U.S. patent application number 11/129179 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-17 for gaming apparatus.
Invention is credited to Boulton, Anthony Dennis.
Application Number | 20050253333 11/129179 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32527026 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050253333 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boulton, Anthony Dennis |
November 17, 2005 |
Gaming apparatus
Abstract
Gaming apparatus comprising a roulette arrangement operable to
provide first and second roulette games and a selection arrangement
operable by a user for selecting one play symbol for the first
roulette game and for selecting at least one further play symbol
for the second roulette game. A method of operating gaming
apparatus is also provided.
Inventors: |
Boulton, Anthony Dennis;
(Surrey, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SMITH-HILL & BEDELL, P.C.
12670 N.W. Barnes Road, Suite 104
Portland
OR
97229
US
|
Family ID: |
32527026 |
Appl. No.: |
11/129179 |
Filed: |
May 13, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/138.1 ;
273/142R |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/326 20130101;
A63F 2009/2402 20130101; A63F 5/0088 20130101; A63F 5/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/138.1 ;
273/142.00R |
International
Class: |
A63F 001/00; A63F
001/18; A63F 003/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 14, 2004 |
GB |
0410756.1 |
Claims
1. Gaming apparatus comprising a roulette arrangement operable to
provide a game comprising first and second roulette games, and a
selection arrangement operable by a user for selecting one play
symbol for the first roulette game and for selecting at least one
further play symbol for the second roulette game.
2. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the selection
arrangement is operable for selecting at least two further play
symbols for the second roulette game.
3. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the selection
arrangement is operable by a user for selecting said one play
symbol for the first roulette game prior to play of the first
roulette game.
4. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the selection
arrangement is operable by a user for selecting said further play
symbols for the second roulette game following play of the first
roulette game.
5. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which the selection
arrangement is operable by a user for selecting said further
symbols following successful play of the first roulette game.
6. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the selection
arrangement is operable by a user for selecting said one play
symbol for the first roulette game and said further play symbol(s)
for the second roulette game prior to play of the first roulette
game.
7. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the selection
arrangement enables a user to select the same play symbol for the
or one or more of the further play symbols as the said one play
symbol.
8. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the roulette
arrangement is operable to generate one play symbol for the first
roulette game.
9. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the roulette
arrangement is operable to generate at least one further play
symbol for the second roulette game.
10. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which the roulette
arrangement is operable to generate said at least one further play
symbol following selection of said further play symbol(s) by a
user.
11. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which the further
play symbols are generated sequentially during successive
operations of the roulette arrangement.
12. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which the roulette
arrangement is operable to generate said further play symbols
during a single operation of the roulette arrangement.
13. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which the roulette
arrangement is operable to generate a number of play symbols in the
second roulette game corresponding to the number of further play
symbols selected by the user for the second roulette game.
14. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which the
arrangement is operable to generate said further play symbols
following successful play of the first roulette game.
15. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the gaming
apparatus includes a storage arrangement for storing said selected
one play symbol for the first roulette game and for storing said
selected further play symbol(s) for the second roulette game.
16. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 15, in which the gaming
apparatus includes a comparator for comparing said stored selected
one play symbol with said generated one play symbol.
17. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 16, in which the
comparator provides for play of the second roulette game when said
stored selected one play symbol corresponds with said generated one
play symbol.
18. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 16, in which the
comparator is also arranged to compare the stored selected further
play symbol(s) with said generated further play symbol(s).
19. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 16, in which the gaming
apparatus includes win providing means associated with the
comparator for providing a win when a predetermined combination of
selected and generated play symbols is achieved during the first
game.
20. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 19, in which the win
providing means only provides a win if the order of selection of
the said further play symbols is the same as the order of
generation of the further play symbols.
21. Gaming apparatus as claimed in claim 19, in which the win
providing means provides a win upon a predetermined degree of
correspondence between the selected and generated symbols being
achieved.
22. A method of operating gaming apparatus including a roulette
arrangement operable to provide a game comprising first and second
roulette games, the method comprising selecting one play symbol for
the first roulette game and selecting at least one further play
symbol for the second roulette game.
23. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the method comprises
selecting said one play symbol and said at least one further play
symbols prior to play of the first roulette game.
24. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the method comprises
selecting at least two further play symbols for the second roulette
game.
25. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the method comprises
selecting said one play symbol for the first roulette game and
subsequently playing the first roulette game.
26. A method as claimed in claim 24, in which the method comprises
selecting said at least two further play symbols following
successful play of the first roulette game.
