U.S. patent application number 10/761312 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-23 for method for playing an improved roulette casino game with playing cards.
Invention is credited to Bedrossian, Jean-Pierre, Berube, Real, Gagnon, Martin Benoit, Huard, Marcel.
Application Number | 20040256804 10/761312 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25431902 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040256804 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huard, Marcel ; et
al. |
December 23, 2004 |
Method for playing an improved roulette casino game with playing
cards
Abstract
The present invention relates to an enhanced casino game in
which the principles of the standard Roulette game are applied to a
standard deck of playing cards. The method of the present invention
provides an enhanced experience for the player while bringing
flexibility in the choice of the casino house income ratio for the
casino management team.
Inventors: |
Huard, Marcel; (St-Romuald,
CA) ; Berube, Real; (St-Jean-Chrysostome, CA)
; Bedrossian, Jean-Pierre; (Cali, CO) ; Gagnon,
Martin Benoit; (Charlesbourg, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OGILVY RENAULT
1981 MCGILL COLLEGE AVENUE
SUITE 1600
MONTREAL
QC
H3A2Y3
CA
|
Family ID: |
25431902 |
Appl. No.: |
10/761312 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10761312 |
Jan 22, 2004 |
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09912428 |
Jul 26, 2001 |
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6769693 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3288 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/292 |
International
Class: |
A63F 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of playing a casino table game comprising: displaying
cards from a standard deck of playing cards as betting cards,
wherein said playing cards have at least one of an integer value, a
face value, a suit, a color and a parity; recording at least one
gaming bet from a player, wherein said player chooses a number n of
said betting cards for each of said at least one gaming bet;
drawing at random from said standard deck of playing cards a
payout-determining card wherein said payout determining card is any
one card of said standard deck of playing cards; using said
payout-determining card, calculating a payout for each of said at
least one gaming bet, for said player, said payout amounting to
48/n when said payout-determining card matches one of said betting
cards chosen, and said payout amounting to zero when said
payout-determining card does not match any of said betting cards
chosen.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said gaming bet is
only recorded when 48/n is an integer, said payout being an integer
amount.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said number n of said
betting cards represents all of said betting cards of a same face
value.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said number n of said
betting cards represents all of said betting cards in a same
suit.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said number n of said
betting cards represents all of said betting cards in one of: a
same face value; and a same suit.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said number n of said
betting cards represents all of said betting cards in one of: a
same range of face values; a same color; and a same parity.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said number n of said
betting cards represents all betting cards in one of: a same face
value; a same suit; a same range of face values; a same color; and
a same parity.
8. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a step of
recording a securing bet from said player, wherein said player
chooses a number s of said playing cards as bet securing cards,
wherein said bet securing cards allow said player to modify a
casino house income ratio.
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein when said
payout-determining card matches one of said s bet securing cards
chosen by said player, a payout of zero is calculated for said
player and said gaming bet identifying a number n of playing cards
made by said player is returned to said player.
10. (deleted)
11. (deleted).
12. (deleted)
13. (deleted)
14. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising
identifying at least one card not chosen as betting cards from said
deck of playing cards as at least one outside card.
15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein at least one of said
at least one outside card is an all bets lose card, wherein a
payout of zero is calculated for said player when said all bets
lose card is drawn.
16. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein at least one of said
at least one outside card is a free turn card, wherein said gaming
bet is returned to said player when said free turn card is
drawn.
17. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein said gaming bet is
only recorded when 48/n is an integer, said payout being an integer
amount.
18. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said at least one
outside card is one card from each of four of said suits and said
number n=12 of said betting cards chooses all of said betting cards
in a same suit.
19. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said at least one
outside card is four cards of odd parity so that said number n=24
of said betting cards identifies all of said betting cards of same
parity.
20. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said at least one
outside card is four cards of a same face value so that said number
n=24 of said betting cards identifies all of said betting cards in
a same range of face values of one of two ranges of face values
lower or higher than face value 7.
21. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein said at least one
outside card is four cards having a face value of 7 and two jokers
from a deck of fifty-four playing cards.
22. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising providing
a game surface having areas corresponding to said cards and
arranged in a geometric pattern.
23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein said number n of
cards is identified by a geometrical characteristic of said game
surface geometric pattern.
24. The method as claimed in claim 23, further comprising
positioning a betting marker on a betting area identifying said
geometrical characteristic on said game surface geometric pattern
wherein said betting areas make up a play board.
25. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein said number n is
selected such that 48/n is an integer.
26. The method as claimed in claim 25, further comprising
identifying two or more of said betting areas by positioning said
betting marker, wherein said marker is positioned to sit on a
border between two or more said betting areas.
27. The method as claimed in claim 14, further comprising
identifying at least one card of said outside cards as an all
outside bets lose card.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
09/912,428 filed on Jul. 26, 2001.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a method for playing a live
casino table game. More particularly, the invention relates to a
method for playing a live casino table game offering new betting
options in addition to the wagering options offered in classical
roulette casino games and associated with more various and
advantageous odds.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Casino owners are always interested in introducing new
casino games that generate more benefits for the casino house.
[0004] More particularly, the game must sustain the interest of the
player as long as possible in order to optimize the time spent by
the player at the table and his participation in the game.
[0005] The Roulette is a very popular table game that is found in
almost all casinos. Roulette consists essentially in wagering on at
least one number from a plurality of numbers, believing that the
wagered number will be randomly drawn from the plurality of
numbers. Players make wagers by positioning, on a game surface,
some chips, tokens or markers on one or many areas, each area
corresponding to one or many betting numbers.
[0006] The European Roulette has 37 betting numbers i.e. 1-36 and 0
and the American Roulette has 38 betting numbers i.e. 1-36, 0 and
00.
[0007] The game surface forms a rectangular pattern of thirty-six
(36) squares laid out in twelve (12) stacked rows, each row having
three (3) adjacent squares, each square associated with a
particular number from 1 to 36.
[0008] A plurality of betting squares are on the edge of the
rectangular pattern. One square represents a zero 0, and another
square represents a double zero 00. Some squares represent a
particular group of numbers arranged in a geometric pattern such
as: squares associated with a first 12 number block, a second 12
number block and a third 12 number block; squares associated with a
first 12 number column, a second 12 number column and a third 12
number column. Some squares represent a particular group of 18
numbers such as squares associated with the colors red or black;
squares associated with even or odd parity and squares associated
with the numerical ranges of 1 to 18 or 19 to 36.
[0009] A player makes his or her bet by placing his positioning
markers, chips or tokens at the appropriate place on the playing
surface.
[0010] A straight up bet occurs when a player identifies a single
number among 0, 00 and 1 to 36 by positioning token, chip or marker
on the square associated with the number wagered by the player. A
split bet occurs when the player identifies two numbers by
positioning tokens, chips or markers on the border between two
squares each one associated to one of the wagered numbers. A line
bet occurs when a player identifies three numbers of a same row by
positioning markers on the left border of the first left square of
the row of three squares, each square associated with one of the
three numbers wagered by the player. A square bet occurs when a
player identifies four numbers in positioning markers on the border
cross between the four squares associated to the four selected
numbers wagered by the player. A street bet occurs when a player
identifies 6 numbers of two adjacent rows by positioning markers on
the border cross formed by the two left borders of the two first
left squares of the two adjacent rows and the border between the
two first left-squares of the two adjacent rows, each of three
squares wherein each square of the two adjacent rows is associated
with one of the six numbers wagered by the player. A player
identifies twelve numbers by positioning markers on one of the
squares associated to one of three 12 card block 's or to one of
the three 12 card column 's. Finally, a player may identify a
particular group of 18 cards in positioning his or her markers on
one of the squares associated with the colors black or red, the
even or odd parity or the numerical ranges of 1 to 18 or 19 to 36.
A player chooses his or her betting risk level by making a wager
identifying 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12 or 18 numbers and consequently, a
player chooses his or her level of winning bet payout. For the
European and American Roulettes the payout table is as shown in
Table 1.
