En Prison and La Partage Rules in Roulette: Complete Player Guide
La Partage and En Prison represent two of the most player-friendly rules in roulette, exclusive to single-zero (European/French) wheels. These provisions apply only to even-money bets—red/black, odd/even, and high/low—when the ball lands on zero. By mitigating the impact of the zero pocket, both rules reduce the house edge on those wagers from 2.70% to 1.35%, offering significantly better long-term value than standard European roulette or American double-zero tables (5.26% edge). Available in select land-based French casinos and certain online live dealer variants, these rules remain staples for strategic players focused on outside bets.
Roulette House Edge Basics
The European roulette wheel features 37 pockets: numbers 1–36 and one green zero. Even-money bets cover 18 numbers, giving true odds of 18/37 (≈48.65%). Payouts at 1:1 create a 2.70% house advantage. The American wheel adds a double zero (00), raising the edge to 5.26%. La Partage and En Prison activate exclusively on the zero outcome for even-money bets, providing relief from this structural disadvantage without altering payouts on winning spins.
La Partage Rule: How It Works
La Partage (French for “the sharing” or “the divide”) triggers when zero appears after an even-money bet. The dealer immediately returns half the original stake to the player; the casino retains the remaining half. No additional spin takes place, and no winnings are awarded. This automatic half-return effectively halves the cost of zero hits on even-money bets, cutting the house edge to 1.35%. The rule applies only to red/black, odd/even, and high/low; all other bets (inside, columns, dozens) lose fully on zero.
En Prison Rule: How It Works
En Prison (“in prison”) offers a different resolution for the same situation. When zero lands on an even-money bet, the dealer marks the wager with a marker or doll and “imprisons” it for the next spin. If the following spin matches the original bet (e.g., red follows red), the full stake returns—no winnings added. If the bet loses or zero appears again (rules vary), the stake forfeits. In some venues, consecutive zeros trigger an immediate loss; others extend imprisonment or default to La Partage. This second-chance mechanic also achieves a 1.35% house edge on qualifying bets, often preferred by players comfortable with the delayed outcome for the possibility of full recovery.
La Partage vs En Prison: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | La Partage | En Prison |
|---|---|---|
| Applies to | Even-money bets only | Even-money bets only |
| Zero outcome | Half stake returned immediately | Full stake held for next spin |
| Next spin required? | No | Yes |
| Best-case result | 50% recovery guaranteed | 100% stake recovery (if next spin wins) |
| Worst-case result | 50% loss | 100% loss (if next spin loses) |
| House edge on even-money | 1.35% | 1.35% |
| Availability | Common in French roulette (online & land-based) | Rarer, mostly premium live tables |
Both rules exclude inside bets, dozens, columns, and other propositions. Players should confirm exact zero-handling policies at each table, as minor variations exist.
Where to Play Roulette with These Rules
La Partage appears frequently in French roulette variants from providers such as Evolution Gaming, Playtech, Pragmatic Live, and Authentic Gaming. En Prison is less widespread but available in select high-limit live dealer lobbies and traditional French casinos (e.g., Monte Carlo venues). Always review the table rules or ask the dealer/support team before placing bets. These rules do not appear on American double-zero wheels or in basic European tables without explicit confirmation.
Roulette Rules FAQ
Which rule is better: La Partage or En Prison?
Both deliver identical expected value (1.35% house edge). La Partage guarantees immediate half-recovery; En Prison offers the chance to reclaim the full stake but risks total loss on the next spin.
Do these rules apply to all bets?
No—they cover only even-money outside bets (red/black, odd/even, 1-18/19-36). Columns, dozens, straight-ups, and splits lose completely on zero.
Are La Partage and En Prison common online?
La Partage is standard in many French roulette live tables. En Prison remains less frequent but exists in premium offerings. Availability varies by casino and provider.
Can these rules be combined with betting systems?
Yes—players often pair them with even-money progressions (e.g., Martingale, Labouchère) to capitalize on the reduced edge, though variance and table limits still apply.