French Roulette

What is French Roulette?

French Roulette is one of the oldest and most prestigious versions of roulette, often regarded as the original form of the game. Known for its sophisticated layout and unique rules, French Roulette offers a lower house edge compared to other variants like American Roulette. The game is played on a wheel with 37 numbered pockets (0 to 36) and features several unique betting options and rules that make it distinct.

One key difference between French Roulette and other versions is the inclusion of rules like La Partage and En Prison, which reduce losses on even-money bets when the ball lands on zero. This makes French Roulette a favorite among strategic players looking for better odds.

How to Play French Roulette

French Roulette shares the same basic mechanics as other roulette games, but its unique betting options and rules provide added depth. Here’s a step-by-step guide to playing French Roulette:

Key Features of French Roulette

Single Zero Pocket:

The wheel has one green zero pocket, reducing the house edge compared to American Roulette.

French Betting Layout:

The betting table is labeled in French, adding a touch of authenticity.

Unique Rules:

Rules like La Partage and En Prison reduce losses on even-money bets.

Additional Call Bets:

Special bet types, called “call bets” or “announced bets,” allow wagers on specific sections of the wheel.

Step-by-Step Gameplay

Place Your Bets:

Players place their chips on the betting layout, choosing numbers, groups, or sections of the wheel. Bets can be inside, outside, or call bets.

Spin the Wheel:

The dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction.

Wait for the Outcome:

Once the ball lands in a pocket, the dealer announces the winning number and payouts are made.

Payouts:

Winning bets are paid according to the type of bet placed, while losing bets are collected by the house.

Types of Bets in French Roulette

French Roulette offers a variety of betting options, divided into inside bets, outside bets, and call bets.

Inside Bets

Inside bets involve betting on specific numbers or smaller groups of numbers. These bets typically have higher payouts but lower odds of winning.

Straight Bet (En Plein):

Bet on a single number (e.g., 17).

Payout: 35:1.

Split Bet (Cheval):
Bet on two adjacent numbers by placing the chip on the line between them.

Payout: 17:1.

Street Bet (Transversale Pleine):
Bet on three numbers in a row by placing the chip at the row’s edge.

Payout: 11:1.

Corner Bet (Carré):
Bet on four numbers that form a square by placing the chip at their intersection.
Payout: 8:1.

Line Bet (Sixain):

Bet on six numbers across two rows.
Payout: 5:1.

Outside Bets

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer lower payouts but higher odds of winning.

Red or Black (Rouge/Noir):

Bet on whether the ball lands on a red or black number.
Payout: 1:1.

Odd or Even (Impair/Pair):

Bet on whether the number is odd or even.
Payout: 1:1.

High or Low (Manque/Passe):

Bet on whether the number is between 1–18 (low) or 19–36 (high).
Payout: 1:1.

Dozens (Douzaine):

Bet on one of three groups of 12 numbers: 1–12, 13–24, or 25–36.
Payout: 2:1.

Columns (Colonne):

Bet on one of the three vertical columns on the layout.
Payout: 2:1.

Call Bets (Announced Bets)

Call bets are unique to French Roulette and allow players to bet on specific sections of the wheel.

Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero):

Bet on the 17 numbers surrounding the zero on the wheel.

Tiers du Cylindre (Third of the Wheel):

Bet on the 12 numbers opposite the zero.

Orphelins (Orphans):

Bet on the remaining eight numbers not covered by Voisins du Zéro or Tiers du Cylindre.

Jeu Zéro (Zero Game):

Bet on the numbers closest to zero: 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, and 15.

Special Rules in French Roulette

French Roulette includes two unique rules that reduce the house edge for even-money bets:

La Partage:

If the ball lands on zero and you placed an even-money bet (e.g., red/black, odd/even), you lose only half your bet. This reduces the house edge to 1.35% for these bets.

En Prison:

Similar to La Partage, but instead of losing half your bet, it is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If your bet wins on the next spin, you get your original bet back.

Strategies for French Roulette

While roulette is largely a game of chance, strategic betting can help manage your bankroll and enhance your overall experience. Here are some strategies tailored to French Roulette:

Basic Strategies

Bet on Even-Money Options:

Red/black, odd/even, and high/low bets have higher odds of winning and benefit from the La Partage and En Prison rules.

Avoid High-Risk Bets:

Focus on safer bets like dozens or columns rather than single numbers.

Set Limits:

Decide on a budget before playing and stick to it to avoid overspending.

Advanced Strategies

Martingale System:

Double your bet after every loss to recover losses and make a profit when you win.
- Warning: This strategy requires a large bankroll and can lead to significant losses during long losing streaks.

Reverse Martingale (Paroli):

Increase your bet after each win to capitalize on winning streaks.

Fibonacci Strategy:

Follow the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc.) for betting amounts, moving forward after a loss and back two steps after a win.

D’Alembert System:

Increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it by one unit after a win.

Advantages of French Roulette

Low House Edge:

The La Partage and En Prison rules reduce the house edge for even-money bets to 1.35%.

Variety of Bets:

Offers a wide range of betting options, including unique call bets.

Sophisticated Layout:

The French language labels add an authentic and elegant touch.

Better Odds:

Compared to American Roulette, French Roulette offers better odds due to the single zero.

Ideal for Strategic Play:

The unique rules and betting options make it suitable for strategic players.

Disadvantages of French Roulette

Steeper Learning Curve:

The French labels and unique betting options may be confusing for beginners.

Slower Gameplay:

Call bets and special rules can slow down the game.

Less Widely Available:

French Roulette may not be as readily available as American or European Roulette in some casinos.

Where to Play French Roulette

French Roulette is available at many land-based and online casinos, particularly in Europe. Here’s how to find the best options:

Land-Based Casinos:

Look for well-known casinos in Europe or luxury gaming destinations.

Online Casinos:

Many reputable platforms offer French Roulette in both digital and live dealer formats.

Mobile Apps:

Play on-the-go with mobile-friendly roulette games.

Bonuses and Promotions:

Look for casinos offering bonuses or cashback promotions that include French Roulette.

FAQs About French Roulette

How is French Roulette different from European Roulette?

French Roulette includes La Partage and En Prison rules, which reduce losses on even-money bets.

What is the house edge in French Roulette?

The house edge is approximately 2.7%, but it drops to 1.35% for even-money bets with La Partage or En Prison.

Can I win consistently in French Roulette?

While no strategy guarantees consistent wins, managing your bankroll and focusing on low-risk bets can improve your experience.

Are online French Roulette games fair?

Yes, if you play at licensed and regulated online casinos that use random number generators (RNGs) or live dealer games.

Is French Roulette better than American Roulette?

Yes, French Roulette offers better odds due to its single zero and unique rules that favor players.

French Roulette is a sophisticated and player-friendly version of roulette, offering unique rules and betting options that enhance the gaming experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding the rules and strategies can help you enjoy the game while improving your chances of success. If you have further questions or need more tips, feel free to ask!