1TABLE 1 Payout Table N.degree. Of Times The Amount Winning Type Of
Event Bet Pays Is Paid Probability Winning a Straight Up Bet Pays
36 35:1 Winning a Split Bet Pays 18 17:1 Winning a Line Bet Pays 12
11:1 Winning a Square Bet Pays 9 8:1 Winning a Street Bet Pays 6
5:1 Winning a 12 Number Block Bet Pays 3 2:1 Winning a 12 Number
Column Bet Pays 3 2:1 Winning a Even or Odd Bet Pays 2 1:1 Winning
a Red or Black Bet Pays 2 1:1 Winning a 1 to 8 or 19 to 36 Bet Pays
2 1:1
[0011] For example, if a player has wagered on the number 24 in a
straight up bet and 24 is the winning number, then the player
receives, in addition to his or her returned bet amount, 35 times
his or her bet amount, for a total payout amount of 36 times his or
her bet amount.
[0012] When a betting period ends, a dealer starts the random
selection process. In live table roulette, the dealer typically
launches a ball in the roulette in rotation. The random selection
is performed when the ball positions itself in one of the notches
arranged side-by-side on the internal side of the roulette rim,
each notch being associated with a betting number. The dealer
distributes the payouts to the players according to the payout
table.
[0013] An important advantage of the roulette game is that the
roulette game is based solely on a random event wherein wins and
losses made by players or the casino house are independent of
player skill. The players appreciate the simplicity of the game
which triggers feelings of enjoyment and relaxation.
[0014] The casino house appreciates the fact that the income
percentage is constant and not influenced by player experience and
skill compared to other games such as Poker and Blackjack card
games where the casino house's losses depend on player strategies
and skills.
[0015] Another advantage of the Roulette is the various levels of
betting risk offered: players appreciate to choose and control
their own level of betting risk according to their gut feeling and
their wealth. The casino house appreciates that conservative
players as well as high-rollers may be at ease to participate in a
casino game that favors an optimal table activity in terms of
number of players and dedication to the game.
[0016] A random process independent of player skill and a
variability of betting risk levels are two advantages that have
contributed to make the Roulette a very popular and appreciated
table game among players and casino management.
[0017] However, the Roulette numbers are less attractive to players
than playing cards. The cards show colorful betting symbols in
addition to numbers such as objects: spade, club, diamond and heart
and noble characters: King, Queen and Jack; features to which
players are inclined to attribute various lucky or unlucky
properties. Players prefer playing games offering card betting
symbols. Furthermore, the income percentage cannot be changed for a
roulette game without changing the game itself. For example, the
casino income ratio for the European Roulette is 1/37, or
approximately 2,70% and for the American Roulette is 2/38, or
approximately 5,26%. Consequently, the casino house cannot adjust
the income percentage according to market competition or the casino
activity.
[0018] The possibility of modifying the casino income percentage
without changing the roulette game would be a great advantage. For
example, a casino could decrease the Roulette income percentage to
create an incentive to players during low casino activity periods
or to create some frenzied hours enjoyed by players. Also, a casino
having regular customers and low or no competition such as local or
governmental casinos, could appreciate and find advantageous for
the casino house to increase its income percentage on crowded
periods.
[0019] Therefore, a need exists for an enhanced roulette game that
retains the advantages of classical roulette games, such as many
betting risk levels on a same event, the socializing atmosphere,
and the speed of the game, but overcomes classical roulette
disadvantages by offering flexible casino incomes and more
attractive features to players.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] It has been found that to appeal and sustain the interest of
players in new casino games, the games have to possess some
elements familiar to the players, in order not to frighten them,
and, at the same time, to offer new interesting features, in order
to provide a new source of excitement and enjoyment for the player
and interest for casinos.
[0021] The present invention provides a method and system for
playing an enhanced roulette casino game by combining the
advantages of classical European and American Roulette with new
features that solve some disadvantages of classical roulette
games.
[0022] More precisely, the present invention provides an enhanced
roulette game based on a random event wherein player and casino
wins or losses are independent of player skill and offers a
variability of risk levels to players with new advantages such as
attractive betting symbols and flexible casino house income
percentages.
[0023] The present invention further provides a method and system
for playing an enhanced casino game, which offers to players
familiar, and well known appreciated Roulette betting options
wherein odds may be different without it being apparent to players
and without changing the style of the game.
[0024] The present invention also provides a method and system for
playing a casino game that offers new and additional betting
options.
[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method of playing a casino table game comprising:
identifying cards from a deck of playing cards as betting cards;
recording a bet from a player identifying a number (n) of the
betting cards; drawing at random from the deck of playing cards a
payout-determining card; calculating a payout for the player of
48/n when the payout-determining card matches one of the betting
cards identified, and otherwise a payout of zero when the
payout-determining card does not match any of betting cards
identified.
[0026] According to another aspect, a method of playing a casino
card game comprising: identifying cards from a deck of playing
cards as betting cards; identifying a remainder card from the deck
of playing cards as outside card; recording a bet from a player
identifying a number (n) of the betting cards; drawing at random
from the deck of playing cards a payout-determining card;
calculating a payout for the player of 48/n when the
payout-determining card matches one of the betting cards
identified, and otherwise a payout of zero when the
payout-determining card does not match any betting cards
identified.
[0027] A player has an opportunity to bet on the outcome of a
random card selection from a deck of playing cards. A player
selects a number of cards among cards identified as betting cards
and bets on the occurrence of one of the number of cards will be
randomly selected from the deck. The selected number of cards are
identified by one or many following card features: rank, color,
suit, parity, rank range or by a geometrical characteristic as
column, block, circle etc. The player decides which level of
betting risk he or she wants to take on the outcome of the random
event in selecting a number of cards and in deciding his or her
betting amount. A random card selection from a deck of playing
cards is performed.
[0028] If there is a match between at least one card identified by
the bet made by the player, his or her bet is a winning bet. A
payout is credited to the player accordingly to a payout chart.
[0029] The method offers a new possible spectrum of payout odds as
follows: 48 (47:1); 24 (23:1); 16 (15:1); 12 (11:1); 8 (7:1); 6
(5:1); 4 (3:1); 3 (2:1); 2 (1:1); compared to the payout odds of
European or American roulette games: 36 (35:1); 18 (17:1); 12
(11:1); 9 (8:1); 6 (5:1); 4 (3:1); 2 (1:1).
[0030] The use of playing cards, adding new betting options and
various colorful features, compared to betting options of classical
roulette games, is attractive to players.
[0031] In one embodiment, a play board is provided with a game
surface and betting locations. The game surface presents areas
corresponding to cards of a playing deck and arranged in a
geometric pattern. Geometrical characteristics formed by playing
card areas of the game surface, such as: column, row, square,
block, circle are used for identifying a number of playing cards.
Each playing card area provides a betting location accepting a
marker, token or chip and permitting players to make a wager on
corresponding playing cards. The geometrical characteristic area
accepts a marker and permits players to wager on a number of
playing cards. A player makes a wager in placing markers, tokens or
chips on an area identifying a card or a geometrical characteristic
area. A random drawing from a deck of playing cards selects a
payout-determining card. A principal game payout is calculated when
the payout-determining card matches one betting card identified
and, otherwise, a payout of zero is determined when the
payout-determining card does not match any of betting cards
identified. The player is credited with the payout.
[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, a system is
provided comprising: an accepting means for accepting a bet
identifying a number (n) of cards of a deck of playing cards; a
random card selector for selecting at random at least one card of
the deck; that is in comparing the identified number (n) cards to
at least one the random selected card, the bet is a winning bet if
there is a match between at least one card of the number (n) cards
and one card of the randomly selected card.
[0033] For example, in one embodiment, a play board provides a game
surface with 52 areas representing 52 playing cards. Forty-eight
(48) playing card areas representing the forty-eight playing cards
identified as betting cards are arranged in a rectangular
configuration counting four (4) columns and twelve (12) rows. In
the present embodiment, players enjoy familiar betting options
similar to that of the Roulette, such as: straight up, split,
street, column, block with new betting features such as: popular
and colorful playing cards and a new spectrum of payout odds.
