French Roulette – The Players Guide

You might be wondering what the story is with French roulette. Is it a smoky casino in Paris filled with smooth-talking patrons trying their luck on the wheel? Is it basically European roulette with a French touch?

Let's take a look.

So, what exactly is French Roulette? Well, it's a classic casino game that involves placing bets on where a small ball will land on a spinning wheel that is divided into numbered and coloured pockets.

The wheel has 37 pockets, numbered 1 through 36 and a single green pocket marked with a zero. Players can place bets on a variety of outcomes, from the colour of the pocket to the exact number it will land on.

And just like a good croissant, the payouts for bets in french roulette can be quite enticing. So, whether you're a seasoned gambler or just looking for a little bit of fun, give the French Roulette wheel a spin and see if Lady Luck is on your side!

History of French Roulette

It's the game that has all the je ne sais quoi of a Parisian sidewalk cafe, with the added thrill of placing bets on a spinning wheel. But where did this elegant and exciting game originate?

Well, like many things in life, the origins of French Roulette are a bit murky. Some say it was invented in 18th-century France, while others believe it was actually born in Italy and brought to France by the nobleman Charles III.

Back in the day, it was so popular that it was often played in the same salons where French high society gathered for tea, gossip, and revolutionary plotting. And just like those revolutionary ideas, French and European Roulette spread quickly throughout Europe and eventually made its way across the Atlantic to the United States.

Of course, the American version of the game added a few extra pockets to the wheel, including the infamous double zero, and french roulette online became a common sight, but the heart of the European roulette game remained the same: placing bets on where the ball would land on the spinning wheel.

How to Play French Roulette

Alright, let's dive a little deeper into the world of French Roulette! Whether you play french roulette online or at your local casino, the french roulette rules and betting layout are generally the same.

The Roulette Wheel

First up, let's take a look at the game board and wheel. The wheel is the star of the show, with its 37 numbered pockets arranged in seemingly random order. The numbers range from 1 to 36, with a green pocket marked with a zero.

The game board, or table layout, is where players place their bets. It's divided into two main sections: the inside and outside betting areas. The inside area has the numbers laid out in three columns, while the outside area has betting options for groups of numbers, colours, and odd or even numbers.

Betting Options and Payouts

There are a ton of different ways to bet in French Roulette, which is part of what makes the game so exciting! Players can bet on a single number, a group of numbers, or even the colour of the pocket the ball will land in.

The payouts for each bet depend on the odds of it hitting. For example, betting on a single number has a payout of 35 to 1, while betting on red or black has a payout of 1 to 1.

Basic rules and strategies

As for the basic rules of the game, they're pretty simple. Once all bets are placed, the dealer spins the wheel and drops the ball onto it. When the ball lands in a pocket, the dealer announces the winning number or colour and pays out any winning bets.

There are also a few strategies players can use to increase their chances of winning, such as betting on a group of numbers or spreading out bets across the table.

Below you can find a french roulette simulator to see how it works:

French Roulette Betting Systems

As you can imagine, in French Roulette there is a myriad of betting systems on offer. Here are some of the main ones that you'll come across when you're in the thick of the roulette wheel action.

Outside Bets

First up, we have outside bets. These are the safer bets that cover larger groups of numbers, increasing your odds of winning. Examples include "red or black," "even or odd," and "high or low."

Split Bets

Split bets are for the more adventurous types who want to increase their payout potential. This bet is made by placing a chip on the line between two adjacent numbers, meaning you're betting on either number to win.

Dozen Bet

If you want to increase your potential payout even further, try the dozen bet. This bet covers 12 numbers at a time and can be placed on the first, second, or third dozen on the table.

Corner Bet

A corner bet is for the truly daring roulette players. This bet covers four numbers at once by placing a chip on the corner where the four numbers meet. If any of those four numbers win, you'll most likely go home with a motza!

Inside Bets

Now, let's move on to inside bets. These are the bets placed on individual numbers or small groups of numbers, with the highest payout potential but also the lowest odds of winning.

Complete Bet

And finally, for the ultimate roulette experience, try a complete bet. This bet covers every possible bet on a single number, meaning you have a much higher chance of winning something.

It's the ultimate high-risk, high-reward bet!

Key Differences between French and American Roulette

If you're a fan of playing roulette, you might have heard about two interesting rules called "La Partage" and "En Prison." These rules are often seen in European Roulette, and they can have a significant impact on your odds of winning and potential payouts.

The La Partage Rule

So what exactly are these rules? Let's start with La Partage. This rule comes into play when you place an even-money bet (such as Red/Black or Odd/Even) and the ball lands on zero. In this situation, you'll only lose half of your bet, rather than the full amount.

