French Roulette in the UK: How En Prison & La Partage Lower the House Edge

casino french roulette

If you’ve ever played roulette and felt the sting of losing your even-money bet to a single zero, you’re not alone. But what if there was a version of the game where the casino gave you a second chance—or at least half your stake back? That’s exactly what French Roulette offers through two unique rules: La Partage and En Prison. In this guide, we’ll break down why savvy UK players are turning to French Roulette, which casinos offer the best experience, and how to use this version to your advantage.

Why French Roulette Beats the Standard Version

At first glance, French Roulette looks like its European cousin. Both have a single zero and 37 pockets. But it’s what happens when that zero shows up that makes all the difference.

La Partage Rule (“the split”)

If you place an even-money bet—say, red/black or odd/even—and the ball lands on 0, half your stake is returned.

Example: You bet £10 on red. Ball hits 0. You get £5 back instead of losing the entire bet.

En Prison Rule (“in prison”)

Your even-money bet is held for the next spin. If the next result wins, your full stake is returned. If it loses again, it’s gone.

Example: You bet £10 on even. Ball hits 0. Your bet is “in prison.” Next spin hits 6 (even) — you get your £10 back. If it’s 3 (odd), you lose.

Why It Matters: The Math Behind It

Game TypeHouse Edge (Even-Money Bets)
American Roulette5.26%
European Roulette2.70%
French Roulette1.35%

When playing even-money bets, French Roulette essentially halves the house edge compared to European tables. That means more value for your bankroll in the long run.

Top UK Casinos Offering French Roulette with La Partage or En Prison

Not all casinos offer true French Roulette. Here are some UKGC-licensed casinos where you can actually find it:

CasinoFrench Roulette TablesMobile FriendlyLive DealerMinimum BetBonus for Roulette
Mr VegasYes (Live + RNG)YesYes£0.20£500 Welcome + 50 FS
LeoVegasYesYesYes£0.50100% up to £250
PlayOJOYesYesYes£0.1050 Free Spins, no WR
BetwayYes (Evolution tables)YesYes£1.00£500 Welcome

Editor’s Pick: Mr Vegas

If you’re new to French Roulette, Mr Vegas offers a great combo of low minimum stakes and access to Evolution’s Live French Roulette with La Partage. The table design stays true to tradition, and gameplay is smooth even on mobile.

Best Strategy for French Roulette: Low Risk, High Value

French Roulette works best when you play even-money bets like red/black, high/low, or even/odd.

Recommended Strategies:

  • D’Alembert: Increase bet by 1 unit after a loss, decrease by 1 after a win. Works well with La Partage as losses are less punishing.
  • Oscar’s Grind: Focuses on recovering losses slowly without big jumps in bet size.

Tip: Avoid Martingale unless you’re using a very low-stakes table—it’s risky and can hit table limits fast.

Real Player Feedback

“I used to lose even bets to 0 all the time until I discovered La Partage. Now it stings a lot less.”Gareth, 38, London

“En Prison gives me a psychological edge—it feels like I’ve got a safety net.”Amina, 29, Manchester

Expert Opinion: “Most UK Players Miss This Advantage”

“French Roulette with La Partage is one of the few games in online casinos that genuinely give you a better long-term chance — especially if you stick to even money bets. But most casual players in the UK don’t realise this, and just pick the first roulette table they see.”

“I’ve tested dozens of tables. Some casino lobbies show ‘French Roulette’, but once you dig into the rules — it’s just standard European. No La Partage, no advantage. Always check.”

— Oliver Carter, former poker pro turned game strategist, author of “Winning in Low Edge Casino Games”

Live vs RNG: Which One Should You Play?

FeatureLive French RouletteRNG French Roulette
Real DealerYesNo
SpeedMediumFast
Authentic FeelHighLow
Available on MobileYesYes
Best ForImmersive playPracticing strategies

If you’re just starting, RNG tables help you get used to the rules without pressure. Once comfortable, switch to Live French Roulette for a more rewarding experience and social play.

How to Spot Real French Roulette (And Not a Fake One)

Not every game labelled “French Roulette” truly follows the rules that make it worth playing.

In fact, some online casinos use the name purely for marketing — offering a European layout but without the all-important La Partage or En Prison rules. That’s a big red flag.

Here’s how to tell if you’re playing the real deal:

  • Check the rules section (info icon) before placing a bet. Scroll to the part about Even Money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, etc). If it says anything about “half returned on zero” or “bet held in prison” — you’re good.
  • No mention of La Partage or En Prison? You’re just playing standard European Roulette, even if the layout says “French”.
  • Look at the table layout: Real French Roulette always uses French terms like Manque, Passe, Pair, Impair, Rouge, and Noir.
  • Stick to reputable providers: Authentic French Roulette is often found at tables by Evolution, Authentic Gaming, Playtech Live, and OnAir Entertainment. These companies clearly list their table rules.

If in doubt — play the demo first. Better safe than sorry when your edge is on the line.

Summary: Why You Should Play French Roulette in the UK

  • Lower house edge (1.35%) on even bets makes your bankroll last longer
  • La Partage and En Prison rules are player-friendly
  • Available at top UK casinos like Mr Vegas, LeoVegas, and PlayOJO
  • Great for both low-stakes casuals and strategy-driven players

Final Tip: Where to Start

If you want to try French Roulette with La Partage right now, head over to Mr Vegas or LeoVegas, both offering low-minimum live tables and generous bonuses. Look for Evolution’s “French Roulette” in the live section—it’s the real deal.

Remember: Even small changes in rules can have a big impact over time. That’s why experienced UK roulette players are increasingly switching to the French variant.

FAQ: French Roulette UK

What’s the difference between French and European Roulette? French Roulette includes La Partage or En Prison rules, which reduce the house edge. European Roulette lacks these features.

Can I play French Roulette on mobile in the UK? Yes. Most UK casinos like Mr Vegas, LeoVegas, and PlayOJO offer mobile-friendly French Roulette (live or RNG).

Which strategy works best for French Roulette? Even-money strategies like D’Alembert or Oscar’s Grind are effective due to the lower house edge from La Partage.

Where can I find French Roulette with La Partage? Check Evolution Live tables at UKGC-licensed casinos like Mr Vegas or Betway. Look for “French Roulette” explicitly in the lobby.