A Brief History of Roulette

For more than 300 years now, people have continually found themselves mesmerized by the white marble ball going round and round the outer edge, with the spinning wheel a whirl of black, red and green colors. It is practically a definition of life itself, with the immutable laws of physics reigning our gaming universe. As in life, everything is nonetheless left up to fate.

THE ORIGIN OF ROULETTE

Though there is no certainty regarding the origins and eventual development of the game of Roulette, it is thought to be as old as the wheel itself. In fact, there exist accounts of ancient Roman soldiers frequently using their chariot wheels for games of diversion.

The word “roulette” is itself a word of French origin meaning “little wheel.” The roulette wheel was apparently first seen during the late 17th century in Europe. It is even thought that French scientist and noted mathematician, Blaise Pascal, is the man responsible for the invention. According to historians, Pascal invented the mechanism in 1657 during his experiments in perpetual motion.  Keep in mind, also, that Pascal pioneered the field of mathematical “probability”.

MODERN ROULETTE

The modern roulette wheel began appearing in Paris casinos around 1796. The familiar elements were already there – alternating red and black colors, the numbered layout of pockets 1 – 36, ‘0,’ and ‘00’. The ‘0’ was actually red in color and the ‘00’ black, and the rules were the same. Eventually these colors would be changed to green to avoid further confusion on color bets.  Roulette was introduced to the United States of America in the 1800’s, by way of the many Europeans found in the Louisiana city of New Orleans. However, due to the excessive greed on the part of certain gaming establishment proprietors, who were not content with a 5.26% edge, people soon stopped playing roulette, particularly those roulette wheels which these enterprising businesspersons had reduced to just 31 pockets in order to benefit a staggering 12.90% advantage.  Of course, people ended up only playing the original double zero wheels.

FRANCOIS AND LOUIS BLANC

Roulette’s history changed dramatically when two innovative brothers from France, Francois and Louis Blanc, introduced the very first single zero roulette wheel in 1842. The single ‘0’ wheel completely changed everything about the game, particularly the House’s edge, which was now reduced from 5.26% to a 2.70%. The game became a smashing success.  Gambling was illegal in France at the time, so the two enterprising brothers set up a house in Bavaria and enjoyed huge success. When gambling was eventually banned from Germany, Louis Blanc accepted an invitation from the Prince of Monaco, Charles III, to visit Monte Carlo to establish and operate the casino that today sets the casino standards for everyone across Europe.

BRITISH SINGLE AND DOUBLE AMERICAN

Although both the double zero and the single zero versions of the wheel were invented in France, the double zero wheel has come to be known as the American Wheel, since, contrary to its fate in Europe, it has survived in the United States.  The single zero version has maintained itself as the European favorite, and has come to be known as the French Wheel. Other European nations have adopted the single zero version as their own.  For example, there is the “British Single” Roulette.

This is information is an excert from
https://www.megadox.com/d/3398

*** Rockhopper; you have a great looking blog about the game of roulette.  Those YouTube videos were very helpful too.

Take Care,

Checkertail Clan