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6 Weird Roulette Variations

Unique roulette variants featuring the Casino Canada branding

Roulette Roulette remains an enduring favorite at casinos. There are classic, entertaining, and even peculiar versions of the game. Since all it needs is a spinning wheel, a ball, and a dealer, roulette is quite straightforward. Given its classic status, it has persisted through the years. As with any beloved game, there is always a desire to modify it for added enjoyment. The most familiar formats include:

  • American roulette : with a single and double zero
  • European roulette : with a single zero
  • French roulette : showcasing differing layouts and betting strategies
  • Lightning roulette: an exhilarating live online twist that introduces multipliers to traditional French rules

At most online casinos You’ll find these variations featured in both standard and live casino settings. However, some developers continue to push boundaries. From time to time, you might stumble upon one of these more distinctive roulette versions. Keep reading to uncover six unusual roulette games and learn about their mechanics.

Double Ball Roulette

Double Ball RouletteYou might’ve guessed what’s different about this version of roulette from the name. Double ball, or sometimes multi-ball roulette, includes not one wheel but two or more balls of various colours that are used on the same spin. The idea is to have double the thrills.

In certain variations, you may encounter as many as 10 balls, each designated with a specific color to help track where they land. Although the gameplay is similar to classic roulette, the key differences appear in the betting options and potential payouts.

You can bet on both American and European versions of the game. While inside bets have a higher probability of winning, they typically yield smaller payouts. Depending on the amount of balls in play, you can place bets on one or multiple numbers. For outside bets in double ball roulette, it’s essential for both balls to win to secure a return. The payout odds work as follows:

Double Ball Roulette Statistics
Bet Payout Odds (1 ball) Payout Odds (2 balls)
Straight Up 17 to 1 34 to 1
Split Bet 35 to 1 70 to 1
Street Bet 17 to 1 34 to 1
Corner Bet 8 to 1 16 to 1
Five Number Bet 6 to 1 12 to 1
Line Bet 5 to 1 10 to 1
Column Bet 2 to 1 4 to 1
Dozen Bet 2 to 1 4 to 1
Red or Black 1 to 1 2 to 1
Odd or Even 1 to 1 2 to 1
High or Low 1 to 1 2 to 1
Any 2 Balls in Same Number 170 to 1 340 to 1

Double Action Roulette

Double Action RouletteIn this game, the double action refers to a uniquely designed wheel. There’s an inner and an outer ring, which means two sets of numbers. One ring has the numbers in the standard order, while the other has them running the opposite way. When spinning the wheel, they each go in different directions.

The mechanics align closely with traditional roulette; however, the ball lands in the pockets nestled between two sets of numbers. Although the French single-zero variant is more prevalent, American wheels are also available. Identifying winning numbers is straightforward, but the betting system features a bit more complexity.

Bets can be placed on numbers within the inner ring, the outer ring, or both. The odds for inside bets follow standard practices, while outside bets rely on the outcomes from both rings of the wheel. This aspect adds excitement for thrill-seekers and may lead to significant payouts.

Double Action Roulette Statistics
Bet Payout Odds (1 ball) Payout Odds (2 balls)
Straight-Up 35 to 1 70 to 1
Split Bet 17 to 1 34 to 1
Street Bet 11 to 1 22 to 1
Corner Bet 8 to 1 16 to 1
Five Number Bet 6 to 1 12 to 1
Line Bet 5 to 1 10 to 1
Column Bet 2 to 1 4 to 1
Dozen Bet 2 to 1 4 to 1
Red or Black 1 to 1 2 to 1
Even or Odd 1 to 1 2 to 1
High or Low 1 to 1 2 to 1
Any 2 Balls in Same Number 340 to 1 680 to 1

Le Boule Roulette

Le Boule RouletteOriginating from France, Le Boule is a niche roulette variation. In some ways, it resembles traditional European or French roulette, but it does have a few different rules and game mechanics.

Contrary to European roulette, which consists of 37 pockets, this variant has only 28 numbered pockets ranging from 1 to 28 and does not include a zero. Consequently, the table format comprises 28 numbered sections and introduces special bets specific to Le Boule, in addition to traditional wagers. Boasting just 28 pockets, the house edge stands at a mere 2.7%, which is lower than in most traditional roulette variants. Additionally, the payout odds are slightly adjusted:

Le Boule Roulette
Bet Payout Odds
Straight-Up 28 to 1
Split Bet 14 to 1
Street Bet 9 to 1
Corner Bet 7 to 1
Dozen Bet 3 to 1
Column Bet 3 to 1
Red or Black 1 to 1
Even or Odd 1 to 1
High or Low 1 to 1

Alphabetic Roulette

Alphabetic RouletteThis variant of the game is rare. Instead of red and black spaces and the numbers 0 to 36, you'll see several colours and letters. Though the concept remains the same, the wheel and the potential outcomes are completely different.

