French Roulette: A Sophisticated Game

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French Roulette is one of the most elegant variations of the classic roulette game. With its rich history, unique betting rules, and impressive RTP, it’s a top choice for experienced players around the world, including New Zealanders.
 
French Roulette Live with a Real Dealer Online
 
The best way to enjoy French Roulette is online, where live dealer games bring the thrill of a high-end casino straight to your screen. In this guide, we’ll explore the unique features of French Roulette, explain how it differs from other versions, highlight the key rules you need to know, and look at why it offers the highest returns to players (RTP) in the roulette world.

How to Play French Roulette

Before diving into the game, it’s important to understand the basics of gameplay. French Roulette follows similar rules to European Roulette, where the main goal is to predict where the ball will land on the wheel. Here’s how to play:

  1. Place Your Bets:
    You can place a range of bets on the roulette table, including wagers on single numbers, groups of numbers, or even-money bets like Red/Black or Odd/Even.
  2. Spin the Wheel:
    Once all bets are placed, the dealer spins the wheel and releases the ball onto the spinning wheel.
  3. Win or Lose:
    The ball will eventually land in one of the numbered pockets. Winning bets are paid out based on where the ball lands.

While the rules are straightforward, the real excitement of French Roulette comes from its unique betting options, including special rules that give you more opportunities to win and enhance your strategy.

Special Rules of the Game

French Roulette stands out thanks to its unique rules, offering a significant advantage, especially for even-money bets when the ball lands on zero. The two key rules—La Partage and En Prison—are what make this version so appealing to players. Here’s how they work:
 
La Partage:
If the ball lands on zero, players with even-money bets (e.g., Red/Black, Odd/Even) can forfeit only half of their bet, keeping the other half. This rule reduces the house edge and helps ensure that players don’t lose their full stake.
 
En Prison:
Alternatively, players can choose to leave their even-money bet on the table for the next spin. If the bet wins on the next spin, the player gets their original stake back, though without any additional winnings.
 
These special rules help lower the house edge, making French Roulette one of the most player-friendly versions of the game. With these rules in place, the RTP for even-money bets increases to an impressive 98.65%, making it a top choice for players looking to improve their chances of winning.

Bets to Place in French Roulette

In French Roulette, choosing the right bets is crucial to your success. While each bet carries its own level of risk and reward, some bets offer better chances of winning than others. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of bets and their payouts:

  • Straight Up: Betting on a single number offers the highest payout of 35 to 1, but the lowest odds of winning (2.7%).
  • Split: Betting on two adjacent numbers pays 17 to 1, with a winning probability of 5.4%.
  • Street: A bet on three consecutive numbers pays 11 to 1, with a probability of 8.1%.
  • Corner: A bet on four numbers forming a square pays 8 to 1, with a probability of 10.8%.
  • Six Line: Betting on two adjacent rows of three numbers (six numbers total) pays 5 to 1, with a probability of 16.2%.
  • Column: Betting on a column of 12 numbers pays 2 to 1, with a probability of 32.4%.
  • Dozen: Betting on a dozen numbers pays 2 to 1, with a probability of 32.4%.
  • Even-Money (Red/Black, Odd/Even, High/Low): These bets have the highest probability of winning (48.65%) and pay 1 to 1.

While it may be tempting to place high-risk, high-reward bets on single numbers, experienced players know that even-money bets offer a better chance of success—especially when combined with the unique rules that apply when the ball lands on zero.

French Roulette RTP

French Roulette stands out for offering the highest RTPs of all roulette games. Thanks to the La Partage and En Prison rules, the RTP for even-money bets in French Roulette is a remarkable 98.65%, higher than both European (97.30%) and American (94.74%) roulette. This gives it a significant edge over other variants, making it a favorite choice for players seeking better odds.
 
To help you understand just how favorable French Roulette is, let’s compare it to other popular versions of roulette:

Roulette VariantHouse EdgeRTP
French Roulette1.35%98.65%
European Roulette2.70%97.30%
American Roulette5.26%94.74%

Odds of Winning in French Roulette Compared with American Roulette
 
As you can see, French Roulette has the lowest house edge, which translates into better odds for the player. While the American Roulette Wheel version may be popular for its variety of betting options, it offers the worst RTP, which means the house has a larger advantage over the player.

Where to Play

In New Zealand, land-based casinos like SkyCity typically don’t offer French Roulette. However, players can easily enjoy this exciting variation online at reputable casinos. Many top online casinos feature live dealer versions of French Roulette, where players can interact with a real dealer and experience the thrill of the game in real-time.
 
Here are some top online casinos that offer French Roulette:

  • Gaming Club – Known for its reliable payouts and diverse range of games, Gaming Club provides a solid platform for roulette enthusiasts.
  • Jackpot City – With a strong reputation in the industry, Jackpot City offers a seamless gaming experience and plenty of exciting bonuses to boost your gameplay.
  • Luxury Casino – This high-end casino offers an exceptional live dealer experience, bringing the glamour of real-time action to your screen with professional dealers.

A Must-Play Game

For New Zealand players who enjoy the sophistication of live dealer games and the thrill of high-stakes betting, French Roulette is an excellent choice. With its high RTP, low house edge, and the special rules of La Partage and En Prison, the classic game offers one of the most favorable odds in the world of casino table games. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an exciting game to try or an experienced player seeking better odds, this wheel delivers an unparalleled gaming experience.

History of French Roulette

French Roulette dates back to 17th-century France, created by Blaise Pascal during his experiments with probability. Quickly adopted by European aristocracy, it became a symbol of refinement and elegance. Over the centuries, its evolution has solidified its reputation as the most prestigious roulette game worldwide.
 
Dive into the captivating world of French Roulette online and discover why this game continues to enchant casino enthusiasts, from prestigious gambling houses in Europe to New Zealand’s digital platforms.