From Monk's Pastime to Vegas Nights: How Roulette Became A Global Sensation

Up until a last year I wasn't a fan of roulette, I preferred blackjack and slots. The game of roulette was too complicated. Then a friend (who happened to own a casino) showed me how to play. Since then, it's become one of my favorite games as despite the complexity it is really pretty fun and easy to play. This is why roulette is one of the most popular table games at both land-based and online casinos today. Simply put, it has an elegant pace and the anticipation of watching the ball skip by your numbers is almost mesmerizing. I also love the fact that there are so many ways to bet ... and despite the fact that everyone has their own methods ... there's really no "right" or "wrong" way to play roulette.

The Origins of Roulette: Pascal's Accidental Invention

The true birth of roulette stems from an unexpected intersection of scientific pursuit and recreational gaming in 1655. Blaise Pascal, a renowned French mathematician and physicist, wasn't seeking to create a gambling device when he conceived what would become roulette. During his stay at Port-Royal-des-Champs monastery near Paris, Pascal was deeply immersed in his experiments to create a perpetual motion machine – a device that would continue working indefinitely without requiring additional energy.

While his perpetual motion endeavor ultimately proved impossible (violating the laws of thermodynamics), his experiments with spinning wheels and probability led to the creation of a primitive roulette wheel. Pascal, already famous for his work in probability theory and the development of Pascal's Triangle, inadvertently created a mechanism that would revolutionize gambling. The device featured a horizontal spinning wheel balanced on a series of gears, remarkably similar to today's roulette wheels in its basic mechanical principles.

While it might be hard for some of you to believe that gambling existed before Las Vegas, this game has a very deep history. Unfortunately, the exact origins of the first roulette game are a bit of a mystery, but most historians think it originated in 1655. Blaise Pascal, one of the most influential French scientists, got the idea during a visit to a monastery on his quest for a perpetual motion machine. When the monks saw the game, they found it was a pretty fun way to pass the time.

These primitive versions of “roulette,” the little wheel, were surprisingly similar to today’s versions. They were based on the numbers 0 through 36, which were arranged on a revolving wheel.

Roulette In England, France and Other Parts Of Europe

But it would be more than 100 years before this kind of roulette entered the mainstream. During most of the 18th century, the only wheel game played in casinos was an English variant called E.O. The basics were the same: the croupier would toss a ball into a revolving wheel. But the wheel itself was only marked by E (even) and O (odd) slots, with a few blank spaces to give the house an edge.

When casinos throughout France finally adopted the modern version of roulette, they chose to include both a zero and double zero to boost their profits. This variant is known today as “American roulette”, but it’s really as French as a baguette.

The only difference? French casinos offered the en prison rule. If the ball landed on either of the zeroes, all even money bets would be “imprisoned”. If that bet won on the next spin, the player would get their bet back. This rule is still in effect in many casinos throughout Europe and even a few of the nicer establishments on the Las Vegas Strip.

As the world entered the 1800s, roulette spread like wildfire. It quickly became one of the favorite pastimes of players in France and throughout Europe. Competition was fierce and casinos were desperate to draw in punters.

So in 1843, Francois and Luis Blanc decided to try something new when they opened their first casino at a spa resort in Germany: they took the 00 space off their wheel. It didn’t take long for the people on holiday to see that their money lasted nearly twice as long on this single-zero game. Even though the game had a lower house edge, the popularity of the game more than made up for it.

Unfortunately for the Blancs, Germany banned gambling in 1860. But the men didn’t want to give up their cash cow. So they took their single-zero roulette game to Monte Carlo, where it is still enjoyed by thousands of vacationers every year.

Roulette Comes To The United States

It was during this same time that roulette fever came into the United States. Originally, casinos used two zero slots as well as an eagle slot, giving the games an American vibe. But when players saw how quickly they were losing their chips in this format, casinos had no choice but to switch back to the original double zero setup. To this day, double zero roulette is still the most common form of the game in the US.

Roulette in American Popular Culture

Hollywood has made the spinning roulette wheel an iconic symbol of casino drama and high stakes gambling. From Rick's rigged game in "Casablanca" (1942) to the million-dollar spin in "Indecent Proposal" (1993), roulette scenes have captured pivotal moments in cinema. The game's visual drama and built-in suspense have made it a natural choice for films like "The Sting" (1973) and throughout the James Bond franchise.

Las Vegas's golden age cemented roulette's connection to American celebrity culture, with the Rat Pack frequently holding court at the Sands Casino's roulette tables. Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and modern celebrities like Prince Harry have all contributed to the game's glamorous reputation through their highly publicized wins and losses at the wheel.

These cultural touchstones have created lasting legends around roulette, like Sean Connery's famous triple win on number 17 in 1963. Such stories have elevated roulette beyond a mere casino game to become a symbol of chance and fortune in American entertainment, maintaining its allure as each new generation discovers the thrill of the spin.

Regional Variations in American Roulette

Just like rules, regulations and regional preferences in slot machines differs from one part of the United States to the next, the same is true for roulette as well. In fact, it varies significantly by region, with each gambling destination offering its own unique take on this classic game. From the high-stakes rooms of Las Vegas to tribal casinos across the nation, players can find distinctly different roulette experiences depending on where they choose to play.

Las Vegas Strip

The gaming capital of America offers the most diverse roulette options in the country. High-end Strip properties like Bellagio and Wynn feature both American double-zero and European single-zero wheels, with some even offering French roulette with the favorable La Partage rule. While minimum bets tend to be higher on premium tables, particularly for European wheels, many casinos offer electronic roulette alternatives with lower minimums. The Strip remains the premier destination for serious roulette players seeking the most authentic European-style experience in America.

