One of the most iconic casino games in history is one that involves an iconic spinning wheel. We are, of course, talking about Roulette.
Not only is this game popular, but it also features a fascinating history that spans across centuries. From its accidental invention by a French mathematician to the modern-day virtual table games and variations like live Roulette, the game has evolved significantly over the years.
As such, this article will explore the origins, key developments, and variations of this classic game of chance.
The origins of Roulette
Roulette’s origins are often debated, but many agree the invention of the classic game dates back to the 17th century.
Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician and physicist, unintentionally created the foundation of the game while attempting to build a perpetual motion machine. Although his experiment failed, it essentially didn’t, because it resulted in a primitive form of the now-iconic Roulette wheel.
By the early 18th century, casino gaming was becoming increasingly popular in France, and Pascal’s design was adapted into a game.
Early developments and the influence of the Blanc family
The first official version of Roulette as we know it emerged in 18th-century France, and the game quickly gained popularity in aristocratic gambling houses.
As the game moved into the mid-19th century, François and Louis Blanc—two influential casino operators—played a key role in evolving it further. They introduced a single-zero version of the game in Monte Carlo, helping establish the city as a European casino gaming hotspot. This single-zero format still remains the standard for European Roulette today.
The birth of American Roulette
Roulette eventually made its way to the United States in the early 19th century. American casinos preferred original Roulette variation with the double-zero (00) pocket, despite its increased house edge. This saw the double-zero version named American Roulette – a version which you’ll still see today.
The double zero significantly impacts the odds, making American Roulette less favourable for players than its European counterpart, although it still became the dominant form of Roulette in the United States and remains popular in many casinos across North America.
The rise of online Roulette and modern innovations
The late 20th and early 21st centuries brought significant changes to Roulette with the invention of the internet – and subsequently, the rise of online casinos. Roulette became accessible to players from anywhere they had a reliable internet connection, so they were no longer required to visit a land-based casino.
Modern online Roulette includes a wider range of variations, such as live dealer Roulette, automated digital versions, and themed variations that add unique twists to the classic game. Casino providers also have a range of tools on their platforms to help encourage responsible gaming – such as wagering limits and reminders for time spent playing.
On top of that, you’ll find technological advancements still happening today, including virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI). These are helping to shape the future of Roulette and keep gameplay fresh.
As you can see, from its accidental invention to its modern digital adaptations, Roulette has remained a staple in the casino space for centuries. Whether played in its European or American format, online Roulette continues to give players a way to play their favourite game and try out fresh features and gameplay variations.
