If you’ve never played online roulette before, it’s natural to have a few questions. You might be curious about how the game works or whether it’s truly fair. With so many different websites out there, knowing what to trust may feel overwhelming — especially if you’ve heard stories that suggest online casino games are somehow “rigged”.
This guide is here to clear up the confusion. It will explain how online roulette usually works at UK-licensed casinos like Ivy Casino, what a Random Number Generator (RNG) is, and how fairness is guaranteed by strict regulation.
Whether you’re simply exploring or thinking about trying a few spins, this article will help you understand how the game functions and how to stay safe while playing.
Online roulette is a digital version of the traditional table game you might have seen in films or casinos. Instead of a physical wheel and ball, everything happens on your screen using reliable software.
The most common version you’ll usually come across is European Roulette. This version has 37 numbered pockets on the wheel: numbers 1 to 36, plus a single green zero (0). The game runs using a Random Number Generator (RNG)—a clever bit of software that selects one number from 0 to 36 every time you press spin. This software mimics the randomness of a real spinning wheel and ensures no one can predict or influence the outcome.
To take part, you’ll choose how much you want to stake and place your virtual chips on the table. You can go for a straight-up bet (picking a single number), or try even-money bets like ‘red’ or ‘black’—where you’re betting on broader outcomes. Each option offers its own possible payout.
For example, guessing the exact number pays 35 to 1, while betting on red or black pays 1 to 1. These options give you flexibility in how you play.
It’s a fair question—especially when everything is happening on a screen. But the short answer is yes: at licensed casinos in the UK, including Ivy Casino, each spin is completely random and independent.
This is because of the RNG, which runs in the background of nearly every roulette game. When you click to spin, the software instantly selects a result, without influence from your bet, past results, or how long you’ve been playing. It doesn’t “remember” anything and it doesn’t follow any pattern. The system is designed to treat every spin like the first one.
Under UK law, this software must be regularly tested by third-party experts. These are independent organisations that run millions of simulated spins to check the results fall in line with statistical fairness. One such organisation is eCOGRA, which you may sometimes see mentioned on trusted gaming sites.
For reference: in European roulette, there are 37 possible outcomes. So, if you bet on a single number, your chance of winning is 1 in 37—around 2.70%. This percentage never changes. It’s part of what makes roulette a game of pure chance.
There’s a lot of misunderstanding around online games, particularly if players go through a losing streak. It’s easy to start thinking something’s not quite right. But when you play at a licensed casino like Ivy Casino, you’re protected by some of the strictest rules in the world.
All online casino operators registered with the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) must meet specific requirements to offer games. These rules ensure the fairness of the software, the security of your funds, and your protection as a player. One key requirement is that all games—including online roulette—are tested by certified auditors who specialise in fairness checks.
The roulette games you see at Ivy Casino are built and supplied by reputable software providers, who themselves must meet licensing standards. Each game is carefully reviewed before it becomes available. This means the casino doesn’t build or manipulate the games, and they certainly can’t change the result of a spin once you’ve placed your bet.
Still, not every site out there follows the rules. That’s why it’s so important to choose a casino that clearly displays its UKGC licence number, which you can easily check on the Gambling Commission’s official website.
No—not when they’re properly licensed in the UK. It would be illegal, unethical, and extremely risky for any licensed operator to tamper with results.
Many online roulette outcomes are determined by RNGs that have undergone testing to ensure they’re functioning correctly. These tests look at how numbers are generated over long periods and check for any signs of bias. The audits are conducted by recognised testing labs like iTech Labs or GLI.
Additionally, UK casinos must undergo regular compliance checks and audits to keep their licence. This includes verifying that all games meet required payout percentages (known as Return to Player, or RTP), that player funds are properly protected, and that game performance is monitored.
It’s also worth knowing that unlicensed websites, particularly those based outside the UK, may not offer the same level of fairness or transparency. Some of these sites might operate without oversight, so players have no way of knowing whether the game results are truly random. That’s why sticking with a UK-licensed operator like Ivy Casino is always the safer choice.
Online casinos like Ivy Casino are required to provide evidence of fairness for every game they offer. This isn’t optional—it’s part of the legal framework under the UKGC.
One way this is done is through regular game testing. Each RNG is analysed using a large number of spins to make sure that, over time, results are evenly distributed and unpredictable. This testing must be carried out by approved third-party companies that have no connection to the casino or game developer.
Ivy Casino also supports responsible gambling tools that help you manage your play. These include options like deposit limits, loss limits, and reality checks (which remind you how long you’ve been playing). These tools aren’t just helpful—they’re there to support safer play and are a requirement under UKGC rules.
Roulette is entirely based on chance, so no trick or strategy can influence the outcome. Every spin is a fresh event, and the chances stay the same each time—1 in 37 if you’re betting on a single number in European roulette.
You might hear people talk about systems like the Martingale, where you double your bet after a loss in the hope of recovering previous losses. Others may mention Fibonacci, which follows a number sequence for bet sizes. While these may feel structured, they don’t change the odds of the game and can quickly lead to larger potential losses.
There’s no strategy that can overcome the house edge, which in European roulette sits at around 2.70% due to the presence of the zero. That’s the mathematical advantage the casino holds.
If you enjoy roulette, the best approach is to treat it as a form of entertainment, rather than a money-making method. Set a spending limit, decide in advance how long you’ll play for, and avoid chasing losses. Ivy Casino offers a range of tools to help you play within your means and enjoy the experience safely.
Ivy Casino is fully licensed and regulated by the UKGC, which helps make sure your gaming experience meets UK standards for fairness and safety.
You will find several online roulette options, including European and other popular versions. Ivy Casino also offers a range of other table games such as blackjack and baccarat, as well as hundreds of online slots for those who enjoy different styles of play.
If you are interested in trying roulette, or just want to explore the games, Ivy Casino provides clear rules and paytables within each title. You can set your own budget, choose from different bet amounts, and play responsibly.
*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.