This guide covers the physical two-ring form of Double Action Roulette. One ball determines an outcome on an inner ring and an outer ring. Single-zero and double-zero versions exist; the examples below identify which layout they concern.
Each ring has its own betting area, arranged as a 6-by-6 grid rather than the usual 3-by-12 layout. Single-ring wagers and bets requiring a result on both rings have different winning conditions. This is different from Double Ball Roulette, which uses two balls.
Novomatic’s January 2012 magazine described a Double Action Roulette extension for Novo Unity II with two winning numbers from one spin. This is historical product information, not confirmation that a particular casino offers it today.
The rules of the game
First of all, it is important to note that outside bets are not even-money bets in double action roulette. However, in order for an outside bet to be successful, the selected wager has to occur on both rings.
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Place bets before betting closes and check the table’s displayed rules. Dealer procedures and terminal presentation can differ between installations.
Types of bets that are to be made
Bets on a single ring, single-zero wheel
1. Straight-Up Bet: The payout will be 35 to 1.
2. Split Bet: Covers a permitted two-number combination and will pay 17 to 1.
3. Six-number Bet: Covers a permitted six-number combination and will pay 5 to 1.
4. Corner Bet: Covers a permitted four-number combination and will pay 8 to 1.
5. Twelve-number Bet: Covers a permitted twelve-number combination and will pay 2 to 1.
Bets on a single ring, double-zero wheel
1. Straight-Up Bet: The payout will be 35 to 1.
2. Split Bet: Covers a permitted two-number combination and will pay 17 to 1.
3. Six-number Bet: Covers a permitted six-number combination and will pay 5 to 1.
4. Corner Bet: Covers a permitted four-number combination and will pay 8 to 1.
5. Twelve-number Bet: Covers a permitted twelve-number combination and will pay 2 to 1.
Bets on both rings, single-zero wheel
1. Two red numbers on both rings: The payout will be 3 to 1.
2. Two black numbers on both rings: The payout will be 3 to 1.
3. Two odd numbers on both rings: The payout will be 3 to 1.
4. Two even numbers on both rings: The payout will be 3 to 1.
5. Two low numbers (1 to 18): The payout will be 3 to 1.
6. Two high numbers (19 to 36): The payout will be 3 to 1.
7. Two First Dozens: The payout will be 8 to 1.
8. Two Second Dozens: The payout will be 8 to 1.
9. Two Third Dozens: The payout will be 8 to 1.
10. Two First Columns: The payout will be 8 to 1.
11. Two Second Columns: The payout will be 8 to 1.
12. Two Third Columns: The payout will be 8 to 1.
13. Both rings show the same single number selected before the spin: The payout is 1,200 to 1.
Bets on both rings, double-zero wheel
1. Two red numbers on both rings: The payout will be 3 to 1.
2. Two black numbers on both rings: The payout will be 3 to 1.
3. Two odd numbers on both rings: The payout will be 3 to 1.
4. Two even numbers on both rings: The payout will be 3 to 1.
5. Two low numbers (1 to 18): The payout will be 3 to 1.
6. Two high numbers (19 to 36): The payout will be 3 to 1.
7. Two First Dozens: The payout will be 8 to 1.
8. Two Second Dozens: The payout will be 8 to 1.
9. Two Third Dozens: The payout will be 8 to 1.
10. Two First Columns: The payout will be 8 to 1.
11. Two Second Columns: The payout will be 8 to 1.
12. Two Third Columns: The payout will be 8 to 1.
13. Both rings show the same single number selected before the spin: The payout is 1,200 to 1.
Probability and house edge
The 1,200:1 bet requires your selected number on both rings, not just any matching pair. Assuming independent, equally likely ring outcomes, its probability is 1/37² on single-zero equipment and 1/38² on double-zero equipment. The corresponding house edges are 1 − 1,201/1,369 ≈ 12.27% and 1 − 1,201/1,444 ≈ 16.83%.
For a both-red bet paying 3:1, the same model gives a house edge of 1 − 4(18/37)² ≈ 5.33% with one zero and 1 − 4(18/38)² ≈ 10.25% with two zeros. A larger payout alone does not indicate a better-value bet.
The schedules above describe the traditional version analysed by Michael Shackleford. Check the actual paytable and permitted combinations; a shared game name does not establish identical rules. For the calculation method, see odds and probabilities.
Further reading: Gambling Commission standards for explaining game rules and payouts.
