It’s time to dig deep and provide a history lesson on one of the most popular casino games of all time. The way in which roulette originated has been fiercely debated among scholars and even casino proprietors, and there are various schools of thought as to where the roulette wheel first surfaced.
The most frequently accepted theory concerning the origins of the roulette game dates back to the 17th Century, and self-proclaimed mathematical genius Blaise Pascal, who we will discuss in more detail later in this guide.
Before this, there was a suggestion that roulette was a Chinese board game, and it was one of the most addictive gambling games. The gambling scene in other countries was rather promising at the time.
However, details confirming the original Chinese game have been called into question and dismissed as nothing more than a conspiracy.
Roulette fans, for example, will believe claims surrounding the ancient Chinese game is rather spurious, whereas, with French roulette, the game has a single zero and a double zero pocket.
ROULETTE IN ANCIENT TIMES
Roulette history, to a certain extent, is steeped in ancient times. Aside from the old Chinese board game, the first mention of a roulette mechanism or roulette wheels can be traced to ancient Rome.
In ancient Rome, being a soldier was a tough gig, and not fun. To escape the horrors of the battlefield, Roman commanders would let their soldiers unwind by participating in gambling games.
Many of these games involved spinning a chariot wheel or a shield which was as close to replicating roulette games as possible.
BLAISE PASCAL – FAMOUS FRENCH GAMBLER
The casino game roulette wouldn’t be what it is today without Blaise Pascal. Although French politician Louis Blanc helped build the casino scene in Monte Carlo, Pascal perhaps deserves more attention than Louis Blanc.
Indeed, Pascal, who was a mathematician and physicist in the 17th Century, came up with a mathematical formula to create a perpetual motion machine known as the roulette wheel, which initially missed off the numbers.
However, the perpetual motion machine became more sophisticated over time, and eventually, it was tweaked for making casino games in Monte Carlo more fun for gamblers.
The above image shows the original perpetual motion machine before it was transformed into a real casino game.
Roulette perhaps wouldn’t be one of the most popular casino activities in Las Vegas today let alone Europe without Pascal, and his influence on this classic game shouldn’t be forgotten.
NEW ORLEANS – THE NEW HOME OF ROULETTE
While you might think Las Vegas is the home of modern day roulette, New Orleans has claimed the mantle.
For example, Harrah’s Hotel & Casino is a modern land based casino that is the home of casino operators Caesars, and there are over 100 table games to keep players occupied.
ROULETTE TABLE LAYOUT
The roulette wheel and table layout will vary depending on which version of the game you are playing. For example, European roulette and its French counterpart comes with a single zero, and the former has a higher edge in terms of real casino games.
In European roulette, the single zero roulette wheel has 37 numbers, including numbers 1-36 as well as a single zero pocket.
And bets available for playing roulette for a single zero game will be based on the wheel sector. So, for example, in European roulette or roulette of the French variety, the gaming wheel dictates you can make neighbouring bets, such as neighbours of zero, with 22, 18, and 29, among the possible betting options.
THE EVOLUTION OF THE ROULETTE WHEEL
The evolution of the roulette wheel has come a long way in a brick and mortar casino. From the days of Pascal where there was only a perpetual motion machine, the roulette wheel has become more sophisticated, and that includes American roulette.
There are also superficial differences between each version of online roulette titles, including the RTP (Return to Player) ratio, and the advent of internet casinos has made a difference. As you will see further down the page, players can enjoy streaming live games, and there are more live dealer titles available on casino platforms.
ZERO AND ITS ROLE ON THE ROULETTE WHEEL
The single zero roulette slot is sacrosanct in terms of determining the house edge for games. Rather, the house edge swings more in the favour and gives them the upper hand when you play roulette.
Typically, when you play European games, the house edge stands at 2.7%, but with fewer pockets than American roulette which has a higher house edge, the odds of winning at the European version is higher.
