Past results don’t form patterns — the wheel doesn’t remember where the ball landed last time.
Myth 2: The Martingale system guarantees success.
The Martingale involves doubling your stake after each loss, hoping one win will recover everything. However, even a short losing streak can push you to very large bets. For example, starting with £1, after eight losses you’d need to bet £256 next — and more than £500 total. Most tables have maximum limits, so the system usually ends before that win happens. The house edge still applies and winnings cannot be guaranteed.
Myth 3: Certain numbers are “due.”
It might seem like red or black, odd or even, is “due” after a long run, but this is known as the gambler’s fallacy. Every spin is separate, and previous outcomes don’t influence the next one.
Myth 4: Watching the dealer can reveal clues.
In regulated casinos, dealers vary spin speed and release position to avoid patterns. In live dealer games, the software automatically locks bets before the wheel slows, preventing any “late bet” advantage.
Roulette is a random game of chance. That means outcomes cannot be predicted or influenced. No betting system removes the house edge, and no gadget or formula can ensure consistent wins.
Roulette is a game of chance and should be played for fun, not profit. If you choose to play, use licensed sites like Mr Luck, where you can set limits, take breaks, and view game details before betting. Each spin is random, so wins are never guaranteed — play for enjoyment and stop when it’s no longer fun.
*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.
