Roulette is one of the most popular games in a casino, sometimes even 2^nd only to slot machines. Easy to learn and play, free of skill based knowledge with different variations in offer.  If you are new to casino games, playing online roulette will probably be one of the first things you do and enjoy. The game was born in Europe, France to be more precise. The word roulette means “little wheel”, and is known to have become popular by the end of the 1700’s in Paris.

By the 19^th century, roulette was played all over Europe and the USA. It became the most popular casino game at that time. Despite this early popularity, modern roulette owes its fame to Monte Carlo and the Blanc family, who established the most prestigious casino of all time. It happened in the 1860’s, when the German government banned all forms of gambling, and so the Blanc’s moved their gambling operations to Monte Carlo where they created a gambling Mecca for the rich and royal. It was here where the single zero roulette was born, and over the years the game spread out around the world, except in the United States where the double zero wheel had been established. European roulette in Spain is popular, as well as in France, England and most European countries.

Online roulette continued the legacy of the small wheel, and can be played in different formats. It is easier to find all the variations of roulette than in a brick and mortar casino. Formats include 2D, 3D, realistic roulette and live dealer roulette. But what makes this simple game so popular?

It’s easy to learn

No skills and little knowledge of mathematical odds are required to play. There are no complex rules and the game is straightforward. You can decide to apply some money management strategies that control the way you bet to extent the bankroll, and increase the chances of hitting a big win; but in general the game is played freely while enjoying a friendly chat and drink.

The glamour if it all

The details in the design of this casino game set it aside from any other. There is a fancy wheel with red and black colors, a green velvet long table, and a white marble that spins and makes a very characteristic noise as it finally drops in a number slot. The whole process is guided by the dealer who manages the key elements of a good dramatic moment than ends in a climax.

The fact that random players come and go during each spin adds more to the excitement. It is always a surprise to see who hits a huge win and who seems to be on a bad roll. It is the other players that build up the drama with their cheers, shouts, laughs and disappointments. Other casino games host silent focused players, but not roulette. This is the game for the loud and cheerful.

Don’t worry about other players

This is a 100% against the house game. Players do not compete against each other like in poker, or have to be wary of what cards the other has like in blackjack. On roulette everyone is betting against the house, but players can even bet on the same numbers as others. Latch on to their luck.

Bigger payouts

Online slots and baccarat are the two other casino games that require little wit, but roulette can offer huge payouts with simple decisions. Just bet on a single number and you can win dozens of times your own bet, or just bet odds/even and win the same amount you wagered.

Playing online

Roulette is a really fun game to play online. The most common offer will be the 2D roulette, with randomly generated numbers, but most online casinos also offer live dealer roulette. Live dealer roulette combines online play with a real casino. From your device and a video camera in a real casino, you can select the table and dealer of your choice and take a seat. The live dealer will talk to you as you chat, and you can talk to the other players in the table.

Realistic roulette is something new that takes the experience of 2D games to the next immersive level, just shy from virtual reality. Realistic Games has recently partnered with Microgaming to offer their realistic portfolio, which has made the game accessible to dozens of online casinos. Spearhead has also developed a similar 3D European roulette but focused on mobile devices.

As you can see, the game of roulette continues to evolve with new times and technology. VR roulette will soon be common and who knows what the future will hold.