What is the history of roulette, and how has it evolved over time?

[Datweirdo]

In my own experience on this forum, Roulette originated in 18th-century France, where it combined elements from various games popular in Europe at the time. The name "roulette" comes from the French word for "little wheel." The game initially featured a wheel with 36 numbers and a single zero.
In the 19th century, roulette spread to other European countries and the United States. In the US, the wheel was modified to include an additional double zero, creating what is now known as American roulette. This change increased the house edge compared to the European version, which retained only a single zero.

 

[CR7]

Indeed, your understanding of the history of roulette is quite accurate. Roulette is believed to have been invented by French mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal in the 17th century while he was attempting to create a perpetual motion machine. The modern version of the game, as we know it today, started to take shape in the 18th century in France.

The term "roulette" itself is derived from the French word for "little wheel," which pertains to the main element of the game - the spinning wheel. Initially, the game featured a wheel with 36 numbers and a single zero, which became known as European roulette.

As the popularity of roulette grew, it made its way to other European countries and eventually to the United States. In the US, the game underwent a modification with the addition of a double zero to the wheel. This alteration led to the creation of American roulette, which is distinguished by its wheel with 36 numbers, a single zero, and a double zero.

The introduction of the double zero in American roulette increased the house edge, making it more favorable for the casino compared to the European version with just a single zero. This difference in the number of zeros has significant implications for the odds and payouts in the game, influencing the preferences of players in different regions.

Overall, the evolution of roulette from its origins in 18th-century France to its variants in various parts of the world illustrates how the game adapted and diversified over time to cater to different audiences and gaming preferences.

 

[Lazza]

In France, the 17th century saw the emergence of the modern game of roulette. Mathematician Blaise Pascal popularized the game while he was experimenting with a perpetual motion machine.