French Roulette is the original and most player-friendly version of roulette, featuring a single zero wheel and special rules like La Partage that reduce the house edge to just 1.35% on even-money bets. This classic casino game combines elegant gameplay with the best odds available in roulette.
French Roulette represents the pinnacle of roulette gaming, offering players the most favorable odds and the richest strategic depth of any roulette variant. While it may appear similar to European Roulette at first glance, the subtle differences in rules and betting options create a significantly better experience for informed players. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone serious about roulette.
The French Roulette wheel contains 37 pockets numbered from 0 to 36. Unlike American Roulette, which includes both 0 and 00, the single zero configuration immediately improves your odds. The numbers are arranged in a specific sequence designed to distribute odd, even, red, and black numbers as evenly as possible around the wheel.
The wheel sequence follows this exact pattern: 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, 25, 17, 34, 6, 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, 33, 1, 20, 14, 31, 9, 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26. This arrangement is identical to European Roulette and has been carefully designed to prevent any bias or pattern exploitation.
The pockets alternate between red and black, with the zero pocket colored green. This alternating pattern ensures that no color dominates any section of the wheel. The distribution of odd and even numbers, as well as high and low numbers, is strategically balanced to maintain randomness and fairness in outcomes.
The French Roulette table layout differs from American Roulette in several important ways. The betting grid displays numbers 1-36 in three columns of twelve numbers each, with the zero positioned at the top. The most distinctive feature is that outside bets, particularly the even-money bets, appear on both sides of the number grid rather than just one side.
The table uses French terminology for many bets, which can initially confuse English-speaking players. However, these terms are straightforward once learned: Rouge and Noir for red and black, Pair and Impair for even and odd, and Manque and Passe for low and high numbers. Understanding this terminology is essential for placing bets correctly and communicating with dealers in live games.
The inside betting area consists of the numbered grid from 0 to 36. This is where you place bets on specific numbers or small groups of adjacent numbers. The layout allows for various betting combinations by positioning chips on numbers, lines between numbers, corners where four numbers meet, or the edges of rows.
The outside betting area contains the even-money bets and other broader betting options. These include column bets covering twelve numbers, dozen bets covering groups of twelve consecutive numbers, and the simple chances: red/black, odd/even, and low/high. These bets offer lower payouts but significantly higher probability of winning.
French Roulette offers the complete range of standard roulette bets, divided into inside bets and outside bets. Each bet type carries specific odds and payouts that reflect the mathematical probability of winning.
Straight Up: A bet on a single number pays 35 to 1. You place your chip directly on any number including zero. This offers the highest payout but the lowest probability of winning at 2.70%.
Split: Betting on two adjacent numbers by placing your chip on the line between them pays 17 to 1. This doubles your chances compared to a straight bet while still offering substantial returns.
Street: A bet covering three numbers in a horizontal row pays 11 to 1. Place your chip on the outer edge of the row to make this bet. You can also bet on 0-1-2 or 0-2-3 combinations.
Corner or Square: Covering four numbers that meet at a corner pays 8 to 1. Position your chip at the intersection point where all four numbers touch. This bet can also include zero in combinations like 0-1-2-3.
Line Bet: Betting on six numbers across two adjacent rows pays 5 to 1. Place your chip on the outer edge where the two rows meet.
Column Bet: Covering all twelve numbers in a vertical column pays 2 to 1. Place your chip in the box marked 2 to 1 at the bottom of your chosen column.
Dozen Bet: Betting on twelve consecutive numbers in groups of 1-12, 13-24, or 25-36 pays 2 to 1. These are marked as P12, M12, and D12 on the French table.
Red or Black: Betting on all red or all black numbers pays 1 to 1. This covers 18 numbers and offers nearly a 50% chance of winning, reduced slightly by the zero.
Odd or Even: Betting on all odd or all even numbers pays 1 to 1, covering 18 numbers with the same probability as color bets.
Low or High: Betting on numbers 1-18 or 19-36 pays 1 to 1, again covering 18 numbers with equal probability to other even-money bets.
French Roulette stands out as the most advantageous roulette variant for players due to its mathematical edge. The combination of a single zero wheel and the La Partage rule creates the lowest house edge in roulette, making it the preferred choice for serious players who understand value.
The game maintains the elegance and tradition of classic European casino gaming while providing modern players with transparent odds and strategic betting options. Understanding the wheel sequence, table layout, and special betting rules is essential for maximizing your advantage at the French Roulette table.
The La Partage rule is what truly distinguishes French Roulette and makes it the most player-friendly variant. When the ball lands on zero, players who made even-money bets do not lose their entire stake. Instead, they receive half of their bet back. This single rule reduces the house edge on these bets from 2.70% to just 1.35%, making French Roulette mathematically superior to all other variants.
This rule only applies to the six even-money bets: red/black, odd/even, and low/high. Inside bets and other outside bets like columns and dozens lose completely when zero hits. Some casinos offer an alternative called En Prison, where your bet is imprisoned for the next spin rather than returning half immediately, but La Partage is more common in online French Roulette.
