A brief history of roulette
It’s a simple game of chance using a small ball tossed into a spinning wheel.
This classic game is undergoing a massive surge in popularity – mainly thanks to the fact that roulette can be played online easily today.
Why does this traditional table game have such enduring appeal both online and in physical casinos?
The appeal of roulette
The famous spinning wheel of roulette seems to have a timeless appeal for players. Some of this comes from a combination of chance and strategy – it’s exciting for both casual and experienced players.
But it’s more than that – the visuals of the game are crucial too.
The ball being tossed into a rotating wheel seems the very embodiment of randomness. It’s like watching a random number generator at work.
And there’s a traditional factor too. Roulette has glamour and style.
It conjures images of The Man Who Broke The Bank at Monte Carlo or James Bond.
Roulette today
The latest figures show that roulette ranks among the top-played casino games – especially online.
The global expansion of online gambling has boosted roulette’s visibility, with many players enjoying live dealer games and various innovative variants.
European roulette is generally favored for its lower house edge of 2.7%. American roulette has a higher edge at 5.26%, due to its additional 00 slot.
The number of global players is estimated in the millions. The money being staked is growing and profits for casinos are huge.
In Las Vegas, for example, roulette generated over $210 million in profits in 2020, making it the fourth most profitable game.
Roulette’s simplicity and the potential for substantial payouts have certainly maintained its appeal for gamblers worldwide.
The origins of roulette
Roulette can be traced back to 17th-century France. A roulette-type game was invented by the French mathematician Blaise Pascal.
Pascal was attempting to create a perpetual motion machine — a device that could run indefinitely without any external energy. Inadvertently he created what would become the roulette wheel.
Before Pascal’s contribution, similar wheel-based games of chance had been played in Europe.
The name “roulette” itself comes from the French word meaning “little wheel,” a fitting description of the core element of the game.
The modern version of roulette took shape in France during the 18th century and became a staple of French casinos.
The game’s layout was finalized with the introduction of the single zero pocket. In contrast, American roulette later added the double zero when roulette spread to the United States in the 19th century.
By the early 19th century, roulette had gained widespread popularity in European casinos – especially in Monte Carlo, the only properly legalized casino in most of the continent.
The modern version of roulette was settled when Francois and Louis Blanc introduced the single-zero version of the game to Monte Carlo in the 1840s, reducing the house edge and making it more attractive to players.
The secrets of roulette’s success
Roulette’s recent resurgence is driven by a combination of tradition, simplicity – and innovation in how the game is offered, especially online.
- Simplicity and Accessibility
Math-based games have always had a place in our hearts, and have been thriving in recent years. Roulette is no exception, with it also being easy to understand and play. So, it’s fun for beginners and experienced gamblers alike.
Players bet on various combinations of numbers or colors. This means there are various betting styles, from the longshot of a single number to very broad odds (like red or black, odd or even).
- Thrill and Payout Potential
The suspense as the ball spins and slowly lands in a numbered pocket always keeps players engaged. The potential for significant payouts, particularly in high-stakes settings, adds to the excitement.
- Cultural and Historical Appeal
Being a game with a rich history, roulette has maintained a classic allure. It feels more like a traditional casino experience than any other game.
Roulette’s recent resurgence
Roulette’s recent resurgence has been due to the rise of online casinos. As Roulette can be played online nowadays, it’s made it far more accessible than ever before. Who would have thought the game would be so successfully adapted into online formats, including live dealer versions that mimic the experience of a real casino?
This means that players can enjoy the game at any time, from their homes – and with the ability to interact with live croupiers.
The proliferation of mobile gambling platforms allows users to play roulette anywhere and at any time. This has led to a surge in new players discovering the game.
At the same time software providers have introduced innovative variants like multi-wheel, lightning roulette, and double-ball roulette. These have introduced new ways to play while maintaining the core appeal.
Online casinos frequently promote roulette with bonuses, free spins, and loyalty programs. This attracts both seasoned gamblers and new players.
The combination of online accessibility, live casino experiences, and innovative game versions has driven roulette’s resurgence into the digital age.
Roulette may still have an iconic status but it’s also all the rage right now too.