U.S. patent application number 11/835358 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-06 for bonus craps gaming.
This patent application is currently assigned to MGM GRAND DETROIT, LLC. Invention is credited to Michael F. O'Connor, Gerald A. Williams.
Application Number | 20080054565 11/835358 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39082937 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080054565 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Connor; Michael F. ; et
al. |
March 6, 2008 |
Bonus Craps Gaming
Abstract
A craps game apparatus includes a craps game layout and dice for
generating a plurality of dice role outcomes, wherein each dice
role outcome yields an integer number from 2 through 12. The craps
game layout has a pass line wagering area for receiving a bet on a
pass outcome. The pass outcome occurs when a dice roll outcome
yields an established point number before an outcome of 7. A bonus
betting location is provided for receiving a bet on a bonus outcome
based on a sequence of the dice roll outcomes. The bonus outcome
occurs when the sequence of dice roll outcomes includes a
predetermined number of consecutive pass outcomes before a bonus
bet termination event, such as a seven out or a crap out.
Inventors: |
O'Connor; Michael F.;
(Macomb, MI) ; Williams; Gerald A.; (Southfield,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TIFFANY & BOSCO;CAMELBACK ESPLANADE II, THIRD FLOOR
2525 EAST CAMELBACK ROAD
PHOENIX
AZ
85016
US
|
Assignee: |
MGM GRAND DETROIT, LLC
P.O. Box 321130
Detroit
MI
48232
|
Family ID: |
39082937 |
Appl. No.: |
11/835358 |
Filed: |
August 7, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60821800 |
Aug 8, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/274 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 9/0468 20130101;
A63F 3/081 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/274 |
International
Class: |
A63F 3/08 20060101
A63F003/08 |
Claims
1. A craps game apparatus comprising: a craps game layout; means
for generating a plurality of dice role outcomes, wherein each dice
role outcome yields an integer number from 2 through 12; a pass
line wagering area on the craps game layout for receiving a bet on
a pass outcome, wherein the pass outcome occurs when a dice roll
outcome yields an established point number before an outcome of the
number 7; means for receiving a bet on a bonus outcome based on a
sequence of the plurality of dice roll outcomes, wherein the bonus
outcome occurs when the sequence of dice roll outcomes includes a
predetermined number of consecutive pass outcomes before an outcome
of the number 7.
2. The craps game of claim 1, wherein the means for receiving a bet
on a bonus outcome comprises a bonus wagering location included in
the craps game layout.
3. The craps game of claim 1, wherein the means for receiving a bet
on a bonus outcome comprises indicia marked on the craps game
layout for a player to indicate an intent to make a wager on a
bonus outcome.
4. The craps game apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for
tracking the number of consecutive pass outcomes before an outcome
of the number 7.
5. The craps game apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for
displaying the payoff amounts to be paid to wagering players for
bonus outcomes having different predetermined numbers of
consecutive pass outcomes.
6. The craps game apparatus of claim 1 wherein a craps table
comprises the craps game layout.
7. The craps game apparatus of claim 1 wherein the craps game
layout is generated by a computer.
8. The craps game apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for
generating the plurality of dice role outcomes comprises a
computer.
9. The craps game apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for
receiving a bet on a bonus outcome comprises a computer.
10. A method for conducting a craps game, the method comprising:
generating a plurality of dice role outcomes, wherein each dice
role outcome yields an integer number from 2 through 12; receiving
a bet on a pass outcome, wherein the pass outcome occurs when a
dice roll outcome yields an established point number before an
outcome of the number 7; receiving a bet on a bonus outcome based
on a sequence of the plurality of dice roll outcomes, wherein the
bonus outcome occurs when the sequence of dice roll outcomes
includes a predetermined number of consecutive pass outcomes before
an outcome of the number 7.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein receiving a bet on a bonus
outcome occurs before a first dice roll outcome of the sequence of
dice roll outcomes.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein the bet on a bonus outcome must
be in accordance with a predetermined minimum amount.
13. The method of claim 10 wherein the bet on a bonus outcome must
be in accordance with a predetermined maximum amount.
