U.S. patent application number 10/778632 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-19 for roulette gaming system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Grips Electronics Ges. m.b.H.. Invention is credited to Mothwurf, Ewald.
Application Number | 20040159590 10/778632 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23018887 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040159590 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mothwurf, Ewald |
August 19, 2004 |
Roulette gaming system
Abstract
A method for determining the total amount bet by individual
players participating in multiple spins of a roulette game at a
gaming table that has a chipper machine and an intelligent table
terminal. The method involves interfacing the chipper sorting
machine with the table terminal, allocating a chip to a patron at
the terminal, counting the number of color chips sorted by the
chipper machine per color, and associating the number of color
chips sorted by the machine per color with the patron. The total
amount bet by that patron is then determined by mathematically
linking the chip value of the color chip of the patron with the
number of chips of the individual color sorted by the chipper
machine in the time period in which the color chip is associated
with that patron.
Inventors: |
Mothwurf, Ewald; (Graz,
AT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER
EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Assignee: |
Grips Electronics Ges.
m.b.H.
Graz
AT
|
Family ID: |
23018887 |
Appl. No.: |
10/778632 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10778632 |
Feb 13, 2004 |
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10202120 |
Jul 23, 2002 |
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6733388 |
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10202120 |
Jul 23, 2002 |
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09884268 |
Jun 19, 2001 |
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6506115 |
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09884268 |
Jun 19, 2001 |
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09267464 |
Mar 12, 1999 |
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6283856 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
209/551 ;
209/580 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3239 20130101;
G07F 17/3241 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3234 20130101;
G07F 17/3262 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
209/551 ;
209/580 |
International
Class: |
B07C 005/00 |
Claims
1. A method of estimating the total amount bet by an individual
patron participating in a game of roulette and playing with chips
of a specific nature, for example of a specific coloring or size or
shape or pattern, comprising the step of counting the number of
chips of that specific nature, which pass through a chipper machine
associated with the game of roulette while the patron is
playing.
2. A method for determining the total amount bet by individual
patrons participating in a plurality of spins of a roulette game at
a gaming table fitted with a chipper machine and an intelligent
table terminal, the method comprising the steps of: interfacing the
chipper sorting machine to the table terminal allocating a patron a
chip color at the table terminal counting the number of color chips
sorted by the chipper machine per color associating the number of
color chips sorted by the chipper machine per color with the patron
and determining the total amount bet by that patron by
mathematically linking the chip value of the color chip of the
patron with the number of chips of the individual color sorted by
the chipper machine in the time period in which the color chip is
associated with that patron.
3. A method in accordance with claim 2 including the step of
entering the chip value at the table terminal if the color chip is
not played with the default table minimum value.
4. A method in accordance with claim 2 including the step of
allocating a patron not using color chips an individual value
chip.
5. A method in accordance with claim 2 including the step of
compensating for chips sorted but not played by reducing the number
of sorted chips by a percentage.
6. A method in accordance with claim 2 including the step of
storing information relating to the number of chips sorted per
color and spin in a data processing system and associating time
signals with any such storage information.
7. A method in accordance with claim 2 including the step of
displaying the color chips on a display board indicating the value
of color chips allocated to patrons on the display board.
8. A method in accordance with claim 7 including the step of
offering a win calculator at the table terminal on which the number
of winning chips per chance for an individual chip color or chip
value are entered, and calculating the numbers of chips won and a
payout based on the number of winning chips per chance, the number
of chips won per chance and the chip value of the color chip using
the chip value of the color chip known to the system.
9. A method in accordance with claim 8 including the step of
showing some or all of the number of winning chip per chance, the
number of chips won per chance, the total number of chips won,
and/or the total value of chips won.
10. A method in accordance with claim 9 including the step of
proposing the said payout in the form of a number of color chips
and a balance in an amount of value chips, taking into account the
limited number of color chips available on the table.
11. A method in accordance with claim 2 including the further step
of determining the performance of the croupier from information
stored in the data processing system at the start of the croupier
gaming and during the croupier gaming at the table during the
playing of a plurality of spins, e.g. by determining the average
duration of a spin, the number of patrons, the number of color
chips played or sorted.
12. A method in accordance with claim 1 for determining the total
amount bet by individual patrons participating in a plurality of
spins of a roulette game at a gaming table, in which said
individual patrons play using chips having different colors, a
respective color being associated with each said individual patron,
there being a chipper machine for receiving chips collected by a
croupier during the game of roulette and for arranging the chips
according to their coloring in respective columns, from which the
croupier can take stacks of a predetermined number of chips of a
respective color, each chip of a particular color having an
associated monetary value, the method comprising the steps of
counting the total number of chips of each color passing through
the chipper machine during the period each individual patron is
present at said gaming table, and establishing the total monetary
value of the chips of each color passing through the chipper
machine.
13. A method in accordance with claim 12 and including the further
step of estimating from said number of chips or from said total
monetary value the total amount bet by an individual patron playing
with chips of the said color.
14. A method in accordance with claim 13, wherein the step of
estimating comprises the step of subtracting from the total number
of chips of each color passing through the chipper machine, or from
said monetary value a percentage reflecting the house rules on the
breaking of stacks.
15. A method, in particular in accordance with claim 12, of
determining the total win or loss by a patron participating in a
game of roulette, the method comprising the steps of determining
the total amount of all pay-ins made during the game by capturing
at a table terminal a piece of information identifying the player,
and each buy-in or drop amount irrespective of the method of
payment, determining the walk amount at the end of the patron's
game in the form of value chips and/or cancelled markers, and
establishing the difference between the total amount of all pay-ins
and the walk amount.
16. A method in accordance with claim 15, wherein pay-ins in the
form of value chips are detected automatically by the change in
value of a chip tray associated with the roulette table.
17. A method in accordance with claim 12 and comprising the further
steps of determining when a new croupier arrives at the gaming
table, summing the total amounts bet by all patrons playing at the
gaming table during the period in which the new croupier is working
at the gaming table with reference to the chips of all colors
sorted by the chipper machine during this period, and
electronically associating the sum of the total amounts bet to the
croupier.
18. A method in accordance with claim 17, wherein a statistical
correction is added to said sum of the total amounts bet to reflect
the numbers of chips returned to the chipper machine due to the
breaking of chip stacks when paying winnings to individual
patrons.
19. A method in accordance with claim 17, comprising recording the
sum of the total amount bet during each working period of a
particular croupier for a plurality of working periods of that
croupier and forming a total sum of the amounts bet over a
plurality of working periods of said croupier.
20. A method of estimating the performance of a croupier at a
roulette table, comprising the steps of summing, for each period
the croupier is working at the roulette table, the total amount bet
by each of the patrons participating in the game of roulette during
that period or during a fraction of that period, wherein the
individual patrons play using chips having different colorings, the
respective coloring being associated with each said individual
patron, there being a chipper machine for receiving chips collected
by a croupier during the game of roulette and for arranging the
chips according to their coloring in respective columns, from which
the croupier can take stacks of a predetermined number of chips of
a respective color, each chip of a particular color having an
associated monetary value, the method comprising the steps of
counting the total number of chips of each color and/or value
passing through the chipper machine during the period each
individual patron is present at said gaming table, and establishing
the total monetary value of the chips of each color and each value
passing through the chipper machine.
21. A method in accordance with claim 17 and comprising the further
step of determining the number of spins per period of time (or the
average duration of a spin achieved by a croupier) during one or
more working periods.
22. Method in accordance with claim 17, including the further step
of counting the total numbers of chips sorted by the chipper
machine during each working period of a croupier.
23. A method in accordance with claim 17, including the further
step of determining the win or loss achieved by a croupier in each
working period by capturing the financial table status at the
beginning and end of each working period.
24. A method in accordance with claim 17 including the step of
determining the win or loss achieved by a croupier over a period of
time.
25. A method in accordance with claim 17 including the step of
determining the win percentage achieved by a croupier over a period
of time.
26. A method in accordance with claim 17 including the step of
determining the total drop achieved by a croupier over a period of
time.
27. A method in accordance with claim 17 including the step of
determining the number of spins achieved by a croupier in a period
of time and correcting this number by a factor taking account of
the number of active player positions and/or the chips placed by
the patrons.
28. A method in accordance with claim 17 including the step of
determining the average number of active player positions handled
by a croupier in a period of time.
29. A method in accordance with claim 17 including the step of
determining whether the number of active player positions handled
by a croupier in a working period increases or decreases.
30. A method in accordance with claim 17 including the step of
determining for a particular croupier and working period the
average bet placed with the croupier during the working period.
31. A method in accordance with claim 30 including the step of
setting the average bet in relation to the table minimum.
32. A method in accordance with claim 17 including the step of
determining whether the average bet placed by patrons with a
croupier increases or decreases during a working period.
33. A method of determining whether a croupier is practicing
section spinning by measuring, for a plurality of spins of a
roulette wheel, at least one of the following parameters: the
initial speed of the ball in the rim of the roulette wheel, the
speed of rotation of the moving roulette wheel when the ball is
initially launched into it, and the relative position of the
roulette wheel to the ball and to the segment of the casing in
which the ball falls and by mathematically determining whether the
variation of any one parameter confers to an expected pattern
and/or whether a correlation exists between these values.
