Roulette is one of the most recognisable casino games, with a wheel, a small ball, and a table marked with numbers and colours. You might have heard stories of people claiming to ‘“beat the wheel” with a special method or code.
This blog looks at whether such an algorithm could exist in a UK casino setting. It breaks down how roulette works, the role of chance, and why results are unpredictable.
If you have ever wondered whether a “pattern” could reveal the next winning number, this guide will explain the facts in plain, easy-to-understand language.
Can You Use an Algorithm to Beat Roulette?
Roulette gets its name from the French word for “little wheel”. In most UK casinos—both land-based and online—you will see European roulette, which has 37 pockets: numbers 1 to 36 and a single green zero.
A bet is made by placing chips on the part of the table that matches where you think the ball will land. The croupier (or dealer) spins the wheel in one direction, then spins the ball in the opposite direction. It slows down and settles into one pocket.
Online, digital versions of roulette don’t use a physical wheel at all. They use a Random Number Generator (RNG), which is software that randomly produces the result. This is tested and licensed under strict UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) rules.
Whether it is a physical wheel or an RNG, each spin is independent. There is no built-in pattern you can track to try and predict where the ball will land next.
How Does the Roulette Wheel Actually Work?
The design of the wheel affects both the layout of numbers and the probabilities.
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European roulette has 37 pockets (1 to 36 plus 0).
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American roulette has 38 pockets (1 to 36, 0, and 00).
The extra double zero in American roulette changes the probabilities. In European roulette, the chance of hitting a single number is 1 in 37 (about 2.7%). In American roulette, it is 1 in 38 (about 2.63%).
This small change gives the casino a bigger advantage in American roulette—about 5.26% compared to 2.7% in European. This means that, over many spins, the casino is statistically more likely to keep a small percentage of the total bets placed.
In UK casinos, European roulette is standard. Still, checking the game rules before placing a bet can help you know which version you are playing.
What Do We Mean by a ‘Winning Algorithm’?
In computing, an algorithm is a set of rules or instructions designed to solve a problem. When people talk about a roulette algorithm, they usually mean a formula that could predict where the ball will land.
In practice, roulette outcomes are random—whether they come from the physical movement of the wheel and ball in live games, or from the programming of an RNG in digital games.
Some bets may have a higher probability of occurring than others, but this does not make them predictable, and no calculation can turn the game into a system that forecasts future results.
A so-called “winning algorithm” would have to know the future result in advance, which is not possible under UKGC-regulated conditions.
Has Anyone Ever Proven a Roulette Algorithm Works?
Historically, some individuals have claimed success in predicting results, often in situations where the wheel had a mechanical flaw. For example, if a wheel was uneven or worn, the ball might have favoured certain areas.
In modern UK casinos, wheels are checked, serviced, and replaced to avoid such bias. Online, RNGs are tested by independent agencies, such as eCOGRA or iTech Labs, to ensure they produce fair and random results.
No method has been proven to consistently predict outcomes in regulated UK roulette games. Any past examples most likely came from exploiting any physical weaknesses that are no longer present in well-maintained games.
The Role of Random Number Generators in Online Roulette
In digital roulette, there is no ball or physical wheel. An RNG generates a number at random for each spin. This software is licensed and monitored under UKGC rules.
Each spin is separate from the last. The result of the previous spin has no influence on the next one. That means even if the number 17 appears twice in a row, the odds of it appearing again on the next spin are still 1 in 37 in European roulette.
Any betting systems such as the Martingale—where you double your stake after each loss—do not change this. They only change the amount you bet, not the odds of winning.
Why Patterns in Roulette Don’t Guarantee Wins
Many players sometimes believe that results form a sequence that can be read, like a code.
For example, if red appears several times in a row, some might think black is more likely to land next. This is known as the Gambler’s Fallacy.
In reality, roulette does not have memory. The wheel or RNG does not track past outcomes. Any sequence is purely coincidental.
For this reason, history boards shown at tables are there to display past spins, not to indicate future results.
Is It Legal to Use Algorithms When Playing Roulette?
In the UK, using a device or method that physically interferes with the game is not permitted. Attempting to tamper with equipment or software would also breach UKGC regulations and could potentially result in criminal action.
Casinos rely on the house edge to remain profitable. In European roulette, this comes from the single green 0, which causes any even-money bets to lose when the ball lands there.
Because the house edge is built into the game, no algorithm or staking plan can remove it. Any claim to the contrary should be treated with caution.
Understanding House Edge and Its Impact on Algorithms
Whether playing in a casino or online, the house edge in European roulette stays around 2.7%. This percentage represents the average amount the casino retains over many bets.
Live dealer roulette uses a real wheel and croupier, streamed in real time. Digital roulette uses an RNG. The style may differ, but the odds and house edge are the same.
For players, the choice between live and digital roulette is one of preference, not one of advantage. Neither format can be altered by an algorithm.
What Does the UKGC Say About Algorithm Use in Gambling?
The UK Gambling Commission requires all licensed casinos to offer games that are fair, transparent, and independently tested. This includes both physical roulette wheels and digital RNGs.
Any failure to maintain fairness could lead to a casino losing its licence. This makes it in the operator’s best interest to prevent any potential weaknesses.
In regulated UK environments, roulette is designed so that the outcome of each spin cannot be predicted or influenced.
Roulette is a game of chance. There is no system, algorithm, or staking plan that can guarantee a win.
If you choose to play, it is best to decide on a spending limit in advance, understand the odds for each type of bet, and be prepared for the possibility of losing your stake. Playing should be for entertainment, not as a way to make money.
*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.