Roulette is a game played on a wheel with numbered slots and a zero or double-zero (depending on the type of roulette). Players place chips on the table according to their desired bets. The dealer then spins the wheel in one direction and rolls a ball around the outer edge of the table.
Origins
The exact origin of roulette is not known for certain, but it seems that the game evolved from other games similar in structure to it. Many of these games used a wheel and were played at carnivals. The Blanc brothers who opened the first casino in Bad Homburg adapted roulette to make it more attractive to gamblers. They removed the double zero from the wheel, resulting in the single-zero roulette that is now common in Europe. This version of the game became known as European or French roulette, and it is this that most people associate with the name roullete today.
Other historians believe that the game was invented by Blaise Pascal, a famous mathematician, in the 17th century. He was experimenting with his perpetual motion machine and ended up creating the roulette wheel in the process.
Variations
Roulette game variants offer a wide range of betting options, payouts, and gameplay mechanics. Some variants feature enticing side bets that can lead to large payouts, while others introduce unique rules or gameplay elements to increase player engagement and excitement. For instance, Mini Roulette features a smaller wheel and more numbered pockets (13), offering higher odds for players to win but lower payouts than other variants. Choosing the right Roulette variation depends on the player’s skill level and experience. Beginners should avoid those games with additional bets or special betting rules, while experienced players may prefer those that follow the European format and provide a friendly house edge.