Are FOBT Machines Rigged? Fixed Machines In Bookies

If you’ve ever walked past a UK bookmaker and seen people using touchscreen machines, you might have wondered what they are and how they work. These machines are known as Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs). They’re a popular feature in high street betting shops, and they let people bet on games like digital roulette, virtual sports, and slot-style games.

This guide explains how FOBTs operate, what makes them legal and fair, and why there’s often confusion about their outcomes. Whether you’re simply curious, or considering playing one, it may be useful to understand how the machines are set up, what the rules are, and what protections are in place. This can help you make more informed choices and know what you might expect.

What Are FOBT Machines?

Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) are electronic gaming machines that can be found in licensed betting shops across the UK. They’re usually touchscreen devices, offering a range of games where the outcomes are based on chance.

The most common game types include digital roulette, slots, and virtual sports betting. In these games, you place a bet, and the result is determined almost instantly.

Since April 2019, there’s been a legal cap of a £2 bet per spin. This rule was introduced to reduce the risk of players losing large amounts in a short time.

Each game on a terminal has its own rules, layout, and potential payout structure, known as a paytable. The paytable shows how much different outcomes can pay, and it can be worth checking this before you play. Some games may have features like bonus rounds, multipliers, or extra symbols. The options available can vary between machines and bookmakers.

Outcomes on FOBTs are not influenced by any previous plays. These are games of chance. Whether you win or lose is not based on strategy or timing. Each play is completely separate from the last.

Are FOBT Machines Rigged?

FOBTs are often misunderstood, and it’s not uncommon to hear people question whether the machines are rigged. In the UK, these terminals are legally required to operate under strict regulation. The outcomes are not manipulated.

All FOBT games run on a system called a Random Number Generator (RNG). This is a computer programme that randomly produces results. It’s tested by approved independent labs to make sure the results are not predictable or biased. The machines are regularly checked before and after installation to make sure they meet UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) standards.

What this means is that neither the bookmaker nor the staff can alter the outcome of a game. Each result is separate from the one before. There’s no memory in the machine, and any potential winning or losing streaks don’t affect future results.

If you want to understand the odds of a game, it can be helpful to look at the Return to Player (RTP) percentage. This is a theoretical figure that shows how much, on average, is expected to be paid back to players over time. 

For example, a game with an RTP of 95% suggests that, in the long run, £95 may be paid back for every £100 staked—but this is based on millions of simulated spins. It doesn’t mean you’ll get £95 back every time you wager £100.

The RTP is not a prediction of what you might personally win or lose—it’s simply a statistical measure used to show how a game is designed to behave over a very large number of plays.

Why Bookies Don’t Need To Fix FOBT Machines

There’s no financial need for bookmakers to fix the outcome of FOBT games. Each game has a built-in margin, often called the house edge, which is the bookmaker’s advantage over time.

Take digital roulette as an example. Many machines offer a version based on European roulette, which uses a wheel with 37 numbers (1–36 plus a single zero). This setup gives the house an edge of about 2.7%. That edge is calculated from the game’s design, not through altering outcomes. So, even if players win, the long-term statistics naturally favour the bookmaker.

Because of this built-in margin, bookmakers don’t need to change or interfere with the machines. They’re already profiting in a legal way, provided the games are played often enough and by enough people.

Every terminal is required to clearly display the RTP and game rules, giving you the option to decide if you want to play. These rules explain the maximum win potential, the way bets are structured, and any special features that may be included in the game.

Bookies Roulette: Is It Worth Playing?

Digital roulette is one of the most used games on FOBTs in UK betting shops. The format is similar to the version found in land-based casinos. You can place a bet on numbers, colours, or sections of the wheel, then press the screen to spin.

The appeal of roulette often lies in its simplicity. You can bet on a single number (which can pay out at 35 to 1), on red or black (which can pay out at 1 to 1), or choose from other combinations. 

Some players enjoy the variety of bet types available, while others may prefer games like slots. The choice between games is down to personal preference. There’s no “best” game overall—what suits one person might not suit another.

All roulette games on FOBTs use a certified RNG to determine where the ball lands. You can’t influence the outcome or increase your chances through timing, betting systems, or repeat plays. That’s because it’s not a game of skill. It’s a game of chance.

It may be worth reviewing the machine’s rules and paytable before placing a bet, as some variations may use different layouts or features. Not all roulette games have the same RTP or visual setup.

If you choose to play on FOBTs, consider setting limits for how much time and money you want to spend. Gambling should always be treated as entertainment, not a way to make money. Only use money you can afford to lose.