In my opinion, with the exception of slot machines that glitter the Vegas strip, roulette is the quintessential casino game, combining an elegant look with a simplistic setup. As time has shown, there is no strategy that will ultimately beat the wheel in the long-run, with the rules of luck governing this game, rather than the laws of physics. Betting is as easy as placing a chip on a color, number, etc., with tantalizing odds and large winnings merely one hot streak away. With its long history and iconic status, it’s hard to see why roulette is a slowly losing favor in American casinos.
Roulette traces its roots back to Europe, some 300+ years ago, however the game that most American gamblers are familiar with is not true roulette. Though the wheels look similar, with the same principles as to wining and loosing, American and European (French) roulette differ in one important way: The House Edge. The American style roulette wheel, with its 38 spaces (18 red, 18 black, 2 green) offers gamblers poorer odds when compared to a European style wheel, with its 37 spaces (18 red, 18 black, 1 green). Both styles have the same payout, however, with the American wheel, the odds are more in favor of the house due to the added 00. House odds on an American style wheel are 5.26%, making it one of the poorest returning games in a casino, with there being only a 2.7% house edge on a European Wheel. Therefore, when comparing these odds to more popular American casino games (Blackjack at 0.63% and Craps at 1.40%), it is clear to see why roulette is slowly loosing favor in America as there are numerous games available with just as much excitement and better odds.
American greed by Vegas and Atlantic City casinos has undermined the popularity and success of this gambling classic, and though it is highly unlikely that roulette will vanish from the casino floors, increased popularity in poker and other upstart casino games has significantly reduced its appeal. Recent measures have been taken by casinos to maintain roulette’s popularity, employing games such as rapid roulette, which combine the traditional rules of an American style wheel, with the added appeal of a fast moving game. Recent trips to Atlantic City during the summer months have shown that this style of roulette is popular, with all seats around the table often full, however, take a trip during an off-peak season and you will often have no problem finding an open seat or two.
The status quo in the gambling world is no longer the old reliable. Though Roulette is one of the most popular games worldwide, the American adaptation of the wheel has done nothing but reduce the games popularity and drive up participation in other games, often times games with lower house edges. Therefore, I think it would be beneficial for the game of roulette, the casinos, and the gamblers if American casinos would use more European style wheels to create a better mix throughout casinos. Players would benefit from a lower house edge, which would improve roulette’s popularity, while casino’s would improve their take as players moved from lower house edge games (i.e. craps) back to Roulette.
The goal of a casino is to take as much from the gambler as possible while maintaining a repeat customer and tough a small step, the addition of European style roulette wheels to American casino floors can only improve the overall gaming experience and quality of the industry by preserving a gambling classic and adding additional variety to the casino floor.
Casinos will never go to European style because they are making enough money off of the little amount of people that are playing now.
ReplyDeleteSecondly I dont really think that roulette is losing an audience because whenever I see a roulette table, whether it be at Bethlehem Sands or AC, the table is always crowded, even at times of non-peak hours.
I have to disagree there with you Joe. Yes they are making money, however, you cannot make any judgments based off of the Sands, as that is not a typical casino, allowing easy access to anyone and everyone basically. Over the 9 or so trips to AC since January that I have taken, there are always people at the tables, however, only in the Summer have I found the rapid roulette overflowing with people. Meanwhile, Blackjack tables are always crowded, even with there being more open to the public. It’s easy to make roulette seem crowded when you only have two wheels going, however, in my opinion and from what I have read, the American style wheel has significantly hurt the games popularity here in the states.
ReplyDeleteTherefore, for roulette to continue to be the most popular game in the world, despite poor demand in the states, my assumptions are that the European style wheels are more appealing and therefore, adding them in the states would improve demand for roulette here.
Its just an opinion, but the facts show a declining fan base in America.
Was in AC for the day, pretty empty on a holiday weekend. Probably thanx to hurricane Earl.
ReplyDeleteHowever, roulette tables were slow and BJ/spanish 21 had some decent traffic.
Interesting point that validates wat bigBET-21 was saying.