Roulette has always been the apple of the eye of online casinos, just like it has always given them tremendous attention in brick-and-mortar casinos. If you are a frequent visitor of digital casinos, you probably realize there’s a massive section for online roulette games. Not only in the Live Casino section but also in table games, you can find multiple. Assumably you are also familiar with the name French Roulette.
This fantastic game brings a whole new perspective to the traditional online roulette versions. Before going further about the catchy aspects of French Roulette online, we better introduce the game characteristics, the game rules, probable betting options, and other spots that our readers may be curious about.
In this comprehensive French Roulette review, we will also compare the subject game with other variants you may encounter on online casino websites. Let’s start!
Top French Roulette Casinos 2023
In 2023, several new online casinos will compete to offer the latest and greatest version of an old classic to play French Roulette online. Nevertheless, despite the abundance, three have stood out as the leaders in the field, excelling in gaming, user experience, and bonuses. We believe introducing these leading platforms may help you find the “one” matching your standards and expectations.
Cricbaba
In the top spot, we have Cricbaba. Though it gained attention early on as a sports betting interface, it has expanded into a complete gaming system. The Government of Curacao fully licenses the platform and offers a tasty welcome offer, a 100% bonus of up to 25,000 INR.
Players can enjoy high-quality visuals, fluid animations, and a UI capturing the vibe of a Monte Carlo casino in its French Roulette casino option. Roulette newcomers and aficionados will feel at ease with Cricbaba’s professional live dealers and adjustable betting options.
Bet365
Bet365, a widely known name in the gambling business, will continue to prosper in 2023. As in the past, it presents one of the best online versions of French Roulette. Bet365’s tables are more than just a place to place bets; they’re also a way to become engaged in a culture and a custom that dates back centuries.
Expert dealers, hassle-free broadcasting, and generous bonuses fuel the platform’s success. The British Gambling Commission, the most reliable iGaming regulatory authority, regulates its operations.
Indibet
Finally, there is Indibet, an online casino that is growing more and more popular among Roulette lovers. Their French Roulette is an outstanding blend, including classic and cutting-edge components. Indibet gives a fresh spin on this time-honored classic via fascinating extra bets and attention to player satisfaction.
Their easy-to-use structure makes it easy for anyone to navigate and appreciate a round of Roulette. The Government of Curacao regulates the venue and offers a welcome bonus of 200% up to 10,000 INR. Not bad at all! Right?
Basics of Playing French Roulette
French Roulette is a timeless, sophisticated next stage of the cherished casino game. Although many players may think it bears parallels to its European and American counterparts, the game possesses a plethora of distinctive elements that genuinely set it apart from the container.
Welcome to our thorough guide on French Roulette! Whether or not you’re an expert player or someone new to the ground, we’ve got you covered. In this tutorial, we’ll take you into the basics of playing French Roulette, presenting you with an in-depth grasp of its rules, layout, and strategy.
Since it is essential to fully understand any online casino game before you put in some cash, we better start from the ABC. Let’s describe a French Roulette Table:
The Wheel
French Roulette is a rewarding casino game featuring a wheel offering 37 pockets; each delicately numbered from 0 to 36. In this game, players will find themselves absorbed in a stunning roulette table.
The developers have ingeniously chosen to colour the 0 pockets in a vibrant shade of green, making an eye-catching contrast against the changing red and black colour combinations of the remaining pockets. This thoughtful design choice adds visual interest to the overall gaming experience.
Table Layout
The standard design is usually a large piece of green felt with numbers and French phrases printed on it. This is where the wagers take place.
There are three parallel columns of numbers and 12 numbers in each column. Other betting options are available outside the number grid and are often labeled in French. A few examples are:
Rouge (Red) and Noir (Black)
Pair (Even) and Impair (Odd)
Manque (Numbers 1-18) and Passe (Numbers 19-36)
Called Bet Section
When playing French Roulette, specific tables present an area for “called bets” or “announced bets.” This is a different number grid than the one normally applied. Instead, it represents the sequence of numbers on the wheel. You’ll find expressions referring to specific sets of numbers based on their positioning on the wheel like these:
Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero)
Tiers du Cylindre (Thirds of the Wheel)
Orphelins (Orphans)
The Croupier
The croupier is the dealer in online French Roulette who spins the wheel, drops the ball, performs the announcements, and manages the game’s payouts. They’ll be positioned on one side of the table with quick access to the operating wheel.
