The invention of roulette is credited to French mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal in the 17th century. While attempting to create a perpetual motion machine in 1655, Pascal accidentally developed what would become the modern roulette wheel. However, Pascal did not intend to create a gambling device - his primary goal was scientific research into motion and probability. 
The game evolved significantly over the next two centuries. In 1842, French brothers Francois and Louis Blanc introduced the single zero version of roulette in Germany. This version became popular throughout Europe and eventually made its way to America, where an additional double zero was added to increase the house edge.
Modern roulette comes in three main variations: European roulette with a single zero, American roulette with both single and double zero, and French roulette which features special rules like La Partage and En Prison that benefit players. |
