U.S. patent application number 11/558694 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-13 for electronic gaming system and method of house collection.
Invention is credited to James T. Crawford, Kendal Boyd Ferner, Jonathan Talmadge Lester, Hal Jerome Shinn, Gehrig Henderson White.
Application Number | 20070213116 11/558694 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38328505 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070213116 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Crawford; James T. ; et
al. |
September 13, 2007 |
ELECTRONIC GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF HOUSE COLLECTION
Abstract
An electronic gaming system has at least one table having a
plurality of electronic player interaction areas (EPIA's) spaced
preferably about the table so that a gaming player may locate
oneself in front of a respective EPIA to play a game. The gaming
system preferably has a host console that communicates with each
EPIA preferably via a server for managerial control of the
plurality of tables. Preferably, a software-based administrator
tool operates through a user interface for the creation of at least
one gaming profile type by the deletion, editing and creation of
various gaming rule parameters. A software-based house collection
tool operates similarly to the administrator tool for creating a
plurality of house collection profiles that may then be assigned to
various game profiles. House collection methods whether performed
manually through a human dealer or via the software based house
collection tool, preferably include: a pot collection method that
is a function of the final pot amount, preferably the betting round
reached and the number of players in the game; a time collection
method having the option to pay prior to each time interval or
optionally pay for extended periods of time; and a hand collection
method where each player pays a house collection prior to each
hand.
Inventors: |
Crawford; James T.;
(Charlotte, NC) ; White; Gehrig Henderson;
(Charlotte, NC) ; Shinn; Hal Jerome; (Charlotte,
NC) ; Lester; Jonathan Talmadge; (Gastonia, NC)
; Ferner; Kendal Boyd; (Charlotte, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOWARD & HOWARD ATTORNEYS, P.C.
THE PINEHURST OFFICE CENTER, SUITE #101, 39400 WOODWARD AVENUE
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48304-5151
US
|
Family ID: |
38328505 |
Appl. No.: |
11/558694 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60743436 |
Mar 8, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3293 20130101;
G07F 17/3276 20130101; G07F 17/3223 20130101; G07F 17/322
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/16 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. An electronic gaming system for control of a plurality of games
being selectively played by a plurality of players, the system
comprising: at least one game table having a plurality of
electronic player interaction areas for player communication and
player input, wherein each one of the plurality of players is
located adjacent to a respective one of the plurality of electronic
player interaction areas; a game computer being in communication
with the plurality of electronic player interaction areas, and a
user interface for managerial control of the at least one game
table; and a software based house collection tool being operated
through the user interface for the creation of house collection
profiles including a pot collection profile, a hand collection
profile and a time collection profile.
2. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 1 further
comprising a software based administrator tool operated through the
user interface for the creation of at least one gaming profile type
associated with at least gaming rules, and wherein the software
based house collection tool is inter-dependent with the
administrator tool through the user interface.
3. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 2 wherein a host
with a first security clearance has access to the administrator
tool and a host with a second security clearance has access to the
house collection tool.
4. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 2 wherein the
house collection tool is accessed from the administrator tool.
5. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 2 wherein the
administrator tool is slave to the house collection tool with
respect to house collection profiles.
6. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 1 wherein the
pot collection profile has a minimum collection amount for
comparison to a predetermined percentage of a final pot amount when
a hand of poker does not progress beyond a pre-flop betting
round.
7. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 6 wherein the
pot collection profile has a maximum collection amount for
comparison to the predetermined percentage of a final pot amount
when a hand of poker progresses beyond the pre-flop betting
round.
8. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 1 wherein the
time collection profile has a time interval that begins and ends
commonly with the plurality of players of a poker game.
9. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 8 wherein the
time collection profile has a door charge option for providing an
extended period of play for an opting player without reference to
the time intervals, and wherein any one of the time intervals is
substantially shorter than the extended period of play.
10. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 1 wherein the
hand collection profile automatically removes a predetermined house
collection amount from the table stakes of each player prior to
play of each hand of a poker game.
11. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 10 wherein the
house collection amount is displayed graphically on a central
display area.
12. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 2 further
comprising: a computer having the user interface for receiving
input for the creation of the house collection profiles and the
creation of gaming profiles; and wherein the game computer executes
play of the game profiles and house collection rules.
13. A house collection method utilized in connection with the game
of poker, the house collection method comprising the steps of:
recognizing a number of players at the beginning of a poker hand;
completing play of a poker hand; establishing the final pot amount;
calculating a preliminary collection amount based on the final pot
amount; comparing the preliminary collection amount to a
pre-selected minimum house collection amount if betting rounds of
the poker hand do not proceed beyond a pre-flop betting round;
collecting the preliminary collection amount from players of the
game if the preliminary collection amount is less than the minimum
house collection amount; and collecting the minimum house
collection amount from the players of the game if the minimum house
collection amount is less than the preliminary collection
amount.
14. The house collection method set forth in claim 13 comprising
the further steps of: calculating a maximum house collection amount
base on at least in-part the recognized number of players;
comparing the preliminary collection amount to the maximum house
collection amount if betting round proceed beyond the pre-flop
betting round; collecting the preliminary collection amount from
players of the game if the preliminary collection amount is less
than the maximum house collection amount; and collecting the
maximum house collection amount from the players of the game if the
maximum house collection amount is less than the preliminary
collection amount.
15. The house collection method set forth in claim 14 wherein the
calculation of the maximum house collection is also a function of a
number of betting rounds.
16. The house collection method set forth in claim 13 wherein the
method is executed via a software based house collection tool.
17. The house collection method set forth in claim 14 wherein the
method is executed via a software based house collection tool.
18. A house collection method utilized in connection with the game
of poker, the house collection method comprising the steps of:
initiating a first response time period; taking a house collection
from a first player without any intervention from the first player;
expiring of first response time period; initiating a first time
interval period; commencement of poker play; expiring of first
response time period; and initiating a second response time
period.
19. The house collection method set forth in claim 18 comprising
the further steps of: opting not to pay interval collection by a
second player during the first response time period; and removing
the second player from the game prior to initiating the first time
interval period.
20. The house collection method set forth in claim 19 comprising
the further steps of: determining that at least a pre-determined
minimum number of players remain in the game; and commencement of
poker play if at least the pre-determined minimum number of players
remain in the game.
21. The house collection method set forth in claim 20 comprising
the further steps of: opting not to pay interval collection by at
least one player of the plurality of players; removing the at least
one non-paying player from the game; determining that the
pre-determined minimum number of players do not remain in the game;
determining whether any of the remaining players have paid the
interval collection; refunding the interval collection to the
remaining players that paid; and termination of poker play.
22. The house collection method set forth in claim 21 wherein the
house collection method is controlled by a software based house
collection tool.
23. The house collection method set forth in claim 22 wherein the
house collection method is executed by a game computer.
24. The house collection method set forth in claim 23 comprising
the further step of selecting between an auto-post collection
process and a prompted collection process by a player.
25. The house collection method set forth in claim 24 comprising
the further steps of: leaving the poker game by a player of the
plurality of players during a given time interval; return of the
player of the plurality of players prior to termination of the
given time interval; and resuming play by the player without
further house collection toward the given time interval.
26. The house collection method set forth in claim 21 comprising
the further steps of: entering the game by a new player during a
given time interval; calculating a proportionate house collection
based on the time remaining in the given time interval; and payment
of the proportionate house collection by the new player.
27. The house collection method set forth in claim 23 comprising
the further steps of: entering the game by a new player during a
given time interval; calculating a proportionate house collection
based on the time remaining in the given time interval by the game
computer; and payment of the proportionate house collection by the
new player.
28. The house collection method set forth in claim 23 comprising
the further steps of: selecting between a door charge option and a
time interval collection option by a player; and selecting between
an auto-post collection process and a prompted collection process
by the player if the player pre-selected the time interval
collection option.
30. A house collection method utilized in connection with the game
of poker, the house collection method comprising the steps of:
pre-determining a fixed house collection; collecting the fixed
house collection from each one of a plurality of players; dealing a
hand of poker; verifying sufficient table stakes from each one of
the plurality of players; dealing-out a player having insufficient
table stakes from the next hand; providing the dealt-out player an
option to quit or refund table stakes; and initiating a zero
balance timer if the dealt-out player opts to refund table
stakes.
31. The house collection method set forth in claim 30 comprising
the further steps of: expiring the zero balance timer prior to the
dealt-out player refunding table stakes; and un-seating the
dealt-out player.
32. The house collection method set forth in claim 30 comprising
the further steps of providing the dealt-out player with the
additional option of reserve seat; and initiating a zero balance
timer if the dealt-out player opts to reserve seat.
33. The house collection method set forth in claim 30 wherein the
house collection method is controlled by a software based house
collection tool.
34. The house collection method set forth in claim 32 wherein the
house collection method is controlled by a software based house
collection tool.
35. A method of operating a house collection tool for controlling
revenue collection from hosting a card game, the method comprising
the steps of: activating a computer of a gaming system; displaying
the house collection tool on a user interface of the computer;
selecting one of a plurality of house collection profiles displayed
on the user interface; selecting a unique house collection profile
of one of the plurality of house collection profiles; and assigning
the unique house collection profile to a game profile.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional
patent application 60/743,436, filed Mar. 8, 2006, and is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an electronic
gaming system and, more particularly, to an electronic poker gaming
system and method of house collection.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Gaming is an increasingly popular form of entertainment.
Games, particularly, games of chance and skill where one or more
players play and place wagers on a desired and/or predicted outcome
can be played in a variety of ways and in a variety of places,
including at a casino or other venue or on the Internet. Of the
various forms of games that are available for play, many utilize
playing cards. Of these, poker is arguably the most popular.
[0004] Traditionally, poker is played at a table with several
players wagering paper or coin money on a series of playing cards
dealt from a deck of fifty-two cards. This deck is comprised of
four suits at thirteen cards per suit. This form of poker requires
a human dealer to coordinate the game, including dealing, wagering,
folding, and the like. In "social" card games, especially poker,
the players take turns acting as the dealer, but in licensed
commercial gaming establishments, such as casinos, the dealer is
typically a non-playing employee.
