From Blaise Pascal to Las Vegas: The Evolution of the Roulette Wheel

The roulette wheel is a game that we can safely say has revolutionized the world of casino gambling. It brought excitement, drama, and some pretty big wins that changed people’s lives.

But haveThere are occasions when we here at ReadyBetGo want to bring you interesting facts about the gambling industry  When something catches our eye, we will publish it for your enjoyment. 
Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay  you ever wondered how this game became a standard for casinos both offline and online?

Nowadays, the roulette wheel has become a symbol of chance, risk, and excitement. But the story behind the game is quite interesting. It all began when a mathematician experimented with different numbers, and after a century this game was dominating the casino scene.

At this point, it is impossible to walk into a casino without seeing a roulette table. But roulette tables are now quite different from what was originally created. We now have digital tables, hybrids where we can see a physical roulette wheel and a bunch of computers, and online roulette games that are based on random number generators.

This inspired us to dig a bit deeper into the history of the roulette wheel and find out how it evolved into a modern game that still attracts millions of players worldwide.

Blaise Pascal’s Unintentional Masterpiece

As we said earlier, it all began when a French mathematician and philosopher, Blaise Pascal experimented with numbers and motion machines. But why do we say unintentional? Well, Pascal wasn’t actually trying to invent a casino game. After all, casinos weren’t really popular back in the day.

Instead, he chased a perpetual motion machine, which was an impossible device that would keep moving without an energy source.

So, as you probably guessed, the perpetual motion experiment didn't go well (we still don’t have free power), but he created a primitive spinning wheel that became the foundation of modern roulette.

In the beginning, it wasn’t really recognized as a game, but after some time, people saw the opportunity of his invention and the way to gamify it.

Early Days of Roulette

If we fast forward to the late 18th century, the roulette game began to take shape as a game in France. By 1796, this game was already popping off in Paris and the wheel featured 36 numbered slots and a single zero.

This is the earliest version of roulette, and it was a game that was also detailed in the literature of that time, with Jacques Lablee’s novel, where he explained the rules of the game.

At that point, the game was designed with a low house edge (single 0) intentionally, which meant that people would actually win frequently by playing the game.

But as the roulette wheel started to get popular overseas, we witnessed the birth of a new version of the game -  a game that included another number double zero (00).

The Addition of Zero

Well, as the original game had a low house edge, and casino owners are kind of greedy, they decided to bring the odds in their favor and add another double zero pocket in the wheel.

So, the single zero game was designed to be fair enough and attract players while the house still making a profit, while the double zero version of the game was designed so casinos can make more money.

The American Makeover

Yes, we were talking about the American makeover of the game. The roulette wheel arrived in the United States in the 19th century, and immediately casino owners started to redesign the game bringing the odds in their favor.

So, hungry for bigger profits, they decided to add a double zero pocket on the wheel, which is now known as American Roulette. You might think, how can a single number make the game so different?

Well, the European version of the game had a house edge of 2.7%, while the American Version with the double-zero increased the house edge to 5.26%.

Although this change made the game less player-friendly and limited the opportunities for people to make a profit, it didn’t hurt its popularity. In fact, the double-zero wheel became synonymous with its fast-paced action and high stakes, which is why it is featured in every single casino in the United States.

Nowadays, with online gambling, there are many different versions of roulette games, and you should always do your own research and browse websites like YouBet.com just to find the best app that will give you the highest chance of winning.

European Elegance vs. American Risk

By the 19th century, roulette had split into two main variants:

1. European Roulette: Featuring a single zero, this version remained dominant in Europe, especially in the casinos of Monte Carlo, where it was embraced by aristocrats and high rollers.
2. American Roulette: With its double zero, it thrived in the United States, catering to gamblers seeking thrill and speed.

These two versions highlight the cultural differences in gambling preferences. European players leaned toward strategy and better odds, while Americans favored the excitement of riskier gameplay.

Roulette’s Rise to Global Fame

The 20th century marked a golden era for roulette. Its simplicity, elegance, and excitement made it a staple in casinos worldwide. Las Vegas, which emerged as the gambling capital of the world, embraced roulette alongside other iconic games like blackjack and craps.

The Las Vegas Effect

Las Vegas casinos took the glamour of roulette to new heights. Neon lights, professional croupiers, and luxurious settings transformed the game into an experience. 

Whether you were a high roller at a VIP table or a casual gambler at a low-stakes wheel, roulette was an essential part of the Vegas allure.

The Digital Revolution: Roulette Goes Online

The internet revolution of the late 1990s and early 2000s brought roulette into the digital age. Online casinos offered virtual roulette games, making them accessible to players who couldn’t visit a brick-and-mortar casino.

Live Dealer Roulette

One of the most exciting innovations in online roulette was the introduction of live dealer games. Players could now experience the thrill of a real roulette wheel from the comfort of their homes, with live-streamed dealers spinning the wheel in real time.

So, the roulette wheel has gone through some major transformations over the years, and the cycle will continue as technology evolves. You just have to be ready to accept change and adapt to modern times.