Learn the rules of French roulette, including La Partage and En Prison, and discover how these features reduce the house edge and improve your betting odds.
French Roulette Rules: A Guide to La Partage and En Prison
French roulette rules offer some of the most player-friendly conditions in casino gaming, especially due to special features like La Partage and En Prison. These rules apply to even-money bets and reduce the house edge significantly, making French roulette a top choice for strategic players. The game uses a single-zero wheel, similar to European roulette, but the table layout and betting rules differ.
Understanding French roulette rules helps you take advantage of lower-risk betting options. Unlike other variants, French roulette gives you a second chance on losing even-money bets under certain conditions. This guide explains how these rules work and what to watch for when playing.
La Partage Rule Explained
La Partage is a key feature in French roulette that returns half of your even-money bet if the ball lands on zero. This applies to bets like red/black, odd/even, or high/low. For example, if you bet $10 on red and the ball hits zero, you get $5 back instead of losing the full amount.
This rule cuts the house edge on even-money bets from 2.7% to 1.35%, making it one of the fairest bets in the casino. Not all online casinos offer La Partage, so check the game rules before playing. It’s more common in land-based European casinos and premium online live dealer games.
En Prison Rule and How It Works
En Prison is an alternative to La Partage that gives your losing even-money bet another chance. Instead of getting half back, your bet is 'imprisoned' and carried over to the next spin. If you win on the next spin, you get your full stake back (but no winnings). If you lose, the bet is forfeited.
This rule also reduces the house edge to 1.35% over time. Some casinos allow En Prison to apply multiple times, while others limit it to one re-spin. The choice between La Partage and En Prison depends on the casino, but both offer better odds than standard roulette.
Table Layout and Betting Options
The French roulette table layout is different from European or American versions. Bets are placed inside a single grid, and the French terms like 'Rouge' (red) and 'Impair' (odd) are used. Croupiers often allow call bets, such as 'Voisins du Zéro' or 'Orphelins,' which cover specific wheel sections.
Players can announce these bets verbally, and the dealer places the chips accordingly. This tradition is preserved in live dealer games. While the layout may seem intimidating at first, it offers the same betting types as other variants, just with a different presentation and language.
- Single-zero wheel (37 pockets)
- La Partage or En Prison rules on even-money bets
- French-labeled betting layout
- Call bets allowed by croupier
- Lower house edge compared to American roulette
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the house edge in French roulette?
With La Partage or En Prison, the house edge on even-money bets drops to 1.35%. For other bets, it remains at 2.7%, the same as European roulette.
Is French roulette the same as European roulette?
They use the same wheel, but French roulette includes special rules and a different table layout. The betting rules and terminology are also distinct.
Can I find French roulette online?
Yes, many online casinos offer French roulette, especially in live dealer sections. Look for games that explicitly mention La Partage or En Prison in the rules.
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