French Roulette: Odds, Special Rules & Player Advantages
French Roulette is the mathematically best version of the game. Identical single-zero wheel to European Roulette, but with two unique rules — La Partage and En Prison — that cut the house edge on even-money bets to just 1.35%. That makes French Roulette the lowest-edge variant in any casino, ahead of European (2.70%) and American (5.26%). This guide covers the rules, the bets, and why the French version is the smartest table in the house.
French Roulette versus the other two main variants — see exactly where the 1.35% edge advantage comes from in our American vs European vs French Roulette guide.
What Is French Roulette?
French Roulette is played on the same 37-pocket single-zero wheel as the European version. The difference is two rules — La Partage and En Prison — that apply specifically to even-money outside bets when the ball lands on zero. Instead of losing the full stake, you either recover half (La Partage) or get a second chance (En Prison). The math result: the house edge on those bets drops from 2.70% to 1.35%.
The game originated in 18th-century France and was the original modern roulette. The terminology on a French table remains in French — Manque (Low), Passe (High), Pair (Even), Impair (Odd), Rouge (Red), Noir (Black). Bet types and layout are identical to European Roulette in every other respect.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Feature | French Roulette |
|---|---|
| Wheel pockets | 37 (0, 1–36) |
| Green zeros | 1 (single zero) |
| House edge (even-money) | 1.35% |
| House edge (other bets) | 2.70% |
| RTP (even-money) | 98.65% |
| La Partage | Yes |
| En Prison | Yes (variant-dependent) |
| Announced bets | Yes (Voisins, Tiers, Orphelins) |
| Five-number bet | Not available |
The La Partage Rule Explained
La Partage — French for “the division” — is the most common of the two French rules. When you place an even-money bet (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) and the ball lands on zero, you get half your stake back instead of losing the entire bet.
La Partage applies only to even-money outside bets — Red/Black, Odd/Even, and High (19–36) / Low (1–18). It does not apply to dozens, columns, or any inside bet. Those continue to lose the full stake on zero.
The En Prison Rule Explained
En Prison — “in prison” — is the alternative implementation of the same edge reduction. When zero hits, your even-money bet is not lost but locked in place for the next spin. If you win on the next spin, you get your original stake back (no winnings). If you lose, the stake is forfeited entirely.
La Partage and En Prison produce the same long-term mathematical outcome — both reduce the even-money house edge to 1.35%. Most modern casinos offer La Partage because it is simpler and faster, but classic French tables in Monte Carlo and Aix-en-Provence still use En Prison for tradition.
French Roulette Rules & Table Layout
French tables use a longer, elongated layout with the wheel in the center and betting positions on both sides. Two croupiers typically work the table — one spins the wheel, the other handles bets with a rake (rateau). The terminology is French throughout.
French Terms on the Table
| French Term | English Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Rouge / Noir | Red / Black |
| Pair / Impair | Even / Odd |
| Manque | Low (1–18) |
| Passe | High (19–36) |
| Douzaine | Dozen |
| Colonne | Column |
| Plein | Straight Up |
| Cheval | Split |
| Transversale | Street |
| Carré | Corner |
French Roulette Odds & Payouts
Payouts are identical to European Roulette. The advantage is on even-money bets only, where La Partage or En Prison effectively halves the house edge.
Even-Money Bets (with La Partage / En Prison)
| Bet Type | Payout | Win Probability | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rouge / Noir | 1:1 | 48.65% | 1.35% |
| Pair / Impair | 1:1 | 48.65% | 1.35% |
| Manque / Passe | 1:1 | 48.65% | 1.35% |
All Other Bets (standard 2.70% edge)
| Bet Type | Coverage | Payout | Win Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plein (Straight) | 1 number | 35:1 | 2.70% |
| Cheval (Split) | 2 numbers | 17:1 | 5.41% |
| Transversale (Street) | 3 numbers | 11:1 | 8.11% |
| Carré (Corner) | 4 numbers | 8:1 | 10.81% |
| Sixain (Six Line) | 6 numbers | 5:1 | 16.22% |
| Douzaine (Dozen) | 12 numbers | 2:1 | 32.43% |
| Colonne (Column) | 12 numbers | 2:1 | 32.43% |
Cost Comparison: 500 Spins of €10 on Even-Money
| Variant | Even-Money Edge | Expected Loss |
|---|---|---|
| French Roulette (La Partage) | 1.35% | €67.50 |
| European Roulette | 2.70% | €135 |
| American Roulette | 5.26% | €263 |
Full chart: Roulette Odds & Payouts · Payout Calculator.
Announced & Call Bets
Announced bets are a French tradition — multi-number bets that cover specific sections of the wheel and are called out to the croupier rather than placed on the betting grid. They are the heart of classic French play.
| Bet Name | Coverage | Chips Required |
|---|---|---|
| Voisins du Zéro | 17 numbers around 0 | 9 chips |
| Tiers du Cylindre | 12 numbers opposite 0 | 6 chips |
| Orphelins | 8 numbers in two gaps | 5 chips (en plein) or 4 (à cheval) |
| Jeu Zéro | 7 numbers nearest 0 | 4 chips |
| Finales en Plein | Numbers ending in same digit | 3–4 chips |
Detailed breakdown with chip placement maps: Announced Bets guide.
