The Ever Expanding Double Bubble Universe

What Is Double Bubble?

The Double Bubble slot series lacks the same high profile internationally as the Big Bass and Fluffy Favourites franchises, but it is one of the longest lived and most loved slot game universes in the UK gaming industry.

The original game, developed in house by Gamesys, was released in 2006 and for many years Double Bubble games were exclusive to Gamesys sites.

All that started to change in 2019 when the in house studio that created Double Bubble was separated off as Roxor Gaming, and Roxor was in turn sold to Australian iGaming giant Aristocrat in 2022. Now, you can find Double Bubble and all of its sequels and variants on most UK slots and casino sites, in many cases replacing inferior lookalike titles.

Double Bubble’s enduring popularity has more to do with cosy familiarity than innovation. The pastel colours, simple fruit symbols, and unintrusive audio effects have a mid-2000s browser game vibe, and Double Bubble clearly belongs in the same category as the Candy Crush-inspired games of that era, including those such as Sweet 27, Gem Heat, Fruits Gone Wild and Sugar Pop that were at least partially inspired by Roxor’s classic.

Once Roxor began to release follow-up titles, they came thick and fast, quickly running through some of the game mechanics and features that had been developed in the years since the original game was released. So, we had Double Bubble Jackpot, which adds a progressive jackpot, and the sequel to that sequel, Double Bubble Triple Jackpot. Now, we have the inevitable Megaways edition, and there have also been scratchcard, bingo and free game variants.

Although the pace of Double Bubble releases has been relentless since the Aristocrat purchase, the game itself has remained rooted in its original elements: a 5×3 layout, a cosy, simple theme and the signature Bubble Line mechanic, in which symbols inside bubbles launch multipliers. There will, presumably, come a point at which Roxor decides to retire the franchise, but with the pace of releases increasing through 2024 and 2025, that seems a long way off.

Double Bubble – Return To Player

The original Double Bubble game was launched with a fixed Return To Player of 96.02% but now, most Double Bubble games come with a variable RTP that is set by the operator and as you can see from the table below, the difference can be significant.  Disappointingly and perhaps surprisingly, the Gamesys sites where the Double Bubble games originated now have the RTP set at the lower end of the range (and so do Aspire Global casinos, but no surprises there!).  Of the casinos we checked, Entain sites were best for RTP.

To check the RTP of a Double Bubble game, you’ll need to look in the “Game Info”.

Double Bubble Games

We haven’t included release dates in the table above as many of the Double Bubble series games effectively have two release dates – the date they went live at Gamesys sites and the date they went on general release.  In the case of the original Double Bubble slot game there’s a gap of around FIFTEEN YEARS between the two!

Double Bubble

The original 5×3 reel slot with its familiar 20 paylines blended fruit machine symbols with a quirky soap-and-bubble theme. Medium volatility gameplay was combined with a decent RTP of 96.02%, but as mentioned above the game has been modified to allow operators to select a lower RTP. The main innovation (and the core of the series that followed) was the Bubble Line mechanic. Any symbol in a bubble landing on the reel launches another payline, leading to a potential x22 multiplier, and this combined with the Bubble Pop Bonus that gave more multipliers, made this one of the most popular ever slots.

Double Bubble Jackpot

This variant took the original game’s basic 20-payline structure, and retained the popular Bubble Line and Bubble Pop mechanics, but took the prize winning possibilities to a new level by adding a progressive jackpot through the Bubble Pop Bonus. The downside of this upgrade is an inevitable fall in the RTP for almost all players, because a small portion from each spin goes to fund the jackpot. Otherwise, the basic game and its retro feel remain untouched, providing an interesting new spin on the original classic, offering something for jackpot seekers as well as casual players.

Double Bubble Triple Jackpot

For this edition, Roxor took the jackpot concept and tweaked it. The big progressive remains but now there are two additional progressive jackpots which are much smaller and drop more frequently. And that’s about it. The extra jackpots add some more suspense and depth to the pursuit of the big prize, but everything else, from the Bubble Line mechanic to the 20 paylines remains unchanged.

Double Bubble Fizz

The first genuine evolution of the basic game, this version plays on a 5×5 reels array and offers an expanded 50 paylines, dropping the classic layout of the original. It packs in extra features, including Bubble Wins and the Super Bubble Bonus, represented by a giant bubble that expands as more bubbles land on the reels. Vibrant visuals and deeper gameplay make this one of the best variations of the original, though even the highest rate of RTP is a bit disappointing.

Bouncy Bubbles

Roxor felt confident enough to tweak the game title with Bouncy Bubbles, which also offered one of the most innovative takes on the original that we’ve seen. This one is played on a 6×6 grid with cascading reels, cluster pays mechanics and a new Bubble Popper bonus, along with a (relatively small) progressive jackpot, and feels like the most modern variant of the Double Bubble concept seen so far.

