Is Double Ball Roulette Better Than Classic Roulette?
Roulette is one of the most recognised casino games, and most people picture the classic wheel with a single ball in motion. In recent years, alternative versions have been created, including Double Ball Roulette. This format adds a twist that some players find interesting, while others prefer the traditional version.
This guide looks at both games in detail, explaining how each one works, what the differences are, and how payouts are calculated. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of how these versions compare, and you can decide which may appeal to you more based on how you like games to flow.
How Does Double Ball Roulette Work?
Double Ball Roulette uses the same type of wheel as European roulette: 37 numbered pockets ranging from 0 to 36. The main difference is that two balls are released onto the wheel instead of one.
Before each spin, you place chips on the betting layout. You can bet on a single number, or on wider groups of numbers, such as red or black, odd or even, or 1 to 18 and 19 to 36. These broader bets are often called outside bets, while a single number wager is known as a straight-up bet.
Because two balls are in play, each spin creates two results. Some Double Ball Roulette tables also offer a “double hit” wager, where both balls can land on the same number. This is very rare, but it offers a much larger payout because of how unlikely it is to occur.
The overall look of the table is very similar to the classic version, so if you’ve seen or read about European roulette before, the layout will be familiar. The difference is mainly in how the outcomes are recorded and how the potential payouts are structured.
Comparing Odds: Regular Roulette vs Double Ball Roulette
In European roulette, a straight-up bet on a single number has a 1 in 37 chance of winning, which works out at about 2.70%. This is because the wheel has 37 pockets, and only one of them is the number you’ve chosen. Outside bets, such as red or black, tend to win more often. Around 48.60% of spins land on one of these colours, since 18 pockets are red, 18 are black, and one is green.
With Double Ball Roulette, two balls are released on the same wheel, so the probabilities change. The chance of at least one ball landing on your chosen number increases to just over 5%.
Outside bets also work differently. Many tables give two options: one that pays if at least one ball matches your selection, and another that pays more if both balls do. To give an example:
- At least one ball landing on red has a probability of about 73%.
- Both balls landing on red have a probability of about 23%.
The house edge in European roulette is about 2.70%. In Double Ball Roulette, it tends to be similar overall, but it can shift slightly depending on the exact paytable offered by the casino.
Payouts in Double Ball Roulette Explained
The payouts in Double Ball Roulette are different from the traditional format. A few examples will help explain this.
- A straight-up bet (a single number) in European roulette pays 35 to 1 if it wins. In Double Ball Roulette, if just one ball lands on your chosen number, the typical payout is 17 to 1.
- If both balls land on that same number, the payout is usually around 1,200 to 1, though some casinos list this as 1,300 to 1. Because it happens so rarely, the potential return is much higher.
- For outside bets such as red or black, the version that pays if one ball matches is usually even money (1 to 1). If both balls match, it is commonly paid at 3 to 1.
Some Double Ball Roulette tables add extra bet types, such as trying to predict that the balls will land within the same dozen. These are optional side bets and can vary by casino.
Because there is no universal paytable for Double Ball Roulette, it is important to check the rules of the table you are playing on.
Is Double Ball Roulette Better Than Regular Roulette?
Whether Double Ball Roulette is “better” depends on what you are looking for in a game.
European roulette has one result per spin and payouts that have been standard for many years. Its structure is simple, and many people find this style easier to follow.
Double Ball Roulette offers two results per spin, along with extra bet types. Some players may enjoy this variety, as it creates more possible outcomes on each round. Others might find the reduced payouts on certain bets less appealing compared with the traditional format.
Neither game can be considered the “best” overall, because it comes down to personal preference. Both use a random outcome, and no spin is linked to the next. There is no system or strategy that can guarantee winnings.
If you are curious about Double Ball Roulette, you may want to try a demo version first, if the casino provides one. This allows you to see how the rules and payouts are presented without staking real money straight away.
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If you decide to play, set limits that suit you and take breaks when you need them. When you are ready to explore, head to our lobby and pick the roulette table that feels right for you.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.