The History of European Roulette Explained

Who created European roulette? And why is it different from other variations of the game? 

You might ask yourself these questions when playing online or at a physical casino venue. But few players are likely to actually research the background of their favourite games. 

However, understanding a game’s origins and how it became so popular can give you a deeper appreciation of it.

In this guide, we’ll delve into the history of European roulette in depth. You’ll learn:

• When European roulette was invented and who created it
• How European roulette evolved into its current form 
• Tips for playing European roulette at online casino sites 

Exploring the Invention of European Roulette 

Whether you prefer virtual or live roulette games, European roulette is widely available. You have plenty of options online today, including titles from the biggest software brands. But the game has come a long way since its humble beginnings.

The concept of roulette is believed to date back to Paris in the mid-1600s. French Mathematician and inventor Blaise Pascal spent years working in many areas of science. 

But it’s his work on mechanical calculators that plays a key part in the invention of roulette. He developed several machines that could add and subtract, though they never caught on with the public. 

Over time, Pascal tried to create a perpetual motion machine. The goal was for it to run without needing an energy source from outside itself. During this process, he made a wheel with many numbered pockets. 

Pascal’s machine didn’t become the breakthrough he may have hoped it would. Yet it’s widely regarded as the root of roulette. 

The Evolution of European Roulette 

Roulette wheels began to appear in casino venues over the decades that followed. These early versions of the game used both single and double zeroes. This provided the house with two ways to win in every spin. 

However, the single-zero roulette wheel arrived in 1843. Its creation is credited to two French brothers: Francois and Louis Blanc. They owned the successful Bad Homburg casino in Germany. They removed the double zero and reduced the house edge for a more balanced experience. 

Furthermore, they did this to compete with casinos using traditional wheels with a single and double zero. While it was a simple change, it created the game now known as European roulette. 

This European variation soon became popular outside the continent. Many other gaming businesses set up their own single-zero wheels soon after. And countless players the world over still play it to this day, hundreds of years later. 

Tips for Playing European Roulette at Online Casino Sites

European roulette games at online casino sites use the same rules as those at physical venues. The wheel features a single zero and 36 other pockets. This sets it apart from American roulette, which uses the double zero instead. The single zero creates a lower house edge: 2.7% against American roulette's 5.26%.

Never played European roulette online before? Let’s look at four tips to help you get started.

• Choose carefully: You have dozens of European roulette games to choose from online. Many use a Random Number Generator (RNG) to provide fair outcomes each time for your peace of mind. But live casino games give you a more sociable experience. You can play with professional dealers and numerous bettors at the same time. Some titles are better than others, so read reviews and play demos if available. This will help you pick the right games for you.
• Be responsible with wagers: Remember that safe play is crucial at a physical casino or online site. Give yourself a realistic betting limit before you play and stick to it every time. You can use various responsible gaming tools at online casinos, too. These may help you stay in control and within budget. 
• Check for bonus offers at online casinos: Most operators create promotions to give new and long-term members added value. These range from free spins on slots to free bets on live games. Explore the bonuses available to see if any will let you play European roulette for free. This can make your deposit go further. 
• Always read the rules: Not all European roulette games are the same. Certain titles include bonus features and subtle variations. Try to understand how these work before you start playing. Features could bring you more chances to win, but may also require higher or extra bets to qualify for them.

Conclusion

It may originate from an experiment, but European roulette is now a casino staple. This variation is a must-have for online casinos and physical venues across the globe.

Want to play European roulette online? Genting Casino has a huge collection of European roulette games to explore. For your total convenience, you can play them on a desktop or mobile device. 

Discover the latest and greatest European roulette releases in our massive collection today!