Few online casino games are as popular as Roulette. But while we’ve all heard of the modern-day versions of Roulette, available to play as free bet casino games or real money at Virgin Bet, few of us stop to think about the history of this all-time classic table game. That’s what we will take the time to explore today, so buckle up and enjoy this brief history lesson on Roulette!
Roman Soldiers and the Earliest Beginnings
Roulette’s origins can be traced back to ancient Rome, surprisingly. This makes the game thousands of years old! Soldiers, always keen for entertainment, supposedly created improvised versions using shields and wagons. They would mark sections, give them a spin, and wager on where randomly chosen objects would ultimately land. Sound familiar? That’s exactly how Roulette works today – only the wheel is much more sophisticated.
Pascal’s Wheel and a Scientific Twist
We wouldn’t see a style that resembled the modern Roulette wheel until the 17th century in France. This concept emerged thanks to the mathematician Blaise Pascal. As Pascal searched for a perpetual motion device, he unintentionally created the mechanics behind the Roulette wheel. Affluent people in French society, such as aristocrats, quickly adopted the game, combining mathematics with chance for top-tier entertainment.
This is also where the name Roulette first emerged, and it translates as ‘little wheel’ in French.
European vs. American Roulette
As Roulette made waves across France and ultimately, Europe, it was inevitable that the game would ultimately reach the shores of North America. However, this didn’t occur until the 18th and 19th centuries, and different versions began to appear as mass adoption gained momentum. Of course, the original European Roulette with its single zero was played all over the continent.
But once Roulette became common at licensed casinos, American Roulette appeared with a unique twist, adding an extra zero to improve the house edge.
Roulette in the Golden Age of Casinos
As the jewel of glamorous casinos in places like Monte Carlo, Roulette has established itself as one of the most popular casino games of all time. European nobles and wealthy individuals would visit places like Monte Carlo to enjoy the game in luxury, a tradition that continues to this day.
But it was never about winning or losing for these elites. Roulette has always been a symbol of style and sophistication, and this ‘golden age’ secured Roulette’s place as a cultural classic.
From Casino Floors to Online Screens
The 20th century brought further expansion for Roulette. As Roulette transformed into a staple at places like Las Vegas, it was always going to be at the forefront of any advancements that further enhanced the game’s appeal. Fast-forward to today, and the impact of technological advancements on Roulette is undeniable.
Digital Roulette brings the centuries-old sense of suspense to your screen, whether through computer graphics or live dealers streaming from real casino studios. Furthermore, through additional platforms like mobile apps, you can now try your chances on a spin of the wheel anytime, anywhere you have internet access.
These days, not only is Roulette popular for its fundamental gameplay, but it is also accessible at the fingertips of anyone with a smartphone, tablet, or PC/laptop.