Chip Placement Area
A croupier’s chip tray or tray portions are placed at the croupier’s side or off to one side of the table. Keep in mind that every different version possesses diverse French Roulette terms for betting through a certain amount of game chips. Thus, it is always important to read about the gameplay basics of the particular product.
The “La Partage” Rule
Many French Roulette tables adhere to the “La Partage” rule, which is not a physical part of the table yet significant to keep in mind. It’s an essential component of the French Roulette table and a symbol of the game itself.
Players who bet even money (on Red/Black or Even/Odd) will get half their bet back whenever the ball lands on zero. French Roulette La Partage is a favourite due to being a more player-friendly part of the game and minimizing the house edge.
Since we have mentioned the overall concept, now, it is time to focus on how to play French Roulette. Here are the steps and brief explanations of each stage to participate in these exciting games:
- Placing Bets: First of all, they must place their chips in the relevant betting space.
It is optional to wager on a single number, a set of numbers, a column/s, a dozen, or even-money bets. “called bets,” which are bets on a predetermined sequence of numbers, are readily accessible in French Roulette as well.
- Spinning the Wheel: The dealer (croupier) spins the wheel in one direction and drops the ball in the opposite direction after stating the bets. As the ball whirls, players wait in anxious expectation for it to land in one of the numbered pockets.
- Outcome: After the ball finally stops in a pocket, the croupier will announce the winning number and color. Bets that match the result are paid out accordingly, while losing bets are collected.
- Next Round: The process begins anew. Players can choose to repeat their previous bets, place new bets, or leave the table.
What Are French Roulette Bets?
Undoubtedly, French Roulette is an enjoyable twist on the classic roulette game played for centuries. As you may have a glimpse from its name, the game initially originated in France. However, its extraordinary features and betting opportunities have since paved the way for players’ hearts all over the world. Mastering the various wagers is crucial to truly comprehend and excel at this game, just like any iGaming product.
Each type of bet, from the most basic “inside” and “outside” wagers to the most sophisticated “call” bets, has its own unique French Roulette odds and eventual payouts. In this section, we will go deeper into the wide range of betting options in French Roulette and explain to our readers how they work.
Inside Bets
Inside bets refer to bets placed directly on individual numbers or groups of numbers on the roulette table. These bets generally come with higher payouts for their more specific nature and correspondingly higher risks. The primary inside bets are:
- Straight Up: This is a bet on a single number. If the ball lands on the chosen number, the payout is 35:1.
- Split: This is placed on two adjacent numbers on the table. To place a split bet, you place your chip on the line separating the two numbers. If either of the numbers hits, you get a 17:1 payout.
- Street: A bet on three consecutive numbers in a single row. Chips are placed on the outer edge of the row. If any number in the row comes up, the payout is 11:1.
- Corner (or Square): This one covers four numbers that form a square on the table. By placing a chip on the intersecting corner of these numbers, and if any of them win, the payout is 8:1.
- Six Line: A wager on six numbers covering two adjoining rows. With a chip on the outer corner of these rows, a win results in a 5:1 payout.
Outside Bets
As the name refers, outside bets are made on larger sets of numbers or particular outcomes rather than specific numbers. They offer better chances of winning but have lower payouts in comparison to inside bets. Here are some outside bets you may encounter when playing French Roulette.
- Red/Black, Even/Odd, and High/Low: These are even-money bets. They cover half the numbers on the wheel (ignoring the zero), offering a 1:1 payout.
- Dozens: The table is divided into three dozens: 1-12, 13-24, and 25-36. A successful bet on one of these sections results in a 2:1 payout.
- Columns: Similar to dozens, columns cover vertical lines of 12 numbers on the table. A win also offers a 2:1 payout.
Call Bets
Call bets or announced bets are unique wagers in French Roulette based on the arrangement of numbers on the wheel rather than the table itself. These bets can be evaluated into two main categories: Fixed and Variable bets.
Fixed Bets
- Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero): This bet covers 17 numbers closest to the zero on the wheel. It involves multiple chips and includes numbers between 22 and 25 on the wheel. If any of these numbers wins, the payout varies depending on the specific number.
