Key Differences Between European and French Roulette

Are you new to the world of online roulette games? If so, you can choose from a huge range of roulette titles at UK online casinos. There are several variations on the market, including European and French roulette. 

But if France is in Europe, shouldn’t both games be identical? That’s not the case. They share many similarities, but a few key differences separate the two. 

Such as? We’ll explain all you need to know in this guide. Read on to discover:

• The similarities between European and French roulette, including the wheel and table layout
• The differences between the two variations, including the La Partage and En Prison rules
• Tips for playing European roulette and French roulette online

European Roulette vs French Roulette: Wheel and Table Layout

European roulette and the French variation use the same wheel layout. This is true of virtual roulette games and live roulette titles.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the wheel design:

• It contains 37 numbered pockets.
• There are 18 black numbers and 18 red numbers. These are numbered 1 - 36.
• Colours alternate around the wheel: one red, one black, one red, one black, etc.
• The wheel has one green zero pocket. 

The table layout is generally the same. However, French roulette tables may feature French terms for the different betting positions. Some European roulette tables show outside bets together on one side of the table. But on French tables, these may be on opposite sides instead. Physical casino venues tend to have a variety of different tables to explore. 

European Roulette vs French Roulette: Rule Differences 

When you play either roulette variation at an online casino, the rules are mostly the same. Each round involves betting on one or more numbers, watching the wheel spin, and discovering which player wins. 

But French roulette does differ from European roulette in a few ways. These changes can have an impact on your betting options and overall gaming experience. 

Announced Bets

French roulette includes the following announced bets (called out by players):

• Voisins du Zero: “Neighbours of Zero” covers all 17 numbers on the wheel between 22 and 25. These are the nearest pockets to the zero. 

• Jeu Zero: “Zero Game” covers pockets 12–15 on the wheel. These are 12, 35, 3, 26, 0, 32, and 15. 

• Tiers du Cylindre: “Thirds of the Wheel” covers a dozen numbers on the opposite side of the wheel from the zero.

• Orphelins: “Orphans” involves the numbers not covered by the previous bets. These are 9, 31, 14, 20, 1, 17, 34, and 6. 

• Finales: “Final” is a straight bet on any numbers that end in a specific digit. For example, a Finales bet on “2” would cover 2, 12, 22, and 32. 

Some European games may feature these announced bets, but that’s not guaranteed. 

La Partage and En Prison

Another major difference is the addition of two rules: La Partage and En Prison. How do they work? 

• La Partage (“Sharing”): The La Partage rule splits an even-money bet between you and the casino if the ball lands on zero. This helps you cut your potential losses and drops the house edge in half to 1.35%.

• En Prison (“In Prison”): The En Prison rule applies when the ball lands on zero after an even-money bet. You may ask the dealer to keep your wager (put it “in prison”). The dealer spins the wheel again to give you another chance to win. If you do, you get your bet back. But if you lose, your bet is in the casino’s hands. 

Tips for Playing European Roulette and French Roulette at UK Online Casinos 

Lots of UK online casino sites host European and French roulette games. At the best places to play, you’ll find dozens of titles from leading brands. But whichever games you prefer, keep the following tips in mind:

• Play responsibly: Safe play is vital, no matter which roulette variation you pick. Always give yourself a reasonable betting limit before you play. Stick to this at all times, and stop playing when you reach your cutoff point. 

• Read the rules: Read the rules with care before you try any European or French roulette game. This is important to understand possible bonus features or rules you're unfamiliar with.

• Practice for free: Some virtual roulette games are available in demo mode. These offer a great way to see the differences between European and French roulette for free. Demos are available on desktop and mobile sites. 

• Focus on your own experience: Playing with others is one of the most appealing parts of live casino games. But don’t let the payouts awarded to other participants make you feel pressured to chase wins. Concentrate on the gaming experience instead of focusing only on prizes. 

Conclusion

European and French roulette are similar in several ways, but they have a few key differences. These are the announced bets and the extra rules (La Partage, En Prison). Understanding these contrasts will help you choose from the massive selection of roulette games on the market. 

And you’ll always find an incredible set of European roulette and French roulette titles at Genting Casino. We have various bonus offers for new members to try, including free bets on live games. 

Ready to get started? Discover the best roulette games at Genting Casino now!