Double Bubble Megaways

It was always likely that this series would follow the example of so many others by embracing the Megaways mechanic (though without the tumbling reels seen in many Megaways slots), and in this case, the result is a new take on the base game. Along with the familiar 117,649 ways to win, this game replaces the Bubble Line with a new bonus in the form of Bubblemania, which adds matching bubble symbols, potentially boosting the size of wins.   With slicker mobile optimisation, it makes for one of the most sophisticated versions of Double Bubble.  Double Bubble Megaways is connected to the same progressive jackpot as Double Bubble Jackpot and Double Bubble Triple Jackpot.

Double Bubble Jackpot Splash

Having given us two jackpot versions of the game, Roxor went back to the progressive well for this edition, but with diminishing returns. The 20 payline structure is retained, as are the Popper Bonus and Bubble Line, and the maximum x22 multipliers. In fact, there was very little new about this variant, other than some splashy new visuals.

Poppin’ Bubbles Scratchcard

An unexpected detour into scratchcard territory that doesn’t offer much in the way of features, Poppin’ Bubbles works surprisingly well. The classic game is reimagined as a basic scratchcard, which offers eye catching visuals, retaining the retro charm of the original game. The maximum win of x6000 is small compared to the slots series, but is solid for a scratchcard, and overall, this iteration of the series was a fun diversion. Shame about the RTP.

Double Bubble Colour Connect

Roxor pulled off a neat trick in this variation, repackaging the original game as something new thanks to the addition of the Colour Connect feature. This is a random reel change that alters the standard pink colours to red, blue, yellow or green, leading to multiplier boosts for any colour matching symbols. It’s a nice touch, and represents a significant visual upgrade but underneath it’s much the same game with the same mechanics. It’s also doesn’t seem to be available with a Return To Player any higher than a rather dismal 92%.

Double Bubble Super 7

Another progressive jackpot variant, Double Bubble Super 7 sticks to the same presentation and gameplay as the original, but adds a Super 7 Bonus with a progressive jackpot of up to £777, £7777 or£77,777, which is unlocked via a jackpot ladder.  Only one of the three jackpots is active at any one time.  The new feature brings some additional tension (especially if the biggest jackpot is in play) along with a retro, ‘hold and spin’ feel to the locked symbols on the ladder, but otherwise, there’s nothing new in this one.

Double Bubble Super 7s Scratchcard

If there’s a shark-jumping moment in the Double Bubble series, this is probably it. The scratchcard concept was a fun diversion and the Super 7 an interesting bonus feature, but the combination of the two here took the franchise in an unusual direction which doesn’t really fit with the cute and quirky nature of the series and loses a lot of the fun in the process. The scratchcard is connected to the same jackpot as the slot game and even features a button to go to the slot game.

Double Bubble Incredibet Slot

Same 20-paylines, same 5×3 reel layout, same Bubble Line bonus; there wasn’t a lot of innovation in this edition. The Incredibet feature is the only significant change, offering a boosted stake and bigger multipliers, with Wilds paying up to a maximum of x10,000, but the new feature is not really that exciting.  We found this game with RTP of 92%, 94% and 95% at different sites.

Double Bubble Cash Wall

Roxor found their innovative mojo with this edition, adding a 3×5 bubble grid in to the standard 5×3 reel. Bubbles that contain prizes or free spins land on the reels and float upward, and there are multiple collector symbols that activate to gather cash or spins from the grid in varied ways, adding new depth and entertainment to the gameplay. The animations and visuals also appear to have been given an upgrade, making for a striking and impressive update.  Again, we found this game with its RTP set at 92.01%, 94.01% and 95.01%, so do check before you play.

Doubly Bubbly

Along with Bubble Up Bingo, this is one of the few Double Bubble games that remain exclusive to Double Bubble Bingo and other Gamesys sites. Unlike the other games in the series it is a free-to-play only game featuring a 10×9 grid in which players pick squares to reveal icons. Collecting matching sets over the course of a week unlocks free spins and cash prizes, and there’s an Instant Wins feature that offers extra random prizes on a pick. Like Poppin’ Bubbles Scratchcard, this is an engaging development of the original theme.

Bubble Up Bingo

The first and so far only Double Bubble bingo variant, Bubble Up Bingo is based on 90 ball bingo and includes a Double Up Bonus that doubles player winnings whenever the full house winning number matches a special double number. The bingo room has a user-friendly interface with a mini-game section, main game section, complete with key information, and a lively chat room. Prizes also include a Super 7 jackpot and a progressive jackpot. It’s a long way from the original, but this is a good attempt at translating the Double Bubble charm to a bingo format.

