French Roulette is an elegant, strategic game that perfectly balances simplicity with the excitement of chance. Known for its unique rules and betting options, it’s a favourite in online casinos worldwide. Below is your ultimate guide to mastering the game—from understanding the table layout to placing strategic bets that maximise your chances of winning.
The Objective of French Roulette
The goal in French Roulette is straightforward: predict where the ball will land on the spinning wheel. The wheel has 37 numbered pockets, ranging from 1 to 36 and including a single zero. You can place bets on specific numbers, groups of numbers, or characteristics such as colour (red/black) or whether the result will be odd or even. This wide variety of betting options gives players the freedom to choose between low-risk or high-risk bets, allowing for different strategies.
The Wheel and Table Layout
The French Roulette wheel features 37 slots, numbered 1 to 36, and a green zero. Numbers alternate between red and black, while the single green zero sets this game apart from American Roulette, which has both a zero and a double zero. This single zero lowers the house edge, giving you better odds.
The table is divided into two main sections: inside bets and outside bets. You can bet on individual numbers, groups of numbers, or broader categories like red/black and odd/even, providing plenty of flexibility for your betting strategy.
Types of Bets in French Roulette
In French Roulette, you can place two main types of bets: inside bets and outside bets. Each offers different payout rates and levels of risk. Inside bets are riskier but offer higher payouts, while outside bets are safer and win more frequently.
Inside Bets
- Straight Bet: Bet on a single number for a 35:1 payout if the ball lands on it.
- Split Bet: Place a bet on two adjacent numbers. The payout is 17:1.
- Street Bet: Bet on three consecutive numbers (e.g., 1-2-3). If you win, the payout is 11:1.
- Corner Bet: Bet on a block of four numbers. This pays out at 8:1.
- Line Bet: Bet on two rows, covering six numbers. The payout is 5:1.
Outside Bets
- Red or Black: Bet on whether the ball will land on a red or black number for a 1:1 payout.
- Odd or Even: Bet on whether the number will be odd or even, with a payout of 1:1.
- High or Low: Bet on whether the number will fall in the low range (1-18) or high range (19-36). The payout is 1:1.
- Dozen Bet: Bet on one of three sets of twelve numbers (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36) for a payout of 2:1.
- Column Bet: Bet on a column of twelve numbers, paying 2:1.
Special French Roulette Rules
French Roulette introduces two key rules that benefit the player: La Partage and En Prison.
- La Partage: If the ball lands on zero and you’ve made an even-money bet (like Red/Black or Odd/Even), you’ll get half your bet back. This rule significantly reduces the house edge, improving your long-term chances.
- En Prison: If your even-money bet gets trapped when the ball lands on zero, your bet stays “imprisoned” for the next spin. If you win the following spin, your original bet is returned without any additional winnings.
Payout Table for French Roulette
| Bet Type | Payout | Odds |
| Straight (1 number) | 35:1 | 2.7% |
| Split (2 numbers) | 17:1 | 5.4% |
| Street (3 numbers) | 11:1 | 8.1% |
| Corner (4 numbers) | 8:1 | 10.8% |
| Line (6 numbers) | 5:1 | 16.2% |
| Dozen (12 numbers) | 2:1 | 32.4% |
| Column (12 numbers) | 2:1 | 32.4% |
| Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low | 1:1 | 48.6% (with zero) |
How a Round of French Roulette Unfolds
- Place Your Bets: Start by placing your chips on the table. Choose from a range of inside and outside bets.
- Spin the Wheel: The dealer spins the wheel in one direction and the ball in the opposite direction. The tension builds as the ball slows down and finally lands in one of the numbered pockets.
- Winning Bets Paid: If the ball lands on your chosen number or category, you win! The dealer pays out the winnings according to the payout table, and a new round begins.
French Roulette Strategies
Although French Roulette is a game of chance, you can use certain betting strategies to manage your bankroll and potentially extend your play. Here are two popular strategies:
- Martingale Strategy: After every loss, you double your bet. One win can recover all previous losses and make a profit.
- Fibonacci Strategy: Based on the Fibonacci sequence, you increase your bet according to the sequence after each loss. After a win, you return to the start of the sequence.
Conclusion
French Roulette offers a captivating mix of strategy, favourable odds, and thrilling gameplay. The La Partage and En Prison rules make it one of the most player-friendly versions of roulette, giving you a better chance to win over time. Whether you’re new to roulette or a seasoned player, French Roulette delivers excitement with every spin.
Take a seat, place your bets, and enjoy the classic allure of this timeless casino game!