U.S. patent application number 11/344357 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-03 for method and apparatus for playing roulette with active working wagers.
Invention is credited to Bruce D. Silverman.
Application Number | 20060170155 11/344357 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36100831 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060170155 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Silverman; Bruce D. |
August 3, 2006 |
Method and apparatus for playing roulette with active working
wagers
Abstract
A method and apparatus for playing casino-style roulette that
offers players the option of placing specific wagers that limit the
winning and losing outcomes to a subset of all possible outcomes
for any given spin of the roulette wheel. Using a system of tokens
to indicate the unique betting scenarios, the invention provides
players with additional betting opportunities that increase the
dynamics and enjoyment of the game while providing casino operators
with the opportunity for incremental revenue.
Inventors: |
Silverman; Bruce D.;
(Minneapolis, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Family ID: |
36100831 |
Appl. No.: |
11/344357 |
Filed: |
January 30, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60648804 |
Feb 1, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/142R ;
273/143R |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3286 20130101; A63F 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/142.00R ;
273/143.00R |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A method of playing roulette, comprising: a) placing wagers
prior to a first spin of the roulette wheel that at least one of a
first set of designated outcomes from the first spin of the
roulette wheel will occur before one of a second set of designated
outcomes from the first spin of the roulette wheel, wherein the sum
of the probabilities for all designated winning and losing outcomes
on any given spin of the roulette wheel is less than the total
probability for all possible outcomes on any given spin of the
roulette wheel; b) spinning the roulette wheel to determine the
result of the first spin; and c) determining if the wager is
satisfied, wherein: i) the placed wager is won only when at least
one of the first set of designated outcomes occurs; ii) the placed
wager is lost only when at least one of the second set of
designated outcomes occurs; and iii) the placed wager is neither
won or lost if neither of the first or second sets of designated
outcomes occurs during the first spin of the roulette wheel.
2. The method of playing roulette according to claim 1, further
comprising: a) allowing the placed wager to be removed or
maintained prior to a second spin of the roulette wheel; and b)
spinning the roulette wheel and determining if the placed wager is
satisfied in accordance with steps b) and c) of claim 1 if the
placed wager has been maintained.
3. The method of playing roulette according to claim 1, further
comprising: a) allowing placement of additional wagers prior to a
second spin of the roulette wheel in accordance with step a) of
claim 1; and b) spinning the roulette wheel and determining if the
placed wager and placed additional wager is satisfied in accordance
with steps b) and c) of claim 1.
4. The method of playing roulette according to claim 2, further
comprising: a) allowing placement of additional wagers prior to a
second spin of the roulette wheel in accordance with step a) of
claim 1; and b) spinning the roulette wheel and determining if the
placed wager and placed additional wager is satisfied in accordance
with steps b) and c) of claim 1 if the placed wager has been
maintained.
5. The method of playing roulette according to claim 1, wherein the
roulette wheel provides for 38 possible outcomes by action of a
ball coming to rest in one of 38 numbered and colored slots.
6. The method of playing roulette according to claim 1, wherein the
roulette wheel provides for 37 possible outcomes by the action of a
ball coming to rest in one of 37 numbered and colored slots.
7. The method of playing roulette according to claim 5, wherein the
38 possible outcomes are comprised of the numbers 1 through 36, 0
and 00.
8. The method of playing roulette according to claim 6, wherein the
37 possible outcomes are comprised of the numbers 1 through 36 and
0.
9. The method of playing roulette according to claim 5, wherein the
numbers 1 through 36 are colored either red or black.
10. The method of playing roulette according to claim 6, wherein
the numbers 1 through 36 are colored either red or black.
11. The method of playing roulette according to claim 1, wherein
the first set includes any one number 1-36, 0 and 00, and the
second set includes any one other number 1-36, 0 and 00.
12. The method of playing roulette according to claim 1, wherein
the first set includes any one number 1-36, 0 and 00, and the
second set includes any one, two, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven,
twelve, seventeen, or eighteen other numbers 1-36, 0 and 00.
13. The method of playing roulette according to claim 1, wherein
the first set includes any of two numbers 1-36, 0 and 00, and the
second set includes any one, two, eight, ten, twelve, or eighteen
other numbers 1-36, 0 and 00.
14. The method of playing roulette according to claim 1, wherein
the first set includes any of three numbers 1-36, 0 and 00, and the
second set includes any one, two, nine, twelve, fifteen, or
eighteen other numbers 1-36, 0 and 00.
15. The method of playing roulette according to claim 1, wherein
the first set includes any of four numbers 1-36, 0 and 00, and the
second set includes any one, two, eight, twelve, fourteen, or
eighteen other numbers 1-36, 0 and 00.
