What is Roulette?

Roulette is a fast-paced game. Players buy colored chips from the dealer and designate a denomination for each chip. The dealer will then give the player the corresponding value.

The house edge is low, and you can bet on a range of outside bets. Inside bets have a higher risk and lower payout, though.

Origins

Despite being one of the most popular casino games, the origins of roulette are shrouded in mystery. The word itself is derived from the Latin rotella, meaning “little wheel.” It is widely believed that French mathematician Blaise Pascal inadvertently invented the game in 1655 while trying to produce a perpetual motion machine.

But, there are many other theories about how the game came to be. Some believe that it was derived from a game called chariot racing, which featured a wheel and was popular in medieval carnivals. Other anecdotal evidence suggests that the game originated in China and was spread to Europe by Dominican monks who brought it with them on their travels. There are also theories that the game was inspired by a game of chance played by the ancient Romans.

Variations

Many variations exist in roulette, each with unique characteristics and special rules that can alter the game’s dynamics. Some are suited for beginners while others cater to experienced players. For instance, Key Bet Roulette expands betting options with novel features that increase winnings on both outside and inside bets. However, it has a higher house edge and is not recommended for novices. Another notable variant is the single-zero European version, which has a more friendly house edge than its American counterpart.