[0005] For casino poker or "ring games," a rake is typically
collected as a commission fee for the casino for operating the
poker game. The rake is generally five to ten percent of the pot in
each poker hand, up to a predetermined maximum amount. Because
casino poker is a player versus player game and the house does not
wager against its players (unlike blackjack or roulette), the
commission fee or rake is the principal mechanism for the casino to
generate revenues. The generated revenues cover the costs involved
with providing a dealer for the game and the physical building in
which the game takes place.
[0006] During live casino orientated ring games, the house
collection is typically performed manually by the dealer who
removes chips from the pot while the hand is being played and sets
them aside to be dropped into a secure box after completion of the
hand. For tournament play and in contrast to ring game play, a rake
may be a simple entrance fee. In terms of legality, government laws
are known to describe the taking of a rake during poker play as
being illegal when conducted without a proper gaming license and/or
permits. Many such laws are written in a manner so that they do not
prohibit the playing of poker for money at a private dwelling, so
long as nobody is taking a rake.
[0007] Unfortunately, any creativity in establishing a rake is
limited to that which can be easily and quickly calculated by the
dealer during live play. Adjusting rake percentages and/or
pre-determined amounts with the changing conditions of game play
(i.e. change in the number of players, specific rakes for specific
players, partial rakes dependent on partial time periods, etc.) is
very much limited because such complexities can lead to human error
and/or unacceptably delay the game.
[0008] The present invention is aimed at one or more of the
problems set forth above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An electronic gaming system has at least one table having a
plurality of electronic player interaction areas (EPIA's) spaced
preferably about the table so that a gaming player may locate
oneself in front of a respective EPIA to play a game. The gaming
system preferably has a host console that communicates with each
EPIA preferably via a server for managerial control of the
plurality of tables. Preferably, a software-based administrator
tool operates through a user interface for the control of at least
one gaming profile type by the deletion, editing and creation of
various gaming rules. A house collection tool that preferably is
software based operates similarly to the administrator tool for
creating a plurality of house collection profiles that may then be
assigned to various game profiles. House collection methods
preferably include: a pot collection method that is a function of
the final pot amount, preferably the betting round reached and the
number of players in the game; a time collection method having the
option to pay prior to each time interval or optionally pay for
extended periods of time; and a hand collection method where each
player pays a house collection prior to each hand.
[0010] The house collection tool may be a procedure or method that
instructs a human dealer or employee of the casino how to calculate
and collect house rakes in poker ring games, but preferably the
collection tool is executed by the electronic poker system. If so
executed, the collection tool is preferably displayed on the user
interface and includes a variety of collection profile choices each
having selectable parameters for host input preferably from the
user interface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily
appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to
the following detailed description when considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a gaming system
embodying the present invention and in a casino environment;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic poker table of
the gaming system;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a top view of the electronic poker table of FIG.
2;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a player interface of an electronic
player interaction area of the system with hole cards of the
electronic playing cards hidden;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a partial block diagram of the gaming system
associated with one poker table;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a partial block diagram of the gaming system
associated with a plurality of poker tables;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of software components of the
gaming system;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of the gaming
system;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the gaming system with a host
console;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method of operating the
gaming system;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a first table tab image displayed on a video
screen of the host console;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a second table tab image displayed on the video
screen of the host console;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a third table tab image displayed on the video
screen of the host console;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a fourth table tab image displayed on the video
screen of the host console;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a fifth table tab image on the video screen of
the host console;
[0027] FIG. 16 is a first image display on a video system of an
administrator tool and displaying a timing profile;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a first image display of a jackpot profile of the
administrator tool;
[0029] FIG. 18 is an image display of a create jackpot profile
prompt of the jackpot profile; FIG. 19 is a second image display of
the jackpot profile;
[0030] FIG. 20 is a third image display of the jackpot profile
having an update jackpot profile prompt;
[0031] FIG. 21 is a fourth image display of the jackpot
profile;
[0032] FIG. 22 is a fifth image display of the jackpot profile
having a delete confirmation prompt;
[0033] FIG. 23 is a create game profile prompt of an image display
of a game profile of the administrator tool;
[0034] FIG. 24 is a first image display of a game profile of the
administrator tool;
[0035] FIG. 25 is a first image display of an update game profile
prompt of the game profile;
[0036] FIG. 26 is a first image display of a tournament game
profile of the game profile;
[0037] FIG. 27 is a first image display of a create blind structure
prompt of the tournament game profile;
[0038] FIG. 28 is a first image display of a create payout
structure prompt of the tournament game profile;
[0039] FIG. 29 is a second image display of the create payout
structure prompt;
[0040] FIG. 30 is a first image display of a create rake structure
prompt of the ring game profile;
[0041] FIG. 31 is a second image display of the create rake
structure prompt of the ring game profile;
[0042] FIG. 32 is a seventh image display of the game profile;
[0043] FIG. 33 is a second image display of the tournament game
profile;
[0044] FIG. 34 is an image display of a ring game profile;
[0045] FIG. 35 is a collection flow chart based on pot size and
executed by a house collection tool of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 36 is a first portion of a collection flow chart based
on time and executed by the house collection tool;
[0047] FIG. 37 is a second portion of the collection flow chart of
FIG. 36;
[0048] FIG. 38 is a first portion of a collection flow chart based
on hands and executed by the house collection tool;
[0049] FIG. 39 is a second portion of the collection flow chart of
FIG. 38; and
[0050] FIG. 40 is a block diagram of the gaming system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0051] In the illustrated embodiment and as best shown in FIGS. 1
and 4, an electronic gaming system 10 and method of house
collections embodies the present invention.
[0052] In U.S. Patent Application Publication number US
2005/0090304 A1, filed Sep. 13, 2004, and disclosed herein by
reference in its entirety, an electronic gaming system and method
of displaying and obscuring electronic playing cards is disclosed
and assigned to the same assignee of the present invention.
Generally, this electronic gaming system replaces the human dealer
with a computer capable of simulating the deal and simulating the
playing cards via video displays. The system has a plurality of
tables with each table having a plurality of electronic player
interaction areas or stations (EPIA's). An individual interested in
playing a particular game can locate oneself in front of a
particular station of a table (or can be assigned) and upon
logging-in, can play the game.
[0053] In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/419,905,
"Administrator Tool of an Electronic Gaming System and Method of
Processing Gaming Profiles Controlled by the System," filed May 23,
2006, assigned to the same assignee as the present invention and
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, an administrator
tool provides a software based means to easily alter, update and
create new poker game profiles by qualified casino employees. For
instance, rules related to timing parameters, jackpots and
distribution, and other gaming parameters can now be easily changed
to meet the changing demands and wants of a player, or to satisfy
the interests of the casino.
[0054] Unfortunately, even with the software based administrator
tool, flexibility in the types and methods of house collections
and/or rakes remain limited.
[0055] The system 10 utilizes electronic cards 76 or electronic
chips and electronic playing cards 76 to provide an automated card
game for play by preferably at least two players. It should be
noted that the description that follows is directed towards the
gaming system 10 which utilizes electronic cards and chips (for
wagering). However, the system 10 may also provide a non-wagering
(without electronic chips) automated card game yet still have the
means for house collections. Preferably, a human dealer is not
required, thus the system 10 handles all dealer functions. For the
purposes of illustration, the system will be described as applied
to an electronic poker game known as Texas Hold'em. However, the
present invention is not limited to any particular card game.
I. The Game
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, in Texas Hold'em, each player at an
electronic gaming or poker table 18 is electronically dealt a
number of cards, e.g., two cards, face down. These are known as a
player's "hole" cards 28 of the electronic playing cards 76 and are
generally placed directly in front of the respective players. A
number of cards, e.g., three or five, are dealt face-up and
displayed in a common display area 26. These are known as community
or common cards 30. A player's hand, thus, consists of the player's
hole cards 28 and the common cards 30. At the end of play of a
particular hand, whichever player holds the highest poker hand is
the winner of that round or hand of poker.
[0057] The electronic playing cards 76 may be used in any sort of
electronic card game, and even in such games where the player
chooses when to reveal their hole cards 28 to themselves or to the
other players. The electronic poker tables 18 are preferably
capable of playing any variety of card games. Each card game,
whether poker or otherwise, will generally have its own set of
rules, including the number of cards, how the cards are dealt, the
number of betting rounds, the structure of permissible wagers, and
the like. Thus, while the present invention may be described below
in the context of an electronic poker game (and more specifically,
with respect to a player's hole cards 28 in a Hold'em style poker
game), the present invention is not limited to such a card
game.
[0058] Furthermore, the poker or card game can be a timed game
wherein the players have a predetermined time period to complete
each turn. For example, the players have a set period of one minute
to complete each turn. Furthermore, this period of time may vary;
for instance, the first turn may have a period of completion of one
minute, while the second turn may have a shorter or longer period
of completion. During a given betting round, the players have a
predetermined period of time to either fold, check, or make a
wager. If no action is taken during the predetermined time period,
a default action is taken where the player preferably must fold or
check. Generally, the time period for response during a betting
round will decrease as the hand of the electronic poker game
progresses. Parameters, such as the predetermined time period for
each betting round may be automatically modified by the system
10.
II. The Casino
[0059] Referring to FIG. 1, the gaming system 10 is preferably
situated in a gaming environment, such as a casino 12. Typically,
the casino 12 is divided into specialized or designated areas such
as a poker room or poker area 14 each containing a plurality of
tables 18, or five tables as illustrated. The poker area 14 is
often cordoned off, for example, by a railing 16. While the casino
12 is one example of an environment for the gaming system 10 and
method of house collection, the present invention is not limited to
any such location or environment and may also include a generally
virtual casino environment or any other environment that may
require a house collection for the production of revenue.
III. The Table
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 2-3, each table 18 has a table top 20
supported by at least one base 42 at floor level, and a plurality
of substantially vertical legs 44 projecting between the base 42
and the table top 20. The table top 20 includes a playing surface
22 and a plurality of electronic player interaction areas (EPIA) 24
for in-part the display of the respective hole cards 28. Each table
18 seats a plurality of players, and for example and as
illustrated, is preferably capable of seating a maximum of ten
players, hence, each table includes ten EPIA's 24A-24J and ten
chairs 40 (see FIG. 1). For the game of Texas Hold'em, the table
top 20 also preferably includes one central or common display area
(CDA) 26 for the display of at least the common cards 30.
