La partage: the roulette rule that halves the house edge on even-money bets
Table games
With la partage, red, black, odd, even, high and low cost 1.35% of each stake instead of 2.70%.
- 1.35%with la partage
- 2.70%without
How the Rule Works
La partage applies only to even-money bets on French roulette wheels. When the ball lands on zero, the player receives half of their original stake back. The other half remains with the house. This mechanism differs from standard European roulette, where the entire stake is lost if zero appears. The table below shows how this return lowers the average cost per bet. A smaller house edge means the player retains more of their money over time. This reduction applies strictly to red, black, odd, even, high, and low bets. Other bet types follow different rules.
| Even-money bet | House edge |
|---|---|
| European wheel | 2.7% |
| French wheel, la partage | 1.4% |
Impact on Even-Money Bets
The return of half the stake significantly cuts the mathematical disadvantage. As the key figures show, the house edge drops to half of its usual size on these specific bets. This happens because the zero outcome no longer takes the full amount. Instead, the player recovers a portion immediately. The comparison in the table above confirms that the edge with la partage is smaller than without it. This benefit does not extend to straight-up numbers or splits. Those bets retain their standard payout structures and associated edges.
Scope and Limitations
Players should note that this rule does not improve the odds for all bets. Only the six even-money categories benefit from the half-stake return. Single-number bets remain subject to the standard house edge. The advantage is specific to the interaction between even-money wagers and the zero pocket. Checking the specific table rules before playing ensures clarity on which bets qualify. The rule is a feature of French roulette wheels specifically. It is not always present on other roulette variants.
Questions
Does la partage apply to all roulette bets?
No. It applies only to even-money bets like red, black, odd, and even. Straight-up number bets and other combinations follow standard rules without this refund mechanism.
How does the refund work when zero hits?
Half of your stake is returned to you. The remaining half is kept by the house. This differs from standard rules where the entire stake is lost on a zero outcome.
Is the house edge lower with this rule?
Yes, for eligible bets. The table shows the edge is half of the standard rate. This means you lose less on average per bet compared to wheels without the rule.
Where can I find help if gambling becomes difficult?
If gambling stops being fun, free help is available through support services. These resources offer guidance for managing time and money effectively.
Every figure on this page is computed by code from exact fractions, a complete enumeration of every baccarat deal and a recursive blackjack model, each checked a second way. See the methodology.