An Interview with a former Croupier * Roulette 1-4 of 8

Can you please describe the man who invented roulette including interesting and lesser known facts?

The man credited with inventing roulette is Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician, physicist, inventor, and philosopher. Born on June 19, 1623, in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Pascal made significant contributions to various fields, including mathematics, probability theory, and fluid mechanics. The invention of roulette was a byproduct of his experiments in probability.Interesting and lesser-known facts about Blaise Pascal:

1. Child prodigy: Pascal was a child prodigy who began studying geometry at the age of 12, without any formal education. He went on to write a significant work on conic sections by the age of 16.
2. Pascal's Triangle: He is famous for his work on a number pattern now known as Pascal's Triangle, which predates his work on roulette. The triangle is a mathematical concept used in algebra, probability, and combinatorics.
3. Mechanical calculator: At just 19 years old, Pascal invented a mechanical calculator known as the "Pascaline" to help his father with tax calculations. It was one of the first mechanical calculators in history.
4. Wager argument: Pascal is known for his "wager" argument, which is an apologetic for religious belief. The argument essentially states that believing in God is a rational decision because the potential gains (eternal happiness) far outweigh the potential losses (finite pleasures).
5. Hydrodynamics and hydrostatics: Pascal made significant contributions to the fields of hydrodynamics and hydrostatics. His work in these areas led to the formulation of Pascal's Law, which describes the behaviour of fluids under pressure.
6. Invention of the syringe and hydraulic press: Pascal's work on fluid mechanics led to the invention of the syringe and the hydraulic press, both of which are still widely used today.
7. Suffered from poor health: Pascal suffered from poor health throughout his life, including chronic migraines and insomnia. He died at the young age of 39 on August 19, 1662.

Roulette was invented as a byproduct of Pascal's experiments in probability theory during his attempts to create a perpetual motion machine. The modern version of the game, with its familiar wheel design and betting layout, evolved over time, but its origins can be traced back to Pascal's work.

Did Blaise Pascal kill himself, only I heard that is what had happened?

No, Blaise Pascal did not commit suicide. He suffered from poor health throughout his life, including chronic migraines, insomnia, and stomach issues. He died on August 19, 1662, at the age of 39, due to complications from a malignant stomach ulcer that led to internal bleeding. There is no credible evidence to suggest that Pascal took his own life.

How did this rumour come about, please?

It's difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of the rumour that Blaise Pascal committed suicide, as rumours often arise and spread without a clear source. However, a few factors could have contributed to this misinformation:

1. Pascal's health issues: Pascal's chronic health problems, including migraines and stomach issues, might have led to speculation about his mental state and the circumstances surrounding his death.
2. Religious beliefs and the Wager argument: Pascal was a devout Catholic and developed his famous Wager argument as a way to rationally justify belief in God. People may have misinterpreted or misunderstood his religious views and motivations, leading to the spread of rumors about his death.
3. Historical context: Pascal lived during a time of great upheaval, both politically and religiously, in France. The 17th century was marked by the rise of scepticism and the questioning of religious authority, which could have contributed to the spread of rumours about prominent figures like Pascal.
4. Lack of reliable information: In the centuries following Pascal's death, reliable information about his life and death may have been scarce or difficult to access. This could have left room for speculation and the spread of rumours.

It's essential to note that there is no credible evidence supporting the claim that Pascal committed suicide. He died due to complications from a malignant stomach ulcer, which led to internal bleeding.

Is the roulette wheel perfect?

The roulette wheel is a carefully designed and engineered device, but it is not "perfect" in the sense that it cannot guarantee completely random outcomes or completely eliminate the possibility of bias. Several factors contribute to the imperfections of a roulette wheel:

1. Manufacturing imperfections: Although roulette wheels are made with precision, no manufacturing process is perfect. Small imperfections, such as uneven surfaces or slightly off-centre parts, can introduce bias into the outcomes.
2. Wear and tear: Over time, a roulette wheel may experience wear and tear from regular use, which can lead to the development of biases. For example, some pockets may become worn and more likely to attract the ball than others.
3. Human intervention: The actions of the dealer, or croupier, can also introduce bias into the outcomes of a roulette game. For example, a skilled dealer may be able to spin the wheel and release the ball in such a way as to influence where it lands.
4. Environmental factors: Factors like temperature, humidity, and air pressure can subtly affect the behaviour of the ball and the wheel, introducing bias into the outcomes.

Casinos take many precautions to ensure that their roulette wheels are as fair and unbiased as possible. They regularly inspect and maintain the wheels, replace worn parts, and rotate the wheels between tables to minimise the effects of wear and tear. Additionally, modern casinos often use electronic equipment to monitor the outcomes of roulette games, helping to identify any potential biases.In summary, while the roulette wheel is a marvel of engineering and design, it is not perfect. However, the potential biases in the wheel are typically minimal, and casinos take significant measures to maintain the fairness and integrity of the game.

Are there any superstitions regarding the fact that the numbers of a Roulette Wheel add up to #666?

Yes, there are superstitions surrounding the fact that the numbers on a roulette wheel add up to 666, which is often referred to as the "Number of the Beast" in Christian belief. 

The association with 666 has led some people to nickname the roulette wheel as the "Devil's Wheel" or the "Devil's Game."

This superstition likely arises from the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, where the number 666 is mentioned as the mark of the Beast, a symbol of evil and the Antichrist. People who are superstitious or have strong religious beliefs may be wary of the connection between the roulette wheel and this infamous number, seeing it as a sign of bad luck or even demonic influence.

However, it's essential to note that the association between the roulette wheel and the number 666 is purely coincidental. The game of roulette was developed as a byproduct of Blaise Pascal's experiments in probability theory, and its design was not intended to have any religious or symbolic significance. The sum of the numbers on the wheel is simply a mathematical curiosity and should not be taken as an indication of the game's inherent nature.