The history of roulette always begins with the explanation of the origin of its word, we know that it comes from the French word roulette and that it means small wheel. Although in the beginning, the game was not exactly as we know it today, we can say that its adaptations were not so different, the game is always based on a mathematical idea that revolves around a wheel.
Regarding the data we have about the history of roulette, we find that this invention is attributed to Blaise Pascal, noted for being a mathematician, and that thanks to his ability to analyze mathematics he was able to create this game that has 36 numbers by adding the zero. The history of roulette also tells us that it was a game played among the most important spheres of friendship in France.
Although this is the most popular version of the history of roulette, we find that there are many others that place this invention in China and that it was through the Dominican friars and one of their expeditions and commercial exchanges that they found this market and this type of element. Although it is not very clear, it is always important to know the points from which it is suggested or known where this wheel, which is currently considered one of the best games in the world, could have come from.
The origin of roulette
When it comes to talking about the origin of roulette, it is important to consider that there is no absolute certainty, currently, there are three possible stories that tell how it was possible for the arrival of this wheel to our present time, to become the most influential game in what betting is concerned. Let’s see what they are:
The Chinese origin: one of the origins that have become controversial regarding roulette, is this one. Apparently, a group of historians who are specially dedicated to analyzing the origin of the most popular games among the human race, have managed to find findings or evidence that can prove that it was in China where roulette history really began. In ancient times it is known that the Chinese had a game that involved guessing a series of aspects and used a type of artifact to make the game much more fun. Apparently, that object with which the theme was given rise is quite similar to the roulette wheel with which casinos around the world play.
The stories tell us that for this type of guessing game, the Chinese used to employ the use of a small ball created in marble material, this ball was put to spin on this plate or wheel which was made of wood. The plate had a series of engraved drawings, which were divided into 37 icons or sectors. The small ball was in fact the one that determined the square and the element that had to be guessed would be the winner.
What is believed, according to historians’ versions, is that this game could have arrived in Europe thanks to the Muslims, who traded a lot in these areas and it is believed that it happened in the Middle Ages.
The Roman origin
The Roman origin: another of the origins that are taken into account but is still highly debated is the Roman origin. Many scientists who are dedicated to analyzing history, especially the history of games, agree that most of the games we currently have and which are known as games of chance appeared in human life by chance.
When we talk about roulette we must also talk about the Roman Empire, we must be aware that it was not easy to keep all the people entertained, especially when we talk about the soldiers, who had to wait their turn for the next battle. It is believed that in the presence of such a situation, the high commanders began to allow the soldiers to play, especially to bet so that they could entertain themselves.
It is known that they used all kinds of tools, including shields and even the wheels of the chariots, in order to create new forms of entertainment. It is in the latter that it is known that the origin of the roulette story as we know it today may have begun since it was used to make it spin to obtain a purpose that is still unknown.
The French origin
The French origin: one of the origins that have managed to be the most accepted and which is usually the most mentioned when talking about this type of game, is that it is explained from the European perspective.
France is one of the countries with which is associated or linked in a more direct way the appearance of roulette history. It seems that in 1655 Pascal was the one who came up with the idea of using a mathematical wheel with which one could play. This is a man highly recognized for his contributions to physics and mathematics, and that is why this version of history, which has been maintained over the years, is not questioned.
Apparently in his research, he found this wheel that he formed with 36 squares without including the zero. The idea is that by spinning the wheel he could also spin the wheel so that a winner could be determined by chance with one of the combinations found there.
The Development of Roulette
However, the game did not stop there, with the passing of time and centuries, it began to change and move to other parts of the world. It is known that other people added changes to the roulette, in order to make it much more marketable. The game has gone through a lot, not only changes but also prohibitions, however, it continues.
As we can see, there are three versions of roulette history, the last one is the one that convinces historians the most, but the others could not be a lie if we think that maybe the human race was destined to create it.
A game of masses from the beginning of its history
We must know then that roulette started to be popular in the 18th century, all this due to the intervention and influence of the then Prince Charles, to whom it is attributed that roulette managed to enter Monaco and consolidate as one of the most important games as far as casinos are concerned.
We cannot deny that the history of roulette has marked a before and after, we also know that it has had a high evolution, for example, the modern version with which most of us play, did not appear until 1842 according to roulette history data. It is also important to add other aspects or milestones that have marked roulette history, for example, that the Blanc brothers modified the normal or known roulette by adding one more number, which is Zero.
In 1856 was when our game was consolidated as such, marking a great milestone in the history of roulette and becoming the Societé des Jeux de Monaco. It is also known that the first place where people managed to play it for the first time was in the famous and irreplaceable casino of Monte Carlo.
It is this last version that we know and play nowadays, both in physical casinos and in those that operate online. Another important aspect of roulette history is the way in which this game arrived in the United States. It is known according to the records that the beginning of this adventure called roulette entered the country through Louisiana in the 17th century by means of the routes that had been created in order to start a commercial relationship with other countries of the globe. The game was so popular that it managed to establish itself in different sectors such as bars and brothels, among many others.
It was there where the history of roulette is divided into many other changes and interesting aspects, as is the case of the modifications that we currently know of forms of play. Roulette changed to the liking of the Americans and that is where American roulette was born.
With respect to roulette history, we must also talk about the beginning of the casinos, it is known that by the year 1848 the first ones appeared, they were very successful and in part, it was also due to the fact that at that time the gold fever was very cemented in the mind and in the economy of the people.
This is how we can know a little about the history of roulette and about the most important changes that have taken place since its appearance in people’s lives as one of the most important and influential games of chance in the world.
