What's the History Behind Roulette Minimum and Maximum Bets?

If you have ever spent any time around the casino scene, you have probably wondered at least once: what is the reasoning behind roulette maximum and minimum bets? Although the most simple, concise answer may be: "the casino wants to take your money", there is actually a lot that goes into these rules. Let's take a closer look at some of the historical facts behind casino table limits and how they can effectively and legally restrict your winning possibilities.

History of Table Limits

Back in 1654, Antoine Chevalier de Mere wanted to know why he kept losing every time he bet even money that he would hit a pair of sixes at least one time out of 24 dice rolls. He presented this problem to the French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal, who was able to demonstrate that the 24 roll odds were against the player, while 25 roll odds would have been a little more favorable. Having solved the question, the famous Probability Theory soon came into existence. Never again would gambling odds be discovered purely through trial and error.

Schemes and Systems

Ever since the Probability Theory changed the face of gambling forever, people have been coming up with tricks and schemes to conquer the house, often built upon increasing bets consecutively in anticipation of eventually winning. The casinos had to come up with a method to stop their profits from being drained. Craps, poker and roulette maximum and minimum bets happened. Each table now features clearly marked signs defining how little or how much a player is able to wager.

What the House is Thinking

By now we can see that there is some evidence for the fact that augmentation principle formulas have enough rates of success in them that the venue feels threatened enough to impose these restrictions. If the minimum is $25 with a max of $1000, you will not be allowed to wager more than that $1000 at once. Does the casino not have the money to pay you? No, they know there is always the chance that you'll win that money and just take it home right then. The venue does a booming business - they have more than enough resources at their disposal to meet whatever challenge you pose.

More Relevant Martingale System History

Back in the 18th century, a gambler named Jacomo Casanova came up with a formula to help him win. He decided that for every loss, he would re-double until he eventually won. He wrote letters to friends detailing how this would bring him success. However, just a couple of days later, his next letter came from prison. His formula had failed, and the resulting losses put him into crippling debt. By 1755 he was ruined and imprisoned for a number of illegitimate dealings by state inquisitors. The moral of the story is: be wary of martingale systems, and do not assume that they will catapult you to victory just because the managers have imposed rules that protect them from a lucky win.

Now that you have discovered a little more about the history behind roulette maximum and minimum bets, you may feel better, or you may feel a little frustrated at the events that led to these restrictions. However, by developing good relationships at your favorite venue or seeking out a high-limit VIP table, you may be able to find ways to experience the action and excitement you crave.