The History of Casino Roulette

As with most casino games today, Roulette has quite an interesting history. Although some of its history may actually be fables that have been incorporated into the Roulette story over the years, this is what adds to the fascination and mystery surrounding the story of Casino Roulette!

The Ancient History of Roulette

It is believed that Roulette has been around for thousands of years. Although no one can show an exact date, it is known that the ancient Egyptians played some form of Roulette. In time, this ancient game moved to 16th century France, and became a popular game amongst the peasant class.

There are also whispers that the Chinese played an ancient form of Roulette. This game was brought to Europe through trade with the Orient. It could well be that both of these histories have some truth and once coming to Europe the game intermingled to become what the Middle Ages Europeans came to know as their form of Roulette. It would not be surprising if one day archaeologists discover the first wheel, only to find the etching of Roulette numbers next to each spoke!

Casino Roulette in Europe

In the 17th century, a French philosopher, mathematician, physicist and religious philosopher, invented the modern Roulette wheel. Interestingly enough, he came about this invention, not through his love of gambling, but rather for his fascination for objects in perpetual motion! Although he invented the modern Roulette wheel in the 17th century, the modern game of Casino Roulette only came into being almost 200 years later!

In the 18th century, the British played a few games that seem to have some relation to Roulette, however they do not constitute what is looked upon as the "real" Roulette! By the end of the 18th century, early versions of the game, which included both the single and the double zero, were also being played in casinos in Paris.

In 1842, the Blanc brothers, Louis and Francois, created the first modern day Casino Roulette wheel in France. Their part in the story of Roulette made them legends in the history books of gambling. They created the single zero Roulette tables, lowering the house advantage by 2.6 percent! These men were also the ones who made Roulette known throughout Europe and the United States! As gambling became illegal in France, the brothers introduced Roulette to Germany. Soon enough, the Royalty of Monaco invited François to bring Roulette to Monte Carlo.

Francois and his son Camille accepted the invitation and within no time, Roulette became a hit! Francois also helped to build the first official casino in Monte Carlo, which was needed due to the huge success of the Roulette game!

French Roulette - The Casino Game of Monte Carlo

Due to the fact that gambling was illegal in France for many years, Casino Roulette became practically synonymous with Monte Carlo. The wealthy would take gambling vacations to Monte Carlo and enjoy gaming and relaxation on the southern border of France. Thanks to the illegality of gambling in France, the Monte Carlo casino, and Roulette, became infamous. The two grew together over the years, and were practically handed success on a silver platter! Even after gambling was legalized in France, Roulette was still mainly kept to the Monte Carlo casino! As time went on, Roulette took on two main forms, one for each side of the Atlantic. The form known as French Roulette or European Roulette has only a single zero and the percentage in favor of the house in only 2.7. This was the wheel created by the Blanc brothers. European Roulette has the largest following of players, most likely due to the fact that there is a low percentage in favor of the house.

American and European Casino Roulette

American Casino Roulette boasts a single and a double zero, which raises the percentage in favor of the house by an extra 2.6 percent, which means the house is up to 5.6 percent. This is considered a fairly large increase over the European version, and for that reason, has never become extremely popular.

Whether playing the popular European Casino Roulette or the less popular American Roulette, does not make a difference to the notoriety of the game. Roulette is by far one of the most popular casino games available today. It is no surprise that one of the symbols of wealth and high society is none other than that of a Roulette wheel!

Play Classic Roulette and More Online

Casino Roulette is a classic. Her history is that of class and style, and now that we have moved into the 21st century, the game is available to all who are interested! Thanks to the advent of online casinos, Roulette is available anytime, anywhere. The information age has made the game of Roulette move from being available to the royalty, wealthy and famous, to a game for all to enjoy! Whether the preference is to play at a land based casino, or from the comfort of one's own home, Roulette will always be one of the most beloved casino games available. Now you can play American, European, French, or the new Microgaming Roulette Royale - with a real money progressive jackpot. Or just play for free and for fun at First Web Internet Casino. Whatever your preference, give this great game a try and see why no casino is complete without a game of Roulette.