Explore the French roulette wheel, its unique call bets, and player-friendly rules like La Partage that can reduce the house edge.
The French Roulette Wheel: Rules and Features
The French roulette wheel is the original form of the game, renowned for its player-friendly rules that can lower the house edge. This guide explores its unique layout, special betting options, and the key rules like 'La Partage' and 'En Prison'. Understanding these distinctions can make French roulette a more advantageous choice for players.
While it uses a standard European single-zero wheel, the table layout and terminology are distinctly French. The game often features a refined atmosphere and specific call bets that are part of its tradition. We'll explain how these elements work and what you should look for when you play.
Wheel and Table Layout
The French roulette wheel has 37 pockets: numbers 1-36 and a single zero. The numbers are arranged in the same non-sequential order as the European wheel. The key difference lies in the table layout, which is typically red and green, with betting areas labeled in French.
The outside betting areas for red (Rouge), black (Noir), odd (Impair), even (Pair), low (Manque, 1-18), and high (Passe, 19-36) are present. The grid of numbers is also arranged in three columns (Colonnes) and dozens (Douzaines), but these terms are in French. The layout is designed for the special 'call bets' or 'announced bets' placed on the racetrack area.
Special Rules: La Partage and En Prison
These are the most important rules that benefit the player and are often (but not always) applied to even-money bets when the ball lands on zero. La Partage means 'the divide'. If zero hits, you lose only half of your even-money bet; the other half is returned to you. This effectively halves the house edge on those bets to approximately 1.35%.
En Prison means 'in prison'. If zero hits, your even-money bet is not lost but is 'imprisoned' for the next spin. On the next spin, if your bet wins, your original stake is returned (you neither win nor lose). If it loses, you lose the stake. This rule also reduces the house edge to about 1.35%. Always check which rule is in play at your table.
French Call Bets (Announced Bets)
These are complex bets covering specific sections of the wheel, traditionally placed verbally to the dealer. They are not marked on the main grid but on a separate racetrack diagram. Common call bets include 'Voisins du Zero' (neighbors of zero), covering 17 numbers around the zero, 'Tiers du Cylindre' (thirds of the wheel), covering 12 numbers opposite the zero, and 'Orphelins' (orphans), covering the remaining 8 numbers not in the other two groups.
While these bets can be exciting, they involve multiple chip placements and have fixed, often non-standard, payouts. It's advisable to understand the coverage and cost of each call bet before attempting to place one. Many online French roulette games simplify this with a clickable racetrack interface.
- Voisins du Zero: Covers 17 numbers near zero on the wheel.
- Tiers du Cylindre: Covers 12 numbers on the opposite side of the wheel from zero.
- Orphelins: Covers the 8 numbers not included in the other two bets.
- Jeu Zero: A bet covering the zero and its six closest neighbors.
What to Check with Bonuses
When using a casino bonus to play French roulette, the advantageous rules can work in your favor when clearing wagering requirements. The lower house edge means your bonus funds are statistically likely to last longer. However, you must confirm that the specific French roulette variant you're playing is eligible under the bonus terms.
Check the game contribution percentage in the terms and conditions. Most quality casinos count standard roulette play at 100%, but it's always best to verify. Also, ensure that bets placed using the special call bets or racetrack are included and contribute fully towards meeting any playthrough requirements.
- Confirm French roulette is an eligible game for your bonus.
- Verify the game contribution rate is 100% for standard play.
- Check if special rules like 'La Partage' are active, as they affect the house edge.
- Understand that bonus terms do not change the underlying odds of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between French and European roulette?
The core wheel is identical (single zero). The key differences are the French table layout, terminology, and the potential application of the 'La Partage' or 'En Prison' rules on even-money bets, which lower the house edge.
Is the house edge always lower in French roulette?
Only if the 'La Partage' or 'En Prison' rule is in effect on the table. If these rules are not offered, the house edge is the standard European 2.7%. Always check the table rules before you play.
Do I need to speak French to place call bets?
No. In online casinos, you can place these bets by clicking on the corresponding sections of the racetrack diagram. In live casinos, you can learn the English names for the bets or simply point to the area on the layout.
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