27. A method as claimed in claim 24, in which the method comprises
playing the second roulette game following selection of said at
least two further play symbols.
28. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the step of selecting
the further play symbol comprises selecting the same play symbol
for the or one or more of the further play symbol(s) as the user
selected as the said one play symbol.
29. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the method comprises
storing said selected one play symbol and said selected further
play symbol(s).
30. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the method comprises
generating one play symbol for the first roulette game.
31. A method as claimed in claim 22, in which the method comprises
generating at least one further play symbol for the second roulette
game following selection of said further play symbol(s) by a
user.
32. A method as claimed in claim 31, in which the method comprises
generating the further play symbols sequentially during successive
operations of the roulette arrangement.
33. A method as claimed in claim 32, in which the method comprises
generating the further play symbol(s) during a single operation of
the roulette arrangement.
34. A method as claimed in claim 31, in which the method comprises
generating a number of further play symbols for the second roulette
game corresponding to the number of further play symbols selected
by the user for the second roulette game.
35. A method as claimed in claim 31, in which the step of playing
the second roulette game comprises playing a plurality of
individual games, each of said further play symbols being generated
by each of the individual games.
36. A method as claimed in claim 31, in which the further play
symbols may only be generated following successful play of the
first roulette game.
37. A method as claimed in claim 30, in which the method comprises
comparing said selected one play symbol with said generated one
play symbol for the first roulette game and enabling play of the
second roulette game when said selected one play symbol and said
generated one play symbol correspond.
38. A method as claimed in claim 31, in which the method comprises
comparing stored selected further play symbols with said generated
further play symbols for the second roulette game and providing a
win when a predetermined combination of selected and generated play
symbols is achieved during the first and/or second and/or both
games.
39. A method as claimed in claim 30, in which the method comprises
providing a win when said selected one play symbol corresponds to
said generated one play symbol.
40. A method as claimed in claim 31, in which the method comprises
providing a win when the selected further play symbol(s) correspond
to further play symbol(s) generated for said second game.
41. A method as claimed in claim 40, in which the method comprises
providing a win if the order of selection of the said further play
symbols is the same as the order of generation of the further play
symbols.
42. A method as claimed in claim 31, in which the method comprises
providing a win upon a predetermined degree of correspondence
between the selected play symbols and the generated play symbols
being achieved.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC 119 of United
Kingdom Patent Application No. 0410756.1 filed May 14, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to gaming apparatus. More
particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to gaming
apparatus comprising a roulette wheel.
[0003] There are many known types of gaming apparatus, including
apparatus providing automated games of roulette. However, gaming
apparatus involving traditional games of roulette are limited in
scope in the type of games that can be played.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided gaming apparatus comprising a roulette arrangement
operable to provide a game comprising first and second roulette
games, and a selection arrangement operable by a user for selecting
one play symbol for the first roulette game and for selecting at
least one further play symbol for the second roulette game.
[0005] Preferably the selection arrangement is operable for
selecting at least two further play symbols for the second roulette
game.
[0006] Preferably the selection arrangement is operable by a user
for selecting said one play symbol for the first roulette game
prior to play of the first roulette game. Preferably the selection
arrangement is operable by a user for selecting said further play
symbols for the second roulette game following play of the first
roulette game, and desirably following successful play of the first
roulette game. Alternatively, the selection arrangement may be
operable by a user for selecting said one play symbol for the first
roulette game and said further play symbol(s) for the second
roulette game prior to play of the first roulette game. Preferably
the selection arrangement enables a user to select the same play
symbol for the or one or more of the further play symbol(s) as the
said one play symbol.
[0007] The roulette arrangement is preferably operable to generate
one play symbol for the first roulette game preferably following
selection of said one play symbol by a user. The roulette
arrangement is preferably operable to generate at least one further
play symbol for the second roulette game, and is desirably operable
to generate said at least one further play symbol following
selection of said further play symbol(s) by a user. Preferably the
further play symbols are generated sequentially during successive
operations of the roulette arrangement. Alternatively, the roulette
arrangement may be operable to generate said further play symbols
during a single operation of the roulette arrangement. The roulette
arrangement is desirably operable to generate a number of play
symbols in the second roulette game corresponding to the number of
further play symbols selected by the user for the second roulette
game. The arrangement may only generate said further play symbols
following successful play of the first roulette game.
