Known for its iconic red and black wheel, with either one or two green sections, Roulette is a classic and timeless casino game with a rich history.
With this in mind, we wanted to briefly delve into Roulette’s history, to find out where this casino classic came from and how it made its way onto digital platforms for players to access via online casino websites – and even in the live casino online landscape.
So, are you ready to spin back to the very beginning of Roulette’s history? If you answered yes, scroll down to continue.
Where it all began
Blaise Pascal, the renowned French mathematician, physicist, and philosopher, is credited with the beginnings of Roulette. In 1655, while Pascal was trying to create a perpetual motion machine, he unintentionally developed a basic form of the Roulette wheel.
This early version featured 36 numbered pockets but lacked the 0 and 00 slots found in modern Roulette. Later in the 18th century, the game evolved into its present form when French casinos introduced the 0 to increase the house edge.
Roulette quickly gained popularity across Europe and became a staple in casinos, captivating players with its blend of chance and excitement – thanks to Pascal’s ingenious creation!
How a new variation was born
You may have noticed that there are variations of Roulette ready and waiting to be spun online, including an American variation and a European – but how did these two variations come to be? Who was behind it all? The Blanc brothers!
The Blanc brothers, François and Louis, made significant contributions to the development of Roulette.
In the mid-19th century, they transformed the traditional Roulette wheel by removing the double zero (00) pocket, reducing the house edge, and introducing the single zero (0) version of the game.
This bold and brave modification enhanced the players’ odds and made the game more appealing to many.
Not only did they change Roulette forever, but additionally, they established the first legal casino in Monte Carlo, Monaco, in 1863, where the single-zero Roulette became immensely popular.
The Blanc brothers’ innovations and entrepreneurial efforts were instrumental in shaping the modern Roulette wheel and solidifying its place as a classic casino game.
The European variation in the US
When seeking out a game or two of Roulette in the States, you’ll notice that few, if any, casino establishments offer the European variation.
But why?
When Roulette crossed the seas from Europe, Americans didn’t take to the European Roulette variation primarily due to the difference in the wheel design.
In European Roulette, the wheel features 37 pockets numbered from 0 to 36, with a single green “0” pocket, resulting in a lower house edge compared to American Roulette. However, in the American version, the wheel has 38 pockets, including both the “0” and “00” green pockets, increasing the house edge.
All variations
Thanks to modern technology, Roulette has expanded its gaming variations further, offering more than just American, European, and French variants – many of these games even include live variations! Now, depending on where you log in to spin the wheel, you could spot variations including:
- European Roulette: The classic version with a single zero (0) pocket and numbers 1 to 36.
- American Roulette: Similar to European Roulette but with an additional double zero (00) pocket, resulting in 38 numbers.
- French Roulette: Similar to European Roulette, but with a few different rules, such as the “La Partage” and “En Prison” rules that can benefit players.
- Mini Roulette: A scaled-down version with only 13 numbers (0 to 12), increasing the odds of winning but reducing the payouts.
- Multi-Wheel Roulette: Allows players to bet on multiple Roulette wheels simultaneously, increasing the betting options.
- Multi-Ball Roulette: Features multiple balls in play at the same time, offering more chances to win with a single spin.
- Double Ball Roulette: Similar to multi-ball Roulette but with two balls in play.
- Triple Zero Roulette: A newer variation with an additional triple zero (000) pocket, increasing the house edge even more than American Roulette.
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Now you know a bit more about Roulette and its history, which variant of the iconic wheel will you be spinning on your next visit?