[0034] For example, in European or American roulette games, the
spectrum of payout odds is: 36 (35:1); 18 (17:1); 12 (11:1); 9
(8:1); 6 (5:1); 4 (3:1); 2 (1:1). According to the present
invention, the method offers for the same betting options and a new
possible spectrum of payout odds as follows: 48 (47:1); 24 (23:1);
16 (15:1); 12 (11:1); 8 (7:1); 6 (5:1); 4 (3:1); 3 (2:1);
2(1:1).
[0035] If a player has wagered on two cards with a split betting
option and one of the two cards is a winning card i.e. matches the
randomly selected determining-payout card, then the player is
credited 23 times his or her wagered amount in split mode, instead
of 17 times like in the European or American roulette games, in
addition to keeping his or her wagered amount for a total payout
amount of 24 times his or her wagered amount.
[0036] The invention is appealing to players because of the
familiar roulette betting options with a different spectrum of
odds.
[0037] In addition, in one embodiment, the remaining cards, not
identified as betting cards, are identified as outside cards.
[0038] Preferably, at least one of the outside cards is an all bets
lose card, wherein all bets from the players are lost when the all
bets lose card is drawn.
[0039] Preferably, at least one card of the outside cards is a free
turn card, wherein the bets are returned to the players when free
turn card is drawn.
[0040] A casino house determines the income percentage per game by
modifying from turn to turn or setting the selection of all bets
lose card and free turn card. The selections of zero, one, two,
three or four cards as all bets lose cards, among a deck of 52
playing cards, wherein 48 cards as identified as betting cards,
determines five different casino house income ratios.
[0041] For example, a casino takes a deck of playing cards having
52 playing cards, identifies 48 cards as betting cards and the four
remaining cards as outside cards. The casino chooses one among the
four outside cards as an all bets lose card and the three others
are identified as free turn cards; providing a casino house income
ratio of 1/49 or approximately of 2%. The casino selects, for
another game two cards of the four outside cards as all bets lose
cards and the remaining two of the outside cards as free turn
cards, providing a casino house income ratio of 2/50 or
approximately 4%.
[0042] Preferably, at least one of the betting cards is an all
outside bets lose card wherein a payout is calculated for players
that have made a bet on the all outside bets lose card, when the
card is drawn. The payout amount can be calculated as a function of
the total wagering amount made by the player on the game and/or the
wagering amount solely made on the all outside bets lose card.
[0043] A betting option on an all outside bets lose card is
attractive to players since it provides them with a feeling of
control on the random event, giving players an additional manner
for determining their betting risk on their total betting
amount.
[0044] A betting option on an all outside bets lose card represents
for a casino an interesting feature in potentially increasing
casino house incomes by attracting players to wager large amounts
because of the opportunity of securing their betting amounts.
[0045] Preferably, a player has the possibility to make a bet
identifying a number s of betting cards as bet securing cards.
[0046] A bet securing card is a betting card on which a player can
make a bet identifying the betting card as a bet securing card. The
bet securing card identified as bet securing card by a bet made by
the player on the betting card, allows the player to lower the
original casino house income ratio for his or her bet identifying a
number n of the betting cards. When the bet securing card
identified by a bet made by a player matches the drawn
payout-determining card, all bets made by the player identifying a
number n of betting cards, excepted the bet identifying a bet
securing card made by the same player on the game, are returned to
the player giving the player the opportunity to take advantage of a
lower casino house income ratio for his or her bet amounts
identifying a number n of betting cards.
[0047] The possibility of identifying a bet securing card allows
players to get a lower casino house income ratio for bets
identifying a number n of betting cards above a particular betting
amount, i.e. a turning-point total betting amount, and gives the
casino an interesting feature to potentially increase casino house
income which is also applicable to classical roulette games.
[0048] A bet securing option is an incentive allowing players to
take advantage of a lower casino house income ratio for their total
betting amounts, and particularly, it is an incentive for
high-rollers to bet larger amounts. For high-rollers, a bet
securing option wager represents a small additional amount compared
to typical high-roller wagered amounts. The casino house retains a
minimal income ratio until the turning-point betting amount is
reached and at the same time, favors betting larger amounts.
Consequently, the casino house income is potentially increased for
each game of the present method of playing an enhanced casino
roulette game which represents a real advantage for casino
owners.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description and accompanying drawings wherein:
[0050] FIG. 1A is a schematic representation of a prior art
classical American roulette game surface and FIG. 1B is an
auxiliary game surface layout;
[0051] FIG. 2 is a schematic view and representation of the system
of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 3 is a flow chart representing the method of a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0053] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the game surface of
the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the apparatus of the present
invention;
[0055] FIGS. 6A and 6B are combined to form a flow chart
representing the steps and one method of playing at the game of the
present invention without randomly selected auxiliary prize;
[0056] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the apparatus for granting a
randomly selected auxiliary prize; and
[0057] FIG. 8 is a flow chart representing the steps and one method
of playing at the game of the present invention with randomly
selected auxiliary prize.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0058] Referring to FIG. 1A, which is a representation of the
betting layout of a classical American roulette game and FIG. 1B
which is an auxiliary betting layout, the thirty-six (36) squares
are shown, each one being associated to a number 1 to 36, laid out
in twelve (12) stacked rows, of three (3) adjacent squares each.
There are also two special areas, representing a zero 0 28 and a
double zero 00 26 which represent betting squares for all outside
bets lose events. Note that in the European roulette game, the
layout is the same except that there is no double zero 00 area.
[0059] A player chooses his or her betting risk level by
positioning markers, chips or tokens on areas corresponding to the
betting options typically offered by classical roulette games.
Examples of such bets are illustrated in FIG. 1A, wherein the dark
circles are tokens shown are the straight up 24, splits 22, line
20, square 18, street 16, dozen 30, column 10,12 or 14, odd or
even, 2 or 8, black or red 4 or 6, and lows or highs 32 or 34.
[0060] FIG. 1B, is an auxiliary roulette layout. Some auxiliary
roulette games associated with a principal roulette game offer
players the opportunity to make an additional or a side bet by
selecting one of the conventional numbers of the roulette game,
i.e. 1-36, 0 or 00 without regards to parity or color. Shown are
the thirty-six (36) squares laid out in twelve (12) stacked rows,
each row of three (3) adjacent squares, each one associated with a
particular number from 1 to 36 and two additional squares labeled 0
and 00. A player indicates his or her additional or side bet option
by placing markers, chips or tokens on one of the conventional
numbers i.e. 1 to 36, 0 and 00 of the roulette auxiliary game
surface layout. As an example, a wager 36 has been put on number
20.
[0061] How to play the present enhanced roulette game and use the
system may be understood by referring to FIG. 2 of the drawings,
which shows a live table casino game played by a dealer 38 and a
plurality of players 40 surrounding a casino table 42. The betting
game surface layout 44 is placed in an efficient and aesthetic
manner allowing a dealer and players to properly accomplish their
movements in an easy and efficient manner. A random selector 46
randomly selects a card and a player position. In the present
embodiment, the random card and player position selector 46 is an
electronic apparatus, known in the art, comprising a random
selector controller 48, which manages electronic commands. A random
card and player position selector control 50 connected to the
random card and player position selector controller 48 is provided
with a button, or a switch, which activates a random card and
player position selection and a displaying of the selected card on
the screen 52 and the selected player position on the selected
screen among screens 54 of the display 56.
[0062] A random prize selector 58 is also provided with the present
invention and can be used, optionally, with some auxiliary games.
In the present embodiment, the random prize selector 58 is an
electronic apparatus known in the art, comprising a random prize
selector controller 60, which manages various electric signals.
[0063] A random prize selector control 62, in communication with
the random prize selector controller 60, is provided with a button
or switch that activates a random prize selection and a displaying
of the prize on the display 63. The display 63 provides two screens
65, 67 for displaying data and various visual animations such as
prize amounts, and other winning symbols, such as a happy face.
