French Roulette Rules: A Comprehensive Guide to Playing and Winning in 2025
Welcome to the definitive guide on French roulette rules. Often hailed as the original and most player-friendly version of the game, French roulette offers an elegance and statistical advantage that sets it apart. Its reputation comes from a remarkably low house edge, thanks to a few unique rules that every aspiring player should know.
What sets it apart are its single-zero wheel, the classic French table layout, and the game-changing La Partage and En Prison rules. This article will provide you with a complete breakdown of the rules, bets, odds, and strategies you need to master this classic casino game and play with confidence.
French Roulette at a Glance: Quick Facts
For a quick overview, here are the key data points that define French Roulette and highlight its player-friendly nature.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| House Edge | 2.7% (drops to a remarkable 1.35% on even-money bets) |
| RTP | 97.3% (rises to 98.65% on even-money bets) |
| Wheel Numbers | 37 pockets (a single green 0, and numbers 1-36) |
| Special Rules | La Partage, En Prison |
| Typical Min/Max Bet | $1 – $10,000 (Varies by casino) |
| Developer Examples | NetEnt, Evolution Gaming, Microgaming, Playtech |
How to Play French Roulette: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting started with French roulette is simple. Follow these steps to join a game, place your bets, and understand the flow of play, whether you’re online or at a land-based casino.
- Find a French Roulette Table: First, locate a table specifically labeled “French Roulette.” Online, this is easy to find in the table games section. In a physical casino, look for the unique, symmetrical table layout.
- Get Your Chips: Exchange your cash or online casino balance for roulette chips. At a live table, each player gets a different color to avoid confusion.
- Place Your Bets: When the croupier announces “Faites vos jeux” (Place your bets), you can place your chips on the numbers or sections of the table layout where you predict the ball will land.
- The Spin: The croupier will spin the wheel in one direction and the ball in the opposite. Shortly after, they will announce “Rien ne va plus” (No more bets), signaling the end of the betting window.
- The Result & Payouts: The ball will eventually land in a numbered pocket. The croupier places a marker (dolly) on the winning number, clears away all losing bets, and then pays out all the winning wagers.
The Core French Roulette Rules Explained
Understanding the fundamental rules is key to enjoying the game and taking advantage of its unique features.
The Objective
The primary goal in French roulette is straightforward: to correctly predict which of the 37 numbered pockets the ball will settle into after the wheel is spun. You can bet on a single number or on groups of numbers, each with its own payout.
The Wheel and Table Layout
The French roulette wheel features 37 pockets: numbers 1-36 (alternating red and black) and a single green ‘0’. The table layout is distinct, often with the betting grid in the center and the outside betting areas split on either side. All betting terms on the table are in French. Key terms to know include:
- Passe: The high numbers (19-36).
- Manque: The low numbers (1-18).
- Pair: Even numbers.
- Impair: Odd numbers.
The Player-Advantage Rules: La Partage & En Prison
This is where French roulette truly shines. These two rules apply only to even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) when the ball lands on ‘0’.
- The La Partage Rule: La Partage means “the sharing.” If you have placed an even-money bet and the ball lands on the green ‘0’, you don’t lose your entire stake. Instead, you get half of your bet back. This simple rule is what cuts the house edge from 2.7% down to an incredible 1.35% on these wagers.
- The En Prison Rule: En Prison means “in prison.” This is an alternative rule. When the ball lands on ‘0’, your even-money bet is “imprisoned” or locked in for the next spin. If your bet wins on that next spin, you get your original stake back (without any winnings). If it loses, the stake is lost. La Partage is more common and generally preferred by players.
French Roulette Betting Options: Inside vs. Outside Bets
French roulette offers a wide variety of bets, each with different odds and payouts. They are categorized as either Inside Bets (on specific numbers) or Outside Bets (on larger groups of numbers).
| Bet Category | Bet Name (English) | French Term | Payout | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inside Bets | Straight Up | En Plein | 35:1 | A bet on a single number. |
| Split | À Cheval | 17:1 | A bet on the line between two adjacent numbers. | |
| Street | Transversale | 11:1 | A bet on a row of three numbers. | |
| Corner/Square | Carré | 8:1 | A bet on the corner of four numbers that form a square. | |
| Six Line/Double Street | Sixain | 5:1 | A bet on two adjacent rows of three numbers each. | |
| Outside Bets | Column | Colonne | 2:1 | A bet on one of the three vertical columns of 12 numbers. |
| Dozen | Douzaine | 2:1 | A bet on a group of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36). | |
| Red/Black | Rouge/Noir | 1:1 | A bet on the color of the winning number. | |
| Odd/Even | Impair/Pair | 1:1 | A bet on whether the number will be odd or even. | |
| Low/High | Manque/Passe | 1:1 | A bet on numbers 1-18 (Manque) or 19-36 (Passe). |
Effective Strategies and Tips for Playing French Roulette
While roulette is a game of chance, a smart approach can improve your experience and maximize your odds. Here are some effective tips for playing French roulette.
- Always Choose French Roulette: This is the most important tip. Given the choice between American, European, and French roulette, always pick French. Its 1.35% house edge on even-money bets is the lowest of any roulette variant and offers the best value to the player.
- Prioritize Even-Money Outside Bets: Bets like Red/Black, Odd/Even, and High/Low are where French roulette’s advantage lies. These are the only bets that benefit from the La Partage or En Prison rules, effectively doubling your RTP to 98.65%.
- Understand Betting Systems (But Be Cautious): Systems like the Martingale (doubling your bet after a loss) or Fibonacci can help manage your betting patterns, but they do not change the game’s long-term odds or overcome the house edge. Use them for bankroll structure, not as a guaranteed way to win, and be wary of the Gambler’s Fallacy.