[0061] Although the EPIA's 24 and CDA 26 are generally computer
generated visual displays, thus authentic playing cards are not
utilized, the electronic poker tables of the gaming system 10 are
aesthetically designed to convey and retain the overall sense and
ambience of a standard poker room with non-electrical poker tables.
The playing surface area not taken up by the EPIA's 24 and the CDA
26 is preferably covered in a traditional material such as felt
having any variety of colors. Moreover, logos, game information, or
other information may be printed on the material. Alternatively,
the EPIA's 24 and the CDA 26 is a single display that covers a
substantial portion or all of the table top 20. The EPIA's 24 and
the CDA 26 can be set apart from the rest of the table top 20 by
virtual or computer generated borders. The areas of the display
around the EPIA's 24 and the CDA 26 are preferably used to simulate
the playing surface 22 of a standard poker table by, for example,
providing an electronic image of a felt material. Furthermore,
logos, game information, other information, advertisements,
announcements, pictures, videos, or other information may be
displayed and rotated, cycled, or shown for a limited period of
time on the table top 20.
IV. Electronic Player interaction Areas
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, each EPIA 24 has a player interface
54 used to convey game information directly to a player assigned to
the respective EPIA 24, and to effectuate interaction or input from
the player to the system 10. Each EPIA 24 can be part of one large
display monitor, such as a LCD or plasma monitor, that includes the
CDA 26, or the EPIA's preferably have separate and distinct
monitors and preferably computers networked together as required to
play the game. The player interfaces 54 are preferably implemented
in a module 34 orientated on the table top 20, but may also be
implemented in a module located elsewhere than a table top or in a
hand-held device (not shown).
[0063] The player interface 54 of the EPIA 24 is preferably a
touch-screen display generally framed-in by the module 34. In one
embodiment, each module 34 incorporates a fully-functional computer
(not shown) and is thus easily removable from the poker table 18
and replaced. The computer includes a processor capable of running
an operating system, such as Windows XP or Windows CE, both
available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.
Alternatively, the EPIA's 24 may be driven by one or more computers
(not shown) located in the proximity of the table 18 with a server
or server computer 50 or within the table 18.
[0064] a) Card Reader and Player Account:
[0065] Referring to FIG. 3, the module 34 preferably has a card
reader 36 for reading a player tracking card (not shown). A player
may log into the gaming system 10 through the EPIA 24 preferably by
swiping the card through the card reader 36. Additionally, the card
reader 36 may be integrated into the bezel (not shown) located
around the module 34. The EPIA 24 may also require entry of a
personal identification number into an attached keypad or virtual
keypad displayed on the player interface 54 (see FIG. 4). Once a
player's identity is established, the player can access a
preferably required player account and purchase chips using an
account balance communicated over a network. The player account may
have an associated balance that contains a dollar amount based on
an amount of money deposited by the player and/or any winnings that
they have collected, either through poker or some other game.
Additionally, information regarding the player's play at the table
18 may be tracked and recorded to the player's account.
[0066] In one aspect of the present invention, the gaming system 10
may utilize a cashless system, such as Ticket-In Ticket-Out (TITO),
that is constructed and arranged into each EPIA 24. Alternatively,
a preferably bar-coded ticket, magnetic card, RFID card, or some
other media (jointly referred to as a TICKET) may be inserted in
the EPIA 24. The TICKET may have an associated value that is either
printed and/or encoded thereon or that is associated with the
TICKET in the gaming system 10. Additionally, once the player
decides to leave the table 18, any remaining chips they have, may
be instantly converted back into dollars and stored in their player
account and/or a new Ticket preferably generated at the table
18.
[0067] b) Visual Player Interface
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 4, preferably the player interface 54
includes a graphical representation 56 of a poker table. Each
player in the poker game is represented by a user graphic or icon
62 that lists their names as well as their chip totals. The pot of
the current hand may be represented in the center of the poker
table representation 56 by stack(s) of virtual chips 64 and/or a
number 66 representing the value of the current pot. Each player's
contribution to the pot may be represented by stack(s) of virtual
chips 68 and/or a number 70 adjacent their user graphic 62.
[0069] The player interface 54 preferably includes a series of
player buttons 72 and a series of game buttons 74. The player
buttons 72 include, for example, a sit-in button 72A, a leave table
button 72B, and an options button 72C. Generally, only one of the
sit in button 72A and the leave table button 72B would be active at
any time. The options button 72C allows the player to access an
option menu or screen (not shown) that allows the player to modify
certain parameters of the player interface 54, such as for example,
to choose between different formats of the player interface 54
(i.e. graphical display or text display) and/or to choose between
house collection or rake options. The player buttons 72 are
preferably implemented on the touch screen display 54, or
alternatively, can be embodied in electromechanical switches or
buttons (not shown) and as disclosed in U.S. patent application
entitled "Head-To-Head Electronic Poker Game Assembly And Method Of
Operation," to be filed (Attorney Docket No. 60,667-069) and
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0070] Regarding the leave table button 72B, a player may decide to
activate this feature prior to changing seats or moving to another
table altogether. For example, if another player or players have
left the table 18 leaving fewer players at the table and the player
does not like to play at a table with that few of players, the
player may request through the EPIA 24 another seat assignment.
[0071] The series of game buttons 74 allow the player to signal
their game play decisions to the gaming system 10 during the play
of the game, and thus preferably include a fold button 74A, a call
button 74B and a raise button 74C. The game buttons 74 are active
when it is a player's turn in the poker game and preferably
inactive when it is not. Moreover, the EPIA 24 only activates those
buttons 74 that are appropriate, given the rules of the game being
played, during the current turn. For example, if the maximum number
of raises for a particular game has already been made, then the
wager or raise button would be inactive. The raise button 74C may
be replaced with one or more buttons (not shown) which allow the
player to make a wager of a predetermined or allowed amount, e.g.
$10. In addition or alternatively, a keypad (not shown) may be
provided which allows the player to key in a wager amount.
[0072] Preferably, the player interface 54 also displays the common
cards 30. Other information that can be displayed on the player
interface include, but is not limited to, an indication (visual
icon and/or audio) of the player whose turn it is to act, a total
of chips for each player, any cards of the other players that are
face-up, and/or messages to the player, such as advertising.
[0073] Moreover, in the casino 12 environment, a portion of each
pot known as the house collection or rake goes to the establishment
as revenue for running the poker game. The house collection is
preferably displayed on each EPIA 24. The rake may be shown as an
amount in dollars and may include a graphical representation of
virtual chips. Similarly, the EPIA 24 preferably displays a
graphical representation of the chips and/or a dollar amount
indicative of the amount of chips each player at the table has
remaining and the amount of the current pot.
[0074] d) Audio Player Interface:
[0075] Preferably, the EPIA 24 includes a player sound generation
device that generates sounds audible to the player assigned to the
EPIA 24. The player sound generation device may be implemented as
an earpiece, headphones, or one or more speakers (not shown).
Player sounds are generally meant to be heard by a specific player
alone and may include a reminder or indication of a player's turn,
a reminder to pay a house collection, an indication of being
unseated for failure to pay a house collection, an indication of
the time remaining or that time is running out to act, an audible
signal indicating the player's hole cards 28, or the highest hand
of the player or a winning percentage associated with the player's
hand. The audio signals or sounds can be any series of beeps,
chimes, a simulated voice, and the like.
V. Central Display Area and Audio
[0076] As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the CDA 26 is used to
display information such as common cards 30 for all players to see
and is thus located further from the players than their respective
EPIA's 24. Consequently, the display of the common cards 30 is
preferably larger than the display of the hole cards 28. That is,
the hole cards 28 are displayed at a first predetermined ratio from
the standard size playing card, and the common cards 30 are
displayed at a second predetermined ratio from the standard size
playing card. Preferably, the first and second ratios may be
defined such that the common cards 30 are displayed larger than the
hole cards 28.
[0077] As previously described, the CDA 26 is preferably separate
from the plurality of EPIA's 24, and is implemented preferably
utilizing a LCD or plasma monitor or similar device. The CDA 26
preferably indicates house collection status, which player's turn
it is and which player is the designated "dealer" for the current
hand. These indications are provided by respective visual signals
such as an icon, arrow or the like, and/or an audio signal such as
a beep, musical tone, and/or voice message. The CDA 26 indications
may also be in addition to the indication provided on the
respective EPIA 24. With audio indication, the CDA 26 can utilize
integrated "transducer sound emitting technology" thus eliminating
the need for separate speakers.
[0078] In other card games other than Texas Hold'em, common cards
30 may not exist, hence, during play of these games, the CDA 26 can
be used to display advertising messages instead. The advertising
messages may be from the casino or third parties and may consist of
graphics, pictures, animations, video and/or audio. The advertising
may be presented at predetermined locations on the central display
38 for varied durations as the CDA cycles through a plurality of
advertising messages.
[0079] In general, the CDA 26 is preferably capable of displaying
and/or animating: [0080] blinds, [0081] common cards 30, [0082]
bets placed and player chip stacks, [0083] an indication of players
who have folded and not folded, [0084] winning hands, [0085]
winning hand percentage estimates in situations where all remaining
player hold cards are exposed, [0086] house collection status
depending upon collection option chosen, and [0087] rake in dollars
or virtual chips.
[0088] Preferably, the gaming table 18 includes a table or system
sound generation device (as oppose to the player sound generation
device previously described) that is used to generate sounds
audible to all the players. The table sound generation device may
be implemented by one or more speakers mounted to the table 18.
Alternatively, the table sound generation device may include one or
more speakers adjacent to or integral with each EPIA 24 as
previously described. For example, system sounds may include sounds
imitating the shuffling of cards, the dealing of cards, chips
thrown into the pot, sounds related to the winning of the jackpot.
Player sounds may include a reminder or indication of a player's
turn, various house collection status' , or if the game is timed,
an indication of the time remaining or that time is running out.
Generally, player exclusive sounds will not be played through the
system sound generation device.
