Whether you class yourself as an avid casino connoisseur or not, theres no doubt youve heard of Roulette. With origins deep in the ancient Greek and Roman times, the primitive version of the Roulette wheel we know and love today was actually created by accident in 1655.
Despite this, the game has risen in popularity, evolving over time to become available at online casinos and land-based venues all around the world.
With this in mind, join us to discover everything you need to know about the classic wheel, so you can feel like a pro the next time you play Roulette.
A brief history
As previously mentioned, the Roulette wheel first spun into existence in 1655. This was thanks to French mathematician, physicist and inventor Blaise Pascal in his attempt to defy physics and create a perpetual motion machine.
Years later, in 1843, French brothers Francois and Louis Blanc further revolutionised the Roulette wheel when they moved to Hamburg and removed the double green zero pocket to lower the house edge in an attempt to help boost the citys economy.
This version, with a single green zero pocket, became extremely popular throughout Europe paving the way for the opening of the first modern casino of its time: the Monte Carlo Casino. Here, the single zero pocketed wheel took centre stage, continuing to rise in popularity for years to come.
American vs European wheels
When the single zero version of the Roulette wheel made its way overseas to America, casinos and players alike rejected the idea of a lower house edge and opted to stick to playing the double zero version. This then became known as American Roulette and the single zero one as European Roulette.
Both wheels are pretty similar with red and black pockets alternating between even and odd numbers, and between high and low where possible. Despite this, the order of the numbers appears random on both wheels.
European Roulette is generally the most popular amongst players due to its lower house edge, and sometimes plays host to some unique French bets like La Partage, for example.
Land based vs online
With Roulette having made a name for itself as a classic casino game, it makes sense that it was one of the first games to appear on online casino sites.
When playing online, a Random Number Generator (RNG) is used to keep the outcome unpredictable and fair, whereas, at a brick-and-mortar casino this is the job of the professionally trained croupier.
However, you can also experience real-life hosted games when playing online, thanks to the state-of-the-art technology involved in Live Casino gaming. Here, a professionally-trained dealer will spin the Roulette wheel, hosting the game from a specially designed studio in real-time.
And, unlike at land-based venues, there are unique themed variations like Age of the Gods Roulette and Lightning Roulette for you to try your chances at.
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Now you know the basics and background behind Roulette, which wheel will you be spinning? And more importantly where might you place your next bet; online or on-land?
