The term “roulette” comes from the French word meaning “small wheel.” The game’s origins are debated, with some sources crediting Blaise Pascal, a 17th-century French mathematician, for inventing the roulette wheel. Pascal was attempting to create a perpetual motion machine, and while he didn’t succeed, his efforts may have led to the creation of the roulette wheel.
Other sources suggest that roulette originated in China and was brought to Europe by Dominican monks who were trading with the Chinese. Regardless of its true origins, roulette began to gain popularity in Europe during the late 18th century.
Rise of Roulette in Monaco
Roulette became particularly popular in Monaco during the late 18th century. Prince Charles of Monaco introduced gambling to the region as a way to alleviate financial problems. The roulette wheel quickly became a favorite among gamblers, and Monaco soon became a hub for casino gaming.
The Modern Roulette Wheel
The modern version of the roulette wheel didn’t appear until 1842 when Frenchmen François and Louis Blanc invented the single “0” roulette game. This version of the game was eventually brought to America in the early 1800s. However, the single “0” modification was rejected in America, and the double zero “00” was reintroduced to the roulette wheel.
American vs. European Roulette
American Roulette Wheel
The American Roulette Wheel contains 38 numbers, including 0, 00, and 1 to 36. The inclusion of two zeros (0, 00) gives the house a 5.26% advantage. In other words, for every $100 a gambler bets, the house will make $5.26 in profit.
European Roulette Wheel
The European Roulette Wheel contains 37 numbers, including 0 and 1 to 36. With only one zero (0), the house edge is reduced to 2.70%. This means that for every $100 a gambler bets, the house will make $2.70 in profit.
Key Differences
Chip Colors: In American casinos, players receive different abc8 colored chips to differentiate their bets from others. In European casinos, all players receive the same colored chips, requiring them to rely on memory to distinguish their bets.
Croupier Tools: European croupiers use a long stick known as the rake to sweep in all chips, while American dealers use their hands and arms.
En Prison Rule: In European casinos, if the ball lands on zero (0), players can utilize the “en prison” rule. This allows them to either surrender half of their outside wagers or leave them for the next game.
How to Play Roulette
After purchasing chips from the dealer, players place them on desired positions on the table, predicting where the ball will land. Once bets are placed, the dealer spins the roulette wheel in one direction and the ball in the opposite direction. Players can continue placing bets until the dealer announces, “No more bets.”
When the wheel slows down and the ball drops into a numbered slot, the dealer places a marker on the winning number on the roulette table. Players who bet on the winning number or color are rewarded, while those who bet on losing numbers forfeit their chips to the casino.