French Roulette: Complete Guide for NZ Players
French Roulette is considered the most player-friendly version of roulette thanks to its single-zero wheel and exclusive rules that reduce the house edge. While it looks very similar to European Roulette, French Roulette includes two powerful features—La Partage and En Prison—that can significantly improve your long-term results. With elegant design, traditional terminology, and superior odds, this version is highly recommended for New Zealand players who want the best value for their gameplay.
What Makes French Roulette Unique?
French Roulette uses a single-zero wheel just like European Roulette, but the addition of special rules creates a more favourable environment for even-money bets. The game also uses a French-style table layout, featuring traditional terms such as Pair, Impair, Manque, Passe, Rouge, and Noir. These terms are easy to understand, and most online versions also include English overlays or tooltips.
Key Characteristics
- 37 pockets (0–36)
- Single zero
- La Partage rule for even-money bets
- En Prison rule in certain versions
- Lowest effective house edge of any standard roulette variant
- Classic, stylish layout with French terminology
French Roulette is ideal for players who value long-term advantage and elegant gameplay.
The French Roulette Wheel
The wheel is identical to the European version, containing 37 pockets with numbers 1–36 alternating between red and black, plus a single green zero. The zero is the house advantage, but thanks to the special rules, the impact of zero on even-money bets is reduced.
House Edge
- Standard single-zero house edge: 2.70%
- Effective house edge with La Partage: 1.35%
This exceptional advantage is the main reason skilled players prefer French Roulette over all other versions.
Understanding La Partage
La Partage is one of the most important rules in French Roulette. If you place an even-money bet—such as Red/Black or Odd/Even—and the ball lands on zero, half of your stake is automatically returned.
Example
You bet $20 on Red.
The ball lands on zero.
You lose only $10 instead of all $20.
This simple rule cuts the house edge in half for even-money bets, making French Roulette the most favourable version for consistent, long-term play.
Understanding En Prison
En Prison is another beneficial rule found in many French Roulette tables. If the ball lands on zero, your even-money bet is not lost. Instead, it remains “imprisoned” for the next spin.
Example
You bet $20 on Odd.
The ball lands on zero.
Your $20 stays on the table.
Next spin:
- If the bet wins: your stake is returned
- If the bet loses: you lose the full amount
En Prison provides an extra chance to break even, further reducing the house edge.
French Roulette Table Layout
The French Roulette table features a slightly different design from American and European versions, mainly due to the use of French terms and additional betting areas. The inside and outside betting options are identical, but the labels are in French.
Common French terms:
- Pair / Impair: Even / Odd
- Manque / Passe: Low (1–18) / High (19–36)
- Rouge / Noir: Red / Black
The layout may look more ornate, but the gameplay remains accessible for all players.
Betting Options in French Roulette
French Roulette includes the same primary bet types seen in other single-zero versions.
Inside Bets
- Straight Up (35:1)
- Split (17:1)
- Street (11:1)
- Corner (8:1)
- Line Bet (5:1)
Outside Bets
- Red / Black
- Odd / Even
- High / Low
- Dozens
- Columns
Because La Partage and En Prison apply only to even-money bets, many players focus on these options to maximise their long-term advantage.
How to Play French Roulette
Playing French Roulette follows the same fundamental steps as other roulette versions.
- Choose your chip size
- Place your bets on the table layout
- The wheel spins and the ball is released
- The ball settles in a numbered pocket
- Winning bets are paid, and special rules apply if zero hits
Most online casinos offer both standard French Roulette and live dealer versions, providing flexibility for all types of players.
Odds and Payouts in French Roulette
Payouts are identical to European Roulette, but the effective odds on even-money bets are much stronger due to La Partage and En Prison.
Effective Probabilities
- Even-money bets: 48.65% chance of winning
- Dozens/Columns: 32.4%
- Straight-up bets: 2.7%
With La Partage, even-money bets effectively return some of your losses, making them the centrepiece of most strategies.
Tips for Playing French Roulette
Focus on even-money bets
La Partage and En Prison make these bets mathematically superior to all others.
Avoid American Roulette
The double-zero wheel has a significantly higher house edge.
Manage your bankroll
Even with friendly rules, roulette is still a game of chance. Set limits for each session.
Use simple betting systems
Strategies like D’Alembert or Fibonacci pair well with even-money bets in French Roulette.
Choose reputable online casinos
Live French Roulette from providers like Evolution Gaming offers fair, transparent gameplay.
Why NZ Players Should Choose French Roulette
French Roulette offers the strongest mathematical edge of any mainstream roulette variant. With its single-zero wheel and special rules that protect your bankroll, it provides an enjoyable, elegant, and advantage-rich experience. Whether you play online or at a live dealer table, this version offers the best long-term value for New Zealand players.
