Part I: Games & Gaming · Wheel Games — Roulette

Wheel Clocking

Roulette

An advantage play technique in which a player attempts to predict the landing zone of the roulette ball by timing the speed of the wheel and the ball, then using physics-based calculations to estimate where the ball will fall. Various methods exist, from simple visual estimation to sophisticated electronic devices hidden in mobile phones or custom hardware. Wheel clocking is distinct from wheel bias analysis, as it attempts to predict individual spins rather than exploit long-term mechanical defects. Most jurisdictions explicitly prohibit the use of electronic devices for wheel clocking, and casinos reserve the right to refuse service to players suspected of employing these techniques. Surveillance teams are trained to identify behaviors consistent with wheel clocking, such as late betting, consistent timing of bets relative to ball release, and association with known advantage play teams.

In practice

In Macau, Singapore, and Australia, use of electronic devices for gambling advantage is a criminal offense. Surveillance should immediately report suspected electronic wheel clocking to management and law enforcement.

One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary — 1,157 terms written for surveillance, compliance and operations professionals rather than for players. Definitions describe industry usage; where a term carries a regulatory meaning, verify against the instrument that governs your jurisdiction.