Roulette Fairness: Are Roulette Tables Rigged?

It’s a fair question – are roulette tables rigged? The short answer is no.
At least, not when you’re playing at a properly licensed and regulated casino. The casino industry is generally fair, but due to the existence of some unscrupulous operators, it’s vital to understand the facts.
Concerns about unfairness are not unfounded with the rise of rogue online casinos, though. Thankfully, we debunk all the myths and provide the answers you need to feel safe playing roulette.
Are Roulette Tables Rigged?
No, if you’re playing at any of the online casinos and sweepstakes sites that we recommend, you’ll never encounter a rigged table.
The balls are not magnetic, the dealers cannot control the outcomes, and Random Number Generators (RNGs) are completely random and unbiased. They undergo regular inspections in a regulated market.
Online casinos and land-based operations are provably legitimate. Regulators require casinos to meet strict standards and maintain a gambling license to operate lawfully.
However, rogue sites do exist, and one should stay vigilant to avoid such platforms.
You’ll read about the house edge and how the odds are against you. While the odds do favor the house, this doesn’t mean the game is unfair – it’s simply part of its mathematical design..
How Do We Know Roulette Isn’t Rigged?
Fair roulette games rely on certified randomness and independent testing.
At regulated casinos, whether physical or digital, outcomes are determined by mechanical randomness (in live games) or software-based Random Number Generators (RNGs).
RNGs are tested and certified by independent labs like eCOGRA and iTech Labs. These organizations verify that the results cannot be predicted or manipulated.
Meanwhile, land-based casinos undergo regular hardware checks. Surveillance monitors the tables, the wheels are calibrated, and the dealers are trained professionals.
The Bottom line is if a casino holds a license from a recognized regulator (like the UKGC or MGA), the roulette tables are not rigged
What About Live Dealer Games?
Live dealer roulette is among the most transparent versions of the game. You can see every spin in real-time, from multiple camera angles. There’s no hidden software—just a real dealer spinning a real wheel.
Reputable providers like Evolution Gaming and Playtech stream these games from secure studios. They are licensed, regulated, and audited just like traditional casinos.
Many platforms also allow you to chat with the dealer or support team, which adds a level of authenticity. You’re not just watching—you’re part of the action.
Do Casinos Use Magnetic Balls or Tampered Wheels?
No. Magnetic roulette balls and tampered wheels are a myth in licensed environments. All equipment in a legal casino is subject to regular inspections.
- Wheels are checked for balance and wear.
- Balls are standardized and replaced when damaged.
- Cameras monitor every spin in both land-based and live online formats.
Any foul play would result in heavy fines, revoked licenses, and brand damage—none of which are risks legitimate casinos are willing to take.
How to Tell if a Roulette Game Is Fair
It’s quite easy to spot a fair and legit roulette game apart from one that is not.
Look out for these four considerations, and you’ll make sure you’re always playing a safe roulette game.
- Check Licensing: Check that your casino of choice is fully licensed by a reputable regulator. You can check that the game providers are also regulated by trusted authorities like MGA or UKGC.
- Verify Testing: All online casino games at licensed casinos are independently tested for fairness. So, keep an eye out for well-known third-party certifications from labs such as iTech Labs and eCOGRA.
- Assess the Reputation: Stick to the big brands at big online and sweepstakes casinos. These are names with excellent reputations because they are the biggest, oldest, and most trusted providers and operators in the business. We’ve got a list of our most trusted brands at Gamesville.
- Spot the Red flags: Look out for licensing details that don’t line up, sites with consistent payout disputes, or perhaps removed game content. Just keep your eyes out for anything that seems off.
What About Live Dealer Roulette?
Live dealer roulette adds a layer of transparency by showing the action as it happens. Unlike RNG-based games, these rely on the dealer and physical wheel to determine outcomes.
Games are typically streamed in high-definition from secure studios. You can observe the wheel, ball, and dealer interactions in real-time, which offers a level of visibility not possible with software-based games.
Top providers even allow chat interaction, so you can verify human presence. Licensing, game logs, and real-time monitoring ensure accountability.
Online vs. Land-Based Roulette: Which Is More Trustworthy?
Both regulated land-based and online casinos are trustworthy.
The online space does have a general perception of being less trustworthy than land-based casinos, but that’s largely because it is far easier to operate an illegitimate online casino than it is a land-based one.
There are more untrustworthy online casinos than untrustworthy land-based operations. However, when it comes to legit online and land-based operators, they are equally trustworthy.
At Gamesville, we’ve independently tested dozens of platforms, and here’s what we found. For example, there are live roulette games at Jackpota and plenty of roulette table games at Stake.us.
Don’t forget, you can always play free demo versions of loads of thrilling roulette games right here at Gamesville.
Final Thoughts: How to Play Safe
Roulette is not rigged at legitimate casinos.
By sticking with licensed operators, checking for fair play certifications, and being cautious of red flags, you can enjoy the game with confidence.
We recommend playing at sweepstakes and online casinos that have passed our internal audits for fairness and licensing.
And if you’re not quite ready to commit real funds, try free demo versions available at Gamesville to get a feel for the game mechanics and fairness before playing for real.