Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) have been a hot topic in the UK for years. Stories often circulate about ways to “cheat” or “beat” these machines, leaving many people unsure how they actually work and what’s fact or fiction.
Here, we look at some of the most common myths around FOBTs and whether there is any real method to outsmart them. Along the way, you’ll see how outcomes are decided and why separating rumour from reality matters.
Understanding how these machines operate can help you make more informed choices if you decide to play.
What Are FOBTs and How Do They Actually Work?
A Fixed Odds Betting Terminal (FOBT) is an electronic machine often found in betting shops. These machines let you place bets on a range of games, such as digital slot games, roulette, and simulated versions of other casino-style games.
The “fixed odds” part means the payout potential for each possible outcome is set in advance and shown on the screen. Results are decided by a Random Number Generator (RNG), the system that produces unpredictable outcomes, so no one can forecast or steer what happens on a given spin or round.
The maximum stake on a single game is £2 in the UK, a limit set by the government to try and reduce potential harm.
You will often see a “Return To Player” (RTP) percentage, which is a theoretical figure that shows the long-term average that may be returned to players. The RTP is the counterpart to the house edge, but both are theoretical and do not reflect what any one person might see in an individual session.
Do FOBT Cheats Work or Are They Just Myths?
Short answer: no.
FOBTs are designed to prevent interference, and the RNG explained above removes predictability from all game outcomes. Any attempts to bypass that, whether by using gadgets, tampering with cabinets, or exploiting software, are illegal.
Shops and machines use several layers of protection. Terminals have tamper-evident seals, secure software, and audit logs that record activity.
Staff and CCTV monitor the shop floor, while central systems flag any unusual patterns for review. This combination makes it extremely difficult to try and manipulate results without detection.
Getting caught trying to cheat can potentially lead to bans from betting shops, criminal charges, and the loss of any disputed winnings. The simplest way to view FOBTs is as random games with fixed rules and published payouts; there is no system that guarantees success.
How Do Fixed Odds and RNG Systems Prevent Cheats?
Two things do the heavy lifting here: fixed potential payouts and independent outcomes. Fixed odds mean the possible returns for each result are set and visible before you play. The RNG decides each outcome independently of the last one, and the next.
To keep this in check, machines are tested and certified, so the software, payout tables, and RNG behave as intended. Regular inspections, version control for software updates, and secure cabinets help ensure no one can alter a terminal without creating a trace. Terminals also keep event logs, which make it easier to spot any anomalies and investigate them quickly.
This is why claims of a hidden schedule or a method to “time” a spin fall apart under scrutiny. If there were a loophole, these checks and audits would expose it.
Why Do FOBT Cheat Stories Keep Circulating?
These stories can spread for a few simple reasons. People naturally search for any “patterns”, and may misread coincidence as something meaningful. That can lead to the idea that a certain sequence of bets, a particular time of day, or a button routine can change what comes next.
Cognitive biases may play a part. The gambler’s fallacy, for example, is the belief that a result is “due” because of what just happened, even though each round is independent. Confirmation bias may also nudge people to remember the times a tip seemed to “work” and forget the times it did not. Online forums and social media can amplify these moments and smooth over all the misses.
Occasionally, genuine technical faults are reported. In regulated environments, faults trigger safeguards: machines are taken out of service, investigated, and fixed, and any affected bets are reviewed according to the operator’s procedures. These rare incidents can fuel rumours, but they are not evidence of a repeatable cheat.
Common FOBT Myths That Players Still Believe
One common myth is that machines “pay out” on a schedule or after a set number of losing spins. In reality, each spin on a Fixed Odds Betting Terminal is independent and decided by the RNG, so there is no pattern or cycle to wait for or chase.
Another myth is that using special button combinations or betting methods can influence the outcome of FOBT games. No timing trick or stake pattern can alter the result because the outcome is generated by the system before the game animation plays.
Some players also believe staff can adjust payout levels or that a busy shop makes wins more likely. Staff do not control outcomes or the RTP, and activity in the shop has no bearing on the numbers produced by a terminal’s internal system.
FOBTs are built to produce random outcomes within fixed rules, and winnings are never guaranteed. If you choose to play, set a budget you can afford and stick to it. If play feels like it may start to become a problem, take a break and consider support options available in the UK.
*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.