VI. Server Computer
[0089] As best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, each EPIA 24, in the
illustrated embodiment, preferably includes a dedicated computer
(not shown), and the CDA 26 has a dedicated CDA computer 52. Both
the EPIA computer and the CDA computer 52 for any given table 18
communicate with the server computer 50 that preferably
plays/controls the card game, and preferably over an Ethernet
network 48. The same server 50 communicates or is networked in a
like manner to preferably all of the tables 18. One skilled in the
art would now know that more than one EPIA 24 could operate off of
one computer or that the computer 52 for the CDA 26 could also
control the EPIA's 24 and/or replace the server 50 altogether.
However, having a multitude of dedicated computers simplifies
software and maintenance issues and due to the relatively
inexpensive costs of computers, reduces manufacturing costs of the
gaming system 10.
[0090] The server 50 is preferably used to implement and facilitate
player tracking, ticket in ticket out (cashless) wagering,
assigning player's to the seat 40 at a particular table 18,
tournament play, table set-up (including turning the tables on and
off and modifying table parameters), and progressive jackpots. In
general, the server 50 runs the game wherein the server 50
electronically "shuffles" the playing cards, deals the cards,
controls the players' turns, receives the player's inputs and acts
accordingly; tracks, manages, and awards the pot, and tracks the
rake. Game data is stored in a database preferably of the server 50
with each input, wager, play, and the like stored in the database.
Other functions implemented by the server 50 are: [0091]
electronically shuffling the playing cards 76 [0092] dealing cards,
[0093] controlling players' turns, [0094] receives the player's
data input, [0095] player tracking, [0096] cashless wagering,
[0097] defining and modifying table parameters, including, turning
the tables 18 on and off, setting the poker game being played at
the table 18, setting wager parameters, and the like, [0098]
defining and managing jackpots, including the house percentage or
rake, [0099] defining and managing progressive jackpots, [0100]
establishing and managing a queue for players and assigning players
to seats 40 and/or specific tables 18 from the queue, and [0101]
establishing and managing tournament play, including assigning
player seats, collapsing tables, and the like.
[0102] In addition, other devices may be connected to the server 50
for providing additional features and/or functions. For example, a
queuing system can be provided utilizing its own dedicated
computer. However, in some systems these additional features or
function could be provided, at least in part, by the server(s)
50.
VII. General Process and Software
[0103] With particular reference to FIG. 10, in another aspect of
the present invention, a method 110 provides an electronic poker
game to a plurality of players on at the electronic poker table 18
using the host console 102 and the server computer 50. In a first
step 112, the host console 102 preferably configures the EPIA's 24
and the central display area 26 and establishes parameters of the
electronic poker game. In a second step 114, the electronic poker
game is administered by the server computer 50 using electronic or
virtual cards and chips.
[0104] In operation, the gaming system 10 will implement a
player-account based cash in/cash out system. The system 10 will
create a user account for each player. Once an account is
established for the player, the player is issued a Player Card
having an associated personal identification number or PIN. Once
the player has been issued a Player Card, their account may be
funded. The Player Card is used to identify the player at the
tables 18. The player may fund their account by bringing cash to a
cage, where the cash is accepted and credited to the player's
account. Printed receipts are given to the player and maintained by
the casino 12. To bring electronic chips to the table 18, the
player sits down at a seat 40, swipes their Player Card and enters
their PIN. The system 10 informs the player of their account
balance and allows them to convert all or a portion of the account
balance to electronic chips to bring to the game.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 7 and from a software perspective, the
gaming system 10 may be implemented using six program groups: a
table server 84, a game engine 82, a table client 86, a player
client 90, a table manager 88, and a cage manager 92. The table
server 84 implements the network communication, control and
authentication as well as inter-table functions (seat reservations,
multi-table tournaments). The game engine 82 is responsible for all
game functions, e.g., electronic playing card deck generation,
dealing, betting, determining winners and awarding pots. The table
client 86 is the graphical control for the CDA 26. The player
client implements the user interface for the EPIA 24 and the logic
for capturing player input and communication the player input to
the table client server. The table manager 88 contains the host
interface 120 for setting user, network, and game parameters, for
starting, pausing, and stopping games, and for monitoring game
activity and responding to system or user generated alerts. The
cage manager 92 provides the ability to create and fund player
accounts and to create the player cards.
[0106] If there are no seats 40 available, the player is placed in
a queue, until a seat opens up. In one embodiment, players are
taken off of the queue and assigned a seat on a first come, first
served basis. However, the system 10 may allow the casino 12 to
implement special rules for players to bypass the queue or list.
For example, the casino may present vouchers to players under
certain conditions, such as a win in a tournament, to be placed at
the head of a queue.
[0107] In one aspect of the present invention and as stated above,
the system 10 tracks each transaction, wager, card dealt in a
database. The system 10 also tracks the players which are playing
at each table 18. This information is stored in the database,
summarized, and may be presented in any numerous forms of reporting
formats. Any information regarding the player's, the games, and how
each hand is played may be tracked. This available data may also be
analyzed for purposes of determining the frequency of poker hands
(per hour) for a table or all games in which a particular player or
players played or detecting, e.g., collusion between players.
[0108] The system 10 allows jackpots, i.e., progressive jackpots,
to be generated by and won across multiple hands and/or multiple
tables. A progressive jackpot may increase based on the amounts
wagered and/or won at the included tables. The progressive jackpot
may continue to increase until won under a set of predetermined
conditions. Alternatively, it may be active until only for a
predetermined time period. The conditions for winning the jackpot
that it is won by one or more players at the end of the time
period.
[0109] The system 10 allows a progressive jackpot to be funded in
multiple ways. The way in which a progressive jackpot is funded may
be funded through a computer program application on the server 50
or other device. For example, the progressive jackpot may be funded
by taking a set percentage from every jackpot, every other jackpot,
or every n.sup.th jackpot. The amount of the progressive jackpot
may be displayed on the CDA 26 and/or a remote display.
[0110] The progressive jackpot may be initiated randomly, under
certain definable conditions, and/or for a specific event, i.e., a
marketing event. The progressive jackpot may be a single hand, a
predetermined number of hands at one table or across multiple
hands, for a predetermined time period, and the like.
[0111] Preferably, after a jackpot is won by a player, one or more
government reporting forms may be presented to the player on their
EPIA 24. The form may accept the player's electronic signature (if
permissible) or may notify the player of the requirements and
direct them to a location where they can fill out the form. The
device may be a personal, notebook, or tablet computer, handheld
computer, PDA, or other suitable device.
VIII. Host Console
[0112] With particular reference to FIGS. 5-6 and 9, the system 10
preferably has a host console 102 in electrical communication with
the server computer 50 for configuring the EPIA's 24 and/or the CDA
26 and for establishing parameters of the electronic poker game.
Preferably, the host console 102 is embodied in a separate
computer, such as a personal computer, connected or networked
(wired or wirelessly) to the server computer 50. The host console
102 may be integrated into a console, such as a kiosk. The host
console 102 may also be embodied in any type of suitable device,
such as a handheld computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA),
notebook or laptop computer, or tablet computer. Preferably, the
host console 102 provides interaction with a host or floor manager
of the casino 12 via a host interface 120 of the host console 102
that is preferably a touch-screen similar to the player interface
54.
[0113] In general, the host console 102 is an administration device
that can be used to create and edit game profiles including setting
the method of house collection, game type, limits, play timing,
and/or number of required players. The host console 102 allows the
host or casino employee to start, pause, and stop games and to
monitor table play. Additional electronic tables 18 can be
activated or opened, and ring or tournament games (see below) can
be easily started. Preferably, the host console 102 provides the
ability to turn any one or all of the poker tables 18 on and off by
communicating with the EPIA computers and CDA computer 52 via the
server 50.
[0114] The host console 102 may enable a casino employee or host
to: [0115] select or change one of the plurality of poker games to
be played on one or more of the electronic poker tables 18, [0116]
select the betting or wager structure to be used (For example, the
poker games may have one of a limit, no-limit, or pot-limit
wagering structure. The host console 102 enables the employee set
the wagering structure for a given electronic poker table 18.),
[0117] select or change other parameters of the electronic poker
games, including, but not limited to time parameters, wager limits,
amounts associated with a big blind and a little blind, [0118]
select whether the electronic poker game is a timed game or a
non-timed game, [0119] modify the predetermined time period for
each betting round in a timed game, [0120] monitor the number of
drinks ordered by a player through the EPIA 24, [0121] add notes
with information related to a specific player, [0122] initiate a
replay of a previous hand graphically, textually or numerically,
[0123] lock out and remove one of the players from the electronic
poker table 18, [0124] adjust the stack of electronic chips for one
or more of the players (Possibly for correcting any deficiencies
and/or settle any disputes with regard to operation of the
electronic poker table 18 or play of one of the other players)
[0125] control house collections
[0126] Referring to FIG. 11, the host console 102 is programmed
with two main sections referred to on the touch screen 120 of the
host console 102 as a table tab 122 and a wait list tab 124. When
activating or booting-up the host console 102, or when the host
selects the table tab 122 if the console is already activated, a
default or home screen of the system 10 generally depicts
graphically the tables 18 (not shown). This depiction generally
marks the beginning of all the table pages or table tab images 126
generally programmed under the table tab 122 option. Selection of
the wait list tab 124 displays a wait list page (not shown).
Generally, each one of the pages 126 on the touch-screen 120
provides a multitude of options for the host to select. When
selected, the home pages 126 will generally change the display
configuration providing additional information for the host and
often additional options to choose from. For the sake of
explanation, and although each page 126 may have a multitude of
screen displays, all the screen displays with respect to the table
tab 122 will be referred to as one common table page 126.
[0127] With particular reference to FIG. 11, each table 18 may be
selected and diagnostic information and options are shown on the
table page 126 that includes a table component list 130, a
component parameter list 132, a reset connection button 134, a
restart software button 136, a reboot button 138, a calibrate
screen button 140, a back button 142, and a refresh button 144.
