U.S. patent application number 11/556922 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-08 for gaming system and method providing a multi-player game having an auction for determining player actions in the game.
This patent application is currently assigned to IGT. Invention is credited to Anthony J. Baerlocher, Joseph R. Hedrick, Michael N. Low.
Application Number | 20080108401 11/556922 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39360325 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080108401 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baerlocher; Anthony J. ; et
al. |
May 8, 2008 |
GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A MULTI-PLAYER GAME HAVING AN
AUCTION FOR DETERMINING PLAYER ACTIONS IN THE GAME
Abstract
In one embodiment, the gaming system is configured to provide a
Bacarrat game including an auction in which players on each of a
plurality of gaming devices can wager on a banker hand and a player
hand, which is configured such that (a) the gaming device of the
plurality of gaming devices placing the largest banker bet
thereafter displays a generation of the banker hand of the bacarrat
game, and (b) the gaming device of the plurality of gaming devices
placing the largest player bet thereafter displays a generation of
the player hand of the bacarrat game.
Inventors: |
Baerlocher; Anthony J.;
(Reno, NV) ; Low; Michael N.; (Sparks, NV)
; Hedrick; Joseph R.; (Reno, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BELL, BOYD & LLOYD LLP
P.O. Box 1135
CHICAGO
IL
60690
US
|
Assignee: |
IGT
Reno
NV
|
Family ID: |
39360325 |
Appl. No.: |
11/556922 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3272 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/12 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming system comprising: a game; a plurality of gaming
devices, each gaming device configured to enable a player to play
the game; and at least one processor operable with the plurality of
gaming devices, said processor programmed to: (a) control a wager
sequence in which each gaming device enables the player of said
gaming device to wager at least one of a plurality of different
wager amounts on a play of the game, and (b) based at least in part
on the wager amounts made by the players of said gaming devices on
said play of the game: (i) determine which player of said play of
the game won the wager sequence, and (ii) cause the gaming device
of said winning player to enable the player to make at least one
input in said play of the game which cannot be made by other
players of said play of the game.
2. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the at least one input
does not influence an outcome of said play of the game.
3. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the at least one input
influences an outcome of said play of the game.
4. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the determination of which
player of said play of the game won the wager sequence is based at
least in part on which player made a highest wager.
5. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the player the
determination of which player of said play of the game won the
wager sequence is based at least in part on which player made a
highest wager on a designated type of bet for said play of the
game.
6. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor
is programmed to automatically enable the players of said gaming
devices to wager on said play of the game immediately after a
previous play of the game.
7. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the game is a baccarat
game.
8. The gaming system of claim 7, wherein processor is programmed to
control the wager sequence by enabling the player of said gaming
device to wager at least one of: a banker bet, a player bet and a
tie bet on a play of the baccarat game.
9. The gaming system of claim 8, wherein for said play of the
baccarat game, the processor is programmed to cause a first one of
the gaming devices with the largest banker bet in the wager
sequence to first display at least an initial portion of a
generation of the banker hand of said play of the bacarrat game
before the other gaming devices.
10. The gaming system of claim 8, wherein for said play of the
baccarat game, the processor is programmed to cause a second one of
the gaming devices with the largest player bet to first display at
least an initial portion of a generation of the player hand of said
play of the bacarrat game before the other gaming devices.
11. The gaming system of claim 9, wherein for said play of the
baccarat game, the processor is programmed to cause a second one of
the gaming devices with the largest player bet to first display at
least an initial portion of a generation of the player hand of said
play of the bacarrat game before the other gaming devices.
12. The gaming system of claim 11, which includes a shared video
screen configured to show at least one of: (i) which gaming device
is the first gaming device; (ii) the bet placed by the first gaming
device; (iii) which gaming device is the second gaming device; (iv)
the bet placed by the second gaming device; (v) results of the
banker and player hand generations; (vi) whether either of the
banker or player hands is dealt a third card; and (vii) each bet
placed by each gaming device.
13. The gaming system of claim 8, wherein each of the gaming
devices includes a video screen configured to perform at least one
of: (i) input one or more of a player, banker and the bet; (ii)
display an amount of credits remaining; (iii) display a total bet
wagered; (iv) display a time remaining for the wager sequence; and
(v) enable at least one bet to be cleared.
14. The gaming system of claim 11, wherein each gaming device
includes a video screen, and wherein the initial portion of the
banker hand and player hand includes a set of playing cards is
displayed face-down on the video screens of the first and second
gaming devices, the playing cards individually selectable to form
the banker and player hands.
15. The gaming system of claim 14, which is configured to run a
sequence in which at least one of the following occurs: (i) playing
cards selected to form the banker hand are revealed on the video
screen of the first gaming device displaying before being revealed
on the video screen of any other gaming device; and (ii) playing
cards selected to form the player hand are revealed on the video
screen of the second gaming device before being revealed on the
video screen of any other gaming device.
16. The gaming system of claim 8, which is configured to
automatically generate the banker hand or the player hand if no
banker bet or player bet is wagered, respectively.
17. A gaming system comprising: a game including a plurality of
symbols; a plurality of gaming devices, each gaming device
configured to enable a player to play the game; and at least one
processor operable with the plurality of gaming devices, said
processor programmed to: (a) control an wager sequence in which
each gaming device enables the player of said gaming device to
wager at least one of a plurality of different wager amounts on a
play of the game, and (b) based at least in part on the wager
amounts made by the players of said gaming devices on said play of
the game: (i) determine which player of said play of the game won
the wager sequence, and (ii) cause the gaming device of said
winning player to display at least one output of said play of the
game to said winning player before the other gaming devices display
said at least one output to the other players of said play of the
game.
18. The gaming system of claim 17, wherein the output is at least
one symbol.
19. The gaming system of claim 18, wherein the at least one symbol
is on a playing card.
20. The gaming system of claim 17, wherein the determination of
which player of said play of the game won the wager sequence is
based at least in part on which player made a highest wager.
21. The gaming system of claim 17, wherein the player the
determination of which player of said play of the game won the
wager sequence is based at least in part on which player made a
highest wager on a designated type of bet for said play of the
game.
22. The gaming system of claim 17, wherein the at least one
processor is programmed to automatically enable the players of said
gaming devices to wager on said play of the game immediately after
a previous play of the game.
