American Roulette Explained

There are very few games, let alone casino games, that can match the mighty Roulette wheel for excitement, something proven by its immense popularity over the last two and a half centuries. Right from the very offset Roulette was seen as a rather decadent example of gambling entertainment, quickly becoming a symbol of luxury and grandeur in places such as Monte Carlo. No wonder when you consider the excitement that this dynamic casino game can bring to the table, and it naturally spread quite quickly from its European birthplace, finding a home in many casinos across the world. As ever with anything related to gambling, the citizens of the US fell head over heels for the game of Roulette, even making their own little alterations! Read ahead for a brief rundown of American Roulette at King Casino.

History of American Roulette

In order to properly understand the history of American Roulette we must first go back to its origins in 17th Century Europe. In fact, many historians actually go back even further than this when tracing the foundations of modern day Roulette, arguing that games played by Roman soldiers when they spun their shields around were the first moments of inspiration. Regardless, Roulette as we know it today originated in 18th Century France, and before too long settlers had brought it to the state of Louisiana. 

And so Roulette came to America in the early 19th Century, with a considerable amount of excitement along with it. As you would imagine the game immediately took off, quickly spreading across the various states of modern day America. One thing the Americans ended up changing, however, was the house edge on Roulette, making it considerably bigger. How did they do this? You may ask. Well, read on to find out. 

Differences To European Roulette

It isn’t actually that well known a fact that there are two different types of Roulette, American and European. Many people completely gloss over this when they start a Roulette gambling session, but it is definitely worth understanding the differences. As we mentioned, when the game made the transatlantic jump it was subject to alterations on the part of US casinos that weren’t too happy with the house edge at the time, deeming it to small. 

So, what did they do? Added an extra zero on the wheel of course! Now, this may not seem like it would make much of a difference at all, but it actually ends up doubling the house edge. Good news for casinos, and perhaps one of the reasons contributing towards their financial success, especially in the 20th Century. 

Pros & Cons

One definite downside to playing American Roulette is the fact you are far less likely to make a win, something that pretty much all gamblers won’t be particularly happy about. On the other hand, however, American Roulette is often a far more exciting experience, especially if you happen to be playing it in the US. You just cannot match the excitement, and Roulette in American casinos is more prone to being a proper communal affair.

What Next?

Recent Articles