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Roulette has been around for centuries. Long before flashing graphics and live-streamed dealers, the game lived in elegant casinos and incorporated the sound of a spinning wheel. Today, that iconic red and black wheel still spins, but now it’s just as likely to be seen on a smartphone as it is on a casino floor.

The game now only needs a few taps on a screen. The digital age has changed roulette in a big way. It's still the same classic game at its core, but the way people play it (and where) has changed.

We look at how the modern age has brought this fresh spin (pun intended) to the game.

The Modern Roulette Experience

Players will know that there are now more options than ever for roulette players in terms of ways to play and ways to pay. In the modern age, people can use cryptocurrencies and a range of e-wallets to make payments in the game. It isn’t about the physical anymore – things have gone digital.

This extends to roulette payouts, which depend on the odds of the bet placed and whether it is successful. Making roulette payouts faster and more secure has been a priority for the big casino sites, which are improving the experience.

This is known as a beginner game in some ways and is often one of the first casino games people try out. It is randomly determined, so there is no need to learn any strategy. The best casino games for new players include roulette.

A Brief History of the Wheel

Roulette dates back to the 18th century in France. The word itself means “little wheel” in French. The game is believed to have been inspired by a combination of older games, including a bit of Biribi (known in Italy as Biribissi) and some early French wheel-based games. The format that’s known today has been around since at least the late 1700s.

The game of roulette spread throughout Europe and across the Atlantic. Two main versions were developed. We first saw European roulette, which has a single zero. Eventually, there was also American roulette, which includes both a single and a double zero. That tiny difference in the layout of the wheel affects the odds, which adds to the personality of each version and gives some distinction.

Through the decades, the game stayed mostly the same. Players placed bets on where the ball would land, and choices include red or black, or odd/even. Some even bet on the many number combinations. The dealer would spin the wheel, and people would watch with anticipation. It is a timeless game.

Enter the Digital Age

Roulette didn’t leap into online life overnight. When online casinos first appeared in the late 1990s, the technology was clunky by today’s standards. Early roulette games were basic and had simple graphics and limited features. But as internet speeds improved and software got better, roulette quickly became a favorite among online casino players.

What’s interesting is how online versions captured the heart of the game while offering new features. Players could try out different styles without having to commit to one table. There was no waiting around for a spot to open up. The pace was faster, and everything was at the player’s fingertips.

Then came mobile. The number of people using smartphones and other smart devices has rocketed. With faster processors and sharper screens, playing roulette on a phone or tablet became not just possible, but smooth and easy. These days, someone can play a few rounds while waiting for their coffee or during a lunch break. The freedom and flexibility make online roulette incredibly accessible.

A World of Variations

One of the biggest changes brought by online and mobile play is the explosion of roulette variations. In traditional casinos, there’s usually only room for one or two tables. Online, space isn’t a problem. That’s opened the door to all kinds of versions and variations.

Aside from the usual European and American wheels, players now see a lot of other options. We also see designs that are very different depending on the developer.

Even themed versions have popped up. Some have a futuristic design or add random other features. Others are modeled after game shows, adding animations and sound effects to liven things up. The wheel is still there, as that is what makes it roulette! However, the experience can be totally different depending on which version is played.

Another benefit of digital roulette is the ease of practice. Many platforms allow free versions of the game, and the internet has made it easier for people to watch others play Roulette to see what the rules are and how the game works. Streaming casino games is pretty common. This has made roulette more approachable for those who might have been hesitant to try it at a casino table.