23. The gaming system of claim 17, wherein the game is a baccarat
game.
24. The gaming system of claim 23, wherein processor is programmed
to control the wager sequence by enabling the player of said gaming
device to wager at least one of: a banker bet, a player bet and a
tie bet on a play of the baccarat game.
25. The gaming system of claim 24, wherein for said play of the
baccarat game, the processor is programmed to cause a first one of
the gaming devices with the largest banker bet in the wager
sequence to first display at least an initial portion of a
generation of the banker hand of said play of the bacarrat game
before the other gaming devices.
26. The gaming system of claim 24, wherein for said play of the
baccarat game, the processor is programmed to cause a second one of
the gaming devices with the largest player bet to first display at
least an initial portion of a generation of the player hand of said
play of the bacarrat game before the other gaming devices.
27. The gaming system of claim 25, wherein for said play of the
baccarat game, the processor is programmed to cause a second one of
the gaming devices with the largest player bet to first display at
least an initial portion of a generation of the player hand of said
play of the bacarrat game before the other gaming devices.
28. The gaming system of claim 27, which includes a shared video
screen configured to show at least one of: (i) which gaming device
is the first gaming device; (ii) the bet placed by the first gaming
device; (iii) which gaming device is the second gaming device; (iv)
the bet placed by the second gaming device; (v) results of the
banker and player hand generations; (vi) whether either of the
banker or player hands is dealt a third card; and (vii) each bet
placed by each gaming device.
29. The gaming system of claim 23, wherein each of the gaming
devices includes a video screen configured to perform at least one
of: (i) input one or more of a player, banker and the bet; (ii)
display an amount of credits remaining; (iii) display a total bet
wagered; (iv) display a time remaining for the wager sequence; and
(v) enable at least one bet to be cleared.
30. The gaming system of claim 25, wherein each gaming device
includes a video screen, and wherein the initial portion of the
banker hand and player hand includes a set of playing cards is
displayed face-down on the video screens of the first and second
gaming devices, the playing cards individually selectable to form
the banker and player hands.
31. The gaming system of claim 30, which is configured to run a
sequence in which at least one of the following occurs: (i) playing
cards selected to form the banker hand are revealed on the video
screen of the first gaming device displaying before being revealed
on the video screen of any other gaming device; and (ii) playing
cards selected to form the player hand are revealed on the video
screen of the second gaming device before being revealed on the
video screen of any other gaming device.
32. The gaming system of claim 23, which is configured to
automatically generate the banker hand or the player hand if no
banker bet or player bet is wagered, respectively.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The embodiments described herein relate to gaming systems
and methods providing a multi-player game having an auction for
determining player actions in the multi-player game.
[0002] Various multi-player wagering games such as Blackjack (also
known as Twenty-One), Pai Gow Poker, and Let it Ride.RTM. Poker are
well known. In these wagering games, the players each play against
the dealer. Each of the players make decisions in the game about
their hands such as when to request additional cards (Blackjack),
how to arrange their cards into two hands (Pai Gow Poker), and
which bets to continue to risk (Let it Ride.RTM. Poker). In each of
these games, the players have a relatively high degree of
involvement in the game and their decisions affect their individual
outcomes. Many of the player decisions in these games do not affect
the outcomes of the other players. Certain of the player decisions
in these games may also affect the outcomes of other players. For
example, in Blackjack, if the player positioned directly before the
dealer takes a card, the dealer will receive a different card if
the dealer subsequently takes a card. In these and other
multi-player games having a relatively high degree of interaction,
there are still many functions or steps in the game that one or
more of the players are not enabled to perform (e.g., turning over
the dealer cards).
[0003] In other known multi-player games, after the player makes a
wager, each of the player's interactions or decisions in the game
are very limited. In many known multi-player games, after the
player makes a wager, the player makes no further decisions which
change or influence the outcome of the game for that player (or for
other players). In many known multi-player games, after the player
makes a wager, the player takes no further action in the game.
Roulefte is an example mulit-player game wherein the player takes
no additional action after placing the wager.
[0004] Baccarat is another example of a multi-player game wherein
the players actions are limited in the game, and thus will be used
as an example throughout this disclosure. It should be appreciated
that the present disclosure is not limited to Baccarat and may be
implemented with any suitable multi-player game disclosed herein or
otherwise known. The play of conventional Baccarat includes a
single player hand and a single banker hand. Each player bets on
either of the player hand or the banker hand before the playing
cards of the hands are dealt. After the playing cards are dealt,
the hand with the units digit value total closest to nine wins.
Each of the players can also bet that a tie will occur between the
player hand and the banker hand. The player can thus make multiple
bets.
[0005] More specifically, conventional American Baccarat is played
at a casino table having two identical ends and a middle area for
the "croupier" or "caller." Usually, up to fourteen players can sit
at the table. The player's position at the table does not affect
play whatsoever. Each player position has three betting areas,
which correspond to the "banker," "player," and "tie" bets.
[0006] Three dealers typically service each Baccarat table. The
dealer standing between positions one and fifteen (thirteen is
eliminated) is known as the "caller" or "croupier." This dealer
directs play of the game and makes calls on the hands. The two
other dealers service players one through seven, and eight through
fourteen, respectively. These dealers make payouts to winning
players and collect losing wagers. In some versions, the table also
includes an area having numbered boxes, which track how much
commission each player owes the dealer or house.
[0007] Regardless of the number of players at the table, only two
hands are dealt (i.e., the banker hand and the player hand). The
players each make their individual bets before the two hands are
dealt. Each of the bets can be any amount ranging from the table
minimum to the table maximum. In one version, the Baccarat table
game is played with six or eight decks of standard playing cards
(each including fifty-two playing cards). One of the dealers
shuffles the playing cards and places the playing cards in a box
called a "shoe."
[0008] In one version, the dealing rotates player-by-player by
passing the shoe counterclockwise around the table, enabling each
player to represent the "banker" or the banker hand. In one
version, the same player continues to deal as long as the banker
hand wins. It should be appreciated that even though the player
with the shoe represents the banker hand, that player is not
obligated to bet on the banker hand, does not pay out wins to other
players, and does not otherwise function as the banker and the
gaming establishment or casino remains the true banker. That is,
the player's role as the banker is ceremonial. In this version, the
croupier instructs the player representing the banker regarding if
and when to deal playing cards and announces the winning hand.
