A 5-Minute Guide to Double Ball roulette

In their quest to entertain casino players, it appears that the games are becoming increasingly crazier. For example, how about a game of roulette played with two balls simultaneously? Introduced over 10 years ago, the game of Double Ball Roulette has become very popular and can be found in many top land-based casinos, as well as online with live dealers.

Practicalities of Playing With Two Balls

We're sure your first question is, how on earth can two balls be spinning on the same wheel without bumping into each other? The solution is that the balls are not released at the same time. Using compressed air, the first is shot out microseconds before the second. Because the force used to send them off is the same, then they never meet. As for the betting layout, it's pretty much identical to the standard game of roulette that you know and love. Having said that, the inside bets will give you two chances to win, though they come with a lower payout. Outside payouts are similar to regular roulette, though both balls must win in order for you to receive a reward.

The Rules of Play Double Ball Roulette

Some land-based casinos prefer to play Double Ball Roulette out on a double wheel, though it's more common to utilise a single wheel. For all intents and purposes, the layout is identical to the regular game. Probably the most glaring difference during the gameplay is that the croupier doesn’t drop the ball from the edge of the wheel. Rather it is shot out using a remote control that triggers the blast of compressed air. In many ways, it reminds us of the more advanced pinball machines of yesteryear.

As previously mentioned, for outside bets, both balls must win. Let's imagine that you bet on black. Now in order to receive the payout, both balls must land on black. If one falls into the red pocket and the other into the black, then sorry, there's no payout for you.

However, when it comes to inside bets, then either ball can win. Furthermore, your winnings will be doubled if both balls win with an inside bet. If you decide to place a Double Jackpot bet, then you’ll need to be extremely lucky as the only payout comes if both balls land on the exact same number.

Bets in Double Ball Roulette

Just as with Classic Roulette, there are several bets to choose from. You’ll find that all of them are similar to those found in the standard roulette game.

Outside Bets

The outside bets include the following:

  • Red or black
  • Odd or even
  • 1-18 or 19-36

 

If both balls happen to land on your chosen colours or numbers, then expect to receive a 3-to-1 payout. You're also able to bet on one of the balls landing on red while the other lands on black. If you win, you’ll receive an even money payout.

Group Bets

It's possible to choose groups of 12 numbers. In this case, the payout will be 8 to 1, providing both balls land in the selected group of 12 numbers. These groups are as follows:

  • 1-12
  • 13-24
  • 25-36

Numbered Bets

There is a selection of numbered bets where the payout is dependent on whether a single or both balls land on a chosen number. Several of these numbered bet’s payouts will depend on whether just 1 ball or both balls land on a selected number. Below are the single number bet payouts:

  • The single number bet offers the biggest payout, 17 to 1 if one ball hits.

If both balls hit, you win 34 to 1.

  • The 2 number bet pays off at 8 to 1 if one ball hits and 16 to 1 if both hit.
  • The 3 number bet pays off at 5 to 1 if one ball hits and 10 to 1 if both hit.
  • The 4 number bet pays off at 3 to 1 if one ball hits and 6 to 1 if both hit.
  • The 5 number bet pays off at 5 to 2 if one ball hits and 5 to 1 if both hit.
  • The 6 number bet pays off at 2 to 1 if one ball hits and at 4 to 1 if both hit.

Double Ball Roulette offers a bet that pays out a staggering 1200 to 1. This is the Double Jackpot Bet and it's sometimes possible to find live dealer games where the player will be offered an even higher payout of up to 1300 to 1.

The House Edge in Double Ball Roulette

It's impossible to discuss any casino games without delving into the house edge. As you may be aware, the house edge in standard roulette remains the same regardless of the bet you're placing. So on the American wheel, with its double zeros, the house edge is 5.26%. With the single zero European wheel, it's 2.70%. Because Double Ball Roulette utilises two balls, you'll find that the game’s different bets offer different house edges. It could be said that Double Ball Roulette resembles craps in that some bets are better than others are.

Below we've listed the most important factors about the house edge in Double Ball Roulette:

  • If you're betting on 18 numbers using outside bets then the house edge will be 10.25%.
  • The house hedge remains at 10.25% if you're betting on 12 numbers with outside beds.
  • On double jackpot bets, the house edge is much higher at 16.83%.

Inside Bets

You'll find that, on the whole, inside bets offer a much better house edge, though this can vary depending on the numbers you're choosing to bet on.

  • For a single number bet, the house edge is 5.33%.
  • For a 2 number bet, the house edge is 5.54%.
  • For a 3 number bet, the house edge is 5.89%.
  • For a 4 number bet, the house edge is 16.9%.
  • For a 5 number bet, the house edge is 9.63%.
  • For a 6 number bet, the house edge is 7.76%.

Keep in mind that the above figures all assume that you're playing on a wheel with double zeros. The house edge will change if you're choosing a single zero European wheel.

Double Ball Roulette Strategies

In truth, there are no real playing strategies when it comes to Double Ball Roulette. Just like the classic version of the game, everything is entirely dependent upon chance. After all, there’s no betting system in the world that can defeat a house edge. To that end, many strategies concern themselves with helping players look after their bankroll.

As a given, you should always stick to bets which offer the lowest house edge. As previously mentioned, the lowest house that's available is 2.78% on a single number bet if you're playing on a single zero wheel. Though this is going to be volatile, it makes a much more exciting game. Simply because the payouts are going to be that much bigger.

Find a Single Zero Wheel

If you're playing on the wheel with two zeros, then a single number bet will have the lowest house edge, though it's still a lot higher at 5.33%. On a strategic level, you're going to get more bang for your buck if you seek out a single zero wheel to play on. Some players are happier with a higher house edge as long as there's a lower variance. The bets that tend to hit more often are even money payouts or a 2 to 1 payout. This results in losing your bankroll more slowly.

Double Ball Roulette Variations

Don’t imagine that Double Ball Roulette is a stand-alone game. There are a number of other versions, with some being more common than others. Let’s take a look:

Double Action Roulette

This is similar to Double Ball Roulette, but instead of two balls, its roulette wheel features two sets of identical numbers. As a result, two winning numbers appear for each spin. The game plays out in exactly the same manner as Double Ball Roulette and even has the same speed of play and available bets.

Live Dealer Double Ball Roulette

There is a popular version of Double Ball Roulette that you find in the live dealer section of most online casino websites. One of the most agreeable aspects of playing roulette is said to be the fact that it's a social game. It's a great feeling to be surrounded by other people who are interested in the game. By offering a game with live dealers, then the ambience of the online casino becomes like a brick-and-mortar one. You’re able to interact and chat with the croupiers as well as with other players making the whole experience a real pleasure.

Progressive Jackpots

There are also Progressive Jackpot versions of the game. In truth, these are quite difficult to find. These double games work in exactly the same manner as progressive slots in that the jackpot is constantly growing until it's hit. We should point out that you should not assume that one hit will win the jackpot as many games require the player to win a number of times in a row before the jackpot is triggered.

Not the Best Odds in the Casino but A Great Deal of Fun

Being casino purists, we tend to look at Double Ball Roulette as a novelty version of the classic game. Talking of which, it's important to note that you'll get better odds with the standard game. However, if you want to turn your hand to something different, then why not give it a go? It is certainly different and there is no doubt that it can provide hours of entertainment.

 

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