The beginning of roulette is different from many other popular casino gambling games. Mathematician Blaise Pascal divised the first roulette wheel in an experiment to create a perpetual motion device. The story goes that after creating this large, spinning wheel, one of Pascal's friends saw in the machine a great potential for a gambling game. The game became popular in France during the 1700's and quickly spread throughout Europe. The European Roulette rules and layout are the same today as they were then.
An interesting rumor/legend believes the creation of roulette was due to Francois Blanc, the founder of the first casino in Monte Carlo. The rumor has it that he sold his soul to the devil in exchange for the game and secrets of roulette. Believers of this legend point to the fact that all of the numbers on the roulette wheel equal to 666, the number for the devil. While this rumor is unsubstantiated, Blanc was responsible for placing the 0 slot on the wheel, which increased the house odds.
American Roulette History
In 1800, the game of roulette traveled across the
ocean to America. Americans, like Europeans, enjoyed the social game with easy rules and
high payouts. American casino owners took Blanc's 0 idea one step further and added a 00
slot, increasing the house odds even more. Even far away in America, the glamorous image of
the game that Blanc created in Monte Carlo was felt. Even today, the game still retains its
glitzy atmosphere.