[0009] In most versions of Baccarat, the player that wagers the
largest amount on the player hand has the honor of representing or
playing the player hand. This is often considered a position of
respect. Thus, the player who bet the highest amount on the player
hand is dealt the player hand cards, though he or she simply turns
these cards over to reveal their total value. It should be
appreciated that the actions by the player acting as the banker and
the player turning over the player hand cards do not affect the
outcome of the game for themselves or for any of the other players.
These positions are positions of ceremony and respect and part of
the tradition of the game. It should be further appreciated that
other multi-player games besides Baccarat have many traditions and
procedures, some of which affect game outcomes and some of which do
not affect game outcomes.
[0010] In one version of Baccarat game play, four playing cards are
dealt face-down. The first playing card is dealt to the player hand
by one of the dealers taking a card from the dealing player and
passing it to the player of the player hand. The second playing
card is dealt to the banker hand and is placed next to the shoe.
The third playing card is dealt to the player hand. The fourth
playing card is dealt to the banker hand.
[0011] In one version of Baccarat, the player with the player hand
looks at the playing cards first and then passes them to the dealer
who announces the hand value and places the playing cards on an
area of the table marked "PLAYERS." The same procedure occurs with
the banker hand. The player who acts as the banker looks at the
playing cards and passes them to the dealer, which are then placed
on the "BANKERS" area of the table.
[0012] Playing card values in Baccarat are as follows: (i) tens and
face cards (i.e., jacks, queens, and kings) are worth zero; (ii)
aces are worth one; and (iii) two through nine are worth their
respective values. Playing card suits generally have no function in
calculating the hand values in Baccarat.
[0013] The hands are totaled by summing the values of the
respective cards. If the total of the hand exceeds ten, the ten's
digit is ignored and only the one's digit is relevant. For example,
if the first two playing cards dealt are Jack and four, the hand
value or count is four. If the first two playing cards dealt are an
eight and six, totaling fourteen, the ten's digit is ignored and
the count is again four.
[0014] The highest total any baccarat hand can have is nine. A two
playing card total of nine is called a "natural" and cannot lose
(because at worst a tie occurs with the dealer). An eight is the
second best hand and is also called a natural. If both the banker
hand and player hand are dealt hands with the same total, a
standoff or tie occurs and neither banker hand nor player hand
wins.
[0015] After receiving two playing cards, if either the player hand
or the banker hand has a total of eight or nine, both hands stand
(i.e., they do not receive any other cards). There is no exception
to this rule, and this rule overrides all other rules including the
rules set forth below.
[0016] After receiving two playing cards, if the player hand has a
total of six or seven, the player hand stands and the banker hand
receives a third playing card if the banker's hand has a total of
five or less.
[0017] After receiving two playing cards, if the player hand has a
total of five or less, the player hand automatically takes a third
playing card.
[0018] If the player hand receives a third playing card, the banker
hand draws a third playing card according to the following rules:
[0019] (i) if the banker hand has a total of zero, one or two, the
banker hand always draws a third playing card; [0020] (ii) if the
banker hand has a total of three, the banker hand draws a third
playing card if the player hand three card total is a zero, one,
two, three, four, five, six, seven or nine (but not eight); [0021]
(iii) if the banker hand has a total of four, the banker hand draws
a third playing card if the player hand three card total is two,
three, four, five, six or seven; [0022] (iv) if the banker hand has
a total of five, the banker hand draws a third playing card if the
player hand three card total is a four, five, six or seven; [0023]
(v) if the banker hand has a total of six, the banker hand draws a
third playing card if the player hand three card total is six or
seven; and [0024] (vi) if the banker hand has a total of seven, the
banker hand always stands.
[0025] After the final playing cards are dealt, the scores of the
player hand and banker hand are compared. The winning hand is the
hand that holds two or three playing cards totaling closest to
nine. If a tie occurs, in one version, bets on the banker hand or
player hand are returned to the players.
[0026] Thus, if either hand has a total of eight or nine, that play
of the game is called a "natural" and no more cards are dealt. If
the play of the game is not a natural, then the above rules apply.
The decision when to deal a third card follows this precise rules
set used by virtually all casinos. Thus, the only player decision
that affects or influences the outcome for the player in Baccarat
is how much to bet and where to place the bet. After a bet has been
placed, there are no opportunities for any further decisions by the
player because both the banker hand and the player hand are dealt
according to the above rules. Thus, the actions by the players
"playing" the hands do not affect the outcomes of the games.
[0027] In one version of Baccarat: (a) even money is paid to the
player for a winning bet placed on the banker hand less a five
percent commission for the casino; (b) even money is paid to the
player for a winning bet placed on the player hand (i.e., no
commission is taken by the casino for a win on the player hand);
and (c) down 8:1 is paid to the player for a tie bet. Various
versions have different pay out schedules such as 9:1 for a tie bet
win.
[0028] In one Asian version of Baccarat, the shoe of playing cards
is not passed. In another version, the player who places the
highest bet on the banker hand has the shoe. In other versions, a
dealer maintains the shoe. In one version: (a) the first two
playing cards are dealt to the player hand and then flipped over;
and (b) the second two cards are dealt to the banker hand and then
flipped over. In one version, for additional cards, the player who
bet the most on the player hand can pass on a dealt face-down card
for the next dealt face-down card. In one Asian version, the player
showing or flipping the playing cards literally slowly bends and
squeezes each of the face-down cards when turning over or flipping
the playing cards. Due to this bending, each deck of cards is only
used once and a new deck is used for each play of the game.
[0029] It should thus be understood that there is much tradition,
honor, and respect in Baccarat. This becomes part of the play and
allure of the game for many players. To enhance this allure, play
areas are often roped-off to separate them from the rest of the
casino and the dealers are typically tuxedo-clad to provide a sense
of elegance and exclusivity. However, this can make Baccarat
intimidating for certain players. Also, the lack of player
interaction may not be appealing to certain players. A need
therefore exists for a Baccarat game that is more comfortable and
appealing to certain players.
[0030] A need also exists for making other multi-player games with
different levels or amounts of player interaction more appealing,
comfortable and accessible to certain players.
