Roulette is a popular game in modern-day casinos, but has a long history that dates back to the late 18th century when a primitive version of this game was first invented by Blaise Pascal. While the game as we know it today has since been modified significantly, it is still based on the same “little wheel” (French for Roulette). The version of the game that is played today was first introduced in Paris, France in the 18th century and was then only played by French royalty. There are some urban legends that surround this game, one of which even suggests that the game is owned by the devil himself. The story goes that a man by the name of Francois Blanc made a deal with the devil in order to obtain the secrets of this game, thus, providing him with the ability to win consistently. The casino myths and legends that surround this casino table game have only contributed to its mystique and popularity.

American Roulette vs. European Roulette

The wheel has different variations according to the location in which it is being played. For example, in the United States, the standard wheel features an extra space on the wheel, referred to as the double zero wheel because the extra slot is deemed “00.” This 38-pocket wheel is used in the American version. Alternatively, the 37-pocket European version is played with only the single zero pocket. There are other wheel layouts as well such as French, California, and Vegas, but European and American are the most popular and widely recognized. Perhaps the most significant difference between the American and European variations is the house edge percentage attached to each variant (The American variation yields a 5.26% house edge, whereas the European version has a 2.7% house edge, making it easier to win).