Origins of Roulette
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 link ww88 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.