French Roulette is the variation of the game that each and every roulette fan should be playing but many aren’t aware of this. The game provides players with better odds than its American or European counterparts due to the nature of how it is played. Although you would be hard-pressed to find a French roulette wheel at any US brick and mortar casino, many online casinos do have the game on offer.
If you would like to find out more about French roulette and why you should be playing the game, make sure to keep reading. Below we have a look at the difference between this variation and the American version of the game. We also look at the unique bets and rules available and how they impact gameplay. Finally, we also list all the top roulette gambling sites, so that you can give the game a go for free or real money if you like.
French roulette is the de facto traditional version of the casino game. Many believe that the game was originally created by famed physicist Blaise Pascal who made several inventions and discoveries in the 17th century. His determination to create a perpetual motion machine is supposedly what led to the game’s discovery.
Since the initial discovery, the game quickly grew in popularity finding a home in French gambling establishments before the 18th century even started. It was during this time that the wheel was outfitted with the numbers and colors seen on modern-day wheels.
During the 19th century, the game saw a boom in popularity, spreading across Europe and eventually making its way to the United States. As the game was adopted across the world, new variations started popping up, which is why we now also have games such as European and American roulette.
French roulette is still looked upon as the start of it all. It remains a favorite among gamblers due to its favorable odds. Remember that when you play roulette, you want to play the European versions of the game due to more favorable odds.
French Roulette Vs American Roulette
There are two differences between French and American roulette. They may seem slight but they impact house edge greatly. Remember that the house edge you face in French roulette is 2.7%, whereas in the American version of the game, it is 5.26%. These differences are:
The French roulette layout differs from the American layout. The wheel has one less compartment. Whereas American roulette wheels have two green compartments (the “0” and “00” pockets), French roulette wheels only have one. This is what results in the massive difference in house edge.
French roulette has some unique rules that allow you to reduce the house edge even further. These are the En Prison and Le Partage rules, which we get into a little more in the next section.
Roulette French Bets
French roulette maintains all of the same inside and outside bets as other versions of the game. Here is a quick summary of these wagers:
Straight – this a bet on one number.
Split – a bet on two numbers on the wheel.
Street – a bet on three numbers in a row.
Corner – a bet on a group of four numbers in corner.
Column – a bet on one of the three columns of numbers.
Dozen – betting on 12 numbers.
Red/Black – a bet on the color it will land on
Odds/Evens – a bet on whether it will land on an odd or even number.
Low/High – a bet on whether the ball will land on a number below 18 or above it.
However, as mentioned above, there are some rules governing these bets that make the game easier to win at than its American counterpart. These rules are the following:
En Prison Rule – if the ball lands on the zero pocket on an even money bet, your money is imprisoned and you get an additional spin. The result of your next spin determines whether you get your money back or you lose to the house.
Le Partage Rule – if you lose an even money bet, you only lose half your stake. This is because the bet is split 50/50 between the player and the house.
French Roulette Odds
Here are the odds for each of the bets available in French roulette:
Straight – 35/1
Split – 17/1
Street – 11/1
Corner – 8/1
Column or Dozen – 12/1
Red/Black, Odds/Evens, Low/High – 1/1
Play French Roulette – FAQs
What is the difference between French roulette and European roulette?
The difference between French and European roulette is the table layout (although the wheel remains the same) and the En Prison and Le Partage rules. While it is still better to play French roulette, the general European version of the game will still provide you with better odds than the American version.
How many numbers are there in French roulette?
A French roulette wheel has 37 numbers. This is one less than the standard American wheel.
What are the best French roulette strategies?
We recommend sticking to even money bets in all forms of roulette but especially the French variation. The En Prison and Le Partage rules limit losses.
Can you place a bet on 0 in French roulette?
Yes, you can. This is known as a single bet. We don’t recommend trying it even if the payout is 35/1.
What are the colors on a French roulette wheel?
Red, black and green. There is no difference in colors on the wheels for the different variations. There are some differences in number placement though.
Is French online roulette fixed or random?
It is random. All gambling games at trustworthy casino sites make use of random number generators to determine results, including online roulette.
