If you’ve come across French Roulette and want to understand how it works, this guide aims to offer readers a straightforward introduction. While it shares the same core format as other roulette versions, it includes a few unique rules and layout features.

Whether you’re new to roulette or simply unfamiliar with this variant, the aim here is to explain the basics clearly and simply. As you read on, you’ll learn what sets French Roulette apart and what to expect when playing through a UK-licensed site.

What Is French Roulette?

French Roulette is a classic casino game that uses a wheel with 37 numbered pockets, ranging from 0 to 36. Half of the pockets are red, half are black, with the zero pocket in green. This is different from other roulette variants, some of which have two zeros.

The aim of the game is to predict where a small ball will land on the wheel after the dealer spins it. Players place chips on the table, choosing from individual numbers, groups of numbers, or patterns such as red/black or odd/even. Each betting option has its own way of winning, with varying payouts.

French Roulette can be found at some UK casinos, both in land-based establishments and online. Not all casinos offer this version, so it might be worth checking their game selection beforehand.

Where Did French Roulette Originate?

French Roulette has its roots in 18th-century France. The word “roulette” means “little wheel” in French. The game evolved from earlier number betting games that involved spinning wheels.

One key figure in its development is Blaise Pascal, the French mathematician who was experimenting with perpetual motion when he designed an early version of the roulette wheel by accident.

Over time, the rules and design of the game changed, and French Roulette, as we know it, emerged. By the 19th century, it was a regular feature in casinos, particularly in Monte Carlo. The game eventually spread to other countries, including the UK, where you can find it at both land-based and online casinos.

French Roulette Rules Explained

In French Roulette, each round begins with players placing their bets on a table that features numbered sections and other betting areas. These represent potential outcomes based on where the ball may land. Once all bets are placed, the dealer spins a small ball around a wheel with 37 numbered pockets, from 0 to 36. When the ball comes to rest in one of these pockets, that number is the outcome for that round.

The layout of the French Roulette table often includes terms written in French and may look different from other versions, such as European or American Roulette. If you’re new to this version, it can be useful to take a moment to look over the table before playing.

Each spin is random and independent. There is no way to influence or predict the result. Like all casino games offered by operators licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, French Roulette is required to meet strict standards for fairness and transparency.

French Roulette Wheel Layout Explained

The French Roulette wheel features 37 pockets, numbered from 0 to 36. The single zero pocket is green, while the remaining numbers alternate between red and black. The numbers are arranged in a non-sequential order around the wheel, which helps ensure random outcomes. For instance, consecutive numbers on the table will not appear side by side on the wheel.

The corresponding betting table is divided into three columns, each containing 12 numbers, with the zero typically placed at the top. Around the outer sections of the table, you’ll see additional betting areas for options such as red or black, odd or even, and the French-labelled ‘Manque’ (1–18) and ‘Passe’ (19–36).

Some tables may include French terms or slightly different layouts depending on the provider. If you’re new to this version of roulette, it can be helpful to familiarise yourself with the table and wheel design before playing.

What Are The Different Bets To Place In French Roulette?

French Roulette offers a range of betting options, each covering different numbers or patterns. Here’s a breakdown of the main betting types you’ll find at the table:

Straight Up Bets

Place your chips on a single number, including zero. If the ball lands on your number, you win at 35 to 1.

Split Bets

Place your chip between two numbers. A win on either number pays 17 to 1.

Street and Double Street Bets

Street Bet: Cover a row of three numbers by placing your chip at the edge of a row. Pays 11 to 1.

Double Street Bet (Six Line): Cover two rows (six numbers) by placing your chip where the two rows meet. Pays 5 to 1.

Corner Bets

Place your chip where four numbers meet at a corner. If the ball lands on any of these numbers, you win at 8 to 1.

Voisins du Zero

This bet covers 17 numbers near zero on the wheel. You can place this bet using the “racetrack” section on some tables.

Le Tiers du Cylindre

This bet covers 12 numbers opposite the zero. It is typically placed with six split bets on the racetrack.

Orphelins

This bet covers the eight numbers not included in the other two main racetrack bets. It uses split and straight-up wagers.

Keep in mind that the layout of the betting options can vary depending on the casino or the online game. If you’re unsure, it could be helpful to check the help section or the game guide before placing any potential bets.

What Are The Odds and Payouts of French Roulette?

Payouts in French Roulette depend on the bet placed. The fewer numbers bet on, the higher the potential payout.

Straight Up Bet (one number): Pays 35 to 1
Split Bet (two numbers): Pays 17 to 1
Street Bet (three numbers): Pays 11 to 1
Corner Bet (four numbers): Pays 8 to 1
Even-Money Bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low): Pays 1 to 1

There are 37 possible outcomes on each spin (numbers 0 to 36). A straight-up bet has a 1 in 37 chance of winning, while even-money bets have slightly under a 50% chance due to the presence of zero.

What Does The Zero Pay In French Roulette?

If you place a bet on zero and the ball lands there, the payout is 35 to 1, just like any other single number bet. However, zero does not count for red, black, odd, even, or high/low bets.

If zero comes up when you’ve placed an even-money bet, many casinos apply the ‘La Partage’ or ‘En Prison’ rules, as mentioned above. It could be a good idea to check the specific rules of the casino you’re playing at, as these may vary.

What Is The House Edge In French Roulette?

The house edge is the percentage the casino expects to keep over the course of many rounds. It doesn’t predict the outcome of any individual game but can be useful for comparing games.

With La Partage/En Prison: The house edge for even-money bets is approximately 1.35%. For every £100 staked, the casino expects to retain about £1.35 over the long term.

For other bets (not covered by these rules): The house edge is around 2.7%, which comes from the single zero.

Online casinos must display this information on their game details or help pages, however it’s important to keep in mind that ultimately Roulette is a game of chance, and that the house edge is an estimated figure and not a guarantee. Always remember to gamble responsibly and within your means.

What Is The Difference Between French, European and American Roulette?

French, European, and American Roulette each have unique features:

French Roulette: Features a wheel with a single zero and includes special rules like ‘La Partage’ and ‘En Prison’ for even-money bets. The betting table often includes French terms.
European Roulette: Also uses a single zero wheel, but lacks the special rules from French Roulette. The table uses English terms and has a similar house edge.
American Roulette: Features both a single zero and a double zero pocket, which increases the house edge and slightly lowers the odds for players.

Is There a Best Strategy For French Roulette?

French Roulette is a game of chance, and each spin is completely independent of the one before. The outcome is random, and no strategy can influence or predict where the ball will land. Because of this, there isn’t a guaranteed way to win, and no single strategy can be considered the ‘best’.

You might come across betting systems like the Martingale, where players increase their stake after a loss, or the Reverse Martingale, which involves increasing bets after a win. While these systems are often discussed, they don’t change the odds of the game.

What works for one person may not suit another. Some players prefer broader bets, while others might focus on individual numbers. It really comes down to personal preference and how you choose to engage with the game.

Ultimately, roulette should be approached as a game of chance, and how you choose to play should reflect what feels right for you.

Play Roulette Online at 666Casino

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If you need any assistance, our support team is available, and you can also refer to our online guides. Enjoy exploring French Roulette at 666Casino, where safety and choice are our priorities.

_{**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.}

_{*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.}