[0031] One way to make such multi-player games more accessible is
to provide them in a video platform, in which players would
approach a gaming device (at a casino or at another location such
as the person's home in a stand alone version or in a group play
version such as through the internet) instead of the auspicious
setting of the table game. However, incorporating such games into
electronic gaming systems presents many challenges. In particular,
players viewing individual screens of a gaming device (either at a
casino or at home on one's personal computer) may not enjoy the
group feel that players at a live table enjoy. That is, players may
not feel part of the game as they do when at the live table or
setting of multi-player games. A need therefore exists to implement
multi-player games in an electronic format in a way that provides
the group feel of the game, that is fun and exciting for each
participating player, and that provides the game efficiently
without wasting time.
[0032] Additionally, a need exists to provide additional player
interaction, player control or preceived control, and player
involvement in various multi-player games. There is also a need to
provide further player interaction, player control or preceived
control in games in which players already have certain interaction
in the game.
SUMMARY
[0033] The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides an
auction or wagering sequence to enable one or more players of a
multi-player game to win additional interaction, control or
perceived control in a play of the game. In one embodiment, the
auction or wagering sequence is based on a comparison of the wagers
made by the players on the play of the game. In various
embodiments, the player determined to win the auction, such as the
player with the highest wager, is enabled to: (a) perform a
function which the other players do not perform; (b) perform a
function before the other players; (c) see one or more parts of the
game before the other players; (d) function as a "dealer"; (e)
function as a "banker"; (f) function as a "player"; (g) perform an
input or selection to obtain one or more random outcomes; or (h)
perform any combination thereof. It should be appreciated that any
suitable player action may be employed as the interaction provided
to the player for obtaining a designated result in the auction. In
other embodiments, various potentially different interactions may
be provided to player's depending on where they rank in the
auction.
[0034] In alternative embodiments, the auction or wager sequence is
based on a comparison of one or more designated portions of the
wagers of the players on the play of the game. In different
examples, the auction is based on the wagers placed on one or more
designated paylines in a multi-player slot game, the wagers placed
on one or more designated symbols or symbol combinations, the
wagers placed on one or more designated playing cards in a
multi-player card game, the wagers placed on one or more designated
hand(s) in a multi-player card game, the wagers placed on one or
more designated bets (from a plurality of different bets a player
can make), or the wagers placed on one or more side wagers or side
bets placed.
[0035] It should be appreciated that the present gaming system and
method for increasing player interaction can be applied to any
multi-player game. Examples of some games and example interactions
are provided below; however, this list is not exhaustive and merely
provides examples in accordance with the gaming system and method
disclosed herein.
[0036] In one example embodiment, the present gaming system and
method is employed in a Blackjack game wherein the auction
determines: (a) the player who gets to look at the dealer's under
playing card (i.e., the dealt face down playing card) for a short
period of time before the other players; (b) the order which
players can stand or hit or (c) any combination thereof. In an
alternative example Blackjack game wherein all of the players play
the same group hand, the auction determines: (a) the player who
gets to choose whether to stand or hit; (b) the player who gets to
look at the dealer's under playing card for a short period of time
before the other players; (c) the player who gets to look at one or
more of the playing cards in the group hand for a short period of
time before the other players; (d) the player who decides whether
to double-down or split the group hand; (e) the player who decides
whether to surrender the group hand; (f) the player who decides
whether to buy insurance if the dealer's hand shows an ace; or (g)
any combination thereof. In an example electronic Blackjack game,
the auction determines the player who selects the playing cards
(from the face down cards) for the dealer hand/and or player
hand(s).
[0037] In another example embodiment, the present gaming system and
method is employed in a Draw Poker game wherein the auction
determines: (a) the player who gets to look at the dealer hand for
a short period of time before the other players; (b) the order
which players can hold or discard playing cards; or (c) any
combination thereof. In an alternative Draw Poker game, wherein all
the players play the same group hand, the auction determines: (a)
the player who gets to choose which playing cards to hold and which
playing cards to discard; (b) the player who gets to look at one or
more of the playing cards in the group hand for a short period of
time before the other players; or (c) any combination thereof. In
an electronic Draw Poker game, the auction determines the player
who selects the playing cards (from the face down cards) for the
player hand(s).
[0038] In another example embodiment, the present gaming system and
method is employed in a group or shared bonus game or event wherein
the auction determines the player who initiates the bonus game or
event. For example, the player who has made the highest wager gets
to initiate the spin of a wheel for the bonus event. In different
such embodiments, the auction determines: (a) the order which each
player is displayed their respective awards; (b) which player gets
to stop the group bonus game or event; (c) the player who gets to
determine the duration of the group bonus game; or (d) any
combination thereof.
[0039] In another example embodiment, the present gaming system and
method is employed in a player tournament wherein the auction
determines: (a) the player who gets to officially start the
tournament (i.e., play on that player's gaming machine activates
all of the other gaming machines for starting play); (b) the player
who gets to determine the duration of the tournament; (c) the
player who gets to end the tournament; or (d) any combination
thereof. In other example embodiments, the auction determines the
player that gets to control one or more designated parameters of
the tournament, such as, but not limited to: the time window when
the tournament will run, one or more aspects of tournament game
play or the theme for the tournament.
[0040] In another example embodiment, the present gaming system and
method is employed in a Craps game wherein the auction determines
the player who gets to be the shooter (or first shooter) for the
game. In another example employing a Craps game, the auction
determines the player that gets to pick which of a plurality of
different sets of dice are rolled.
[0041] In another example embodiment, the present gaming system and
method is employed in a Roulette game wherein the auction
determines: (a) the player who gets to release the ball or indicate
to the dealer when to release the ball; (b) the player who gets to
pick which ball is used; (c) the player who gets to spin the wheel;
(d) the player who gets to place a community wager; (e) the player
who picks a bonus number where if the ball lands on that number,
pays are multiplied or (f) any combination thereof.
[0042] In another example embodiment, the present gaming system and
method is employed in a Pai Gow Poker game wherein the auction
determines: (a) the player who is given the option of being the
dealer on the table, or (b) the player who is enabled to see the
dealers hand before other players or (c) any combination
thereof.