14. The method of claim 10 further comprising tracking the number
of consecutive pass outcomes before an outcome of the number 7.
15. The method of claim 10 further comprising displaying payoff
amounts to be paid to wagering players for bonus outcomes having
different predetermined numbers of consecutive pass outcomes.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the payoff amount to be paid to
wagering players is zero for bonus outcomes having a number of
consecutive number of pass outcomes less than a predetermined
minimum number.
17. The method of claim 10 wherein the bonus bet is resolved after
the occurrence of one or more consecutive pass outcomes immediately
followed by the outcome of the number 7.
18. A method for conducting a craps game, the method comprising:
generating a plurality of dice role outcomes, wherein each dice
role outcome yields an integer number from 2 through 12; receiving
a bet on a pass outcome, wherein the pass outcome occurs when a
dice roll outcome yields an established point number before an
outcome of the number 7; and receiving a bet on a bonus outcome
based on a sequence of dice roll outcomes, wherein the bonus
outcome occurs when the sequence of dice roll outcomes includes a
predetermined number of consecutive pass outcomes before a bonus
bet termination event.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the bonus bet termination event
comprises the occurrence of one or more consecutive pass outcomes
immediately followed by the outcome of the number 7.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein the bonus bet termination event
comprises the occurrence of one of the numbers 2, 3 or 12 on a come
out dice roll.
21. The method of claim 18 wherein receiving a bet on a bonus
outcome occurs before a first dice roll outcome of the sequence of
dice roll outcomes.
22. The method of claim 18 wherein the bet on a bonus outcome must
be in accordance with a predetermined minimum amount.
23. The method of claim 18 wherein the bet on a bonus outcome must
be in accordance with a predetermined maximum amount.
24. The method of claim 18 further comprising tracking the number
of consecutive pass outcomes before the bonus bet termination
event.
25. The method of claim 18 further comprising displaying payoff
amounts to be paid to wagering players for bonus outcomes having
different predetermined numbers of consecutive pass outcomes.
26. The method of claim 18 wherein the payoff amount to be paid to
wagering players is zero for bonus outcomes having a number of
consecutive number of pass outcomes less than a predetermined
minimum number.
27. The method of claim 18 wherein the bonus bet is resolved upon
the bonus bet termination event.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/821,800, filed Aug. 8, 2006, entitled "Bonus
Craps Gaming," which is incorporated herein by reference.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] Portions of this patent application include materials that
are subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no
objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent
document itself, or of the patent application as it appears in the
files of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, but
otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever in such included
copyrighted materials.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of
gaming, and more specifically to the field of games of chance using
dice involving wagering.
[0004] The well-known dice game of craps is played using a pair of
six-sided die, where each side of a die is associated uniquely with
a numeric value from 1 to 6. The game is played upon a table
bearing wagering indicia for players to place bets and for the
casino to track status of certain betting-related events. One
player is designated to throw the dice, and that player is called
the "shooter." The craps table also generally defines a recessed
volume bounded by surrounding side walls that allows thrown dice to
impact and recoil from the walls, and come to rest on the gaming
surface. The game is played in rounds, and the initial dice roll in
a round is called the "come out" roll. A round may end in one of
two ways. First, on the come out roll, if the sum of the values
shown on the top of the rolled dice totals 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12, the
round is immediately ended. In this one-roll round scenario, the
shooter loses if a 2, 3, or 12 was rolled, and wins, or "passes" if
a total of 7 or 11 was rolled. Second, if the value of the rolled
dice on the come out roll totals 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number
is called the "point," and the round continues by the shooter
throwing the dice until either the point value is reached
(whereupon the shooter wins, or "passes") or a die roll totaling
seven occurs (whereupon the shooter loses by "sevening out"). When
a shooter sevens out, traditionally the dice are transferred to
another player who then becomes the new shooter.
