The history of this "little wheel" is one of math, royalty and deals with the devil. That’s right; any good history story is filled with facts interlaced with good old fashioned legends. Roulette is French for "little wheel" and since its invention in the 18th century, has been a wheel of excitement and hopes.

In the 17th century, Frenchman Blaise Pascal was working on his studies in probability and invented what he called a perpetual motion machine. This wheel was to become the roulette wheel, after a few modifications, of course.

Roulette, as we know it now, was reported to have been seen in Paris by 1796 and already a game for the royalty. The earlier version of roulette had numbered "pockets" from 1-36 and a 0 pocket. However, the casinos of the day did not like their odds and added a double zero for a more savory house edge.

As legend has it, a deal was made. This was no ordinary deal, but a deal with the devil. As it goes, Frenchman Francois Blanc made a deal with the devil to gain the secrets of winning roulette. Mystery and intrigue still surrounds the game whose numbers add up to 666. At least the plan worked to get the news out about the mysterious new game that was travelling through Europe.

By the 1800s, roulette had made its appearance throughout Europe and even in America. Some tables were using a double zero pocket, which was favorable to the house. However, those tables with a single zero were a favorite among casino patrons. Today, the double zero wheel is considered the American style and the single zero wheel is the European style. After centuries of play, the American version of the betting table was simplified for quick bets and fast action. The French, or European style, remains more traditional in its layout. Depending on which country you play, you will still find either a single or double zero roulette wheel.

Now, the easiest way to access casinos is through the online sites. Roulette is still a favorite for its potential to win big. One difference that you will find in the online version, as roulette makes its next transition in history, is the pace of the game. In a traditional casino, the roulette wheel never stops spinning which makes the game very fast-paced and intimidating for a newbie. Online however, the wheel spins when you are ready.

From past to present, one thing that remains about roulette is the excitement and hope for a big win. It has been a survivor of legends, prohibitions and now charting its new path on the technology front.