Who Invented Roulette?
Recently updated on September 8th, 2023
Blaise Pascal is the man that invented roulette. The French mathematician, physicist, and inventor were in no form trying to invent a casino game. In fact, he was working on a perpetual motion machine invention in 1655 that didn’t go as planned.
The perpetual motion machine was intended to operate without relying on energy from an external source. Being an inventor, Pascal knew that the laws of physics were against this invention and deemed it to be impossible. However, he was trying to defy the odds and instead, he ended up creating the renowned casino game that we know as roulette. Below we take you through how Pascal invented roulette.
How Pascal Invented Roulette
Well, in short, his perpetual motion machine was a failure. However, it gave birth to one of the most popular casino games to be played online and at land-based casinos. What was supposed to exist in theory become a machine that can run continually without an energy source.
It may not be the perpetual motion machine as the roulette wheel stops revealing the winning number. Pascal’s invention is remarkable as a gambling tool.
The Evolution Of Roulette
According to a few pieces of literature and lots of research, the zero on the roulette wheel did not exist until the mid-18th century. In 1843, two Frenchmen, Francois and Lois Blanc, designed a roulette wheel that featured a single zero.
The wheel was created for King Charles III of Monaco. Having the single zero on the wheel helped casinos attract more business as the game now had a lower house edge. This addition to the wheel was to make the game is ideal for the house by bringing in more money.
Roulette Makes Its Way To Canada
Roulette became a relatively popular casino game in Louisiana because of the French immigrants. In the late 1700s, New Orleans become the gambling capital of the United States.
How the roulette table was laid out was a bit different back then. The wheel and table featured 28 numbers which included two zeros and an American eagle symbol. This is different from the 38 number that we are used to today.
The American eagle symbol pushed the house to an absurd 12.9%. If we existed back then, we would have told you not to bother playing the game. However, because players were not happy with the house edge, the eagle quickly showed the door.
So, for an extra edge, casinos opted for having two zeros rather than the standard single zero used in European roulette. Remember that having an additional zero on the wheel gives the house a bigger advantage.
In 1758 the game made its way to Canada in reference. The casino game was mentioned in legal documents that were created to ban Canadians from playing the game. This particular listing appeared in Canadian regulations for Québec along with other prohibited games. Of course, things have changed since 1758.
Play Online Roulette
With the steady interest in roulette, virtual casinos had no choice but to offer the game. The first virtual casino opened its doors around 1996, but roulette was not one of the first games offered at the casino.
When it did finally join the online catalogue, players were spoiled for choice. To this day, you can play various roulette games such as:
- American Roulette
- French Roulette
- Mini Roulette
- Zoom Roulette
- Roulette Royale
- European Roulette
The games can be enjoyed for real money or for free. So, if you are new to the casino game, it best to use the free version of the game to get acquainted with the gameplay. Once you are comfortable with how the game works and how the bets are made, you can move on to the real money games.
Final Thought
We have to be honest, while Blaise Pascal’s initial invention idea was not successful, but we are glad it turned into one of our favourite games. To date, it is almost taboo to play at a casino site that does not offer roulette.
You can play the popularly invented roulette game on the desktop or mobile version of top casino sites. You won’t have to wait in line or get distracted as you pick your bets. If you would like to play roulette today, register to any of the casinos we recommend on this site! Don’t forget to claim the amazing bonuses on offer.