French Roulette introduces special betting patterns called call bets or announced bets. These are predetermined combinations that cover specific sections of the wheel rather than the table layout. In land-based casinos, players traditionally announce these bets verbally, though online versions provide convenient buttons to place them instantly.
This bet covers 17 numbers surrounding zero on the wheel: 22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, and 25. It requires nine chips placed in a specific pattern: two chips on the 0-2-3 trio, one chip on the 4/7 split, one on 12/15, one on 18/21, one on 19/22, one on 25/26/28/29 corner, and two on 32/35 split. This is the most popular call bet, covering nearly half the wheel.
This bet covers twelve numbers opposite zero on the wheel: 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, and 33. It requires six chips, each placed on a split: 5/8, 10/11, 13/16, 23/24, 27/30, and 33/36. This section represents approximately one-third of the wheel.
This bet covers the eight numbers not included in Voisins du Zero or Tiers du Cylindre: 1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31, and 34. It requires five chips: one straight on 1, and four splits on 6/9, 14/17, 17/20, and 31/34. These orphan numbers are split into two sections on opposite sides of the wheel.
This bet covers seven numbers closest to zero: 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, and 15. It requires four chips: one straight on 26, and three splits on 0/3, 12/15, and 32/35. This is a smaller, more focused bet on the zero neighborhood.
You can bet on any number plus its immediate neighbors on the wheel. A standard neighbors bet covers five numbers: your chosen number plus the two numbers on each side of it on the wheel. This requires five chips, one on each number.
Final bets cover all numbers ending with the same digit. For example, a final 4 bet covers 4, 14, 24, and 34. Finals 0 through 6 cover four numbers each, while finals 7, 8, and 9 cover only three numbers since there is no 37, 38, or 39 on the wheel.
Understanding the mathematical advantage is crucial for making informed decisions. French Roulette offers a house edge of 2.70% on all bets except even-money bets, where the La Partage rule reduces it to 1.35%. This compares favorably to European Roulette at 2.70% across all bets and American Roulette at 5.26% due to the double zero.
The probability of winning varies by bet type. A straight bet has a 2.70% chance of winning but pays 35 to 1. Even-money bets have a 48.65% chance of winning and pay 1 to 1. The expected return to player on even-money bets in French Roulette is 98.65%, making it one of the best bets in any casino game.
While roulette is fundamentally a game of chance with no strategy that can overcome the house edge, understanding bet selection and bankroll management improves your playing experience. Focus on even-money bets to take full advantage of the La Partage rule and minimize the house edge.
Call bets add variety and cover wheel sections rather than table patterns, which some players prefer for their elegance and coverage. However, they do not change the underlying mathematics. Avoid betting systems like Martingale that claim to guarantee wins, as they cannot overcome the mathematical house advantage and can lead to rapid bankroll depletion.
Set clear loss limits before playing and stick to them. The low house edge in French Roulette means your bankroll will last longer on average compared to other variants, but the casino always maintains a mathematical advantage over the long term.
French Roulette stands as the optimal choice for roulette players who value mathematical advantage and strategic depth. The combination of single zero odds and the La Partage rule creates the lowest house edge available in roulette, while call bets and announced bets add sophisticated betting options for experienced players. Whether playing online or in land-based casinos, choosing French Roulette over American or even European variants puts you in the best possible position. Understanding the wheel layout, table structure, betting options, and special rules transforms you from a casual player into an informed participant who maximizes value on every spin.
The primary difference is the La Partage rule in French Roulette, which returns half your stake on even-money bets when zero hits, reducing the house edge to 1.35% on those bets. French Roulette also features call bets and uses French terminology on the table layout.
When the ball lands on zero, players who placed even-money bets receive half their stake back instead of losing the entire bet. This rule only applies to red/black, odd/even, and low/high bets, effectively cutting the house edge in half on these wagers.
Call bets do not change the house edge but offer convenient ways to cover specific wheel sections with predetermined chip placements. They add strategic variety and are popular among experienced players who prefer betting on wheel geography rather than table layout patterns.
The house edge is 2.70% on most bets, identical to European Roulette. However, on even-money bets, the La Partage rule reduces the house edge to just 1.35%, making these the most favorable bets in any roulette variant.
Yes, most online casinos offer French Roulette in both standard and live dealer formats. Online versions typically include convenient buttons for placing call bets and often display both French and English terminology to accommodate all players.
Even-money bets offer the best value due to the La Partage rule, giving you the lowest house edge at 1.35%. These include red/black, odd/even, and low/high bets. While they pay less than inside bets, they provide the best mathematical advantage for players.
Play French Roulette at these reputable online casinos offering the best odds and authentic gaming experience.
Learn how to effectively use Voisins du Zero, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins bets to cover strategic wheel sections and add depth to your French Roulette gameplay.
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Online casinos report significant growth in live dealer French Roulette tables as players seek authentic casino experiences with optimal odds.
Major gaming providers launch enhanced mobile interfaces for French Roulette with improved call bet functionality and touch-optimized controls.
International casino networks introduce competitive French Roulette tournaments featuring substantial prize pools and professional player participation.