Furthermore, visual communication means, such as a light 69, are
provided for accompanying and indicating the various steps such as
the prize generation process, the prize selection process and the
prize granting and communicating processes.
[0064] Furthermore, a dealer console 64 connected to the random
card and player position selection controller 48 and to the random
prize selection controller 60 is provided with the present
invention in order to input commands required before the selection
processes, such as the activation of the random card and player
position selector control 50 and the random prize selector control
60.
[0065] It will be easily understood that the random selector and
the display apparatus can be integrated, or not, in the same
apparatus.
[0066] It will also be understood that each random selector, such
as the random card selector, the random player position selector,
and the random prize selector, can be considered as individual and
separate apparatuses that can be integrated, or not, in one or more
apparatuses.
[0067] It will also be understood that the random card selector,
can take many embodiments. For example, it can be a mechanical
apparatus such as a roulette wheel with 52 notches, wherein inside
each notch is shown a card among the 52 playing cards of a deck; an
electromechanical card shuffler capable of picking up a card
randomly, or any other analogous apparatus can also be used. In the
present embodiment, the random generator is an electronic apparatus
known in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the random card
selector is an electronic random generator due to the reliability
and speed needed for the occurring random event.
[0068] In addition to the random card selector, the present
invention also provides a random player selector. Again, the player
position selector apparatus can take various embodiments, such as a
dice-prism with eight faces, each face representing a particular
player position with a number between 1 and 8 or one of the 8 chip
colors: a ball associated with a wheel of a minimum of eight
pockets or notches, each one representing a number from 1 to 8
and/or a chip color. In the present embodiment, the random player
selector is an electronic random selector. The reason is the
reliability and the speed necessary for the random process. In the
present embodiment, there is a maximum of 8 players at each
table.
[0069] It will be furthermore understood that various combinations
of switches and buttons are possible for reaching the same
objective. The number and the activation sequence of the buttons or
switches and their association to the dealer and/or the random
selector control depend on various considerations, such as the
speed of the game, and the interest of the player. For example, for
each random selection of a card or a player position, a particular
button or switch can be provided for each of the following steps: a
first switch or button for starting a random generation process; a
second switch or button for stopping the random generation process,
and executing a random selection; a third switch or button for
displaying the selected item on the screen, and another switch or
button for resetting the random selector and display.
[0070] As it is understood, all these functions can be integrated
in one or more operations, started by one or more switches.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is a flow chart representing
a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention. The
term betting card refers to a designated card that can be drawn
randomly from a deck of playing cards and on which a player can
make a wager on the occurrence of the betting card as a randomly
drawn payout-determining card from the deck of playing cards.
[0072] The method comprises a step of Identifying cards from a deck
of playing cards as betting cards 70. Preferably 48 cards are
identified as betting cards.
[0073] The playing cards possess various betting symbols such as
numbers and colors allowing Roulette betting options such as highs
or lows, even or odd, black or red to be offered to players.
[0074] In addition to numbers, various and different betting
symbols such as faces King, Queen, Jack) and objects (spade, heart,
diamond and club. The playing card features are more attractive to
players because, in card games, players intensely manipulate
playing cards and are more inclined to associate lucky properties
to playing card symbols.
[0075] Playing card decks usually have 52 or 54 cards comprising 13
cards as follows: Ace, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen
and King for each of the four suits, usually heart, club, spade and
diamond and, for the 54 playing card decks, two Jokers are added.
The use of a well known complete deck of playing cards is
attractive and makes players at ease with using familiar
symbols.
[0076] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the deck
has 52 cards. But, a skilled person in the field will appreciate
the key features of the present method described, will understand,
and will be able to apply the present method to a deck of cards
having a lesser or a greater number of cards.
[0077] In the preferred embodiment, the choice of a bet identifying
a number of betting cards among at least a minimal number of 48
betting cards provides a set of various risk levels depending of
the number (n) of cards, such as: 24, 16, 12, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1
allowing one to calculate a payout of 48/n wherein the payout
amount is an integer. For example, a player selects one card with a
straight up bet among the 48 betting cards and another player
wagers on two numbers at the same time with a (split bet. A payout
of 48/1 (47:1) is calculated for the player who has identified a
card with his or her straight up bet if the straight up wagered
card matches the randomly drawn determining-payout card and a
payout of 48/2=24 (23:1) is calculated for a player when one of the
two cards identified by his or her split bet matches the randomly
selected card. An integer payout amount is calculated.
[0078] The method of the present invention virtually provides 47
levels of betting risk i.e. 1 to 47 betting cards identified by a
single bet. For example, if 13 betting cards have been identified
in a single bet and the randomly selected payout-determining card
matches one card among those 13 identified betting cards, the
payout multiplication factor will be 48/13 or approximately 3.6923,
a non-integer for which a payout amount is more difficult, long and
complex to calculate for an individual. Of course, if an electronic
apparatus is used to calculate the corresponding payout amount, it
is easier, faster and more accurate. If the present enhanced
roulette game is played on an electronic apparatus or device, such
as a video game or slot machine, non-integer payout multiplication
factors do not necessarily create a problem and may still provides
advantages to players and casinos.
[0079] However, on a live table game, non-integer layout
multiplication factors are unsuitable. The time for calculating a
layout by the dealer, even if he or she has an electronic
calculator, would most likely be unacceptable and would result in
more mistakes. The player could have more difficulties to choose
his or her betting risk and would take more time to wager in reason
of large number of various betting risks.
[0080] Furthermore, betting risks offered in such a large number of
choices could require additional features and/or conventions to
record a bet from a player identifying a number between 1 and 47
among betting cards and could overload processes or rules of the
game. In a context of live casino table game, a large set of
betting risk levels, i.e. a number of 1 to 47 betting cards
identified by a single bet from a player, could put a disadvantage
to rapidity and simplicity of the present enhanced roulette game in
a live casino environment.
[0081] The payout table preferably provides various payouts that
represent various integer multiplication factors that allows to
calculate the payout rapidly and easily by players and dealers. A
restricted number of payout integer multiplication factors such as
48 (1:47), 24 (1:23), 16 (1:15); 12 (1:11), 8 (1:7), 6 (1:5), 4
(1:3), 3 (1:2), 2 (1:1) from which a payout amount to players is
easily calculated by a dealer, provides rapidity for the game and
accuracy for credit transactions which favor enhanced Roulette
table profitability.
[0082] For a conventional roulette game, 8 levels of betting risk
on the random selection of number from 1 to 36 is provided, such as
36 (1:35); 18 (1:17); 12 (1:11); 9 (1:8); 6 (1:5); 4 (1:3); 3
(1:2); 2 (1:1), corresponding to various integer dividing factors
of the number 36. According to the preferred embodiment of the
present invention, the spectrum of betting risk has 9 different
betting risk levels, such as: 48 (1:47); 24 (1:23); 16 (1:15); 12
(1:11); 8 (1:7); 6 (1:5); 4 (1:3); 3 (1:2); 2 (1:1), corresponding
to various integer dividing factors of the number 48.
[0083] According to the present invention, offering a larger
spectrum of risk levels attracts the players because of the larger
flexibility and control in the determination of the betting risk on
the random event. Furthermore, offering different betting risks
compared with the betting risks offered in classical roulette
games, provides an appeal to players in the game of the present
invention because it renews the betting strategies of the roulette
game.
[0084] Referring back to FIG. 3, the method comprises the step of
identifying remainder cards from the deck of playing cards as
outside cards 72.
[0085] The choice of cards as outside cards, allows to use the
totality of cards of the playing deck, and at the same time, to
obtain a suitable minimum multifactorial number such as 48 for the
number of betting cards. The number of remainder cards depends on
the number of cards of the playing deck used.
[0086] As previously noted, the number of remainder cards can be
considerable if a convenient number of extra cards are added to a
deck of 52 playing cards.
