Ever wondered how the roulette wheel travelled from Parisian salons to Las Vegas casinos — and why the American version developed a double zero?
What started as an 18th-century French parlour game evolved into one of the most recognisable titles in the online roulette category today. From Monte Carlo’s golden rooms to live roulette tables streamed worldwide, every spin reflects a centuries-old design still used in modern online casino play.
In this article you’ll learn:
- Where roulette began and how it spread from France to the New World
- How early players exploited wheel bias and shaped casino rules
- Why the double zero became part of American roulette’s identity
- How this version fits within classic table and card games today in RNG or live casino format
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Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. All modern roulette outcomes are determined by certified RNGs or audited live wheels. 18+ | Play responsibly. |
Origins — Roulette’s French Roots
Roulette takes its name from the French word for “little wheel” and originated in 18th-century France. The game emerged from earlier European titles like hoca and portique, evolving into a refined salon pastime. By the early 1800s, the first single-zero wheels were introduced in Monte Carlo — setting the foundation for both the European and French versions we know today.
Mechanical Bias and Early Casino Legends
Before precision engineering, roulette wheels sometimes developed mechanical flaws. These imperfections could tilt the odds, allowing skilled observers to predict outcomes.
Joseph Jagger — the engineer who beat the wheel
In the 1870s, Joseph Hobson Jagger famously studied Monte Carlo tables, identifying a biased wheel that repeatedly favoured certain numbers. His discovery became one of the first documented examples of exploiting roulette mechanically rather than through luck.
Charles Wells — “the man who broke the bank”
A few years later, Charles De Ville Wells won so often at Monte Carlo that the casino temporarily ran out of chips, inspiring the song “The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo.” His story reinforced the balance of luck and mathematics that defines the wheel to this day.
Roulette Crosses the Atlantic
Roulette arrived in North America via 19th-century riverboats and saloons. However, the conditions of early gambling halls encouraged a major modification: the addition of a second zero (00).
Why the double zero changed everything
The new wheel design increased the house edge from 2.70% to 5.26%, which increased the long-term house advantage built into the game. Over time, this double-zero setup became synonymous with American Roulette, the standard format in Las Vegas and many US casinos.
Regulation, Standardisation and Fairness
As the 20th century progressed, roulette became a regulated casino staple. Better craftsmanship eliminated wheel bias, and maintenance standards ensured that every table offered equal probability across all outcomes. The arrival of live casino platforms and digital innovations further transformed play, allowing players to view audited real wheels streamed in real time.
Digital era and RNG verification
Today’s RNG-based games simulate spins with certified randomness, audited by third-party agencies for integrity. Players can enjoy this experience seamlessly on the mobile app or desktop, with no difference in fairness or performance.
Modern operator platforms often organise games by category and may showcase menu-level promotions alongside roulette variants. These features are informational and do not alter the game’s fairness or house edge.
How American Roulette Compares
Though visually similar to its European counterpart, the double zero gives American roulette a distinctly higher edge. French roulette further differentiates itself with La Partage and En Prison, which halve the edge on even-money bets.
Explore detailed comparisons and strategy guides across the full American roulette series:
- American Roulette Table & Wheel Explained
- Key Differences Between American and European Roulette
- Key Differences Between American and French Roulette
- Are There Strategies Unique to American Roulette?
What the History Tells Us
Understanding how the double zero evolved reveals much about American gaming culture — a blend of innovation, risk, and regional adaptation. Today’s live roulette tables continue that legacy, combining visual elegance with regulated fairness.
You can also learn more through:
- Common mistakes to avoid in American Roulette
- The role of the croupier
- How to spot a rigged American Roulette game
Conclusion — From Monte Carlo to Modern Casinos
Roulette’s transformation from an 18th-century curiosity to an American icon captures the spirit of calculated risk that defines casino gaming. While the double-zero wheel may challenge players with higher odds, it remains a vital part of roulette’s enduring charm.
Key takeaways:
- Roulette originated in France and evolved into multiple international variants.
- The double zero was introduced in America to increase profitability.
- Early engineering flaws led to famous player victories and later regulation.
- Modern roulette is governed by RNG certification and strict UKGC fairness standards.
- Safer play practices, audits, and responsible tools help protect today’s players.
You can find American roulette and other classics on licensed platforms such as Prime Casino. Remember to use safer-gambling tools and play within your limits.