[0008] The gaming apparatus preferably includes a storage
arrangement for storing said selected one play symbol for the first
roulette game and for storing said selected further play symbol(s)
for the second roulette game. The storage arrangement may comprise
memory means to electronically store the identity of the selected
play symbols.
[0009] The gaming apparatus preferably includes a comparator for
comparing said stored selected one play symbol with said generated
one play symbol, and desirably provides for play of the second
roulette game when said stored selected one play symbol corresponds
with said generated one play symbol. The comparator is preferably
also arranged to compare the stored selected further play symbol(s)
with said generated further play symbol(s).
[0010] The gaming apparatus preferably includes win providing means
associated with the comparator for providing a win when a
predetermined combination of selected and generated play symbols is
achieved during the first and/or second and/or both games.
Preferably the win providing means provides a win when said stored
selected one play symbol corresponds to said generated one play
symbol. Preferably the win providing means provides a win when the
stored further play symbol(s) correspond(s) to the further play
symbol(s) generated for said second game.
[0011] The win providing means may only provide a win if the
selected one play symbol and the further play symbol(s) are the
same and desirably in the same order as the respective generated
symbols.
[0012] The win providing means may only provide a win if the order
of selection of the said further play symbols is the same as the
order of generation of the further play symbols. Alternatively or
in addition, the win providing means may provide a win upon a
predetermined degree of correspondence between the selected play
symbols and the generated play symbols being achieved. For example,
a predetermined degree of correspondence may include the selected
further play symbols being the same as the generated play symbols,
but the order of selection and generation not being the same. In a
further example, a predetermined degree of correspondence may
include only some of the selected further play symbols being among
the generated further play symbols, and in such an example it can
be predetermined whether the order of selection and generation
needs to be the same or not for a win to be provided. In the
embodiment where only one further play symbol is selected a win may
be provided when the selected one play symbol and further play
symbol are the same as, and in the same order as the generated one
play and further play symbols.
[0013] Preferably, the play symbols are numbers.
[0014] Preferably, the roulette arrangement comprises a roulette
wheel, or a roulette type wheel. The roulette arrangement may be a
mechanical arrangement, and means, such as a motor, may be provided
for automatic rotation of the wheel upon actuation. As an
alternative or in addition, the wheel or a part thereof may be
accessible for manual rotation by a user. Alternatively, the
roulette arrangement may be virtual and may be electronically
simulated in part or in whole, for example by video or other means
and may be controlled by a computer.
[0015] In the preferred embodiment, the roulette arrangement
comprises a rotatable platform on which areas are defined,
preferably with upwardly extending formations, in which one or more
objects such as a ball can locate during operation. Preferably,
each area provides for location of a single object therein. Control
means may be provided to provide for selective introduction of one
or more objects to the rotatable platform. Preferably, the platform
rotates upon or prior to the introduction of the one or more
objects thereto.
[0016] The gaming apparatus may include sensor means to sense the
position of an object in the roulette wheel and thereby generate or
sense a play symbol when an object comes to rest on the wheel. The
sensor means may comprise weight, magnetic and/or light sensitive
sensors. A sensor may be provided in each of said areas and may be
operable to sense the presence of an object in the respective
area.
[0017] Preferably, the comparator comprises a processing unit
operable to receive signals from the sensor means indicating the
location of an object on the wheel. The signal sent by the sensor
means preferably comprises or corresponds to a generated symbol,
either a said one play symbol or a further play symbol, depending
upon whether the signal is generated during a first or second
roulette game. The sensor means may also be operable to receive
signals from the selection means indicating the, or each, area
selected by the user. Alternatively or in addition, the comparator
is operable to preferably receive signals from the selection means
and to perform the aforesaid comparison of the selected and
generated symbol(s).
[0018] In one embodiment, removal means is provided to enable
removal of the or each object from its location on the wheel for
return to the control means. The roulette arrangement may further
comprise an object introduction arrangement for introducing an
object to the wheel.
[0019] In another embodiment, the roulette arrangement comprises a
conventional roulette wheel operable by a user, for example a
croupier in a casino.
[0020] The selection arrangement may comprise buttons or
functionally equivalent means to enable the user to select said one
play symbol for the first roulette game and said further play
symbols for the second roulette game. A touch sensitive surface may
be provided to enable the user to select the symbols.
[0021] The storage arrangement may comprise a computer memory
associated with said selection arrangement, whereby when the user
has selected said one and/or said further play symbols, information
relating to the symbols selected is passed to said storage
arrangement for storage therein.
