French Roulette Explained: How To Play & Strategies

Still, it can provide players with plenty of excitement. It is closely linked to European Roulette; it features the same pockets, 1-36, and a single zero (0). The main differences concern the bets that can be placed and the table layout.

A simple game, French Roulette requires players to understand its nuances to ensure a positive session. Read this French Roulette betting guide to learn everything about this lesser-known variant and play with confidence.

A Short History of European Roulette

French Roulette originated in 18th-century France, where single-zero and double-zero wheels were introduced in aristocratic gaming salons. The game later arrived in New Orleans under French colonial influence, helping establish its presence in early American gambling venues.​

Throughout the 19th century, casinos in the United States adopted French Roulette to accommodate faster play and higher profitability, adding features such as the double zero and the “eagle” pocket, which further increased the house edge and led to the widespread adoption of American-style roulette tables. Table-top wheels became standard during this period.

French Roulette experienced a revival in the digital era with the introduction of online random number generator (RNG) versions in 1996, followed by the emergence of live dealer streams starting in 2006, making the classic format widely accessible to modern audiences.​

Wheel & Table Anatomy: How French Roulette Differs

French Roulette is distinguished by its single-zero wheel, with 37 pockets (numbers 1–36 and a single green zero), which helps maintain a lower house edge than American Roulette’s double-zero layout. The distribution of numbers around the wheel alternates red and black pockets evenly, and the sequence is non-consecutive and carefully engineered to balance high, low, odd, and even numbers.

The table for French Roulette is characterised by French-language terms and a horizontally arranged betting grid, as well as unique outside bet areas for options such as “Voisins du Zero,” “Tiers du Cylindre,” and “Orphelins,” which are group bets on wheel sections.

All even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) are found on both sides of the table, instead of typically being consolidated at one end, as in American layouts.

Distinct rule additions set French Roulette apart, including “La Partage,” which refunds half of even-money bets if the ball lands on zero, and “En Prison,” which holds even-money bets for a second spin after zero, improving player odds.

Bet Type	Payout	Probability of Winning	House Edge with La Partage/En Prison
Straight Up	35:1	2.70%	2.70%
Split	17:1	5.41%	2.70%
Street	11:1	8.11%	2.70%
Corner	8:1	10.81%	2.70%
Six Line	5:1	16.22%	2.70%
Red/Black	1:1	48.65%	1.35% (with La Partage/En Prison)
Odd/Even	1:1	48.65%	1.35% (with La Partage/En Prison)
High/Low	1:1	48.65%	1.35% (with La Partage/En Prison)
Dozen	2:1	32.43%	2.70%
Column	2:1	32.43%	2.70%

How to Play French Roulette: Step-by-Step for UK Players

1.) Choose a UKGC-licensed casino.

Pick a site that is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. A UKGC licence means independent testing of RNG titles, inspection of live studios, secure payments, and mandatory safer gambling tools. Check the footer for the licence number and verify it on the public register. For French Roulette specifically, confirm the lobby offers single zero wheels with La Partage or En Prison on even money bets, a racetrack interface, and full support for call bets like Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, Orphelins, and Neighbours.

2.) Register and complete the process.

Create your account with your legal name, date of birth, address, email, and mobile, then enable two factor authentication. UK rules require age and identity checks before gambling, so be ready to upload a valid photo ID and a recent proof of address. If you plan larger deposits the operator may request source of funds. Before your first session, set deposit limits, session reminders, and time outs so you have guardrails in place from the start.

3.) Make a deposit to your casino account and claim a bonus (if applicable).

Open the cashier and choose a method you already use such as debit card, open banking transfer, or a major e-wallet. The payment name must match your account. Read bonus terms carefully because roulette often contributes 0 to 20 percent to wagering and many offers apply a maximum bet per spin while wagering is active. If contribution is low, consider skipping the welcome bonus and using loyalty or cashback instead. Size your base unit at about 1 to 2 percent of your session bankroll so you can absorb normal variance.