[0043] In another example embodiment, the present gaming system and
method is employed in a group slots game wherein the auction
determines the player who: (a) gets to pull the handle or press the
Spin button; (b) gets to stop the reels (individually or as a
group); (c) gets to pick which reels to nudge; (d) gets to pick
which reels to hold; (e) gets to pick which paylines to wager on;
(f) gets to pick which order the generated symbols are evaluated
(i.e., left-to-right or right-to-left); (g) gets to pick which
symbol combination(s) are associated with designated awards, such
as progressive awards; (h) gets to pick which symbol(s) are wild
symbols; (i) gets to pick the order which the reels will spin; 0)
gets to pick one or more applicable symbol features; (k) gets to
pick one or more applicable reel features; or (I) any combination
thereof.
[0044] In another example embodiment, the multi-player game has
multiple different games and the auction determines: (a) the player
who chooses which game the players will play; (b) the player who
gets to pick the order which a plurality of games are played; (c)
the player who gets to pick which players are enabled to
participate in which games; (d) the player who gets to determine
the duration of one or more of the games played; (e) the player who
gets to determine the pace of one or more of the games played; (f)
the player who gets to pick one or more game play functions of one
or more of the games played; or (g) any combination thereof.
[0045] In another example embodiment, the auction is employed in
association with the trigging of a shared progressive award. In
this embodiment, if a designated outcome, such as a progressive
determination outcome, is generated in a play of a game, a
secondary sequence is provided to determine if the shared
progressive award is provided to one or more players. In different
embodiments, the auction determines the player who: (a) gets to
pick the format of the secondary sequence; (b) gets to participate
in the secondary sequence; (c) gets to view the outcome of the
secondary sequence for a short period of time before the other
players; or (d) any combination thereof.
[0046] In another example embodiment, the auction is employed to
enable a player to control the aesthetics of the game. In different
such embodiments, the auction determines the player who gets to
choose the deck from which the players play (such as between a red
and blue deck). In different embodiments employing electronic
games, the auction determines: (a) the player who gets to choose a
game theme; (b) the player who gets to determine the graphics used
in the game, such as what one or more symbols or the dealer looks
like; (c) the player who gets to choose the sounds or music used in
the game; or (d) any combination thereof.
[0047] It should be appreciated from the above examples that since
each different game has different rules and functions, the auction
can be employed differently in each game to determine any suitable
function to enhance player interaction for that game. It should be
further appreciated that the above are non-limiting examples and
that the present gaming system could be employed in any suitable
group or multi-player game.
[0048] In various embodiments, the electronic systems and methods
described herein may be implemented in a gaming device on the floor
of a gaming establishment (e.g., a casino) or over a data network,
such as an internet, wherein players play on their personal
computers or at remote stations or kiosks. In one gaming
device/casino implementation, the gaming system includes a
plurality of gaming devices (for purposes of the present
description, however, gaming device also refers to the game being
implemented on the player's personal computer or at a remote kiosk
or station) that operate with a shared display, such as a large
overhead display.
[0049] In one embodiment, the shared display is configured to
display a virtual dealer (if the game has or needs a dealer) and
one or more other game elements or functions. In one embodiment,
the individual gaming devices each correspond to one of the player
positions in the game such as one of the player positions of the
live version of the table game (if the game is conventionally a
table game). The individual gaming devices may be any suitable
stationary or portable devices (such as handheld devices).
[0050] In one embodiment, a new play of the game begins with an
auction controlled by a processor separate from any of the
processors running the individual gaming devices, such as a central
controller, central server or remote host. For example, the
separate processor can run the auction and also control the shared
display. Alternatively, the auction is run by at least one of the
gaming device processors. In either embodiment, the auction
processor communicates with the processors of the individual gaming
devices via a suitable communications link, such as one or more of:
(i) an Ethernet link; (ii) a fiber-optic link; (iii) a local area
network link; (iv) a wide area network link; (v) an internet link;
and (vi) a wireless network.
[0051] In one embodiment, the auction is run in a designated time
period such as a period under a timer. A prescribed amount of time
is provided and displayed to the players during which the players
have to make their bets or wagers. In one embodiment, the result of
the auction is based on a comparison of one or more the players
bets or wagers (or portions thereof, such as portions placed on a
first payline or a first hand), and determines, at least in part,
certain player interaction in the play of the game. In various
alternative embodiments, the result of the auction is one winner,
multiple winners, or a ranking for a plurality of the players. It
should be appreciated that in the various embodiments described
above, the auction does not determine the winner of the game, but
rather determines a level of player action or interaction in the
game.
[0052] For example, in one Baccarat embodiment, the designated
auction time period is the period which the players place their
bets on the banker hand, the player hand, and a tie or some
combination thereof. In various alternative embodiments, at the end
of the auction: (a) the player who has made the highest wager on
the banker hand represents the banker hand; (b) the player who has
made the highest wager on the player hand represents the player
hand; or (c) the player who has made the highest wager on the
banker hand represents the banker hand and the player who has made
the highest wager on the player hand represents the player
hand.
[0053] In different alternative embodiments, the winner of the
auction or a part of the auction can be the player: (a) who made
the first maximum bet; (b) who made the first maximum bet and
confirmed their bet (using a confirm button); (c) who made the
first highest bet; (d) who made the first highest bet and confirmed
their bet (using a confirm button); (e) who made the most bets; (f)
who made the fastest bet; (g) who made the fastest highest bet; (h)
who made the fastest maximum bet; (i) with the highest player
status (as determined via a player tracking system) who made the
highest bet; (j) with the highest player status (as determined via
a player tracking system) who made the maximum bet; (k) who made
the highest average bet; (l) who made the last highest bet; (m) who
made the last maximum bet; (n) or any combination thereof. It
should be appreciated that the results of the auction can be
determined in any suitable manner.
[0054] The auction or each part of the auction can be initiated in
one or more suitable ways. For example, the auction time period is
initiated automatically after a previous play of the game, such as
by a countdown starts five seconds after the previous play. In
another example, the auction time period is initiated after a first
one of the players at one of the gaming devices wagers or makes a
bet on the next play of the game. In this example, the first bet
starts a countdown of a designated period of time. In one
embodiment, the auction time period concludes upon placement of at
least one bet on each gaming device carrying a positive credit
balance.
