Roulette offers a variety of rules that can influence both gameplay and the house edge. While many players are familiar with standard betting options, some European roulette tables include special rules that provide additional protection on certain wagers.
One of the most notable is the Imprisonment Bet, more commonly known by its French name, En Prison. This rule applies to specific even money bets and can reduce the casino's advantage under certain circumstances.
At Gambling Zone, we explain how the Imprisonment Bet works, which bets it applies to, and why many roulette players seek out tables that offer this feature.
What Is the Imprisonment Bet?
The Imprisonment Bet is a special roulette rule used primarily in some European roulette variants.
The term "En Prison" translates roughly to "in prison" and refers to what happens when the ball lands on zero after an eligible wager has been placed.
Instead of losing the entire bet immediately, the wager is temporarily held for the next spin.
This gives players an opportunity to recover the original stake under specific conditions.
Which Bets Qualify for En Prison?
The rule only applies to even money bets.
These include:
- Red
- Black
- Odd
- Even
- High (19-36)
- Low (1-18)
Inside bets and other outside wagers are not usually eligible.
If the ball lands on zero while one of these qualifying bets is active, the En Prison rule may come into effect.
How the Rule Works
The process is relatively simple.
A typical sequence looks like this:
- A player places an even money bet
- The ball lands on zero
- The stake is not immediately lost
- The wager becomes "imprisoned"
- The bet remains active for the next spin
On the following spin:
- If the original bet wins, the stake is returned
- If the original bet loses, the stake is lost
The player does not receive a profit from the recovery spin. The goal is simply to reclaim the original wager.
An Example of En Prison
Imagine a player places £10 on Red.
The outcome is:
- Zero lands
Under standard roulette rules, the £10 would usually be lost.
With En Prison:
- The £10 remains on hold
- The next spin determines the result
If Red appears on the following spin:
- The player receives the original £10 back
If Black appears:
- The £10 is lost
This protection makes zero less costly than it would otherwise be.
En Prison vs La Partage
The Imprisonment Bet is often compared to another French roulette rule known as La Partage.
Both apply when zero appears on an even money bet.
The difference is:
En Prison
- The full stake remains active for the next spin
- Players may recover the entire wager
La Partage
- Half the stake is returned immediately
- The remaining half is lost
Both rules reduce the house edge, but they operate differently.
How En Prison Reduces the House Edge
European Roulette typically has a house edge of approximately 2.7%.
When En Prison is applied to eligible even money bets:
- Some zero outcomes become less damaging
- Player losses are reduced over time
- The effective house edge decreases
For qualifying bets, the house advantage can fall to around 1.35%.
This makes En Prison one of the most player friendly roulette rules available.
How Does Imprisonment Compare to La Partage
Why Some Players Prefer En Prison Tables
Many roulette enthusiasts actively seek tables that offer the rule.
Common reasons include:
- Improved value on even money bets
- Reduced impact of zero outcomes
- Lower house edge
- Additional stake protection
While the rule does not eliminate the casino advantage, it can make certain betting strategies slightly more favourable from a mathematical perspective.
Is En Prison Available in Online Roulette?
Some online roulette games include the En Prison rule, although availability varies between providers.
Players should always review:
- Game rules
- Paytables
- Table information sections
- Roulette variant descriptions
Not all European roulette games include En Prison, even if they feature a single zero wheel.
Checking the rules beforehand can help avoid confusion.
Common Misconceptions About En Prison
There are several misunderstandings surrounding the rule.
These include:
- Thinking it applies to all bets
- Assuming it guarantees profits
- Believing it removes the house edge
In reality:
- Only certain bets qualify
- Future outcomes remain random
- The casino still retains an advantage
En Prison simply offers additional protection on specific wagers.
Why En Prison Remains Popular
The Imprisonment Bet is one of roulette's most player friendly rules because it softens the impact of zero on even money wagers. By allowing players an opportunity to recover their stake rather than losing immediately, the rule effectively lowers the house edge and adds an extra layer of protection.
Although it does not guarantee success or change the random nature of roulette, En Prison remains a highly valued feature among experienced roulette players.
Gambling Zone remains the trusted source for roulette education and casino insights, helping you stay ahead of the game with expert guidance and informed advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Imprisonment Bet in roulette?
It is a special rule, also called En Prison, that applies to even money bets when zero is spun.
Which roulette bets qualify for En Prison?
Red, Black, Odd, Even, High, and Low bets are typically eligible.
Does En Prison remove the house edge?
No. It reduces the house edge on qualifying bets but does not eliminate it.
Is En Prison available in all roulette games?
No. It is generally found only in certain European and French roulette variants.
