Beyond the Casino Floor: Roulette’s Influence on Popular Culture and Art

While roulette might be synonymous with a casino classic, it has had a profound impact on popular culture in various guises, much like the internet has.

Most will be aware of its prominence in films and video games as a way of adding an extra layer of excitement or a dimension to the plot, but it has also been used in various other ways. Indeed, aspects of the game can be found in many other areas of our daily lives, with some being more obvious than others.

It’s a game that has enjoyed plenty of success in its primary form, with many continually looking for the best sites in which they can enjoy a round or two. They look for sites that offer as many variants of the game as possible while also seeking the best bonuses that can be used in addition to a secure gameplay session.

However, while its popularity is clear for all to see on the casino floor and in the digital world, roulette is something that is clearly enjoyed by others in popular culture. Of course, the game is perhaps incredibly versatile as its gameplay can signify various things, thus making it a popular metaphor, or simile, or be used as an analogy when describing something else.

Roulette’s Use in Music

The world of music hasn’t been shy of using gambling references and those pertaining to casinos in the past, nor does it seem there are any concerns about using it in the modern music scene. Beyonce’s new “Texas Hold’em” hit clearly shows that songs about things associated with gambling still work in today’s environment. In regard to roulette, there have been many songs that have used the game as its theme or as a source of inspiration. Although not quite as well known as “Waking Up in Vegas”, Katy Perry also released a song called “Roulette”.

Fashion and Roulette Combined

Another industry that has not been afraid of trying to incorporate popular culture within its own market is the fashion sector. There have been many fashion designers and houses that have tried to give their designs a gambling-themed and inspired twist.

Roulette can often be an option that some go for, as there are many elements of the game that are famous that designers hope might become a popular talking point for the garments that they design. They may use the classic colors that can be found around the wheel, such as red and black, for the pockets or even use the numbers that are featured on a wheel. Some may even use the zero (or zeros, depending on the variant) and the green that is associated with these pockets to try and create interesting and unique designs that can stand out.

Roulette in Film and TV is Clear

As mentioned in the prelude at the beginning, roulette’s impact in popular culture is perhaps best seen in film and TV entertainment. Many films have used the casino game to generate excitement, anticipation, suspense, and tension due to its simple mechanics. The James Bond franchise has been a classic example of using casino games in general, with roulette being one of the many games being used to add extra layers to the plot. It was even used in Casablanca, which is one of the films every movie-lover should aim to watch.

In addition, several TV shows have been inspired by roulette. Wheel of Fortune is perhaps one of the most famous to have existed, with the game show featuring a roulette-style wheel that needs to be spun before it lands on a certain segment, much in the same way the marble ball would land and stop in a pocket on the wheel once it has been stopped.

Roulette in Literature, Gaming and Art

Much like it has in visual entertainment on our screens, roulette has been influential across literature and gaming. Many books have been written – non-fiction and fiction – that have used the casino game as part of its plot or as its main focus. Simultaneously, many video games have used roulette as a mini-game or as part of its main gameplay story to enhance the excitement and enjoyment that players can obtain.

Regarding art, roulette can often help create visual works that can portray certain feelings and emotions. The game is known to be one of chance, requiring plenty of luck and risk-taking. Artists have been able to use these aspects of the casino game to heighten their artworks and evoke related emotions from those who view them.

Roulette’s place in pop culture can’t be understated

Roulette has clearly had a significant impact on popular culture, despite having humble beginnings as a casino game. There have been many instances in which it has been able to translate into other industries and be used for various meanings, all of which relate to its main principle as a game of chance.


CLICK HERE TO READ OUR FRONT PAGE COVERAGE OF ARTS AND CULTURE

What are you looking for?