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Understanding Roulette: From Wheel Structure to French Roulette

Introduction to Roulette

Roulette is a popular casino game that involves betting on the outcome of a spin of a roulette wheel. The game originated in France in the 18th century and has since become a staple in casinos worldwide. Here at Galera, we offer many different versions of the game, and in this post we shall be explaining the key differences between them.

The game is played on a table with a spinning wheel and a small ball. Players place their bets on the table, and then the ball is released onto the wheel. The wheel is divided into either 37 or 38 numbered pockets, and the round ends when the ball finally lands on one of those pockets. If a player’s bet covers the segment, the player gets paid out. There are many different types of bets that can be made, covering single numbers up to half the numbers on the wheel.

Structure of the Roulette Wheel

The roulette wheel is a key component of the game and is what makes the game exciting and unpredictable. The wheel consists of 37 or 38 numbered slots, depending on the type of roulette being played. The numbered slots are coloured alternately in red and black, and the 0 slot (or 00 slot in American roulette) is green.

The wheel is divided into two main parts: the ball track and the rotor. The ball track is the outermost part of the wheel and is where the ball is spun around the wheel. The rotor is the inner part of the wheel that spins around the ball track.

French Roulette Rules

French Roulette is one of the three main types of roulette, along with European Roulette and American Roulette. French Roulette is similar to European Roulette, with the main difference being the additional betting options and the lower house edge.

The rules of French Roulette are simple. The game is played on a wheel with 37 numbered slots (0 to 36). Players place their bets on the table, and the dealer spins the wheel. The ball is then dropped onto the spinning wheel, and when the wheel comes to a stop, the ball lands on a numbered slot, determining the winning bets.

The betting options in French Roulette are similar to other types of roulette. Players can place bets on individual numbers, groups of numbers, or the colour of the number. The payouts for each bet depend on the odds of winning, with higher payouts for riskier bets.

Lower House Edge in French Roulette

The house edge is the advantage that the casino has over the player in a casino game. In roulette, the house edge is determined by the number of slots on the wheel and the payout for each bet.

French Roulette has a lower house edge than other types of roulette, making it a popular choice among players. The main reason for the lower house edge is the La Partage rule or the En Prison rule.

La Partage Rule

Under the La Partage rule, if a player makes an even-money bet (such as red or black) and the ball lands on the 0 slot, the player only loses half of their bet. This reduces the house edge in French Roulette to 1.35%, compared to 2.70% in European Roulette and 5.26% in American Roulette.

En Prison Rule

The en prison rule is a rule that is specific to French Roulette and differs slightly from the La Partage rule, though it is related to even money bets.

When the ball lands on zero, instead of losing the bet, the player's bet is held "in prison" for the next spin. If the player's bet wins on the next spin, they are able to take back their original bet without any additional winnings. If the player's bet loses on the next spin, then the original bet is lost.

The en prison rule is advantageous for players as it reduces the house edge on even money bets. Without this rule, the house edge on even money bets would be 2.7%, but with the en prison rule, it reduces to 1.35%.

Tips for Playing Roulette

Manage Your Bankroll

Roulette is a game of chance, and it's important to manage your bankroll to avoid losing more than you can afford. Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it. Don't chase losses or increase your bets in an attempt to recoup your losses.

Understand the Odds

Each type of bet in roulette has its own odds and house edge. Understanding the odds can help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of winning. You can also experiment with different types of bets, exploring all the betting possibilities and how much they can potentially win.

Practice for Free

Many online casinos offer free roulette games that you can use to practise and improve your skills. Take advantage of these free games to understand the game mechanics and test out different betting strategies without risking any real money.

Try Different Betting Strategies

There are many different betting strategies that you can try in roulette, such as the Martingale system or the Fibonacci system. However, it's important to remember that there is no guaranteed way to win in roulette. Always gamble responsibly and within your means.

Bet on the Wheel Today

Roulette is a thrilling and exciting casino game that offers players the chance to win big. Understanding the structure of the roulette wheel and the rules of different types of roulette can help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of winning. French Roulette, with its additional betting options and lower house edge, is a popular choice among players. Remember to manage your bankroll, understand the odds, and try different betting strategies to increase your chances of winning. Always gamble responsibly and within your means.