[0055] In one embodiment, the results of the auction during the
auction are not displayed to the players. In this embodiment, the
results are displayed to the players at the end of the auction or
part of the auction. In another embodiment, the results of the
auction, such as the amounts and placements of different wagers by
the different players, are displayed to each player during the
auction and/or at the end of the auction. In different embodiments,
the results are displayed in any suitable manner such as via the
shared display, on the individual screens one or more of the gaming
devices or any combination thereof.
[0056] In another embodiment, the shared display or the individual
displays can also provide other information specific to the game or
game elements. For example, in the Baccarat embodiment, the shared
display can also show any one or more of: (i) which gaming device
is representing the banker hand; (ii) the bet placed by the gaming
device representing the banker hand; (iii) which gaming device is
representing the player hand; (iv) the bet placed by the gaming
device representing the player hand; (v) results of the gaming
device representing of the banker hand and player hands; (vi)
whether either of the banker or player hands is dealt a third card;
and (vii) any other suitable information or combination of
information.
[0057] It should be appreciated that sharing the wagering process
and results during the auction creates a community feel because
each player can, for example, see what the other players are
wagering, compete with the other players on certain wagers, and
determine how they want to wager or increase their wager to obtain
a level of player interaction. For example, in one Baccarat
embodiment, sharing the wagering process and results during the
auction creates a community feel because each player can, for
example, see what the other players are wagering, compete with
other players for the honor of playing the player hand, avoid
following a high-bet player they consider unlucky, follow a
high-bet player they consider lucky, and feel part of the game even
if they are not a highest betting player.
[0058] In various embodiments, the individual video screens or
display devices of the participant gaming machines are configured
to perform at least one of: (i) input one or more of the wagers or
bets; (ii) display credits remaining; (iii) display a total bet
wagered; (iv) display a time remaining for the auction; and (v)
enable at least one bet to be cleared. In one embodiment, the
individual video screens each operate with a touch screen to input
wagers and to make other inputs. Alternatively, suitable
electromechanical input devices are employed in the gaming devices.
For example, the touch screen or electromechanical input device are
configured to include a high bet input. The individual video
screens or display devices of the participant gaming machines may
also be configured to display the entire play of the game or
portions of the play of the game.
[0059] These above-described embodiments provide for increased
player interaction. In particular, the player who wins (or has a
designated outcome in) the auction make certain decisions in the
game which affect the outcome for that player and for the other
players, even though the outcome remains completely random.
[0060] In one Baccarat example embodiment of this increased level
of player action or interaction, the action or interaction of the
player is the player selecting face-down cards which are used to
make up the player's hand or the banker's hand. For example, during
the game: (i) the banker hand is played and displayed on the video
screen of the gaming machine played by the player who has made the
largest wager on the banker hand; and (ii) the player hand is
played and displayed on the video screen of the gaming machine
played by the player who has made the largest wager on the player
hand.
[0061] To do so, in one implementation, a set of playing cards of
one deck is displayed face down on both of those screens. The
playing cards are the same for both gaming machines. That is, if
either player picks the upper-left-most card, the playing card
revealed is the same, and so on. Alternatively, the playing cards
may be in different orders and the players may be restricted from
picking already picked cards. The banker hand player picks two of
the displayed cards. The player hand player picks two cards of the
displayed cards. The order of picking can be any suitable order
such as: (i) banker, player, banker, player; (ii) player, banker,
player, banker; (iii) banker, banker, player, player; (iv) player,
player, banker, banker; or (v) no set or predetermined order, where
first come is first served. In any case, the two players are
precluded from picking the same two cards. In an alternative
implementation, different sub-sets of the deck of playing cards of
one deck are displayed face down on both of those screens and the
players playing the dealer hand and the player hand are each
enabled to select cards from their respective subsets without worry
of selecting an identical card. In a further alternative
embodiment, multiple decks are employed. Appropriate restrictions
may be suitably employed to prevent discrepancies or
inconsistencies in card selection.
[0062] Thus, in these Baccarat example embodiments, the level of
player interaction is increased beyond just wagering, such that the
players pick the playing cards for the dealer hand and the player
hand and such actions by the players will vary the game outcome.
Because the playing cards are face down when picked by the players,
the results are still random.
[0063] In the Baccarat example embodiment, the gaming system
reveals these playing cards picked by player for the banker hand to
that player prior to revealing these playing cards to any other
player. Likewise, the gaming system reveals the playing cards
picked by player for the player hand to that player prior to
revealing these cards to any other player. For example, the gaming
system displays the playing cards to a player for one to two
seconds prior to revealing the playing cards to any other player.
The selection and reveal sequence gives both high-bet players a
sense of interaction in the game. That is, for a very small amount
of time these players know their chances of winning before the
other players who have wagered on the banker hand, the player hand
or the tie. Seeing the playing cards first may also give these
players a sense of perceived control.
[0064] In various embodiments, the present gaming system and method
includes a suitable display such as an animation of one or more of
the various traditions in play of the game. For example, the
display includes the bending of the dealt cards prior to revealing
the dealt cards in one Asian style Baccarat version.
[0065] The selected playing cards in this Baccarat example
embodiment are revealed on the gaming device screens of each of the
players and the shared display in one embodiment, so that the
players can see their chances of winning. The determination of
whether a third card is selected is made automatically according to
the determined set of rules, such as the rules set forth above. If
it is determined that either one or both the banker hand or the
player hand is required to get a third card, the gaming system is
operable to enable the player of such hand to pick a further card
from the remaining face down set of cards, which provides such
player(s) further interaction in the game. After a designated
period of time, the selected cards are revealed on the individual
gaming device displays for each of the players and the shared
display in one embodiment, so that all the players can see the
playing cards.
[0066] Thus, it should be appreciated that the gaming system and
method disclosed herein provides the winner of the wager based
auction or part of the wager based auction to have certain roles
and/or interactions in the play of the game above the roles and/or
interactions of one or more of the other players.
[0067] It should also be appreciated that the wagers and payouts
for the games with the increased level of player interaction based
on the auction results may be in any suitable form. For example, in
one of the Baccarat embodiments, the gaming system and method
follows the standard rules of American Baccarat as generally
described above. In one such embodiment, the gaming system pays the
player 1:1 for a banker hand win less the designated commission
(such as 5%), 1:1 for a player hand win, and 8:1 for a tie bet win.