[0005] In casino craps, a wide variety of bets are available for
players to consider. Craps tables are typically marked with betting
areas for players to place bets, or in some cases, casino personnel
assist players by placing bets for them. Some bets are resolved
upon particular die combinations or face values appearing on a
roll, other bets (such as "pass line" or "don't pass line" bets)
are not resolved until a round is ended. However, although craps
games are exciting and fast-paced, payoffs for bets made in prior
art casino craps games do not change over time as more die rolls
are thrown. The players' enjoyment of the game would increase
tremendously if such an option were available, and likewise, the
amount of income obtained by the casino would appreciate
accordingly if a bet that varied by round were available to
players.
[0006] What is needed is a variation of the game of craps that
increases player interest and participation while incentivizing
players to place additional bets. What is also needed is a new
wagering option that offers a payout that varies as a craps game is
played. What is also needed is a mechanism for the casino to keep
track of game parameters that affect such variable payoff craps
wagers. What is further needed is an apparatus for players to
readily determine what payout is being offered for the
state-variable condition of a craps game. What is also needed is a
game variation of craps that increases player excitement thereby
recruiting new players to a game. It is an object of the present
invention to an apparatus and method that meets these needs.
[0007] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be
apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and
combinations pointed out in the appended claims.
SUMMARY
[0008] To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the
purposes of the invention as embodied and broadly described in this
document, there is provided a craps game apparatus that includes a
craps game layout and means for generating a plurality of dice role
outcomes. Each dice role outcome yields an integer number from 2
through 12. The craps game layout has a pass line wagering area for
receiving a bet on a pass outcome. The pass outcome occurs when a
dice roll outcome yields an established point number before an
outcome of the number 7. The apparatus also includes means for
receiving a bet on a bonus outcome based on a sequence of the dice
roll outcomes. The bonus outcome occurs when the sequence of dice
roll outcomes includes a predetermined number of consecutive pass
outcomes before an outcome of the number 7. The craps game
apparatus can include means for tracking the number of consecutive
pass outcomes before an outcome of the number 7. The craps game
layout can be implemented on a craps table, or it can be generated
by a computer.
[0009] According to one advantageous embodiment, the means for
receiving the bet on a bonus outcome includes a bonus wagering
location included in the craps game layout. The means for receiving
the bet on a bonus outcome also can include indicia marked on the
craps game layout for a player to indicate an intent to make a
wager on a bonus outcome. The craps game apparatus can include
means for displaying the payoff amounts to be paid to wagering
players for bonus outcomes having different predetermined numbers
of consecutive pass outcomes.
[0010] A method for conducting a craps game according to the
invention includes: generating a plurality of dice role outcomes,
wherein each dice role outcome yields an integer number from 2
through 12; receiving a bet on a pass outcome, wherein the pass
outcome occurs when a dice roll outcome yields an established point
number before an outcome of the number 7; and receiving a bet on a
bonus outcome based on a sequence of the dice roll outcomes,
wherein the bonus outcome occurs when the sequence of dice roll
outcomes includes a predetermined number of consecutive pass
outcomes before an outcome of the number 7.
[0011] According to one advantageous method, the bonus bet is
received before a first dice roll outcome of the sequence of dice
roll outcomes. The bonus bet may be in accordance with
predetermined minimum amount and/or maximum amounts. The method can
include displaying payoff amounts to be paid to wagering players
after the bonus outcome occurs for different predetermined numbers
of consecutive pass outcomes. The payoff amount to be paid to
wagering players can be zero for bonus outcomes having a number of
consecutive pass outcomes less than a predetermined minimum number.
The bonus bet can be resolved after the occurrence of one or more
consecutive pass outcomes immediately followed by the outcome of
the number 7.
[0012] According to another method of conducting a craps game
according to the invention, the bonus outcome occurs when the
sequence of dice roll outcomes includes a predetermined number of
consecutive pass outcomes before a bonus bet termination event. The
bonus bet termination event can include the occurrence of one or
more consecutive pass outcomes immediately followed by the outcome
of the number 7 (i.e., a "seven out") or the occurrence of one of
the numbers 2, 3 or 12 on a come out dice roll (i.e., a "crap
out")
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate the presently
preferred embodiments and methods of the invention, and together
with the general description given above and the detailed
description of the preferred embodiments and methods given below,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary surface of a craps
table layout according to one implementation;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a close-up view representing a partial central
area of the layout shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 an illustration of an exemplary implementation of a
first bonus wagering location layout;
[0017] FIG. 4 an illustration of an exemplary implementation of a
second bonus wagering location layout; and
[0018] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method
according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION
[0019] This disclosure presents implementations of bonus craps
gaming that overcome the abovementioned drawbacks or shortcomings.