16. The method of playing roulette according to claim 1, wherein
the first set includes: any of five numbers occurring before the
second set of any of nine other numbers; any of five numbers
occurring before the second set of any of twelve other numbers; any
of five numbers occurring before the second set of any of fifteen
other numbers; any of five numbers occurring before the second set
of any of eighteen other numbers; any of six numbers occurring
before the second set of any one other number; any of six numbers
occurring before the second set of either of two other numbers; any
of six numbers occurring before the second set of any of six other
numbers; any of six numbers occurring before the second set of any
of twelve other numbers; any of six numbers occurring before the
second set of any of eighteen other numbers; any of eight numbers
occurring before the second set of either of two other numbers; any
of eight numbers occurring before the second set of any of eight
other numbers; any of eight numbers occurring before the second set
of any of ten other numbers; any of eight numbers occurring before
the second set of any of eighteen other numbers; any of ten numbers
occurring before the second set of either of two other numbers; any
of ten numbers occurring before the second set of any of eight
other numbers; any of ten numbers occurring before the second set
of any of ten other numbers; any of ten numbers occurring before
the second set of any of eighteen other numbers; any of twelve
numbers occurring before the second set of either of two other
numbers; any of twelve numbers occurring before the second set of
any of six other numbers; any of twelve numbers occurring before
the second set of any of twelve other numbers; any of eighteen
numbers occurring before the second set of any of eight other
numbers; and any of eighteen numbers occurring before the second
set of any of ten other numbers.
17. The method of playing roulette according to claim 1, wherein a
token is used to mark the placed wager, the token having markings
to indicate specific parameters of the wager.
18. The method of playing roulette according to claim 17, wherein
the markings include identification of the wager as a live wager,
the specific winning and losing parameters of the wager and the
payout consequent to a successful outcome for the wager.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein the spinning the roulette wheel
step is performed using computerized random number generation
technology.
20. The method of playing roulette according to claim 1, wherein
the first set includes any one number 1-36 and 0, and the second
set includes any one other number 1-36 and 0.
21. An apparatus for playing roulette, comprising: a) means for
placing wagers prior to a first spin of a roulette wheel that at
least one of a first set of designated outcomes will occur before
one of a second set of designated outcomes, wherein the sum of the
probabilities for the predetermined winning and losing outcomes for
any given spin of the roulette wheel is less than the total
probability for all possible outcomes on any giving spin of the
roulette wheel; b) means for determining an outcome of a first spin
of the roulette wheel; and c) means for determining if the wager is
satisfied, wherein: i) the placed wager is won only when at least
one of the first set of designated outcomes occurs; ii) the placed
wager is lost only when at least one of the second set of
designated outcomes occurs; and iii) the placed wager is neither
won or lost if neither the first or second sets of designated
outcomes occurs during the first spin of the roulette wheel.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the means for placing
wagers, means for determining an outcome of the first spin of the
roulette wheel and means for determining if the wager is satisfied
includes a computer.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/648,804, entitled "Method and Apparatus for
Playing an Enhanced Casino Roulette Game" filed Feb. 1, 2005, which
is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This application relates generally to a method and apparatus
for playing a game of chance; more particularly to a method and
apparatus for playing a modified version of roulette (e.g., a game
where players wager on the particular slot of a rotating disk in
which a small ball will come to rest) in which working wagers may
be made that are active until a specific losing event occurs; and
more particularly still to a method and apparatus for playing
roulette in which a player may make working wagers which remain
active until either a losing event occurs or the player requests
that the working wager be removed/discontinued.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Roulette is one of the easiest casino games to play because
there is no strategy to learn that can increase the likelihood of
winning, such as in blackjack. Therefore, players usually bet on
what they feel are trends of occurrence or lucky numbers. It also
offers players a slower-paced game that can increase the gambling
time with a given bankroll. This combination of attributes account,
at least partly, for the game's popularity.