- Tiers du Cylindre (Third of the Wheel): This bet requires six chips to cover 12 numbers opposite the zero. Winning numbers result in a payout of 17:1 or 35:1, depending on the exact number hit.
- Orphelins (Orphans): This bet covers the eight numbers not included in Voisins du Zéro or Tiers du Cylindre. It requires five chips, and winning outcomes vary between 17:1 and 35:1.
Variable Bets
- Jeu Zéro (Zero Game): This bet covers the numbers closest to zero: 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, and 15. Four chips are required, and winning payouts vary based on the exact number.
- Neighbours: This is a bet placed on a number and the two numbers immediately to its left and right on the wheel. It requires five chips. If any of these numbers wins, the payout will be based on the specific outcome.
- Final Bet: This bet covers all the numbers that end in a specific digit. For instance, a “final 4” would mean betting on 4, 14, 24, and 34. The number of chips required and the payout depends on the specific chosen number in this part.
French Roulette Rules
Today, French Roulette remains a favourite among live casino players thanks to its seamless blend of old-school charms with cutting-edge game layouts. The game’s noteworthy features, especially the rules of “La Partage” and “En Prison,” endear it to players of all experience levels and make it possible for them to safeguard their bets better while still enjoying the game.
What Is La Partage Rule?
The French word “partage” means “sharing,” and this approach is based on that definition. While gambling French Roulette, players place even-money bets (such as on red or black) and are able to retain their total wagers whenever the ball falls on zero. In other words, if “La Partage” is active, the player only loses half their initial stake and receives the other half refund.
Indeed, the player receives a certain advantage from the rule at hand. In terms of the house edge, French Roulette with the “La Partage” rule shines out as the most attractive choice and even-money bets have one of the lowest house edges in the casino gaming sector at approximately 1.35%.
What Is En Prison Rule?
The rule commonly referred to as “en prison,” literally means “in prison,” brings a whole new dimension of strategy and mystique charm to the game. This rule, like “La Partage,” is applied when a player stakes even money and the outcome of the ball is zero. In the scenario, the participants may select between two possible outcomes in which they will not automatically lose half of their bet. These are:
- Retrieve Half: Corresponding to the “La Partage” rules, the player has the alternative of reclaiming half of their wager.
- Leave the Bet In Prison: When a player picks “Leave the Bet In Prison,” their wager stays on the table and is “imprisoned” up until the next spin. Once the player’s bet wins on the following spin, they receive back their initial stake but not any winnings generated by the spin. If the wager fails, the player loses everything they put into it.
The “En Prison” rule amplifies the strategic level and tension of the game. In order to figure out whether to risk their entire wager or take the more secure route of having half of it returned, players have to weigh the pros and cons of holding their bet “imprisoned” vs. accepting the guaranteed return.
Some gamblers regard the “En Prison” rule as a second chance to regain a wager they may have otherwise lost. The guaranteed “La Partage” decision can be appealing to those who would instead not take any chances. No matter what, this rule adds an additional layer of sophistication to French Roulette that typically doesn’t exist in games of pure chance.
French vs. American Roulette
Roulette, a classic casino game, comes in various forms, with French and American being two of the most notable variants. While both maintain the basic principle of a spinning wheel and a ball that determines the outcome, distinct differences set them apart.
- Wheel Structure
French Roulette: Features a wheel with 37 pockets, numbered from 0 to 36. The single zero pocket is green, while the other numbers alternate between red and black.
American Roulette: In addition to the numbers 0 to 36, the American wheel has a double zero (00), making it 38 pockets in total. This extra pocket increases the house’s edge.
- House Edge
French Roulette: Due to the single zero and player-friendly rules like “La Partage” and “En Prison,” the house edge can be as low as 1.35% on even-money bets.
American Roulette: The additional double zero pocket pushes the house edge up to 5.26%, making it less favourable for players in terms of odds.
- Table Layout
French Roulette: The betting layout is French and often incorporates a racetrack section for call bets.
American Roulette: The layout uses English terminology, and there’s typically no section for call bets.
French vs. European Roulette
One of the most excellent sides of Roulette is its extraordinary nature which allows it to be flexible and kaleidoscopic to be adapted in diverse variants such as French, American, European, and many others. On the other hand, French and European Roulette are more tightly related to one another than to the American adaptation. Yet, they still include key distinctions which alter the pattern the game is executed. Let’s turn our spots into them one by one.
