French Roulette, a classic casino game known for its unique rules and low house edge, offers an exciting experience for both novice and experienced players. In this guide, HunnyPlay will explore the rules, strategies, and top places to play this interesting roulette game.
What is French Roulette?
French Roulette is a captivating version of the classic casino game, believed to have originated from the 18th-century experiments of scientist Blaise Pascal.
Originally designed as an attempt to create a perpetual motion machine, this game quickly became a staple in French casinos.
In the mid-19th century, French Roulette was introduced to America, where modifications were made to increase the house edge.
This led to the creation of American Roulette, which features a different wheel design, additional betting options, and altered rules.
The French Roulette table is distinct with its unique layout and a single zero pocket, providing more betting opportunities and a lower house edge.
Key rules such as La Partage and En Prison further enhance the player’s chances, making French Roulette a more favorable choice.
- La Partage: Players lose only half of their even-money bets if the ball lands on zero.
- En Prison: The entire even-money bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin, giving a second chance to win.
With its better returns and engaging gameplay, French Roulette should always be your first choice when available.
Two of French Roulette key rules (Source: Casino Alpha)
Differences between French and American Roulette
The most significant difference between American and French Roulette is the number of zeros on the wheel:
- An American Roulette wheel features both a zero and a double zero, resulting in a house edge of 5.26%.
- In contrast, a French Roulette wheel has only a single zero, reducing the house edge to 2.7%.
Additionally, French Roulette includes unique rules like La Partage and En Prison, which further decrease the house edge to just 1.35% on even-money bets. These rules make French Roulette particularly attractive to players looking for better odds.
The layout of the playing tables also differs:
- In American Roulette, the outside bets are all positioned on one side of the table.
- In French Roulette, the outside bets are split on either side of the table, offering a distinct visual arrangement.
Even the numbering on the wheels can vary:
- American Roulette wheels typically have numbers facing outwards.
- European and French Roulette wheels have numbers facing inwards.
These differences highlight the strategic advantages of French Roulette, making it a preferred choice for many players.
How to play French Roulette: Step-by-Step Guide
Learning how to play French Roulette is straightforward and can be mastered in minutes. Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Signup and play
- Unless you’re at a French casino, you’ll need to play online. Choose a licensed online casino like HunnyPlay and create a free account.
- You can practice French Roulette risk-free with classic French Roulette Pro tables. To play Live French Roulette, fund your account with a minimum deposit, such as £10.
Step 2: Pick a French Roulette table
- Decide between playing a live dealer game or a classic internet French Roulette powered by software.
- Live French Roulette games are streamed 24/7 with professional dealers, offering an authentic experience.
- Classic interactive French Roulette tables are ideal if you prefer a private game or want more spins per hour.
Step 3: Place your bets
- Each table has limits—minimum and maximum bet sizes. At live tables, you have 30-40 seconds to place bets.
- Choose your chip value and place bets on inside, outside, or special options. Wait for the croupier to spin the wheel, or tap Spin yourself.
- Avoid complex roulette systems; instead, stick to bets you can afford and focus on those with the lowest house edge.
Step 4: Get paid out
- After the ball lands, the croupier places a marker (dolly) on the winning number.
- If you win, the croupier or software pays out your winnings. Your winning bet remains for the next spin unless you choose to remove it before “No More Bets” is called.
French Roulette table (Source: Internet)
Bets and odds of Lightning Roulette
In French Roulette, the goal is to predict where the ball will land when the Roulette wheel stops spinning. The croupier spins the wheel in one direction and sets the ball in motion in the opposite direction. The ball eventually lands in a numbered slot.
You can place a variety of basic bets on the outcome, and these bets are grouped into inside and outside bets:
Inside bets in French Roulette
| Bet | Bet Description | Payout |
| Straight bet | Choosing a single number from the 36 available | 35:1 |
| Split bet | Choosing two adjacent numbers on the grid | 17:1 |
| Street bet | Choosing a row of three numbers | 11:1 |
| Corner bet | Choosing a group of four numbers | 8:1 |
| Line bet | Choosing two adjacent rows of numbers | 5:1 |
Note: the street and corner bets may also include the zero
Outside bets in French Roulette
One of the first things you will notice in a French Roulette game is that the outside bets are labeled in French. Here’s a guide to help you understand these bets:
| French Bet | English Translation | Bet Description | Payout |
| Rouge ou Noir | Red or Black | Bet on whether the ball will land on a red or black number. | 1:1 |
| Pair ou Impair | Even or Odd | Bet on whether the ball will land on an even or odd number. | 1:1 |
| Manque ou Passe | Low or High | Bet on whether the ball will land on a low number (1-18) or a high number (19-36). | 1:1 |
| Première Douzaine | First Dozen (1-12) | Bet on the ball landing on one of the numbers in the first dozen. | 2:1 |
| Deuxième Douzaine | Second Dozen (13-24) | Bet on the ball landing on one of the numbers in the second dozen. | 2:1 |
| Troisième Douzaine | Third Dozen (25-36) | Bet on the ball landing on one of the numbers in the third dozen. | 2:1 |
| Colonne | Columns | Bet on one of the three vertical columns of numbers on the table. | 2:1 |
Understanding these outside bets and their payouts can enhance your strategy and enjoyment of French Roulette.
