When it comes to French roulette, both in a physical casino with a French roulette wheel or playing French roulette online, many myths and misconceptions circulate among players. Some of these myths have been passed down through generations, while others have simply arisen from misunderstandings about the game’s mechanics. In this blog, we’ll debunk the top 5 myths about French roulette and set the record straight, so you can play with confidence and enjoy the game without unnecessary misconceptions.
1. The House Always Wins in the Long Run
One of the most common myths surrounding French roulette is that the house always wins over time, and players have no chance of making a profit. While it is true that roulette is a game of chance and the house does have an edge, it’s not as significant as some might think, especially in French roulette.
Thanks to the unique features of French roulette—such as the single zero and the La Partage and En Prison rules—the house edge in French roulette is actually one of the lowest in the casino, at just 1.35% for even-money bets. These features give players more favorable odds compared to other variations like American roulette, where the house edge is higher.
This means that while the house does have an advantage, players can still enjoy reasonable chances of winning in the short term, especially if they are strategic with their bets.
2. The Ball Has Memory – It Can Land on the Same Number Again
Another myth that tends to confuse newcomers to French roulette is the belief that the ball has "memory." Many players mistakenly believe that if a number lands several times in a row, it's "due" to land on another number, or that certain numbers are "hot" or "cold."
In reality, each spin of the French roulette wheel is independent of the last one. The ball doesn’t remember where it landed previously, and no number has a greater or lesser chance of coming up. This principle is known as the Gambler's Fallacy—the incorrect belief that past events can influence future ones in games of chance.
The outcome of every spin is random, and no amount of analysis or previous results can predict where the ball will land next. So, rest assured that each spin is independent, and there's no need to overthink patterns that may or may not be there.
3. Betting Systems Guarantee Wins
A popular myth among French roulette players, both online and in physical casinos, is that using a betting system—such as Martingale or Fibonacci—will guarantee consistent wins. These systems can make you feel like you have more control over the game, but they cannot change the fact that French roulette is a game of chance.
While these betting systems can help manage your bankroll and provide a structured way of betting, they do not alter the underlying odds of the game. For instance, the Martingale system involves doubling your bet after each loss, but if you hit a long losing streak, you can quickly run out of funds. No betting system can overcome the house edge, and relying on them as a surefire way to win consistently is a dangerous misconception.
In reality, betting systems may help with short-term management but won't guarantee long-term success in a game where the outcome is determined by chance.
4. You Should Always Bet on Red or Black for the Best Odds
A common belief is that betting on even-money options like Red/Black, Odd/Even, or High/Low gives you the best chance of winning in French roulette. While it’s true that these bets have the highest probability of winning (48.65%), they’re not the only valid betting strategies.
The misconception here is that players assume these bets are the best option for long-term success. While even-money bets minimize risk, they don't necessarily maximize payout opportunities. If you're looking for higher payouts, inside bets like Straight-Up, Split, or Street bets provide more exciting possibilities, albeit with lower odds of winning.
In French roulette, it’s about balancing risk with reward. While even-money bets are a safer choice, more adventurous players might opt for riskier inside bets to chase bigger payouts.
5. French Roulette is the Same as European Roulette
While French roulette and European roulette share many similarities, they are not exactly the same. Both versions use a French roulette wheel with 37 pockets (18 red, 18 black, and a single green 0), but French roulette has some important differences that give players an edge over European roulette.
The key difference lies in the rules La Partage and En Prison, which are exclusive to French roulette. These rules reduce the house edge on even-money bets. If the ball lands on 0, players are either entitled to half of their even-money bet back through La Partage or can leave the bet "in prison" for the next spin under the En Prison rule. These features significantly lower the house edge compared to European roulette, where no such rules exist.
Understanding the differences between these two versions can greatly improve your chances of winning. French roulette provides a more favorable environment for players, so be sure to seek it out if you want to play with the best odds.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several myths surrounding French roulette that can lead to confusion and misguided strategies. Whether you're playing French roulette online or enjoying a round on the French roulette wheel in a casino, it's important to separate fact from fiction. By understanding the true nature of the game—its odds, rules, and strategies—you can make better decisions and enjoy a more enjoyable, rewarding experience.
Remember, French roulette is ultimately a game of chance, and while you can use strategies to manage your bets, there's no way to guarantee consistent wins. So, keep these myths in mind, play responsibly, and enjoy the thrilling experience that French roulette has to offer!