34. A method in accordance with claim 33, including the step of
determining whether, during a period of high correlation of the
said parameters and/or with an unusual pattern of one or more of
the said parameters, one or more patrons playing at the gaming
table enjoy significantly higher wins than when these patron
playing with other croupiers.
35. Roulette gaming system for use at a roulette table having a
roulette wheel, a chipper machine for sorting color chips and a
chip tray for storing value chips, the gaming system comprising a
computer, means interfacing the chipper machine to the computer for
the counting of the number of color chips of each color sorted by
the chipper machine, detection means associated with the chip tray
for detecting the change in value of the chip tray, means
interfacing the chip tray to the computer and a table terminal
interfaced to the computer for inputting information concerning the
identity of individual patrons, and information associating a color
chip to any patron playing at the table.
36. Roulette gaming system in accordance with claim 35, wherein
said table terminal is also adapted to enable a croupier to
associate different values with each color chip.
37. Roulette gaming system in accordance with claim 35, wherein
said table terminal includes a card reader for reading a player
identification card and/or a croupier identification card.
38. Roulette gaming system in accordance with claim 35, wherein a
chip value display is provided and means interfacing said chip
value display to said computer, enabling the value associated with
each chip to be displayed on said chip value display.
39. Roulette gaming system in accordance with claim 35, wherein a
win calculation display is provided and is interfaced to the
computer to permit the calculation of the win by a player, in
particular for a complex bet.
40. Roulette gaming system in accordance with claim 39, wherein
said table terminal has means permitting the croupier to input
details concerning a winning bet for display on said payout
display,
41. Roulette gaming system in accordance with claim 35, wherein
said table terminal includes a table terminal.
42. Roulette gaming system in accordance with claim 35, wherein
said table terminal is a touch screen terminal having a plurality
of different graphic displays, by which the croupier can input
information, such as the association of a color chip to a
particular patron, the amount of a drop effected by a patron,
information for the calculation of a win and/or information
relating to a walk amount.
43. Roulette gaming system in accordance with claim 35 and further
comprising a number display for displaying a winning number on the
roulette wheel for each spin of the roulette wheel.
44. Roulette gaming system in accordance with claim 35 and further
including a detector for detecting at least one of the following
parameters: the initial speed of the ball in the rim of the
roulette wheel, the speed of rotation of the moving roulette wheel
when the ball is initially launched into it, the relative position
of the roulette wheel to the ball and to the segment of the casing
in which the ball falls.
45. Roulette gaming system in accordance with claim 35, wherein a
card reader is provided for each patron position around the table
and means interfacing each said card reader to said computer.
46. Roulette gaming system in accordance with claim 35, wherein
said computer is programmed to calculate at least one of the
following parameters: the total bet of a patron at the gaming
table, the net win or loss of a patron at the gaming table, the
total turnover of a croupier during a working period at the gaming
table, the number of spins per hour achieved by the croupier, the
average duration of a spin of the roulette wheel achieved by a
croupier, the net win or loss of the croupier, a determination of
whether the croupier is practicing section spinning.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] In the past, an approximate determination of the individual
patrons participating in a game of roulette has been effected by
the pit supervisors/floor persons. These are employees of the
casino who attempt to estimate the average bet of each patron, the
number of games per hour and also the time each patron plays at the
table, and thus the turnover, profit or loss of the individual
casino visitors, through the observation of the progress of the
gaming. Disadvantages of this method are the high costs of
personnel and the inaccuracy of the determination of the turnover,
profit or loss of patrons, the possibility of floor persons
favoring one or more patrons but paying no attention to other
patrons.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is the object of the invention to avoid the disadvantages
of the known systems and to set forth a method and an apparatus
with which the determination of the turnover of individual patrons
is possible in a reliable manner.
[0003] It is a further object of the invention to determine the win
or loss of individual patrons.
[0004] It is a further object of the invention to enable the
croupier performance to be assessed.
[0005] It is a yet further object of the invention to acquire the
data required for assessing the patrons turnover and the croupier
performance in a relatively simple and reliable manner which does
not place an extreme burden on the croupier, but rather helps the
croupier with complex win calculations.
[0006] Further objects and advantages will become apparent from the
following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Patron Bet and Number of Games
[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of estimating the total amount bet and the
number of games played by an individual patron participating in a
game of roulette and playing with chips of a specific nature, for
example of a specific coloring or size or shape or pattern,
comprising the step of counting the number of chips of that
specific nature, which pass through a chipper machine associated
with the game of roulette while the patron is playing.
[0009] In a preferred method of this kind for determining the total
amount bet by the individual patrons participating in a plurality
of spins of a roulette game at a gaming table fitted with a chipper
machine and an intelligent table terminal capable of interpreting
data from the chipper machine, from an electronic chip tray and
from a roulette number reader, the method comprises the steps
of
[0010] interfacing the chipper machine to the table terminal
[0011] allocating a patron a chip color at the table terminal
[0012] counting the number of color chips sorted by the chipper
machine per color
[0013] associating the number of color chips sorted by the chipper
machine per color with the patron
[0014] and determining the total amount bet by that patron by
mathematically linking the chip value of the color chip of the
patron with the number of chips of the individual color sorted by
the chipper machine in the time period in which the color chip is
associated with that patron
[0015] The invention is based on the realization that the number of
chips of any particular color sorted by the chipper machine,
although not actually a precise measurement of the total amount bet
by the patron using that color, is nevertheless closely related to
the total amount bet and can thus be used as a reliable indication
of the total amount bet. The inaccuracy results from the practice
of breaking stacks of chips when paying patrons their winnings,
with the non-used chips being returned to the chipper machine.
Since the number of chips returned in this way is statistically
related to the roulette game, as will be explained later in more
detail, it is readily possible to make a statistical correction to
the total number of chips of any one color passing through the
chipper machine in order to arrive at a total value which is a
close approximation to the total amount bet by the individual
patron playing with that color of chip.
[0016] Since it is possible to assess the total amount bet by each
patron playing at the gaming table in this way, it is also possible
to sum the total amounts bet by all patrons playing at the gaming
table during the period in which a particular croupier is working
at the gaming table, and thus it is possible to assess the total
turnover achieved by the croupier during each working period.
[0017] Patron Win/loss
[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of estimating the win and loss of an
individual patron during his playing period on a gaming table. The
concept for the win and loss capture is to capture all value
movements between the patron and the table. Every buy in (drop)
with bank bills or markers at the table is entered by the croupier
at the table terminal and allocated to the playing position. The
same applies to a partial or total pay back of a marker by a
patron. The movement of value chips can be estimated by the concept
of distinguishing between "play chips" and "pay chips" at the
gaming-table. At roulette tables play chips are normally color
chips, value chips are used as pay chips.
[0019] Whenever value chips are used as play chips for placing
bets, the croupier will not handle these chips in and out of the
chip tray but rather store them in stacks of twenty like he does
with color chips and will handle them the same way as color chips
so that they do not hit the chip tray with every spin, i.e. do not
change the value of the chips in the chip tray.
[0020] Whenever a pay (value-) chip movement is detected by the
chip tray, which is equipped with a system for detecting the
instantaneous value of the chips on the chip tray, and thus also
the change in value of the chip tray for any pay in or pay out, the
table terminal prompts a screen asking to croupier to enter the
playing position to which the pay chip movement belongs. The
monitoring of movements of pay chips into and out of the chip tray
together with the capture of all buy ins (drops) and the repayment
of markers thus allows the capture of the win/loss per patron. The
win loss is the patrons net buy in (drop minus repayment of
markers) plus the balance of the pay chips spent and received.
[0021] Croupier Assessment
[0022] According to a further aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method of estimating the performance of a
croupier at a roulette table, comprising the steps of summing, for
each period the croupier is working at the roulette table, the
various figures captured during each working period.
[0023] The performance figures per virtue are combined into a
croupier score with a breakdown of individual scores per segment.
Data are captured from every dealer work period of in average 45
minutes a dealer works at a table between breaks.
[0024] Croupier financial result--win/loss, turnover, win
percentage, drop
[0025] Croupier working speed--number of spins corrected for active
player positions and chips placed by patrons
[0026] Croupier attracting patrons--number of positions active:
average, increasing/decreasing during work period
[0027] Croupier encouraging play--average bet (relative to table
minimum): average, increasing/decreasing during work period
[0028] In order to compensate for the influence of the time of the
day the performance indicators "croupier attracting patrons" and
"croupier encouraging play" are relative to all other croupiers on
tables at the same time.
[0029] The financial result is derived from the total amount bet by
each of the patrons participating in the game of roulette during
each working period, or during a fraction of that period, wherein
the individual patrons play using chips having different colors,
the respective colors being associated with each said individual
patron, and wherein a chipper machine is provided for receiving
chips collected by a croupier during the game of roulette and for
arranging the chips according to their color in respective columns,
from which the croupier can take stacks of a predetermined number
of chips of a respective color, each chip of a particular color
having an associated monetary value, the method comprising the
steps of counting the total number of chips of each color passing
through the chipper machine during the period each individual
patron is present at said gaming table, and establishing the total
monetary value of the chips of each color passing through the
chipper machine.