The implementations provide for a bonus bet in a casino craps game
that provides for a payout that varies as the game is played. A
disclosed gaming apparatus advantageously enables the play of a
game of craps with the bonus bet system, either electronically or
by conventional manual means. Implementations provide methods of
placing and tracking a bonus bet when the game of craps is being
played remotely through computerized and/or networked means.
[0020] In one implementation, a method follows the general format
and play order of a traditional craps game utilizing two dice, but
provides for a bonus betting option and a means of tracking the
number of successful rounds of die throws (or "passes") that are
achieved by a shooter before that shooter sevens out. The bonus bet
is an optional wager made by any of the players in a craps game,
including the shooter, that the shooter will accrue a predetermined
number of passes before "sevening-out." In an alternate embodiment,
the threshold for bonus bet payouts is tracked by the number of
consecutive passes that are made until the shooter sevens out or
until the shooter loses a come out roll by obtaining a combined die
roll value of 2, 3, or 12 (also called "crapping out").
[0021] In another implementation, the bonus bet craps game may be
implemented electronically. A gaming machine may host a virtual
craps game, and in addition to offering traditional craps rules to
a player, a bonus bet option may be presented at the initial come
out roll period, whereby the player is prompted to enter a bonus
bet. Game play proceeds as above, with the host gaming computer
accruing the number of passes until a seven-out condition occurs.
At this point, bets are resolved, and then if a predetermined
number of passes was reached before the seven-out occurred, the
player is paid in accordance with a predetermined pay table. Those
of skill in the art also recognize that the host gaming computer
may allow multiple online players, whether real or virtual, to
participate in an online craps game where a communications medium
such as the Internet provides connectivity between at least the
gaming machine and one or more players.
[0022] Turning to FIG. 5 (and with reference to betting locations
110, 120 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4), an implementation 500 of a
bonus craps game begins 501 with selection of a shooter for an
initial come out roll 502. Before the shooter rolls for the first
time (the shooter's initial "come out" roll), players are prompted
503 to place any optional bonus bets by placing one or more betting
tokens, chips, or other wagering indicia on designated locations
110, 120 on the craps table layout 100, or utilizing an alternative
betting indicia such as pushing or clicking a button that
represents an intent to place a bonus bet. Those of skill in the
art may recognize that the betting circle layouts shown in FIGS. 3
and 4 may be one of many orientations of betting placements to be
applied to a craps table layout such in the locations 110, 120
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Also before the shooter's first roll, a
counter that indicates the number of accrued passes is reset 503.
Bonus bets are placed in accordance with the game's predetermined
minimum and maximum bets in betting placements such as those shown
in FIGS. 3 and 4. In one implementation, once the bonus bets are
placed, they may not be cancelled or removed until the shooter
sevens out. In another implementation, after the shooter first
throws the dice, no further bonus bets may be placed.
[0023] After announcing that the opportunity for placing bonus bets
has passed, play proceeds in substantial accordance with
conventional or standard craps rules. Before the come out roll 505,
players may place conventional craps bets if they have not already
done so, and the shooter then throws the dice or otherwise takes
action to generate an appropriate random number outcome. As in
accordance with conventional craps rules, the total value of the
dice is considered 507, and if the roll value (or totals of the
"up" numbers on the dice) on the initial throw of a round is a 7 or
11, the shooter is said to "pass" (or win) 509. In the case of such
a win, non-bonus bets are resolved in accordance with conventional
craps rules 511, then if bonus bets are in play, that is, if bets
have been placed and a bonus bet termination condition has not
occurred, then the bonus bet counter is incremented 515 and play
continues with the shooter making another come out roll 505. If no
bonus bets were in play 513, then the game merely continues with
the come out roll 505.
