Wagering games had been used as a form of entertainment for centuries, and many of those games involved spinning a shield or a chariot wheel.
This small and unassuming piece of equipment has had a massive impact on the casino world and the gambling community since its inception over 200 years ago thanks to European settlers. And its evolution is definitely noteworthy.
Although roulette was one of the first online casino games to hit casinos, today, roulette tables can be found in casinos all over the world, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Let’s dive into the roulette spin history.
THE ROULETTE WHEEL AND ITS BEGINNINGS
Roulette is a game that has been enjoyed for centuries. The game involves spinning a wheel with numbered slots and placing bets on where the ball will land. But where did the wheel come from, and how did it become so popular?
Although an early description of the game was found in a French novel named ‘La Roulette, ou le Jour’, some say that this game was based on an ancient Chinese board game, or a game called ‘Even Odd’.
That said, the history of roulette wheels can be traced back to 18th-century France. The game was invented by Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician, in an attempt to create a perpetual motion machine. Although the machine did not work as intended, Pascal’s invention did lead to the creation of the roulette wheel, which would then be spotted in several gambling houses.
The first wheel had 36 numbered slots and only one zero slot. The numbers were placed in a specific order on the wheel, with alternating black and red slots — the special slot for the zero was coloured green.
The original version of the game was known as ‘European Roulette‘, also known as ‘Single-Zero Roulette’. These types of roulette games quickly became popular in gambling houses throughout Europe.
THE ROULETTE TABLE — AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT OF THE CASINO
The table is an important component of a roulette game. It is where players place their bets and where the wheel is spun. The roulette table layout includes the numbers and betting options.
A table is usually green and has a felt surface. The numbers on the table correspond to the numbers on the wheel. Players can place bets on individual numbers or groups of numbers.
In addition to the numbered slots, the roulette table also includes additional wagering options. These include columns and rows of numbers, etc. Players can also place a complete bet by placing all their chips on one number.
HOW DOES THE ROULETTE WHEEL WORK?
The roulette wheel is a complex piece of machinery that has been carefully designed to ensure that each spin is completely random. But how does it work?
HOW A ROULETTE WHEEL IS CONSTRUCTED
The wheel is typically made of wood with a metal frame and plastic or metal dividers between the numbered slots. The numbers on the wheel are placed in a specific order.
The wheel is mounted on a spindle that is attached to the table, which allows the wheel to spin freely while keeping it in place. The ball is dropped onto the wheel and spins in the opposite direction.
WHAT IS A WHEEL SPINNER FOR AND WHO INVENTED IT?
The wheel spinner was invented by Frenchmen Francois and Louis Blanc. Francois and Louis Blanc were casino operators in Monte Carlo casino resort who wanted to create a more efficient way to spin the wheel. Their invention allowed for faster and more consistent spins, which helped to increase the popularity of the game.
The wheel spinner uses a special tool called a rake to spin the wheel and drop the ball. The rake is a long, curved tool that is used to sweep the ball onto the wheel.
HISTORICAL WHEEL SPINS AND RECORD WINNINGS IN CASINO GAMBLING
The game of roulette has a rich history and has been played in casinos all over the world. Over the years, there have been many memorable spins, including some record-breaking wins:
- In 1873, Joseph Jagger discovered a bias in a Monte Carlo casino and won £65,000.
- In 1891, Charles Wells won over 1 million francs at the Casino de Monte-Carlo and became known as ‘The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo’.
- In 1913, Ashley ‘Titanic’ Thompson won $100,000 in a single night of roulette at the Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas.
- In 2004, Ashley Revell bet everything on a single spin and won $135,300.
- In 2012, Mike Ashley bet £480,000 on red at the Fifty London casino and won a total of £1.3 million.
- In 2014, Pedro Grendene Bartelle bet $35,000 on a single number at the Hotel Conrad in Punta del Este and won $3.5 million.
Despite the many big wins that have been recorded in roulette history, it is important to remember that the roulette game is one of chance, and there is no guaranteed way to win.
