Whether you enjoy playing at land-based roulette tables or live online casinos, you’ve probably wondered if they’re rigged. We’re often asked: “do roulette tables have magnets?” and the short answer is no.
Any casino with a valid gambling license will never try to influence a game because getting caught costs a lot of money. Starting with hefty fines and ending with the entire operation losing its license for good.
Cheating with Magnets
One of the oldest methods to cheat at roulette tables has always been magnets placed in the ball and table. Hypothetically, a casino can then influence where the ball lands by using the magnets.
Similarly, some people have built roulette wheels with magnets, where someone switches the pole to force the ball into specific pockets. These rigged roulette wheels might be found at unlicensed gambling venues, but not at licensed resorts.
Spotting these magnets can be tricky, especially when you’re playing online roulette at live casinos. However, if you’ve watched the wheel for long enough, you’ll become familiar with how the ball lands in a pocket. And you’ll know the difference between a biased wheel and a fair one.
Other Ways to Cheat
Our players-turned-experts have encountered a lot of creative cheating methods, but these certainly take the cake:
- Prediction Software – a pair of physics graduate students reportedly created a system that tracked the ball and where it would land. Their antics inspired an episode of Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) season 4.
- Remote Control – Monique Laurent used an electronic remote control hidden in a pack of cigarettes to win over a million in the 70s. With the control, she forced the ball to land on a group of numbers.
- Pocket Padding – this technique is used to manipulate the wheel by adding softer or harder materials in some pockets on the wheel. The idea here is to force the ball to skip over some part of the wheel.
So, Are Roulette Tables Rigged?
While there’s no guarantee that every casino with follow legal and moral standards, the ones we’ve reviewed do. These websites and casino resorts are known for fair casino games and not rigging anything in their favor.
Of course, there could be a rogue dealer/player or two at any gambling venue. But there are measures in place for that. From security cameras to tracking software, roulette games are carefully monitored for cheating.
So, stick to what works in the long run to increase your odds of winning: playing fairly with a low house edge.
John Ford has been writing online gambling content for over 18 years. Born and raised in the heart of the Short Pump, Virginia, John’s journey through the casino industry began on the casino floor itself. He started as a dealer in various games, including blackjack, poker, and baccarat, cultivating an understanding that only hands-on experience can provide. John’s passion for writing casino guides stems from his casino experience and his passion for helping fellow punters. His articles are more than reviews; they are narratives that guide both novices and seasoned players through the labyrinth of online casinos.