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6 Weird Roulette Variations

Experience quirky roulette variations proudly featuring the Casino Canada logo

Roulette Roulette is a classic game that has endured the test of time. This leads to the creation of various styles that can be conservative, entertaining, or even eccentric. The beauty of roulette lies in its simplicity; all it requires is a wheel, a ball, and a dealer to set it in motion. Over time, the game has persisted in popularity, prompting innovative adaptations aimed at enhancing player enjoyment. The most recognized versions of this game include:

  • American roulette : with a single and double zero
  • European roulette : with a single zero
  • French roulette featuring distinct layouts and diverse betting options
  • Lightning Roulette: an exhilarating live online format that incorporates multipliers into the traditional French gameplay.

At most online casinos While you might encounter these unique variations in both standard and live casino formats, some game developers continue to think outside the box. Occasionally, you might stumble across one of these rare takes on roulette. Keep reading to uncover six less-common 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.

Some variations utilize as many as ten balls, each in a specific hue to assist players in tracking their landing spots. Despite the added balls, the gameplay remains fundamentally similar to the traditional version, with notable differences appearing in the types of bets placed and the potential winnings.

You'll find both American and European versions available. Inside bets tend to offer better winning odds, albeit with smaller payouts. Depending on how many balls are active in the game, you can wager on single numbers or various combinations. With outside bets in double-ball roulette, both balls must win for you to receive a payout. The odds for returning are 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.

This system functions much like standard roulette, except the ball lands in the space between two numerical rings. The French variant featuring a single zero is more prevalent, though American-style wheels are also available. Identifying winning numbers is straightforward, but the betting mechanics can be somewhat intricate.

Players can place bets on numbers within the inner ring, the outer ring, or on both. Inside bets adhere to traditional payout odds, whereas outside bets depend on the outcome from both rings on the wheel. This element is particularly appealing to thrill-seekers, as it can result in substantial 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.

In contrast to the European version, which contains 37 slots, this variant boasts only 28 numbered slots, ranging from 1 to 28, and does not include a zero. Consequently, the layout of the table features these 28 numbered slots along with unique special bets distinct to Le Boule. With merely 28 slots, this game offers a lower house edge of 2.7% compared to standard roulette varieties. The payout odds also vary slightly:

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 game consists of 25 spaces marked by the letters A through X, while letters Y and Z share a slot often considered equivalent to zero, as it has no distinct color and is frequently black. The other 24 letters are organized into groups of four, each assigned a color that is typically observed in the following sequence: yellow, red, blue, green, orange, and pink.

The betting options and odds in alphabetic roulette take a different approach compared to the standard game. Players can place bets on individual letters, entire color groups, clusters of 12 letters, or even columns. This letter-based system allows for creative combinations, like wagering 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 casino games has greatly expanded the possibilities of playing roulette, including the introduction of additional wheels. The concept is that while one wheel can be entertaining, having eight wheels can significantly heighten the excitement. Instead of merely increasing the number of balls or numbers, this variant emphasizes the core component of roulette.

You may encounter anywhere from 2 to 8 wheels in this version of the game. Often, the player has the option to activate the wheels, allowing for a more personalized experience with the chosen number. Despite the action-packed nature, the pace is manageable enough to keep track of where everything lands.

The appeal of multi-wheel roulette lies in the ability to make a single bet that covers multiple wheels, increasing the chances of a successful outcome. The betting method remains straightforward, mirroring that of the traditional format.

Multi-Wheel Roulette Statistics
Bet Payout Odds Payout Odds (Multiple Wheels)
Straight-Up 35 to 1 This exciting variant multiplies your stakes based on the number of wheels you choose to bet on.
Split Bet 17 to 1 This exciting variant multiplies your stakes based on the number of wheels you choose to bet on.
Street Bet 11 to 1 This exciting variant multiplies your stakes based on the number of wheels you choose to bet on.
Corner Bet 8 to 1 This exciting variant multiplies your stakes based on the number of wheels you choose to bet on.
Five Number Bet 6 to 1 This exciting variant multiplies your stakes based on the number of wheels you choose to bet on.
Line Bet 5 to 1 This exciting variant multiplies your stakes based on the number of wheels you choose to bet on.
Column Bet 2 to 1 This exciting variant multiplies your stakes based on the number of wheels you choose to bet on.
Dozen Bet 2 to 1 This exciting variant multiplies your stakes based on the number of wheels you choose to bet on.
Red or Black 1 to 1 This exciting variant multiplies your stakes based on the number of wheels you choose to bet on.
Even or Odd 1 to 1 This exciting variant multiplies your stakes based on the number of wheels you choose to bet on.
High or Low 1 to 1 This exciting variant multiplies your stakes based on the number of wheels you choose to bet on.

Pinball Roulette

Pinball Roulette

The final variant on our list might be the most unconventional yet. It ingeniously combines elements from two classic games – pinball and roulette. To grasp the nuances of this variant, you'll need a good understanding of both games.

As usual, you’ll make your wagers on familiar choices like red or black, specific numbers, and so forth. However, instead of a ball spinning in an actual wheel, a ball is launched into a pinball machine when you finalize your bet. This ball can interact with flippers and bumpers, activate multipliers, and navigate around before eventually settling at the bottom.

In this uniquely mixed game, the numbered slots scroll across the bottom of the machine screen, becoming relevant as the ball lands. Winning occurs if the ball falls into the designated slot that corresponds with your bet. This adds an extra layer of suspense as you try to anticipate the drop's outcome. The payout odds mirror those of the traditional game, with multipliers applying if you hit them correctly:

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 reign as a beloved game in both physical and online casinos, showing no signs of waning. Variants like pinball roulette and multi-ball serve as fresh takes that inject excitement into the classic game. Whether you're keen on the traditional formats or looking to experiment with something new, there’s always a fresh way to approach this enduring casino favorite. Check out our online casino reviews to discover the best venues to kick off your roulette adventure!

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

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