Roulette is a game of chance played with chips on a betting mat. The precise location of the chips indicates the type of bet being made. The winning number is determined by a rotating dish-like wheel with 37 or 38 compartments, painted alternately red and black and carrying the numbers 1 to 36.
Origin
The exact origin of roulette isn’t entirely clear. There are a few different theories, including that it was invented by 17th-century French mathematician Blaise Pascal during his quest to create a perpetual motion machine, or that it evolved from the Italian board game Biribi. Another popular theory is that the game originated in China and was later introduced to France by Dominican monks. The game eventually found its way to gambling houses in the 18th century.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that the wheel was modified from one with a double zero to a single-zero version of the game that we recognize today. Whether it came from Italy or France, the game quickly gained popularity. When European immigrants immigrated to America, they brought their favorite gambling games along with them, and roulette soon found its way to the United States.
Variations
Roulette game variations add variety to the game and sometimes increase players’ chances of winning prizes. The variations usually depend on a player’s experience level and skills. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to stick with the European roulette format and its friendly house edge. However, if you’re an experienced gambler, you may want to try roulette games that offer special betting rules and additional bets that pay out prize multipliers. Key Bet Roulette, for example, takes Roulette off the beaten path by offering extra payouts on inside and outside bets.