[0030] The above information is of great interest to a casino. For
example "Frequent Player Programs" are based on the theoretical
casino advantage derived from the patron's bet. Alternatively, if a
patron has suffered a significant loss, then the casino is
interested in retaining the patron as a customer and may choose to
give him a gratuity in some form as a consolation prize.
[0031] On the hand, should a patron consistently make substantial
wins at a roulette table, then there is always the suspicion that
the patron is participating in an unfair practice and the casino is
alerted to observe a particular patron carefully.
[0032] The casino is also interested in monitoring the performance
of the croupier. For example, the number of spins of the roulette
wheel per working period and/or the total numbers of chips sorted
by the chipper machine during each working period of a croupier is
one useful indication of a croupier's performance.
[0033] The ability to determine the amount of win or loss achieved
by a croupier in each working period is of significant importance
to a casino to determine if the croupier is within the statistical
pay-out percentage limits over a period of time.
[0034] It is known from a statistical analysis of the game of
roulette, that there is a built-in house advantage which amounts to
2.7% in the case of French roulette, or 5.4% in the case of
American roulette. That is to say, the average win of the casino is
2.7% of the total turnover in the case of French roulette and 5.4%
in the case of American roulette. Thus a good croupier can be
expected to achieve a net profit for the casino close to 2.7% for
French roulette, or close to 5.4% for American roulette. If a
croupier consistently achieves a lower return for the casino then
there is always the suspicion that he is either not up to the job
or is involved in some unfair practice, such as paying incorrect
amounts to the patrons when the patrons have won, or so-called
section spinning in which the croupier is able to preferentially
place the roulette ball in a certain segment of numbers and pockets
and thus to benefit patrons to whose attention he has directed this
possibility.
[0035] The present invention provides the key to monitoring both
the total turnover of the croupier and also the win or loss of the
croupier and thus, the average percentage win achieved by the
croupier.
[0036] However, it is not a simple matter to determine precisely
the win or loss achieved by the croupier. While this might
theoretically be possible by observing every spin of the wheel
correctly and by full assessment of every move on the gaming table,
the complications that arise would in practice at least slow down
the game to such an extent that it would be less profitable, and
probably also less interesting for the players. By way of example
it is usual for croupiers to work for a working period of 45
minutes and to then take a 15 minute break. Whenever a croupier
goes for a break another croupier will take over the running of the
table. It would be highly unlikely that the amount of money on the
table, i.e. the chips held by the individual patrons, is the same
when the croupier starts work as at the end of his working period.
Thus, the number of chips held by the patrons represents an
imponderable value which prevents an accurate assessment of the win
or loss achieved by the croupier during each working period.
Nevertheless, the present invention recognizes that a good
approximation to the total win or loss achieved by a croupier in
each working period can be achieved by forming the sum of the total
pay-ins by the patrons during that working period and by the change
in value of the chip tray. By observing this win or loss over a
fair number of working periods, for example a month, it is possible
to obtain a statistically reliable assessment of the average win or
loss achieved by the croupier as will later be explained in more
detail.
[0037] As mentioned above, one unfair practice sometimes
encountered is for a croupier to be practicing section spinning.
The present invention also makes it possible to determine whether a
croupier is practicing section spinning by measuring, for a
plurality of spins of a roulette wheel, one or more of the
following parameters and finding out if these parameters have the
normal variance of the average croupier or if this croupier is
spinning the wheel and ball in an over consistent pattern:
[0038] the initial speed of the ball in the rim of the roulette
wheel,
[0039] the speed of rotation of the moving roulette wheel when the
ball is initially launched into it, and
[0040] the relative position of the roulette wheel to the ball and
to the segment of the casing in which the ball falls and by
mathematically determining whether the estimation of values of the
measured parameter corresponds to an expected statistical
distinction or shows that a suspicious correlation exists between
these values.
[0041] Furthermore, the casino management is also able, from the
statistics made available by use of the present invention, to
determine whether, during a period of high correlation of the said
values with one croupier, one or more patrons at the gaming table
enjoys with that croupier wins which are significantly higher
statistically than the casino advantage for the roulette game being
played.
[0042] Accordingly, it can be seen from the foregoing that the
present invention provides the casino management with a variety of
tools for assessing the performance of a croupier and the progress
of the game of roulette at a gaming table despite the inability to
precisely measure each of the factors of interest.
[0043] Further advantages and benefits of the invention will be
apparent from the further claims. Moreover, the apparatus claims
describe preferred apparatus for carrying out the methods described
above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] The invention will now be described in more detail with
reference to a preferred embodiment and to the accompanying
drawings in which are shown:
[0045] FIG. 1 a schematic plan view of a gaming table equipped for
the game of roulette,
[0046] FIG. 2 a schematic diagram illustrating the interfacing of
the various items of the roulette table of FIG. 1,
[0047] FIG. 3 a possible screen drawing for the selection of color
chips for each of the patrons,
[0048] FIG. 4 a possible screen drawing illustrating the so-called
drop amount,
[0049] FIG. 5 a possible screen drawing for the association of the
chip value with the color chip,
[0050] FIG. 6 a preferred screen layout of the win calculator on
the table terminal,
[0051] FIG. 7 a representation of the chip value and payout
display, and
[0052] FIG. 8 a table illustrating a croupier's performance
measured over a period of twenty-eight working days.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0053] FIG. 1 shows a roulette table 10 equipped with a variety of
electronic modules for the collection and assessment of data
concerning the patrons and the croupier.
[0054] The roulette table 10 is equipped in the usual way with a
roulette wheel generally indicated at 12, a chip sorting machine 14
for sorting color chips (and value chips with newer chipping
machine versions), hereinafter referred to as a chipper machine, a
chip tray 16 for storing so-called value chips, and a bet placement
field 18 where patrons can place their individual bets. In this
example the bet placement field is configured for American roulette
in as much as it has two zeros (identified in FIG. 1 as 0 and 00,
in contrast to French and English roulette which has only a single
0. The roulette wheel 12 is also configured in this case for
American roulette which means that the number ring will have the
numbers 0 and 00 in addition to the numbers 1 through 36 as
shown.
[0055] During the game of roulette, the croupier will normally
occupy the position identified by 20 and the patrons or players
will be arranged around the table as indicated by the reference
numerals 22.
[0056] In order to practice the present invention in all its
ramifications the roulette table is equipped with further items,
namely a table terminal 24, a roulette number display 26, an
automatic number detection system 28, a chip value and payout
display 30, a drop slot 32, and optionally player stations 34. The
automatic number detection system 28 can be designed in the manner
described in international patent application PCT/EP95/00933 as
published in the international patent publication no. WO
95/28996.
[0057] The automatic number detection system makes it possible to
detect which pocket the roulette ball has dropped into and this is
displayed on the roulette number display 26. The automatic number
detection system 28 also has other functions which will be
explained later in further detail.
[0058] The chip tray 16 is designed in the same way as the chip
tray described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,618 and is thus designed to
provide an electronic output of the total value of chips stored in
the chip tray and to automatically register any changes in the
value of the chip tray. In addition the chip tray 16 is coupled to
the chip value and payout display 30 via the table terminal 24
which will be described later in further detail with reference to
FIG. 7, particularly since this is an optional unit.
[0059] The table terminal 24 is configured in the preferred
embodiment as a graphical screen with touch-sensitive data entry at
the screen. Such screens are known per se, for example in
connection with automatic cash dispensing machines. Associated with
the table terminal is a card swipe 36, which permits the croupier
20 to draw or swipe an identification card of a player through the
card swipe. This enables information on the card, for example
relating to the identity of the player, to be entered into the
central data processing unit (computer) 64 associated with the
gaming table, as will later be explained with reference to FIG. 2.
Should the table be equipped with the optional player stations 34
comprising a patron card reader, a display and some optional entry
buttons, then these can also be used for the player to enter a card
and register himself at the table. That is to say, the player
stations 34, if provided, are also coupled to the computer 64 via
the table terminal 24.
[0060] Finally, FIG. 1 shows a plurality of stacks 38 of color
chips arrayed in front of the croupier 20 around part of the
periphery of the roulette wheel 12.
[0061] Although well known to those skilled in the art, a brief
description will now be given of the usual method of playing the
game of roulette, in order to facilitate an understanding of the
present invention.
[0062] For the sake of simplicity, we assume the casino has just
opened for play, the croupier 20 is present at his position, and
various players 22 have arranged themselves around the roulette
table. It is usual for each player to play the game of roulette
with a different color chip uniquely associated with him, so that
winning and losing bets can easily be identified.
[0063] It is also usual for a minimum bet to be associated with a
roulette table, i.e. the minimum amount which can be bet, which
may, for example, start with $5 or more. That is to say, the
minimum value which each chip can have is, say, $5. However,
certain players may wish to play with higher stakes. Provision is
thus made for higher values to be associated with the color chips
of those players 22 wishing to play for higher stakes. In order to
make sure that all players are aware of the value of each chip on
the table, a sample chip of each color is normally hung on a rack,
with the monetary value of the chip being associated with a value
indicator in the rack.
