French Roulette: A Beginner’s Guide to Rules, Betting and Payouts

French Roulette, a captivating game of chance with roots in 18th century France, has enthralled players for generations. Today, enthusiasts can play French Roulette online, enjoying this classic from the comfort of their homes. Originally conceived by mathematician Blaise Pascal during his quest for perpetual motion, this variant has become a cornerstone of European casinos and a favorite among discerning players worldwide.

What truly distinguishes French Roulette, whether played in person or online, is its seamless blend of time-honored tradition and player-advantageous rules. The game features an elegant wheel and a distinctive table layout that exudes sophistication. However, it’s the special betting options and favorable rules like La Partage and En Prison that set it apart from other versions. These features not only add depth to the gameplay but also significantly lower the house edge, making French Roulette an attractive choice for both seasoned gamblers and newcomers. The ability to play French Roulette online has only increased its popularity, allowing more players to experience its unique charm and potentially rewarding outcomes.

French Roulette Basics

The heart of French Roulette is its wheel, featuring 37 numbered pockets from 0 to 36. The numbers alternate between red and black, with the single zero pocket colored green. Unlike American Roulette, there’s no double zero, giving players better odds.

The table layout in French Roulette is distinctive, with betting areas on both sides of the number grid. All text on the table is in French, adding to the game’s authentic feel. The betting area includes sections for inside bets, outside bets, and announced bets.

Gameplay is straightforward: players place their bets, the croupier spins the wheel and releases the ball in the opposite direction. When the ball comes to rest in a pocket, winning bets are paid out and losing bets are collected.

What truly distinguishes French Roulette are two special rules: La Partage and En Prison. These rules come into play when the ball lands on zero and the player has made an even-money outside bet (such as red/black, odd/even, or high/low).

Under the La Partage rule, players lose only half their even-money bet when zero comes up. The En Prison rule is even more intriguing: the player’s bet is ‘imprisoned’ for the next spin. If the next spin wins, the player gets their original bet back. These rules significantly reduce the house edge on even-money bets to just 1.35%, making French Roulette particularly attractive to players.

Types of Bets and Payouts

French Roulette offers a wide array of betting options, broadly categorized into inside bets, outside bets, and announced bets.

Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers:

• Straight (En Plein): Bet on a single number. Payout 35:1
• Split (Cheval): Bet on two adjacent numbers. Payout 17:1
• Street (Transversale): Bet on three numbers in a row. Payout 11:1
• Corner (Carré): Bet on four numbers that meet at a corner. Payout 8:1
• Six Line (Sixaine): Bet on six numbers (two adjacent rows). Payout 5:1

Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers:

• Red/Black (Rouge/Noir): Bet on all red or all black numbers. Payout 1:1
• Odd/Even (Impair/Pair): Bet on all odd or all even numbers. Payout 1:1
• High/Low (Passe/Manque): Bet on numbers 1-18 or 19-36. Payout 1:1
• Dozens (Douzaine): Bet on first, second, or third dozen. Payout 2:1
• Columns (Colonne): Bet on one of three columns. Payout 2:1

Announced bets, unique to French Roulette, cover specific sections of the wheel:

• Voisins du Zéro: Covers 17 numbers around zero. Various payouts
• Tiers du Cylindre: Covers 12 numbers opposite to zero. Payout 17:1
• Orphelins: Covers 8 numbers not included in the above bets. Various payouts

These announced bets add an extra layer of excitement and strategy to the game, allowing players to cover large sections of the wheel with a single bet.

French Roulette vs. Other Variants

French Roulette shares many similarities with European Roulette, including the single-zero wheel. However, the La Partage and En Prison rules give French Roulette a significant edge. These rules effectively halve the house edge on even-money bets from 2.7% to 1.35%, making it one of the most player-friendly casino games available.

In contrast, American Roulette features a double-zero wheel, increasing the house edge to 5.26%. This makes French Roulette a much more attractive option for players looking to maximize their chances of winning.

The unique announced bets in French Roulette also set it apart, offering more betting options and strategic possibilities than its American and European counterparts.

Tips for Playing and Conclusion

When playing French Roulette, it’s wise to take advantage of the favorable odds on even-money bets. The La Partage and En Prison rules make these bets particularly attractive. However, don’t shy away from inside bets or announced bets if you’re feeling lucky – they can offer substantial payouts.

As with all forms of gambling, it’s crucial to manage your bankroll wisely. Set a budget for your play and stick to it, regardless of whether you’re winning or losing.

French Roulette offers a blend of tradition, excitement, and favorable odds that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the world of roulette, the French variant provides an engaging and potentially rewarding experience. So next time you’re at a casino, physical or online, why not give French Roulette a spin? Bonne chance!