Roulette, a staple game found in modern casinos, both online and land-based, has a rich history that spans several centuries and continents.

Its origins are intertwined with various ancient games, scientific endeavours, and the influence of key historical figures who helped shape and popularise it into what the game is today.

With this in mind, we wanted to take a look at a brief history of this iconic casino game and see just where it originates from and how it has evolved throughout its lifetime into the different variations of online Roulette that are available in the modern-day.

Ancient influences and early games

Believe it or not, the concept of a spinning wheel for games of chance dates back to ancient times. Roman soldiers played basic wheel games to pass the time, while the Greeks had similar practices. 

These early forms of wheel-based games provided the foundational idea of a spinning mechanism and placing bets, which are central to Roulette.

In the 17th century, games like ‘Roly Poly’ and the Italian game ‘Biribi’ involved betting on numbers and outcomes determined by a wheel or similar device. These games were among the direct predecessors to Roulette itself, integrating elements that would eventually be formalised into the Roulette wheel and betting structure we know today.

Blaise Pascal and the early development

The significant turning point in the development and history of Roulette came with the contributions of French mathematician and inventor Blaise Pascal.

In the 1650s, Pascal attempted to create a perpetual motion machine, which would be the first of its kind, yet an impossible endeavour as we understand it today.

While he did not achieve this, his experiments created a wheel that could spin in a balanced and consistent manner. Although not intended for gaming, this invention provided the mechanical foundation and blueprints for the Roulette wheel.

Evolution in 18th and 19th century France

By the early 18th century, the game began to take on a more recognisable form in France. Combining elements from existing games, Roulette emerged as a distinct game.

The addition of a zero (0) by François and Louis Blanc in 1842 was a crucial development and turning point for Roulette. Adding a house number was specifically designed to provide a house edge, making the game more sustainable for gaming establishments.

François Blanc, in particular, played a significant role in popularising Roulette. He and his brother, Louis, managed the casino at Bad Homburg, a German spa town. When gambling was outlawed in France, François took their Roulette game to Monte Carlo.

The game quickly became a major attraction in Monaco, especially with the backing of Prince Charles III of Monaco. The prince saw the game’s potential to attract wealthy tourists and boost the economy of his small country, which was struggling financially at the time.

Spread to America and adaptations

After some time, Roulette crossed the Atlantic Sea to the shore of America in the 19th century with the help of European settlers.

However, American casinos preferred the original layout of the wheel, with the double zero (00), as it increased the house’s edge. Opting for this preferred wheel variation in American casinos created what is known today as American Roulette. This version of the game became popular in the rapidly expanding casino industry in the United States, particularly in places like New Orleans and, later, Las Vegas.

20th Century and Beyond

In the 20th century, Roulette grew in popularity, becoming a mainstay in casinos.

As if this weren’t enough, technological advancements have introduced electronic and online versions of the game. But, despite these modern iterations, the classic Roulette wheel remains an iconic game of chance, no matter whether you play online or at a land-based venue.