[0064] When the game first starts, it is first necessary for each
player 22 to acquire a supply of chips for use during the progress
of the game. There are several ways that this can be done. First of
all, it is possible for the player to pass money to the croupier,
who then places the money in the drop slot 32 and passes the
corresponding number of color chips to the player. For this purpose
the croupier would normally take a number of stacks from those
arrayed in front of him, in each case in the color associated with
the respective player. It is a convention that each of the stacks
38 contain 20 chips.
[0065] Another possibility is for the individual players 22 to
approach the table with value chips, normally of higher
denominations. These are chips issued by the casino, which can be
used at a variety of gaming tables in the casino and are handed to
the player, for example in exchange for smaller denomination value
chips he has accumulated at a table. Such value chips are placed by
the croupier in the chip tray. Again the player will be given color
chips to the value of the value chips passed by him to the
croupier, or he will be given value chips of the denomination of
his choice.
[0066] Another possibility is for the player to request a so-called
marker at the table. A marker is effectively a casino check for a
certain sum of money. Again, the marker will be entered at the
table terminal and the croupier will give the player chips to the
value of the marker.
[0067] Another possibility is for the player to play with value
chips. In times of heavy play, some casinos allow multiple players
to use the same denominations, in which case the identification of
the player by the type of value chip, is lost which can lead to
disputes.
[0068] Finally, some jurisdictions such as Nevada permit players to
play with normal money--money play. A patron may place a bet by
placing bank bill(s). The dealer will indicate this fact to the
supervisor by saying, "money play". In case the patron wins the
dealer will place the win in the form of value chips and the patron
will take the bills and the value chips or he will leave part of
the chips at the table as the next bet, if the bet is lost the
dealer will drop the money and enter the amount as "money play
drop" into the table terminal and should the patron have signed
onto a box already the amount will be assigned to that
position.
[0069] Once all the players have acquired a supply of chips, the
game may start. As is well known, the conventional roulette wheel
12 comprises an annular casing 40 containing a static, inwardly
sloping rim 42, within which there is mounted a rotatable cylinder
44. This cylinder 44 has an outer ring of numbers 46 corresponding
to the numbers of the bet placement area 18, and an inner ring of
pockets 48, which, in the same way as the outer numbers ring, is
arranged concentrically to the cylinder. Each of the individual
pockets 48 is associated with one of the numbers on the numbers
ring and is isolated from its neighboring pockets by vertically and
radially disposed separators 50. Inside the ring of pockets 48,
there is a central dome area 52.
[0070] In use, the cylinder 44 is spun in the one or other
direction and then a ball is projected by the croupier to run
around the rim inside the annular casing 40. The croupier will spin
the ball in the opposite direction of rotation of the cylinder, The
ball will gradually slow down. The centrifugal force keeping it
within the rim 42 of the wheel 12 will reduce in magnitude, so that
the ball gradually falls down the rim and passes over the numbers
ring 46, where it may bounce off one or more of the separators 50
or off the dome before eventually landing in one of the pockets 48,
which is the winning pocket, i.e. the winning number.
[0071] The players 22 are able to place their bets on the bet
placement area 18 until the ball spinning in the rim 42 has slowed
down so that it leaves the rim 42. For those not familiar with the
game of roulette, it should be noted that it is usual for a player
to use several chips, and indeed to make several bets for each spin
of the roulette wheel.
[0072] If a single chip is placed on a single number, then the
chance of that number becoming a winning number is 1:38. This
follows from the fact that in American roulette, there are a total
of 38 numbers on the number ring, namely the numbers zero and
double zero and the numbers 1 to 36, and 38 pockets associated with
them (one pocket for each number).
[0073] If a player places a single chip on a single number and
loses, then the chip is scooped by the croupier into a chute 54
associated with the chipper machine. If, however, the number
selected by the player comes up, then he is given 35 chips by the
croupier in addition to recovering the one chip stake he originally
played.
[0074] If the player places, say, 4 chips on the single number and
the number wins, then he will be given 4.times.35=140, chips by the
croupier;
[0075] Another possibility is for the player to place a chip so
that it straddles two numbers. In this case the chance of winning
is 1:17. If the player wins, on either of these numbers, he is
given 17 chips by the croupier for each chip placed by him.
[0076] It is also possible for a player to place a chip so that it
lies on four numbers. In this case his chance of winning is
increased, but the returns if he does win are also reduced, and in
fact for each chip placed in such a way he will receive eight
further chips from the croupier and will also have his stake
returned to him.
[0077] It is also possible for a player to place a bet on five
numbers, for example on the numbers 0, 00, 1, 2 and 3. In this case
his chances of winning are again increased. However, if he does
win, the number of chips he receives from the croupier is reduced
to six for each chip he has bet in this way.
[0078] Another possibility is for the player to place a chip on
three numbers. In this case he receives 11 chips from the croupier
for each chip bet. A further possibility is for him to place a bet
on six numbers. In this case he receives five chips from the
croupier for every one he has bet. Yet another possibility is for
the player to bet on columns of twelve numbers. In this case the
chance of him winning is much higher, but if he does win, his win
is reduced to two chips for each chip bet in this way.
[0079] It is also possible for a bet to be placed on twelve numbers
chosen other than in columns, for example on the top three by four
array of the numbers 1 to 12, on the middle three by four array of
the numbers 13 to 24, or on the bottom three by four array of the
numbers 25 to 36. Again, the chance of winning is high, but the
returns for a win are low; the croupier will only pay the player
two chips for every one bet.
[0080] Another form of bet is possible referred to as a "chance
simple", and involves a bet placed on any one of the number of
so-called "chances", referred to as "rouge", "noir", "pair",
"impair", "manque", "pass". For example "rouge" signifies that the
player bets simply on the color red. In this case the chance of
winning is high, but if the player wins, he only receives one chip
from the croupier, in addition to the chip he originally bet. Every
bet which is not a winning bet is collected by the croupier, the
color and/or value chips are placed in the entrance to the chute
leading to the chipper machine 14. The chips are then sorted by the
chipper machine according to their color and/or value arranged in
stacks within the chipper machine, from which the croupier can take
stacks of twenty chips each to replace those on the table that he
has used up. At this stage it should be noted that when paying a
player for a winning bet, the croupier will take a whole number of
stacks present on the table, will break one of the stacks and will
put the chips not owed to the player back into the chute of the
chipper machine.
[0081] For example, if the player has bet two chips on a single
number and won, then the croupier must pay him 70 chips of the same
color. To do this, he will take four stacks of 20 chips each,
totaling 80 chips, will pass three full stacks to the player and
will break the fourth stack so that the player receives 10 chips.
The remaining ten chips are placed in the chute associated with the
chipper machine.
[0082] Further examples of this will be given later.
[0083] Having described the usual way of playing the game of
roulette, a description will now be given of how the various items
of equipment present at the roulette table are linked together in
accordance with the present invention and what significance this
has to the assessment of data.
[0084] Referring now to FIG. 2, there can be seen the same items of
equipment that are shown in FIG. 1, but also the way they are
interconnected electronically. The same numbers will be used in
FIG. 2 to identify the same items, as are identified by them in
FIG. 1.
[0085] FIG. 2 shows in addition the table communication bus 60, to
which all the items of FIG. 1 having an electronic interface are
connected. Thus, the interface 62 links the chipper machine 14 to
the table communication bus 60. The card reader 36 is associated
with the table terminal 24, which is connected to the table
communication bus 60. Equally, the roulette number display 26, the
electronic chip tray 16, the automatic number detection system 28,
the chip value and payout display 30 and the player stations 34 are
connected to the table communication bus 60 via suitable interfaces
(not shown). A central data processing unit 64 is coupled to the
table terminal and to the table communication bus via one or a
plurality of Ethernet hubs or switches 66, which distribute the
Ethernet network from the central data processing unit 64 to the
table terminals 24 of a plurality of gaming tables in the
casino.
[0086] FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6 show sample screens, which appear on the
table terminal 24 in the preferred embodiment when this table
terminal is realized, in the preferred embodiment, as a graphical
screen with touch sensitive data entry.
[0087] As indicated above, when a player first comes to the table,
he will give the croupier either cash or value chips or request a
marker and will tell the croupier of the value with which he wishes
to play. He will also give the croupier his player identification
card, which the croupier will draw or swipe through the card reader
36 at the table terminal 24. This action will lead to the drawing
of FIG. 3 appearing on the screen of the table terminal. The
croupier will select a color chip 70, or possibly a value chip 72,
if color chips are not available or if the player wishes to play
with value chips. If a color chip is selected, then the table
terminal will next show the screen drawing of FIG. 5, which enables
the croupier to touch the screen, so that the desired value is
associated with the color chip. It can be seen from FIG. 3 that the
third color chip of the top row has been selected. In practice this
is shown by the selected color chip lighting up brightly; in the
drawing the selected color chip is indicated by representing the
value of the chip as an outline rather than as a solid number. It
can be seen from the drawing of FIG. 5 that color chips at this
table can have the value $5, $10, $20, or $50, as indicated in
field 82, with the table minimum being $5, as indicated in field
84, and with the actual chip value selected in the case under
discussion being $10, as indicated in field 86. The field 88
indicates the chip color as selected on the screen of FIG. 3. Once
the chip color and the chip value have been fixed, the screen
drawing of FIG. 4 appears, and the croupier can type in the amount
of the drop by the respective player, for example the screen has a
three by three matrix of fields 90 providing for drops of 10, 20,
50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 or 5000 dollars, and the precise
amount of the drop by the individual player can be recorded by
touching the screen at the appropriate field. In the present
example, the player has made a drop of $400, and this is achieved
by pressing the field 200 twice, so that the drop amount of $400
appears in the field 92. Beneath the three by three matrix 90,
there are two further fields, namely 94 and 96 respectively labeled
"cancel" and "enter". Once the croupier has dealt in the drop
amount of 400 and it has appeared in the field 92, he can then
press the "enter" area of the screen to enter this value of the
drop into the computer system. Should he have made a mistake, then
he can press the "cancel" area 94. This then cancels the sum
appearing in the drop field 92 and enables the croupier to type in
the new value as appropriate in the three by three matrix field
90.