[0087] The number of outside cards can vary depending of the number
of cards of the playing deck; the objective being to obtain at
least a number of 48 betting cards. In the present preferred
embodiment, the number of outside cards is 4 or 6 depending of the
number of cards available in the deck of playing cards: 52 or 54
cards (with two jokers).
[0088] When a bet from a player identifies all of the betting cards
in a same suit, it would be preferable that a number (n) of the
betting cards are identified such that the payout multiplication
factor calculated be an integer amount. In a preferred embodiment,
a card from each suit is selected as an outside card such that when
a bet from a player identifies all betting cards in a same suit, a
number n=12 of the betting cards is identified and a payout is
calculated such that 48/n is an integer.
[0089] Preferably, the outside cards are four cards of odd face
value so that when a bet from a player identifies all of the
betting cards of a same parity odd or even, a number of 24 of the
betting cards are identified and a payout can be calculated such as
48/n is an integer.
[0090] Preferably, the outside cards are four cards of a same face
value 7 so that when a bet from a player identifies all of the
betting cards in a same range of face values, in one of the two
ranges of face value lower or higher than face value 7, a number of
n=24 of the betting cards, all of the betting cards in a same range
of values is identified and a payout is calculated such as 48/n is
an integer.
[0091] Therefore, the card which is preferably removed from each
suit of a standard deck of cards is preferably the card with a face
value of 7.
[0092] The classical European and American roulette games are
commonly characterized by the same spectrum of betting options with
the corresponding payout chart table shown in table 2.
2TABLE 2 Spectrum of betting options and payout table. Payout For
Winning Bets Amount Received By Betting Options Player Probability
<<Straight up>> 36 (35:1) <<Split>> 18
(17:1) <<Line>> 12 (11:1) <<Square>> 9
(8:1) <<Street>> 6 (5:1) <<12 number
Column>> 3 (2:1) <<12 number block>> 3 (2:1)
<<Odd>> or <<Even>> 2 (1:1)
<<Lows>> or <<Highs>> 2 (1:1)
<<Red>> or <<Black>> 2 (1:1)
[0093] Numbers without parentheses represent total amounts received
by the player. The amount corresponds to 36/n and comprises the bet
amount refund to the player plus the bet amount from the player
times the winning odds of the bet expressed in parentheses. For
example, for a winning straight up bet, a payout of 36/1=36 is
calculated. Consequently, the player receives an amount that equals
the payout multiplication factor, i.e. 36, times his or her betting
amount. The amount corresponds to the sum of the bet amount refund
to the player and the calculated payout-winning amount. For the
present example, the total amount paid to the player is the bet
amount wagered by the player plus 35 (35:1) times the player bet
amount for a total amount received by the player for his or her
winning straight up bet of 36 times his or her wagered amount.
[0094] The European or American Roulette games offer players the
same type of betting options with the same payout chart table, with
the same rules and betting options.
[0095] The difference between the European Roulette casino house
income ratio of 1/37 or approximately 2.71% and the American
Roulette casino house income ratio of 2/38 or approximately 5.26%
comes essentially from the number of all outside bets lose betting
numbers. There is a single betting number 0 for the European
Roulette game and two all side bets lose numbers, 0 and 00 for the
American Roulette game.
[0096] Therefore, by modifying only the number of all outside bets
lose numbers, the present invention maintains the essential
features of the Roulette game. The Roulette game is characterized
by offering a plurality of betting risks to players and a coherent
layout chart table in the sense that the difference between two
betting risk levels is respected in the payout chart table.
[0097] For example, if a betting option has two times less chances
than an other type of betting option to be a winning bet, for
example comparing a split bet with a straight up bet, the
difference between betting risk levels is respected and reflected
in the payout chart table so that a payout for a split winning bet
is 18 (17:1) compared to 36 (35:1) for a straight up winning
bet.
[0098] As it can be appreciated, for the Roulette game, the casino
house income percentage can be changed by decreasing or increasing
the number of all outside bets lose betting options.
[0099] Unfortunately, modifying the casino house income ratio for
one or another of the classical European and American roulette
games by varying the number of all outside bets lose betting
options is difficult to put in practice.
[0100] An important constraint is that a modification to the casino
house income percentage by modifying the number of all outside bets
lose options implies adding an all outside bets lose betting
symbol, an uncommon betting symbol, therefore breaking the
comforting and familiar suit of classical Roulette betting
symbols.
[0101] The deletion of an all outside bets lose betting symbol is
not considered because deleting an all outside bets lose option in
the American Roulette game corresponds to making a European
Roulette game. Deleting an all outside bets lose option in an
European roulette game defines a casino house income ratio of zero
for outside bet options such as: red or black, high or low, odd or
even. Consequently, it provides an incoherent payout chart
table.
[0102] Adding an all outside bets lose betting symbol defines a
real lower income ratio for players. Consequently, adding an all
outside bets lose betting symbol has the non-negligible risk to be
more repulsive than attractive to players, a result unsuitable for
casino management and the gaming industry.
[0103] Another important constraint is that each time an all
outside bets lose betting option is added, the roulette wheel
apparatus and the game surface have to be changed. The physical
re-design and modifications to the apparatus and surface represent
important costs and are incompatible with a rapid, flexible and
cheap method to promptly and easily adjust the casino house income
ratio in response to periods of various intensities of casino
roulette game activity.
[0104] In the preferred embodiment, for a 52 playing card deck, the
four chosen cards as outside or all outside bets lose cards are the
four 7's, and for a 54 playing card deck, the six cards chosen, as
outside or all outside bets lose cards are the four 7's and the two
jokers.
[0105] The choice of the 7's, and Jokers from a deck of 54 playing
cards, as outside or all outside bets lose cards permits to split
the remaining 48 betting cards into two groups of equal number of
betting cards; a low (i.e. Ace to 6) and an high (8 to King) card
rank categories. Furthermore, the seven's and jokers typically
represent special cards associated with some lucky or special
properties in a casino game.
[0106] Referring back to FIG. 3, the method comprises the step of
identifying none, one or some of the outside cards as free turn
cards 74.
[0107] An outside card identified as a free turn card means that
when the card identified as a free turn card is randomly drawn from
a deck of playing cards as the payout-determining card, all bets
are returned to players.
[0108] The method further comprises the step of identifying none,
one or some of outside cards as all bets lose cards 76.
[0109] An outside card identified as an all bets lose card means
that when an outside card as an all bets lose card is randomly
drawn from a deck of playing cards, as the payout-determining card,
all bets by all players are lost and are taken by the casino
house.
[0110] Preferably, at least one card of the outside cards is
identified as an all bets lose card, wherein a payout of zero is
calculated when the all bets lose card is randomly drawn.
[0111] In identifying the free turn and all bets lose cards among
the outside cards, the casino determines its desired casino house
income ratio.
[0112] For example, with a deck of 54 playing cards, from 0 to 6
cards can be identified as all bets losecards among the six cards
identified as outside cards and the remainder cards can be
identified as free turn cards. This will determine seven casino
house ratios for an enhanced roulette casino game that uses a deck
of 54 playing cards and gives a payout for a winning straight up
bet of 48 (47:1). Table 3 illustrates seven casino house ratios
available.
3TABLE 3 Seven Casino House Ratios Number of Cards Identified
Number of Cards Identified Casino as <<all bets lose>>
Card as <<free turn>> Card Income Ratio 0 6 11.11%
(6/54) 1 5 9.43% (5/53) 2 4 7.69% (4/52) 3 3 5.88% (3/51) 4 2 4.00%
(2/50) 5 1 2.04% (1/49) 6 0 0.00% (0/48)
[0113] It can be appreciated that switching between the seven
casino income ratios is done by changing the number of cards
identified as all bets lose cards and free turn cards among the 6
cards identified as outside cards.
[0114] The method further comprises the step of identifying none,
one or some of the outside cards as all outside bets lose cards
78.