The layout features 25 slots designated for letters A through X, while Y and Z occupy a shared space often recognized as the equivalent of zero, lacking color or represented in black. The remaining 24 letters are grouped into sets of 4, with each assigned a specific hue. Typically, you’ll observe them arranged in this color order: yellow, red, blue, green, orange, and pink.

The betting options for alphabetic roulette vary from the conventional game. You can place bets on individual letters, a color group, a selection of 12 letters, or even an entire column. With letters replacing numbers, there’s room for creativity in your wagers, such as betting on any letter from the word 'roulette.'

Alphabetic Roulette Statistics
Bet Payout Odds
Straight-Up 25 to 1
Split Bet 12 to 1
Street Bet 8 to 1
Corner Bet 6 to 1
Dozen Bet 2 to 1
Column Bet 2 to 1
Red or Black 1 to 1
Vowel or Consonant 1 to 1
Even or Odd 1 to 1
First Half or Second Half 1:1

Multi-Wheel Roulette

Multi Wheel Roulette

The advent of online casinos has expanded the ways to experience roulette, including the introduction of multiple wheels. The concept is that if one wheel provides ample enjoyment, then having eight will generate even more excitement. This variant focuses on replicating the core element of roulette rather than just increasing balls or numbers.

In this version, you may encounter anywhere from 2 to 8 wheels. It often falls on the player to activate the wheels, selecting the numbers that resonate most. Even though the game is filled with action, it’s still manageable enough to track the outcomes.

What makes multi-wheel roulette appealing is the ability to make a single bet that covers several wheels, enhancing your chances of hitting the winning number. The betting process is straightforward, mirroring that of classic roulette.

Multi-Wheel Roulette Statistics
Bet Payout Odds Payout Odds (Multiple Wheels)
Straight-Up 35 to 1 The payout is determined by multiplying the base amount by the number of wheels you choose to include in your bet.
Split Bet 17 to 1 The payout is determined by multiplying the base amount by the number of wheels you choose to include in your bet.
Street Bet 11 to 1 The payout is determined by multiplying the base amount by the number of wheels you choose to include in your bet.
Corner Bet 8 to 1 The payout is determined by multiplying the base amount by the number of wheels you choose to include in your bet.
Five Number Bet 6 to 1 The payout is determined by multiplying the base amount by the number of wheels you choose to include in your bet.
Line Bet 5 to 1 The payout is determined by multiplying the base amount by the number of wheels you choose to include in your bet.
Column Bet 2 to 1 The payout is determined by multiplying the base amount by the number of wheels you choose to include in your bet.
Dozen Bet 2 to 1 The payout is determined by multiplying the base amount by the number of wheels you choose to include in your bet.
Red or Black 1 to 1 The payout is determined by multiplying the base amount by the number of wheels you choose to include in your bet.
Even or Odd 1 to 1 The payout is determined by multiplying the base amount by the number of wheels you choose to include in your bet.
High or Low 1 to 1 The payout is determined by multiplying the base amount by the number of wheels you choose to include in your bet.

Pinball Roulette

Pinball Roulette

Capping off our list is one of the most unusual variants. It merges the mechanics of two classic games – pinball and roulette. To grasp this variant, you'll need to understand the fundamentals of both games.

As you place your bets, you’ll follow the usual options of red or black, numbers, etc. However, instead of a ball spinning around the wheel, a ball is launched into a pinball machine when you place your bet. This ball may bounce off flippers and bumpers, hit multipliers, and navigate through the machine before landing at the bottom.

In this game, the roulette aspect combines with the pinball mechanics as the numbered spaces scroll across the screen at the base of the machine. A win occurs when the ball lands in the designated slot corresponding to your chosen group or number. Expect increased tension as you try to estimate where the ball will land, with payout odds remaining similar to the traditional variant but with multipliers applicable when they come into play:

Pinball Roulette Statistics
Bet Payout Odds
Straight-Up 35 to 1 (unless you land multipliers)
Split Bet 17 to 1 (unless you land multipliers)
Street Bet 11 to 1 (unless you land multipliers)
Corner Bet 8 to 1 (unless you land multipliers)
Five Number Bet 6 to 1 (unless you land multipliers)
Line Bet 5 to 1 (unless you land multipliers)
Column Bet 2 to 1 (unless you land multipliers)
Dozen Bet 2 to 1 (unless you land multipliers)
Red or Black 1 to 1 (unless you land multipliers)
Even or Odd 1 to 1 (unless you land multipliers)
High or Low 1 to 1 (unless you land multipliers)

Summary

Roulette continues to be a beloved game in both physical and online casinos, showing no signs of fading away. Game variants like pinball roulette and multi-ball offer innovative options that keep the excitement alive. Regardless of whether you enjoy the classic versions or are eager for something new, there’s always a fresh take available on this iconic casino game. To explore further, check our online casino reviews to discover the best platforms to get started on your wheel-spinning adventure!

Gerda Grinova
Chief Editor
University of Latvia
Holding a degree from the University of Latvia, I have amassed experience in affiliate marketing, content management, and quality assurance.
Expert in:
  • Casino reviews
  • Online Games
  • Online Slots

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