Free French Roulette Simulator
Practice on a real 37-pocket French wheel before risking money. Test La Partage’s effect across hundreds of spins, run strategy simulations, and see how the 1.35% edge holds up over long sessions. No registration required.
Strategies for the French Wheel
French Roulette is the optimal table for any even-money strategy. The 1.35% edge gives progression systems significantly more margin than on European Roulette, and the announced bets enable wheel-section coverage that no American table offers. Every serious roulette player should choose French over European when available.
Martingale System
Best implemented on French Roulette. Double after every loss on Rouge/Noir, recover all losses on a single win. The 1.35% even-money edge gives Martingale players the longest theoretical recovery margin of any roulette variant. Full guide: Martingale Strategy.
Fibonacci System
Bets follow the Fibonacci sequence. Slower escalation than Martingale, ideal for longer French Roulette sessions where the low edge supports extended play. Full guide: Fibonacci Strategy.
D’Alembert System
Add one unit after a loss, subtract one after a win. The lowest-variance progression — pairs especially well with the lowest-edge variant. Suited to multi-hour French Roulette sessions. Full guide: D’Alembert Strategy.
Labouchère System
A cancellation system where you write a sequence and cross off numbers as you win. Designed for even-money bets — and French Roulette’s 1.35% edge gives Labouchère its most favorable execution environment. Full guide: Labouchère Strategy.
All strategies across all variants: Roulette Strategy Hub.
Playing French Roulette for Real Money
Online vs Land-Based
Online French Roulette is increasingly available on European-licensed platforms. Look specifically for titles that confirm La Partage in the game rules — some versions labeled “French” lack the rule and are mathematically identical to European Roulette.
Land-based, French Roulette is the standard at classic Monte Carlo, Cannes, and Baden-Baden tables. Many smaller European casinos use European Roulette as default and only open French tables on busy evenings.
Live Dealer French Roulette is offered by Evolution and Pragmatic Play. Authentic French croupier announcements, real wheels, full La Partage implementation. Our vetted options: Live Dealer Roulette.
What to Look for in a Casino
- La Partage confirmed — the single most important rule check. Without it, you are playing European Roulette under a French label.
- Licensing — MGA, UKGC, or equivalent authority only.
- Certified RTP — eCOGRA or iTech Labs audit confirming 98.65% on even-money bets.
- Announced bets supported — confirm Voisins, Tiers, Orphelins are placeable.
- Bet range — minimums under €1 and maximums high enough for progression strategies.
Stake.us Casino
Welcome bonus
Stake Casino
First deposit bonus
Betpanda Casino
Welcome package
18+ only. Gamble responsibly. Bonus terms apply — check each operator's promotion page for wagering requirements, eligible games and country restrictions. See our responsible gambling guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the house edge on French Roulette?
1.35% on even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) thanks to La Partage or En Prison. All other bets — straight up, splits, dozens, columns — carry the standard 2.70% edge. French Roulette has the lowest house edge of any standard roulette variant.
What is the difference between French and European Roulette?
The wheel is identical — 37 pockets, single zero. The difference is the La Partage and En Prison rules, which apply to even-money bets when zero hits and cut the edge from 2.70% to 1.35%. Without those rules, French Roulette is mathematically identical to European Roulette.
What is La Partage?
French for “the division.” When you place an even-money bet and zero hits, you get half your stake back instead of losing the entire bet. A €20 bet on Red becomes a €10 loss instead of €20. This rule alone reduces the even-money house edge from 2.70% to 1.35%.
What is En Prison?
An alternative implementation of the same edge reduction. When zero hits on an even-money bet, the stake is locked (“imprisoned”) for the next spin. If you win that spin, you get your original stake back. If you lose, the stake is forfeited. Mathematically equivalent to La Partage at 1.35% edge.
Does La Partage apply to all bets?
No — only to even-money outside bets: Red/Black, Odd/Even, and High (19–36) / Low (1–18). Dozens, columns, and all inside bets lose the full stake on zero as normal.
Why are all the terms in French?
Roulette was invented in 18th-century France. Classic French tables retain the original terminology — Rouge, Noir, Pair, Impair, Manque, Passe — as a matter of tradition. Live dealer French Roulette tables typically use French announcements; online versions usually offer English translations alongside.
Is French Roulette better than European?
For even-money bets, yes — 1.35% vs 2.70% edge is a meaningful difference over a long session. For straight-up numbers or other inside bets, the two are identical at 2.70%. If you primarily bet on Red/Black or Odd/Even, always choose French when available.
Where can I play French Roulette online?
Most European-licensed casinos offer at least one French Roulette title — usually under names like “French Roulette,” “French Roulette Gold,” or “French Roulette Pro.” Always verify La Partage is included in the game rules before playing. See our Casinos Hub for vetted options.
What are announced bets?
Pre-defined multi-number bets covering specific wheel sections rather than the betting grid. Voisins du Zéro (17 numbers around zero), Tiers du Cylindre (12 opposite), Orphelins (8 in the gaps). These are a French tradition and standard on every French table. Full guide: Announced Bets.