[0024] Continuing with FIG. 5, 507, assuming that a 7 or 11 roll
value had not occurred on the come out roll, the roll value is
compared 517 to the values of 2, 3, and 12. If one of a 2, 3, or 12
was rolled, then the shooter is said to have "crapped out," or lost
519. In the case of a crap out, bets are resolved 521 in accordance
with conventional craps game rules. In one implementation of the
game, crapping out may be considered a bonus bet termination event,
and optionally, bonus bets would be resolved at this time 523 (also
preventing further incrementing of value of the pass counter,
discussed in more detail below). Whether under the optional
resolution rules 523 or not, under conventional craps rules, while
the shooter has crapped out or otherwise lost the round, the
shooter typically retains control of the dice to shoot again in a
new come out roll 505 after wagers have been resolved and new bets
placed.
[0025] Returning to FIG. 5, and assuming on the come out roll that
none of the roll values of 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12 were thrown by the
shooter, a "point" value is recorded 525. The shooter then will
preferably continue to roll the dice or otherwise generate a roll
value indicia 527, until either producing a roll value that is
equal to the point value ("making" the point) or equal to 7. If the
shooter made the point 529, the shooter has passed 509, and the
conventional or standard craps bets are resolved 511, and if bonus
bets are in play 513, the pass counter is incremented 515. Players
then make conventional craps bets before the next round begins, and
then the shooter begins the new round with a come out roll 505.
[0026] If when attempting to roll for point 531, the shooter had
not rolled the point or a 7, then the shooter merely shoots again
527. Otherwise, if the shooter had rolled a 7 while attempting to
roll for point 531, then the shooter is considered to have "sevened
out" 533, and the round and the shooter's tenure is considered at
an end. In the case of a seven out, conventional craps bets are
resolved 535, and then bonus bets, if any are in play, are finally
resolved as discussed in more detail below, using the current point
count. In one embodiment, sevening out constitutes a bonus bet
termination event that causes the point counter to no longer be
incremented and requires bonus bets to be resolved. After bet
resolution from a seven-out 537, in most conventional craps games a
new shooter is selected 502 (although under some conditions the
same shooter may continue rolling in a new come out roll). In some
instances, the game may be ended before a new shooter begins
599.
[0027] It can be seen by those reviewing FIG. 5 and the description
herein, that for each pass that occurs before a shooter sevens out,
and where a bonus bet termination event had not occurred during the
shooter's tenure, a pass counter is incremented. The pass count
thus continues to be incremented on each succeeding pass before the
bonus wager termination condition (a seven out, for instance).
Those of skill in the art recognize that such a counter could
comprise any number of means to keep track of and present the
current pass count to players, such as a flip chart that resides on
or near the craps table and is manipulated by casino personnel,
such flip chart bearing an indicia showing the current number of
passes that have accrued. Alternatively, the consecutive pass
counter may be implemented by one or more electronic displays
visible to all players and casino table staff. In this later
implementation, casino staff may use an electronic means such as
pressing a button to increment or reset the pass counter. One
exemplary embodiment may be a wall counter typically in use in
delicatessens or other customer service areas, where a number may
be incremented or reset by a staff person's press of a button.
[0028] In an optional implementation described above, the bonus
wager termination condition may occur at either a seven out or
other loss by the shooter during any come out roll. Put another
way, once a player loses under conventional craps rules (either by
rolling a 2, 3 or 12 total on the first roll or by rolling a 7
before making point) then in this implementation a bonus
termination condition is reached. As a result, in this
implementation, the pass count for bonus bets will only be
incremented for consecutive passes made by the shooter without
intervening losses. As before, once the bonus wager termination
condition is reached, after conventional craps bets are resolved
the bonus wagers are resolved according to a pay table. This pay
table illustrates the amount of winnings provided to a player based
on the number of consecutive passes achieved by the player before
losing or sevening out. In one implementation, if the shooter did
not achieve at least five consecutive passes, no winnings are
provided, but after five consecutive passes, bettors are
remunerated with an increasingly larger payout based upon the
number of passes accrued during the shooter's current tenure before
seven-out.
