Roulette History
Learn more about the history of roulette here!
Roulette has perhaps the most fascinating history of all casino games. Originating in France - the word “roulette” means “little wheel” – the wheel design was introduced by 17th Century mathematician Blaise Pascal, who was looking for the elusive perpetual motion machine. By the time it developed into a basis for gambling in the 1700’s, it was a hybrid of the English wheel-based games Roly-Poly, Reiner and Ace of Hearts, and the Italian board games of Hoca and Biribi.
Roulette gathered steam in Paris in the late 18th century, as well as gaining popularity in Quebec and Louisiana, both part of France’s New World colonies. In 1843, the single zero form was debuted in the German spa casino town of Homburg as a way of competing with other casinos who offered the single and double zero pockets. In doing so, the house advantage was decreased, thereby making the casino a more attractive proposition for potential customers.
By now, the game was spreading all over Europe and America, its simplicity proving hugely popular with casino patrons. However, a trend towards conservatism in Europe led to the abolition of gambling in Germany in the 1860’s. Other nations followed suit, until one legal casino remained, in Monte Carlo. This coastal are of the city-state Monaco became a gamblers mecca, and remains so to this day. It was here in Monte Carlo that the single zero roulette game became the standard. This version of the wheel was exported throughout the world, the notable exception being the USA, who continued with the less-lucky double zero version, which had travelled north up the Mississippi from New Orleans, and then westward into the emerging states of the old West.
It was in America that the game developed more fully into the version we recognize today. Firstly, the roulette wheel was moved to sit atop the table, to prevent cheating. Secondly, the betting layout was drastically simplified. Eventually, this was the game that evolved into the distinct “American-style” roulette, and found a home in the rough-house gambling dens of America’s new territories.
It was the 20th century that really saw an explosion in the mainstream popularity of roulette and, indeed, many other betting games. At the turn of the century, Monte Carlo and Las Vegas were notable in their isolation as gambling havens, a place to go which offered something you couldn’t find elsewhere. But by the 1970’s, casinos were becoming widespread, and today, there are thousands of casinos across the globe offering roulette games. Both the single and double zero wheel can today be found across America and the rest of the world.
In the new century, the real twist in the tail has been online roulette, bringing the game to millions who would never have considered setting foot inside a real casino. Here at Castle Casino we’ve made our own small contribution to the illustrious history of the game, with a new element – live roulette, with real dealers, real opponents, and live games, happening in real time. It’s hard to imagine what Blaise Pascal would’ve made of this online revolution, but my guess is, he’d have signed up and taken a punt!
join Castle Casino today
Claim your £100 live dealer roulette bonus now!
