The History of Roulette

Roulette is one of the most popular casino games in Europe. Despite its relatively low popularity in the United States, it draws huge crowds at Monte Carlo and other European resorts.

To play roullete, choose a table within your budget and place chips or cash in the betting area until the croupier announces “no more bets.” Then let the game begin!

Origin

Although the history of roulette is a bit fuzzy, there are several theories about its origin. Some believe that it was invented by the 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal as part of his efforts to create a wheel that could demonstrate perpetual motion. Others believe it was influenced by the English E.O (even/odd) games and the Italian board game Biribi.

Still others suggest that the game originated in China and was brought to France by Dominican monks. Despite these fanciful stories, there is little evidence to support them. Nevertheless, the modern version of roulette is quite similar to its ancestor, which was popular among French aristocracy in the late 1700s. It featured a numbered wheel and rules that were very similar to those used today.

Variations

Roulette games come in many variations, each offering unique odds of winning. Some have additional bets and betting rules while others are more complex than the standard European version, which has 38 pockets and a single zero. If you’re new to the game, it is best to stick with the European variation as it’s simpler and offers a friendly house edge. If you’re an experienced player, however, a more complicated game like French Roulette might be worth trying. It features a standard European wheel with additional bets and French names for the different betting options on the table layout. This makes the game more challenging but also more rewarding.