Live Roulette: The Ultimate Casino Experience

What is Roulette?

Roulette, meaning “little wheel” in French, is a classic casino game featuring a spinning wheel with numbered slots from 0 to 36, red or black. Players place bets on where they think a ball spun into the wheel will land. Bets can be placed on a single number, groups of numbers, colours, odd or even numbers, or high (19-36) or low (1-18) numbers.

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The Invention of the Roulette Wheel

While the exact origins of roulette are debated, many historians agree that the game dates back to the 17th century. Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician and scientist, is credited with creating a primitive version of the roulette wheel during his quest to invent a perpetual motion machine.

The History of Roulette

In the early 1700s, British aristocrats played a game called Roly-Poly, which involved a spinning wheel and a ball. The game was so popular that it was banned in England in 1745 under the reign of George II. Historians believe this game was an early form of roulette. By the late 18th century, roulette had reemerged in France and had been introduced to Monaco by Prince Charles of Monaco III to boost the region’s economy.

The Blanc Brothers and Monte Carlo

In 1842, Francois and Louis Blanc introduced a single-zero roulette wheel in response to the French gambling ban. This new version lowered the house edge to 2.70%, making it more appealing. The Blanc brothers took their game to Hamburg, Germany, where it gained popularity. Later, they were invited to Monte Carlo by Prince Charles III to open a casino, where roulette became a symbol of luxury gambling.

Roulette in the 20th Century

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, roulette was immensely popular in Europe and America. However, during World War II, American soldiers abroad discovered other casino games like blackjack and craps, leading to a decline in roulette’s popularity in the U.S.

Playing Roulette Today

Players can bet on any number on the wheel, including 0 or 00, and on red or black, odd or even. Multiple bets can be placed in one round. For example, players might bet on entire columns or groups of twelve numbers.

Famous Roulette Stories

In 2004, Ashley Revell from the UK sold all his possessions and bet his entire fortune on a single spin of roulette in Las Vegas. He placed $135,500 on red and won, doubling his money when the ball landed on seven red, totalling $271,000.

Key Terms in Roulette

  • American Roulette: Features both 0 and 00.
  • Croupier: The dealer in charge of spinning the wheel and managing bets.
  • Column Bet: Betting on 12 numbers in a column.
  • Corner Bet: Betting on four numbers in a square layout.
  • Dozen Bet: Betting on a group of 12 numbers.
  • House Edge: The casino’s advantage over the players.
  • Inside Bet: Betting on numbers within the primary grid of the roulette table.
  • Outside Bet: Betting on options outside the primary grid, such as red/black or odd/even.
  • Split Bet: Betting on two adjacent numbers.
  • Street Bet: Betting on three numbers in a row.
  • True Odds: The actual odds of winning a particular bet.

Live roulette offers a thrilling casino experience, combining the excitement of traditional play with the convenience of online gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, understanding the game’s history and terminology can enhance your enjoyment and success.