Roulette is the ultimate game of chance. It permeates through society and the English language. It has come to symbolize life’s wheel of fortune. The ways it is featured in pop culture shows how it has been used to connect with players and the wider population. Even games like bingo and the lottery have an element of roulette about them.
The first form of roulette is thought to have been invented by a French physicist and mathematician in the 17th century. However, the original primitive form of the game probably had its origin in ancient Greece and Rome. In between mighty battles, soldiers would spin swords, shields and other weaponry, and place a bet to win.
Roulette was one of the first games played in casinos centuries ago. Back then, it wasn’t anything like today’s multiple versions that take place in land-based venues or online roulette. It has evolved with different versions that are linked to country and continent nuances. The three main forms known in the modern age are French, American and European roulette.
Before delving into the subtleties, all three versions have the wheel as the central ‘character’ in the game. The ball is then spun around the inside edge of the wheel by the croupier or through the simulation in a computerized version. When the ball eventually slots into one of the pockets, that’s the winning number.
French and European roulette have 36 pockets numbered 1 to 36 (in red or black) and a green zero, which all add up to 37 possibilities in the game itself. American roulette adds a double green zero to the wheel to make one extra outcome possible.
Another difference in the gameplay is the terminology used. If a player makes a betting single, which is ultimately a small group of numbers that are adjacent, it is known as an “inside bet”. If the player is betting on an outcome with a much larger spread of numbers, it’s called an “outside bet”.
If the top of the inside bets box is left clear, it’s an American or European table, whereas a French table contains betting boxes above the inside bets box.
French roulette also has another difference that neither American nor European roulette covers. Unsurprisingly, it contains French terminology and is called the La Partage or En Prison rule.
Essentially, if a player places an even money bet and the ball lands on zero, the player doesn’t lose all of the bet because half will go to the house and half will be retained. The bet stays on the table and carries over to the next spin. If then that is lost, the house wins.
The European version of roulette is more popular among players and gaming enthusiasts. One of the main reasons is that the odds are more in favor of the player without the extra double green zero. The single zero wheel gives a better statistical chance of success.
There is a much bigger vibe around European roulette when played online or at a live land-based venue in locations like the United Kingdom. The North American edition doesn’t quite have the same buzz, given that the house holds more cards.
In house edge terms, French roulette has the biggest probability in favor of the player. In a physical venue, it is a slower game with two croupiers involved but there aren’t that many places that accommodate it. The two games that really dominate are European and American.
Then there are the variants that actually speed the game up and multiply the fun element. Double Ball Roulette is based on the lines of the classic game, but there are two balls on each spin. Both balls have to land on one of the numbers selected by the player.
Auto roulette also brings in the slot machine element in that it is a continuous spin without the need for a dealer. Players can play a lot of games in an hour as the spins are powered by air-powered, automated technology.
The game of roulette has really grown up and been adapted from the very basic start of its first initiation. It has all the elements that capture the imagination and essence of life’s ups and downs.
That visually striking roll of a ball is somehow memorable. The numbers and the flashing color of the spin can create a sense of real jeopardy. Most people have a loyalty to a set of digits or a single number that could be important or bear significance in their lives.
Roulette is the spin of the wheel that has a place in hearts and minds. It’s not logical. Nor is life.