Roulette, a game said to be invented in central Europe in the 18th century, has captivated players since its inception. From the spin of the iconic wheel to the ease of understanding the game to the visual look, the game is one of the most widely recognized casino games. However, over the past few decades, the beloved game has undergone transformation, advancing significantly, all the while retaining its original charm. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the transformative effect of technology on the game.
Traditional Roulette: A Timeless Classic
The origins of roulette are said to date back to the 1700s in Italy and originate from a game called Berbi. The story goes that the inventor was trying to create a perpetual motion machine. Since then the rules at the heart of the game remain the same, the simplicity of which has made it a staple both at in-person and, more recently, online casinos.
The start of this century saw the game’s first major change with the advent of said online casinos. Players could play from home with digital platforms that could have French, American, or European roulette wheels. These online versions give gamers the chance to predict where the ball may land, with varying minimum/maximum bets, all with the click of a few buttons, not to mention the chance to use welcome bonuses that these sites offer. It’s this advent of the online version that has paved the way for the most recent advancements.
VR and AR Roulette: Immersion Redefined
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have revolutionized how players now play roulette. They have made the game an immersive experience with lifelike environments and the chance to interact with other players in real time. Virtual reality casinos provide the casino experience through a headset with advanced graphics and sounds to make it feel like the real world. Avatars take the place of real-life dealers, while with AR, players can use glasses to project a roulette table into their living room to give them a hybrid experience.
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Blockchain and NFTs in Roulette
The most interesting advancement relates to how blockchain and NFTs have affected the game. With blockchain, every spin of the wheel is recorded, which provides players with visibility into game outcomes, which is especially useful on online platforms. When it comes to NFTs, players can use these in place of real money as betting chips, which bring an extra layer of customization and collectibility for those interested. These can be in the form of unique chips or as in-game perks and prizes.
Decentralized platforms have also made their way into the world of roulette. Supported by blockchain technology, it means players can interact with the game rather than through an intermediary. While payment is supported through cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. With these advances in roulette, it means that players can experience greater transparency while also playing a more customized version of the game.
Source: Unsplash
Roulette has come a long way since its creation in the 18th century, and the modern-day game is a testament to its universal appeal. Technology like VR, AR, and blockchain pushes the game into the future and is an interesting use case for how the same tech may affect other industries in the near future.