Because the table page 126 is preferably one of many screen
displays linked to that illustrated in FIG. 11, the back and
refresh buttons 142, 144 provide the host with the ability to
generally scroll through various screen displays of the table page
126 such as that also illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0128] The table component list 130 includes a list of
substantially all components of the selected table 18, each
personal computer or server 50 (i.e., the "Table Client") and each
module 34 (i.e., the individual seats). Selection of one of the
components of the table 18 in the table component list 130 displays
information regarding the selected component in the component
parameter list 132.
[0129] The table component list parameter list 132 preferably
includes a: [0130] 1. Description Field (e.g., "Table 13, Seat 4");
[0131] 2. Client Type Field (e.g., Player or Table); [0132] 3.
Client Status: (Active or Inactive); [0133] 4. Connection Status:
(Connected or Disconnected); [0134] 5. Seat Number (where
appropriate); [0135] 6. Seat Status (e.g., Open, Reserved, Active);
[0136] 7. Player Name (when available); [0137] 8. Player Status
(e.g., Active or In-Active); and [0138] 9. House Collection Option
(if available to player).
[0139] The table page 126 also includes a stop/pause parameter
selection area 146, a move game button 148, a pause game button
150, a stop game button 152, an auto deal check button 154, a
closed seating check button 156, a use wait list check button 158,
an information/status area, a pair of navigation buttons, and a
clear alert button 164. The stop/pause parameter selection area
146, located toward the lower left hand corner of the screen, is
used with either of the pause game button 150 or the stop game
button 152 if the host wants to pause a game or electronic table 18
to make a change or perform some other function. The stop/pause
parameter selection area 146 includes the three options of "No
Delay," "Minutes," and "Hands." The game or table will be resumed
when the host is finished. A stopped game ends the play at the
table typically at the end of the day.
[0140] In the lower right hand corner of the screen illustrated in
FIG. 11, the auto deal check button 154, the closed seating check
button 156, and the use wait list check button 158 are used to turn
on/off the corresponding function. The information/status area 160
provides additional information about the selected component or a
just completed action. The navigation buttons 162 may be used to
cross between messages in the information/status area 160. The
clear alert button 164 is used to clear alerts generated by players
at their respective EPIA's 24A-24J.
[0141] Referring to FIG. 12, the table page 126 also displays
information regarding the game being played at the selected table
of the plurality of tables 18A-18J. Preferably, the tables 18A-18J
are used to provide a variety of electronic card games, such as
poker, and the host console 102 provides a list of the predefined
or selected card games. When providing game information, the table
page 126 preferably has a general section 168, a game play section
170, a rake section 172, and a live action setting section 174. The
general section 168 includes the current game and a description of
the current game being played on the selected table of the
plurality of tables 18A-18J and any other needed information
associated with the current game. In FIG. 12, the selected game is
"Limit Hold'em $1/$2". The general section 168 includes: type,
variation, stakes, and jackpots. The game play section 170
describes parameters that affect game play. In the illustrated
embodiment, the game play section 170 includes: maximum raises per
hand, action time limit, minimum number of players, and maximum
number of players. The rake section 172 includes information
regarding the current rake or house collection. The live action
section 174 includes information regarding wagering. For example,
the defined game is "Limit Hold'em $1/$2" and the live action
section 174 includes information related to the blinds, permissible
wagers, and the minimum and maximum stakes allowed.
[0142] Referring to FIG. 13 and more particularly to pausing and/or
stopping a game via the host console 102, the stop/pause parameter
selection area 146 is used to select how the game will be stopped
or paused. To do so, there are three options: "no delay," "by
minutes," and "by hands." If "no delay" is first selected, then if
the pause button 150 or the stop game button 152 is selected, the
game is immediately paused or stopped, respectively. Once a game
has been paused, the pause button 150 (see FIG. 12) will be
replaced with a resume button 151 (see FIG. 13). Alternatively, if
"by minutes" is selected, then a minute dialog or virtual keypad
(not shown) is displayed. The minute dialog allows the host to
enter when the game will be paused or stopped (in minutes) after
the appropriate buttons are selected. Yet again, if "by hands" is
selected, then a hands dialog or virtual keypad (not shown) is
displayed. The hands dialog allows the host to enter when the game
will be paused or stopped (in number of hands of play) after the
appropriate buttons are selected.
[0143] Referring to FIG. 14, a player who has left the table to
take or break or for any reason may return as long as they pay any
missed blinds and potentially any missed house collections.
However, the other players may want another player to sit in. The
unseat button 206 of one of the table pages 126 allows the host to
remove a player from the table after the player has left their seat
for an amount of time or a number of hands (without logging
out).
[0144] With particular reference to FIG. 15, a tournament chop page
218 of the host interface 120 is preferably used only during
tournaments and allows the host to stop tournament play
prematurely, i.e., before only one player is left, and split the
remaining pot or table stakes. The tournament chop page 218
includes a series of check boxes 220 that allow the host to
designate how the pot or jackpot will be split. In the illustrated
embodiment, there are three options: split manually, split even, or
split by table stakes. If split manually is chosen, the
corresponding amounts are entered in a virtual key pad 222. The
tournament chop page 218 may also include a refund rake check box
224. A cancel button 225 allows the employee to cancel the current
operation and return to a previous screen. A stop & chop now
button 226 stops the current tournament and splits the pot as
designated.
[0145] Additional features of the host console 102 are described in
the following U.S. patent applications all of which are assigned to
the same assignee of the present invention and are herein
incorporated by reference in their entirety: [0146] U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/419,908, filed May 23, 2006; [0147] U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/419,910, filed May 23, 2006; [0148]
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/419,899, filed May 23, 2006;
[0149] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/419,902, filed May 23,
2006; [0150] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/419,903, filed May
23, 2006; and [0151] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/419,915,
filed May 23, 2006.
IX. Administrator Tool
[0152] Referring to FIGS. 15-33, the gaming system 10 preferably
has a administrator tool 300 that is software or controller based
or a computer readable media and communicates with the host console
102 and server 50 for configuring the settings of the electronic
poker tables 18 and games. The administrator tool 300 enables, for
instance, a floor manager of the casino 12 to conveniently and
quickly adapt to the constant changes that occur within the poker
room or area 14, because new games can be created, configured and
stored for easy access. Preferably, the administrator tool 300 is
accessed by selecting an administrator tool icon (not shown) from a
dedicated computer with a dedicated interface, monitor, electronic
tablet or screen 301 and preferably a mouse or touch screen.
Alternatively, the administrator tool 300 could be run from the
game computer 94 (see FIG. 8), the host console 102, or the sever
computer 50 (see FIG. 9). Access to the administrator tool icon is
preferably limited to a pre-approved floor manager or employee of
the casino 12 who may or may not be a host employee. This depends
upon internal security and operational procedures of the
casino.
[0153] Referring generally to FIG. 15, when the icon (not shown) is
initially selected, the administrator tool 300 displays three
options or settings designated as gaming profile types 302, table
setup 304 and host administration 306 in an option field 308
preferably at the left of the screen 301. The option field 308 is
adjacent to an information field 310 on the right and a tool bar
312 preferably toward the top of the screen 301. By selecting a "+"
symbol adjacent to gaming profile types 302, the list is expanded
and a plurality of profile types or headings are displayed; they
preferably are: timing profiles heading 314, jackpot profile
heading 316 and game profile heading 318. The timing profiles
heading 314 is associated with events in a game that are timed, and
thus determines how fast or how slow the game proceeds within the
system 10. The jackpot profile heading 316 enables adjustment of
various amounts of money or awards regarding jackpots, and the game
profiles heading 318 allows the creation and saving of games each
with unique parameters.
[0154] a) Jackpot Profile:
[0155] The jackpot profile heading 316 can be added to any game
profile and further functions to perform the following: [0156]
create a new jackpot profile, [0157] edit an existing jackpot
profile, and [0158] delete a jackpot profile.
[0159] Referring to FIGS. 17-18, when the administrator tool 300 is
used to create anew jackpot profile, the "+" symbol adjacent the
profile types 302 is selected and the jackpot profile heading 316
is selected or highlighted from the subsequent drop-down list. Once
highlighted, the administrator automatically reveals a jackpot list
368 in the information field 310. The floor manager then selects
the new icon 322 in the tool bar 312 that causes a jackpot profile
overlay window or jackpot prompt 370 to appear (see FIG. 18).
[0160] Preferably, the jackpot prompt 370 has the following fields
for the floor manager to enter data: [0161] description field 372
[0162] minimum pot field 374 [0163] fee percent field 376 [0164]
fee increment field 378 [0165] maximum fee field 380 [0166] fixed
fee amount field 382 [0167] jackpot account field 384 [0168] payout
amount field 386 [0169] jackpot rule field 388 [0170] minimum
players field 390
[0171] The description field 372 assigns a name to the jackpot
profile such as for example "Royal Flush" or "Bad Beat." The
minimum pot field 374 determines the minimum amount required in the
pot before it is awarded, and assigns that amount in the space
provided. If a casino fee or house collection is desired, the fee
percent field 376 takes a percent of each pot. If a fee percent is
desired, the fee increment field 378 is used to enter an
incremental fee amount preferably in dollars. Preferably, the fee
increment would match a chip value such as fifty cents or one
dollar. The maximum fee field 380 sets a cap on the dollar amount
taken out of each pot, if so desired. The fixed fee amount field
382 sets a specific cents or dollar amount fee for each pot. Use of
field 382 alleviates use of fields 376, 378 and 380. The jackpot
account field 384 is the name of the account where the funds
established by field 376 or field 380 is deposited. This field
preferably has a default name of jackpot. The minimum players field
390 sets the minimum number of players that must be playing for a
jackpot to be awarded.
[0172] With the jackpot profile heading 316 chosen, each of the
fields 372-390 are listed as column headings 392 of the jackpot
list 368 in the information field 310. When all applicable fields
372-390 of the prompt 370 are filled in by the floor manager, an
"o.k." box 394 of the prompt 370 is selected and the jackpot
profile is then available for selection when updating or creating a
game profile.