[0022] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of operating gaming apparatus including a
roulette arrangement operable to provide a game comprising first
and second roulette games, the method comprising selecting one play
symbol for the first roulette game and selecting at least one
further play symbol for the second roulette game.
[0023] The method preferably comprises selecting at least two
further play symbol for the second roulette game.
[0024] The method preferably comprises selecting said one play
symbol and said at least one further play symbol prior to play of
the first roulette game.
[0025] Preferably the method comprises selecting said one play
symbol for the first roulette game and subsequently playing the
first roulette game. Preferably the method comprises selecting said
at least two further play symbol following play of the first
roulette game, and desirably following successful play of the first
roulette game. Preferably the method comprises playing the second
roulette game following selection of said at least two further play
symbols. The step of selecting the further play symbols may
comprise selecting the same play symbol for one or more of the
further play symbols as the user selected as the said one play
symbol.
[0026] The method may comprise storing said selected one play
symbol and said selected at least two further play symbols. The
method may comprise electronically storing the selected play
symbols in memory means.
[0027] The method may comprise generating one play symbol for the
first roulette game preferably following selection of said one play
symbol by a user. The method may comprise generating at least one
further play symbol for the second roulette game preferably
following selection of said further play symbol(s) by a user. The
method may comprise generating the further play symbols
sequentially during successive operations of the roulette
arrangement. Alternatively, the method may comprise generating the
further play symbols during a single operation of the roulette
arrangement. The step of playing the second roulette game may
comprise playing a plurality of individual games, each of said
further play symbols being generated by each of the individual
games. The method may comprise generating a plurality of play
symbols for the second roulette game corresponding to the number of
further play symbols selected by the user for the second roulette
game. Further play symbols may only be generated following
successful play of the first roulette game.
[0028] The method may comprise comparing said selected one play
symbol with said generated one play symbol for the first roulette
game, and may further comprise enabling play of the second roulette
game when said selected one play symbol and said generated one play
symbol correspond.
[0029] The method may comprise comparing stored selected further
play symbol(s) with said generated further play symbol(s) for the
second roulette game, and may comprise providing a win when a
predetermined combination of selected and generated play symbols is
achieved during the first and/or second and/or both games. The
method may comprise providing a win when said stored selected one
play symbol corresponds to said generated one play symbol.
Preferably the method comprises providing a win when the stored
further play symbol(s) correspond(s) to the further play symbol(s)
generated for said second game. Preferably the method provides a
win when both the selected one play symbol and further play
symbol(s) correspond, and are desirably, in the same order as said
generated one play and further play symbols.
[0030] The method may comprise providing a win if the order of
selection of the said further play symbols is the same as the order
of generation of the further play symbols. Alternatively or in
addition, the method may comprise providing a win upon a
predetermined degree of correspondence between the selected play
symbols and the generated play symbols being achieved. For example,
a predetermined degree of correspondence may include the selected
further play symbols being the same as the generated play symbols,
but the order of selection and generation not being the same. In a
further example, a predetermined degree of correspondence may
include only some of the selected further play symbols being among
the generated further play symbols, and in such an example it can
be predetermined whether the order of selection and generation
needs to be the same or not for a win to be provided. In the
embodiment where only one further play symbol is selected, a win
may be provided when the selected one play symbol and further play
symbol are the same as and in the same order as the generated one
play and further play symbols.
[0031] Preferably, the roulette arrangement can generate numbers as
the play symbols. The selection of the play symbols may comprise
selection of different numbers.
[0032] Preferably, the roulette arrangement comprises a roulette
wheel or a roulette type wheel, which may be a mechanical or a
virtual electronically simulated roulette or roulette type, wheel.
The roulette arrangement may comprise a rotatable platform on which
areas are defined, preferably with upwardly extending formations
for said numbers. Preferably, the roulette arrangement further
includes one or more objects such as a ball to locate in the
areas.
[0033] Preferably, the step or steps of selecting said one play
symbol and/or said at least two further play symbols comprises
pressing buttons or functionally equivalent means representing
numbers, or touching regions of a sensitive surface, e.g. a touch
sensitive screen, wherein said regions represent numbers to be
selected.
[0034] In one embodiment, the method may involve selecting up to
six numbers for the second roulette game, and may involve
generating up to six numbers during play of the second roulette
game. The step of playing the second roulette game may comprise
playing up to six individual roulette games, and each of said
further numbers may be generated by each of said individual
roulette games. Preferably, a win is provided where the generated
numbers for the second roulette game correspond with three or more
of the selected numbers for the second roulette game.
