Roulette is a thrilling casino game where a small ball spins around a wheel, and players bet on where it will land. Among its various versions, European Roulette stands out for its player-friendly rules. One such rule is the “En Prison” rule, which can significantly benefit players, especially those making even-money bets. You’ll often come across this rule when playing online roulette, especially in versions based on French or European formats.
What Is the En Prison Rule?
“En Prison,” meaning “in prison” in French, is a special rule applied in European and French Roulette games. It specifically affects even-money bets—those with nearly a 50/50 chance—such as betting on red or black, odd or even, or high (19–36) or low (1–18) numbers.
Here’s how it works:
- You place an even-money bet, say, on red.
- If the ball lands on zero (the green slot), instead of losing your entire bet, the En Prison rule “imprisons” your bet.
- Your bet stays on the table for the next spin.
- If the next spin results in a win (e.g., the ball lands on red), you get your original bet back without any additional winnings.
- If the next spin is a loss, you lose your bet.
This rule offers a second chance to recover your bet, making the game more favorable for players.
How Does En Prison Benefit Players?
The primary advantage of the En Prison rule is the reduction of the house edge—the casino’s built-in advantage. In standard European Roulette, the house edge is about 2.70%. However, when the En Prison rule is in play, the house edge on even-money bets drops to approximately 1.35%.
This means that over time, players lose less money on average, making their bankroll last longer and enhancing the overall gaming experience.
En Prison vs. La Partage
Another rule similar to En Prison is “La Partage,” which also applies to even-money bets. Under La Partage, if the ball lands on zero, you lose only half your bet, and the other half is returned to you.
Both rules aim to reduce player losses when zero is spun, but they operate differently:
- En Prison: Offers a chance to recover the entire bet on the next spin.
- La Partage: Immediately returns half the bet, with the other half lost.
The choice between the two depends on personal preference and the specific rules of the casino.
Availability of the En Prison Rule
The En Prison rule is most commonly found in French Roulette games, which use a single-zero wheel. It’s less prevalent in American Roulette, which features both zero and double-zero slots, resulting in a higher house edge of about 5.26%.
While some online casinos offer French Roulette with the En Prison rule, it’s essential to check the game’s rules before playing, as not all versions include this feature.
Strategic Implications
If you like to double your bet after a loss, like with the Martingale system, the En Prison rule can help you out. When the ball lands on zero, your bet gets another chance instead of losing right away. That means you don’t have to risk more money to try and win it back.
Also, because this rule lowers the casino’s advantage, even-money bets (like red or black) become a smarter choice. It gives you better odds over time and helps you play longer with your money.
Final Thoughts
The En Prison rule in European Roulette is a great feature, especially if you’re betting on red or black, odd or even. If the ball lands on zero, you don’t lose your bet right away—you get another chance to win it back. This lowers the casino’s advantage and gives you better odds. Whether you’re new to roulette or have played many times, knowing how the En Prison rule works can make the game more fun and give you a better shot at winning.