Win an overnight stay in a suite at London’s Hotel Saint, with dinner and drinks
Home / Sport & Entertainment

Why roulette’s long and glittering history has made it the luxury casino game of choice

We take a look at just how roulette has sealed this glittering reputation since its inception all those years ago, and why it remains the glamorous game of choice in 2023.

By LLM Reporters   |  

There’s nothing quite like the glitz and glamour of a night at the casino, and from blackjack to poker, there are a host of adrenaline-fuelled games to play whilst rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, all set against the most opulent of backdrops.

But one game that has always remained unmatched when it comes to prestige is roulette, which even today, is considered one of the most sophisticated of them all. Often featured in Hollywood movies and a favoured game of the stars, from the elegant design of the wheel to the well-heeled people that opt to play it, everything about roulette exudes a sense of luxury.

Even online platforms like Mega Casino have found a way to bring the opulence of this beautiful game to life for players everywhere, with live dealers and interactive play boosting the popularity of online casinos worldwide over recent years. But whilst you don’t have to visit a land-based establishment for the chance to enjoy a high-end gaming experience and the chance to win big, there’s nothing quite like the real thing.

Here, we take a look at just how roulette has sealed this glittering reputation since its inception all those years ago, and why it remains the glamorous game of choice in 2023.

A rich history

Roulette wheel close up at the Casino - Selective Focus
Steeped in rich history, roulette is a game that dates all the way back to the 18th century in France, where the concept was first created and brought to life by mathematician Blaise Pascal

Steeped in rich history, roulette is a game that dates all the way back to the 18th century in France, where the concept was first created and brought to life by mathematician Blaise Pascal. From there, its popularity spread across Europe like wildfire, and by the 19th century, it had become one of the preferred pastimes of the aristocracy, cementing its association with the upper echelons of society from early on.

If you’re a regular at the casino, then you’ll know that there’s nothing quite like the drama that comes with a well-dressed crowd placing extravagant wagers around the roulette wheel, cheering one another on and daring each other to risk larger and larger sums of money for the chance to win big. It’s precisely this atmosphere of excitement and sophistication that has won the game such a legion of loyal and wealthy fans, and a major reason it has always been associated with luxury.

The roulette wheel itself is nothing short of a work of art, either, with its elegant design and flawless movement. It all adds to the sense of grandeur that many players simply can’t get enough of.

Dressing to impress

Group happy people make bets gambiling at the roulette table in the casino.
A game of roulette is more than just a fun pastime, and historically, has always also been a good excuse to get dressed up to the nines, with players ensuring they feel like a million dollars, in alignment with their desire to scoop the jackpot

A game of roulette is more than just a fun pastime, and historically, has always also been a good excuse to get dressed up to the nines, with players ensuring they feel like a million dollars, in alignment with their desire to scoop the jackpot.

Whilst it’s true that in today’s modern age, many land-based casinos have relaxed their dress codes, a select few have retained their strict requirements when it comes to suitable attire – and even those that haven’t tend to attract roulette players who naturally want to look their best whilst taking their spin. In fact, there’s an unwritten dress code for the roulette table specifically, and you’ll rarely see anyone standing close to one who hasn’t put the effort into choosing their ensemble well, with high-end, designer garments that exude opulence almost invariably presenting players across the board.

The dealers and croupiers hosting games around the roulette wheel also contribute to this sense of glamour and luxury, and are impeccably dressed in formal attire without exception. Not only that, but they are also highly skilled professionals who have undergone rigorous training in the field to ensure that the game runs smoothly and that everyone playing has a fun and memorable time. In fact, without the croupiers, the sense of excitement that comes with this beloved game quite simply wouldn’t exist, making them an essential ingredient in the game’s esteemed reputation.

Money, money, money

Close up view of Roulette and piles of gambling chips on a green table in casino. Man hand over casino chips on roulette table
A social game with a long and glamorous history behind it, it’s easy to see why roulette has become synonymous with luxury, and how it has cemented an esteemed reputation for itself that won’t be going anywhere anytime soon

It perhaps goes without saying that roulette’s association with eye-watering sums of money have further added to its association with glamour and luxury. Whilst it’s possible to win big in other casino games like blackjack and poker, the potential pay-outs of roulette hold an appeal like no other, and the thrill that comes with placing your bet and the agonising wait to see where the ball comes to rest is impossible to match.

When you consider that just one bet comes with the potential of winning a pay-out of up to 35 times the original stake, it’s easy to see why the world’s biggest high-rollers flock to the Roulette table, and they certainly aren’t shy about placing enormous wagers, either.

The bottom line

A social game with a long and glamorous history behind it, it’s easy to see why roulette has become synonymous with luxury, and how it has cemented an esteemed reputation for itself that won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Creating a sense of excitement and camaraderie amongst the well-heeled and wealthy people who play it, its elegant design, along with the large sums of money that can be won with a well-placed bet, are all things that can’t help but exude sophistication and exclusivity.

Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating