Roulette is among the most popular casino games prominently featured in almost all online and physical casinos. This game has captivated players all around the world for many centuries. And since the interest in the game is increasing going by all metrics, it’s safe to say it’s here to stay.
Roulette has come a long way from where it began. It has also evolved with the times to stay afloat. To understand why the game has remained popular and cherished among gamblers, we’ll have to explore its history. This article will take you through this journey. You can also discover the excitement of online roulette at CasinoUSA.com by signing up with any of the casinos and playing for real money.
France, Where It All Began
Like other old-school casino games, establishing where roulette started is tricky. However, it’s generally believed that it began in France, where it emerged as a popular game, or at least the template that laid the foundation for the modern version we know today. Even the name “roulette” is a French term meaning little wheel.
According to common legend, the game of roulette was invented by the French inventor, mathematician, and scientist Blaise Pascal in 1655. He was researching perpetual motion machines and created roulette as a byproduct. While trying to defy the laws of physics, Pascal attempted to build a machine that could operate without drawing energy from an external source (perpetual machine). He failed, obviously, but his experiment gave birth to the roulette.
The Trip To Monaco And Around Europe
After Pascal invented the wheel in 1655, the game remained the same for about two centuries. However, it changed in 1842 when two smart Frenchmen, Francois, and Lois Blanc, decided to design a wheel without the typical double zero pockets and replaced it with a single zero.
Gambling in France at that time was illegal; it had remained so shortly after Pascal invented the wheel. The duo created this new version in France, but due to gambling illegality, they had to move to promote their game. They moved to Hamburg, Germany, and established their version there. It didn’t take long to achieve the fame and success they had hoped for, and in no time, the news of their success crept into the ears of King Charles III, who in turn invited them to Monte Carlo, Monaco.
King Charles III was looking for a way to alleviate the financial crisis his principality was facing, so he introduced this fine-tuned roulette to attract wealthy tourists and, in so doing, boost the economy. It was a success because the wheel generated much revenue for Monaco. This venture further led to building of the famous Monte Carlo Casino in 1863.
Apart from this roulette version looking more appealing, it hit the market at a critical time when the major parts of France had pronounced gambling illegal, so people had little choice but to troop into Monte Carlo, where it’s legal to play. Eventually, that version of roulette spread across Europe like wildfire and is now known as European roulette.
Coming To America
Since very little could escape getting to the shores of America, roulette eventually found its way there around the 19th century. In America, the game was made to undergo more modifications to distinguish it from the European version.
A double zero was added to give the house a higher edge bringing the total numbers on a roulette wheel to 38 and birthing the American version. This version quickly spread across all casino establishments along the Mississippi River and, in no time, all over the country.
Roulette On The Net
As technology began to spread its newly formed wings and casinos began to go online, it was only proper for renowned games like roulette to transition with the casinos. Roulette’s moves into the digital realm gained a massive following.
Players could now enjoy different roulette versions right from the comfort of their homes. With time, as technology continued to develop, more immersive features like live dealer roulette were introduced. The game continued to grow to become what we have today.
Final Notes
There you have it, the chronicles of roulette. Now you know why it’s one of the most excellent and accessible casino games ever. So, the next time you decide to embrace any version of the game for entertainment, you’ll do so knowing its history.