[0173] Referring to FIGS. 19-20, when the administrator tool 300 is
used to edit a jackpot profile, the "+" symbol adjacent to profile
types 302 is first selected by the floor manager. This causes the
administrator to reveal the plurality of profile types or headings,
which preferably are the timing profiles heading 314, the jackpot
profile heading 316 and the game profile heading 318. The jackpot
profile heading 316 is then highlighted or selected by the floor
manager from the plurality of profile types 302 in the options
field 308. This selection causes the administrator tool 300 to
display the jackpot list 368 in the information field 310. From the
jackpot list 368, the floor manager chooses the appropriate jackpot
profile for editing.
[0174] Referring to FIG. 20 and by way of illustrative example, a
ring bad beat jackpot profile 396 of the jackpot list 368 is
selected by the floor manager. This selection causes the
administrator tool 300 to display an update jackpot profile prompt
398 that preferably has the same fields 372-390 as the create
jackpot prompt 370 (see FIG. 42). When all desired fields for
editing are changed by the floor manager, the floor manager selects
an "o.k." box 400 of the prompt 398 thus completing the editing
process of a jackpot profile.
[0175] Referring to FIGS. 21-22, when the administrator tool 300 is
used to delete a jackpot profile, the "+" symbol adjacent to
profile types 302 is first selected by the floor manager. This
causes the administrator tool 300 to reveal the plurality of
profile types or headings 314, 316 and 318. The jackpot profile
heading 316 is then highlighted or selected by the floor manager
from the plurality of profile types 302 in the options field 308.
This selection causes the administrator tool 300 to display the
jackpot list 368 in the information field 310. From the jackpot
list 368, the floor manager chooses the appropriate jackpot profile
for deletion.
[0176] From the information field 310, the floor manager, by way of
illustrative example, then selects or highlights the jackpot
profile identified as "ring bad beat" 396. Once selected, the floor
manager selects the delete icon 362 in the tool bar 312 causing the
administrator tool 300 to automatically reveal an overlay window or
delete confirmation prompt 402 that requests confirmation of the
selected deletion (see FIG. 22). Once the floor manager confirms
the deletion by selecting a "yes" box 404 in the prompt 402 the
deletion process is completed.
[0177] b) Game Profiles:
[0178] Referring to FIGS. 23-24, the game profiles provides the
floor manager with the ability to create and save games with each
game having a unique set of parameter. These parameters may include
such setting as: [0179] game type (ring or tournament) [0180]
stakes (limit or no limit) [0181] betting requirements (small and
big blind values) [0182] rake amount identifier (i.e. a chosen
house collection method) For example, the floor manager can create
two different game profiles for Texas Hold'em with different small
and big blind values. A game profile is preferably assigned to an
electronic table 18 before starting the game with the specific game
profile at that table.
[0183] The game profiles heading 316 further functions to perform
the following: [0184] create a new game profile, [0185] edit an
existing game profile, [0186] clone an existing game profile, and
[0187] delete a game profile.
[0188] When the administrator tool 300 is used to create a new game
profile, the game profiles heading 318 in the expanded list under
profile types 302 is first highlighted by the floor manager
preferably without selecting the "+" symbol adjacent to the timing
profiles heading 314. The floor manager then selects the new icon
322 in the tool bar 312 that causes a create or update game profile
prompt 406 to appear (see FIG. 23). Preferably, the game prompt 406
has the following fields for the floor manager to enter data and
make selections: [0189] description field 408 [0190] game field 410
[0191] wait lists field 412 [0192] time out field 414 [0193] ring
field 416 [0194] single table tournament field 418 [0195]
multi-table tournament field 420 [0196] hi field 422 [0197] hi/low
field 424 [0198] ante field 426 [0199] bring in field 428 [0200]
small blind field 430 [0201] big blind field 432 [0202] small wager
field 434 [0203] big wager field 436 [0204] limit field 438 [0205]
pot limit field 440 [0206] no limit field 442 [0207] minimum stakes
field 444 [0208] suggested field 446 [0209] maximum stakes field
448 [0210] maximum raises field 450 [0211] minimum rebuy field 452
[0212] minimum rejoin field 454 [0213] rejoin timeout field 456
[0214] minimum players field 458 [0215] maximum players field 460
[0216] time limit field 462 [0217] auto deal field 464 [0218] game
timing field 466 [0219] zero balance timeout field 468 [0220]
number of tables field 470 [0221] buy-in field 472 [0222] initial
stakes field 474 [0223] increment field 476 [0224] unit field 478
[0225] rake account field 480 [0226] available jackpot profiles
field 482 [0227] assigned jackpot profiles field 484
[0228] Many of the above fields are described in previously
referenced U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/419,905. However,
with regards to rakes and jackpots, the rake account field 480
allows entry of an account in which the rake is deposited. As
illustrated in FIG. 23, the current rake account is "houserake."
The available jackpot profiles field 482 is preferably a scrolling
list of available jackpot profiles. One or more of these profiles
can be selected by the floor manager and upon selection of arrow
key 486 of the prompt 406, the selected jackpot profile(s) are
eligible whenever the game profile is being played. The assigned
jackpot profiles field 486 is a scrolling list of jackpot profiles
assigned to the game profile. Selection of any one of the assigned
jackpot profiles and selection of arrow key 488 will remove the
selected, assigned, jackpot profile from the assigned jackpot
profiles field 486.
[0229] When all applicable fields 408-484 of the create game
profile prompt 406 are filled in by the floor manager, a "save" box
490 of the prompt 406 is selected and the game profile is saved for
future use.
[0230] Referring to FIGS. 24-25, the administrator tool 300 can
edit a game profile at any time. However, any game profile changes
preferably will not affect a game being played at the time of the
change. When the administrator tool 300 is used to edit a game
profile, the "+" symbol adjacent to profile types 302 is first
selected by the floor manager. This causes the administrator to
reveal the plurality of profile types or headings, which preferably
are the timing profiles heading 314, the jackpot profile heading
316 and the game profile heading 318. The gaming profiles heading
318 is then highlighted by the floor manager from the plurality of
profile types 302 and the adjacent "+" symbol is selected to reveal
a listing of available game profiles 492 in the options field 308.
The game profile 492 that requires editing is then highlighted or
selected causing each of the fields 408-484 as previously described
for prompt 406 to be listed as column headings 494 in the
information field 310 and the previously entered parameters/data
496 of the selected game profile 492 to appear in the information
field 310 below the associated column headings 494.
[0231] When the floor manager selects an update icon 498 in the
tool bar 312, an update game profile prompt 500 appears (see FIG.
25). Prompt 500 is substantially the same as the previously
described create game prompt 406 (see FIG. 23), hence, like fields
shall have the same identifying numerals. Once displayed, the floor
manager makes the desired changes to any one of the fields 408-484.
When finished, the floor manager selects a "save" box 502 of the
prompt 500 and the updated game profile can then be assigned to an
electronic table 18.
[0232] c) Tournament Game Profiles
[0233] Tournament game profiles are created generally as any other
game profile is created and as previously described. As best shown
in FIGS. 22-23, selection of the single table tournament field 418
of create game profile prompt 406 designates a game profile as a
tournament game. Generally from the option and information fields
308, 310 the floor manager may modify a tournament game profile in
terms of creating: [0234] a blind structure 510 (see FIGS. 26 and
27), [0235] a payout structure 512 (see FIG. 29), and [0236] a rake
structure 514 (see FIG. 31, also applicable for ring game
profiles).
[0237] Blind structures 510 are a way of increasing blinds
associated with the hand or minute increments previously entered in
field 476 and field 478 of the create game profile prompt 406 (see
FIG. 23). Payout structures 512 generally designate an amount or
percent of money paid out to players at the end of a tournament and
dependent upon their final placement with regards to the other
tournament players. For instance, a player who wins first place
will likely receive a greater award than a player who wins second
place. The rake structure 514 preferably applies to both tournament
and ring game profiles and generally varies the percent of a pot or
percent of a buy-in dependent upon the pot size or total buy-in
amount collected for a particular tournament.
[0238] Referring to FIGS. 32 and 26, when the administrator tool
300 is used to create a blind structure 510 for a tournament game
profile 492, the "+" symbol adjacent to profile types 302 in the
option field 308 is first selected by the floor manager, then the
"+" symbol adjacent to the game profiles heading 318 is selected.
Selection of heading 318 causes the drop-down listing of game
profiles 492 to appear. The floor manager then selects the
tournament game profile to be modified. When the "+" symbol
adjacent to the tournament game profile is elected, the
administrator tool 300 reveals a drop-down listing that preferably
lists optional selections 516 for the blind structure 510, the
payout structure 512 (see FIG. 29) and the rake structure 514 (see
FIG. 31).
[0239] Selection of the blind structure 510 of the selections 516
for a particular tournament game profile 492 causes blind structure
information to be listed in the information field 310. The floor
manager then selects the new icon 322 in the tool bar 312 that
causes a create blind structure prompt 518 to appear (see FIG. 27).
Preferably, the blind structure prompt 518 has the following fields
for the floor manager to enter data: [0240] level field 520, [0241]
ante field 522, [0242] bring-in field 524, [0243] small blind field
526, [0244] big blind field 528, [0245] small wager field 530, and
[0246] big wager field 532.
[0247] Referring to FIGS. 29, 32 and 33, when the administrator
tool 300 is used to create a payout structure 512 for a tournament
game profile 492, the "+" symbol adjacent to profile types 302 in
the option field 308 is first selected by the floor manager, then
the "+" symbol adjacent to the game profiles heading 318 is
selected. Selection of heading 318 causes the drop-down listing of
game profiles 492 to appear. The floor manager then selects the
tournament game profile to be modified. When the "+" symbol
adjacent to the tournament game profile is elected, the
administrator tool 300 reveals another drop-down listing that
preferably lists the optional selections 516 for the blind
structure 510, the payout structure 512 and the rake structure
514.
[0248] Referring to FIGS. 30, 31 and 34, when the administrator
tool 300 is used to create a rake structure 514 for a tournament or
ring game profile 492, the "+" symbol adjacent to profile types 302
in the option field 308 is first selected by the floor manager,
then the "+" symbol adjacent to the game profiles heading 318 is
selected. Selection of heading 318 causes the drop-down listing of
game profiles 492 to appear. The floor manager then selects the
ring game or tournament game profile to be modified. As best shown
in FIG. 33, when the "+" symbol adjacent to a tournament game
profile is selected, the administrator tool 300 reveals another
drop-down listing that preferably lists the optional selections 516
for the blind structure 510, the payout structure 512, and the rake
structure 514. As best shown in FIG. 34, when the "+" symbol
adjacent to a ring game profile is selected, the administrator tool
300 reveals another drop-down listing that preferably lists only
the rake structure 514.
