French Roulette: A Classic Casino Game by Microgaming
The Origins of French Roulette
French roulette is a popular casino game that originated in France during the 18th century. It quickly gained popularity in both Europe and around the world due to its unique gameplay and the elegance it brought to the casino floors. Over the years, it has become one of the most iconic and widely played casino games.
Gameplay and Rules
French roulette follows the same basic rules as European roulette, with a wheel consisting of 37 numbered pockets (0-36). Players place their bets on a layout with various betting options, including individual numbers, groups of numbers, or even/odd. The objective is to predict where the ball will land when the wheel stops spinning. If the player’s bet corresponds to the outcome, they win.
- En Prison Rule: If an even-money bet (e.g., red/black) loses when the ball lands on zero, the bet is “imprisoned.” The bet remains on the table for the next spin, and if it wins, the player recovers their entire bet.
- La Partage Rule: Similar to the En Prison rule, but instead of keeping the bet, the player receives half of their original even-money bet back if the ball lands on zero.
The Advantages of French Roulette
French roulette offers several advantages over other variations of the game:
- Low House Edge: The presence of the “En Prison” and “La Partage” rules reduces the house edge significantly, making it more favorable for players.
- Call Bets: French roulette allows players to place additional bets using the racetrack layout, such as Tiers du Cylindre, Voisins du Zéro, and Orphelins.
- Authentic Experience: The game’s French origins add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the casino experience, making it appealing to players seeking a more traditional atmosphere.
Microgaming’s French Roulette
Microgaming, a leading software provider in the online gaming industry, has developed a top-tier version of French roulette. With stunning graphics, realistic sound effects, and smooth gameplay, Microgaming’s French roulette brings the excitement of a land-based casino to the comfort of your own home. The game is available across various online casinos, accessible from desktop and mobile devices.
Conclusion
French roulette, with its rich history and unique features such as the En Prison and La Partage rules, continues to captivate casino enthusiasts around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, Microgaming’s French roulette offers an immersive gaming experience that showcases the elegance and allure of this classic casino game.
What are the origins of French roulette and how does it differ from other variations of the game?
The origins of French roulette can be traced back to the 17th century when Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician and physicist, introduced the primitive version of the game. However, it was later modified and popularized in the 18th century by the French royal court.
French roulette differs from other variations of the game, specifically American and European roulette, in a few notable ways:
1. Wheel Layout: In French roulette, the wheel layout features only a single zero (0) pocket, unlike the American version, which also has a double zero (00) pocket. The European version also has a single zero pocket, but there are some additional rule differences.
2. La Partage and En Prison Rules: These rules are unique to French roulette and are not commonly found in other variations. The ‘La Partage’ rule states that if the ball lands on zero, players who placed even-money bets (such as red/black or odd/even) will have half of their wager returned. The ‘En Prison’ rule allows players to keep half of their even-money bets if the ball lands on zero, allowing them to spin again for another chance at winning.
3. French Terminology: French roulette often uses specific French terms, such as ‘voisins du zéro’ (neighbors of zero) and ‘tiers du cylindre’ (third of the wheel), to refer to certain bet combinations. This adds a distinct flavor to the game and can make it feel more authentic for players.
Overall, French roulette is known for its lower house edge compared to the American version due to the absence of the double zero pocket. The unique rules like La Partage and En Prison also provide additional advantages to players, making it a popular choice among roulette enthusiasts.
What are the key features and rules of French roulette that make it appealing to players worldwide?
Some key features and rules of French roulette that make it appealing to players worldwide include:
1. La Partage rule: This is a unique rule in French roulette where if the ball lands on zero and the player has placed an even money bet (such as red/black, odd/even), the player only loses half of their bet. This increases the chances of players winning even money bets and reduces the house edge.
2. En Prison rule: Another exclusive rule in French roulette, where if the ball lands on zero, the player has the option to either take back half of their bet or leave it “in prison” for the next spin. If the subsequent spin results in a win, the player gets their whole bet back. This rule further reduces the house edge and adds excitement to the game.
3. Single zero wheel: French roulette uses a single zero wheel, unlike American roulette which has both a single zero and a double zero. This means that French roulette has better odds for players, with a lower house edge compared to American roulette.
4. Call bets: French roulette allows players to make call bets, also known as “announced bets” or “neighbor bets”. These are special bets that cover specific sections of the roulette wheel. Examples include “Voisins du Zéro” (neighbors of zero), “Tiers du Cylindre” (third of the wheel), and “Orphelins” (orphans). These bets can be more complex, but they provide additional betting options and strategies for players.
5. Elegant and sophisticated atmosphere: French roulette is often associated with an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. The French origin of the game, the traditional layout of the table, and the French naming conventions for various bets contribute to the charm and appeal of the game.
Overall, the combination of unique rules, better odds, and the elegant ambiance make French roulette a popular choice for players worldwide.
