French Roulette is a popular version of the classic casino game of Roulette. It is similar to other versions of Roulette such as American Roulette and European Roulette, but it has a few key differences that make it unique.
One of the most notable differences in French Roulette is that it has only one zero on the wheel, unlike American Roulette which has both a single zero and a double zero. This means that the odds of winning are slightly better in French Roulette than in American Roulette.
Another difference in French Roulette is that it features a set of unique betting options known as “call bets” or “announced bets”. These bets are named in French and are typically used by more experienced players. They include options such as Voisins du Zéro (neighbors of zero), Orphelins (orphans), and Tiers du Cylindre (thirds of the wheel).
In addition, the layout of the betting table in French Roulette is also slightly different from other versions of the game, with the numbers arranged in a different order.
It is most commonly found in France, as it originated in the country and is deeply associated with French casino culture. It is particularly prevalent in French land-based casinos, such as those in Paris, Nice, Cannes, and other major cities.
However, it is not limited to France alone. It is also available in other European countries and casinos that cater to a European clientele. You can find French roulette in neighboring countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, where it is also popular.
Additionally, it is offered in some high-end and luxury casinos around the world. These establishments may have a focus on providing an upscale gaming experience and attract international visitors who enjoy the elegance and sophistication associated with French-style roulette.
In online casinos, it is also available as one of the standard variations, allowing players from different regions to access and enjoy the game.
Overall, it is a classic and sophisticated version of the game that offers players a unique and exciting gaming experience.
Betting Options in French Roulette
- Voisins du Zéro: This bet involves placing bets on a particular group of numbers on the roulette wheel that are close to the green zero (0). The bet covers a total of 17 numbers on the wheel, which are all numbers between 22 and 25 on the wheel (22, 18, 29, 7, 28, 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, 15, 19, 4, 21, 2, 25). You place a certain number of chips on each of these numbers, and the amount of chips you wager on each number is usually predetermined by the casino’s minimum betting limits. Voisins du Zéro is a popular bet among roulette players who enjoy covering a larger section of the wheel while still maintaining a decent potential payout.
- Orphelins: This bet is called “Orphans” because it covers a group of numbers on the roulette wheel that are left out or “orphans” from the other main betting categories like Voisins du Zéro or Tiers du Cylindre. The Orphans bet covers a total of 8 numbers on the wheel, which are not adjacent to each other (1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31, 34).
- Tiers du Cylindre: This bet involves wagering on a specific group of numbers on the roulette wheel, which roughly covers one-third of the wheel’s numbers. It includes a total of 12 numbers, located on the opposite side of the wheel from the zero (0). The numbers covered by the Tiers du Cylindre bet are 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, 33.When placing the Tiers du Cylindre bet, you are effectively betting on a combination of split bets and one straight bet. You place the chips in such a way that you cover the entire group of numbers with a single bet. It is a popular choice for roulette players who want to cover a relatively large portion of the wheel while maintaining a moderate potential payout.
Play French Roulette
People may prefer French roulette over other variations for several reasons:
- Single zero: French roulette features a single zero (0) pocket on the wheel, unlike American roulette, which has both a single zero and a double zero (00). The presence of only one zero decreases the house edge, giving players slightly better odds of winning compared to American roulette.
- La Partage rule: In some French roulette games, the “La Partage” rule applies. When the ball lands on zero, players who have placed even-money bets (e.g., red/black, odd/even, high/low) will only lose half of their wager instead of the entire amount. This rule further reduces the house edge and makes French roulette more appealing to players.
- En Prison rule: Some French roulette tables feature the “En Prison” rule, which is similar to the La Partage rule. When the ball lands on zero, players with even-money bets have the option to either take back half of their bet or leave it “in prison” for another spin. If the next spin results in a win, the player gets their entire wager back, effectively nullifying the previous loss. This rule adds an extra layer of excitement and decreases the house edge even more.
- Authenticity and tradition: French roulette is considered the original version of the game, as it evolved in France in the 18th century. Some players prefer to play the version of roulette with a historical connection, appreciating the authenticity and tradition associated with French roulette.
- Aesthetic and layout: French roulette tables often have a more elegant and refined design compared to other variations. The layout and the French terms used on the table can add to the overall ambiance and appeal for some players.
- Personal preference: Ultimately, the preference for French roulette over other variations is a matter of personal choice. Some players simply enjoy the unique features and rules associated with French roulette, making it their preferred version of the game.
It’s worth noting that different casinos and online gaming platforms may offer various roulette variations, and the rules might differ slightly. Players should always check the specific rules and features of each roulette game to determine which one best suits their preferences and style of play.