5 Ways Roulette has been adapted to suit the new technological age

Its success can be credited to how well the game has evolved and been adapted to make use of the latest technologies and meet demand in the digital age.

Traditionally, roulette is played on a large wheel that is spun manually by a croupier. However, following the development of online casino games, players can find reimagined versions of all variations of roulette, including the American and European versions, on the internet on top casino sites like Rainbow Riches Casino, who also offer live roulette games.

From the premises of French aristocrats to the lively 21st century Las Vegas casinos and virtual online casino sites, roulette has maintained its charm and allure. While technology may have enabled the introduction of exciting new features and formats, the premise of the game remains the same.

Let's compare how online roulette differs from the traditional game board roulette and how roulette has adapted itself in line with new technological developments. Here are just five ways roulette has been adapted in the digital age:

Electronic roulette wheels

The earliest roulette wheels were based on a simplistic yet effective design, they consisted of a basic spinning mechanism and pockets with numbers for a ball to land in. The construction of these wheels was adapted during the 20th century with traditional materials like wood being switched for more durable materials such as bakelite, allowing for more intricate design work.

With the introduction of electricity to the wheel, it could keep spinning and no longer relied on a croupier to spin it manually. New visual features and sounds were added to make the game more enticing. While the electronic wheel has its appeal, many land based casinos still house the traditional wheel for players who have a preference for the authentic roulette experience.

There are also virtual roulette wheels that became popular following the roll out of the world wide web in the 1990s. As the internet grew in popularity and more people had access to it via their home computers, demand for online casino games like roulette quickly developed.

Below are ways in which the virtual wheel has changed the casino roulette experience and how it has been adapted with new technological developments.

Algorithms and random number generators

As with other casino type games, the outcome of the game is the result of chance. With electronic and computerised versions of the game however, there is not a casino worker behind the wheel spinning it after a bet is placed.

Instead, a comparable experience is created with the use of computer algorithms and a random number generator (RNG). The RNG replicates the odds that you would have in a land based casino game and ensures there is fairness for both the operating online casino and the players.

RNGs are not exclusive to roulette, they are used for many other online casino games such as online slots. While it is the software responsible for the result, the animation in the online roulette game will show a spinning wheel for the player's own enjoyment and to replicate the traditional experience as closely as possible.

Interruptions are eliminated with gameplay mechanics

One of the biggest differences between traditional roulette played in a land based casino and the online version of the game is the speed at which it can be played. Online roulette is far quicker than its mechanics and allows players to place more bets in a shorter amount of time.

By contrast, in-person roulette is naturally subject to lots of interruptions and is usually operating at a much slower rate. You will have the croupier explaining the rules to players, discussion over bets and the physical spinning of the wheel.

Minimum bet sizes are generally much lower on online casinos in recognition of this increased speed allowing for more games. It also reflects that operating costs are significantly less for online sites compared to land based casino venues.

Smartphone apps for gaming on-the-go

Mobile phone technology has improved drastically over the last couple of decades and this has increased accessibility to roulette games. Players can now play games easily for their smartphones and apps bypass the need to go through the internet browser and log into the casino account.

Live roulette replicates the casino experience

More recently, top casino sites have introduced live roulette games, hosted online, these games are live streamed from a land based casino or purpose built studio. Live roulette replicates the excitement and social interaction provided by in-person gaming with the convenience of being online and available to play at home.

New innovations such as virtual reality and augmented reality offer even more possibilities for roulettes evolution.