[0035] The method may comprise the use of gaming apparatus as
described above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described
by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0037] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side view of a gaming
apparatus,
[0038] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic top view of the apparatus in FIG.
1,
[0039] FIG. 3 shows a gaming assembly, and
[0040] FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of a gaming apparatus in
the form of a roulette arrangement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Referring to the drawings, there is provided gaming
apparatus 10 comprising a roulette arrangement operable to provide
a game comprising first and second roulette games, and a selection
arrangement 12 operable by a user for selecting one play symbol for
the first roulette game and for selecting at least one further play
symbols for the second roulette game.
[0042] In more detail, the gaming apparatus 10 comprises a cabinet
11 housing the components thereof. The apparatus 10 comprises the
selection arrangement 12 to enable a user to select a plurality of
play symbols in the form of numbers. The apparatus 10 also includes
number generation means in the form of a roulette assembly 14
comprising a wheel 16 driven by a motor 17 and a ball introduction
means 18 for introducing an object such as a ball 20, or a
plurality of balls 20, to the wheel 16. The wheel 16 has areas 16A
defined by raised walls 16B. Each area 16A is designated by a
respective number from 0 to 36. A ball 20 can locate in any one of
the areas 16A, and the number of the respective area represents the
play symbol generated by the roulette arrangement 14.
[0043] The apparatus 10 also includes a processor 22 for
controlling the selection arrangement 12 and the roulette assembly
14. The processor 22 is connected to the selection arrangement 12
and the roulette assembly 14.
[0044] The processor 22 is connected to the selection arrangement
12 by suitable means known in the art, and this connection is
represented by the broken line 24. Similarly, the processor 22 is
connected to the roulette assembly 14 by suitable means known in
the art as represented by the broken line 26.
[0045] The apparatus 10 further includes insertion means 28 for the
user to insert a predetermined amount of credit to activate the
apparatus 10. The credit may be in the form of coins, tokens or a
credit card. The insertion means 28 is in the form of an insertion
plate 30, which defines an insertion slot, behind which is mounted
a coin detection arrangement 32 to ensure that the inserted coins
or tokens are appropriate for the game. In the event that the coins
inserted are inappropriate, they will be detected as such by the
detection arrangement 32 and rejected via a rejection slot also
defined in the insertion plate 30.
[0046] Appropriate coins or tokens are delivered via a coin conduit
34 to a coin storage container 36 for storing coins or tokens
inserted into the apparatus 10. The coin storage container 36
comprises a coin holder 37 and dispensing means 38 for dispensing
coins or tokens held by the coin holder 37 via a win retrieval
chute 40 to an aperture 42 in a lower part of the apparatus 10. The
coin storage container 36 is connected to the processor 22 by a
suitable connection represented by the broken line 39.
[0047] The processor 22 is also connected, as represented by the
broken line 44, to the introduction means 18 for introducing a ball
20 to the roulette wheel 16, as represented by the arrow A. The
roulette assembly 14 also includes sensing means 46 for sensing in
which of the areas 16A on the roulette wheel a ball 20 has located
during play. The sensing means 46 is connected to the processor 22
by a suitable connection represented by the broken line 47. The
processor 22 includes storage means in the form of a memory 22B for
storing signals sent thereto by the sensing means 46 and
corresponding to the numbers or symbols of the areas 16A into which
a ball 20 locates.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 2, a top plan view of the apparatus 10 is
shown, in which it can be seen that the plurality of areas 16A of
the wheel 16 are separated from each other by the raised walls 16B.
Each of the areas 16A is designated by a number from 0 to 36.
[0049] The selection arrangement 12 comprises a plurality of
buttons 48 from 1 to 9 and 0 and a screen 50 to provide the user
with guidance and instructions and to indicate the numbers selected
by the user.
[0050] An `ENTER` button 52 is provided for the user to enter the
selected numbers to be stored in the memory 22B of the processor
22, and a back space button 54 for the user to make any desired
changes to the selection prior to entry. A start button 56 is also
provided for the user to start the game.
