Is Roulette Rigged in Online Casinos?

What Does Rigged Mean in Games?

Typically, the term “rigged” is used for casino games designed to intentionally disadvantage the player.

In the context of online casinos, a “rigged” slot would be a game with an algorithm that deceives the player. For example:

• It has a much higher loss rate than advertised.

• It promises bonus spins or other rewards that are never delivered.

• It displays different results from those generated by its RNG (Random Number Generator).

• It lacks a genuine RNG that produces random outcomes.

• It manipulates the slot’s results in any way to ensure the player loses.

In a physical casino, it’s possible to verify the randomness of games by examining the physical elements that control them. How to tell if a roulette wheel is rigged in a physical casino, for example? You can check for variations in the wheel or any unusual weighting of the ball.

This is why new players often wonder if roulette is rigged in online casinos, where such physical verification isn’t possible.

We’ll say it upfront: No, roulette isn't rigged in online casinos. And you’ll understand why below.

How Does Online Roulette Work?

Many players who lose unexpectedly may wonder if they've fallen victim to an online roulette scam. However, such thing is not possible because online roulette games simulate the traditional physical version using a Random Number Generator, which is an algorithm. As the name suggests, this algorithm generates random numbers—or as close to random as possible.

Without delving too deeply into technicalities to explain how does an online roulette work, it’s important to understand that true randomness is nearly impossible to achieve in software. This is why casino games use complex algorithms to generate numbers in the most advanced way possible.

These numbers determine the outcomes of roulette. There’s an algorithm behind the scenes that ensures randomness, following predefined rules based on the structure of each game.

A crucial point: The RNG of each game must be encrypted using advanced cryptographic techniques. This ensures that neither the casino nor the player can access or manipulate the code in any way.

Is Roulette Rigged at Online Casinos?

The short answer is: No, roulette isn't rigged in online casinos—provided you’re playing at a licensed site and using a game certified by technical laboratories.

To understand why roulette isn’t rigged in online casinos, we must look at how the industry operates. The gambling industry is built on trust. It’s logical: If players believe a game is rigged, they won’t bet. If they don’t bet, the casino can’t sustain itself. If the casino can’t sustain itself, there’s no industry.

This is why mechanisms are in place to ensure this trust exists. For example, regulatory bodies like the United Kingdom Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority create rules and oversee casinos to ensure they're offering a fair experience.

These regulatory bodies conduct regular audits of both online casinos and game providers to ensure there’s no manipulation in roulette, blackjack, or any other game.

This is why playing at licensed online casinos is very safe: they follow strict rules and are subject to audits and sanctions by independent regulators.

Additionally, independent technical laboratories analyse the RNGs of roulette, slots, and other online games. These labs carefully examine the code of each roulette game to ensure there’s no possibility of manipulation.

Moreover, regulators can check at any time whether the game code running on casino sites matches the code registered by the provider. They remove the game if there’s a discrepancy, and those responsible can face serious consequences.

Finally, understand that casinos don’t need to rig roulette or any other game. After all, the casino already has the “house edge", a statistical advantage that ensures profitability.

But what is the house edge in gambling? In practice, the house edge allows the casino to profit from all players over time while giving each player a fair chance to win and walk away with a profit.

For an online casino, there are only disadvantages to having a “rigged roulette” game in its portfolio.

Is Online Live Roulette Rigged?

Many players wonder if online live roulette is rigged, but the short answer is no, especially at reputable casinos. Live roulette, offered by trusted platforms, utilises real dealers and physical wheels streamed in real-time to ensure a transparent and fair gaming experience. These games are regulated by strict authorities, like the UK Gambling Commission, which regularly audits for fairness. Unlike digital roulette, live versions don’t rely on Random Number Generators (RNGs)—the outcome comes from an actual spin, just like in a physical casino.