How Roulette Wheels are Made

Roulette is one of the most popular table games in the world of casino gaming. Seeing it spin, hearing the ball hit the wheel, and feeling the rush of your number hitting are just part of the experience. How the wheel is made, however, is a lot more precise.

Online casinos have changed how we look at table games. Rather than feeling the felt or hearing the authentic spin of a roulette wheel, we now hope to get through as many hands and spins as possible in the shortest period of time.

That said, there are distinct differences between in-person and online roulette. If you’re a fan of the game, especially in person, and watch to venture into the real casino versus a live casino, you may be wondering how the wheels are made. Check out the process below.

Materials and Regulations

For the most part, modern roulette wheels are made of wood, just as their early counterparts were. Wood is reliable and gives the wheel that vintage, classy look. A polish is applied to give it a smooth look, though the center is typically made of metal or plastic.

All roulette wheels have a 32-inch diameter. Most weigh about 100 pounds, though that can vary depending on size and the materials used. The number of pockets can vary depending on the style of roulette being played. European and French roulettes have 37 pockets while American roulette has one more for the double zero.

Production

When the wooden frame has been completed, sandblasting and polishing are performed. Painting follows, though the wooden texture is largely kept. If anything, the side and edges of the wheel get painted.

The metal wheel is then put into place with numbers put in their proper positions. If it seems like they’re random, they aren’t; proper placement ensures balance. Divider pockets then go on top of the numbers so that the ball will stop on one number. Finally, a handle is picked and is then installed in the middle of the wheel, completing the production process.

Testing

As is the case with any other product, any good roulette wheel will go through rigorous testing. The goal is to make sure that the win spins smoothly and that there are no issues or irregularities with it. Each of the pockets is measured to ensure space between them.

The best (and most expensive) wheels are built to last a long, long time. Some of the best roulette wheels on the market can last for a couple of decades before they are ultimately worn down and need replacing.

Conclusion

When all is said and done, the end result is a beautifully crafted, fun piece of casino equipment. More elaborate wheels go through a bit more fine-tuning and detail, but the overall process is generally the same. All to create the excitement that only roulette can deliver.