[0051] In operation, the gaming apparatus 10 is used to play a game
comprising first and second roulette games. A user firstly inserts
coins or tokens to the appropriate value into the coin receiving
slot in the plate 30. The screen 50 then displays the words "place
bets" and the user then taps the appropriate buttons 48 on the
selection means 12 to choose the desired one number for use in the
first roulette game. After the desired number is tapped in, the
user presses the `ENTER` button 52 to store the selected number in
the memory 22B. In one embodiment of the invention where the second
roulette game only involves the selection of one further play
symbol, the user selects a desired symbol or symbols, again using
the buttons 48 and confirms his selection by pressing the `ENTER`
button 52.
[0052] Once the user has selected the desired one number for the
first roulette game and the other number for the second game. the
start button 56 is pressed to actuate the motor 17 and rotate the
wheel 16. After the wheel 16 has been accelerated to the desired
speed, the introduction means 18 then introduces a ball 20 into the
roulette wheel 16 and, as will be appreciated by the person skilled
in the art, the ball 20 eventually locates in one of the areas 16A.
The sensing means 46 senses in which area 16A the ball 20 has
located, and sends a signal relating to the number or symbol thus
generated to the memory 22B.
[0053] The ball 20 is then removed from location on the wheel 16 by
conventional means. The user then reactivates the wheel 16 to
generate the further play symbol in similar fashion as described
above. The signal relating to the further number or symbol thus
generated is sent to the memory 22B.
[0054] The processor 22 includes a comparator 22A which is operable
to compare the numbers selected by the user for the first and
second roulette games with the respective numbers generated by the
roulette arrangement, which are stored in the memory 22B. If the
selected and generated numbers correspond, the game is deemed to
have been successful and a win is achieved.
[0055] In a further embodiment, where the second roulette game
provides for the selection of two or more further play symbols, the
user may select these further play symbols either at the same time
as selecting the said one play symbol or following play of the
first roulette game. If desired, it can be a prerequisite to have
successfully played the first roulette game before being able to
play the second roulette game. However, the present invention does
provide for the play of the second game even if play of the first
game was unsuccessful. In such cases the one play symbol selected
may be compared along with the said further selected symbols
against all the generated symbols, and a win determined according
to predetermined degrees of correspondence. In other words, if a
predetermined number of all the selected symbols (i.e. one play
symbol and further play symbols) corresponds to a predetermined
number generated symbols (both one play and further play), then
this can be considered successful play. For example, if all the
selected symbols are the same as all the generated symbols, but the
latter were generated in a different sequence to the selection
sequence, this can still be a successful play even if all the
symbols are of a different order. Also, if only some of the
selected symbols correspond to the generated symbols, this may be
predetermined as sufficient for successful play. For example if the
one play symbol selected was the number 2, the selected further
symbols were 6, 9, 30, the generated one play symbol number 9 and
the generated further play symbols numbers 30, 8, 3, this could be
deemed a successful play because of the selection of 9 and 30 which
were generated by the arrangement. Here the first roulette game was
not a success, but the game overall was. Similarly, if the
generated symbols were 3, 6, 30, 11, this too could be deemed a win
by virtue of the successful selection of numbers 6 and 30. Clearly
the level of win, and thus payout, will reflect the statistical
odds of success.
[0056] In either case, once the play symbols have been selected and
the respective symbols generated by the arrangement the comparator
22A compares the numbers generated for the first and second
roulette games with the respective numbers generated by the
arrangement. If the selected and generated numbers correspond to a
predetermined degree, the game is deemed successful.
[0057] As indicated, in a still further embodiment it is a
requirement for the selected one play symbol to correspond with the
generated one play symbol before the user can play the second
roulette game. In the event of such successful play of the first
roulette game the user chooses to play the second roulette game,
any additional credit required must be inserted to activate the
apparatus for the second game. The ball 20 is removed from the
wheel 16 by suitable means known in the art, for example by causing
the hub of the wheel 16 to pivot to allow the ball to fall into a
collection arrangement 58. It will be appreciated that any other
suitable means, such as removal by hand, may be employed. The user
then taps the appropriate buttons 48 on the selection arrangement
12 to select at least two further numbers for use in the second
roulette game. After each number is tapped in, the user presses the
`ENTER` button 52 to store each selected number in the memory 22B.
It is to be noted that all of the numbers which were available for
selection for the first roulette game are available for selection
for the second roulette game, including the number previously
selected by the user for the first game. The same number may be
selected more than once for the second game.