[0004] Roulette offers casino operators one of the highest
advantages of all casino games, with a 5.26% house edge on
virtually all bets for a standard American roulette table with 38
numbers (e.g., eighteen black numbers, eighteen red numbers, a
green zero, and a green double zero). The game features a variety
of bets which are made by players placing one or more chips having
a color designated specifically for that player on either a
specific number, a combination of numbers (by placing a chip on the
intersecting lines for those numbers), and/or a group of numbers
designated by a special box. For any spin of a roulette wheel,
players are generally free to make as many of these described bets
as are allowed by minimum and maximum bets for that table. The
chart set forth below in Table 1 summarizes the available bets in a
standard game of American roulette: TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Betting
Scenario Probability Payout House Edge (%) Any Red 47.37% 1:1 5.26
Any Black 47.37% 1:1 5.26 Any Even 47.37% 1:1 5.26 Any Odd 47.37%
1:1 5.26 1 to 18 47.37% 1:1 5.26 19 to 36 47.37% 1:1 5.26 1 to 12
31.58% 2:1 5.26 13 to 24 31.58% 2:1 5.26 25 to 36 31.58% 2:1 5.26
Any one number 2.63% 35:1 5.26 Either of two 5.26% 17:1 5.26
numbers Any of three 7.89% 11:1 5.26 numbers Any of four 10.53% 8:1
5.26 numbers Any of six numbers 15.79% 5:1 5.26 0, 00, 1, 2 or 3
13.16% 6:1 7.89
[0005] The betting options set forth in Table 1 have remained
essentially the same since the game was introduced. It will be
appreciated that the common factors being that virtually every bet
has the same house advantage and every bet either wins or loses
based on a single spin of the roulette wheel. Numerous variations
of roulette have been proposed that combine the game with other
casino games, as well as variations of the game that include
additional wheels or bonus bets and jackpots. However, these games
have not been successfully marketed due to the appeal of the
original game's inherent simplicity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention introduces the concept of "working
bets" to the game of roulette. A "working bet" is defined as a bet
that is "live" or active until either a specific losing event
occurs or the player asks that his bet be discontinued. By
introducing the concept of working bets to roulette, the present
invention offers roulette players betting options that have the
potential to pay off numerous times and ensures that the player
does not lose the bet unless a specific losing event occurs. Much
like the "place number" bets in the game of craps, where a player
can bet that certain dice values will occur before the dice value
of seven occurs and vice versa, the present invention offers
roulette players the same style of action by letting them bet that
specific outcomes from the spin of the roulette wheel will occur
before other specific outcomes from the spin of the roulette wheel.
The working bets of the present invention are preferably
implemented by using a system of tokens to help identify the
specific working bets made by the player.
[0007] By applying the concept working wagers to certain
combinations of numbers--based on their numeric value, color
orientation and/or arrangement on the roulette table--the invention
enables a number of new wagering options. One feature of these
working wagers is that they may be working for more than one spin
of the wheel. Another feature is that the working wagers allow
players to limit the risk of a bet to a select group of possible
outcomes and the wagers may be provided with different odds than
those typically offered in roulette. Yet another feature is that
the working wagers provide the casino with an opportunity for
incremental income without requiring additional space, tables or
game surveillance. Further, implementation of the invention does
not alter the playing surface, playing procedure or fundamental
mechanics of the game.
[0008] The present invention can easily be adapted to various
gaming formats and media platforms in addition to standard roulette
tables, including single-player and multi-player video slot
machines, electronic games and devices, lottery terminals, lottery
scratch-off cards, home-entertainment software, online gaming
applications and online non-gaming applications.
[0009] Therefore, according to one aspect of the invention, there
is provided a method of playing roulette, comprising: placing
wagers prior to a first spin of the roulette wheel that at least
one of a first set of designated outcomes from the first spin of
the roulette wheel will occur before one of a second set of
designated outcomes from the first spin of the roulette wheel,
wherein the sum of the probabilities for all designated winning and
losing outcomes on any given spin of the roulette wheel is less
than the total probability for all possible outcomes on any given
spin of the roulette wheel; spinning the roulette wheel to
determine the result of the first spin; and determining if the
wager is satisfied, wherein: the placed wager is won only when at
least one of the first set of designated outcomes occurs; the
placed wager is lost only when at least one of the second set of
designated outcomes occurs; and the placed wager is neither won or
lost if neither of the first or second sets of designated outcomes
occurs during the first spin of the roulette wheel.
[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method of playing roulette in accordance with the
preceding paragraph, and further comprising: allowing the placed
wager to be removed or maintained prior to a second spin of the
roulette wheel; and spinning the roulette wheel and determining if
the placed wager is satisfied in accordance with the preceding
paragraph if the placed wager has been maintained.
[0011] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method for playing roulette according to the preceding
paragraphs, and further comprising allowing placement of additional
wagers prior to a second spin of the roulette wheel and determining
if the placed wager and placed additional wager is satisfied.