4.) Go to the casino section of the site and find French Roulette options.

Go to Casino or Live Casino, filter by Roulette, then look for French or Single Zero with French layout. The felt uses French terms such as Pair and Impair, Manque and Passe, and the layout typically shows the racetrack for section bets. Open the info panel to confirm La Partage or En Prison on even money bets. These rules return half your stake on zero or hold it for the next spin, which reduces the effective house edge on even money wagers compared with standard European.

5.) Open the game, place your bets, and play!

Load the table and review limits, chip sizes, and the rules overlay. Start with even money bets like Pair or Impair and Manque or Passe to learn the flow, then explore the racetrack to place Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, Orphelins, or a simple Neighbours bet around a favorite number. Remember that French Roulette uses a single zero and with La Partage or En Prison the effective edge on even money bets can drop to about 1.35 percent, which helps your bankroll last longer. Keep chips small, set a stop loss and a time limit, avoid chasing losses, and when you finish, withdraw to the same payment method to speed up processing.

French Roulette RTP & House Edge

Played on a single-zero wheel with 37 pockets, French Roulette has a standard house edge of 2.7%, similar to European Roulette. Still, applying rules such as La Partage and En Prison on even-money bets effectively reduces the house edge to approximately 1.35%, significantly improving returns.

The La Partage rule refunds half of an even-money bet if the ball lands on zero, while En Prison places the bet “in prison” for the next spin, offering a chance to retrieve the wager if it wins on the following round. These rules are unique to French Roulette and contribute to its higher theoretical return to player (RTP) of around 98.65% compared to European Roulette’s 97.3% and American Roulette’s 94.74%.

Outside of these features, French Roulette shares the single-zero wheel common to European variants and standard payout structures, with 35:1 for straight bets and varied payouts for other bet types. Its lower house edge makes it the most favourable version of roulette for players seeking the best odds and longest play.

Popular French Roulette Variants

French Roulette can be harder to find at UK online casinos due to its less-favoured status among players. Still, it can be possible to find some variants available that offer slightly different gameplay experiences:

• Live French Roulette: A live version of the game that provides players with an authentic casino experience. Players can enjoy the unique features this variant offers, such as unique bets.

• Auto French Roulette: A variant that is automatic. Rounds are completed approximately every 20 seconds and without a dealer. Traditional wheel is used, but some bets may not be applicable.

• Double Ball French: A second ball is added to this variant; a double zero (00) pocket can also be added. This can reduce the RTP to below 94%.

European Roulette Comparison to Other Variants Summary Table

Variant	Pockets/Zero(s)	House Edge	Speed of Game	Unique Features
French Roulette	37 (single 0)	1.35% (even bets)	Moderate	“La Partage” and “En Prison” rules reduce edge for even bets
European Roulette	37 (single 0)	2.7%	Moderate	Single zero, simpler bets
American Roulette	30 (0,00)	5.26%	Fast	Top Line (5-number bet), double zero
Double Ball	37 (single 0)	~2.7%	Very Fast	Two balls per spin, extra wager types and payouts

French Roulette Strategies

Players can maximise a game session by adopting specific French Roulette betting strategies. These should be used to help encourage responsible gambling, but players must recognise they do not guarantee wins.

The strategies that can be played include:

Martingale

Martingale aims to recover all prior losses with a single win while locking in one base unit of profit. In French Roulette, the single zero already lowers the structural cost compared with American. When La Partage or En Prison is active on even-money bets, a zero either returns half your stake or holds it for the next spin, which softens drawdowns and slightly improves survivability.

To use it, pick a small base unit, place an even-money bet such as Pair or Impair, and double after each loss. On a win you reset to the base unit and bank one unit of profit for that cycle. The rhythm is simple and can create many short winning cycles when variance is kind.