It should be appreciated that other payouts may be employed with
the gaming system such as a win with a 6 paying 3:2 instead of 1:1
which provides an additional house advantage. It should also be
appreciated that a tie can result in the players who have wagered
the player hand and the banker hand bets losing their wager.
Alternatively, the tie can result in a draw for such bets. It is
contemplated that any suitable payouts may be employed as desired
by the implementors and operators of the gaming system.
[0068] It should further be appreciated that the gaming system and
method can account for situations where none of the players make a
specific wager. In such case, the gaming system can select a player
to perform one or more of such certain actions based on any
suitable critera or can perform one or more of such action itself.
For example, in one of the Baccarat embodiments, if no player
wagers on the banker hand, the gaming system in one embodiment
draws playing cards automatically for the banker hand. If no player
wagers on the player hand, the gaming system in one embodiment
draws playing cards automatically for the player hand. In an
alternative embodiment, system is configured to redo or repeat the
auction if no banker bet or player bet is wagered.
[0069] It should also be appreciated that the gaming system and
method can account for situations where the auction results in a
tie on one or more of the player wagers. In such case, the gaming
system can select a player to perform one or more of such certain
actions based on any suitable critera or can perform one or more of
such actions itself. For example, in one of the Baccarat
embodiments, it is possible that two or more players can place the
highest wager on the banker hand or player hand. The gaming system
in alternative embodiments responds by choosing one of the
associated gaming devices randomly to play or generate the
associated banker hand or player hand, use some other criteria, or
generate the hand itself. In other embodiments, the gaming system
performs one or more of the following to resolve a tie resulting
from the wagering auction: (a) a further or secondary auction in
which the wager bets of the tied gaming machines can be raised to
claim the right to play (such as to generate the banker hand or
player hand); (b) choose the gaming machine with the highest total
bet (e.g., in combination with a tie bet); (c) perform a contest
between the tied players; and (d) communicate with a player
tracking system to determine the various levels of the players and
select one of the players based on their respective levels. It
should be appreciated that that any suitable method including
combinations of the above mentioned tie-breaking methods can be
employed.
[0070] It should be appreciated that as described above (and
throughout this disclosure), Baccarat is used as an example
embodiment to describe various embodiments and implementations of
the gaming system disclosed herein. However, the present disclosure
is not limited to Baccarat and may be implemented with any suitable
multi-player game disclosed herein or otherwise known.
[0071] It should also be appreciated that the gaming system and
method can add additional time for additional bets to be made in
certain circumstances. For instance, the gaming system can add time
if: (a) no players have placed a wager; (b) wagers below a
designated number of players have placed a wager; (c) wagers below
a designated amount have been placed; (d) a player requests more
time; (d) two players are tied in the auction; or (f) any
combination thereof.
[0072] It should also be appreciated that the gaming system and
method can enable player to input or use predefined betting
criteria such as one or more of the following: (a) setting a
maximum amount the player is willing to bet to win the auction; (b)
setting automatic increments for increasing a bet when the player
is not winning the auction; and (c) providing for proxy billing
where a second player can cause an increase in a first player's
bet.
[0073] It is therefore an advantage of the embodiments described
herein to provide an auction feature for determining player action,
interaction or influence in a multi-player game.
[0074] Another advantage of the embodiments described herein is to
provide an auction feature for determining which player has
perceived control.
[0075] Additional features and advantages are described herein, and
will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0076] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a
network configuration for the electronic multi-player group game
system.
[0077] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of an
electronic configuration for one of the gaming devices for the
electronic group play game system.
[0078] FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart showing one sequence of
operation for one embodiment of an example electronic group play
baccarat gaming system.
[0079] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F are screen shots
illustrating a start of a new baccarat game according to one
embodiment of the electronic group play baccarat gaming system.
[0080] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E and 5F are screen shots
illustrating a betting portion of the baccarat game according to
one embodiment of the electronic group play baccarat gaming
system.
[0081] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E and 6F are screen shots
illustrating a dealing portion of the baccarat game according to
one embodiment of the electronic group play baccarat gaming
system.
[0082] FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E and 7F are screen shots further
illustrating the dealing portion of the baccarat game according to
one embodiment of the electronic group play baccarat gaming
system.
[0083] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E and 8F are screen shots
illustrating a reveal portion of the baccarat game according to one
embodiment of the electronic group play baccarat gaming system.
[0084] FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E and 9F are screen shots
illustrating the banker hand receiving a third card according to
one embodiment of the electronic group play baccarat gaming
system.
[0085] FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E and 10F are screen shots
illustrating a game over and payout portion of the baccarat game
according to one embodiment of the electronic group play baccarat
gaming system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0086] It should be appreciated that the gaming system and method
of the present disclosure can be employed in any suitable game.
Various embodiments of the present gaming system and method are
discussed below in relation to Baccarat games, methods, gaming
systems and gaming devices. However, it should be appreciated that
the present disclosure is not limited to Baccarat.
[0087] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1
and 2, one electrical configuration for gaming devices 10a to 10c
(referred to herein collectively as gaming devices 10 or generally
as gaming device 10) of a group play gaming system 100 is
illustrated. System 100 (FIG. 1) links a plurality of gaming
devices 10 (FIG. 2) over a data network via a suitable
communication link 104, which may or may not be remote.
[0088] Gaming devices 10 in the illustrated embodiment are
connected via link 104 in a spoke-and-hub type fashion with a
central server, central controller or remote host 102. More
specifically, a processor 12 of each gaming device facilitates
transmission of signals between individual gaming devices 10 and
central server 102. Central server 102 can operate a single cluster
of machines 10 or multiple ones of such clusters.
[0089] Central server 102 in one embodiment is located physically
separately from each of gaming devices 10. Central server 102 can
be located out on the casino floor with gaming devices 10 of gaming
system 100 or elsewhere in the casino. In a further alternative
embodiment, central server 102 is located remotely from gaming
devices 10. Indeed, when implemented via an internet, gaming
devices 10 can be personal computers, link 104 can be the internet
and central server 102 can be located in a different state or
country.
[0090] The data network of link 104 is in one embodiment a local
area network ("LAN"), in which gaming devices 10 of gaming system
100 are in communication with an on-site central server 102. Gaming
devices 10 may be located in one part of a casino or in clusters in
different parts of the casino. The LAN may be implemented via
conventional phone or other data transmission line, digital signal
line ("DSL"), T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, wireless
("e.g., radio frequency") gateway or other suitable connection.