[0012] While the invention will be described with respect to
preferred embodiment configurations, particular groups of working
wagers, and recommended payouts, it will be understood that the
invention is not to be construed as limited in any manner by either
such configuration, working wagers or recommended payouts described
herein. Also, while the particular roulette game table layouts,
tokens and equipment are described herein, it will be understood
that such particular table layouts, tokens and equipment are not to
be construed in a limiting manner. Instead, the principles of this
invention extend to a roulette game in which players may make
active working wagers. These and other variations of the invention
will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a more
detailed description of the invention.
[0013] The advantages and features which characterize the invention
are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and
forming a part hereof. For a better understanding of the invention,
however, reference should be had to the drawings which form a part
hereof and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there
is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The present invention will be described in detail with
reference to the following drawings. It is to be understood that
the invention is not limited to the configurations represented by
the following drawings and that the various embodiments of the
invention can be configured in other manners in view of the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a token used to indicate a
wager in accordance with the principles of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a first working wager example according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a second working wager example according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a third working wager example according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a fourth working wager example according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a fifth working wager example according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a sixth working wager example according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 8 is an example of a video gaming machine apparatus of
the type on which the various embodiments of the present invention
may be played.
[0023] FIG. 9 is an example of a personal computer apparatus of the
type on which the various embodiments of the present invention may
be played.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0024] An underlying principle of the invention is based on the
mathematics governing the probability of one of one or more given
events occurring prior to one of one or more different events
within a larger set of possible events. This principle allows the
construction of new wagering options for the game of roulette
without changing the fundamental method of play, the game equipment
and/or the playing layout. Accordingly, a preferred embodiment of
the invention utilizes standard casino roulette table.
[0025] In view of this embodiment, the figures and description of
the invention will be in reference to a standard game of casino
roulette, which is well known to those skilled in the art. It will
be understood that while the preferred embodiment of the invention
pertains to roulette tables and wheels that have 38 numbers (e.g.,
those with both a "0" and "00"), the underlying mathematics of the
invention and vast majority of betting scenarios specific to the
invention can also be applied to tables and wheels with 37 numbers
(e.g., those with only a single "0").
[0026] Turning now to FIG. 1, the invention can be implemented
using a system of tokens 10 that are inscribed with relevant
information to help the dealer track the bets specific to the
invention, including the identification of the bet as a working bet
12, specific winning and losing parameters for the bet 14 and the
payout consequent to a winning event 16.
[0027] As noted above, the game is played following the normal
sequence of events and rules of roulette. While such sequence of
events and rules are well known to those skilled in the art, a
brief description will be provided herein.
[0028] First, at the beginning of play, players place their chips
on numbers or combination of numbers or a color to indicate the
bets they wish to make. At many tables, there is a minimum wager
amount for each wager and a maximum wager. Further, a player may
generally make as many wagers as he or she wishes (e.g., a player
is not constrained to make a single bet. Instead, by way of
example, wagers might be made on the color red, the number 12, and
the sequence of numbers 1, 2, and 3 prior to a single spin of the
roulette wheel).
[0029] In the prior art, a winning or losing event for a wager is
always determined by a single spin of the roulette wheel. The
present invention, however, introduces roulette wagers where a
winning or losing event is not necessarily determined by a single
spin of the roulette wheel. In the preferred embodiment, this is
implemented by asking the roulette dealer to mark such a working
wager with a specially marked token, indicating specific winning
and losing parameters for the working wager. That wager then
remains "working" (e.g., live) until either a losing event occurs
or the player indicates that the bet should be discontinued. If a
winning outcome occurs on any given spin of the roulette wheel, the
player wins and the dealer pays off the bet according to the
predetermined payout indicated for the bet. The player can then opt
to maintain the same bet for the next spin of the roulette wheel or
indicate that the bet should be discontinued. If a losing outcome
occurs on any given spin of the roulette wheel, then the player
loses and the dealer collects the bet. If none of the winning or
losing outcomes occur on any given spin of the roulette wheel, the
bet remains untouched and the player can choose to leave the bet
working for the next spin of the roulette wheel or can indicate
that the bet be discontinued. If the player indicates that the bet
is discontinued, then the dealer removes the token signifying the
working bet and the player can then retrieve the chips that made up
the wager. This procedure may be utilized for any of the
representative working wagers described herein.
Sample Embodiments of the Invention
[0030] FIGS. 2-7 illustrate various examples of a method and
apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention that
utilizes a traditional roulette table layout 20 with thirty-eight
numbers (1-36, 0 and 00) identified individually by color and
groups, a traditional roulette wheel 22 having thirty-eight numbers
(1-36, 0 and 00), an example of a game wagering chip 24, a token
that indicates a bet specific to the invention 26, a group of
wagering chips with a token specific to the invention placed on top
of the chips 28 and the placement of a wager specific to the
invention on the roulette layout 30. It will be appreciated that
the hatched shaded numbers represent black numbers and the unshaded
numbers represent red numbers in the FIGURES. Both the numbers 0
and 00, are also unshaded, but are typically colored green on prior
art roulette wheels and tables.