[0249] Selection of the rake structure 514 of the selections 516
for a particular tournament or ring game profile 492 causes the
listing of rake structure information 546 in the information field
310 if any exists at the time (see FIG. 34). The floor manager then
selects the new icon 322 in the tool bar 312 that causes a create
rake structure prompt 548 to appear (see FIG. 30). Preferably, the
rake structure prompt 548 has a pot size field 550 and a rake
amount field 552 for entry of data by the floor manager.
[0250] The pot size field 550 and the rake amount field 552 of the
rake structure prompt 548 preferably corresponds to column headings
554 in the information field 310. For a tournament game profile,
the floor manager enters the total buy-in amount for all the
players into the pot size field 550. For a ring game profile and as
illustrated in FIGS. 34, the floor manager creates the rake
structure for each increment of the rake. For example, if the pot
size is ten dollars, the rake may be one dollar, if the pot size is
twenty dollars, the rake may be two dollars, and so on. The rake
structure 514 may depend then on the maximum possible pot size
and/or the maximum amount raked.
[0251] For each rake increment of the ring game profile 492, the
floor manager enters the pot size in the pot size field 550 of the
rake structure prompt 548, then the amount to be raked is entered
into the rake amount field 552. As illustrated in FIG. 31 for
example, the floor manager is creating a ninth record or increment
for a pot size of $55.50 and a rake amount of $6.00. The floor
manager then selects a "save" box 554 of the rake structure prompt
548 to save the settings. The process is generally completed after
this first iteration for tournament game profiles, and is repeated
beginning with the selection of the new icon 322 for each increment
of a ring game profile.
X. House Collection Tool
[0252] Referring generally to FIGS. 35-39, the gaming system 10
preferably has a house collection tool 600, and like the
administrator tool 300, the house collection tool is software based
or is a computer readable media that generally communicates with or
is operated by the host console 102 and server or controller 50 for
configuring a variety of house collection methods applied to the
electronic poker tables 18 and games. The house collection tool
enables, for instance, a floor manager of the casino 12 to
conveniently and quickly adapt to the constant changes that occur
within the poker room or area 14, because new different house
collection methods can be created, configured and stored for easy
access. Preferably, the house collection tool 600 is accessed by
selecting a house collection tool icon (not shown) from a dedicated
computer with a dedicated interface, monitor, electronic tablet or
screen 301 and preferably a mouse or touch screen. Alternatively or
additionally, the house collection tool 600 could be run or
executed from the game computer 94 (see FIG. 8), the host console
102, or the sever computer 50 (see FIG. 9). Access to the house
collection tool icon is preferably limited to a pre-approved floor
manager or employee of the casino 12 who may or may not be a host
employee. This depends upon internal security and operational
procedures of the casino. Moreover, a host employee having access
to the administrator tool 300 may not have the necessary security
clearance for access to the house collection tool 600.
[0253] Although the administrator tool 300 may provide limited
capability in adjusting house rakes for various game profiles as
previously described, the house collection tool 600 provides
substantially greater flexibility in house collections and/or rakes
for both the player and the casino establishment. Preferably, and
with regards to house collections, the administrator tool 300 is
the slave to the house collection tool 600, which is the
master.
[0254] More specifically, and referring to FIG. 40, the house
collection tool 600 provides the means in which a variety of house
collection profiles can be created, appropriately named and/or
identified, and listed from a computer database. When creating a
game profile via the administrator tool 300, a list 601 of house
collection profiles previously created can be accessed and a
specific collection profile can be selected for a specific game
profile. The game computer 94 receives the game and house
collection profile data preferably from the administrator tool 300
for the execution of both the game and house collection
profiles.
[0255] The house collection tool 600 is capable of creating
variations of a variety of house collection methods or profiles.
Three such methods or profiles are: a pot collection profile 602, a
time collection profile 604, and a hand collection profile 606. The
pot collection profile 602 is generally based on the pot amount
reached and, unlike traditional collection methods, on the number
of players and the betting round reached. By defining a pot
collection criteria that reduces the house collection with a
reduction in the number of players and/or a reduction in the
betting round reached, players are provided with an incentive to
play short-handed. Moreover, the pot collection profile 602 may
also factor in a house collection from side pots. The time
collection profile 604 is based on collections from each player at
configurable time intervals, wherein the time intervals expire at a
common moment for all the players (i.e. top of the hour). The hand
collection profile 606 is generally a collection of a house rake at
the beginning of each hand and before the system 10 deals the
virtual cards. Other factors that may affect any of the collection
profiles 602, 604, 606 are pot amount reached, number of active
players at the beginning of the hand, and the betting round reached
(i.e. pre-flop, flop, turn, river).
[0256] a) Pot Based Collection:
[0257] Referring to FIG. 35, the pot collection method or profile
602 may be applied by a human dealer, however, the profile is
preferably executed by the house collection tool 600 of the system
10. The pot collection profile 602 preferably follows traditional
pot collection methods by taking a percentage from each pot at the
end of hand play for casino revenue. However, the pot collection
profile 602 also factors in the number of players and preferably
the betting round reached of each hand to establish maximum or
limits to the house collection per hand. When the poker game is
being played with the pot collection profile 602 of the house
collection tool 600, the system 10 first recognizes and records 608
the number of players at the beginning of each hand. The hand is
then played-out 610 by the system 10 and the final pot amount is
noted 612. Utilizing a pre-selected pot collection percentage, the
system then calculates a preliminary collection amount 614. The
hand is then reviewed by the system to determine if the hand ended
prior to the first flop betting round 616. If the hand ended after
the pre-flop betting round and before the flop betting round, the
system 10 determines if the preliminary collection amount is
greater than a pre-selected minimum house collection amount 618. If
it is not greater, the system preferably collects 620 the
preliminary collection amount from the final pot amount. If the
preliminary collection amount is greater than the pre-selected
minimum house collection amount, then the system 10 only collects
622 the minimum house collection amount. Preferably, the minimum
house collection amount is pre-established regardless of the number
of players.
[0258] If play of the hand has continued at least through the flop
betting round, the system determines 624 if the preliminary
collection amount is greater than a pre-selected maximum house
collection amount. If not greater, then the system collects 626 the
preliminary collection amount from the final pot. If the
preliminary collection amount is greater than the pre-selected
maximum house collection amount, the system collects 628 the
maximum house collection amount from the final pot. Preferably, the
maximum house collection amount is dependent at least in-part upon
(i.e. is a function of) the number of players at the beginning of
the hand. The maximum house collection amount may also be a
function of the number of betting rounds conducted after the
pre-flop betting round.
[0259] With this understanding of the pot collection method 602, an
employee of the casino 12, for instance, having security access to
the house collection tool 600 can construct a pot collection
profile in a way similar to that of constructing a game profile, as
previously described. Parameters that are preferably entered by the
host or employee may include: [0260] a percentage for calculating
the preliminary collection amount, [0261] a minimum house
collection amount, [0262] a maximum house collection amount based
on two players and the game ending after the second betting round,
[0263] a maximum house collection amount based on three players and
the game ending after the second betting round, [0264] a maximum
house collection amount based on four players and the game ending
after the second betting round, (and so on with increasing players)
[0265] a maximum house collection amount based on two players and
the game ending after the third betting round, [0266] a maximum
house collection amount based on three players and the game ending
after the third betting round, [0267] a maximum house collection
amount based on four players and the game ending after the third
betting round (and so on with increasing players and an increase in
betting rounds), [0268] an identifier or name for the specific pot
collection profile, and [0269] the rake account identification
480.
[0270] b) Time Based Collection
[0271] The time collection method or profile 604 may be applied by
a human dealer, however, the profile is preferably executed by the
house collection tool 600 of the system 10. The time collection
profile 604 is preferably employed primarily to take a fixed
collection amount at regular time intervals. Pot size, minimum
number of players and the betting round are preferably disregarded
as collection criteria because these values are hand-dependent. The
time interval is preferably common amongst all players in any
particular game in that the time span is of an equivalent number of
minutes for each player and the intervals begin and end at a common
moment in time. For instance, for a sixty minute time interval, the
interval may begin and end at the top of the hour for every player
in the particular game.
[0272] Referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, a player may enter a poker
game at the beginning or anytime time during play and even midway
into a time interval when the time collection profile 604 is being
applied. When a player selects 630 a table 18 where a poker game is
being played with the time collection profile 604 of the house
collection tool 600, the player is preferably provided with an
option to select 632 a door charge option or select 634 a time
interval collection option. This option may be integrated into
options button 72C of the player interface 54. If the player
selects 632 the door charge option, the system 10 will provide 636
an extended period of play without reference to substantially
shorter time intervals.
[0273] If the player selects 634 the time interval collection
option, the player is then preferably offered a sub-option of
choosing 638 to de-select an autopost collections feature. If the
player does not choose this sub-option or until the player does
select this sub-option, the system 10 defaults 640 to the autopost
collections feature. If the player has chosen 638 to de-select, the
system 10 calculates the amount of the initiating interval
collection based on the time remaining in the time interval. The
system 10 then prompts 642 to pay the calculated collection amount.
This system prompt 642 may be accomplished as a visual indicator
(not shown) on the player interface 54 and/or on the CDA 26. Audio
alerts may also be applied.
[0274] After the prompt 642, the system 10 initiates 644 an
internal clock providing the player with a pre-determined amount of
time to pay the house collection. This response period is of a
duration that gives the player a reasonable amount of time to
react, yet is not so long as to unduly delay play of the game. If
the player opts 646 not to pay the interval collection during the
prescribed response period, the system 10 forces 648 the player to
quit the game.
[0275] With the player removed 648 from the game, the system
verifies 650 that more than one player or a predetermined minimum
number of players remain in the game. If more than one player or
more than the predetermined minimum number of players remain, the
game continues 652. If only one player remains in the game or less
than the minimum number of players remain, the system 10 determines
654 if the remaining player(s) have paid the interval collection.
