The spin is theatre; the draw is not
The winner is chosen before the animation begins, using the system’s cryptographic random source, and the wheel is then animated to land on it. The alternative — letting a physics simulation decide — would make the outcome depend on the animation and be far harder to justify as fair.
The visible spin exists because a draw people watch feels fairer than a name appearing instantly, which is a real benefit in a classroom or a meeting.
Drawing more than one
Removing the winner before the next spin is drawing without replacement — what you want for prizes, where nobody should win twice. Leaving them in means each spin is independent and a repeat is possible, which is what you want for picking who answers next.
Nothing leaves the page
The list is often a class register or a team roster. It stays in the browser, is not stored, and is gone when the tab closes.
Frequently asked questions
Is the wheel actually random?
Yes. The winner is drawn from the system’s cryptographic random source before the animation, which then lands on it. The spin is presentation, not the decision.
Can the same name win twice?
Only if you leave winners in. Remove them and each name can win once, which is what prize draws need.
Are the names uploaded?
No — they stay in the page and are gone when you close the tab. Class lists and team rosters are not sent anywhere.
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