[0088] If, during the course of a game, a player or patron wishes
to buy further chips, then the croupier will either select the
screen drawing of FIG. 3, which can, for example, be done by
pressing the corresponding color chip field 70 or value chip field
72 relating to the specific color/value appropriate for that
player. Alternatively, he can once again swipe the player's player
card through the card reader, so that the screen drawing of FIG. 4
appears. He can then enter the drop amount there as previously
described. It will be noted that the first time the player's card
is swiped through the card reader, the screen of FIG. 3 appears.
The next time the same card is swiped through the card reader, the
screen of FIG. 4 will appear. This will also occur for any
subsequent drops by the patron during the same gaming period, i.e.
until the patron leaves the table and is signed off by the
croupier.
[0089] Through these various actions, the computer system learns
the identity of the player, from the player identity card, is able
to associate the color and the value of the chip associated with
the player by the entries made by the croupier using the screens of
the FIGS. 3 and 5, and is able to record the amount of any drop by
the player. It should be noted that the method of making the drop,
be it by cash, money play or by marker, as selected by the fields
93, 95 or 97 is irrelevant. In each case the croupier simply enters
the relevant amount using the screen drawing of FIG. 4.
[0090] In the case of value chips, it is possible for the croupier
to add these directly to the chip tray. The change in value in the
chip tray is then associated with the drop by the player through
the time association of the input of the player's identity card and
the change in value of the chip tray 16. In this case the table
terminal will indicate the inventory change of the chip tray as
default drop to the croupier. Otherwise the input is then made
manually by the croupier as explained above.
[0091] Turning now to FIG. 7, there can be seen the details of a
chip value and payout display 30. Arranged along the top of the
display are sample color chips 101 in each of the different colors
available at the table. Beneath each chip there is a rectangular
field 102 containing a number which is the amount in dollars
associated with the chip immediately above the respective field.
Beneath the left-hand field 102 there are three further fields 104,
106, 108, which show the denominations of value chips that are used
for betting. In the present case, only one value chip is being
played and has the value of $10. The table minimum bet is shown in
the field 110 and the row of fields 112, 114, 116, 118 and 120 show
the payment indicators for winning combinations of a particular
patron. Moreover, the black dot shown in each of the fields 112,
114, 116, 118 and 120 indicates where a chip must be placed by a
patron in order to achieve a particular win. Thus, the field 112
shows the case of one chip on a single number, for which the
croupier must pay the patron 35 chips. The field 114 shows a
winning chip bridging two fields, for which the croupier has to pay
the patron 17 chips. In similar fashion, the fields 116, 118 and
120 show other usual payouts which have to be made by the
croupier.
[0092] The row of fields 122, 124, 126, 128, 130 positioned above
the row of fields 112, 114, 116, 118 and 120 show the number of
chips bet by the particular patron for each of the possibilities
shown in the respectively associated field 112 to 120 or beneath
it. The bottom row of fields 132, 134, 136, 138, 140 show the total
number of chips won by the patron. Thus, the particular play shown
in the diagram of FIG. 7 is a play of ten chips (box 122) on a
single number (box 112) which is won, thus the croupier has to pay
10.times.35=350 chips (box 132) to the particular patron for this
part of his total bet. In addition, the patron has placed one chip
(box 124) on two numbers resulting in a win of 17 chips. The player
has made no bets (boxes 126, 128) of the kinds shown in boxes 116
and 118. Accordingly, he has won no chips, as shown in boxes 136
and 138. However, the patron has bet five chips (box 130) in the
manner shown in box 120, and thus wins a total of 5.times.5=25
chips (box 140) for this bet. The patron to whom this bet relates
is the patron associated with the fourth color chip 101 from the
left in FIG. 7, with a value of $10 per chip. This is emphasized on
the display of FIG. 7 by a brighter lighting of the respective
field 102.
[0093] Thus, the player associated with this chip has won a total
of 392 chips, as indicated in the "total" box 142, and the chip
display now makes a proposal to the croupier for the manner of
payment of the player. In this case the suggestion is that the
player should receive 192 chips (box 144) and a cash amount of
$2000 (box 146), which may, of course, be paid by value chips or by
the return of a marker or a reduction of the marker amount.
[0094] The reason for paying a win in this way is simply that there
are only a limited number of color chips which can be accommodated
conveniently on a roulette table, typically between 300 and 400
chips of each color.
[0095] It should be noted that the payment display of FIG. 7 is an
optional feature which can readily be realized using the present
invention, and which is intended to facilitate the work of the
croupier in calculating the wins from complicated bets, such as
those shown above. If the win is more straightforward, for example
1:2 or 1:1, then the croupier will invariably be able to handle
such a bet without the aid of the "win computer" embodied in the
chip value and payout display 30.
[0096] The values shown on the chip value and payout display 30
must, of course, first be entered at the table terminal. This will
typically be done by the croupier calling up a win calculator
screen on the table terminal 24 and typing in the corresponding
values by touching the screen the appropriate number of times.
[0097] For this purpose it is most convenient if the table terminal
has a touch-type graphic screen which can be called up by pressing
the corresponding color chip field 70 or value chip field 72
relating to the specific color/vlue appropriate for that player,
which will bring up a pop-down menu from which the croupier can
select the win calculator and which corresponds to the layout of
the chip value and payout display 30. FIG. 6 shows a preferred
screen layout of the win calculator on the table terminal. The
display makes it easy for the players to check that the croupier is
behaving fairly and also enhances the atmosphere at the roulette
table associated with a good win.
[0098] The chipper machine, which is known per se, for example from
U.S. Pat. No. 4,157,139, has the function of sorting chips of a
particular color into particular columns. For this it is provided
with sensors for recognizing the different types of chip. The
output signals from the sensors are used to steer gates, through
which the chips are fed into the individual columns, usually using
solenoid operated plungers to push the chips into the respective
columns. Modern chipper machines are also able to sort value chips
and, in order to avoid too many columns, will sort several
denominations into one column but will still individually count the
chips per denomination. Modern chipper machines provide a
communication port via which the interface 62 can interrogate the
internal meters of the chipper machine for the number of sorted
chips. For older machines, the interface 62 requires tapping of the
solenoids driving the plungers and a clock signal active for every
chip sorted. The information is then sent to the computer system
64.
[0099] On first using the chipper machine, the sequence of the
chips in the chipper machine is first specified in the
programming/learn mode of the chipper machine. This normally takes
place by throwing the chips into the chipper machine in the desired
sequence, in which the chips are to be output in the columns of the
chip sorting machine. This would normally be the same sequence as
is shown in the display of FIG. 7.
[0100] The interface 62 (FIG. 2) transmits the sum of the sorted
chips as n-position values in blocks of numbers in the sequence in
which the chips are pushed out into the columns of the chipper
machine. At the table terminal 24, the chips are also shown, in the
diagram of FIG. 3, in the order in which they are fed into the
chipper machine. In this way the action of the chipper machine, the
display of the table terminal of FIG. 3 and the output display of
FIG. 7 are coordinated with one another, i.e. the sequence of the
color chips is the same in all of them.
[0101] Having described the various items of hardware and
electronic equipment at the table, a description will now be given
of the various assessments that can be made with this
equipment.
[0102] A description will now be given of the various pieces of
information which the apparatus and method of the invention can
deliver.
[0103] a) Patron Win/loss
[0104] As indicated above, roulette is played with color chips,
with each patron receiving chips in his individually allotted
color. Some casinos allow additionally the use of value chips, in
which case only one patron per chip value is allowed in order for
it to be possible to associate each value chip uniquely with an
individual patron. Casinos do allow more than one patron per value
chip denomination in which case patron can only be rated by the
floor person by the classic manual method. It is mandatory for each
table to have differently patterned color chips in order to avoid
different values of the same color chip in a casino. Actually, the
word "color" is misleading, since the chips usually have different
surface decorations and a plurality of different colors in order to
make it possible to distinguish readily between them.
[0105] Also as indicated above, when a patron arrives at a table,
he buys color chips at the table minimum or higher value in
exchange for cash, value chips or markers. Markers are casino
cheques by which the patron can draw from his credit or cash
deposit account with the casino. Markers are generally issued by
pit clerks and signed by the patron.
