When we think of French roulette, many of us envision the sleek French roulette wheel in modern casinos or the virtual French roulette online games available at the touch of a button. However, the history of this iconic game dates back centuries, and the version we play today has evolved dramatically. In this blog, we’ll take a trip back in time to explore how French roulette was played in the 19th century, its evolution, and the key differences that shaped the game we know and love today.
The Origins of French Roulette
The origins of roulette, particularly French roulette, can be traced back to the late 17th century in France. However, it was in the 19th century that the game began to take its modern form. The French roulette wheel was first introduced in Paris, but it didn’t resemble the sleek, modern wheels we use today. The game was quite different in both its rules and appearance.
In the 19th century, the French roulette wheel featured 36 pockets, including numbers 1 through 36, and a single green zero. This design was much simpler compared to the American version of the wheel, which would later introduce a double zero pocket, giving the house a higher edge.
The Rules and Gameplay of 19th Century French Roulette
The game itself in the 19th century followed many of the same principles we use today, but with a few important differences in the way it was played.
The Wheel Layout: The French roulette wheel featured 36 numbered pockets arranged in a seemingly random order, with alternating red and black pockets. The single zero was green. The absence of the double zero (as seen in American roulette) meant that the house edge was lower, providing players with slightly better odds. In fact, the French version of the game offered some of the most favorable odds in any casino game at the time.
Betting Options: Similar to today, players could place various types of bets in 19th-century French roulette. These included:
- Inside bets: These were placed on specific numbers or groups of numbers (e.g., straight-up bets, splits, streets).
- Outside bets: These included bets on categories like red/black, odd/even, or high/low.
However, in the 19th century, there were no computerized tracking systems, and all bets were handled manually. Players would often rely on physical markers or chips to indicate their wagers, and the dealer would spin the wheel by hand.
House Rules – La Partage and En Prison: One of the key aspects of French roulette that set it apart from other roulette versions was the presence of La Partage and En Prison rules. These two rules, which are still part of French roulette today, were significant innovations introduced in the 19th century.
- La Partage: This rule allowed players who placed even-money bets (such as red/black or odd/even) to recover half of their bet if the ball landed on zero. This gave players a slightly better chance to minimize losses.
- En Prison: If the ball landed on zero, players could choose to leave their even-money bet "in prison," meaning it would stay in play for the next round. If they won the next round, they would get their original bet back.
These two rules made French roulette far more player-friendly compared to other variations and were especially popular in European casinos.
The Evolution of French Roulette in the 19th Century
As the 19th century progressed, the game of French roulette began to spread across Europe and the world. By the early 1800s, French roulette had become a favorite in European casinos, especially in France and later in Germany, where it was further refined.
The French roulette wheel was designed with a very distinct layout—numbers arranged in a non-sequential order, which was meant to prevent players from spotting any patterns. This randomness in the arrangement of numbers helped maintain the integrity of the game.
At the time, roulette wheels were hand-crafted, often from wood, with ball bearings placed in specific pockets to ensure that the ball would spin smoothly. The quality of the wheel was paramount for ensuring fairness, and the meticulous craftsmanship helped solidify the game’s popularity.
The Introduction of the Double Zero
The 19th century also witnessed the emergence of American roulette, which featured a similar wheel to the French roulette wheel, but with an added double zero pocket (00). This change increased the house edge and made the game less favorable to players.
While this wasn’t a change to French roulette directly, it was an important development in the evolution of roulette games. The double zero pocket in American roulette was a key factor in the differentiation of roulette games worldwide, and many players found themselves drawn to French roulette because of the lower house edge it offered.
The Transition to Modern French Roulette
By the end of the 19th century, French roulette had become a global sensation. As casinos became more common in the United States and Europe, the game underwent several changes to accommodate the growing demand.
For example, as casinos began to use more mechanical and, eventually, electric roulette wheels, the game became more standardized. The introduction of French roulette online in the 21st century made the game more accessible than ever before, with players able to enjoy the game from anywhere in the world.
One of the biggest innovations of the modern era is the development of virtual roulette platforms, where the randomness of the game is ensured by sophisticated algorithms. Online French roulette games still use the classic rules and layout, including the low house edge, but now they provide enhanced features like live dealers, customizable betting options, and a greater variety of ways to play.
Conclusion
French roulette in the 19th century laid the foundation for the game as we know it today. With its innovative rules like La Partage and En Prison, and the absence of a double zero, the game offered players better odds and a more engaging experience. As the game spread and evolved over the years, it became a favorite in both physical casinos and French roulette online platforms, retaining its timeless appeal.
Whether you're spinning the French roulette wheel in a historic casino or enjoying a round of French roulette online at home, you are participating in a game with centuries of rich history. The game’s enduring popularity speaks to its deep roots in gambling culture, offering players the thrill of chance and a connection to its 19th-century origins.