How to play French Roulette: Rules for Beginners

If you are a regular casino player, roulette is something you would definitely know about. It is one of the most famous and classic games around the globe. We usually play or hear about American or European roulette. But have you heard about French roulette? If not, then don’t worry. This article is for you. In this guide, we have discussed how to play French roulette, it’s rules and tips. So keep reading to know more!

How to Play French Roulette

The interesting game of roulette was invented back in the 17th century in France. The French word “roulette” means a little wheel. The game was originated by the French scientist Blaise Pascal. In 1842, an extra zero was added to the wheel, which gave the house the edge. French Roulette is one of the oldest variations of roulette and is still played widely in the casinos of Monte Carlo. Roulette is a famous game among gamblers. The game is interesting and requires strategies and thorough knowledge to win. Although, you can not deny the fact that it somehow depends upon luck too. It also needs patience and skill. Whether its American, European, or French, all have become a mainstay at the land-based casino and online casinos both.

Play roulette at the King Billy Casino

The French roulette wheel has numbers from 1 to 36, and a zero on the wheel, making up a total of 37 spaces. The spaces and numbers are in red and black; however, the zero is in green color. In all types of roulette, one thing is common. The basic aim in all variations of roulette is where the ball will land when the wheel stops spinning. The croupier will turn the wheel one way and set the ball moving the other way and it will turn until the ball lands in a numbered slot.

Basic Bets in French Roulette

There are a number of bets you can make on the outcome while playing French roulette. And each bet includes one or more possible numbers. These are split into inside and outside bets as follows:

Inside bets

Straight bet: In a straight bet, you choose a single number from the 36 available. It pays 35:1
Split bet: In split bet, you choose two adjacent numbers on the grid. It pays 17:1
Street bet: Choosing a row of three numbers, paying 11:1
Corner bet: Choosing a group of four numbers. It pays 8:1
Line bet: Choosing two adjacent rows of numbers. It pays 5:1
French roulette is the original type

Outside Bets

In French roulette, the table is in French when it comes to outside bets. But don’t worry, here’s the translated version:

Column bet: The players choose one of the three columns of numbers. This pays 2:1.
Douzaine = Dozen bet: Choosing the Premier (first), Moyenne (second), and Derniere (third) set of 12. It pays 2:1
Rouge/Noir = Red/Black bet: As the name suggests, you choose any red or black number. This pays 1:1.
Pair/Impair = Odd/even bet: choosing an odd or even number. It pays 1:1.
Manque/Passe = Low/high bet: choosing 1-18 or 19-36. This bet pays 1:1.

Specific Rules for French Roulette

In the American or European Roulette, if the balls lands in the zero slot, you will lose any even-money bets, such as red/black or odd/even. But when you play on the French Roulette wheel, you don’t lose, you get a second chance. Isn’t this great? Thus, you can play French roulette with two other options. And they are:

En Prison rule: The En Prison rule is practiced when the ball lands in the zero pockets.
Any losing even-money bet remains on the table imprisoned until the next spin. If you win on that spin, the stake is returned to you (the player).
La Partage rule: The La Partage rule can be practiced when the ball lands in the zero pockets again. And if this time players have bet an even-money shot, then the rule stipulates that players receive half their bets back. This means any losing even-money bet is split 50:50 between the player and the house. Thus you only lose half of your stake, which is better than losing all of it.

At the end of the day, we think French Roulette would have the far best route to the best odds, cutting the house edge by half or even three quarters. We suggest you try this interesting and different variation of roulette. Also, you can find the best online casino bonuses to add some thrill and extra bucks while playing French roulette. So practice as much as you can, place your bets, and Vive la France!