When it comes to roulette, French Roulette is considered by many to be the finest version of the game. Offering elegant gameplay, player-friendly rules, and one of the best RTPs (Return to Player) among all roulette variants, French Roulette is a top choice for savvy players in British Columbia.
Whether you’re playing at a land-based casino or online, learning how French Roulette works can give you a real edge. Let’s dive into what makes this game so special — and why it’s worth trying during your next gaming session!
What Is French Roulette?
French Roulette is a classic European-style roulette game that follows a single-zero wheel format. It features 37 pockets — numbers 1 to 36, plus a single 0 — which already gives players better odds than American Roulette, which includes both 0 and 00. But what truly sets this roulette wheel apart are its special rules that reduce the house edge even further, especially on even-money bets.
Key Rules
French Roulette plays almost identically to European Roulette but adds two unique rules for even-money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, 1–18/19–36):
La Partage Rule
If the ball lands on 0 and you’ve made an even-money bet, you lose only half your wager instead of the full amount. The casino “shares” the loss with you — hence the term “la partage” (the sharing).
En Prison Rule
When the ball lands on 0 and you have an even-money bet, your stake is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If it wins on the next round, you get your original stake back (without any profit); if it loses, the entire bet is lost.
Important: Not all casinos offer both La Partage and En Prison. Some use only one — but either rule offers a significant advantage over standard roulette.
Understanding RTP in French Roulette
One of the main reasons French Roulette is so popular among seasoned players is its excellent RTP (Return to Player). This percentage represents the average amount a game pays back to players over time. French Roulette offers an RTP of up to 98.65% on even-money bets, thanks to rules like La Partage and En Prison, which reduce the casino’s edge.
To put this in perspective, American Roulette has an RTP of just 94.74%, and European Roulette offers around 97.3%. That means French Roulette gives players the best long-term value out of all standard roulette formats — especially when betting smart. For a deeper understanding of how RTP works and how to use it to your advantage, check out our complete RTP guide for BC players.
French vs European vs American Roulette
| Variant | Zero Pockets | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| French Roulette | Single 0 | 1.35% (on even-money bets with La Partage/En Prison) |
| European Roulette | Single 0 | 2.7% |
| American Roulette | 0 and 00 | 5.26% |
As you can see, French Roulette offers the lowest house edge by far — making it the smartest option for serious roulette players.
Best Strategies for French Roulette
While roulette is ultimately a game of chance, you can improve your play with smart strategies:
- Focus on Even-Money Bets: Red/Black, Odd/Even, and 1–18/19–36 are the only bets that benefit from La Partage or En Prison rules.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set spending limits before you start playing, and stick to them. Don’t chase losses.
- Start with Low Minimum Bets: This helps you stay in the game longer and smooth out short-term variance.
- Avoid High-Risk Straight Bets: Betting on single numbers can be fun but has much lower odds of success over time.
Where to Play in BC
- Land-Based Casinos: Some premium BC casinos like River Rock Casino Resort may offer French Roulette tables during VIP nights or special events.
- Online Casinos: PlayNow.com and international trusted sites like Spin Casino, LeoVegas, and Jackpot City frequently offer French Roulette — often with live dealers for an authentic casino experience.
The History of French Roulette
French Roulette dates back to 18th-century France, where the spinning wheel became a favourite pastime among aristocrats and gambling enthusiasts. The game evolved from earlier wheel-based games, combined with Italian board games and France’s fascination with probability. Blaise Pascal, the famed French mathematician, is often credited with inventing the first version of the roulette wheel while attempting to build a perpetual motion machine — although it wasn’t originally designed for gambling!
By the late 1700s, French casinos had introduced the single-zero format, which gave players better odds than later versions developed in America that added the double zero (00). The elegant layout, favourable rules, and prestige of the game helped establish French Roulette as the premium variant — a reputation it still enjoys today.
Fun Fact: The word “roulette” means “little wheel” in French — a fitting name for a game that has travelled the world while keeping its French roots intact!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best odds at the roulette table, French Roulette is your most strategic option. Thanks to its single-zero layout and player-friendly rules like La Partage and En Prison, this version gives you better chances than any other variant. Whether you enjoy live dealer action online or prefer the ambiance of a luxury BC casino, learning to play French Roulette is a stylish — and smart — way to elevate your gaming experience.
Want to explore more strategies and roulette versions? Visit our full Roulette Guide for BC players.
Vive la chance!