Double Bubble: The Good and the Bad

As with all of the other long-running series, there are elements of the game that endure, and those that don’t; classic editions and the occasional misfire.

The Good

• Nostalgic, accessible gameplay: The original Double Bubble was founded on simple, easy-to-follow mechanics and a cute retro design. Most sequels haven’t deviated too far from these strengths, and it has remained an accessible game for newcomers.
• Variety of formats: With Megaways, cluster pays, scratchcards and jackpot versions, no-one can argue that Roxor has played it safe with the Double Bubble series.
• Strong UK brand recognition: In the UK, Double Bubble has established a pretty loyal player base and a sense of cosy familiarity that others can’t match.
• Consistent design: As with the core gameplay elements, Roxor has retained the familiar pastel bubblegum visuals, fun sound effects, and cheery theme throughout, building its innovations around the edges, ensuring that all the variants are recognisable to fans.

The Bad

• Patchy quality: While some editions like Double Bubble Fizz and Double Bubble Megaways bring new elements to the series, others, such as Double Bubble Colour Connect or Double Bubble Super 7 are not that impressive.
• Lack of core innovation: Although the retention of the core mechanics is a strength for many casino fans, others may feel that some of the gameplay and design is outdated, and has not developed in line with the changes in slot game technology.
• Variable volatility and RTP decline: Some of the games in the series are high or medium-high volatility yet don’t have the huge maximum win potential to offset that volatility. And the even the higher RTPs look less impressive in 2025 than it did in 2006.
• Limited appeal outside the UK: It may be a favourite in the UK, but the Double Bubble brand hasn’t yet made a big impact outside that market.

Final Thoughts

From its soapy beginnings in the early years of the online casino revolution, the Double Bubble series has become one of the most recognisable UK slot brands, retaining its charm thanks to a simple formula of cute visuals and solid gameplay built around the Bubble Line feature.

As slot games have grown ever more complex, Double Bubble has retained its simplicity, reproducing the charm of the old fruit machines with the flair of modern online slot developers. This has remained the case throughout all of the later innovations, including the Megaways, cascading reels and tiered jackpots, and that simplicity has developed into nostalgia.

It’s also worth noting that while some slot franchises fall back on endless reskins (yes, Big Bass Bonanza, we’re talking about you), with the Double Bubble series, Roxor has made some real efforts to help the game evolve. Many of the later versions of the game have added depth, volatility and new ideas, such as the grid-based bonus rounds of Double Bubble Fizz.

That said, they haven’t all been hits. Double Bubble Colour Connect and the Double Bubble Super 7 variants are little more than reskins, and Roxor has not entirely been able to avoid the temptation to churn out the titles rather than develop consistently meaningful new iterations.

Nevertheless, Double Bubble is one of the best loved and most recognisable franchises across the UK casino sector, and while it may not quite have grabbed the international attention and acclaim that has been given to the Book of Dead, Gonzo’s Quest or Big Bass franchises, it represents a UK slot success story that is still popping, nearly 20 years on. Just make sure you check the Return To Player before starting to play!

Double Bubble – Where To Play

Double Bubble – FAQ

Where can I play the Double Bubble slot game in the UK?

Heart Bingo, Double Bubble Bingo, Virgin Bet, Smooth Spins, Gala Bingo and Mecca Bingo are just some of the UK sites with Double Bubble games

What is the Double Bubble Jackpot slot and how is it different?

The Double Bubble Jackpot slot has a progressive jackpot.  Part of each stake goes towards funding this jackpot so while there’s a tiny chance of winning a large amount, in the base game the return to player is lower.

How do you win on Double Bubble slots – is there a trick?

Double Bubble slot games are purely games of chance with no skill whatsoever involved.

How long does Double Bubble take to pay out?

The time scale for withdrawing winnings from playing Double Bubble depends on where you’re playing it.

Which Double Bubble versions have the biggest jackpots?

Double Bubble Jackpot and Double Bubble Triple Jackpot have the same progressive jackpot.  It’s a local progressive which means that each operator has their own jackpot prize pool. For example, in September 2025 at Gamesys sites the jackpot was approaching £110K whereas at Heart Bingo it was around £57K.  Once someone wins the jackpot, it returns to its seed value of £25K. You will need to check the game at casinos from different operators to find out where the biggest jackpot is currently.

Is Double Bubble Megaways better than the original slot?

Depending on which casino you play at, Double Bubble Megaways will likely have a higher Return To Player than the original game, as well as having a progressive jackpot which the original game lacks.

What is the original Double Bubble slot and when was it released?

Double Bubble is a classic 20 line slot game that was released in 2006 at Jackpotjoy.