[0106] Also as explained previously, the patron is identified by
swiping his player identification card through a card reader. Then
the screen display of FIG. 3 appears, which enables the croupier to
associate a particular color chip or a particular value chip with
that player with a minimum of effort. It should be noted here that
the player need not necessarily have an identity card in which case
an anonymous player identity is created and linked to the player
position. Provision is made for the floor person to enter/retrieve
information concerning the identity of the player at a pit terminal
(not shown in the drawings) associated with the computer system 64.
It should also be noted that the identity of the patron may be his
full name and address, but may also simply be a piece of
information uniquely identifying him, such as his position at the
gaming table, or his room number if he is staying in a hotel
associated with the casino.
[0107] Following the entry of the identity of the player, and the
selection of a chip using the touch screen display of FIG. 3, the
touch screen diagram of FIG. 5 appears. The croupier can enter the
value of the chip which is associated with the player in question.
In the example of FIG. 5 the table minimum is $5 per chip and the
player has elected to play with the chip value of $10 per chip.
After this entry, the computer knows that player X is playing with
chips of a particular color and that each chip has a value of $10.
After allotting the chip value of $10, the screen drawing of FIG. 4
automatically appears. The croupier can use the touch screen to
enter the drop amount by the player X--in the example of FIG. 4,
$400. Thus, the computer now knows the player's identity, the color
of chip he is playing with, the value associated with each color
chip and the amount he has initially paid in.
[0108] Once this has been completed, the croupier passes color
chips of the selected color to the player X to the value of $400,
i.e. 40 chips. He does this by taking two of the stacks 38 on the
roulette table 10. The same procedure is followed for all other
players at the table. Thereafter, the game commences. Each time the
player loses, the color chips he has placed on the table are
scooped into the inlet chute of the chipper machine 14 and are
automatically sorted by the chipper machine 14. Each time he wins,
he is given chips by the croupier.
[0109] Each patron may need to buy further chips in the course of
the game if he wishes to continue playing at the table. If this
occurs, the croupier either selects the screen drawing of FIG. 3,
and then the chip of the patron on the screen, or he once again
swipes the player's card through the card reader. In both cases the
screen drawing of FIG. 4 automatically appears for him to enter the
new drop amount. The total of the drop amounts made by a patron
during a period at the gaming table is summed by the computer 64
and stored in a memory associated with the computer 64.
[0110] If the player wins, then his wins would normally be paid in
color chips, provided sufficient color chips are still available on
the table. If this is not the case, then the balance of a win can
be paid to the player in value chips. When the patron wants to
leave at this stage, the croupier will pay the win in value chips,
should he use the win calculator or the table terminal he will set
the amount of color chips on the screen FIG. 6 to zero so that the
win can be paid in value chips and preferably done using the
facility of the payout display of FIG. 7. The screen FIG. 6 allows
the entry of play chips the patron may hand to the croupier at this
time. If the croupier does not use the win calculator the change in
the chip tray inventory will trigger the table terminal to present
a screen asking for the player position the amount of value chips
was paid to.
[0111] When the patron leaves the table, various situations are
possible. The patron may have lost all his chips and is simply
walking away. In this case, the croupier will log off the patron at
the table terminal, or at the table terminal, if provided, thus
freeing the color chip for another patron.
[0112] The patron may have had a superb win and will indicated that
he wants all his win paid in value chips. In this case the number
of value chips required is taken from the chip tray and passed to
the player in the same manner that occurs when the player has to be
paid with value chips during the course of a game, and thus this
payment to the player, a win by the player, is recorded by the
computer in the way described previously. If necessary, the win
calculator function can be used to determine the amount to be paid
in value chips. The patron may hand his remaining color chips to
the croupier, in which case the croupier will enter the number of
color chips at the table terminal as a "walk" amount.
[0113] The patron may just want to leave without a high win after a
particular spin of the roulette wheel. In this case the croupier
will enter the number of color chips received. Should the croupier,
however, just take the value chips from the chip tray and hand them
to the patron, the system will automatically determine a decrease
of the chip tray inventory, will flip up the payout screen to enter
the walk amount of value chips at the table terminal and alert the
croupier by light and/or sound to enter information concerning the
patron, and/or his position at the table, and/or color of color
chip.
[0114] b) Total Amount Bet by a Patron
[0115] It will be appreciated that the total amount paid in by the
patron is not the same thing as the total amount bet. During the
play at the roulette table, the patron will sometimes lose and
sometimes win. Thus, the number of chips he has purchased will pass
to and fro between him and the croupier. The total amount bet by
the player will increase accordingly.
[0116] In accordance with the present teaching, this total amount
bet is detected by detecting the number of chips of the particular
color sorted by the chipper machine.
[0117] As explained previously, when a player wins, the croupier
will take a number of stacks of chips, pass the patron a certain
number of whole stacks and a broken stack and will return the extra
chips from the broken stack into the chipper machine. This actually
means that the chipper machine sorts rather more chips than the
player has actually bet.
[0118] In order to make this clearer, two different examples will
now be given. These examples allow an estimation of the discrepancy
or error in assuming that the total number of chips sorted by the
chipper machine corresponds to the total amount bet by the player.
The two examples will reflect different house rules of the
casino.
[0119] Each of the two examples lists the most frequent winning
combinations encountered when playing the game of roulette, which
are also the most frequent combinations selected by the
players.
EXAMPLE 1
[0120]
1 No. of chipstacks Win in number (20 chips Chips cut of chips paid
to each) into chipper Winning chips player stacks chips machine 1
on single number 35 2 40 5 2 on single number 70 4 80 10 3 on
single number 105 6 120 15 4 on single number 140 7 140 0 1 on
split 17 17 1 20 3 2 on split 34 34 2 40 6 3 on split 51 51 3 60 9
4 on split 68 68 4 80 12 1 number + 1 split 52 3 60 8 2 number + 1
split 87 5 100 13 3 number + 1 split 122 6 120 2 extra chips taken
1 number + 2 split 69 4 80 11 2 number + 2 split 104 6 120 16 3
number + 2 split 139 7 140 1 1 number + 3 split 86 5 100 14 2
number + 3 split 121 6 120 1 extra chip taken 3 number + 3 split
156 8 160 4 1456 1580 127
EXAMPLE 2
[0121]
2 Win in No. of chip- number of stacks (20 Chips cut chips chips
each) into chipper Winning chips paid to player stacks chips
machine 1 on single number 35 2 40 5 2 on single number 70 4 80 10
3 on single number 105 6 120 15 4 on single number 140 7 140 0 1 on
split 17 17 1 20 3 2 on split 34 34 2 40 6 3 on split 51 51 3 60 9
4 on split 68 68 4 80 12 1 number + 1 split 52 3 60 8 2 number + 1
split 87 5 100 13 3 number + 1 split 122 7 140 18 1 number + 2
split 69 4 80 11 2 number + 2 split 104 6 120 16 3 number + 2 split
139 7 140 1 1 number + 3 split 86 5 100 14 2 number + 3 split 121 7
140 19 3 number + 3 split 156 8 160 4 1456 1620 164
[0122] Thus, in example 1 the player may place one chip on a single
number. If this number wins, he will receive 35 chips from the
croupier. This means the croupier will take two stacks of 20 chips
each, thus totaling 40 chips, will break one of the stacks and will
return five chips into the chipper machine. If the patron has
played two chips on a single number, then his win is 70 chips. For
this, the croupier will take four full stacks totaling 80 chips and
will return 10 chips into the chipper machine. Similarly, if the
player plays three chips on a single number and wins, then the
croupier has to give him 105 chips. For this the croupier will take
six chip stacks, will break one of them and return 15 chips to the
chipper machine. Should the patron have played 4 chips on a single
number, then his total win would be 140 chips, equal to 7 full
stacks.
[0123] The other possible combinations can be understood in the
same sense. Of interest for this example is the case when the
player places three chips on a number and one chip on a split
(which will also involve the same number). In this case the three
chips on the one number means a win of 105 chips, and the one chip
on the split means a win of 17 chips, and the sum total 105+17=122
chips.
[0124] It would be possible for the croupier to take seven stacks
and return 18 to the chipper machine. However, in the case of
example 1, the house rules of the casino tell the croupier that
with a number such as this, he should only take six full stacks,
totaling 120 chips, and extract two further chips from the chipper
machine.
[0125] Another example, where the croupier, operating in accordance
with the house rules of a particular casino, takes an extra chip
from the chipper machine, is shown in the penultimate entry of
example 1. Here the patron has bet two chips on a single number and
three chips on a split, which will also involve the single number.
For the two chips on-the single number he will have won a total of
70 chips, and for the three chips on a split, he will have won
3.times.17=51 chips. The total of 121 chips (70+51=121) is paid to
the patron by the croupier by taking six full stacks and one extra
chip from the chipper machine.
[0126] Clearly, whenever the player loses, his chips are placed by
the croupier in the chipper machine. Since full stacks are formed
by the croupier from chips taken from the individual columns of the
chipper machine, all the chips paid to the patron have been through
the chipper machine and thus counted by the system.
