From Blaise Pascal to online casinos: a fascinating journey.
Roulette didn’t start as a game—it began as an experiment. Let’s take a historical tour from the 17th century to modern-day casinos.
In the 17th century, French mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal attempted to build a perpetual motion machine. Although he failed in that goal, his invention—a spinning wheel with numbered divisions—laid the foundation for what would later become roulette.
In the 18th century, roulette evolved in French gambling salons. Early versions featured single-zero wheels and a more basic structure. By 1796, in Paris, roulette began to resemble its modern form, with numbers 1 through 36 and a single zero (European roulette).
When roulette arrived in the United States in the 19th century, casino operators added a second zero to increase the house edge. This gave rise to American roulette, with pockets 1 through 36, plus 0 and 00. This version remains standard in most North American casinos.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, many countries banned roulette and other forms of gambling for moral, religious, or legal reasons. However, gaming hubs like Monte Carlo in Monaco thrived, keeping roulette alive as a symbol of luxury and strategy.
With the rise of the internet, roulette found a new global stage. Today, millions of people play online—from classic versions to live games with real dealers. The game adapts, but its essence remains: chance, suspense, and elegance.
European roulette has 37 pockets (1–36 + 0) and offers better odds for the player. American roulette has 38 pockets (1–36 + 0 + 00), slightly increasing the house edge.
This seemingly small difference has a huge long-term impact. Learn more about the house edge →
Roulette is more than just a game of chance—it’s a historical construct that combines science, culture, and entertainment. From a failed experiment to a casino icon, it has evolved over centuries without losing relevance. Understanding its history helps reveal its true nature… and why the house always wins.
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