Roulette has always been a popular game while gambling online and in land-based casinos. Its simple game play and high excitement level make it a game enjoyed by both high and low rollers alike. A little known fact is that roulette is not a new game; variations of the game have been around for centuries and the history of Roulette is an interesting one to explore.

Debates on Roulette's Origins

The history of roulette is one that is much debated. Some historians say that the game was originally played in China and brought to European soil by traders, while others disagree. Although there is no definitive proof, the only formal documentation that mentions the origin of roulette is from the 17th and 18th centuries. The documentation speaks of a series of games similar to roulette as it is known today. The game most similar to what we know as modern roulette was first documented in the late 19th century.

Layout of the Historical Roulette Wheel

Original forms of roulette games were played with a wheel that differs from the one with which it is played today. Older roulette wheels had significant differences in color scheme; the color of the zero and double-zero on the wheel were red and black. The original color scheme was confusing, as players often thought that the zeros were part of the red and black sections of the wheel, which lead to an unfair advantage that gave the house the edge on betting. Once the confusion was a known issue, casinos changed the color of the zeroes on the roulette wheel to green to avoid this confusion.

American Roulette versus European Roulette

The original roulette wheel had a double-zero space but Europe started to use a wheel with a single-zero space in the 19th century. American casinos decided to keep the double-zero system; although the reason for keeping the double-zero is not perfectly clear, it is believed that it was kept because it gives players a lower chance of winning. Once the two countries adopted the standard wheel of their choice, American and European roulette slowly became two distinctly different forms of the game.

No matter the type, American or European, the game of roulette is one with a long history that will only continue to grow. In modern times, new online casinos have helped the game of roulette gain popularity; its easy accessibility attracts more players each and every year.