[0115] An outside card identified as an all outside bets lose card,
is in fact an outside card changed into a special betting card, and
an all outside bets lose card means that when the outside card
identified as all outside bets lose card is randomly drawn from a
deck of playing cards, all bets made by the players are lost except
the wager made by a player identifying uniquely the all outside
bets lose card drawn. A payout amount is made to the player that
has made a bet identifying uniquely a drawn all outside bets lose
card when the all outside bets lose card is randomly drawn from a
playing deck as the payout-determining card. The payout amount can
be as a function of the wager amount made by the player identifying
solely the all outside bets lose card, or in function of the total
amount wager on the game made by the player.
[0116] Preferably, at least one card of the outside cards is an all
outside bets lose card wherein a payout is calculated for a player
that has made a bet on a card, when the all outside bets lose card
is randomly drawn and corresponds to a payout-determining card.
[0117] A betting option on an all outside bets lose card has some
advantages.
[0118] If a payout amount calculated is the same as that of a
winning straight up bet, for example 48 (47:1) in the preferred
embodiment of the live casino table, then the all outside bets lose
cards permit to increase casino income ratio in the same proportion
as that of the outside card identified as all bets lose card but
provide an added betting option for players and consequently, a
potentially increased casino house income for roulette games.
[0119] For example, during a normal game of the enhanced roulette
game, it is decided that, for the next game, an outside card
identified as an all bets lose card will be an all outside bets
lose card that has the same payout as a winning straight up bet,
for example 48 (47:1).
[0120] An all outside bets lose card is appealing to players
because it gives an additional betting option to establish their
betting risk levels and gives the players an opportunity to secure
their betting amount.
[0121] An all outside bets lose card is appealing to casino houses,
since it ensures the same casino house income but potentially
increases incomes by offering an additional betting option.
[0122] The method further comprises the step of identifying none,
one, or some of betting cards as bet securing cards 79.
[0123] Preferably, a player has the possibility to make a bet in
which a number s of the betting cards are identified as bet
securing cards.
[0124] A bet securing card is a betting card on which a player can
make a bet identifying the betting card as a bet securing card. The
bet securing card identified as a bet securing card by a bet made
by the player on the card, allows the player to lower the original
casino house income ratio for his or her bet by identifying a
number n of betting cards. When the bet securing card identified by
a bet made by a player matches the drawn payout-determining card,
all bets made by the player identifying a number n of betting
cards, except the bet identifying a bet securing card made by the
player on the game, are refunded to the player, thus providing to
the player the opportunity to take advantage of selecting a lower
casino house income ratio for his or her bets.
[0125] For example, a game surface having 54 areas corresponding to
54 playing cards and arranged in a geometric pattern is shown in
FIG. 4. The two jokers are identified as free turn cards. Two of
the four sevens cards are identified as all outside bets lose
cards, one of the four seven cards is identified as an all bets
lose card and the last one of the four seven cards is identified as
a free turn card. The payout for a winning straight up bet is 48
(47:1). The casino house income ratio is 3/51 or approximately
5,66%.
[0126] Also, in the present example, the casino house offers to
players an opportunity to identify one of the two all outside bets
lose cards as a bet securing card by a wager made by the player on
one of the two all outside bets lose cards.
[0127] A practical example is as follows: a player makes a bet
identifying an all outside bets lose card as a bet securing card by
positioning a marker of a minimal bet amount, for example $1.00.
Identifying a betting card as a bet securing card is equivalent for
the player of paying an amount of $1.00 for playing the game with a
lower casino house income ratio of 2/50 or approximately of 4.00%
for his or her other bets. The normal casino house income ratio
would be 3/51 or approximately of 5.66%. A bet amount identifying a
number of n betting cards with a bet identifying a number s of
betting cards as a bet securing card is profitable to a player when
the amount is larger then a turning-point total betting amount N
determined by solving the following equations:
M.times.(1-IR*).gtoreq.N.times.(1-IR)
M+S=N
[0128] Wherein,
[0129] S is the minimal bet amount required to identify a betting
card as a bet securing card.
[0130] IR is the statistical casino income ratio on a bet
identifying a number n of betting cards before identification of a
betting card as a bet securing card;
[0131] IR* is the statistical casino income ratio on a bet
identifying a number n of betting cards after identification of a
betting card as a bet securing card;
[0132] N is the turning-point total betting amount comprising the
bet amount identifying a number n of betting cards (M) and the
minimal bet amount required to identify a betting card as a bet
securing card (S);
[0133] M is the bet amount identifying a number n of betting cards
with IR*; (1-IR) and (1-IR*) are corresponding statistical player
refund ratios.
[0134] In the current example, the winning bet straight up pays 48
(47:1). If a player bets a total amount of $51.00 without
identifying a bet securing card, then the player refund ratio is
48/51 and the statistical player refund bet amount is $48.00. If a
player with the same total amount of $51.00, identifies a bet
securing card by giving to the casino house $1.00 for taking
advantage of a lower casino house income ratio of 48/50 and bets an
amount of $50.00 identifying a number of n betting cards, the
statistical refund amount for the player is also $48.00.
[0135] If a player bets a betting amount of $52.00, it will be more
favorable for him or her to identify a bet securing card with $1.00
and bet an amount of $51.00 identifying a number of n betting cards
with a statistical player refund ratio of 48/50 and statistical
player refund amount of $48.96 than to bet a total amount of $52.00
identifying a number of n betting cards with a statistical player
refund ratio of 48/51 with a statistical player refund amount of
$48.94.
[0136] On the contrary, if a player bets a betting amount of
$50.00, it will be more favorable to him or her to bet a total
amount of $50.00 for identifying a number n of betting cards with a
statistical player refund ratio of 48/51 and a statistical player
refund amount of $47.06 rather than identifying a bet securing card
with $1.00 to get a statistical player refund ratio of 48/52 and
bet an amount of $49.00 identifying a number n of betting cards
with a statistical player refund amount of approximately of $47.04.
The total betting amount of $51.00 is the turning-point total
betting amount for deciding to identify or not a bet securing card
for $1.00 to pass from a casino house income ratio of 48/51 to a
casino house income ratio of 48/50 wherein a winning straight up
bet pays 48 (47:1) i.e. gives to the player that has made a winning
straight up bet, an amount of 47 times his or her bet amount in
addition of returning the bet amount to the player.
[0137] Consequently, the player who has made a bet identifying a
betting card as a bet securing card and has wagered a total bet
amount identifying a number n and s of betting cards larger than
the turning-point total betting amount, is in the same situation as
the player who makes a bet identifying a number n of the betting
cards without any card identified as bet securing card in a game
where there is a lower casino house income ratio. On the contrary,
a player who has made a bet identifying a betting cards as a bet
securing card and has wagered a total bet amount identifying a
number of betting cards lower than the turning-point total betting
amount, corresponds to a situation where the player plays in a
higher casino house income game without identifying a card as a bet
securing card.
[0138] A bet securing option is an incentive to players to take
advantage of a lower casino house income ratio for their total
betting amounts, and it is particularly attractive for high-rollers
who bet larger amounts. For high rollers, a bet securing option
wagered represents a small additional amount compared to typical
high-roller wagered amounts. The casino house conserves a minimum
income ratio until the turning-point total betting amount is
reached and at the same time, favors betting amounts larger than
the usual amounts bet by players and particularly, from
high-rollers to bet larger amount than the turning-point total
betting amount for taking advantage of more favorable casino income
ratio for their total betting amount. Consequently, the casino
house income is potentially increased for each game of the present
method of playing an enhanced casino roulette game which represents
a real advantage for casinos.
[0139] A Roulette game wherein free turn cards are randomly drawn
could be considered equivalent to the absence of the game and may
be viewed as a waste of time for a roulette game. But, in the
present invention, a free turn card can be associated to extra or
auxiliary betting options offered by the present enhanced Roulette.
An additional bet permitting to wager on a free turn card,
represents additional betting options and an opportunity to
optimize the Roulette income.
[0140] Referring back to FIG. 3, the method further comprises the
step of recording a bet from a player identifying a number n of
betting cards 80.
