French roulette is one of the most popular and strategic variations of roulette, offering players a lower house edge and unique rules that enhance the gaming experience. While it shares many similarities with European roulette, the addition of the La Partage and En Prison rules sets it apart, making it a preferred choice for players looking for better odds. This guide will walk you through how to play French roulette, its unique betting options, strategies, and where to play online.
How to Play French Roulette
The core mechanics of French roulette are the same as in European and American versions. Players place bets on the roulette table, predicting where the ball will land once the wheel spins. The table layout is similar to European roulette but features French terms instead of English for some betting options.
- Pair/Impair refers to even/odd bets.
- Manque/Passe represents the 1-18 and 19-36 betting options.
Once bets are placed, the dealer spins the wheel, and the ball lands in one of the 37 numbered pockets. If your bet covers the winning number, you receive a payout based on the bet type.
Unique French Roulette Rules
French roulette stands out from other versions because of two key rules that apply to even money bets:
La Partage Rule
When the ball lands on 0, half of your even-money wager is returned, reducing potential losses. This significantly lowers the house edge to 1.35%, making it one of the most player-friendly versions of roulette.
En Prison Rule
If the ball lands on 0, instead of losing your even-money bet, it is “locked” on the table for the next spin. If your bet wins on the next spin, you get your stake back. If it loses, the casino keeps it. This rule gives you a second chance to win instead of losing immediately when 0 is hit.
French Roulette Betting Options
French roulette features standard inside and outside bets found in other versions, but also includes call bets, which cover specific sections of the wheel.
Call Bets in French Roulette
These special bets allow players to wager on multiple numbers based on their position on the wheel rather than just their placement on the table. They are commonly used by experienced players looking to cover larger sections of numbers at once.
- Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero) – Covers 17 numbers surrounding 0, requiring multiple chips to place a mix of split, corner, and street bets.
- Tiers du Cylindre (Thirds of the Wheel) – Covers 12 numbers on the opposite side of the wheel from zero, placed using six split bets.
- Les Orphelins (The Orphans) – Covers the remaining eight numbers that are not part of Voisins du Zéro or Tiers du Cylindre. It requires a mix of straight and split bets.
- Jeu Zéro (Zero Game) – A smaller bet covering numbers closest to 0, requiring fewer chips than Voisins du Zéro.
- Finales en Plein – Bets on numbers ending in the same digit, such as 3, 13, 23, and 33.
- Finales à Cheval – Similar to Finales en Plein but covering two sets of ending digits, like 0 and 1, meaning a bet is placed on 0, 1, 10, 11, 20, 21, 30, and 31.
These bets are unique to French roulette and add an extra layer of strategy.
French Roulette Odds and Payouts
The payout structure in French roulette is similar to European roulette, with standard inside and outside bets offering the same returns. However, the La Partage rule improves the odds for even-money bets significantly.
- Straight-up (Single Number) – Pays 35:1
- Split (Two Numbers) – Pays 17:1
- Street (Three Numbers in a Row) – Pays 11:1
- Corner (Four Numbers in a Square) – Pays 8:1
- Line (Six Numbers in Two Rows) – Pays 5:1
- Dozen or Column (12 Numbers) – Pays 2:1
- Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low (18 Numbers) – Pays 1:1
With La Partage and En Prison in play, even-money bets have significantly improved odds compared to American and European roulette.
French Roulette Strategies
Utilize the La Partage Rule
Always look for a French roulette game that includes La Partage. This rule minimizes losses and gives you a better chance of maintaining your bankroll over time.
Focus on Even-Money Bets
Since La Partage and En Prison only apply to even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low), these bets provide the best long-term advantage. The house edge is significantly reduced when these rules are in play.
Avoid Hot and Cold Number Myths
Some online casinos display “hot” and “cold” numbers based on past spins, but remember that roulette is entirely random. Each spin is independent of previous results, so don’t base your strategy on past outcomes.
Practice Bankroll Management
Set a budget before you play and stick to it. Decide how much you’re willing to spend and avoid increasing your bets after a loss to chase winnings. Responsible gambling ensures a more enjoyable experience.
Try Call Bets for Coverage
If you’re looking for strategic ways to cover more numbers, learning how to place call bets can be useful. These bets are often favored by professional players for their structured approach to betting.
Playing French Roulette Online and on Mobile
With the rise of online casinos, French roulette is now widely available across various platforms. Many sites offer live dealer games, where you can experience the thrill of real-time gameplay with a human dealer streaming from a casino studio.
French roulette is also highly optimized for mobile gaming. Whether you’re playing on a smartphone or tablet, you can enjoy seamless gameplay, advanced graphics, and smooth controls. Some casinos offer dedicated mobile apps, while others allow instant play directly from a web browser.
Final Thoughts
French roulette is an excellent choice for players looking for better odds, thanks to the La Partage and En Prison rules. With a house edge of just 1.35%, it offers one of the best chances of winning compared to other roulette variations. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, understanding the unique betting options and strategies can help you make more informed decisions at the table.
If you’re ready to try your luck, check out the best online casinos for French roulette and start playing today!