CINEMA FILMS AND ROULETTE SPINNING
Roulette has also been a popular subject in cinema films over the years. The game is often used as a symbol of wealth, risk, and excitement. Some famous films that feature roulette spinning include:
- Casablanca (1942): In this classic film, the roulette table is used as a backdrop for a dramatic scene between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.
- The Sting (1973): This film is set in the 1930s and follows the story of two con artists who try to pull off a scam at a high-stakes table.
- Run Lola Run (1998): This German film uses the game of roulette as a metaphor for the unpredictable nature of life.
- Ocean’s Eleven (2001): In this heist film, a group of criminals plan to rob three casinos in Las Vegas, including a high-stakes table.
ROULETTE IN ONLINE CASINOS TODAY
Today, roulette is available to play in online gambling sites all over the world. Online roulette allows players to experience the thrill of the game from the comfort of their own homes, without drastically changing the roulette layout or deviating from the classic rules.
HOW TO SPIN THE VIRTUAL ROULETTE WHEEL?
To play online casino roulette, players must first choose a reputable casino. Once they have registered and made a deposit, they can choose exactly what type of game to play, such as European roulette (single-zero roulette) or American roulette (double-zero roulette).
The virtual wheel is operated by a computer programme that uses a Random Number Generator to determine the outcome of each spin. Players bet by clicking on the appropriate area of the virtual table.
Once the bets have been placed, the virtual wheel is spun, and the ball is dropped onto the wheel. The computer programme then determines the winning number, and any winnings are paid out to the player’s account.
SETTINGS ON THE ROULETTE WHEEL BEFORE SPINNING
Online roulette also offers players the ability to customise their game settings. These settings can include the speed of the game, the colour of the table and wheel, and the sound effects.
When casinos began adding such avant-garde features, this is when the casino world was truly transformed.
Players can also choose to play with or without the animation of the spinning wheel. Some online casinos offer the option to play with a live dealer in live roulette casino games, which gives the feel of a real casino.
CONCLUSION — SPIN THE WHEEL AND LET IT DECIDE!
Roulette history is long and fascinating. From its humble beginnings as a failed perpetual motion machine in France to its current popularity worldwide, the game has come a long way from the original Chinese game.
Despite its long journey facing casino proprietors and strict gambling laws, and trying to please monarchs like Prince Charles, the basic rules and principles of the game have remained the same.
Now that you know roulette history and have a better understanding of how to play the game, why not try your luck and see if you can hit it big? If you want to start playing roulette right away, look no further than LV BET.
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FAQ
✅ IS SPINNING ROULETTE JUST LUCK?
Yes, roulette is mostly a game of luck, as the outcome of each spin is determined by chance.
✅ HOW DO YOU FIND A WAY TO BEAT THE CASINOS AT ROULETTE?
While there is no surefire way to beat the casinos at roulette, some strategies and betting systems can help increase your chances of winning. These include the Martingale system, the Reverse Martingale system, and the D’Alembert system, among others. However, it’s important to note that no system can guarantee a win, and the house always has the edge in the long run.
✅ WHAT DOES GREEN ZERO MEAN IN ROULETTE GAME?
The green zero represents the number zero, which is used in some variations of the game. It is neither a black nor a red number, and is considered a ‘house number’ because it gives the house (or casino) an edge over the players.
✅ WHICH TYPE OF ROULETTE IS THE MOST POPULAR AMONG ONLINE CASINO PLAYERS?
European roulette is generally considered the most popular type of roulette among online players, as it has a lower house edge compared to American roulette. European roulette also only has one green zero on the wheel, while American roulette has a single and double zero pocket, which gives this game a higher house edge.
That said, French roulette is also a popular choice in the gambling scene as it offers even better odds than its European counterpart.
✅ HOW TO CHOOSE NUMBERS ON THE ROULETTE WHEEL?
There is no one ‘correct’ way to choose numbers on the wheel, as it is largely a matter of personal preference and luck. Some players prefer to choose numbers based on lucky or significant dates, while others use betting systems or follow certain patterns on the wheel.