[0029] Also provided for is an apparatus for supporting the placing
of the side bet and executing a game to track and pay side bets at
appropriate times. In one exemplary implementation, a craps table
layout 100 is provided with betting locations for players to place
bonus bets 110, 120, in addition to traditional craps bets. Indicia
such as arrangements of betting circles (see FIG. 3; FIG. 4) are
provided in areas 110, 120 marked upon the craps table layout 100
(or otherwise provided on an electronic version of the bonus craps
game) for players to indicate an intent to wager money for a bonus
bet as described above. A mechanism, such as a flip chart or
electronic counter display (not shown) is also provided to keep
track of and display to players and casino personnel the number of
passes achieved by a shooter. Also provided is a display, either
electronic, printed on the table, or on a sign located in proximity
to the table, that provides the payoff amounts that are given to
wagering players when a certain number of consecutive passes are
achieved.
[0030] An example of such a payoff table may be seen in Table 1
below. In one embodiment, an electronic display that shows the
consecutive pass count also displays the current payoff for the
bonus bet, and shows the amounts that could be won by players if
the next round results in a pass. In this manner, potential bonus
bet players are incentivized to join the craps game and/or to place
a bonus bet at the next opportunity (e.g. before the next shooter's
initial come out roll). Also provided for in an implementation for
the electronic display of consecutive point count and payout
schedules is a means for casino personnel to reset the point count
upon a player's loss or seven out. This means may be provided, for
instance, by a reset button mounted in proximity to the craps table
and accessible by casino personnel. A push of the reset button can
provide an electrical signal to a digital circuit indicating reset
of a counter to a value of zero (or to some other number specified
by the casino, such as may be needed if correction were necessary
from an error was made in accruing the pass count). Also provided
could be a keyboard, touch screen, our other data entry device for
manipulating the value of the accrued pass count stored in an
electronic circuit and being displayed on an electronic
display.
[0031] In another implementation, players need not wait for the
next shooter's first come out roll to place a bonus bet, but
instead, a bonus bet may be placed by a player at a time after the
shooter's initial come out roll (a "late" bonus bet). Such players
may be motivated to place a late bet because they joined the game
in the middle of the shooter's action, or if they had not placed a
bonus bet initially but the shooter appears to be having "a hot
streak." In this implementation, in addition to the overall table
pass counter described above, a separate pass count is maintained
for each late-betting player, and the pass counts are accrued for
those players on each subsequent pass after the late bet was
placed. As in other embodiments described herein, the bonus bet
termination condition initiates resolution of the bonus bets for
all players, whether entering late or not, but the amount of
accrued passes used for calculation of payouts for late entering
players will always be less than or equal to the overall table pass
count. Those of skill in the art recognize that the separate
late-entry tracking could be provided by having a pass count token
or pass count indicia assigned to each late-entering player,
wherein the token or indicia displays the current pass count at
that player's entry to the game. Such a token could be placed under
that player's bet on the table, and used by the casino staff on
calculating any payoff to that player at the appropriate time.
Resolution of a late-entry players' personal pass count may thus be
achieved by subtracting the value borne by that player's late entry
pass count token or indicia from the overall table's pass count and
utilizing the derived number as the basis for determining the
payout from the payout table. Those of skill in the art also
recognize that each individual player's late entry pass count may
be maintained by a digital circuit, and the value of that pass
count may be displayed at that player's position on the table on an
electronic display, or on a computer or electronic screen for
players participating in a networked or computer-based version of
the game.
[0032] As described above, bonus bets are resolved upon a bonus bet
termination condition occurring, for example, by the shooter
sevening out, or optionally, by a shooter crapping out on a come
out roll. Bonus bets are generally resolved after the conventional
craps bets for the table have been resolved, but optionally may be
resolved concurrently with or before conventional or standard craps
bets are resolved. As an exemplary implementation, Table 1 below
illustrates the amount of winnings payable to a player who has bet
on a bonus round, which varies by the game variant and the maximum
number of accrued passes has been reached as shown in the "Throws"
column. Versions A-G represent several possible nonlimiting
examples of payout schedules for different game variants. As an
example, but not by way of limitation, in version C of the game
illustrated in Table 1, if the shooter had thrown only 4 successful
passes before sevening out, the table shows that the bonus bet is a
"loss" and therefore the player loses the bonus bet wager. However,
assuming again a Version C game, if the shooter had thrown 9 passes
before a bonus bet termination condition such as a seven out
occurred, the player would be paid 15 to 1 on the bonus bet wager.
