Key Differences between French and American Roulette

There are few online casino games in the world as popular as roulette. The iconic game has been around for centuries and has maintained its position at the top of the table for a reason. One of the reasons it is so loved is that it is available in several different formats.

In this blog about French Roulette Genting Casino is going to explore the key differences between two of the most popular types of roulette in the world: French and American. 

How to Play French Roulette

At first glance, French roulette is virtually the same game as European roulette. The roulette wheels look exactly the same, and this is the case whether you are playing live dealer roulette or online roulette. 

The wheel features 37 numbers, 36 are numbered and alternate in colour between black and red, and one is a zero. 

However, there are some different rules that set French roulette apart from European roulette. The following are the bets you are able to place when playing French roulette. 

• Inside Bets - Inside bets are the single-number bets or bets on smaller groups of numbers. Split bets, street bets, corner bets, and line bets are all types of inside bets. 

• Outside Bets - Outside bets are the most popular type of bets to place when playing roulette online or in person. These are typically evens odds bets on red/black, high/low (manque/passe), or odd/even. 

• Call bets - A major difference between French roulette and European and American roulette is the addition of call bets. These are bets that can be declared in-play and include: 

• Voisins du Zero - Translating directly to ‘neighbours of zero’, this refers to a bet on the numbers around the number zero on the board. It covers 18 numbers, stretching from numbers 22 to 25 going through zero. 
• Le Tiers du Cylindre - This translates to ‘third of the wheel’ and it covers 12 numbers on the wheel between 27 and 33. 
• Orphelins - Finally, Orphelins means Orphans. This refers to the numbers not covered by the previous two call bets.

As well as this, there are also two extra rules in French roulette: La Partage and En Prison.

• La Partage: This allows you to receive half of your stake back if the ball lands on zero. This will only pay out if you had placed a 1:1 bet.
• En Prison: This allows you to leave your stake on a 1:1 spin if the ball lands on zero for one more spin at no extra charge.

How to Play American Roulette

American roulette takes place on a bigger wheel than its European and French counterparts, with the wheel having 38 numbers. The 38th number is an additional zero, and this actually tips the edge in the house’s favour, with players having to contend with the possibility of it landing on two zeroes, as opposed to the one on European and French. 

Aside from this, American roulette allows players to place inside and outside bets, but there are no additional bets as there are in French roulette. 

Main Differences Between American and French Roulette

As we have already touched upon in this blog about French roulette and American roulette, there are some notable differences between the two games: 

• Betting options - As we have explored already in this guide, French roulette has four alternative betting options that are not present in American roulette or any other version of the game. 
• Additional Zero: The additional double zero in American roulette is arguably the biggest difference between the two games, as it increases the house edge. 
• Additional rules - The La Partage and the En Prison rules are only available in French roulette. 
• House edge - Due to the additional bets and the double-zero space on the wheel, French roulette has a significantly lower house edge than American roulette.

Which is better?

The answer to this is going to depend largely on your personal playing preferences. Many players prefer French roulette for its increased number of betting options and its generous house edge, while other players may prefer the simpler approach offered by American roulette, with the game offering fewer bets. French roulette is often better suited to players who prefer slightly more advanced roulette gameplay.

Conclusion

Both roulette versions are popular with players for different reasons. You can play both versions here at Spin Genie, and enjoy both online roulette and top-tier live casino games. A wide range of European roulette games are also available, with multiple variations of each. 

French Roulette FAQs

What is the biggest difference between American and French roulette?

The most notable difference between the two versions of roulette is that American roulette features a double zero, meaning there are 38 numbers, as opposed to the 37 in French roulette. 

What are the most popular bets in roulette?

Outside bets, which offer even odds and cover half of the board (minus the zero) are the most popular in roulette. These include over/under, red/black, and odd/even.

Can I play American and French roulette on my mobile?

Yes. Both American and French roulette can be enjoyed on casino mobile devices, including phones and tablets.