Roulette has long been one of the most iconic and exciting casino games. Thanks to its low house edge and potentially lucrative payouts, many players consider it one of the most enjoyable forms of gambling—whether at a live table or in an online setting. If you’re looking to spin the wheel for fun or real money, Nova88 Casino offers all your favourite Roulette variations in one convenient place.
In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of French Roulette—its history, rules, unique features, and common terms you’ll hear at the table.
A Brief History of French Roulette
The exact origins of roulette remain a mystery, but the most famous version of the game is credited to French mathematician, scientist, and inventor Blaise Pascal in the mid-1600s. Interestingly, Pascal wasn’t trying to invent a casino game—he was attempting to create the first perpetual motion machine, a device that could operate indefinitely without an external energy source.
While his original idea didn’t succeed, Pascal ended up developing a mechanism that would change the gaming world forever. Today, roulette is one of the most recognisable and well-loved casino games, enjoyed by players across the globe every single day.
How French Roulette Differs from Other Variants
If you’re new to roulette, it’s important to know there are three main variations—French, European, and American—all of which share similar basic rules but differ in layout and house edge.
French & European Roulette use a single-zero wheel with numbers 1–36 and a single 0.
American Roulette adds a double-zero (00), increasing the number of possible outcomes from 37 to 38 and raising the house edge to 5.26%.
By comparison, French and European Roulette have a house edge of only 2.7%, making them far more player-friendly.
French Roulette also features special rules such as La Partage and En Prison:
La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, you lose only half your even-money bet (red/black, odd/even, high/low).
En Prison: Your even-money bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin if the ball lands on zero. If your bet wins on the next spin, you get it back without additional winnings.
These rules give French Roulette an average payout rate of around 98.5%, making it a top choice for strategic players.
Types of Bets in French Roulette
Roulette bets are generally classified into inside bets (targeting specific numbers or small groups) and outside bets (covering broader outcomes like colour or odd/even).
Inside bets usually require smaller stakes and have higher payouts, but lower winning probabilities.
Outside bets require placing the full minimum bet on one selection, offering better winning odds but smaller payouts.
French Roulette also includes special call bets, often referred to as Voisins du Zéro, Orphelins, and Tiers du Cylindre, which cover specific sections of the wheel.
Playing Strategies for French Roulette
Since roulette outcomes are completely random, no strategy can guarantee a win. However, certain approaches can improve your chances of staying in the game longer:
Stick to Outside Bets – Options like red/black or odd/even offer near 50/50 chances, making them safer for beginners.
Use the Martingale Strategy Carefully – This involves doubling your bet after each loss to recover losses with one win. It can be effective but requires a substantial bankroll and discipline.
Final Thoughts
French Roulette is a game of chance, but understanding its rules, bet types, and unique features can greatly enhance your experience. Whether you’re playing for fun or aiming for real money wins, the key is to stay informed and play responsibly.
At Nova88 Casino, you can enjoy French, European, and American Roulette with both real money and free play options—alongside guides and tips to help you master the game.
Ready to spin and win? Join Nova88 today and experience the thrill of French Roulette from anywhere!
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