[0031] FIG. 2 represents an example of a method and apparatus
according to an embodiment of the present invention that limits the
winning and losing outcomes for a bet to any one number occurring
before either of two other numbers. In this particular example, the
player is betting five chips that the number 12 will occur before
either one of the numbers 0 or 00. Five chips are placed on the
number 12 on the roulette table and the appropriate token is placed
on top of the chips to indicate that the wager is limited to a
losing outcome of 0 or 00. The specific working wager then remains
live until either a 0 or 00 occurs or the player indicates a desire
to discontinue the bet. If the number 12 occurs before 0 or 00, the
player wins and the dealer pays off the bet according to the
predetermined payout indicated for the bet. Once either a 0 or 00
occurs, the player loses and the dealer collects the bet. If none
of the winning or losing outcomes occur on any given spin of the
roulette wheel, the bet remains untouched and the player can choose
to leave the bet working for the next spin of the roulette wheel or
he can retrieve the bet by indicating that he wishes to discontinue
the working wager.
[0032] Note that the initial working wager may optionally be left
on the number 12 after a winning roulette spin and the player is
paid off--such that the bet remains live, and if the next spin is
also a 12, the player would be paid off again according to the
predetermined payout indicated for the bet. This option may be used
in connection with some or all of the working wagers described
herein.
[0033] FIG. 3 represents an example of a method and apparatus
according to an embodiment of the present invention that limits the
winning and losing outcomes for a bet to either of two numbers
occurring before any of twelve other numbers. In this particular
example, the player wagers five chips that either of the numbers 0
or 00 will occur before any of the twelve numbers 25 through 36. In
this example, five chips are placed on the line between 0 and 00 on
the roulette table and the appropriate token is placed on top of
the chips to indicate that the wager is limited to a losing outcome
of any of the numbers 25 through 36. The working wager then remains
live until any of the numbers 25 through 36 occurs or the player
indicates a desire to discontinue the bet. If either of the numbers
0 or 00 occurs before any of the numbers 25 through 36, the player
wins and the dealer pays off the bet according to the predetermined
payout indicated for the bet. If any of the numbers 25 through 36
occurs before either of the numbers 0 or 00, the player loses and
the dealer collects the bet. If none of the winning or losing
outcomes occur on any given spin of the roulette wheel, the bet
remains untouched and the player can choose to leave the bet
working for the next spin of the roulette wheel or the player can
retrieve the bet by indicating a desire to discontinue the working
wager.
[0034] FIG. 4 represents an example of a method and apparatus
according to an embodiment of the present invention that limits the
winning and losing outcomes for a bet to any one number occurring
before any of eleven other numbers. In this example, the player
wagers five chips that the number 8 will occur before any other
number within the first twelve numbers. In this example, five chips
are placed on the number 8 on the roulette table and the
appropriate token is placed on top of the chips to indicate that
the wager is limited to a losing outcome of any of the numbers 1
through 7 or 9 through 12. The working wager then remains live
until any of the numbers 1 through 7 or 9 through 12 occurs or the
player indicates a desire to discontinue the working wager. If the
number 8 occurs before any of the numbers 1 through 7 or 9 through
12, the player wins and the dealer pays off the bet according to
the predetermined payout indicated for the bet. If any of the
numbers 1 through 7 or 9 through 12 occurs before the number 8, the
player loses and the dealer collects the bet. If none of the
winning or losing outcomes occur on any given spin of the roulette
wheel, the working wager remains untouched and the player can
choose to leave the bet working for the next spin of the roulette
wheel or can retrieve the bet by indicating a desire to discontinue
the working wager.
[0035] FIG. 5 represents an example of a method and apparatus
according to an embodiment of the present invention that limits the
winning and losing outcomes for a bet to any of twelve numbers
occurring before any of twelve other numbers. In this example, the
player wagers five chips that any of the twelve numbers 25 through
36 will occur before any of the twelve numbers 1 through 12. Here,
five chips are placed in the box on the roulette table that covers
all of numbers 25 through 36 and the appropriate token is placed on
top of the chips to indicate that the wager is limited to a losing
outcome of any of the numbers 1 through 12. The specific bet then
remains live until any of the numbers 1 through 12 occurs or the
player indicates a desire to discontinue the working wager. If any
of the numbers 25 through 36 occurs before any of the numbers 1
through 12, then the player wins and the dealer pays off the bet
according to the predetermined payout indicated for the bet. If any
of the numbers 1 through 12 occurs before any of the numbers 25
through 36, then the player loses and the dealer collects the bet.
