Roulette is a game of chance that involves a spinning wheel and ball. Players place their chips on a betting table. They can bet on individual numbers, groups of numbers, or colors.
Bets are placed until the dealer announces “No More Bets.” Winning bets are paid, and losing bets are cleared from the table.
Origins
The exact origin of roulette is a bit murky. However, there is a general consensus that it was invented in 1655 by the French mathematician Blaise Pascal. He was not trying to create a gambling game when he first conceived the concept.
Rather, he was experimenting with ways to produce a perpetual motion machine. The resulting device was a weighted wheel that incorporated the numbers 0 through 36 into 38 (or 37 on modern European/Latin American tables) divisions. This device was a popular pastime for the French upper class in 18th century Paris. The game later spread to other countries where it is now played extensively.
Variations
Roulette is a fascinating game with numerous variants that each offer a unique experience. Some are based on traditional European Roulette with the same rules and payouts but others feature a twist to the gameplay. Examples include the Double Ball Roulette from IGT that uses two balls instead of one and the Lightning Roulette from Evolution Gaming that delivers multipliers up to 500x.
Roulette games with special betting rules and bet types entice players with heightened dynamism but may also complicate strategy. If you’re a new player, it’s best to stick with the variations that follow the European format and offer friendly house edges.