How to Play French Roulette: An Ultimate Guide With Examples

By: Olena

Posted: July 10, 2020

Updated: September 27, 2023

There are American, European, and French roulette games at gambling sites
How to play French roulette and does it differ from the others?
Check the best sites to play roulette in 2023

Are you a roulette fan? Check out an ultimate guide on how to play French roulette if the European and American ones are already a closed chapter. You will learn about the difference between the French roulette variation and similar games, as well as where you can play it on beneficial terms. Roulette is one of the most popular classic gambling games in the world. This game of fortune emerged in the 17-18th century and was later divided into two kinds: American and European roulette. They were and still remain the most popular types of this game in land-based casinos and at online gambling sites in the UK. However, as roulette had originally emerged in France and carried a French name (that means little wheel), the third type of this gambling game was differentiated. French roulette is less popular among gamblers, but is still worth trying due to a row of advantages. Here we will explain how to play French roulette, why is it special, and what casinos offer this game online. Learn also how to make the best bets in roulette.

Difference between French, European, and American roulette

Firstly, a brief reminder of the basic roulette rules. To play this wheel game, gamblers have to place bets on either a single number or a group of numbers, red or black color, or both on color and number. Then, a dealer spins a wheel and a small ball in two opposite directions. When they stop, gamblers see whether they have guessed the number/color successfully or not. If they did, they win money; if not, they lose. There are two major types of roulette games that are the most popular in casinos. They are American and European roulettes. Few people know about French roulette, however, it can be also played either at online or offline gaming venues. What is the difference between all three types of the game? Here is an explanation.

how to play French roulette — What's your lucky number?

European Roulette

European roulette is probably the most frequently played among all three. The reason is a low house edge. Unlike American roulette, the European one has just 2.3%. At the same time, a Return To Player coefficient exceeds 97%. All this gives players more chances to win, that’s why they usually prefer European roulette to others. Another important feature of the European roulette is the number of pockets on the wheel. This type of roulette contains 37 numbers, from 0 to 36. There are fewer pockets than in American roulette, which makes the European one easier to win. Most of the biggest wins in roulette ever belong to players who tried the European type of the game.

American Roulette

American roulette is also a very popular type of this wheel game. Typical features of American roulette include 38 numbers to bet on, from 0 to 36, which is the same as the European one. However, American roulette also has 00 on its layout. It makes its house edge equal to approximately 5.26% and an RTP rate is approximately 94.74%. In addition, American roulette differs from the European one by its table layout. Its number grid is laid out vertically, not horizontally.

French Roulette

French roulette is closer to European roulette, but with some exceptions. Like its “big brother”, French roulette has the same wheel with 37 numbers ranged from 0 to 36. Its betting options and odds are also the same, however, there are particular rules no other roulette has. They are called la partage and en prison in French and aim to offer additional winning chances to a player. Let’s learn how to play French roulette with these rules at offline and online casinos in the UK.

How to play French roulette: rules, odds, extra bets

Playing French roulette with two additional options - la partage and en prison - is quite simple. As they are available in French roulette only, you don't have to memorize them if you prefer playing European or American variation. So, la partage is an option that allows gamblers to get back half of their bet in case of losing the outside bet. It is possible if the ball lands in a zero pocket only. En prison offers gamblers another chance to receive their money back. It is possible under the same conditions, i.e. losing the outside bet and the ball landing on zero, but this outcome allows you to “lock” your bet during the next spin. Your bet stays the same when the wheel is spun. If it wins out, you get the money. If not, you lose it.

Both extra rules in French roulette aim to raise gamblers’ chances to win, which makes its house edge just 1.35%. Therefore, this type of roulette is the most profitable for gamblers. Once you learn how to play French roulette like in the movies, let’s see where you can try it.

Where can you play French roulette in 2023?

Like its more popular counterparts, French roulette is available either at live or online casinos. Not all gambling establishments offer it so far, but we have found the best option to try playing French roulette. As far as visiting land-based casinos is not always suitable, you can play roulette from home. In this case, choose Bet365 Casino. Bet365 Casino has the best conditions for playing gambling games remotely, starting from a wide range of currencies for depositing and withdrawing money to the most attractive bonuses. It also has a wide variety of roulette games, including European, American, and French types. The latter is available in a live format too, which is another advantage both for players and a casino. Read about the benefits of live roulette games and try them in 2023.