Roulette, a classic casino game, has found its way into bookmakers, colloquially known as 'bookies', becoming a favourite amongst punters who enjoy playing in a more casual setting.
These bookies roulette machines, also known as Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBT), offer a new way to experience the thrill of roulette. Despite the popularity of these machines, a persistent question lingers in the minds of many: can one beat these bookies roulette machines? This article unravels the intricacies of bookies roulette to provide a comprehensive understanding of the game.
Is Bookies Roulette Fixed?
Contrary to common belief, bookies roulette machines are not rigged. The undeniable advantage the house has over players in any gambling game is the house edge. This inherent advantage means that over time, the bookies always profit from the roulette machines. They do not need to alter the machines to achieve this. The house edge is built into the rules of the game itself; it's not something added by the bookies or the casino.
In roulette, the house edge varies depending on the type of roulette game being played. For example, the house edge in European roulette is 2.7%, while it's 5.26% in American roulette. While this might seem insignificant, it accumulates over time, ensuring that the house makes a profit in the long run.
Therefore, the bookies have no need to fix or rig roulette games.
Also, these machines operate using a Random Number Generator (RNG), sophisticated software that uses complex mathematical algorithms to generate unpredictable outcomes. The RNG is regularly audited and tested by independent third-party companies to ensure it functions within the required parameters of fairness and randomness. Hence, roulette in the bookies is not fixed.
How Do You Beat Bookies Roulette Machines?
Bookies roulette is a game of chance, but that doesn't mean that winning is impossible. Just as in a live casino, the outcome of each spin on a bookies roulette machine is entirely random and independent of previous spins. But, rather than using a dealer, the outcome is determined by the Random Number Generator (RNG). Thus, the chances of a given number landing are the same for every spin.
Understanding the odds and potential payouts of each type of bet is crucial in the game of roulette. For instance, a 'straight-up' bet on a single number offers the highest payout but has the lowest odds of winning. Conversely, bets on even/odd, high/low or red/black offer lower payouts but have a significantly higher probability of winning.
While there are strategies out there that players use while playing roulette, they cannot guarantee a win or change the inherent odds of the game. Players often adopt these various betting strategies as a way to structure their bets so that if they land a win, they can recuperate some of their losses - in theory.
However, it's important to note that many of these strategies involve rapidly increasing the bet amount following a loss, which can quickly get expensive. One such strategy is the 'Martingale strategy', which involves doubling your bet after every loss and returning to the initial amount after a win.
Again, these strategies do not affect the inherent odds of roulette. They merely provide alternative ways to structure bets but do not reduce or eliminate the house edge. So, there is no way to beat bookies roulette.
Is It Better To Play Slots Or Roulette?
The choice between roulette and slots ultimately boils down to a player's preference. Both games incorporate randomness and have a house edge. Slots generally have a house edge ranging from around 2% to 10%, while European roulette has a 2.7% house edge, and American roulette has a 5.26% house edge.
So, it is impossible to say which has better odds as the Return To Player (RTP) rate of slots varies so greatly from one to the next. Choosing roulette merely because it has a lower house edge than most slot games isn't a viable strategy. While the house edge indicates the odds of the game, choosing a game with a lower house edge still does not guarantee a win.
Ultimately, the most critical aspect of gambling is to play responsibly. As important as the odds of winning are for many, it's essential to remember that whatever you choose to play should be viewed as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money. Set a budget and stick to it, ensuring you never bet more than you can afford to lose. If you are no longer enjoying playing, it's time to walk away.
Conclusion
Bookies roulette machines offer the same odds as regular roulette and use an RNG to ensure the randomness and fairness of each spin. There is no way to beat bookies roulette machines, just as there is no way to beat roulette in a casino.
Whether or not playing on these machines is 'worth it' boils down to personal preference above all else. Besides, bookies roulette is designed as a form of entertainment, as are all casino games. So, it's important to focus on this aspect and bear it in mind rather than trying to use it as a way to make money.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time.