The risk is concentrated in rare but damaging losing streaks that push stakes toward the table maximum or your bankroll limit. Keep your base unit tiny, set a firm cap on the number of doubles, and stop the session when you hit that cap. Avoid side bets while progressing, prefer even-money wagers where La Partage or En Prison applies, and write down your current step so errors do not creep in.

d’Alembert

The d’Alembert is a gentler negative progression that uses single unit steps to manage volatility. After a loss you add one unit, after a win you subtract one unit, never going below the base. On a French wheel with La Partage or En Prison, zero outcomes are less punishing, which helps you step back down sooner after a rough patch.

This pacing keeps stakes closer to the base size, so you are less likely to collide with table limits during ordinary variance. It suits players who want structure without the rapid stake growth of Martingale. Even on a friendlier ruleset the house edge still applies, so treat the method as a way to control tempo rather than a path to profit.

Use a small base unit, predefine a maximum step height, and set time and loss limits before you begin. Reset to the base after any full recovery or at predetermined breaks. Track steps carefully so you do not drift upward after a series of small losses.

Fibonacci

Fibonacci uses the sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13 in units to unwind losses over several wins rather than in a single jump. After a loss you move forward one step, after a win you move back two steps. On French Roulette, La Partage or En Prison on even-money bets reduces the sting of zero, which can shorten the path back down the sequence.

Compared with Martingale, the sequence grows more slowly, which many players find calmer. If you return to or below your starting index, consider a hard reset to the base to prevent the sequence from drifting higher across the session. Keep the pace comfortable and avoid stacking inside bets while you are mid-sequence.

The danger is that extended losing runs still push you into higher sequence numbers faster than expected. Cap the maximum index you will reach, write down your current index, and pause if you hit your cap. Keep to even-money bets so the French rules can do their job, and avoid increasing the base unit mid-session.

Labouchère

Labouchère is a list method built around a target profit in units. You write a short list of small numbers that add to your goal, stake the sum of the first and last numbers, cross both off on a win, and append the stake to the end on a loss. French Roulette helps this approach because zero events on even-money bets can be partially refunded or imprisoned, which reduces list inflation over time.

For example, a target of 8 units with a list of 1, 2, 2, 3 produces an opening stake of 4 units. Two wins clear the list and meet the goal. A loss appends the lost stake, lengthening the list and potentially lifting later bets, so discipline is essential.

Start with short lists, a very small base unit, and firm caps on both list length and the largest single bet you will allow. Reset after any full recovery, take breaks if the list grows beyond your comfort zone, and keep written records to avoid mistakes. Use even-money wagers to benefit from La Partage or En Prison while you work through the list.

Most Advantageous Bets for French Roulette

French Roulette shines because its rules can actively soften losses on even-money wagers. On a standard single zero wheel, Red or Black, Odd or Even, and High or Low cover 18 of 37 numbers and win about 48.65 percent of the time. La Partage returns half your stake if zero lands, and En Prison holds your stake for the next spin and releases it if the follow-up wins, which lowers the effective house edge on even-money bets to about 1.35 percent. In practice this means your bankroll lasts longer at the same chip size, so you can take more spins per session. To get the full benefit, keep your base unit small, use simple stop rules for time and loss, and avoid raising stakes to chase a single result.

Called or announced bets are the second pillar of smart French Roulette play. These are not special odds, but convenient bundles of standard splits, streets, and straight-ups that cover precise wheel sectors using the racetrack interface. The appeal is strategic coverage of arcs that suits how the wheel actually spins. Because you are placing multiple component bets at once, your total stake per spin is the sum of the chips in that announcement, so choose a modest base unit and know the per-spin total. Pairing a small even-money bet with a sector bet can keep volatility in a comfortable range while still giving you the satisfaction of targeting parts of the wheel.

Voisins du Zéro surrounds zero with a wide curtain of coverage and is popular for its frequent small returns. It typically uses nine chips spread across the 0-2-3 street and a series of splits, which means many hits pay 11:1 or 17:1 on a portion of your layout rather than on the whole stake. Tiers du Cylindre sits opposite zero and uses six tidy split bets, making it the most chip-efficient way to cover a large arc. Orphelins scoops up the two leftover sectors and mixes one straight-up on 1 with four splits, which creates a punchier variance profile. Jeu Zéro narrows in around zero with only four chips and feels precise and elegant. None of these change the house edge, but they help you express a plan without manually placing many single bets.

