It is believed that roulette was invented by the French scientist Blaise Pascal in the 17th century. Actually, it should be said that Pascal was not involved in the creation of a gambling game. He was doing research to develop a perpetual motion machine and considered the first roulette as some kind of engine. But instead, he created the first version of the most popular gambling game of all time which is now in high demand in all reputable online casinos, including Mason Slots Casino Canada.
Of course, there were other types of roulette in those days. For example, in Italy and England, ordinary people played some similar games (poly-poly, ace of hearts, biribi) but these can’t be considered as prototypes of modern roulette.
Other Versions
In addition to the main version, there are other assumptions about the appearance of the first roulette. Some historians are sure that roulette was created in China and then brought to Europe thanks to trade between Chinese and Dominican monks. Others believe that the creators of roulette are French policemen. Presumably, in this way, they tried to reduce the number of card fraudsters in Paris.
It is also worth noting that many peoples, including the Greeks, Romans, etc., had games that resemble roulette. Thus, it is unlikely that it will be possible to determine the exact details of the first appearance of roulette.
The Rise Of Roulette
Now let’s find out why roulette has become so widespread. At first, it became popular in Europe, especially in France, where it was first mentioned in 1801 in the book of the writer J. Lablé “La Roulette, ou le Jour”. Short after this, the game sailed to America with thousands of French emigrants. There it remained unknown for some time, but everything changed with the onset of the gold rush. Gold diggers and miners quickly became addicted to this simple yet fun game increasing demand and causing the first casinos to appear.
By the end of the XIX century, roulette appeared in most casinos and other entertainment establishments in America and Europe and has literally become the hallmark of these kinds of venues.
The Crucial Moment
Roulette reached its peak of popularity after 1860, thanks to the Blanc brothers. They lived in Germany, but gambling was banned there in 1860, and therefore the brothers moved to Monaco. There they were able to open the largest gambling center in Europe. This venue was of the highest level and focused on representatives of the elite of European countries. The most popular game in the establishment was the European version of roulette with one zero.
Thanks to the immense popularity of the Blanc brothers’ establishment, it was this version of roulette that became generally recognized (like the American version that spread a little later).