If the remaining player(s) have paid the interval collection, the
system 10 refunds 656 the remaining player(s) and the game ends
658.
[0276] After a player pays 643 for a time interval, the system 10
preferably graphically displays 645 the collection on the CDA 26.
If the player then decides to leave 647 the table 18 and later
returns 649 during the same pre-paid time interval, the player is
not collected from again 651 for the same time interval. The system
10 is ideal for tracking and treatment of players in this way that
would otherwise be difficult for an employee dealer to
coordinate.
[0277] With this overall understanding of the time collection
method 604, an employee of the casino 12, for instance, having
security access to the house collection tool 600 can construct a
time collection profile similar to that of constructing a game
profile as previously described. Parameters that are preferably
entered by the host or employee may include: [0278] a duration of
time preferably in minutes for the time interval, [0279] a duration
of time preferably in seconds for the response period, [0280] a
collection amount for each time interval, [0281] a minimum number
of players needed to play the game, [0282] a duration of time
preferably in hours for the door charge option, [0283] a collection
amount for the door charge option, [0284] an identifier or name for
the specific time collection profile, and [0285] the rake account
identification 480.
[0286] Preferably, the time intervals are defined as fifteen,
thirty, or sixty minutes or any value in increments of thirty
minutes for intervals greater than one hour. The clock used for
controlling the time intervals is preferably integrated into the
server or controller 50. As previously described, partial
collections may be taken from players entering a game, however, the
dollar amount is preferably rounded up to the nearest fifty cents.
Preferably, the system 10 only takes collections from the player's
table stakes, and the players do not have the option to pay
collections directly from their house accounts.
[0287] c) Hand Based Collection
[0288] The hand collection method or profile 606 may be applied by
a human dealer, however, the profile is preferably executed by the
house collection tool 600 of the system 10. The hand collection
profile 606 is preferably employed primarily to take a fixed
collection amount per player and prior to each hand played. Pot
size, minimum number of players and the betting round are
preferably disregarded as collection criteria because these values
are hand-dependent. Preferably, only one house collection per hand
is conducted for the game profile utilizing the hand collection
profile 606.
[0289] Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, a player first selects 660 a
table 18 with a game profile utilizing the hand collection profile
606. After selecting 660 the table, the player sufficiently funds
662 the table stakes as previously described and the system 10 may
automatically take 664 the first fixed collection from the player's
table stakes. This house collection is then preferably represented
666 on the CDA 26. Once all players have anted and paid the house
collection, the system 10 designates 668 a dealer preferably by the
virtual placement of a dealer button. The system 10 then deals 670
the hand.
[0290] Upon end of play 672 of the hand, a player has the options
to quit 674 and sit-out 676, designating themselves as "inactive"
thus not having to pay the house collection for the next hand.
Preferably, the player(s) must opt to quit or sit-out prior to the
system dealing the first card and/or prior to the system
designating the dealer. For the remaining players, the system
verifies 678 the amount of the remaining table stakes for each
player. they each have sufficient table stakes. If a player is
verified by the system 10 to have insufficient 680 table stakes
remaining, the under funded player is dealt out of 682 the next
hand. The player can then choose to quit 682, choose to reserve a
seat 684, or choose to rebuy 686. If the under funded player has
chosen either to reserve a seat 684 or rebuy 686, the system 10
initiates an internal zero balance timer 688 that begins a time
period in which the player has to keep the seat reserved and/or to
rebuy. If the player does not return to their seat funded and/or
does not rebuy to refund their table stakes before the time period
expires 690, the system 10 will automatically unseat 692 the
player.
[0291] If the system verifies 678 that the player(s) have
sufficient 694 table stakes, the system makes the collection for
the next hand and preferably represents 696 the collection
graphically on the CDA 26. The system will then designate a dealer
698 by placement of a virtual dealer button, and then deal 700 the
next hand. If the hand is aborted 702, the host operator or
employee is provided 704 the option to manually refund the house
collection for the aborted hand.
[0292] With this understanding of the time collection method 604,
an employee of the casino 12, for instance, having security access
to the house collection tool 600 can construct a hand collection
profile in a way similar to that of constructing a game profile as
previously described. Parameters that are preferably entered by the
host or employee may include: [0293] a minimum number of players
needed to play the game [0294] an amount to be collected from each
player per hand, [0295] a total amount to be collected per hand (in
the alternative of entering an amount to be collected from each
player per hand), [0296] a time period in which the player has to
refund their table stakes, [0297] a minimum table stakes amount
(may also be represented as a ratio making it a function of the
house collection per hand amount), [0298] an identifier or name for
the specific hand collection profile, and [0299] the rake account
identification 480.
[0300] d) Dependency Between the House Collection Tool and the
Administrator Tool:
[0301] The house collection tool 600 is preferably accessed through
the host console 102. More specifically, the house collection tool
600 may be accessed in any variety of ways including from the table
page(s) 126 of the user interface 120, through an icon in the tool
bar 312 of the administrator tool 300, and/or through any number of
prompts including the game profile prompt 406 of the administrator
tool 300.
[0302] In some instances, the house collection tool 600 may
generally derive some of the needed data from the administrator
tool 300 or vice-versa depending upon which tool and in which
circumstance is the slave of the other. Such sharing of information
may generally include: [0303] the player status field in the
component parameters list 132 of the table page 126 (see FIG. 11),
[0304] the pause game button 150 affecting the time collection
profile 604, [0305] the stop game button 152 affecting house
collection refunds of preferably any collection profile, [0306]
stop/pause parameter selection area 146 affecting the time
intervals of the time collection profile, [0307] rake section 172
(see FIG. 12), [0308] the fee fields 376, 378, 380, 382 of the
create jackpot profile prompt 398 (see FIG. 20), [0309] the minimum
players field 390 of the create jackpot profile affecting when a
game is halted and possible refunds of house collections, [0310]
the rake account identification 480 of the game profile prompt 406
affecting where a house collection is deposited (see FIG. 23),
[0311] the minimum rebuy field 450, [0312] the rejoin timeout field
456, [0313] the minimum players field 458, [0314] the minimum
stakes field 444, [0315] the create payout structure prompt 512
(see FIG. 29), and [0316] the create rake structure prompt 514 (see
FIGS. 31 and 34).
[0317] As another preferred embodiment, the house collection tool
600 may be integrated completely into the administrator tool 300.
Thus each game profile when created would include the creation of a
house collection profile including the ability to select one of at
least the three collection profiles 602, 604, 606 or any variations
thereof. Any customizing to any one of the collection profiles can
be made during the creation of each game profile. For simplicity,
all or a substantial portion of the parameters can default to
preferred values until the host or employee makes an actual change.
Moreover, because each player registers into the system, house
collections may be adjusted for individual players in a common
game. For instance, for a pot collection profile 602, one player
may contribute a higher percentage toward the house than another
player.
XI. Tournament Play
[0318] The system 10 and thus the house collection tool 600
facilitates tournament play. In a tournament, a predetermined
number of tables 18 having a predetermined number of players are
involved. A buy-in, e.g., $100 is required. Typically, after a
player loses all of their money, they are eliminated from the
tournament.
[0319] Under predetermined rules, players may register for a
tournament and be assigned to seats at a table. During play, under
predetermined rules, tables may be broken down and the players
distributed to other tables. The system 10 facilitates the
tournament by providing one or more of the following features:
[0320] a) registration, [0321] b) tracking tournament information,
[0322] c) display of tournament information on central display
and/or remote display, [0323] d) tournament set-up, e.g., buy-in,
[0324] e) rebuy-in, [0325] f) tournament jackpot, cash or entry
voucher for entry another tournament (specific tournament or
expiration date), [0326] g) Process for breaking tables: [0327] (1)
message that table is breaking [0328] (2) convey new seat
assignment [0329] (3) determination of breaking order [0330] (4)
display of breaking order, [0331] h) display information on status
of other tables and players at other tables [0332] i) System to
monitor and adjust hands per hour of an individual table during a
tournament: During a poker tournament it is important that each
table play roughly the same number of hands per hour as all other
tables. This can be accomplished by pausing a game and/or slowing a
game down with out pausing, [0333] j) multi-site tournaments,
[0334] k) system for automatically paying players tournament
winnings based on tournament pay tables and their final position in
the tournament, [0335] l) automatic posting of blinds and method to
turn on and off of automatic posting of blinds/missed blinds,
[0336] m) method for automatically calculating allowed bet amounts
in pot-limit and no-limit betting structures, [0337] n) automatic
varying of rake based upon number of players, time of day, type of
game and/or other criteria preferably via the house collection tool
600, [0338] o) ability to offer rake discounts to individual
players preferably by way of the house collection tool 600, [0339]
(p) transferring a player from one seat to another at the same
table, or to another: Situations exist where are forced to ("must
move") or desire to move seats. This feature provides automatic
notification and movement of player information from one seat to
another, [0340] q) database and network architecture allowing
single and multi-site networking and management of a plurality of
automated poker, [0341] r) tracking and reporting of player
statistics: Data and method of display over the internet and/or
other methods for player to analyze their previous play statistics.
In another embodiment date and method of display is utilized to
determine player rankings for a given game and/or over a given time
period, [0342] s) ability to view available tables and register for
live tables and/or tournaments via a remote connection such as the
internet or an automated voice response unit, [0343] t) options
adjust speed of play(speed of card shuffling, dealing, discarding,
betting, etc.), [0344] u) electronically transfer money from an
account to the table, [0345] v) electronically transfer money to
another, [0346] w) use of "cash card" to bring money to the table,
[0347] x) ability for operator to view details of any and all
tables, and [0348] y) ability for operator to view details of any
and all players.
XII. Alternative Embodiments
[0349] While the forms of the invention herein disclosed constitute
presently preferred embodiments, many others are possible. For
instance, the house collection tool 600 may apply any variety
and/or combination of profiles 602, 604, 606. It is not intended to
mention all the possible equivalent forms or ramifications of the
invention. It is understood that the terms used herein are merely
descriptive rather than limiting, and that various changes can be
made without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention.
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