For session management, think in totals. If your base unit is £2 and you place Voisins, your per-spin stake is £18 because Voisins uses nine chips. Combine that with a £2 even-money hedge and you are staking £20 per spin. Decide your maximum total stake, set a session timer, and use La Partage or En Prison tables whenever possible so that zero outcomes on even-money bets do not erode your budget as quickly. If a sector bet hits, consider taking a short break or stepping back to even-money wagers for a few spins to keep pace comfortable.

Below is a quick reference table that condenses the most advantageous French Roulette bets, what they cover, and how to use them with discipline.

Bet type	Coverage and components	Why it helps and tips
Even money (Red Black, Odd Even, High Low)	18 of 37 numbers. One chip per spin at your unit size	La Partage or En Prison lowers the effective edge on zero to about 1.35 percent. Keep units small, set time and loss limits, and use these as your session foundation.
Voisins du Zéro	17 numbers around zero. Nine chips: 0-2-3 street x2, splits 4/7, 12/15, 18/21, 19/22, 25/29 x2, 32/35	Dense near-zero coverage gives frequent partial returns. Watch total stake per spin and consider a small even money hedge.
Tiers du Cylindre	12 numbers opposite zero. Six split chips: 27/30, 33/36, 13/16, 10/11, 5/8, 23/24	Efficient large arc with simple 17 to 1 split payouts. Good pacing with fewer chips but expect clean misses outside the arc.
Orphelins	Two orphan sectors. Five chips: straight 1, splits 6/9, 14/17, 17/20, 31/34	Covers leftover arcs with a mix of splits and a 35 to 1 straight on 1. Higher variance so use a smaller unit.
Jeu Zéro	Seven numbers nearest zero. Four chips: splits 0/3, 12/15, 32/35, straight 26	Focused micro sector with low chip outlay and satisfying hits. All or nothing feel on many spins so pair with a small even money bet if desired.
Pairing sectors with even money	Any sector plus one even money chip	Targets a favorite arc while smoothing swings. Cap the total stake per spin and prefer La Partage or En Prison tables whenever possible.

Responsible Gambling

French Roulette requires players to adopt responsible gambling approaches. British players must ensure they only ever play with funds they can afford to lose, wagering with small stakes and managing their budgets carefully by sticking to plans and not chasing losses.

Players should only ever use a UKGC-licensed casino site and use the tools that are made available to help them stay safe. These include deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion resources, and access to independent charities and organisations that offer 24/7 advice and support.

Visit our Responsible Gambling page for more.

Main Takeaways

French Roulette is a classic table casino game that can offer players a favourable RTP rate compared to other roulette variants. Played on a wheel that is similar to European Roulette, the house edge is just 2.70% when special bets like La Partage and En Prison are not used. When they are used on even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low), the house edge can be reduced to 1.35%.

French Roulette is not as widely available as other variants; still, many of the top UK online casinos will offer the game in some capacity. Understand its nuances and slight differences from other variants before playing.

Players should only ever use a UKGC-licensed casino and play responsibly. Stick to budgets, use low stakes, and never chase losses. Wins are never guaranteed.

TL;DR:

• French Roulette has 37 pockets: 0-37 = 2.70% house edge
• Special bets like La Partage and En Prison can reduce the house edge to 1.35%.
• Can be played online/mobile
• Use French Roulette betting strategies
• Play responsibly

FAQs

Is French Roulette different from European Roulette?
They both use a single-zero wheel, but French Roulette tables commonly include La Partage or En Prison on even-money bets. Those rules reduce the effective house edge on even-money wagers to about 1.35%.

How often do even-money bets win in French Roulette?
They win 18 out of 37 outcomes, or about 48.65%. The zero is the spoiler; with La Partage or En Prison, its impact is softened.