- Wheel Structure
Both French and European Roulette uses a wheel with 37 pockets, comprising numbers from 0 to 36. The structure, in this case, is identical.
- House Edge
French Roulette: Owing to the “La Partage” and “En Prison” rules, the house edge for even-money bets can be brought down to 1.35%.
European Roulette: While it doesn’t have the double zero of American Roulette, it typically lacks the “La Partage” and “En Prison” rules, making its house edge for all bets 2.70%.
- Table Layout & Terminology
French Roulette: The table usually features French wording, and there’s often a racetrack section for placing call bets.
European Roulette: The table layout is generally in English (or the primary language of the country where it’s being played). It’s more straightforward than the French version, with a standard layout and no specific section for call bets.
- Special Rules
French Roulette: This variant is primarily known for its player-friendly rules, “La Partage” and “En Prison,” which can potentially return half the stake or offer a second chance to players when the ball lands on zero.
European Roulette: Generally, European Roulette tables do not offer these rules, though there are exceptions in some Indian online casinos.
French Roulette Advice
Learning the rules and how French Roulette differs from its American and European cousins is only the beginning of the voyage. It’s also about understanding to make wise decisions, weigh risks, and then apply strategies to maximize the fun you have.
Even though each spin of the roulette wheel is an element of chance, heading to the table with a plan of action can turn it from a short pastime into a long, enjoyable pleasure. Tips and suggestions will be addressed in depth in this part of our review, encouraging you to put your best spin forward at all times.
Understand French Roulette Odds
Understanding the odds is critical for making wise choices when it comes to any game of chance. The odds indicate not only the likelihood of an event happening but also the potential payout if you get lucky.
Because of the specific rules and structure of French Roulette, this awareness is much more necessary. Here are some of the reasons why mastering French Roulette odds during play is critical:
- Smart Betting: No need to say that French Roulette entails risk at its core. Recognizing the risk becomes clearer by knowing the odds of each wager. A straight-up bet on a single number has an enormous payoff of 35 to 1, while the winning odds are low at 1 in 37.
On the other hand, betting on Red/Black or Odd/Even has a much greater likelihood of winning (nearly 50%, excluding the green zero); however, the payout is only 1 to 1.
- Strategy Optimisation: Once you know the odds, you can formulate strategies based on risk-reward trade-offs. Some players play it safe by placing wagers with higher odds of winning with lesser payouts. Others can take a bolder route and strive for higher payouts.
- Perks of Special Rules: French Roulette has particular rules, such as ‘La Partage’ and ‘En Prison,’ that favor players to lower the house edge on specific stakes, especially those with even payouts. By knowing these guidelines and the likelihoods connected with them, French Roulette can become one of the most user-friendly roulette variants.
Manage Your Budget Carefully
Starting with French Roulette Low Limit tables are perfect for beginners and those who prefer to play with smaller stakes so as not to lose control of their budgets. With its reduced bet limits, players can enjoy the thrill of the game without significant financial heaviness.
Playing with predetermined limits and beginning with more affordable bets retains all the classic features of French Roulette, ensuring a fulfilled experience while accommodating a broader range of budgets.
Prefer La Partage Rule
Here’s a deep dive into why one should prefer the La Partage rule:
- Reduced House Edge: With the La Partage rule, the house edge on even money bets is reduced from 2.70% to 1.35%. This means that players will likely retain more money over time than playing a version without this rule.
- Money-back on Zero: If the ball lands on zero, players who have placed even money bets (like Red/Black, Odd/Even, or Low/High) get half of their stake back. This alternative softens the blow of the dreaded zero, which would result in a total loss for these types of bets in other versions of the game.
- Better for Conservative Players: Players gravitating towards even money bets will find the La Partage particularly beneficial. These bets have close to a 50% chance of winning (excluding the zero), and with the La Partage rule, the risk associated with the zero is mitigated.
- Strategic Play: By leveraging the La Partage rule, players can adopt strategies that match their strengths. For instance, they might choose to focus more heavily on even money bets knowing that the risk associated with the green zero is lessened.
- Psychological Comfort: Knowing that the game you’re playing offers a rule designed to give you a bit of a safety net can also provide psychological comfort. This can make the gaming experience more enjoyable and less stressful.