There aren’t many games that capture the thrill of chance and the excitement of winning like roulette. Its beginnings were humble, but it’s now a glittering part of every social casino games portfolio in the best online establishments.
The iconic roulette wheel has spun its way into the hearts of players the world over.
A Spin Through Time
We’ve already brushed over the origins of roulette in our complete roulette guide, but this time you’ll need to buckle up as we take a whirlwind tour through the history of this legendary game.
There are a few surprises along the way!
The Origin of Roulette: France in the 17th Century
We have to travel all the way back to 17th-century France to see where roulette was born. Mathematician and inventor Blaise Pascal developed a primitive type of roulette while trying to invent a perpetual motion machine (spoiler alert: He didn’t succeed. But hey, at least we got roulette!).
The word “roulette” means “little wheel” in French, which makes sense if you think of roulette as a mini carnival ride for a tiny ball. The early versions of the game mixed up different elements of existing wheel-based games and changed over time into the format we know and love today.
It took a while to catch on, but by the late 18th century, roulette was the star of French casinos. In the process, some of the roulette strategy we still use today was born.
European vs. American Roulette: The Wheel Divide
Fast-forward to the 19th century, and roulette had hopped across the pond to the United States – and got a bit of a remix in the process. The European roulette wheel had always had just one zero, but Americans, always looking to up the stakes, added another 0 (also shown as 00) and so the american roulette wheel was born.
But why? It’s simple. More zeros mean more fun – at least for the house, which amps their edge from 2.7% to 5.26%
Not sure which version to pick? Find our more on our guide with types of roulette wheels.
Roulette Travels The World
As casinos popped up all over the wide, roulette quickly became a staple. From Monte Carlo’s fancy gaming halls to the neon lights of Las Vegas, the game’s appeal proved irresistible.

It’s no surprise so many players wanted to learn how to play roulette and master the art of the spin.
The Birth of Online Roulette
So, we reach the digital age. With the spread of the internet, roulette traded in its velvet ropes for Wi-Fi connections.
Today, anyone with a smartphone or laptop can learn how to play mobile roulette. You may prefer free roulette games to practice your skills or the thrill of live roulette with real dealers.
Doesn’t matter. We guarantee there’s a virtual table with your name on it. And the best part? No dress code. You can play in your pajamas – we won’t judge.
Roulette: A Quick Crash Course
If you’re new to the game, no concern necessary – roulette rules are easy to pick up and the game is fun to play. Here are the basics:
- The roulette wheel has numbered pockets (1-36) and either one or two zeros, depending on whether you’re playing on a European roulette wheel or a US roulette wheel.
- You place your coins on a virtual roulette table, predicting in which pocket the ball will land.
- The dealer (or croupier, if you’re feeling fancy) spins the wheel and drops the ball.
- The ball lands in a pocket – the winning number! Cue cheers or groans.
That’s it! No calculus required.
Why Social Casinos Make Roulette More Fun
In recent years, the popularity of social casinos has made roulette available to players everywhere. Unlike traditional establishments, social casinos let you play popular live casino games for fun instead of real money. McLuck gives you access to immersive live roulette experiences online. It’s all about connecting with friends, working on your skills, and enjoying the thrill of the spin without the pressure of high stakes.
So, whether you’ve been playing for a while or are just a curious newbie, learning how to play roulette and win is a skill worth exploring. And even if the odds aren’t always in your favor, the fun of the game is a win in itself.
So, the next time you’re staring at that spinning roulette wheel, remember: It’s more than a game. It’s history, excitement, and a ton of fun rolled into one!