This means that the house edge is reduced to 1.35%, which is great news for players!

En Prison Rule

En Prison, on the other hand, is a bit different. If you call bets (let's say an even-money bet) and the ball ends up on zero, your bet is "imprisoned" (hence the name). What this means is that the bet remains on the table until the next spin rolls around, rather than being lost immediately.

If you win on the next spin, you'll get your original bet back, but you won't win any additional money. If you lose on the next spin, you'll lose your entire bet. This rule also reduces the house edge to 1.35%.

It's worth noting that La Partage and En Prison only apply to even-money bets. If you're betting on a single number, for example, these rules won't come into play.

Number of pockets and house edge

The number of pockets on a roulette wheel also has a significant impact on your odds of winning and potential payouts.

In American Roulette, the wheel has 38 pockets (numbers 1-36, plus 0 and 00). This means that the house edge is higher, at 5.26%. In European Roulette, there are only 37 pockets (numbers 1-36, plus 0), which reduces the house edge to 2.70%.

Impact on player odds and potential winnings

So, how do these rules and pocket numbers impact your potential winnings and odds of winning? Well, if you're playing with La Partage or En Prison, you'll have a slightly better chance of winning, since the French Roulette house edge is lower.

This means that you'll be able to potentially win more money over time since the casino has less of an advantage.

Similarly, playing on a European Roulette wheel with 37 pockets rather than an American Roulette wheel with 38 pockets gives you a better chance of winning, since the house edge is lower. This means that you'll be able to potentially win more money over time as well.

Overall, understanding these rules and the impact of pocket numbers on your odds of winning can be a great way to improve your roulette game and potentially walk away with more winnings!

Famous French Roulette Players

When it comes to notable players and their strategies, there have been many over the years.

One of the most famous is Joseph Jagger, who in the late 1800s hired six clerks to record the outcomes of wheels at a casino in Monte Carlo.

He then analysed the data and discovered that one wheel had a slight bias, which he used to win a fortune.

Another notable player is Ashley Revell, who famously sold all of his possessions and bet everything on a single spin of the roulette wheel. He won, doubling his money and becoming a legend in the gambling world.

Tips for Playing French Roulette

Here are some valuable tips for when you step out onto the gambling floor in search of roulette games at Vegas or log into your computer to make a straight-up bet.

Regardless of the scenario in which you find yourself playing roulette games, these tips will go a long way.

Bankroll Management

Bankroll management is like the foundation of your gambling experience.

You need to set a budget for your gambling activities and stick to it. It's important to be realistic about how much money you can afford to spend on gambling and to never gamble with money that you can't afford to lose.

By setting a budget and sticking to it, you'll be able to enjoy your gambling activities without worrying about financial troubles.

Gamble Responsibly

Responsible gambling is like the guidebook that helps you make smart decisions.

It's all about understanding the risks involved in gambling and taking steps to minimise those risks. This includes setting limits on your gambling activities, such as the amount of time or money you spend, and avoiding chasing losses by trying to win back money that you've lost.

By playing in a responsible way, you can enjoy your gambling experience without experiencing any negative consequences.

Choose The Right Casino

When it comes to choosing a casino and table, it's important to do your research and choose a reputable establishment. Browse our highly regulated, safe and reputable list of the best roulette casinos to find the right casino for you.

Once you've found a casino that you like, take the time to observe the different tables and find one that suits your playing style and skill level. Whether you're playing blackjack or roulette, choosing the right table can make a big difference in your overall gambling experience.

Stay Calm

Finally, staying calm and focused during gameplay is essential for success in any casino game. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of gambling, but it's important to stay level-headed and make rational decisions based on the information available to you.

Avoid making impulsive decisions and take the time to consider your options before placing bets or making other moves. By staying calm and focused, you'll be able to enjoy your gambling experience to the fullest.

Frequently Asked Questions on French Roulette

Thanks for reading until the end of the guide on French roulette! I hope you learned a lot and feel ready for the next time you find yourself at the french roulette table.

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about french roulette we find here at CasinoCrawlers.

What's The Difference Between French and European Roulette?

The main differences between playing french roulette next to European roulette are factors such as the french roulette wheel, the la partage rule, the manner you call bets, and the french roulette table layout.

In saying this, apart from these factors, they are very similar games.

What Are The Odds In French Roulette?

If placing a straight-up bet on a single number, the odds on a french roulette wheel will be a payout of 35 to 1.

Where Can I Play French Roulette Online?

Using our trusted, high-quality list of French Roulette casinos, finding a great place to try your luck and play french roulette online is a breeze.