If none of the winning or losing outcomes occur on any given spin
of the roulette wheel, the bet remains untouched and the player can
choose to leave the bet working for the next spin of the roulette
wheel or he can retrieve the bet by indicating a desire to
discontinue the working wager.
[0036] FIG. 6 represents an example of a method and apparatus
according to an embodiment of the present invention that limits the
winning and losing outcomes for a bet to any of six numbers
occurring before any of twelve other numbers. In this example, the
player wagers five chips that any of the six numbers 4 through 9
will occur before any of the twelve numbers 13 through 24. In this
example, five chips are placed on the line between the two rows on
the roulette table that cover all six numbers 4 through 9 and the
appropriate token is placed on top of the chips to indicate that
the wager is limited to a losing outcome of any of the numbers 13
through 24. The specific bet then remains live until any of the
numbers 13 through 24 occurs or the player indicates a desire to
discontinue the working wager. If any of the numbers 4 through 9
occurs before any of the numbers 13 through 24, the player wins and
the dealer pays off the bet according to the predetermined payout
indicated for the bet. If any of the numbers 13 through 24 occurs
before any of the numbers 4 through 9, the player loses and the
dealer collects the bet. If none of the winning or losing outcomes
occur on any given spin of the roulette wheel, the bet remains
untouched and the player can choose to leave the bet working for
the next spin of the roulette wheel or the player can retrieve the
bet by indicating a desire to discontinue the working wager.
[0037] FIG. 7 represents an example of a method and apparatus
according to an embodiment of the present invention that limits the
winning and losing outcomes for a bet to any of eighteen numbers
occurring before any of ten other numbers. In this example, the
player wagers ten chips that any of the eighteen red numbers will
occur before any of the ten even black numbers. Here, ten chips are
placed in the box on the roulette table that covers all 18 red
numbers and the appropriate token is placed on top of the chips to
indicate that the wager is limited to a losing outcome of any even
black number, of which there are 10. The specific bet then remains
live until an even black number occurs or the player indicates a
desire to discontinue the bet. If any odd or even red number occurs
before any even black number, the player wins and the dealer pays
off the bet according to the predetermined payout indicated for the
bet. If any even black number occurs before any odd or even red
number, the player loses and the dealer collects the bet. If none
of the winning or losing outcomes occur on any given spin of the
roulette wheel, the bet remains untouched and the player can choose
to leave the bet working for the next spin of the roulette wheel or
the player can retrieve the bet by indicating a desire to
discontinue the working wager.
[0038] It is to be understood that depending upon the payout of any
given bet specific to the invention (as well as the table rules for
minimum bets specific to the invention), the player may have to
place a minimum amount on any given bet specific to the invention.
It is also to be understood that the invention can utilize any
design for a token or need not be limited to tokens as an
identifying device for the bets specific to the invention.
[0039] Alternatively, the various embodiments of the invention may
be played in a virtual environment.
[0040] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a casino-style video gaming
machine apparatus on which the various embodiments of the invention
can be played and typically includes a physical housing 32, an
electronic display monitor 34, a computer processor and computer
program designed to conduct the game through random number
generation technology 36, a player interface console 38 that
includes operative buttons (and/or other player input devices) by
which the player can input decisions for the game 40, an input
device for depositing funds via coins, paper currency, bank cards
or casino debit cards 42 and an output device for returning sums to
the player 44.
[0041] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a personal computer apparatus
on which the various embodiments of the invention can be played
off-line or online over the internet at virtual casinos and
typically includes a physical housing 46, an electronic display
monitor 48, a computer processor and computer program designed to
conduct the game through random number generation technology or via
the internet at an online virtual casino 50, and a computer
keyboard 52 and mouse device 54 to assist in play of the game.
Underlying Mathematical Principles of the Invention
[0042] The various bets and examples of wagers provided herein in
accordance with the present invention are based on the mathematical
principles governing the probability of one of one or more given
events occurring before one of one or more different given events
within a greater finite set of events. The methodologies used to
calculate the true odds payouts, recommended payouts and house
edges for any betting scenario specific to the invention, when
played on a standard American roulette wheel with 38 numbers, each
having a 2.63% probability of occurrence on any given spin of the
roulette wheel, are next described.
