French Roulette stands out as a premier choice among casino games with the best odds, offering unique rules that enhance the gaming experience. This article covers the rules of French roulette, from its player-friendly features like La Partage and En Prison to the various betting strategies that can maximize your chances of winning at Hard Rock Bet Online Casino.
What Is French Roulette?
French roulette is the most player-friendly version of roulette available at online casinos. This means you get better odds and special rules that can save you money when the ball lands on zero. The game uses a single zero wheel with 37 numbered pockets, compared to American roulette’s 38 pockets that include both zero and double zero.
European roulette and French roulette both have only one zero. Two unique rules called La Partage and En Prison set French roulette apart from European roulette. These rules give you a second chance or partial refund when zero is called, making it the smartest choice for serious roulette players. Hard Rock Bet Casino offers this premium version alongside traditional European roulette and American roulette, giving you access to a premier roulette experience available online.
How Do You Play French Roulette Online?
Those learning how to play roulette will find that French roulette online follows the same basic steps as any roulette game, but with added player protections. You start by selecting your chip value from the betting options displayed on your screen. Most online casinos offer lower minimum bets than land-based venues, so you can start with smaller amounts while learning the game.
Next, you place your bets by clicking on the areas of the digital table where you want to wager. The interface shows all available betting areas clearly, making it easy to place multiple bets in one round. After placing your bets, you click the spin button to set the wheel in motion and watch as the ball determines your fate. Players decide the game speed. Make it faster by double-clicking after the ball starts to spin, play it out slowly while watching the ball spin and drop, or choose somewhere in between.
Hard Rock Bet’s mobile-optimized platform makes this process seamless, whether you are playing on your phone or computer. The game automatically calculates your winnings and adds them to your balance when you hit a winning number or combination.
Fun Facts about French Roulette
- 🎡 French roulette has a single zero, which gives it better odds than American roulette
- 📉 The house edge is about 2.7 percent and can drop to around 1.35 percent with special rules
- 💰 The “La Partage” rule lets you lose only half your bet on even-money bets if the ball lands on zero
- 🔒 The “En Prison” rule gives your bet a second chance instead of losing immediately on zero
- 🔢 The wheel is arranged to balance red and black, odd and even, and high and low numbers
- 🛞The table uses French terms like Rouge (red), Noir (black), Pair (even), and Impair (odd)
- 🏛️ It is the original version of roulette, dating back to 18th-century France
- 🎯 “Roulette” means “little wheel” in French
French Roulette Bet Types and Payouts
French roulette offers the same betting options as other roulette variants, organized into three main categories. Each category offers different risk levels and payout amounts, allowing you to customize your strategy based on your comfort level and bankroll size.
Understanding these bet types helps you make informed decisions about where to place your chips. The key is knowing which bets offer the best balance of winning probability and payout potential for your playing style.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are wagers placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers within the main betting grid. These bets offer the highest payouts but cover fewer numbers, making them riskier but more rewarding when they hit.
- Straight up: Betting on a single number pays 35 to 1.
- Split: Betting on two adjacent numbers pays 17 to 1.
- Street: Betting on three numbers in a row pays 11 to 1.
- Corner: Betting on four numbers that form a square pays 8 to 1.
- Six Line: Betting on six numbers across two rows pays 5 to 1.
These bets appeal to players who enjoy the thrill of big wins and do not mind taking calculated risks. You can place multiple inside bets in a single round to cover more numbers while still aiming for a significant return.
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger sections of the roulette wheel and offer better winning odds with smaller payouts. These bets are perfect for beginners or players who prefer more consistent action over big jackpot-style wins.
The even-money bets include red or black, odd or even, and high (19-36) or low (1-18) numbers. Each of these pays 1 to 1, meaning you double your money when you win. The dozens bets (1-12, 13-24, 25-36) and column bets each pay 2 to 1, covering twelve numbers at once.
Outside bets become even more attractive in French roulette because of the special zero rules. When zero hits, you do not automatically lose your even-money bets as you would in American or European roulette online.
Announced Bets
Announced bets are special wagers that cover specific sections of the roulette wheel rather than the table layout. These sophisticated betting options add depth to your strategy and are easily accessible through Hard Rock Bet’s advanced interface. These wagers are made on the racetrack behind the felt’s main bets. At online casinos, these are made by clicking. At a live game, the dealer must place them.
- Voisins du Zero: Covers the 17 numbers surrounding zero on the wheel.
- Tiers du Cylindre: Covers 12 numbers on the opposite side of the wheel from zero.
- Orphelins: Covers the 8 remaining numbers not included in the other two bets.
- Neighbours: Bets a number and two connecting ones on either side.
These bets require multiple chips and follow predetermined patterns that experienced players use to cover large wheel sections efficiently. They are particularly popular among players who want to bet like high-rollers without needing massive bankrolls.
La Partage and En Prison Rules Explained
La Partage and En Prison are the two special rules that make French roulette superior to other versions. These rules only apply to even-money outside bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) and activate when the ball lands on zero.
La Partage means “the divide” in French. When zero hits, and you have an even-money bet, you get half your wager back instead of losing it all. This rule cuts your potential losses in half on these bets, making French roulette much more player-friendly than American or European roulette.