[0127] Thus, if the wins are distributed equally, the total number
of chips in the chip stacks summed over all these examples is 1580,
of which 1456 have been paid to the patron, and 130 have been
returned to the chipper machine. Since three extra chips were taken
from the chipper machine, in fact a total of 127 were returned to
the chipper machine. 127 represents 8.52% of 1580. Accordingly, for
this particular casino, the total number of chips having passed
through particular patrons through the chipper machine should be
reduced by 8.52% to arrive at a value which, while still not 100%
accurate, nevertheless represents a good estimate of the total
amount bet by the patron sufficient for subsequent analysis.
[0128] In example 2, different house rules apply. In this case no
extra chips are taken from the chipper machine, but rather a whole
number of stacks is always broken, with chips being returned to the
chipper machine. Thus, whereas for three chips placed on a number
and one chip placed on a split, two extra chips were taken from the
chipper machine in example 1. Example 2 provides for the croupier
to take seven whole stacks and to break one stack and return 19
chips to the chipper machine rather than taking one extra chip from
the chipper machine as in example 1.
[0129] The result in the present case is that a total of 1620 chips
have been through the chipper machine, 1456 have been returned to
the player and the number of chips counted by the chipper machine
is higher by 164 than the total amount bet by the player. Thus, in
this case, a correction factor of 11.26% can be considered as
appropriate. Again, it must be noted that this is not an absolutely
accurate calculation of a total amount bet by the patron, but is a
statistically reasonable approach to assessing the total amount bet
by the patron, based on an observation of a patron's playing
behavior over a long period of time.
[0130] The assessment of the player's total turnover in this way is
important for several reasons. First of all, the turnover is the
win potential for the casino from this patron and the base for
"Frequent Player Programs", it enables the casino to see whether
the patron is an important patron of the casino and whether special
attention should be paid to him to encourage him to continue using
the casino. Secondly, for such an important patron, it would be
possible to build up a data base over a longer period of time
showing whether the total amounts won or loss in relation to
turnover are reasonable having regard to the house advantage or
whether there is some element of the patron's play which is
suspicious. Thirdly, the assessment of the total amount bet by each
patron is the key to assessing the turnover of the croupier and to
monitoring the performance of the croupier.
[0131] c) Total Turnover of the Croupier
[0132] As mentioned above, it is conventional for croupiers to work
for periods of about 45 minutes and to then take a break. By
requiring the croupier to sign on and sign off at the table, which
can be done by drawing his card through the card reader, it is
possible for the computer 64 to recognize which croupier is present
at the table and for the play during the period in which a
particular croupier is working at the table to be associated
uniquely with that croupier.
[0133] It is not necessary for the croupier to both sign on and
sign off. The signing on of one croupier can automatically be used
to sign off the previous one. This is preferred because it reduces
the burden on the croupier.
[0134] Through the signing on and off of the croupiers, the
computer system is put in the position of being able to associate
activities at the table with a particular croupier. This is
necessary to detect the croupier's performance.
[0135] The total turnover achieved by a croupier in any one working
period is simply the sum of the total amounts bet by the individual
patrons during this period.
[0136] It was already explained above in detail under section b)
how the turnover of individual patrons is assessed. By knowing the
time at which a croupier arrives at the table and subsequently
leaves it, it is possible to deduce from the data relating to the
total amount bet by a patron, as stored by the central processing
unit 64 and based on information from the chipper machine, the
amount the particular patron bet during a particular working period
of the croupier concerned. This also makes it possible to take
account of people arriving at or leaving the table during such a
working period. It will be appreciated that the computer 64 when
recording pieces of information, such as the sorting of a number of
color chips by the chipper machine 14, or a payout from the chip
tray 16, will record a time against each such piece of data and
that the different time entries can be used to associate the total
amount bet by a patron within the working period, with the croupier
controlling the gaming at the table during that working period.
[0137] d) Win or Loss of the Croupier
[0138] To determine the win and loss achieved by the croupier the
financial status of the table at the beginning and the end of a
working period is captured. The financial table status of a table
is determined by the cash and marker drop and the chip tray
inventory relative to the opening inventory when the table opened
or the shift started. Non gaming influences on the chip tray such
as chip fills and credits from and to the chip bank have to be
accounted for by the computer system 64. Again, the signing on and
off of the croupier results in time signals, which enable drops
made by the individual patrons and the taking of winnings during
the working period to be associated by the central processing unit
64 with a particular croupier. The win and loss determined in this
way is not strictly speaking accurate because it does not take
account of the influence of the different quantity of color chips
which are in the patron's possession at the start and end of the
play. However, if the croupier's performance is measured over a
sufficient number of working periods, the influence of the color
chips held by the patrons balances out over an adequately long
period, so that a high level of confidence can be achieved that the
assessment of the croupier's performance is correct.
[0139] This possibility of summing the total amount won or lost by
a croupier over a longer period of time and simultaneously knowing
the total turnover achieved by the croupier in that period of time
provides a very powerful tool for analyzing the croupier's
performance. As already mentioned, there is a known house advantage
for the casino, so that statistically speaking over a longer period
of time the casino should have made a win of 2.7% of the total
turnover for French roulette, with a single zero, or 5.28% for
American roulette with a double zero. Thus, a good croupier is one
who achieves a high turnover and the house advantage based on that
turnover.
[0140] On the other hand, when the turnover is high, but the net
win by the croupier falls significantly short of the house
advantage, this is suspicious and requires further investigation.
It is natural, in a game of chance, for the croupier to have some
days in which his net win is low, or in which he even makes a loss.
However, on average he should be achieving the house advantage.
Should statistical observation, however, show-that the croupier's
overall performance is significantly below the house advantage, and
that the periods in which his performance is poorest correspond to
a particular patron participating in the game of roulette and
making a significant win, then this suggests that there may be some
collusion between the croupier and the patron, for example that the
croupier is indulging in so-called sector spinning and has given
the patron the tip that he should place his bets on particular
numbers in order to have an increased chance of winning.
[0141] As further confirmation of such a suspicion, it will be
possible to analyze the statistical information from the detector
28 to see if this also correlates with particular wins by a
particular patron.
[0142] This statistical assessment of a croupier's performance can,
for example, take place on the following basis:
[0143] For French roulette (single zero) the mean win for a
randomly placed bet of one chip is .mu.=0.0270 chips, with a
standard deviation of .sigma.=4.113 chips. For American roulette
(double zero), it is .mu.=0.0528 and .sigma.=4.068 chips.
[0144] As a rough assessment, it can be assumed that for each spin
of the roulette wheel there are 60 stakes (individual bets) placed
on the table, that the croupier performs 40 spins each shift and
does 40 shifts a week. Based on this assumption, the following
Table I reveals the number of weeks a croupier has to be observed
to retrieve relevant assessment data.
3TABLE I Confidence Levels in Croupier Assessment Confidence Number
of Pockets Coefficient Deviation bets Weeks 37 90% 33% 342 000 3.6
50% 152 000 1.6 100% 38 000 0.4 95% 33% 564 000 5.9 50% 250 000 2.6
100% 63 000 0.7 99% 33% 1 130 000 11.8 50% 501 000 5.2 100% 125 000
1.3 38 90% 33% 88 000 0.9 50% 39 000 0.4 100% 9 800 0.1 95% 33% 145
000 1.5 50% 64 000 0.7 100% 16 000 0.2 99% 33% 290 000 3.0 50% 129
000 1.3 100% 32 000 0.3
[0145] Furthermore, the table shows only negative deviations from
the expected win (one sided test), as a higher win than the
expected win could never harm a casino.
[0146] Referring now to FIG. 7, the shaded columns in the diagram
show the win a certain croupier produces for the casino. Having
observed a croupier for at least 25 days, average win data is
relevant. So if the win for this croupier falls under the dotted
line after more than 25 days of observation, one can be sure to 90%
that this croupier produces an average win which is 33% less than
the average casino win.
[0147] Another factor of uncertainty in croupier rating for
American Roulette is the fact that wheel checks (value chips) in
player's hands cannot be registered by the electronic chip tray and
thus might cause inaccuracies in chip tray measurement. Studies
have shown that uncertain wheel check positions increase the
observation period by only 5.5%. This corresponds to two further
days maximum; if the results derived should be within a confidence
level of 95%.