[0141] In preferred embodiments, players position markers, chips or
tokens on corresponding betting areas on a playing game surface. It
is understood that electronic betting devices or apparatus can
replace physical markers and game surfaces, and allow players to
choose and record bets.
[0142] The method further comprises the step of recording a bet
from a player identifying a number s of betting cards as bet
securing cards 81.
[0143] In preferred embodiments, the markers and the manner used to
identify a betting card as a bet securing card explicitly indicates
which player has identified a betting card as bet securing card and
which card has been identified as a bet securing card. For example,
special markers identify each player by their colors.
[0144] The method comprises the step of drawing at random from a
deck of playing cards a payout-determining card 82.
[0145] The random card selection can be started by a player or the
dealer, manually with one or more decks of playing cards counting
52 or 54 cards, mechanically with a mechanical apparatus such as a
roulette wheel where each notch represents a card of the deck, in
an electromechanical manner with an electromechanical apparatus
such as a card shuffler or electronically with an electronic
apparatus such as an electronic random card selector.
[0146] In preferred embodiments, the random selection of a
payout-determining card is performed by a random card selector
because of the rapidity, low cost and fairness of the card
selection process provided by an electronic apparatus compared with
a physical roulette wheel. But, in some circumstances, a mechanical
roulette wheel is more appropriate as a random card selector
because of other aspects such as aesthetics, higher familiarity or
preference of the players, dealers or casino owners for mechanical
devices.
[0147] The method then comprises the step of calculating a payout
when a payout-determining card matches one of the cards identified
by a bet from a player 84.
[0148] By comparing the outcome of the random event i.e. the
payout-determining card with the cards identified by bets made by
players, the wins and the losses of the game are resolved according
to the payout table. The predetermined payout charts determine the
amount of payout.
[0149] In the preferred embodiment, the dealer compares the result
of the outcome of the random event i.e. the payout-determining card
with the cards identified by bets from players, calculates the
amount of payout determined by the predetermined payout chart and
resolves the wins and losses of the players.
[0150] The payout amount is calculated by multiplying an amount of
a winning bet made by a player by the winning bet payout
multiplication factor of the corresponding bet. The amount paid to
the player corresponds to the payout amount added with his or her
bet amount.
[0151] For example, a player made a split bet identifying two
betting cards for example ace and two of spade and bet amount of
$10.00. The randomly drawn payout-determining card is the ace of
spade. The split bet on the ace and two of spade is a winning bet.
A payout amount is calculated by multiplying the amount of the
winning split bet identified by the player i.e. $10.00 by the
corresponding payout multiplication factor corresponding to a
winning split bet i.e. 23, for a payout amount of $230.00 for the
player. The player receives the total amount of $240.00.
[0152] Finally, the method comprises the step of crediting player
with the payout 86.
[0153] The amount of the payout can be credited to players in cash,
tokens, chips, tickets, goods, services or any objects to which a
monetary value can be attributed.
[0154] In preferred embodiments, the dealer takes from the bank and
gives to the players a number of makers, chips or tokens
corresponding to the calculated payout amount and returns to the
player the bet amount wagered by the player.
[0155] It is to be understood that, when the game is played on an
electronic support such as a slot machine, a video game or with an
electronic player wagering console, credits can be on an electronic
support instead of material credit support such as markers, tokens
or chips.
[0156] Referring now to FIG. 4, which is a representation of the
surface game of the present invention, the 54 squares are shown
wherein 48 squares are laid out in 12 staked rows of 4 adjacent
squares. Each square represents one of the 54 cards, which compose
a 54 playing card deck. The 6 cards identified as outside cards
(i.e. free turn cards or all bets lose cards) or as all outside
bets lose cards are, in a preferred embodiment, the jokers 89 and
91, the seven of heart 88, the seven of clubs 90, the seven of
diamonds 92, and the seven of spade 94. A player can wager on
betting options usually offered in a classical roulette game:
straight up 96, splits 98, line 100, square 102, dozen 106; column
114; red or black 110 odd or even 116a, 116b and lows or highs,
112.
[0157] In addition to typical classic roulette betting options,
players can bet on additional betting options, such as a card suit:
spade 118; diamond 120, club 122, or heart 124; or a 24 card block
such as: first 24 cards block 126a or second 24 cards block 126b.
Also, eight additional squares numbered 1 to 8 and representing
player positions 108 give players an opportunity to make additional
bets. It is understood that the number of players and the number
corresponding to the position squares can be smaller or larger.
[0158] Referring back to FIG. 1, the steps of the preferred
embodiment will be described more in detail. The dealer 38 invites
players 40 to choose among the different betting options and to
wager on the game surface 44. The players, with the help of colored
chips, wherein each color is assigned to one player, select betting
options and amounts by placing, on the game surface 44 layout, a
number of chips on the corresponding card squares or on the
intersection of rows and/or columns to signify a bet on a number or
a group of numbers or on squares representing a player position.
The dealer 38 calls for the end of the betting period. Referring
now to FIG. 5, the dealer enters the game starting operation data
into the dealer console 64. The dealer console 64 sends a
game-starting signal to the random card and player position
selector controller 48. The random selector controller, sends an
activation signal, and activates the card and player position
random selector control 50. The dealer 38, or a designated player
40, starts the position and card random selection process via a
random card and player position selector control 50 which is
connected to the random card and player position selector 46. The
randomly selected card and position data are sent to the display 56
that displays the randomly chosen payout-determining card and
player position. In comparing the final outcome of a game, the
randomly selected card, the randomly selected player position
displayed by the display 56, and the betting options chosen by
players, the dealer resolves the wins and losses according to the
payout charts.
[0159] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, are joined to form a flow chart, which
represents the steps of a method of playing the game of the present
invention without randomly selected auxiliary prizes. The dealer
and players first prepare for playing the game 128. The step may
include clearing the table of wagers, tokens, markers or chips from
previous games and letting players take their position for
participating in a new game. The dealer calls players to
participate in a new game; which may include one or both of a
principal and an auxiliary game 130. Players interested in playing
indicate their willingness and betting choices by placing markers,
chips or tokens on card areas or on intersections of rows and/or
columns.
[0160] In this preferred embodiment, the auxiliary game is abet on
the player position that will be chosen by the random selector. It
will be understood that other auxiliary games could be played.
[0161] According to the present method, players may decide to
participate in principal and auxiliary games independently or in
combination. A player that decides to participate in the principal
game 132, indicates his or her participation by positioning
principal betting selections 134 with the help of chips, markers or
tokens, on the game surface layout 44.
[0162] A player who decides to participate in an auxiliary game 136
places his or her auxiliary betting selections 138 by making an
auxiliary bet on at least one of eight (8) additional areas
numbered from 1 to 8 108 each one representing a player
position.
[0163] After allowing the to players to bet on the principal and
auxiliary games, the dealer calls for the end of the betting period
140.
[0164] A new game begins 142. The dealer selects an individual who
will start the random card and player position selection process
144. A designated individual, the dealer or one of players
activates a signal for starting a random card and position
selection process 146. The activation operation and the signal
sent, take various forms depending on apparatus used as random
selectors.
[0165] For example, when the selection apparatus is a mechanical
wheel, the activation operation consists in spinning the wheel and
the signal is the ball launched into the spinning wheel. In the
case of an electromechanical shuffler or an electronic random card
selector, the activation operation is to begin the random
generation process, and the activation signal is an electric signal
started in activating a switch or button. The switch can be a
footswitch, an electromechanical lever switch, a wired electric
switch, an unwired electromagnetic switch, etc.
[0166] In the present embodiment, the card and player position
random selector control 50 is an electromagnetic wired switch
connected to the random card selector, and random player position
selector 46, so that, in sending the random activation signal, the
two processes take place at same time.
[0167] In the present embodiment, the switch takes the form of a
slap button. When pressed, it sends a signal to the random card and
random player position selector 46, for executing a random card and
player position selection.
[0168] During a random selection process, the display 56 can
display multiple changing cards and player positions accompanied
with some sounds to enhance the excitement among players.