Those of skill in the art recognize that many different variants of
payouts are possible, and if bonus bet termination conditions
change, the payout tables may change accordingly to incentivize
players and sufficiently remunerate the casino. TABLE-US-00001
TABLE 1 Exemplary Payout Table for Game Variants Throws Version A
Version B Version C Version D Version E Version F Version G 0 loss
loss loss loss loss loss loss 1 loss loss loss loss loss loss loss
2 loss loss loss loss loss loss loss 3 loss loss loss loss loss
loss loss 4 loss loss loss loss loss loss loss 5 5 to 1 loss 5 to 1
5 to 1 loss 5 to 1 5 to 1 6 5 to 1 5 to 1 5 to 1 5 to 1 5 to 1 5 to
1 5 to 1 7 10 to 1 5 to 1 7 to 1 10 to 1 5 to 1 7 to 1 7 to 1 8 10
to 1 10 to 1 7 to 1 10 to 1 15 to 1 10 to 1 7 to 1 9 25 to 1 10 to
1 15 to 1 25 to 1 15 to 1 10 to 1 25 to 1 10 25 to 1 25 to 1 25 to
1 25 to 1 30 to 1 25 to 1 25 to 1 11 50 to 1 25 to 1 25 to 1 50 to
1 30 to 1 25 to 1 50 to 1 12 50 to 1 50 to 1 50 to 1 50 to 1 75 to
1 50 to 1 50 to 1 13 100 to 1 50 to 1 50 to 1 50 to 1 75 to 1 50 to
1 100 to 1 14 100 to 1 100 to 1 100 to 1 50 to 1 250 to 1 100 to 1
100 to 1 15 1000 to 1 100 to 1 100 to 1 1000 to 1 1000 to 1 100 to
1 1000 to 1 16 1000 to 1 1000 to 1 1000 to 1 1000 to 1 1000 to 1
100 to 1 1000 to 1 17 2000 to 1 1000 to 1 1000 to 1 1000 to 1 1000
to 1 2000 to 1 2000 to 1 18 2000 to 1 2000 to 1 2000 to 1 1000 to 1
1000 to 1 2000 to 1 2000 to 1 19 2000 to 1 2000 to 1 2000 to 1 1000
to 1 1000 to 1 2000 to 1 2000 to 1 20+ 5000 to 1 5000 to 1 5000 to
1 5000 to 1 5000 to 1 5000 to 1 5000 to 1
[0033] In yet another implementation, a tournament-style adaptation
of bonus craps gaming is presented. In a tournament-style bonus bet
craps implementation, an interval of time is identified where
multiple craps games with multiple shooters will be observed to
identify certain shooting performance parameters. For example, but
not by way of limitation, during a tournament-style implementation,
the players who achieved the highest pass counts during their
shooting tenures will be identified and tracked, and at the end of
the tournament period, the players with the highest pass counts
overall will be provided a prize or monetary award. Those of skill
in the art recognize that the tournament implementation could be
performed concurrent with or in place of the other implementation
disclosed herein. In another variant, the highest point count
during the period of the tournament is displayed for all players in
all participating games to see, and if a shooter successfully
exceeds the point value displayed, a reward is provided to that
player. In yet another variant of the tournament rules, daily point
count winners (the person or persons with the highest point counts
during a day of play) are tracked over a period of time, for
example a week, and the highest daily winner over the period of
time could receive additional prizes or remuneration. In another
alternative, high point count winners could be invited to a game to
participate in a shootout, wherein the player with the winning
outcome (such as obtaining a new high point count) would receive a
substantial reward.
[0034] Having read this disclosure, it will also be understood by
those having skill in the art that the present invention may be
embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit
or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be
considered in all respects only as illustrative and not
restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by
the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All
changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of
the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
* * * * *