Roulette, dating back to 17th-century France, has been a casino favourite for centuries. The game's journey from Monte Carlo's iconic gaming floors to today's online live dealer platforms shows just how the casino classic has stood the test of time. Whether you're playing at a brick-and-mortar casino or joining a live Roulette casino, it remains one of the most recognisable games of chance.
Where it all began
The name ‘Roulette’ means ‘little wheel’ in French, but that’s only the first part. The creation of the little wheel comes down to French mathematician Blaise Pascal, who accidentally created it in 1655 while trying to build a perpetual motion machine. By the 1700s, the game had evolved and spread around France, being offered in legalised gambling houses around the country.
Roulette, as we know it today, took shape in 1843 when two brothers named Francois and Louis Blanc ventured into Hamburg, Germany, and removed the double zero green pocket from the wheel, leaving only the single zero. This version later appeared in the famed Monte Carlo casino, and players would travel to the venue specifically to play the game with the lower house edge.
This single-zero version quickly became the European standard, while American casinos opted for the double-zero wheel and higher odds.
American vs. European: What's the difference?
The main distinction between American and European Roulette comes down to the green zero pockets. As mentioned, European wheels have just one zero, while American wheels feature both single and double zeros. This seemingly small difference changes the house edge from 2.7% to 5.26%, making European Roulette more popular for some.
You'll also find rules like "La Partage" and "En Prison" in some French Roulette variations taking place on the European single-zero wheel. These bets have the potential for you to recover some or all of your even-money bets if the ball lands on zero, further tipping the odds in your favour.
From physical wheels to digital screens
You can now play Roulette anywhere you have a stable internet connection, online. Traditional digital versions use random number generators (RNGs) to determine where the ball lands, while live dealer Roulette replicates land-based gameplay by streaming actual dealers spinning physical wheels in real-time to your device.
Live dealer games run from purpose-built studios or actual casino floors, with HD cameras capturing every moment from multiple angles. You can chat with dealers and place bets through an on-screen interface.
Roulette bets
In Roulette, you've got two main betting approaches to choose from: inside bets and outside bets.
Inside bets are where you'll place your chips on specific numbers or small groups. These include:
These bets pay out more when you win, but your chances of hitting them are smaller.
Outside bets cast a wider net across the wheel and typically have higher odds and lower payouts. You can bet on:
Choosing how you bet can be crucial to helping you manage your bankroll and playing style.
What's next for Roulette?
Roulette keeps evolving with technology. Some online platforms now offer multi-camera angles, automated wheels, and interesting side bets. We might soon see virtual reality Roulette completely transforming gameplay further.
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From Monte Carlo's gaming rooms to today's live dealer platforms, Roulette has remained a casino staple for hundreds of years. Whether you're playing at a physical table or online, understanding the different versions and betting approaches can help you make the most of your gameplay.
