The Roulette Basics

Roulette history goes back to seventeenth century. It traces its origin back to France as the word “roulette” is in fact French that means “small wheel”. Some investigators believe that the game of roulette actually originated in China and then arrived at Europe a little bit later when the relations between Chinese and Dominican monks were set up. According to other stories the roulette originated in Europe since ancient Romans enjoyed the game where the wheel was used. According to the popular thought the idea of game of roulette was suggested by French religious philosopher, mathematician, physicist, and scientist Blaise Pascal who devoted all his life to the construction of a perpetual motion device. And the roulette game is the result of Pascal’s attempts to realize the dream of wonderful device. Some people claim that it is a legend.

The initial close to the modern version of game of roulette was played in 1720 and got the name "roly-poly". Actually "roly-poly" game was banned in 1739 by English law. Without regard to law it was later renewed but got new name "Even-Odd". During the next fifty years the roulette game had been developing until it modified into the modern variant of the game. According to the roulette basics history the first up-to-date roulette wheel was featured in Paris casinos in 1796. Then the roulette game conquered the United States. Still in the US the roulette game didn’t win the same popularity like in European countries since Americans were offered the double zero roulette variation.

In 1842 two Frenchmen Louis and Francois Blanc developed the single zero roulette game. Then gambling rooms were banned in France that’s why game of roulette was practiced in German where it was very popular. “En prison” option was one more point which added to recognition of roulette game. “En prison” rule gave the chance to lower the casino edge and thus to raise the roulette players’ winning odds. “En prison” option became a regular option only in Europe while American gamblers were suffering from voracious casino proprietors.

In the mid-1800’s game of roulette was introduced in Monaco thanks to Prince Charles decided to try the game in the country where casinos were not popular. Since gambling was forbidden in Germany all roulette fans could go to Monte Carlo to try their playing skills. Then Louis Blanc and Prince Charles III set up own gambling hall which still is a golden standard in Europe. Louis Blanc tried to attract well-off players to Monte Carlo and he persuaded authorities to construct new railways, highway from Nice straight to the city. He managed to realize his dream and subsequently casinos got to be legal in France the players preferred to go to Monte Carlo gambling halls.

Roulette lost its recognition after World War II when the players preferred the craps and blackjack games cause they were regarded as beatable. Nevertheless game of roulette is still enjoyed over the world. It is impossible to imagine casino hall without roulette wheel.