[0058] The user then presses the start button 56 and the ball 20 is
once again introduced to the wheel 16 by the ball introduction
means 18 after the wheel 16 is accelerated back to its desired
speed to again locate in one of the areas 16A. The number of the
area 16A into which the ball 20 locates is again sensed and this
information is stored in the memory 22B. The ball 20 is again
removed from the wheel 16, as described above, and is subsequently
reintroduced to the wheel 16 by the ball introduction means 18 to
again locate in one of the areas 16A. The number of the area 16A
into which the ball 20 locates is again sensed and stored in the
memory 22B. This process is repeated sequentially for the second
game until the plurality of numbers generated by the roulette
assembly 14 for the second game corresponds to the quantity of
numbers selected by the user for the second game. The quantity of
numbers that can be selected may be determined by the level of
credit inputted to the apparatus.
[0059] Following generation of the requisite quantity of numbers
for the second roulette game, the comparator 22A compares the
numbers selected by the user with those generated by the roulette
assembly 14 and provides the user with a win when a predetermined
degree of correspondence between the selected numbers and the
generated numbers is achieved. The degree of correspondence may
provide for different win scenarios, as follows.
[0060] In a first win scenario, the apparatus 10 may provide a win
when some of the numbers selected by the user are generated by the
roulette arrangement, the order of selection and generation of the
numbers being irrelevant. For example, if the user has selected six
numbers, e.g. 1 to 6 in any order, the apparatus 10 may provide a
win if two or more of those numbers, e.g. 3 and 5, are generated in
any order by the roulette arrangement.
[0061] In a second win scenario, the apparatus 10 may provide a win
when some of the numbers selected by the user are generated by the
roulette arrangement in the same order that the numbers were
selected. For example, if the user has selected the numbers 1 to 6
in that order, he may receive a win if the numbers 3 and 5 are
generated by the roulette arrangement in that order. Thus, the user
would receive a win if the numbers 2, 15, 17, 3, 30, 28 were
generated by the roulette arrangement, but would not receive a win
if the number 3 was generated before the number 2 since these
numbers would not have been generated in the order in which they
were selected by the user.
[0062] In a third win scenario, the apparatus 10 may provide a win
when some of the numbers selected by the user are generated by the
roulette arrangement in the same sequence that the numbers were
selected by the user. For example, if the user has selected the
numbers 1 to 6 in that sequence, he may receive a win if the
numbers 2 and 3 are generated by the roulette arrangement in that
sequence. Thus, the user would receive a win if the numbers 15, 17,
2, 3, 30, 28 were generated by the roulette arrangement since the
numbers 2 and 3 were generated in the same sequence that they were
selected by the user.
[0063] In a fourth win scenario, the apparatus 10 may provide a win
only when all of the numbers selected by the user are generated by
the roulette arrangement, the order of selection and generation of
the numbers being irrelevant. For example, if the user has selected
six numbers, e.g. 1 to 6 in any order, the apparatus 10 will
provide a win if all of the numbers 1 to 6 are generated in any
order by the roulette arrangement.
[0064] In a fifth win scenario, the apparatus 10 may provide a win
when all of the numbers selected by the user are generated by the
roulette arrangement in the same sequence that the numbers were
selected by the user. For example, if the user has selected the
numbers 1 to 6 in that sequence, he will receive a win only if all
of the numbers 1 to 6 are generated by the roulette arrangement in
the same sequence. In other words, the user would not receive a win
if all of the numbers were generated in a different sequence, for
example 1, 3, 2, 4, 5, 6.
[0065] In a sixth win scenario, the apparatus 10 may provide a win
when all of the numbers selected by the user are generated by the
roulette arrangement, but only some of those generated numbers are
in the same order as the numbers selected by the user. For example,
if the user has selected the numbers 1 to 6 in that order, he may
receive a win only if all of the numbers 1 to 6 are generated by
the roulette arrangement and if some of the numbers generated are
in the same order as the order in which the numbers were selected.
For example, the user would receive a win if the numbers 1 to 6
were generated by the roulette arrangement in the order 2, 1, 6, 4,
3, 5 since all of the selected numbers have been generated, and the
numbers 1, 3, 5 have been generated in the same order in which the
user selected them.
[0066] In all of the above win scenarios, the amount of the win
provided to the user by the apparatus 10 may vary dependent upon
the degree of correspondence between the selected and generated
numbers. For example, the win may be greater when larger amounts of
numbers are matched, or when the numbers are generated by the
roulette arrangement in the same order or sequence in which they
were selected by the user.
[0067] It should be appreciated that the above are merely
illustrative examples of different win scenarios in which different
predetermined degrees of correspondence between the selected and
the generated numbers may result in a win for the user. Other win
scenarios with alternative or additional predetermined degrees of
correspondence may exist in which the apparatus 10 may provide a
user with a win.
