Roulette is a game of chance where players bet on which red or black numbered compartment the ball will come to rest in as it spins around a revolving wheel. It was invented more than 300 years ago by Frenchman Blaise Pascal as part of his quest to create a perpetual motion machine.
Origins
Although the exact origin of roullete is unknown, it is believed to have first been created in the 17th century. Several theories have been suggested. The most popular theory is that the game was invented by French mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal in his quest to create a perpetual motion machine. He may have also borrowed the concept from a Chinese game that featured 37 animal figurines on a magic square and was later brought to Europe by Dominican monks.
However, many games similar to roulette had already been played centuries before Pascal’s version became a popular pastime in Paris at the end of the French Revolution. These included the English game of E-O and the Italian game of Hoca. In addition, ancient Roman soldiers enjoyed gambling on the turn of a wheel by spinning shields balanced on sword points.
Variations
Roulette games come in a number of variations, and choosing which one to play depends on the player’s preference and experience level. For example, a beginner should avoid roulette variations with additional bets and special betting rules, which increase the house edge. On the other hand, a more experienced player can enjoy roulette variants with higher payouts, such as the European Roulette game from IGT, which pays up to 1:12,000 for its straight bonus win. Other popular roulette variations include Lighting Roulette and Triple Bonus Spin Roulette, both of which offer big payouts. These games are more fun to play and provide a pleasant gaming experience.
Bets
There are several types of bets that can be placed on a roulette wheel. Some are known as outside bets, while others are known as inside bets. Outside bets include Voisins du zero (neighbors of the zero, or the 17 numbers closest to it), Jeu 0 (zero game, for the seven numbers nearest the wheel’s center) and Le Tiers du cylindre (12 numbers on the opposite side of the wheel from the zero). These wagers pay 35:1. Inside bets include Dozens and Columns.