How does the en prison rule affect the overall odds?

Brainbox

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The "en prison" rule is a feature found in some versions of roulette that can significantly impact the overall odds for players. When a player's even-money bet (like red/black or odd/even) lands on zero, rather than losing the bet, it is "imprisoned." In the next spin, if the player wins, they reclaim their original stake; if they lose, the stake is forfeited. This rule effectively reduces the house edge on even-money bets from 2.7% to about 1.35% in European roulette.
 
Indeed, the "en prison" rule in roulette can have a noteworthy impact on the overall odds for players on even-money bets. In standard roulette games, where there is no en prison rule, the house edge on even-money bets is typically around 2.7% in European roulette and 5.26% in American roulette.

When the en prison rule is in effect, landing on zero doesn't immediately result in a loss for the player on even-money bets. Instead, the bet is either imprisoned or subject to the la partage rule, depending on the specific variant of roulette being played. By allowing players to either recover half of their bet or wait for the next spin to determine the outcome, the en prison rule effectively reduces the house edge on even-money bets to about 1.35% in European roulette.

This reduction in the house edge improves the odds for players who wager on even-money bets, making it a favorable rule for those seeking to enhance their chances of winning. The en prison rule adds an element of strategy to the game, as players must decide whether to surrender half of their bet immediately or take the chance to potentially recover the full amount on the next spin. Ultimately, the en prison rule can contribute to a more engaging and rewarding roulette experience for players looking to maximize their odds of success.
 
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