[0043] To calculate the true odds payout (T) for any betting
scenario, the sum of the probabilities for the winning events (W)
is divided into the sum of the probabilities for the losing events
(L). T=L/W
[0044] As an example, to calculate the true odds payout for a wager
that the number 12 will occur before either of the numbers 0 or 00,
one divides the probability of a 12 occurring on any given spin of
the roulette wheel (2.63%) into the probability of either a 0 or 00
occurring on any given spin of the roulette wheel (5.26%) to reach
a result of 2:1 T=5.26/2.63=2:1
[0045] By offering slightly less than the true odds payout, the
house retains a given edge for any given betting scenario. To
calculate the house edge based on a recommended payout (P) that is
less than the true odds payout (T), one must first consider that
there are really two house edge calculations to be performed--the
house edge based on a single spin of the wheel (S) and the total
house edge (E) based on the average number of spins of the wheel
needed to ensure a resolution for the betting scenario (A).
[0046] To calculate the single-spin house edge (S) for any given
betting scenario, one multiplies the sum of the probabilities for
the winning events by the recommended payout (P) for the betting
scenario and subtracts that number from the sum of the
probabilities for the losing events. S=L-(W.times.P)
[0047] Using the same example for a wager that the number 12 will
occur before either a 0 or 00, with a recommended payout of 9:5,
one calculates the single-spin house edge by multiplying the
probability of a 12 occurring on any given spin of the roulette
wheel (2.63%) by the recommended payout (9:5) and subtracting that
number from the probability of either a 0 or 00 occurring on any
given spin of the roulette wheel (5.26%) to achieve a single-spin
house edge of approximately 0.526%. S=5.26-(9/5.times.2.63)
S=5.26-4.734 S.apprxeq.0.526%
[0048] To determine the total house edge (E) for any given betting
scenario, one calculates how many spins of the roulette wheel on
average must be played for one of the winning or losing events in
the betting scenario to occur (A) and then multiplies that number
by the single-spin house edge (S). The average number of spins of
the roulette wheel that must be played for one of the winning or
losing events in the betting scenario to occur (A) is defined as
the sum of the probabilities for all possible outcomes on any given
spin of the roulette wheel divided by the sum of the probabilities
for all winning and losing outcomes. A=100/(W+L) E=A.times.S
[0049] Using the same betting scenario of the number 12 occurring
before either of the numbers 0 or 00 with a recommended payout of
9:5, one calculates the total house edge for the betting scenario
as follows: A=100/(2.63+5.26) A=100/7.89 A=12.674271 spins
E=12.674271.times.0.526 E=6.67%
[0050] Alternatively, the following shortcut probability equation
can also be used to determine the total house edge (E) for any
given betting scenario where the true odds (T) and proposed payout
(P) are known. E=(T-P)/(T+1)
[0051] Using the same example, the total house edge (E) for a 12
occurring before either a 0 or 00, where the true odds (T) is 2:1
and the payout (P) is 9:5, would be calculated as follows:
E=(2-9/5)/(2+1) E=(2-1.8)/3 E=0.2/3 E=0.066666 E=6.67%
[0052] The underlying mathematical principles of the invention can
be applied to any betting scenario where the sum of the
probabilities for all winning and losing outcomes is less than the
total probability for all possible outcomes.
Working Wager Examples and Payout Schedules
[0053] In addition to the working wager embodiments and examples
set forth above, the true odds, payout options that may be
utilized, and associated house edges for various betting scenarios
specific to the invention are set forth in TABLE 2 below. It will
be appreciated that the working wager examples presented in the
following table can be applied to roulette wheels with 38 numbers
(those with the numbers 1-36 plus both a 0 and 00), where each
number has a 2.63% probability of occurrence on any given spin of
the roulette wheel, as well as roulette wheels with 37 numbers
(those with only a single 0), where each number has a 2.70%
probability of occurrence. It should also be understood that while
these betting scenarios cover many of the desirable and feasible
betting scenarios for the invention, they should not be construed
as limiting or as the only betting scenarios for the invention.