[0148] As further background to the present invention some
statistical details will now be given with respect to the
statistical background of roulette:
Win, Mean and Standard Deviation
[0149] The means of the casino's win for the single zero and the
double zero roulette and their standard deviations can
approximately be calculated from the following Tables II and
III:
4TABLE II Means and standard deviations for different bets,
assuming a one chip stake, at the game of roulette with 37 numbers
(single zero). Numbers Possible Possible Win Standard in Bet
Possibilities Loss Win Probability Mean Variance Deviation 1 37 =
23.57% 35 1 0.0270 0.0270 34.080 5.838 2 60 = 38.22% 17 1 0.0541
0.0270 16.567 4.070 3 14 = 8.92% 11 1 0.0811 0.0270 10.729 3.276 4
23 = 14.65% 8 1 0.1081 0.0270 7.810 2.795 6 11 = 7.01% 5 1 0.1622
0.0270 4.891 2.212 12 6 = 3.82% 2 1 0.3243 0.0270 1.972 1.404 18 6
= 3.82% 1 1 0.4865 0.0270 0.999 1.000
[0150]
5TABLE III Means and standard deviations for different bets,
assuming a one chip stake, at the game of roulette with 38 numbers
(double zero). Numbers Possible Possible Win Standard in Bet
Possibilities Loss Win Probability Mean Variance Deviation 1 38 =
23.60% 35 1 0.0263 0.0526 33.208 5.763 2 62 = 38.51% 17 1 0.0526
0.0526 16.155 4.019 3 15 = 9.32% 11 1 0.0789 0.0526 10.471 3.236 4
22 = 13.66% 8 1 0.1053 0.0526 7.629 2.762 5 1 = 0.62% 6 1 0.1358
0.0789 5.599 2.366 6 11 = 6.83% 5 1 0.1579 0.0526 4.787 2.188 12 6
= 3.73% 2 1 0.3158 0.0526 1.954 1.394 18 6 = 3.73% 1 1 0.4737
0.0526 0.997 0.999
[0151] To obtain overall estimations for the mean and the standard
deviation, one would have to know the average frequencies for each
bet. As a first approach, one can take the number of possibilities
for each bet given in Table II and Table III, and calculate
averages for mean and variance. This leads to:
6TABLE IV Overall means and standard deviations for the single zero
and the double zero roulette. Roulette Std. Type Mean (.mu.)
Variance (.sigma..sup.2) Deviation (.sigma.) Single Zero 0.0270
16.920 4.113 Double Zero 0.0528 16.549 4.068
Minimum Sample Size Estimation
[0152] As well known in statistics, the mean X of a sample of size
N can be compared against the mean .mu. of the whole distribution
by calculating 1 z = X - N Formula 1
[0153] and comparing the result z, which is the normalized
deviation of the sample mean X of the corresponding overall
distribution mean .mu., with a table of the quantiles of the
Gaussian distribution. Of course, this depends on the assumption
that the sample has been taken from a normally distributed entity,
but from the LINDEBERG-LVY theorem we know that the distribution of
a sample's mean is asymptotically normal, as long as both a mean
and a variance exists for the distribution the sample is taken
from. This means that Formula 1 can be taken as a good
approximation as long as N is not too small.
[0154] From Formula 1, one can easily derive 2 N = ( z X - ) ,
Formula 2
[0155] which is an estimate for the sample size needed to detect a
given deviation from the distribution's mean.
[0156] As an example for the single zero roulette, if one wants to
detect a 33% deviation from the mean with a confidence coefficient
of 90%, N has to be approximately 342 000. This means that the
croupier has to be observed for about three and a half weeks to get
the desired result.
[0157] The mean for the double zero roulette is about double the
one for the double zero roulette. Therefore, the sample size
necessary is much less; it has to be approximately N=88 000. Using
the assumptions above, we find the time period necessary to detect
the mentioned deviation to be less than one week.
[0158] Recalculating the sample sizes necessary to detect a 50%
deviation at a confidence level of 95%, one obtains N=250 000,
corresponding to about two and a half weeks (single zero) and N=64
000, corresponding to about five days (double zero).
[0159] As mentioned above, wheel checks (value chips held by
patrons at the table) can cause problems.
[0160] Problem Description
[0161] The variance of the win, as shown in Tab II, Tab. III and
Tab. IV, has to be increased due to the uncertainty caused by the
unknown amount of wheel checks possessed by the players at the
table at the time of shift change. To obtain an estimate for this
influence, some assumptions must again be made, which--on an
average--are fulfilled in practice:
[0162] At each time, there are five players at the table;
[0163] The croupier performs 40 spins each shift;
[0164] At each spin there are 60 stakes placed on the table;
[0165] Each stake contains 2 chips;
[0166] The amount of wheel checks lies between 0 and 100 (both
included) and is evenly distributed.
Mean and Variance (Meet Checks)
[0167] In general, mean and variance of an evenly distributed,
discrete random variable with consecutive integer values from the
interval [a,b] can be computed as follows 3 = b - a 2 , Formula 3 4
2 = ( n - 1 ) ( n + 1 ) 12 , where n = b - a + 1. Formula 4
[0168] In the present case (a=0, b=100) the results are .mu.=50 and
2.sigma..sup.2=850. From the assumptions made in the section
"Problem Description", it is obvious that the distribution of the
wheel checks held by all players at shift change is the sum of five
independent distributions, thus having a mean of
.mu.=5.times.50=250 and a variance .sigma..sup.2=5.times.850=4 250.
Therefore, mean and variance for the difference between begin and
end of a croupier's shift are .mu.=250-250=0 and
.sigma..sup.2=4250+4250=8 500.
Mean and Variance (Croupier's Win)
[0169] Following the assumptions above, a croupier has to handle 2
400 stakes with a total of 4 800 chips in one shift. The mean and
standard deviation for his win can be calculated, based on the
results given in Table IV. From there, .mu. has to be multiplied by
2 (average number of chips per stake) and by 2 400 (number of
stakes), while .sigma..sup.2 has to multiplied by 2.sup.2 and by 2
400. The results are summarized in Table V:
7TABLE V Means and standard deviations for a croupier's win during
one shift, not including the uncertainty caused by wheel checks.
Roulette Std. Deviation Type Mean (.mu.) Variance (.sigma..sup.2)
(.sigma.) Single Zero 129.73 162 432.79 403.03 Double Zero 253.42
158 865.91 398.58
How Wheel Checks Effect Sample Size
[0170] The above discussion shows how the variance of the
croupier's win within one shift increases by approximately 5.5% for
both types of roulette, due to the uncertainty caused by the wheel
checks. From Formula 2, it can be seen that the sample size depends
linearly on the variance of the entity the sample is taken from,
and therefore increases by the same ratio.
[0171] e) Working Speed of the Croupier
[0172] One factor of interest to a casino is how quickly the
croupier works. The quicker he works, the more turnover is achieved
within a particular period of time and the greater is the profit to
the casino. One simple measure for the working speed of a croupier
is to count, for example, the number of spins of the roulette wheel
he achieves per hour, or an equivalent value such as the average
duration of a spin of the roulette wheel 12. This information can
readily be obtained by the central processing unit 64 either from
the detector 28 or by analyzing the periods of activity of, for
example, the chipper machine 14. The activity of the chipper
machine will typically be at an increased level at the end of each
spin of the roulette wheel when the croupier collects the losing
bets.
[0173] Another useful measure of the croupier's performance is the
total number of chips sorted by the chipper machine in a particular
period. Clearly, if more players are present at the table, the
duration of each spin of the roulette wheel, the collection of lost
bets and the payment of winnings will take rather longer than if
only one or two patrons are playing at the table.
[0174] f) Section Spinning Indication
[0175] The detector 28, which can be designed in accordance with
the PCT application with the publication number W095/28996 provides
information on the speed of the ball in the upper rim of the
roulette wheel, the speed and direction of the cylinder of the
roulette wheel, and the relative position of the cylinder to the
ball and to the segment into which the ball falls. This information
may be used to detect the position of the ball in the moving
roulette wheel and illuminate the display to indicate the winning
number to the patrons and to collect information for statistical
processing. It is stated that the latter enables the casino to
check that the wheel and its croupier are operating fairly and
without bias. However, no particulars of how this check is made are
given.
[0176] The present teaching recognizes that the data achieved from
the detector can be used to see if it is statistically significant.
For example, the frequency with which a particular number occurs
should be randomly distributed. Equally, a check can be made to see
whether the set of parameters such as the speed of and the phase
between the cylinder and the ball are randomly scattered out as
with other croupiers or if the parameters indicate a rhythmic
spinning by this croupier which again suggests that section
spinning could be practiced.
[0177] Finally, it should be noted that not all of the electronic
items recited in connection with FIG. 2 are necessary for each of
the assessments mentioned above. All the comments made below assume
that a central processing unit 64 or at least a computer associated
with the particular gaming table or a group of gaming tables is
present for data storage and analysis.
[0178] Thus, for assessing the patrons, so-called patron rating
(total amount bet), it will be sufficient to provide only a chipper
machine 14 with an interface 62 and a table terminal 24, into which
the croupier would be expected to type in all other relevant data.
However, to make the system more comfortable for the croupier to
use, it is preferable to provide a chip value and payout display 30
in accordance with FIG. 7.
[0179] To determine the patron win or loss, it is necessary to have
the table terminal 24 and the electronic chip tray 16 and it will
help the croupier a lot to have the chip value and payout display
30.
[0180] To perform the croupier assessments, it is necessary to have
the chipper machine 14 with the interface 62 and the table terminal
24. In order to determine the number of spins per unit time, it is
necessary to either derive this information from the activity of
the chipper machine or to provide the detector 28. To obtain
information concerning the net win or loss by the croupier, it is
necessary to have as a minimum the table terminal 24 and the
electronic chip tray 16. In order to determine possible section
spinning, the minimum requirement is the table terminal 24 and the
automatic number detection system 28.
[0181] The roulette number display 30 and the automatic number
detection system 28 are useful for providing customer
information.
[0182] It will, of course, be appreciated that the realization of
the table terminal with various graphic touch screens and the
precise layouts of these touch screens and the information
contained on them are matters which can be varied significantly
without departing from the present teaching. The versions given
here represent the best embodiment known to the inventor.
* * * * *