Atlantic City

The East Coast's gambling hub takes a more traditional American approach to roulette. Atlantic City casinos predominantly feature double-zero wheels, with generally lower minimum bets than their Las Vegas counterparts. While European wheels are rare, the city makes up for it with numerous electronic roulette options and more accessible table minimums. The focus here is on providing a comfortable, approachable gaming experience for both casual players and serious enthusiasts.

California Gaming

California's unique gaming regulations have created a distinct roulette culture. Due to state laws restricting certain forms of gambling, many California casinos offer card-based roulette variations where cards determine the winning numbers rather than a physical wheel. Despite this modification, these games maintain the same odds and betting options as traditional roulette while complying with local regulations. High-end properties in the state often feature both traditional and electronic versions of the game.

Tribal Casino Gaming

Native American casinos have revolutionized access to roulette across America while developing their own unique gaming culture. Major operations like Connecticut's Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods rival Vegas properties with high-limit rooms and premium services. Most tribal casinos stick to American double-zero wheels, though some larger establishments have begun introducing European variations to attract serious players. Many integrate traditional tribal art and designs into their roulette areas, creating a distinctive atmosphere that sets them apart from corporate casinos. While minimum bets vary by region – generally lower in Oklahoma and higher in Connecticut – tribal casinos have successfully made roulette accessible to players away from traditional gambling centers.

Now that we've taken a look at what roulette looks like across the world I'm sure some of you are going to be pretty confused. Don't worry though, whether you are on a lads holiday on a Mediteranean party island like Malta, Ibiza, or Cypres or a bachelor party in Vegas, there's a pretty high likelihood that you're going to walk by a roulette table at some point and feel compelled to throw down some money to test your luck. 

As already discussed though, roulette games aren't the same so it's important to understand the differences - especially between European Single-Zero and American Double-Zero games.

European Single-Zero vs American Double-Zero

When you're first learning roulette, one of the most important distinctions to understand is the difference between European (single-zero) and American (double-zero) roulette. These two variations might look similar at first glance, but they offer significantly different odds for players.

European Single-Zero Roulette features:

• A wheel with 37 pockets (numbers 0-36)
• House edge of 2.7%
• Straight-up bet probability of 2.7% (1 in 37)
• Even-money bet probability of 48.6%
• Generally found in European casinos and high-end Las Vegas establishments

American Double-Zero Roulette features:

• A wheel with 38 pockets (numbers 0-36 plus 00)
• Higher house edge of 5.26%
• Straight-up bet probability of 2.6% (1 in 38)
• Even-money bet probability of 47.4%
• Most commonly found in American casinos

What does this mean for you as a player? Put simply, European roulette gives you better odds. Your money will typically last longer on a European wheel because the house advantage is nearly half that of an American wheel. This is why experienced players often seek out single-zero tables when they have the choice.

Betting Options and Payouts Are The Same For Both Though

Inside Bets:

• Straight Up (single number): 35 to 1
• Split (two numbers): 17 to 1
• Street (three numbers): 11 to 1
• Corner (four numbers): 8 to 1
• Six Line (six numbers): 5 to 1

Outside Bets:

• Dozens/Columns: 2 to 1
• Red/Black: 1 to 1
• Odd/Even: 1 to 1
• 1-18/19-36: 1 to 1

Special Rules and Variations

Beyond the basic differences between American and European roulette, several special rules can make the game even more interesting – and potentially more favorable for players. These rules are common in European and French casinos however. For Americans looking to try different formats, some high-end Las Vegas establishments have adopted them to attract serious players. This is especially true at higher-end establishments attracting Asian and European gamblers.

La Partage Rule: When the ball lands on zero in French roulette, this player-friendly rule returns half of any even-money bets (like red/black or odd/even), effectively reducing the house edge to a favorable 1.35%.

En Prison Rule: Instead of losing half your even-money bet when zero hits, this exciting rule "imprisons" your bet for the next spin, giving you a chance to recover your entire wager if you win on the following spin.

Called Bets (French/European): These special betting patterns cover specific sections of the wheel, including "Neighbors of Zero" (17 numbers around zero), "Thirds of the Wheel" (12 numbers opposite to zero), and "Orphans" (8 numbers not covered by the other bets).

These special rules and variations add depth to the game and can significantly improve your odds when playing on a European wheel. For example, if you're making even-money bets on a French table with La Partage, you're playing against a house edge of just 1.35% – one of the best odds you'll find in any casino game. This is why many experienced players seek out tables offering these rules, particularly in European casinos or high-end establishments worldwide.

Maximum table stakes and betting limits vary by casino, so it's always wise to check the specific rules and limits before you start playing. Remember, while these special rules can improve your odds, roulette remains a game of chance, and no betting system can guarantee wins.

Beyond the Wheel: Modern Roulette's Global Appeal

Whether you're planning a bachelor party in Vegas or a guys' trip to Malta, understanding roulette's regional variations can transform your gaming experience from simple betting to strategic play. Today's roulette scene offers something for every type of player – from high-stakes European single-zero tables with player-friendly rules to the accessible excitement of tribal casinos across America. What started as a monk's diversion in a French monastery has evolved into a global phenomenon that still captures imaginations worldwide. Perhaps most fascinating is that while casinos have tried countless variations over the centuries, from the American eagle slot to modern electronic versions, the basic thrill of watching that ball spin remains unchanged since Pascal's first experiment – proving that sometimes the simplest games are the ones that endure.