Everyone knows roulette, even if you have never played it you must have seen it in movies or photos. Roulette is one of the most popular online and offline casino games, and can be found in almost every establishment. As interest in the game continues to grow, online roulette developers are investing heavily in innovative technology to diversify the game and make it even more fun.
Where Did the Roulette Come From?
There are several theories regarding the origin of roulette. The main theory is that the 17th century French physicist Blaise Pascal came up with the game by accident while testing an “eternal” wheel that could move without stopping forever. And since the name “roulette” comes from the French term roulette, which translates as “little wheel”, this theory seems the most plausible.
Another theory is that it was invented by a bored French monk or a group of French Dominican monks. Another version says that roulette was invented by Romans. Roman soldiers turned the wheels of their chariots to kill time and relax between campaigns.
Ancient Greeks had a similar game. They drew symbols on the inside of the shield and stuck a spear into the ground next to it. They then spun it around and made bets on which segment/symbol would land next to the spear.
How Roulette Gained Its Popularity
It is not entirely clear where roulette originated, but it became popular in Europe and America around the 18th and 19th century. Gambling was banned in France two centuries ago, so roulette enthusiasts migrated to Germany, then, when the ban was lifted, again to France and with the first settlers the game moved from there to Louisiana, and spread throughout America.
Thanks to the gambling business development and the construction of casinos in Las Vegas, roulette had gained worldwide popularity and now is a part of online and offline casinos around the world.
Interesting Facts About Roulette
European roulette has a single zero, while American roulette features both a zero and a double zero. However, the original roulette wheel did not have any zero pockets. These were introduced around the mid-19th century to improve the casino’s chances of winning. King Charles III of Monaco needed funds, and opening a casino was a lucrative way to generate profit.
Naturally, the addition of zero and double zero increases the house advantage. European Roulette carries a house edge of 2.7%, while American Roulette’s house edge is higher at 5.26%.
Before the era of cameras and advanced security systems, cheating at roulette was far easier. Today, however, it’s nearly impossible, as all games are overseen by dealers who undergo extensive background checks.
In the past, fraudsters employed various methods to exploit the system, such as using magnetic balls or fake wheels. Notable figures like Joseph Jagger and Richard Jarecki used to observe wheels with defects, such as chips or dents, and tracked the numbers that appeared more often. By betting on these patterns, they managed to win millions.
The number 17 is the most frequently bet on in roulette. James Bond, the iconic secret agent from Ian Fleming’s novels, was known to favor this number. Whether it gained its popularity from the books and movies or its unique position on the wheel, it remains the favorite among many roulette players.
The widespread popularity of roulette has made it the most thrilling table game in casinos worldwide, and with the rise of online gambling, it has also found a place in the digital realm.
1xBet offers a variety of roulette options for players, allowing them to experience this classic game both in physical casinos and online.
