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How Do Casinos Make Money From Roulette?

How Do Casinos Make Money From Roulette?

Have you ever wondered how casinos always seem to profit from games of chance like roulette? The secret lies in something called the "house edge". This is a built-in advantage that ensures the casino comes out ahead over time. 

If you play roulette, you might notice that the wheel has numbers ranging from 1 to 36, plus one or two zeroes. These zeroes are key to the casino's profit. 

The outside bets cover various amounts of the 36 numbers that are either red or black. However, the green zeroes mean there are actually 37 or 38 possible outcomes, depending on the type of roulette. Because of these extra numbers, the odds are slightly tilted in the casino's favour since they count as a loss on any outside bet. This ensures that even if players win sometimes, the casino will still make money in the long run. 

Understanding this can help you make more informed choices when you decide to play roulette. 

Is Roulette Fixed?

It's natural to wonder if roulette is fixed. However, it's important to know that fixing games is against UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regulations. Any casino caught doing this could lose its operating licence. 

In fact, there is no need for casinos to fix roulette. Thanks to the house edge, they are guaranteed to profit over time. This built-in advantage ensures that casinos make money without resorting to unfair tactics. 

The house edge comes from the zeroes on the wheel and the slight difference between the true odds of certain bets and the payouts they offer. With these extra numbers, they slightly shift the odds in the casino's favour. This advantage is enough to ensure steady profits in the long run. 

Because of these regulations and the house edge, you can feel secure knowing that reputable UK casinos have no reason to fix roulette games. 

Why Do Casinos Always Win In Roulette?

You might think that casinos always win in roulette, but that's not exactly true. While they don't win every single game, the house edge provides them with a slight advantage over the players. 

As mentioned before, the house edge comes from the extra zeroes on the roulette wheel. For example, in European roulette, there are 37 numbers (1-36 plus a single zero). This setup gives the casino a 2.7% edge over the player. 

In American roulette, there are 38 numbers (1-36 plus a single zero and a double zero), giving the casino a higher edge of about 5.26%. 

Over time, this small advantage ensures that the casino will make a profit. While individual players might win big on occasion, the house edge guarantees that the casino comes out ahead in the long run due to the odds being slightly skewed in their favour. 

So, while it might seem like the casino always wins, it's still entirely possible for players to win. However, the house edge tilts the odds in their favour and ensures they come out on top in the long run. 

Can The House Edge Be Beaten In Roulette?

Many people wonder if it's possible to beat the house edge in roulette. The short answer is no. The house edge is fixed and cannot be changed, no matter what strategy or system a player uses. 

This edge comes from the zeroes on the roulette wheel and the difference in the true odds and the payout odds offered. Neither of these aspects can be changed regardless of the player's actions. 

While some players might have short-term wins, the house edge guarantees that the casino will profit over time. This small advantage might seem minor, but it's enough to ensure steady gains for the casino over a long period. 

There are no tricks or techniques that can alter this built-in house edge. It's an essential part of how roulette works, making sure the casino stays in business and can continue to offer games to players. 

Understanding this can help you make more informed decisions while playing roulette. Remember, the key is to appreciate that roulette is a random game of chance intended to provide entertainment, not a way to make money. So, please gamble responsibly and keep realistic expectations. 


*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.