French Roulette: Rules & How to Play
French Roulette, a favored roulette variation in Europe, is increasingly popular worldwide, including in online platforms. This version stands out for having the lowest house edge among all roulette types. A special rule, known as "La Partage," cuts the house edge to an impressive 1.35% for certain bets.
If you're curious about playing this version or comparing it to its European and American counterparts, this information is key. French roulette online offers the same advantages and rules as its traditional form, making it a strategic choice for players seeking better odds.
French Roulette Gameplay, Rules and Characteristics
French roulette employs a wheel with 37 divisions containing numbers 1 to 36, 18 black and 18 red pockets that alternate, and a single green zero pocket. The numbers on the wheel are randomly distributed and do not appear in the same sequence that they do on the betting arrangement. However, it has the same sequencing of numbers as in European.
Gameplay:
The game begins when the ball is spun in the middle of the wheel and travels clockwise as it spins. When you play online, the game will happen automatically when you place a bet. This means you can go slow or fast if you want.
Once the roulette ball starts rolling, you cannot change your bet. When the ball stops spinning in the wheel, it reaches a certain number and color. If you correctly guess the correct color, number, or section, you will be rewarded based on the betting odds. If you pick wrong, you lose that bet.
You are not limited to betting on just one color, number, or section.
Additional French Roulette Rules
The availability of two additional rules is a unique feature of this roulette version. Over several rounds, they allow you to reduce the house edge from 2.7 to 1.35%.
They function as follows:
En Prison Rule
Suppose a player places a bet on equal chances, and the Zero appears. Chips are saved until the next rotation, in this case.
La Partage Rule
This is a more commonly used rule. For example, if the Zero appears when betting on equal chances, the user immediately receives half of the chips.
These regulations only apply to bets on red or black, over or under, odd or even.
French Roulette Table
French Roulette is a classic casino game, similar to European roulette, but with distinct features. The table layout is different, displaying all bet names in French. The wheel contains 37 pockets, numbered 0 to 36. The single zero gives the house an edge of 2.7%.
A key characteristic of French Roulette is the La Partage rule. If a player makes an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, they lose only half of their bet. This rule further reduces the house edge to about 1.35% for these bets.
Another unique rule is En Prison rule, which can apply to even-money bets. When the ball lands on zero, the bet is 'imprisoned' and carried over to the next spin. If the subsequent spin is favorable, the player gets their bet back without winnings; otherwise, the bet is lost.
These rules make French Roulette player-friendly, offering better odds than other roulette variants. It's a game of chance, where players bet on where the ball will land, choosing from options like specific numbers, red or black, odd or even, and various combinations. The dealer, or croupier, spins the wheel and ball to determine the outcome.
French Roulette Wheel
The French Roulette wheel is a distinctive feature of the game, known for its elegant design and single zero. It has 37 pockets: numbers 1 to 36, evenly split between red and black, and one green pocket marked 0. This arrangement slightly differs from the American version, which includes a double zero.
The numbers on the French wheel are not in sequential order. They are strategically placed to ensure a balance between different elements: high (19-36) and low (1-18) numbers, odd and even, and red and black. This design aims to provide an even distribution of outcomes over time.
The single zero pocket gives the house an edge of 2.7%. This is lower compared to the American version, making French Roulette more favorable to players. The wheel's design and the game's rules, like La Partage rule and En Prison rule, further reduce the house edge for certain bets.
In gameplay, the dealer, or croupier, spins the wheel in one direction and the ball in another. Bets are placed on where the ball will land. When the ball settles in a pocket, the winning number and color are announced, and winning bets are paid out.
Special Bets in French Roulette
We all know that roulette has two types of bets - Outside and Inside. The same is the case in French roulette, except five special ones, exist. They all have French names:
- Voisins du Zéro is a bet on 17 numbers on the wheel ranging from 22 to 25.
- The Tiers du Cylindre bet covers twelve numbers in a line beginning with Red 27 and ending with Black 33, which is one-third of the numbers across from the zero.
- The Orphelins bets are placed on numbers on opposite sides of the wheel, approximately one-fourth of the way away from the zero.
- The Finales en Plein are bets on all numbers that end in a specific number (e.g., 6,16,26, and 36).
- The Finales a Cheval bet consists of a series of split number bets or a combination of split and straight-up bets to cover numbers that include two of your choosing. This bet can be a three-chip bet, a four-chip bet, or a five-chip bet depending on which numbers you pair.
French Roulette: Odds and Payouts
French Roulette offers a variety of betting options, each with specific odds and payouts. Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers.
A straight-up bet, where you bet on a single number, offers the highest payout of 35:1 but has the lowest odds.
A split bet, wagering on two adjacent numbers, pays 17:1. A corner bet, covering four numbers, offers 8:1. These bets are riskier but yield higher payouts.
Outside bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer better odds but lower payouts. Betting on odd numbers, an example of an outside bet, pays 1:1.
Similarly, a column bet, covering a vertical line of 12 numbers, pays 2:1.
French Roulette also features unique call bets, which are wagered on specific sections of the wheel rather than the table layout. These bets cover various number combinations and have different payouts, based on their probability.
The game's unique rules, such as La Partage and En Prison, can affect these payouts and odds, particularly for even-money bets like betting on odd numbers. They reduce the house edge, making French Roulette more favorable to players compared to other variants.
