Roulette: ‘La Partage’ and ‘En Prison’ Rules
Most players of roulette know that the classic online casino game exists in several different forms, with the three most famous being American, European, and of course, French roulette. Just as table layouts in each of these variants is distinct, so are the rules and bets associated with them.
There are specific rules for some of the European Roulette variants, like the ‘La Partage’ rule and the ‘En Prison’ rule. Both apply only for even money bets.
In its native French, the first translates to “the divide” and takes place only if the ball stops on zero. When this happens, the La Partage rule sees that those even money bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even/ Low/High) are divided in two with one half going to the house and the other half being returned to the player, halving the house edge.
Similar to La Partage, the En Prison rule comes into play when the wheel’s ball rests on the zero pocket after a player places an even money bet. In casinos where the ‘La Partage’ rule is applied, the player can then ask the croupier to put the bet “in prison”, as the rule’s name suggests. The wheel is then spun again and if the participant wins their next bet, they receive back their “imprisoned” bet. If not, he will lose his full bet. Alternatively, players can also accept half of his bet back under the ‘La Partage’ rule.
Why These Rules Matter to Players
Both La Partage and En Prison are designed to soften the impact of the zero, which is traditionally the casino’s biggest advantage in roulette. In standard European Roulette, the presence of a single zero gives the house a 2.7% edge. However, when either of these rules is applied to even money bets, the house edge on those bets is reduced to 1.35%.
This makes tables featuring La Partage or En Prison particularly attractive to players who prefer outside bets and longer playing sessions. Over time, this reduction can have a noticeable effect on bankroll longevity, especially for cautious or strategic players.
La Partage vs En Prison: What’s the Difference?
Although both rules activate when the ball lands on zero and only apply to even money bets, they differ in how the wager is treated afterward.
With La Partage, the outcome is immediate. Half of the player’s bet is lost to the house, while the other half is returned. There’s no additional spin, no delay, and no further decision-making required. This simplicity is why La Partage is often preferred in online casinos, where speed and clarity are important.
En Prison introduces an extra layer of suspense. When the ball lands on zero, the bet is neither won nor lost. Instead, it is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If the following spin results in a win, the original bet is returned (usually without profit). If it loses or lands on zero again, the bet is forfeited.
Some land-based casinos allow the imprisoned bet to remain locked through multiple zero results, but online versions typically resolve it after a single additional spin.
Strategic Implications
From a purely mathematical standpoint, La Partage and En Prison are equivalent in terms of house edge. However, they can feel very different to play.
La Partage offers certainty and faster resolution, which suits players who prefer predictable outcomes and uninterrupted gameplay. En Prison, on the other hand, introduces an element of anticipation, as players must wait to see whether their bet survives the next spin.
Neither rule changes optimal betting strategy. Flat betting on even money outcomes remains the lowest-risk approach. However, En Prison may not pair well with progressive betting systems, as bets can become locked and disrupt staking plans.
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Availability in Online and Land-Based Casinos
La Partage is far more common in online French Roulette games, as it is easier to implement and avoids ambiguity. Many online casinos apply La Partage automatically whenever the ball lands on zero.
En Prison is more frequently found in land-based French roulette tables, particularly in European casinos. When available online, it is usually clearly stated in the game rules and applied consistently.
Players should always check the game’s help or info section to confirm which rule is in use, as not all European or French roulette tables include either option.
Which Players Benefit Most?
Players who prefer outside bets such as red/black or odd/even benefit the most from La Partage and En Prison. These rules do not apply to inside bets, dozens, or columns, which means players who focus on straight-up numbers will see no advantage.
For casual players, these rules can make roulette feel more forgiving. For experienced players, they represent one of the few ways to reduce the casino’s edge without changing the nature of the game.
Final Thoughts
La Partage and En Prison are two of the most player-friendly rules in roulette. By reducing the casino’s advantage on even money bets, they offer a smarter alternative for players who enjoy steady, strategic gameplay. Understanding where and how these rules apply can make a small difference, not just to your odds, but to the overall experience. You can play many versions of Roulette at PokerStars Casino.
FAQs
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