- Practice for Free First: Before wagering real money, take advantage of demo or free-play versions of online French roulette. This allows you to get comfortable with the table layout, the pace of the game, and the different bets without any risk.
- Consider Live Dealer Games: For the most authentic and transparent experience online, try live dealer French roulette. Games from top providers like Evolution Gaming are streamed in high definition with a real croupier, combining the convenience of online play with the trust of a physical wheel.
Odds and Payouts Comparison
Understanding the probability of each bet is crucial. This table breaks down the odds and payouts for the most common bets on a 37-pocket French roulette wheel.
| Bet Type (English) | Payout | Probability (on French/European Wheel) |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Up | 35:1 | 2.70% (1 in 37) |
| Split | 17:1 | 5.41% (2 in 37) |
| Street | 11:1 | 8.11% (3 in 37) |
| Corner | 8:1 | 10.81% (4 in 37) |
| Dozen/Column | 2:1 | 32.43% (12 in 37) |
| Even Money Bets | 1:1 | 48.65% (18 in 37) |
Game Variations: French vs. European vs. American Roulette
Confused about the differences? This table clearly lays out why French roulette is the superior choice for any savvy player.
| Feature | French Roulette | European Roulette | American Roulette |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel Numbers | 37 (0, 1-36) | 37 (0, 1-36) | 38 (0, 00, 1-36) |
| House Edge | 1.35% (even money) / 2.7% (others) | 2.7% | 5.26% |
| Special Rules | La Partage / En Prison | None | None (Some have a “Surrender” rule) |
| Table Layout | French terms, symmetrical layout | English terms, standard layout | English terms, different number order |
| Player-Friendliness | Highest | High | Lowest |
Best Online Casinos for French Roulette
Finding a trustworthy online casino is key. We’ve identified sites that offer an excellent selection of French roulette games, both in RNG and Live Dealer formats, along with fair bonuses and a secure platform.
| Casino Type | Welcome Bonus Offer | Why It’s Great for French Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Reputable Casino A | Generous Welcome Package | Offers multiple French Roulette tables, including Live versions. |
| Licensed Casino B | Matched Deposit Bonus | Features low minimum bets and a top-tier mobile-friendly interface. |
| Secure Casino C | New Player Free Spins | Powered by leading software with high-quality streams and fair RNG. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
New players often make simple errors that can be easily avoided. Be mindful of these common pitfalls:
- Playing American Roulette by Mistake: The biggest error is assuming all roulette is the same. The double-zero (’00’) on the American wheel nearly doubles the house edge, making it a significantly worse game for the player.
- Ignoring the La Partage Rule: Not focusing your strategy on even-money bets means you are not taking advantage of the game’s best feature and are playing with a higher house edge than necessary.
- Chasing Losses: Employing aggressive betting systems like the Martingale after a losing streak is a quick way to deplete your bankroll. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
- Believing in “Hot” or “Due” Numbers: Each spin of the roulette wheel is an independent event. Past results have absolutely no influence on future outcomes. This is known as the Gambler’s Fallacy.
Smart Bankroll Management
Responsible gaming starts with managing your money effectively. Follow these simple principles to stay in control and enjoy the game for longer.
- Set a Session Budget: Before you start playing, decide on a specific amount of money you are prepared to risk and do not exceed it. Treat it as the cost of entertainment.
- Use Betting Units: Divide your total session bankroll into smaller, equal units (e.g., 20-50 units). Make your standard bet one unit. This prevents you from risking too much on a single spin.
- Know When to Quit: Set clear win goals and loss limits. If you reach your target profit or hit your loss limit, walk away. Discipline is the key to long-term success.
Playing French Roulette on Mobile
The best software providers have optimized French roulette for an exceptional mobile experience. Modern games are built with HTML5 technology, meaning they adapt perfectly to any screen size on iOS and Android devices, either through a mobile browser or a dedicated casino app. For the best view of the sophisticated table layout, we recommend playing in landscape mode.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between French roulette and European roulette?
The primary difference lies in the rules that apply when the ball lands on zero. French roulette has the “La Partage” or “En Prison” rule, which gives players back half their stake on even-money bets. This lowers the house edge on those bets to 1.35%. European roulette does not have this rule, so its house edge is a flat 2.7%. The wheel is identical, but the table layout uses French terms.
How is European roulette different from American roulette?
The crucial difference is the wheel. European roulette has one green pocket for the single zero (‘0’). American roulette has two green pockets: a single zero (‘0′) and a double zero (’00’). This extra pocket significantly increases the house edge in the American version to 5.26%, making it much less favorable for players than the European version’s 2.7% edge.
How much does 0 pay in French roulette?
A direct, straight-up bet on the ‘0’ pocket pays 35:1, the same as any other single number. However, the ‘0’ has a special effect on outside bets. If the ball lands on ‘0’, all even-money outside bets are subject to the La Partage or En Prison rules, while all other outside bets (Dozens, Columns) lose.
What are the numbers on the French roulette wheel?
The French roulette wheel contains 37 pockets. These include the numbers 1 through 36, which are colored red and black, and one green pocket for the single zero (‘0’). The sequence of the numbers around the wheel is specifically designed to create a balance between high/low, odd/even, and red/black numbers.
Responsible Gambling Reminder: Always play responsibly and within your means. Roulette is a form of entertainment, not a source of income. Set limits for yourself, never chase losses, and be aware of the risks involved. If you feel you may have a gambling problem, please seek help from a professional organization.
