Can Casinos Cheat with Online Roulette? Full Truth Revealed

Introduction

Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games in the world. The spinning wheel, the bouncing ball, the thrill of red vs. black — it has captivated players for centuries. With the rise of online casinos, roulette has gone digital, giving players 24/7 access right from their smartphones or desktops. But with that shift comes a burning question:

👉 Can online casinos cheat with roulette?

The short answer is complicated. Legitimate casinos regulated by strong gambling authorities usually don’t cheat. But shady or unregulated casinos absolutely can — and many unsuspecting players have lost money because they didn’t understand how online roulette systems work.

This blog, powered by insights from Gamblinghood, breaks down everything you need to know: the technology behind online roulette, how casinos might manipulate outcomes, and how you can protect yourself.

How Online Roulette Works

To understand whether cheating is possible, you first need to know how online roulette functions. Unlike land-based casinos where a physical wheel and ball decide the outcome, online roulette uses digital algorithms to simulate the spin.

There are two main types of online roulette:

1. RNG (Random Number Generator) Roulette

   • Uses computer algorithms to simulate spins.

   • Every result is produced by RNG software, designed to ensure randomness.

   • No physical wheel or ball is involved.

2. Live Dealer Roulette

   • Streamed from a real casino studio.

   • A human dealer spins an actual wheel.

   • Players bet digitally, but the spin is physical.

In theory, RNG games should be 100% fair if certified by regulators. But as Gamblinghood notes, “Fairness depends not just on the RNG itself but also on the integrity of the operator.”

The Role of RNGs and Why They Matter

RNGs are the backbone of online roulette. A Random Number Generator is a program that produces thousands of numbers per second, with one number being selected when you press "Spin." That number corresponds to a specific slot on the roulette wheel.

Key facts about RNGs:

• Mathematical Randomness: Good RNGs use cryptographic algorithms to ensure unpredictability.

• Certification: Legitimate casinos must have RNGs tested by independent auditors like eCOGRA, iTech Labs, or GLI.

• Transparency: Audited results should be published regularly for players to see.

If a casino skips certification or hides its RNG testing, that’s a massive red flag.

Can Casinos Cheat with Online Roulette?

Here comes the main question. The truth: Yes, casinos can cheat — but not all do. Let’s break it down:

1. Licensed Casinos (Hard to Cheat)

Reputable online casinos licensed by authorities such as:

• UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)

• Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)

• Curacao eGaming (less strict, but still a license)

These casinos are audited, tested, and monitored. If they tried to rig roulette, they’d risk losing their license, paying huge fines, or even facing lawsuits.

2. Unregulated or Offshore Casinos (High Risk)

Here’s where players get burned. Rogue casinos operating without licenses — or with fake licenses — can absolutely manipulate outcomes. Since they control the software, they could:

• Program the RNG to favor the house.

• Block certain number combinations.

• Manipulate payouts so you win small but never big.

• Introduce “near-miss” algorithms to keep you hooked.

As Gamblinghood warns:

“Online roulette is only as honest as the operator behind it. A rogue casino can tweak software in ways a player will never detect.”

Real-Life Cases of Cheating

Several cases highlight how online casinos (or software providers) have manipulated roulette:

• Rigged RNG Reports: Some unlicensed casinos were caught using non-random number generators where the ball always avoided high-payout bets like single numbers or 0.

• Scripted Outcomes: In shady operations, players reported that every time they bet on black for extended periods, red would disproportionately appear.

• Fake Live Roulette: Some rogue sites streamed pre-recorded roulette footage while claiming it was live, manipulating outcomes based on your bet.

House Edge vs. Cheating

It’s important to note: Casinos don’t need to cheat to make money. Roulette already has a built-in advantage known as the house edge.

• European Roulette (1 zero): 2.7% house edge.

• American Roulette (2 zeros): 5.26% house edge.

This means in the long run, casinos are guaranteed profits. But shady operators may cheat anyway to maximize short-term profits, especially if they aren’t regulated.

How to Tell if Online Roulette is Rigged

Here are some telltale signs that an online roulette game might not be fair:

1. Unlicensed Casino: No mention of regulatory authority.

2. No RNG Certification: No audits by eCOGRA, GLI, or iTech Labs.

3. Suspicious Patterns: Repeated results (e.g., black 10 times in a row).

4. Delayed Spins: Spin slows unnaturally after your bet.

5. Poor Reputation: Negative reviews on Gamblinghood and other forums.

6. Fake Live Dealers: Feeds that look pre-recorded or laggy.

Protecting Yourself from Cheating

If you want to enjoy online roulette safely, follow these Gamblinghood-approved steps:

• Play on Licensed Casinos: Stick to UKGC, MGA, or big brands like Bet365, LeoVegas, or 888.

• Check Audit Certificates: Look for eCOGRA or iTech Labs seals.

• Read Reviews: Gamblinghood maintains updated reviews of trusted casinos.

• Avoid Bonuses That Look Too Good: If a site offers crazy bonuses, it may be a trap.

• Use Live Roulette if Unsure: Harder to rig compared to pure RNG games.

• Test Small Bets: If outcomes feel unnatural, leave immediately.

Gamblinghood’s Take

Gamblinghood emphasizes education above all. Many players fall victim to cheating simply because they don’t understand the difference between licensed and rogue operators. As the platform explains:

“Cheating in online roulette is not about the game itself — it’s about who runs it. Stick to verified casinos, and roulette can be as fair as any land-based table. Trust the license, not the marketing.”

Myths About Online Roulette Cheating

There are plenty of myths circulating online:

1. “All online roulette is rigged.”
   ❌ False. Licensed casinos are regularly audited.

2. “Casinos can see your bets and adjust the outcome.”
   ❌ In certified RNG games, outcomes are predetermined before you place the bet.

3. “Live dealers use magnets to move the ball.”
   ❌ Impossible in real-time streamed roulette.

4. “Winning streaks make casinos force losses.”
   ❌ The house edge already ensures long-term profitability without interference.

Responsible Gambling Reminder

Even in fair roulette, remember:

• The house always wins long term.

• Cheating or not, roulette is not a winning strategy for most players.

• Always gamble responsibly, set limits, and treat it as entertainment — not income.

Conclusion

So, can casinos cheat with online roulette?
👉 Yes, especially rogue ones operating without regulation. But reputable, licensed casinos usually don’t need to — their profits are already guaranteed through the house edge.

The key takeaway: play smart, choose licensed operators, check RNG certifications, and trust Gamblinghood reviews before betting a single dollar.

In the world of online roulette, knowledge is your best defense.