Play French Roulette Online at Online casino
You can play French roulette at the any online casino. To embark on an exciting journey with French Roulette online, follow these steps for an enhanced gaming experience:
Select a Reputable Online Casino
Begin by choosing a trustworthy online casino. Brazino777 Casino, known for its wide range of roulette games, is an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned players.
Pick Your Preferred French Roulette Game
Browse through the various French Roulette options available at the casino. Each game might offer a slightly different experience, so select one that appeals to you.
Set Your Bet Amount
Decide on your betting budget. For instance, you might start with $1 per chip, but remember to gamble responsibly.
Choose Your Game Table
Opt for a French roulette table, like "Table 2." Each table can have different limits and styles, so pick one that matches your comfort level.
Establish a Loss Limit
It’s important to play responsibly. Set a limit on the amount you’re willing to lose per spin or hand. This helps manage your bankroll and ensures a safer gambling experience.
Start Playing
Once you've configured all settings, click on the "Play Now" button and immerse yourself in the game.
Playing French Roulette online offers distinct advantages over other roulette variations. It boasts the lowest house edge, significantly lower than American roulette, enhancing your chances of picking the winning number.
Unlike playing American Roulette, which includes a double zero, the French version's single zero and player-friendly rules, such as "La Partage," tilt the odds slightly more in the player's favor. This makes French Roulette a top choice for those seeking a more favorable probability in roulette games.
Difference Between French Roulette, European Roulette, and American Roulette
French, European, and American Roulette are popular variants of the game, each with distinct features that affect the gameplay and odds. Understanding these differences can help players choose the variant that best suits their playing style and strategy.
French Roulette:
- Wheel and Table : The French roulette wheel has 37 pockets: numbers 1-36, colored red and black, and a single green zero. The table layout is unique, with all betting options labeled in French.
- House Edge : French Roulette offers the lowest house edge among the three variants, mainly due to the single zero and special rules.
- La Partage Rule : This rule is specific to French Roulette. If a player makes an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, they receive half of their bet back, reducing the house edge to 1.35% for these bets.
European Roulette:
- Wheel and Table : The European roulette wheel is similar to the French wheel with 37 pockets. However, the layout of the European roulette table is different, typically in English and without the special betting options found in French Roulette.
- House Edge : European Roulette has a house edge of 2.7%, due to the single zero. This is higher than French Roulette but lower than American Roulette.
- No La Partage Rule : Unlike French Roulette, European Roulette does not offer the La Partage rule, which means the house edge remains constant for all types of bets.
American Roulette:
- Wheel and Table : The American roulette wheel features 38 pockets: numbers 1-36, a single zero, and a double zero (00). The presence of the (00) is the most significant difference and is mirrored in the layout of the American roulette table.
- House Edge : The addition of the double zero increases the house edge in American Roulette to approximately 5.26%, almost double that of European Roulette and significantly higher than French Roulette.
- Betting Differences : The extra double zero in American Roulette affects the odds and payouts for various bets, making it less favorable for players compared to the single-zero variants.
In summary, the French roulette wheel and table layout, along with the La Partage rule, make it the most player-friendly option. European Roulette, while similar in wheel design to French Roulette, lacks the additional player-friendly rules.
American Roulette offers a different experience with a higher house edge. Each variant appeals to different preferences, balancing risk, reward, and playing experience.
FAQ about French Roulette
1. What is the layout of a French roulette table?
The French roulette table features a unique layout with all betting terms written in French. It includes a wheel with a single zero and a betting layout for placing different types of bets.
2. What are even money bets in French roulette?
Even money bets are wagers that pay 1:1. In French Roulette, these include betting on red or black, odd or even numbers, and high (19-36) or low (1-18) numbers.
3. What types of French roulette bets are there?
French roulette offers a variety of bets including inside bets, outside bets, straight up bets, split bets, line bets, dozen bets, and announced bets.
4. How does a straight up bet work?
A straight up bet is placed on a single number. If the ball lands on that number, the bet pays 35:1. It’s a type of inside bet.
5. What are inside bets?
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers on the betting layout. They include straight up bets, split bets, street bets, corner bets, and line bets.
6. What is a line bet in French roulette?
A line bet covers six numbers in two adjacent rows on the betting layout. It pays 5:1 if any of the six numbers come up.
7. What are announced bets?
Announced bets are special betting combinations most commonly used in French Roulette. They are called out by the player, and the croupier places the chips on the betting layout. These include Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins.
8. How does a dozen bet work?
A dozen bet is an outside bet placed on one of the three dozen groups of numbers (1-12, 13-24, 25-36). It pays 2:1.
9. What are split bets and straight bets?
Split bets involve betting on two adjacent numbers, paying 17:1. Straight bets are the same as straight up bets, wagering on a single number for a 35:1 payout.
10. Can you explain the betting layout in French roulette?
The betting layout in French roulette is divided into two main sections: inside and outside bets. Inside bets are placed on individual numbers or small number combinations, while outside bets cover larger groups of numbers.
11. What does it mean to play with nine chips?
Playing with nine chips typically refers to making announced bets. For example, a complete bet on a single number would require nine chips, covering all possible combinations involving that number.