ROULETTE RULES ON THE STORY CARD
In many ways, roulette hasn’t changed that much in terms of the rules in more recent times. However, the rules will largely depend on whether there is a single zero or double zero. All bets will have to be placed before the dealer spins the ball, and it is a matter of luck as to whether or not the ball lands in the spot you have predicted.
There are also a few etiquette or rather unwritten rules especially when it comes to upscale gambling venues, and that includes not interfering with other players sat around the table.
THE MOST POPULAR TYPES OF ROULETTE CASINO GAMES
Let’s now take a closer look at three of the most popular versions of roulette available at online roulette sites.
FRENCH ROULETTE
This version of roulette is quite simple to play, especially if you are visiting gambling dens or a high end Monte Carlo casino resort. The premise of the game online centres around two rules — La partage and en prison. With La partage, if you make any even money bet, and the ball falls into the single zero pocket, you will receive half of your wager back. Whereas, with en prison, this is a variation of La partage, if you lose, you will be entrapped or imprisoned until the next spin.
EUROPEAN ROULETTE
In this version, there is also only one zero slot and 37 numbers. In this game, the wheel will always spin anti clockwise when the ball is in action, but the house advantage is higher compared to the French version of this game.
AMERICAN ROULETTE
American roulette is the only double zero variation as you will find a double zero pocket. The numbers at online casinos are seemingly aligned in a random order, with 18 red pockets and 18 black pockets. While it is available at digital casinos, it isn’t the most popular, and as the numbers aren’t grouped together, it is hard to know where the ball will land.
ROULETTE IN ONLINE CASINO – A NEW ERA OF ROULETTE
Roulette in online casinos has exploded in popularity, and it has heralded a new era for one of the greatest casino games.
Those who like to play roulette will discover that you can stream games from the comfort of your own home, and a modern casino will have the most immersive titles to keep players engaged. As such, new casino platforms will stock a greater range of games and they will push the boundaries to keep new and existing players on board.
TOP POPULAR CASINO GAMES IN ROULETTE
Although roulette has a French origin, nowadays, roulette has evolved substantially, and we’re not just talking about one double zero pocket here either. The most popular casino games will have multiple variants, and the same applies to roulette.
Here is a list of some of the most absorbing roulette games, and many will have an electronic random number generator installed.
- European
- Mini roulette
- Spingo
- Multi wheel roulette
- French version
LIVE ROULETTE IN ONLINE CASINO
Online games have evolved, and that is in part down to live roulette. While the buzz of a Monte Carlo casino resort may be hard to match, with live roulette, you can play in the comfort of your own home.
You won’t find getting a seat at the table difficult and even the betting options for live roulette is the same as regular versions. Also, you will be able to interact with a live dealer, and this will make the experience highly enjoyable.
CONCLUSION
Although the French were responsible for making Monte Carlo a premium roulette destination, in the past 100 years or so, roulette has spread its wings, and even South America has embraced it.
The way in which the game has evolved is nothing short of incredible, and that can be said of when it was played at the first online casino. Nowadays, players are spoilt for choice as to the type of games they can play and roulette is inherently fun. If you have enjoyed what you have read, then head over to Energy Casino, and pick a title that appeals the most.
⭐ What is Roly Poly?
Roly Poly was the original version of roulette before it became known as roulette. It was a 17th Century game that was popular in England, and played on a wheel, but the game used even/odd markings instead of 36 numbers.
⭐ Has roulette always been called roulette?
No, roulette has taken on different names. There was Roly Poly, even-odd, Birbi, Hoca, and Ace of Hearts, and they had their own set of rules.
⭐ Is online roulette the most popular choice among casino players?
Yes, it has become more popular and it is arguably on an even keel with slots.
⭐ What is the difference between online roulette and live dealer roulette?
The main difference is that online roulette titles are governed by random number generators (RNGs), whereas live dealer roulette is controlled by real-life dealers.
⭐ Was roulette also so popular before it appeared in the online casino?
Yes, the way the game evolved is incredible. Before it took off at online casinos, people would visit land-based casinos to get their fix and roulette provided an exhilarating experience.