[0068] Due to the step of removing the ball 20 from the roulette
wheel 16 after each number is generated for the second roulette
game, each time a ball 20 is introduced to the roulette wheel 16 it
can be located in any one of the areas 16A of the roulette wheel
16. Thus, the same number can be generated during play of the
second roulette game in successive operations of the roulette
assembly 14.
[0069] In an alternative embodiment, after each ball 20 is located
into one of the areas 16A, it could remain in that area 20 whilst a
subsequent ball 20 is introduced, and so on. Thus, after each ball
20 has been introduced, the number of areas 16A into which the
succeeding balls 20 can be located is reduced.
[0070] In a yet further embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, a gaming
assembly 150 is provided in which a plurality of gaming apparatus
10 according to the present invention are linked to a central
processing unit 152. Each of the gaming apparatus 10 operates
independently of the others, with the exception that the central
processing unit 152 registers that a proportion of the money
inserted into each apparatus 10, for example 3%, is available to
win by the players of any of the gaming apparatus 10 comprised in
the gaming assembly 150. Thus, if a player should win by matching,
for example, three or more of his selected numbers for the second
roulette game with the numbers generated by the roulette wheel
assembly 14 for the second roulette game in the manner described
above, the user would win the cumulative amount of the money
collected from each of the other gaming apparatus 10.
[0071] The gaming apparatus 10 may be a stand alone apparatus which
plays the above game in accordance with the invention, or it may be
a supplementary apparatus to a roulette arrangement 200, as shown
in FIG. 4, in which a main roulette assembly 214 has provided
thereon a plurality of consoles 210, for respective users. The main
roulette assembly 214 is provided within a table upon which the
consoles 210 are mounted.
[0072] Each of the consoles 210 represents an individual gaming
apparatus comprising many of the same features as the apparatus 10
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and these features have been designated by
the same reference numerals.
[0073] The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 may be a gaming apparatus
suitable for playing a traditional game of roulette on the roulette
assembly 214. The roulette arrangement 200 may be configured or
programmed to play the traditional game of roulette the majority of
the time, and to play, as a subsidiary game, the game described in
the preceding paragraphs, in other words to play a first roulette
game followed by a second roulette game, as already described in
detail.
[0074] With the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the roulette
arrangement 200 operates generally in the same way as the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the exception that the
single roulette assembly 214 of FIG. 4 generates the numbers for
the first and second games required by each of the consoles 210.
Thus, a user of any of the consoles 210 may win if some or all of
the numbers he or she has selected for the second game correspond
to the numbers generated for the second game by the wheel 16 of the
roulette assembly 214.
[0075] In a further alternative (not shown) the main roulette
assembly 214 is located remotely from the playing consoles 210.
Such an arrangement may find particular use where the roulette
assembly 214 is operable by a croupier, or other manual
operative.
[0076] There is thus described a game of roulette which comprises
playing a first roulette game essentially in the same manner as a
traditional game of roulette, and playing a second roulette game
after successful play of the first game in which at least two
further numbers are selected by a user which the user believes will
be generated by the roulette wheel 16 during the second game, for
example by at least two spins of the wheel in the second roulette
game.
[0077] There is also described a game comprising first and second
roulette games, where it is not necessary for successful play of
the first roulette game to play the second roulette game and
achieve overall success of the game. In particular, where there is
only one further play symbol selected in the second roulette game,
successful play of the game can be achieved by the symbols
generated in the first and second games being the same as the
selected symbols, but generated in a different order. The
arrangement may provide for this to be a successful win, but the
win value would generally be less than when the order of selection
and generation are also the same, i.e. where the first game was
also successfully played.
[0078] Where a plurality of further play symbols is selected for
the second roulette game, it is not always necessary for successful
play of the first game for the user to play the second game and
secure a win either involving the first game symbol as generally
discussed above, or by achieving a predetermined degree of
correspondence between the selected and generated further play
symbols in the second roulette game.
[0079] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in
the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it
should be appreciated that various modifications to the examples
given may be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention. For example, the second roulette game may comprise the
selection of any number of play symbols. The play symbols may be of
a form other than numbers.
[0080] Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw
attention to those features of the invention believed to be of
particular importance, it should be understood that the Applicant
claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or
combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in
the drawings, whether or not particular emphasis has been placed
thereon.
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