Game Info
1.35%
Intermediate
Roulette
Introduction and History of French Roulette
French Roulette is widely regarded as the ‘Queen of Casino Games.’ While many players across Canada are familiar with the American version found in local brick-and-mortar establishments, French Roulette remains the gold standard for enthusiasts seeking the best odds and a touch of European sophistication. Historically, the game traces its roots back to 18th-century France. While the physicist Blaise Pascal is often credited with inventing the roulette wheel while attempting to create a perpetual motion machine, it was the Blanc brothers—Francois and Louis—who popularized the single-zero version that would become synonymous with French and European gaming.
For Canadians, understanding French Roulette is crucial. Whether you are playing at the Casino de Montréal or exploring the vast landscape of licensed offshore online platforms, this variant offers unique rules like La Partage and En Prison that significantly lower the house edge, making it one of the most player-friendly games in the gambling world.
Game Setup and Components
To the untrained eye, French Roulette might look identical to European Roulette, but several key distinctions set it apart in terms of layout and atmosphere. Here are the primary components:
The Wheel
The French wheel consists of 37 pockets, numbered 0 through 36. Unlike the American wheel, which features a double zero (00), the French wheel has only a single green zero. This fundamental difference drastically reduces the house advantage.
The Table Layout
Traditionally, French Roulette tables are red, though online versions may use green or blue for clarity. The text on the layout is typically in French (e.g., ‘Pair’ for Even, ‘Impair’ for Odd, ‘Manque’ for Low numbers 1-18, and ‘Passe’ for High numbers 19-36). Additionally, the outside betting areas are split across both sides of the numbered grid, rather than being grouped on one side as they are in the American version.
The Croupiers
In high-stakes land-based French Roulette, there are often up to three croupiers managing the table. One operates the wheel, while others manage the bets and the ‘rake’ (a stick used to move chips). In the online space, this is simulated by high-end software or live dealer streams.
Step-by-Step Rules (Gameplay)
The objective of French Roulette is simple: predict which pocket the ball will land in after the wheel stops spinning. However, the procedure follows a specific rhythm:
1. Placing Bets
Players place their chips on the table. In French Roulette, you can place ‘Inside Bets’ (on specific numbers or small groups of numbers) and ‘Outside Bets’ (on larger categories like color or parity). A unique feature here is ‘Announced Bets’ or ‘Call Bets,’ which cover specific sections of the wheel.
2. The Spin
The croupier spins the wheel in one direction and launches a small white ball in the opposite direction. Players can continue to place bets until the croupier announces, “Rien ne va plus” (No more bets).
3. The Result
Once the ball comes to rest in a pocket, the croupier identifies the winning number and color. Losing bets are collected, and winning bets are paid out according to the paytable.
4. Special French Rules
This is where French Roulette shines. Two specific rules apply to even-money bets (Red/Black, Even/Odd, High/Low) when the ball lands on zero:
- La Partage: If the ball lands on 0, you immediately lose only half of your even-money bet. The other half is returned to you.
- En Prison: Alternatively, the croupier may place your even-money bet ‘in prison.’ If the bet wins on the next spin, you get your original stake back in full (no additional profit). If it loses, the house takes it.
Betting Types and Payouts
Inside Bets
- Plein (Straight Up): A single number. Payout 35:1.
- Cheval (Split): Two adjacent numbers. Payout 17:1.
- Transversale Simple (Street): Three numbers in a row. Payout 11:1.
- Carré (Corner): Four numbers meeting at a corner. Payout 8:1.
- Sixainne (Six Line): Two adjacent rows (six numbers). Payout 5:1.
Outside Bets (Even Money)
- Rouge/Noir (Red/Black): Payout 1:1.
- Pair/Impair (Even/Odd): Payout 1:1.
- Manque/Passe (Low 1-18/High 19-36): Payout 1:1.
Call Bets (The Racetrack)
These are unique to the French/European layout and based on the physical position of numbers on the wheel:
- Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero): Covers 17 numbers surrounding the zero.
- Le Tiers du Cylindre (Third of the Wheel): Covers 12 numbers opposite the zero.
- Orphelins (Orphans): Covers the remaining 8 numbers not included in the above.
Advanced Strategies and Winning Tips
While roulette is a game of chance, Canadians can optimize their play by following these expert strategies:
The ‘La Partage’ Advantage
Always seek out tables that specifically mention La Partage. This rule reduces the house edge on even-money bets from 2.70% to a staggering 1.35%. This is the lowest house edge you will find in any roulette variant, making outside betting the most mathematically sound strategy for long-term play.
The Fibonacci System
Unlike the aggressive Martingale (doubling after a loss), the Fibonacci system involves increasing your bet following a sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc.). This is a more conservative way to manage losses during a cold streak, especially when applied to even-money French bets.
Sector Betting
Advanced players often use ‘Announced Bets’ to cover specific sectors of the wheel. If you notice a physical wheel has a slight bias (rare in modern casinos but possible in older venues), or if you simply want to hedge your bets across a physical area of the wheel, Voisins du Zéro is an excellent choice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Playing American Roulette: Never play American Roulette if French Roulette is available. The extra ’00’ pocket increases the house edge to 5.26%, nearly four times higher than French Roulette with La Partage.
- Misunderstanding the Language: Don’t be intimidated by the French terms. ‘Manque’ is simply 1-18. Familiarize yourself with the layout before placing large sums.
- Chasing Losses: No strategy can overcome the house edge indefinitely. Set a strict budget (bankroll) and stick to it.
- Ignoring the ‘En Prison’ Rule: If a casino offers ‘En Prison’ vs ‘La Partage’, know that they are mathematically similar, but ‘La Partage’ is often preferred as it returns your funds immediately rather than locking them for another spin.
Conclusion
French Roulette is the pinnacle of table games, offering a blend of history, elegance, and the most favorable odds for the player. For Canadian players, it represents the best value for money in the casino. By mastering the La Partage rule and understanding the unique ‘Call Bets,’ you can transform your gaming session from a simple game of luck into a strategic experience. Whether you are playing for the thrill of the spin or the precision of the odds, French Roulette remains an essential experience for any serious gamer.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| House Edge | 1.35% (on even money bets) |
| RTF (Return to Player) | 98.65% |
| Volatility | Low to Medium |
| Hit Frequency | 48.6% (on even money bets) |
| Max Win | 35:1 (Straight Up) |
| Skill Factor | Low (Strategy based on bet selection) |
| Bonus Frequency | N/A (Standard gameplay) |
Disclaimer: Before you start playing, it is essential to understand the risks involved. This guide is for educational purposes only.
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