A single player vertical roulette mechanism is directed that includes a stand, a wheel and a motor. The wheel is configured to be mounted to the stand and rotate relative to the stand. The wheel includes a plurality of numbers corresponding to a roulette wheel. The motor is affixed to the stand and configured to rotate the wheel. A roulette ball is also fixedly mounted to the stand. A plurality of lights are fixedly mounted to the stand between the stand and the wheel. The plurality of lights illuminate the wheel so the numbers are visible to a player of the vertical roulette mechanism. A seat for a single player may also be connected to the stand enabling the roulette mechanism to be substituted for a traditional slot machine cabinet.