En Prison means “in prison” and offers an alternative to La Partage at some tables. Instead of getting half your bet back when zero hits, your entire bet stays on the table for the next spin. If your bet wins on the following spin, you get your original stake back with no additional winnings. If it loses, you forfeit the entire amount.
Smart Betting Strategies for French Roulette
Successful French roulette play starts with proper bankroll management rather than trying to predict where the ball will land. Set a specific amount you are comfortable losing before you start playing, and never chase losses by increasing your bet sizes dramatically, following responsible gaming principles.
Keep your individual bets between 1-5% of your total session budget to ensure you can weather both winning and losing streaks. This approach lets you enjoy longer playing sessions and manage the natural ups and downs of the game.
Consider focusing on even-money outside bets when starting out, especially in French roulette, where the La Partage rule protects half your stake when zero hits. You can gradually incorporate inside bets as you become more comfortable with the game’s rhythm and your bankroll allows for higher-risk wagers.
Why French Roulette Beats American Roulette
French roulette offers significantly better playing conditions than American roulette, primarily because of its single zero wheel. American roulette’s double zero creates an additional losing outcome that does not exist in the French version, giving you better odds on every single bet you make.
The La Partage and En Prison rules provide additional value that you simply can’t find in American roulette. These rules provide an extra layer of protection on even-money bets, creating a more favorable experience for players.
When you combine the single zero wheel with the special zero rules, French roulette becomes the clear choice for players looking for the best possible playing conditions. The game maintains all the excitement of traditional roulette while offering unique advantages and player protections.
Why French Roulette Beats European Roulette
While French roulette and European roulette both only have one zero, only French roulette has La Partage or En Prison. This means even money bets have half the house edge of the same wager on a European felt. All other bets are identical between these two games.
Comparing the House Advantages of Roulette Types
The three most common online roulette games are French, European, and American. The house edge for each game and specific bets is below:
| Variant | Total Pockets | Zero Pockets | House Edge | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American roulette | 38 | 0 and 00 | 5.26% (all except Basket bet) 7.89% (Basket bet) | Basket bet available |
| European roulette | 37 | 0 only | 2.7% | Standard rules only |
| French roulette | 37 | 0 only | 1.35% (even money bets) 2.7% (all other bets) | La Partage and En Prison rules |
Some Physical Casinos Have La Partage
You can find La Partage at some traditional casinos. All Atlantic City double zero tables have La Partage. The single zero games there do not. If you only play even money bets, you should choose double zero games when in Atlantic City.
In Las Vegas, European roulette tables are single zero games with La Partage, as the term French roulette does not exist there. Ensure the table is European before playing, as some single zero tables do not have this rule. It can be confusing if you are used to playing online, but all it takes is one question to the dealer about La Partage and you will understand the house rules.
Start Playing French Roulette at Hard Rock Bet
Hard Rock Bet makes accessing French roulette simple through their user-friendly platform that works seamlessly on both desktop and mobile devices. The casino offers this premium roulette variant alongside their collection of over 4,300 games, including live dealer online casino options, ensuring you have access to the best possible roulette experience.
Getting started requires just a quick account setup process, after which you can immediately begin playing French roulette with lower minimum bets than you would find at most land-based casinos. The platform’s intuitive design makes placing bets straightforward, whether you are new or an experienced player looking for better roulette odds and rules.
Hard Rock Bet’s licensed and regulated environment ensures fair play, while their Unity rewards program adds extra value to every session. You will experience the authentic thrill of French roulette backed by Hard Rock’s decades of entertainment expertise, creating the perfect blend of classic casino gaming and modern convenience.
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Frequently Asked Questions About French Roulette
Ready to take your French roulette game to the next level? Here are some quick answers to the most common questions players have before they hit the table.
Can I play French roulette for free before betting real money?
Absolutely! Hard Rock Bet Casino lets you try French roulette in demo mode, so you can practice your moves and get comfortable before you play for real cash.
What makes French roulette different from European roulette?
Both use a single-zero wheel, but French roulette stands out because of La Partage or En Prison on even-money bets. Those rules reduce losses when zero hits, which is why French roulette is generally considered the better player option.
What’s the difference between La Partage and En Prison in French roulette?
La Partage gives you half your even-money bet back if the ball lands on zero, while En Prison lets you “lock” your bet for one more spin. If it wins, you get your original bet back.
Does French roulette always have the best odds?
For even-money bets, yes, when La Partage or En Prison is in effect. Those wagers can drop to about a 1.35% house edge. Other French roulette bets still sit around 2.70%, which is the same as standard European roulette.
Do I need any special strategy for French roulette compared to other versions?
French Roulette’s player-friendly rules mean even-money bets are extra smart, but basic roulette strategy like setting a budget, sticking to your limits, and having fun never change.
Can I use the same betting systems in French roulette as in American or European roulette?
You sure can! Popular systems like Martingale, Fibonacci, and D’Alembert all work in French roulette, but remember: no system guarantees a win, so play responsibly.
Is French roulette available on mobile devices at Hard Rock Bet Casino?
Yes, you can spin the French roulette wheel on Hard Rock Bet’s mobile platform, which is built for seamless play on your phone or tablet.
