The History of Roulette
Roulette is one of the most enduring table games available in both physical and online casinos. While the exact origins of roulette remain somewhat unclear, it is generally accepted that the innovative concept of the game and the roulette wheel can be attributed to Blaise Pascal.
There are theories suggesting that the inspiration for roulette may have stemmed from an ancient Chinese board game, where players placed up to 37 figures on a board with numbers that summed to 666. Notably, the total of all the numbers on a standard roulette wheel also equals 666. Despite this intriguing connection, Blaise Pascal is still regarded as the most credible figure behind the invention of roulette.
Pascal, a French mathematician, possessed a remarkable aptitude for numbers and scientific inquiry. He became fixated on the concept of creating a machine that could achieve perpetual motion without an external energy source—an endeavor that modern science has proven to be unattainable.
In his quest to invent a perpetual motion machine, Pascal is credited with the invention of the roulette wheel. While his initial design did not feature the 37 numbered pockets we recognize today, the fundamental mechanics of the wheel’s movement were established.
During the 17th century in France, two popular betting games known as ‘Roly Poly’ and ‘Even-Odd’ captivated the local populace. Both games revolved around wagering on the results of a spinning wheel. It is widely believed that Pascal’s invention, along with these traditional games, contributed to the development of the roulette game that is cherished today.
The significant turning point for roulette occurred in the late 18th century. This era was marked by stringent gambling regulations throughout France and much of Europe. However, Prince Charles of Monaco took the initiative to open his own gambling establishments in Monte Carlo, introducing games such as roulette that quickly captivated the region’s elite and nobility.
As the game spread, it made its way to Germany and other parts of Europe. By the early 19th century, roulette was transported across the Atlantic to the United States, accompanied by numerous European immigrants settling in Louisiana. Initially, the game did not gain much popularity in the U.S. Casino owners were hesitant to include roulette on their gaming floors due to its relatively low house edge of 2.70%. This reluctance led to the development of double zero roulette, which offered American casinos a more favorable house edge of 5.26%.
American Roulette
American Roulette (Can be played at Yukon Gold Casino Rewards) is a variant of roulette that includes a double zero, commonly found in many land-based and online casinos today. What does double zero entail? This version of the wheel features not only a green single zero but also an additional green double zero, leading to a total of 38 numbered pockets instead of the 37 found in European Roulette. While the gameplay rules remain similar to those of European Roulette, the inclusion of the double zero significantly increases the house edge from 2.70% to 5.26%.
Despite the difference in house edge, the payout structure remains unchanged, which is why many players tend to favor European Roulette for better potential growth of their bankrolls.
French Roulette
Many people regard the French version as the superior alternative to classic European roulette. At first glance, French roulette seems nearly identical to European roulette, as both feature a single zero on their wheels and share the same number sequence. However, the primary distinction lies in the specific rules governing French roulette. One notable rule is La Partage, which allows players to reclaim half of their stake if they place an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero. Additionally, the En Prison rule offers an even more advantageous option, permitting players to recover their stake after a zero spin, provided their bet was an even-money wager.
European Roulette
European Roulette is the most traditional and widely played variant of roulette. This game features a classic layout, consisting of 36 numbers alternating between red and black, along with a single green zero positioned at the top of the wheel.
Online Roulette
The evolution of video based online casino games over the years has led to an increase in the availability of video roulette games. These games provide players with a unique gaming experience through a digital roulette wheel that utilizes a decentralized random number generator (RNG) to ensure random spins and fair results. Additionally, video screens have facilitated the emergence of various other video based table games, including blackjack and video poker.
Live Online Roulette
In recent years, the significant enhancement of broadband quality has enabled online casino operators, like Grand Mondial Casino Rewards, to venture into live streamed gaming. Live dealer games are conducted in a virtual environment, with real-time broadcasts originating from a professional studio and managed by actual dealers. This advancement in live technology allows seasoned land based casino enthusiasts to experience live roulette from the comfort of their own homes.