Do La Partage and En Prison apply to inside bets?
No. These rules apply only to even-money bets (e.g., Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low). Inside bets resolve normally when zero lands.

Are live dealer or RNG French Roulette games better?
Neither changes the math. RNG games are faster and usually have lower minimums, while live dealer offers a slower pace and a classic casino feel.

What are announced (call) bets and the racetrack?
They’re predefined combinations that cover wheel sectors (Voisins du Zéro, Tiers du Cylindre, Orphelins, Jeu Zéro) placed via a racetrack UI. Each component pays standard odds (e.g., split 17:1), but you stake multiple chips at once.

How do neighbour bets work?
You select a number and include its adjacent numbers on the wheel, typically “one with two neighbours each side” for five straights total. It’s a convenience feature; payouts remain 35:1 for any straight-up that hits.

What are the standard payouts in French Roulette?
Straight-up 35:1, split 17:1, street 11:1, corner 8:1, six-line 5:1, column/dozen 2:1, even-money 1:1. The single zero means payouts don’t exactly match true odds, hence the house edge.

Is the house edge always 1.35% on French Roulette?
Only on even-money bets when La Partage or En Prison is active. Other bets (e.g., straights, splits) align with the usual single-zero edge (~2.70%).

Which bets are best for beginners?
Even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low) are easiest to follow and have the highest hit frequency. Learn there, then explore columns/dozens or modest sector coverage.

Do table limits matter for strategy?
Yes. Low maximums restrict progressions and can force a stop mid-recovery; always check minimums/maximums before playing.

Can I use Martingale, d’Alembert, Fibonacci, or Labouchère to win?
They can structure pace and volatility but cannot overcome the edge. Use small units, firm stop-losses, and session timers.

Is there a “worst” bet on French Roulette?
There’s no American-style five-number top line, but stacking many straight-ups increases variance. Keep stakes modest while learning.

Do bonuses work well with French Roulette?
Often roulette contributes 0–20% to wagering and has max-bet caps during playthrough. Read terms; you may prefer no bonus or loyalty/cashback instead.

How should I size my base chip and bankroll?
A common guide is a base unit equal to 1–2% of your session bankroll. This helps you absorb normal variance without pressure.

Are winnings taxed in the UK?
Generally, gambling winnings for UK players aren’t taxed. Personal situations vary, so check current guidance if unsure.

Is French Roulette fair at UK sites?
UKGC-licensed casinos use certified RNGs and inspected live equipment. Always verify the licence and review the game info panel.

What’s the best way to reduce volatility while using sector bets?
Pair a small even-money wager with your racetrack bet to smooth swings. Also set a cap on total stake per spin.

Does speed of play affect results?
It doesn’t change probabilities, but more spins per hour increases exposure to the edge. Slower live tables or regular breaks can stretch your bankroll.

Can wheel bias be exploited today?
Modern wheels and oversight make exploitable bias rare. Treat any bias hunting as entertainment, not strategy.

How do I know if La Partage or En Prison is active?
Check the table rules or info panel before betting. Many “French” tables advertise the rule directly on the layout.

Are there French Roulette variants with multipliers?
Yes, some versions add random multipliers or side features that raise volatility and may alter effective returns. Read the rules and RTP page before playing.

Is mobile play safe for French Roulette?
Yes, on UKGC-licensed apps. Enable device biometrics, use secure connections, and activate in-app limits and reality checks.

What etiquette should I follow at live tables?
Place bets within the betting window, avoid late changes after “no more bets,” and be courteous in chat. Tip only if you want to—there’s no obligation.

What’s the smartest table selection approach?
Choose single-zero tables that clearly state La Partage or En Prison, with limits that match your bankroll. Prefer reputable studios/providers and a stable stream.

If you’d like, I can turn these into a downloadable FAQ sheet or add a tiny “quick maths” box showing how La Partage drops the effective edge on even-money bets.