It might be surprising to realise that some classic casino games have evolved a lot over time, Roulette included. While the core concept of the game has remained largely unchanged over the ages, so have the details of its design and mechanics.
These days there are even new formats of the game, from live Roulette which brings together live elements with online play to multi-wheel Roulette games which feature more than just one wheel.
From the game’s earliest origins to the split of designs between European and American Roulette, we’re exploring the evolution of Roulette over the ages.
The origins of Roulette
Unlike other classic games like Blackjack and Baccarat, Roulette’s earliest beginnings weren’t as a game. The central wheel was invented as part of the experimentations of French mathematician Blaise Pascal, who was attempting to create a perpetual motion machine.
Of course, the Roulette wheel didn’t work out as a source of perpetual motion – something inventors are still trying to crack to this day – but it did become part of something bigger.
Pascal’s design would go on to be incorporated into the game of Roulette, taking its cues from earlier games like Biribi or Roly-Poly. Roulette’s central wheel helped to set it apart from other games based on wagering on numbers or outcomes, creating a game that would go on to become a cornerstone of many casinos.
European Roulette
With its French origins (and name), Roulette is undeniably a European game. The European format remains the most commonly played variety to this day.
Roulette proved a popular choice among the French aristocrats of the late 18th century, showing up in establishments throughout Paris. But by the 19th century its popularity was threatened by reforms in France, prompting the game to spread to other countries.
The Blanc brothers – Francois and Louis – are largely credited with spreading Roulette, as they took it to the German spa town of Bad Homburg. This was in response to the increasing difficulties of operating in France, and they soon found plenty of success in their new location.
So much so, that the Blancs were invited to help with the creation of the Monte Carlo Casino. And they made sure that Roulette had its place within the new casino.
American Roulette
The 19th century also saw Roulette cross the Atlantic, taking up residence in new American casino establishments. Rather than adopting the single zero wheel of the Blancs, US casinos went with a different wheel design.
With the addition of a double zero, the house edge of American Roulette almost doubled compared to the European variety. This meant that players had lower odds of landing a payout, which is part of why American Roulette is less popular compared to its European cousin.
There wasn’t a whole lot of change for Roulette formats once the split between American and European styles was established. It was only with the rise of the internet at the tail-end of the 20th century that Roulette evolved once again, adapting to a new digital medium.
Since the rise of online Roulette, there have been plenty of new developments for this casino classic – too many to go into detail here. But almost every modern Roulette game still comes down to the core design of either the European or American Roulette wheel.