A second chance for Even Money Bets
In American or European Roulette, if the ball lands in the zero slot, you lose any even-money bets like red/black or odd/even. However, in French Roulette, you get a second chance.
This second chance comes in two forms:
- En Prison Rule: If you lose an even-money bet, it remains on the table and is “imprisoned” until the next spin. If it wins on the subsequent spin, your stake is returned.
- La Partage Rule: If you lose an even-money bet, it is split 50:50 between you and the house, meaning you only lose half your stake.
Different casinos may apply different rules, so it’s crucial to know the house rules for even-money bets before you start playing.
Advanced Bets in French Roulette
As you gain experience with standard bets, you might want to explore advanced bets, known as announced or called bets. These bets have exotic French names but are straightforward once you understand them.
The main announced bets in French Roulette include:
- Voisins du Zéro (Neighbours of Zero): Covers all numbers on the wheel between 22 and 25. This bet involves nine chips spread between splits, corners, and threesomes of these numbers.
- Le Tiers du Cylindre (Thirds of the Wheel): Covers all numbers opposite zero, from 27 to 33. This bet involves six chips placed as splits between these numbers.
- Jeu Zero (Zero Game): Covers the six numbers around zero and zero itself, placed as three splits and a straight bet on 26.
- Orphelins (Orphans): Covers the eight numbers not included in the above bets. It can be played as “orphelins en cheval,” costing five chips with four splits and a straight bet on 1, or “orphelins en plein,” costing eight chips with straight bets on each number.
- Finales: Bets on all numbers ending in a specific digit (e.g., 6, 16, 26, 36). These can be placed as “finales en plein” (single number) or “finales à cheval” (two numbers), with the stake varying according to the number of possibilities.
Types of bets in French Roulette (Source: PlayOJO)
Tips and trick for playing French Roulette
French Roulette offers a unique experience with its lower house edge and special rules. Here are some tips and tricks to enhance your gameplay and improve your chances of winning:
- Understand the Rules: Before placing any bets, familiarize yourself with the unique rules of French Roulette, such as La Partage and En Prison. These rules can significantly reduce the house edge and improve your odds on even-money bets.
- Start with Outside Bets: For beginners, it’s wise to start with outside bets like Red/Black, Odd/Even, or High/Low. These bets have nearly a 50% chance of winning and are less risky than inside bets.
- Use a Betting strategy: Consider using a betting strategy like the Martingale system, where you double your bet after each loss.
This can help you recover losses and make a profit when you win. However, be cautious and set a budget to avoid large losses.
- Manage your bankroll: Set a budget for each gaming session and stick to it. This helps you manage your funds effectively and prevents you from chasing losses. Break your bankroll into smaller betting units to extend your playtime.
- Take advantage of bonuses: When playing online, take advantage of casino bonuses and promotions.
These can provide extra funds to play with and increase your chances of winning without risking too much of your own money.
- Practice makes perfect: Practice playing French Roulette online free before betting real money. This helps you understand the game dynamics and develop a strategy without financial risk.
French Roulette offers a unique experience with its lower house edge and special rules. (Source: Internet)
The best online casinos for French Roulette
For French Roulette enthusiasts, selecting the right online casino is crucial for a superior gaming experience. Among many contenders, HunnyPlay emerges as the leading choice.
HunnyPlay offers an authentic and immersive French Roulette experience with high-quality live dealer games and user-friendly software.
The platform’s sleek interface and seamless navigation make it easy for players to enjoy their favorite game without any hassle.
What sets HunnyPlay apart is its generous bonuses and promotions.
New players are welcomed with lucrative bonuses, while regular players can take advantage of ongoing promotions, enhancing their gameplay and increasing their chances of winning.
Security is a top priority at HunnyPlay, ensuring safe transactions and protecting player information. The casino’s commitment to fair play and transparency guarantees that every spin of the wheel is as thrilling as it is reliable.
HunnyPlay caters to all types of players by offering a variety of betting limits. Whether you are a novice looking to learn the game or an experienced player seeking high-stakes action, HunnyPlay has something for everyone.
French Roulette FAQs
Q: How is French roulette played?
A: Players must place their bets before the dealer announces “no more bets.” The dealer then spins the ball in the roulette wheel, and after several rotations, the ball will land in one of the compartments numbered from 0 to 36. The compartment where the ball lands determines the winning number.
Q: How to win in French roulette?
In French Roulette, as well as all other variations of roulette, the Martingale strategy is often regarded as the most popular betting system. The strategy involves doubling your wager each time you lose a bet. The idea is that when you eventually win, you’ll recover all previous losses and then start again with your original wager amount on the next bet.
Q: What is the main difference between French and American Roulette?
A: An American Roulette wheel features both a zero and a double zero, resulting in a house edge of 5.26%. In contrast, a European or French Roulette wheel has only a single zero, reducing the house edge to 2.7%.
Conclusion
French Roulette offers a unique and thrilling casino experience with its special rules and lower house edge. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced player, understanding the game’s strategies and bets can significantly enhance your gameplay.
For the best French Roulette experience, let’s visit HunnyPlay, where you can enjoy top-notch gaming, generous bonuses, and excellent customer support for your own amazing adventure.