Popular games in offline casinos: roulette, blackjack, baccarat
French casinos are primarily classic tables. Roulette, blackjack and baccarat form the "core" of experience: an elegant ritual, understandable rules and clear payments. Below is a brief encyclopedia of three games in the context of French halls: what to expect, how to choose a table and what to look for in the chances.
Roulette: France's calling card
Types and key differences
European (single zero, 0): wheel with 37 sectors (0-36). The basic advantage of the casino is 2.70%.
"French" roulette (they often write this on tables): the same 37 numbers, but on bets even/odd, red/black, 1-18/19-36 one of the rules applies:- La Partage: if "0" is dropped, half of the bet on equal chances is returned to the player → the effective advantage of the casino on these bets is reduced to ≈1,35%.
- En Prison: Bet "locks in" on next spin; if the next result is "winning" in parity, the bet is returned (the effect is comparable).
Rate Grid and Payouts (Standard)
Direct to number (plein): 35:1
Split (2nd): 17:1
Street (3rd): 11:1
Angle/Quad (4): 8:1
Line (6): 5:1
Dozens/Columns: 2:1
Equal chances (red/black, even/odd, 1-18/19-36): 1:1 (with La Partage/En Prison - preferential treatment at 0)
How to choose a table in France
Look for the "Française/La Partage" sign - it's better for betting at even odds.
Mini/maxi limits vary: in resort palaces in the evening they are higher; on weekdays - softer.
In busy resorts, there can be electronic roulette stations: low lows and a calm pace for beginners.
Etiquette and practicality
Roulette chips are personalized by color - the dealer gives out your color.
Hand bets - until the ball is declared "no more bets/rien ne va plus."
Start at even odds or dozens/columns to get a feel for pace and volatility.
Blackjack: The maths of ritual
Rule base (typical of France)
Playing against a dealer, the goal is to be closer to 21 without going over. Aces count as 1 or 11, figures as 10.
There are 6-8 decks in use; blackjack 3:2 (check the table sign).
The dealer usually takes the card at 16 and stands at 17 (S17), but H17 also occurs - this worsens the player's mathematics.
Double (double) is often allowed for 9-11 (sometimes for any two cards). Split pairs - according to the rules of the table; repeated split aces may be prohibited. Insurance against the dealer ace is statistically disadvantageous.
Casino advantage
Under "cool" conditions (S17, 3:2, double/split according to broad rules) and the correct basic strategy, the advantage of a casino can drop to ~ 0.5-1.0%. The worse the conditions (H17, blackjack payment 6:5, bans on double/split), the higher the edge.
Practical "memo"
Find out: payment for blackjack (3:2 or 6:5?), S17/H17, doubles and splits.
Insurance is rarely taken - mathematically, this is minus expectation.
Keep a flat bid until confident; progressions do not change expectation.
Baccarat: Speed and low edge on Banker
Game format
The values of the cards modulo 10 are summed up (ace = 1, figures/ten = 0). There are two "hands": Player and Banker, the good of the third card - strictly according to the table of rules. The player bets on the outcome: Player will win, Banker or there will be Tie.
Payments and mathematics
Player: 1:1, casino advantage ≈ 1.24%.
Banker: 1:1, but with a 5% commission (most often) on winning; even with an edge commission ≈ 1.06% - this is one of the "easiest" bets in casinos.
Tie: Usually pays 8:1 → casino advantage ≈ 14% (not recommended for disciplined play).
Options and tips
In some halls there is a commission-free version (compensated by payment rules for 6 for Banker).
Choose a table with clear limits and clear commission markup; baccarat is a rhythm game, it is convenient to record "sessions" of 20-30 distributions.
Typical limits and rhythm in France
Roulette: equal chances on weekdays can start from €5- €10; in prime time and VIP salons - significantly higher.
Blackjack: from €10- €20 during calm hours; hi-limits in the evening and at resorts.
Baccarat: more often higher minimals than blackjack; but there are also Democratic tables, especially off peak.
(Limits - landmarks: see the signs of a particular hall and the time of day.)
Fast dictionary at the table (FR/EN)
Rien ne va plus - no more bets.
Plein/Split/Carré - number/split/square in roulette.
Assurance (Insurance) - insurance in blackjack.
Banque/Joueur/Égalité - Banker/Player/Tie in baccarat.
Mise minimale/maximale - min/max rate.
Etiquette and game safety
ID and 18 + are required; dress code more often smart casual.
Photos/videos at tables are limited; respect the privacy of guests.
Chip management: pay with chips; they don't put cash at the table.
Responsible play: set a time limit and bankroll before entering; take breaks (go to the terrace/waterfront - typical French).
How to choose "your" table
1. Roulette: Look for La Partage/En Prison for equal chances.
2. Blackjack: demand 3:2 and, if possible, S17; check the double/split rules.
3. Baccarat: favorite - Banker bet (with commission) as the "easiest" edge.
4. Pace and comfort: come for a couple of minutes, look at the speed of the distributions and the behavior of the table - and only then sit down.
Roulette in France pleases with gentle rules on equal chances (La Partage/En Prison), blackjack - understandable logic under the "right" table conditions, and baccarat - one of the lowest bets on the advantage of a casino on Banker. The secret to a good evening is simple: choose a table with favorable rules, set time/bank limits, keep the rhythm - and let the French atmosphere do its job.