If you’ve ever spent time at a casino party, you’ve probably found yourself fascinated by the roulette table. This lively game is simple enough for beginners to play but is also favored by gambling aficionados thanks to the many thrills it affords. While some of its origins are shrouded in mystery, what is known about the history of roulette is quite interesting.

Rival Origins

There is quite a bit of debate on how roulette originated. While this game is now a staple of casino parties, many historians point to different theories on who created it and why. One theory suggests that it came about in ancient China and involved players attempting to arrange a set of 37 animal figurines into a square.

Others claim that it was the brainchild of a French monk out of sheer boredom. Yet another theory involves philosopher and mathematician Blaise Pascal. It’s said that he invented the game in 1655, after which it was enjoyed by guests at a casino party in Paris.

Invention of the Wheel

Throughout history, there were many different iterations of the roulette wheel. For instance, in France early wheels had 36 numbers, with the 0 colored black, while the 00 was colored red. These spaces were referred to as bars, and it was impossible to win or lose when the ball landed there. Conversely, early American wheels utilized a number system that spanned from 1 to 28. They also featured 0 and 00, as well as an eagle which was intended to stand for 000.

These days, American roulette wheels have 38 numbers (1 through 36, 0, and 00). With the exception of the 0 and 00, both of which are green, all the other numbers are colored black or red. On the other hand, European wheels have 37 numbers, having eliminated the 00. These changes even the odds between house and player, allowing the house to profit while also ensuring players wish to continue playing.

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