[0169] As soon as a card and a player position have been randomly
selected 148 by the random card and player position selector 46,
the selected card and player position are immediately displayed 150
on one or a plurality of screens 54, 52 of the display 56 for
enabling dealer and players to see the random outcome events.
[0170] By comparing and matching the randomly selected card and
player principal betting selections 152 indicated on the game
surface layout 8, the dealer determines wins and losses according
to the principal game payout chart 154.
[0171] For illustration purposes, two payout charts among a
plurality of possible payout charts are provided herein: TABLE 4 is
used preferably if the principal game uses exclusively a single
(free turn card (or happy card) such as the seven of heart. TABLE 5
is preferably used if the principal game uses two free turn cards
(or happy cards), such as the seven of heart and the seven of
spade.
4TABLE 4 Principal Game Payout Chart Seven of heart (7) Free Turn
Seven of club (7) or seven of spade (7) or All Outside Bets Lose
seven of diamond (7.diamond-solid.) 1 Straight Card Bet pays 48 (47
to 1) 2 Split Cards Bet pays 24 (23 to 1) 4 Line Cards Bet pays 12
(11 to 1) 4 Corner Cards Bet pays 12 (11 to 1) 8 Line Cards Bet
pays 6 (5 to 1) 12 Block Cards Bet pays 4 (3 to 1) 24 Block Cards
Bet pays 2 (1 to 1) 12 Column Cards Bet pays 4 (3 to 1) Kind Bet
(i.e. ,,,.diamond-solid.) pays 4 (3 to 1) Red and Black Bet pays
Even Money Odd (i.e. A, 3, 5, 9, J, K) Bet or Even (i.e. 2, 4, 6,
8, 10, Q) Bet pays Even Money High (i.e. 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K) Bet or
Low (i.e. A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) Bet pays Even Money
[0172]
5TABLE 5 Principal Game Payout Chart Seven of heart (7) or seven of
spade (7): Free turn Seven of club (7) or seven of diamond
(7.diamond-solid.): All outside bets lose 1 Straight Card Bet pays:
48 (47 to 1) 2 Split Cards Bet pays: 24 (23 to 1) 4 Line Cards Bet
pays: 12 (11 to 1) 4 Corner Cards Bet pays: 12 (11 to 1) 8 Line
Cards Bet pays: 6 (5 to 1) 12 Block Cards Bet pays: 4 (3 to 1) 24
Block Cards Bet pays: 2 (1 to 1) 12 Column Cards Bet pays: 4 (3 to
1) Kind Bet (i.e. ,,, .diamond-solid.) pays: 4 (3 to 1) Red and
Black Bet pays: Even money Odd (i.e. A, 3, 5, 9, J, K) Bet or Even
(i.e. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Q) Bet pays: Even Money High (i.e. 8, 9, 10,
J, Q, K) Bet or Low (i.e. A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) Bet pays: Even
Money
[0173] In addition, by comparing and matching the randomly selected
player position and card displayed with the player auxiliary
betting selections 156, the dealer determines wins and losses using
the auxiliary payout chart 158.
[0174] For illustration purposes, two possible auxiliary payout
charts among many are presented. TABLE 6 is preferably used if, in
the principal game, a single free turn card (or happy card) is
used, such as the seven of heart. TABLE 7 is preferably used,
applies if two (2) free turn cards (or happy cards) are used in the
principal casino game, such as the seven of heart and the seven of
spade.
6TABLE 6 Auxiliary Payout Chart Seven of heart (7) and Player
Position Bet pays 100 (99 to 1) Seven of heart (7) Card Bet pays 25
(24 to 1) Player Position Bet Only pays 2 (1 to 1)
[0175]
7TABLE 7 Auxiliary Payout Chart Seven of heart (7) or seven of
spade 30 (29 to 1) (7) and Player Position Bet pays Seven of heart
(7) or seven of spade 15 (14 to 1) (7) without Player position bet
pays Player Position Bet Only pays 2 (1 to 1)
[0176] Then, when the dealer has determined the wins and losses,
the game ends 160. Also, in conjunction with the randomly selected
player position and card, another random feature, such as a random
auxiliary prize selection can also be added.
[0177] One way to include an auxiliary randomly selected prize is
by offering the opportunity, upon the occurrence of a predetermined
random event in the auxiliary game, to start a random prize
selection. The opportunity of winning an auxiliary randomly
selected prize allows to give larger payouts.
[0178] By comparing the player auxiliary betting option with the
card and player position randomly selected, a matching between a
predetermined event in the principal game, such as the occurrence
of a free turn card (or happy card) and a player position, and a
player auxiliary betting options, give to the player the
eligibility to win a randomly selected auxiliary prize.
[0179] Referring now to FIG. 7 which is a block diagram of the
apparatus for granting a randomly selected auxiliary prize
according to the present invention and FIG. 8 which is a flow chart
representing the steps of a method of playing the game of the
present invention with a randomly selected auxiliary prize.
[0180] From the comparison of the player auxiliary betting option
data and the card and player position selected in the principal
game 126, the dealer 38 can determine if none, one or some player
auxiliary betting options correspond to predetermined occurring
events in the auxiliary game 162 which give opportunities of
randomly selecting an auxiliary prize.
[0181] If a match happens between the predetermined auxiliary event
and one or more of the player auxiliary betting options, then the
dealer 8 records the auxiliary player position and the auxiliary
bet amount corresponding to each the corresponding player 164, into
the dealer console 64. Then, the auxiliary bet data and player
position data are transmitted to the random prize selector
controller 60 at the same time, the random prize selector
controller 60 sends an activation random prize selection control
signal and triggers the random prize selector control 62. Upon this
trigger set in function, an indication is produced for
communicating the actual activation of the random prize selector
control 62. In the present embodiment, the indication is a visual
indication means, such as a light 69. It is understood that the
indication can take other embodiments and can be associated with
audible, visual or sensing effects.
[0182] Upon the designation of the dealer, the auxiliary winning
identified player 166 activates the random prize selection process
22 via the selector random prize selector control 12. The random
prize selected 168 is displayed after a short moment on the random
prize display 63. According to the randomly selected auxiliary
prize displayed 170, the dealer grants the randomly selected prize
172 and resolves the wins and losses along the auxiliary paying
chart 158. Then the game ends 160.
[0183] In a preferred embodiment, by comparing matches between a
predetermined auxiliary event and a randomly selected player
position, selected card and the auxiliary bets, the dealer resolves
wins and losses along the auxiliary payout chart and determines if
there is any winning auxiliary players. Then, to determine an
auxiliary random prize, the dealer enters, on the dealer console
10, the auxiliary bet amount of the winning auxiliary player. The
dealer invites the winning auxiliary player, if any, to slap on the
second slap button 22. By punching the button 22, a random
selection process of the winning prize in the auxiliary game is
started. On the random prize display, 63, a random selected prize
is displayed on one of screens 65 or 67. On the other screen, for
example on screen 65, the auxiliary bet made by the winning
auxiliary player, and entered on the console by the dealer, is
displayed. A short period after, the total prize corresponding to
the multiplication of the random selected prize by the
corresponding auxiliary bet, is displayed on the first screen, 67.
In addition, an optional happy face or other symbol can randomly
appear on the second screen, 65.
[0184] If a happy face appears on a second screen, a special prize
is awarded to the winning auxiliary player in addition of the total
prize displayed. The bonus prize can take many embodiments: a
certain number of special chips, tokens or markers that constitute
an entry in a future grand tournament between many casinos, an
entry ticket for a special gaming event or any types of prizes such
as a car, a trip or a monetary amount.
[0185] As it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art,
the method and system of the present invention could be totally or
partially connected to any other electronic apparatus, device or
system enabling the creation of the enhanced principal and
auxiliary games played by a plurality of players from a plurality
of local or remote physical locations such as various casinos,
hotels, houses etc.
[0186] Although the present invention has been explained herein
above by way of preferred embodiments thereof, it should be noted
that any modifications to these preferred embodiments within the
scope of the appended claims is not deemed to alter or change the
nature and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *