Who invented the game of roulette? The exact origins of roulette are a subject of much debate and speculation among historians and gambling enthusiasts. While there is no clear consensus on the game’s inventor, several theories exist regarding its creation. One of the most popular theories is that the game was invented by a French mathematician named Blaise Pascal in the 17th century. According to this theory, Pascal was attempting to develop a perpetual motion machine when he inadvertently created the roulette wheel.

When and where was the game of roulette first played? The game as we know it today first appeared in Paris in 1796, and quickly gained popularity throughout Europe, especially in the casinos of Monte Carlo. The addition of the zero by Francois and Louis Blanc in the mid-19th century helped to increase the house edge and make the game more profitable for casinos.

Dave Portnoy, the fiery founder of Barstool Sports, bought back Barstool—including its betting arm—from Penn Entertainment for just $1 in August 2023. This came after Penn’s big $2 billion ESPN deal, which swapped Barstool Sportsbook for ESPN Bet. Picture this: Portnoy went from selling for $551 million to snagging it back dirt cheap—talk about a plot twist!foxbusiness+2​ Barstool kicked off its sportsbook app in 2021 with Penn’s cash, hitting states like Pennsylvania and Michigan fast.

Dave Portnoy, the fun-loving founder of Barstool Sports, used to bet big on Barstool Sportsbook. Back in its heyday, he’d drop massive wagers like his $120,000 bet on the Bengals in 2023, sharing every thrilling moment on live streams. That app was his go-to for NFL games and more, making it a fan favorite among his followers.​ Things changed in 2023 when Penn Entertainment sold Barstool back to Dave for just $1 and rebranded their sportsbook as ESPN Bet.

Barstool Sports doesn’t belong to a single political party. The brand and its founder, Dave Portnoy, lean conservative-leaning in many ways, but are not officially tied to the Republican Party. Portnoy has described voting for Trump as more an indictment of Democratic politics than a blanket endorsement of the Republican candidate, and he has expressed nuanced views on issues like abortion and immigration that don’t fit a strict party line. In short, Barstool conservatism is best understood as a loose, populist-leaning stance within a broader media culture, not an official party affiliation.