Further, alternate payouts may be substituted for any of the
recommended payouts. TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 True Odds Recommended
House Betting Scenario Payout Payout(s) Edge (%) Any one number
occurring 1:1 9:10 5.0 before any one other 4:5 10.0 number Any one
number occurring 2:1 19:10 3.3 before either of two other 9:5 6.7
numbers Any one number occurring 7:1 33:5 5.0 before any of seven
other 32:5 7.5 numbers Any one number occurring 8:1 38:5 4.4 before
any of eight other 37:5 6.7 numbers Any one number occurring 9:1
43:5 4.0 before any of nine other 42.5 6.0 numbers Any one number
occurring 10:1 48:5 3.6 before any of ten other 47:5 5.5 numbers
9:1 9.1 Any one number occurring 11:1 53:5 3.3 before any of eleven
other 51:5 6.7 numbers 10:1 8.3 Any one number occurring 12:1 58:5
3.1 before any of twelve other 56:5 6.2 numbers 11:1 7.7 Any one
number occurring 17:1 82:5 3.3 before any of seventeen 16:1 5.6
other numbers Any one number occurring 18:1 87:5 3.2 before any of
eighteen other 17:1 5.3 numbers Either of two numbers .5:1 2:5 6.7
occurring before any one other number Either of two numbers 1:1
9:10 5.0 occurring before either of 4:5 10.0 two other numbers
Either of two numbers 4:1 19:5 4.0 occurring before any of 18:5 8.0
eight other numbers Either of two numbers 5:1 24:5 3.3 occurring
before any of ten 23:5 6.7 other numbers Either of two numbers 6:1
29:5 2.9 occurring before any of 28:5 5.7 twelve other numbers
Either of two numbers 9:1 43:5 4.0 occurring before any of 42:5 6.0
eighteen other numbers Any of three numbers .3:1 1:5 10.0 occurring
before any one other number Any of three numbers .7:1 5:10 10.0
occurring before either of two other numbers Any of three numbers
3:1 14:5 5.0 occurring before any of nine 13:5 10.0 other numbers
Any of three numbers 4:1 19:5 4.0 occurring before any of 18:5 8.0
twelve other numbers Any of three numbers 5:1 24:5 3.3 occurring
before any of 23:5 6.7 fifteen other numbers Any of three numbers
6:1 29:5 2.9 occurring before any of 28:5 5.7 eighteen other
numbers Any of four numbers .25:1 1:5 4.0 occurring before any one
other number Any of four numbers .5:1 2:5 6.7 occurring before
either of two other numbers Any of four numbers 2:1 19:10 3.3
occurring before any of 9:5 6.7 eight other numbers Any of four
numbers 3:1 14:5 5.0 occurring before any of 13:5 10.0 twelve other
numbers Any of four numbers 3.5:1 16:5 6.7 occurring before any of
fourteen other numbers Any of four numbers 4.5:1 21:5 5.5 occurring
before any of eighteen other numbers Any of five numbers 1.8:1 8:5
7.1 occurring before any of nine other numbers Any of five numbers
2.4:1 11:5 5.9 occurring before any of twelve other numbers Any of
five numbers 3:1 13:5 10.0 occurring before any of fifteen other
numbers Any of five numbers 3.6:1 16:5 8.7 occurring before any of
eighteen other numbers Any of six numbers .17:1 1:10 5.7 occurring
before any one other number Any of six numbers .33:1 2:10 10.0
occurring before either of two other numbers Any of six numbers 1:1
9:10 5.0 occurring before any of six 4:5 10.0 other numbers Any of
six numbers 2:1 19:10 3.3 occurring before any of 9:5 6.7 twelve
other numbers Any of six numbers 3:1 14:5 5.0 occurring before any
of 13.5 10.0 eighteen other numbers Any of eight numbers .25:1 1:10
12.0 occurring before either of two other numbers Any of eight
numbers 1:1 9:10 5.0 occurring before any of 4:5 10.0 eight other
numbers Any of eight numbers 1.25:1 11:10 6.7 occurring before any
of ten other numbers Any of eight numbers 2.25:1 2:1 7.7 occurring
before any of eighteen other numbers Any of ten numbers .2:1 1:10
8.3 occurring before either of two other numbers Any of ten numbers
.8:1 7:10 5.6 occurring before any of eight other numbers Any of
ten numbers 1:1 9:10 5.0 occurring before any of ten 4:5 10.0 other
numbers Any of ten numbers 1.8:1 17:10 3.6 occurring before any of
8:5 7.1 eighteen other numbers Any of twelve numbers .17:1 1:10 5.7
occurring before either of two other numbers Any of twelve numbers
.5:1 2:5 6.7 occurring before any of six other numbers Any of
twelve numbers 1:1 9:10 5.0 occurring before any of 4:5 10.0 twelve
other numbers Any of eighteen numbers .44:1 2:5 3.1 occurring
before any of 3:10 10.0 eight other numbers Any of eighteen numbers
.56:1 5:10 3.6 occurring before any of ten 4:10 10.0 other
numbers
[0054] It is to be understood that the embodiments shown and
described herein are merely illustrative of the principles of this
invention and that various modifications may be implemented by
those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention.
* * * * *