Roulette, with its simple and straightforward rules, is a favorite game of casino players in the Middle East. This game of luck offers high returns of up to 35 times the bets, making it a popular casino game choice.
Despite gambling being frowned on in this part of the world, you can find a few land-based casinos in this region; however, most gambling activity in the region takes place at online casinos. In this post, we will look at all the reasons behind the Middle East’s fascination with Roulette and why its popularity won’t disappear anytime soon.
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Roulette’s French Heritage
Roulette is a game that is often associated with the glamor of gambling, and its origins can be traced back to France, around 350 years ago. The name means “little wheel” in French, indicating its early connections to the country. Although some attribute its invention to the French mathematician Blaise Pascal in the 17th century, the true origins of roulette are somewhat less certain.
Initially, roulette did not enjoy widespread popularity in France. This was partly due to the superstitions surrounding it, including the unsettling detail that the sum of the numbers on the roulette wheel totals 666, which some linked to occult symbolism. However, the game’s fortune changed significantly following the French Revolution. As the church’s influence receded, gambling activities like roulette gained popularity. By the 19th century, roulette had become a mainstay in French gambling culture.
The game’s popularity spread with France’s colonial expansion. French territories in North Africa, such as Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, and in the Middle East, including Syria and Lebanon, were exposed to French culture and practices, among them the game of roulette. Today, the impact of French colonial history is still visible in these regions, and roulette remains a popular gambling activity, reflecting France's cultural influence on its former colonies.
Roulette's Adaptation to the Digital Age
The popularity of roulette in North Africa and the Middle East isn't solely due to its historical integration into local culture; it's also because the game has become more accessible over time. Under French rule, roulette was available in gambling parlors. After these countries gained independence, many outlawed these parlors, leading to a decline in the availability of roulette.
The rise of the internet and online casinos enabled players to play roulette online allowing the game to regain popularity again. This shift to digital platforms has provided an alternative for players to enjoy the game despite the absence of physical gambling venues.
Roulette's Money-Making Potential
One of the reasons for roulette’s popularity is its potential to make players money. Unlike online slots with varying return-to-player (RTP) percentages, most online roulette versions offer an RTP of around 97%. This means that only 3% of all wagered money is retained by the casino, with the remaining 97% distributed among players. However, not all players receive an equal share, and some may end up with nothing.
It is possible for successful roulette players to have substantial wins. For instance, betting on a single number can yield a payout of 36 times the stake, although the odds of winning such a bet are low. Consequently, many players opt to wager on multiple numbers or specific sections of the roulette wheel. Others choose to play it safer by betting on red/black, where they can double their investment.
Among the different roulette variants, French or European roulette is often considered the most lucrative. However, the American version, characterized by its double zero (00), is also widely available online. Additionally, some online casinos offer roulette games with unique features, such as Dragon Gaming's Dragon Roulette, which includes a special multiplier feature to increase winnings.
Growth of Online Casinos in The Middle East
The online gambling landscape is teeming with hundreds of websites that cater to players from the Middle East. While there are a few unscrupulous operators, the majority of these sites are legitimate. A straightforward way to assess the credibility of an online casino is to verify its licensing information.
Many reputable gambling platforms not only welcome Arab players but also specifically target the Middle East market. To appeal to Arab users, online casinos employ various strategies, including:
- Offering generous no deposit bonuses and promotions: Leading online casinos such as Shangri-La and BetFinal provide attractive deals for players from the Middle East, including match-deposit bonuses, free spins, and more.
- Providing an Arabic-language website: While most gambling sites default to English, several platforms allow users to switch to Arabic. Casinos like Tusk Casino and Emir Casino are examples of this.
- Featuring live casino games with Arabic-speaking dealers: Online casinos that partner with Evolution for live dealer games can offer Arabic roulette and other games with Arabic-speaking dealers. VIPArabClub and YYY Casino are among those that have incorporated this feature.
Final Thoughts
The number of casinos targeting the Middle East is substantial and expected to increase. These casinos are aware of the region's interest in online roulette and other games and aim to meet this demand. Consequently, players can look forward to new casinos offering improved bonuses and a wider range of games.