[0091] In another embodiment, the data network of link 104 is a
wide area network ("WAN"), in which gaming devices 10 are in
communication with at least one off-site central server 102. In
this embodiment, the gaming devices may be located in a different
part of the gaming establishment or within a different gaming
establishment than the off-site central server. The WAN may be
implemented via conventional phone or other data transmission line,
digital signal line DSL, T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic
cable, wireless ("e.g., radio frequency") gateway or other suitable
connection.
[0092] In a further embodiment, the data network of link 104 is an
internet or intranet. Here, the operation of gaming device 10 is
viewed via at least one internet browser. Operation of gaming
device 10 and accumulation of credits may be accomplished via a
connection to the central server 102 (the internet/intranet server
or webserver), such as a conventional phone or other data
transmission line, digital signal line DSL, T-1 line, coaxial
cable, fiber optic cable, wireless ("e.g., radio frequency")
gateway or other suitable connection. Here, players may access
gaming system 100 via an internet game page and from any location
in which an internet connection or other internet facilitator is
available.
[0093] The expansion in the number of computers and number and
speed of internet connections in recent years increases
opportunities for players to play from an ever-increasing number of
remote sites. It should be appreciated that enhanced bandwidth of
digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable
for some or all communications according to the present disclosure,
particularly if such communications are encrypted. Higher data
transmission speeds may be useful for enhancing the sophistication
and response of the display and interaction with the player.
[0094] Central server 102, via the LAN, WAN or internet network, is
operable to build and distribute one or more progressive pool of
funds. In one form, an amount representing a small portion of each
player's wager or alternatively all or a portion of a side wager is
sent to the progressive pool. For instance, assuming a wagerable
credit is worth one dollar, five cents of each credit wagered can
be placed in the pool. The paytable is set to pay back on average
95 cents on the dollar wagered. The pool builds until a triggering
event causes the pool of funds to be distributed. An example of a
triggering event is to make two cards of the deck of fifty-two
cards discussed below wild in one Baccarat example embodiment. If
either the banker or the player pulls both wild cards, the
progressive pool is paid. The pool of funds can be distributed to:
(i) a single gaming machine such as, the player who pulls the wild
cards (further incentive to be the high-bet player or banker); (ii)
multiple gaming machines such as, to all players wagering on banker
hand if banker pulls the wild cards; or (iii) to all gaming
machines 10 of gaming system 100. Other suitable triggering events
may be employed in accordance with the present disclosure. In
alternative embodiments, part of the commission (such as the 5%
commission mentioned above) on wins on bets on bankers hands is
used to fund the progressive pool(s).
[0095] The progressive pool can be a multi-site linked progressive
pools. Here, central server 102 can communicate with or operate as
a host site server, which is coupled to a plurality of local
servers at a variety of mutually remote gaming sites. The host site
server collects funds from and services the gaming devices
distributed throughout a number of properties at different
geographical locations including, for example, different locations
within a city or different cities within a state. In one
embodiment, the host site server oversees the entire progressive
gaming system and is the master processor for computing progressive
jackpots. All participating gaming sites report to, and receive
information from, the host site server. The host site server can
alternatively be different than central server 102. Here, central
server computer 102 is responsible for communicating data between
gaming devices 10 of gaming system 100 and the host site server. As
illustrated, central server computer 102 operates a shared display
106 discussed in detail below in connection with FIGS. 4A to
10A.
[0096] In one Baccarat example embodiment, the banker hand and the
player hand are generated centrally or using a central
determination scheme. Here, central server computer 102 includes
one or more random outcome generators ("ROG") that operate with the
server's processor to generate the results, e.g., the player and
banker hands for system 100. The results are communicated to the
processors 12 of whichever gaming device is playing the banker hand
and to whichever gaming device is playing the player hand,
respectively. The dealing of the hands is displayed on the
respective gaming machines 10 as shown below in connection with
FIGS. 7B and 7D (on gaming machines 10b and 10d, respectively). The
results are also communicated to the processors 12 of the remaining
participant gaming machines. The resulting hands (not the initial
dealing of the hands in one embodiment) are then displayed on the
remaining gaming machines as shown below in connection with FIGS.
8A, 8E and 8F (on gaming machines 10b, 10d and 10e, respectively).
In alternative embodiments, such as where the player selections one
or more cards, the results of the player picks are communicated to
the processors.
[0097] In central determination, individual gaming devices 10 in
one embodiment initiate the exchange by sending an outcome request
over link 104 to central server 102. Central server 102 receives
the game outcome requests, for example at the end of an auction or
countdown shown in detail below, and generates the hands.
Alternatively, central server 102 initiates the exchange at the end
of an auction or countdown. Centralized production or control of
base game outputs can assist a gaming establishment or other entity
in maintaining appropriate records, controlling gaming, reducing
and/or preventing cheating or electronic or other errors, reducing
or eliminating win-loss volatility and the like.
[0098] In one embodiment, the central server or controller receives
a game outcome request and randomly generates a game outcome for
the primary game based on probability data. In another embodiment,
the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome
for the secondary game based on probability data. In another
embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a
game outcome for both the primary game and the secondary game based
on probability data. In this embodiment, the central server or
controller is capable of storing and utilizing program code or
other data similar to the processor and memory device of the gaming
device.
[0099] In an alternative embodiment, the central server or
controller maintains one or more predetermined pools or sets of
predetermined game outcomes. In this embodiment, the central server
or controller receives the game outcome request and independently
selects a predetermined game outcome from a set or pool of game
outcomes. The central server or controller flags or marks the
selected game outcome as used. Once a game outcome is flagged as
used, it is prevented from further selection from the set or pool
and cannot be selected by the central controller or server upon
another wager. The provided game outcome can include a primary game
outcome, a secondary game outcome, primary and secondary game
outcomes, or a series of game outcomes such as free games.
[0100] The central server or controller communicates the generated
or selected game outcome to the initiated gaming device. The gaming
device receives the generated or selected game outcome and provides
the game outcome to the player. In an alternative embodiment, how
the generated or selected game outcome is to be presented or
displayed to the player, such as a reel symbol combination of a
slot machine or a hand of cards dealt in a card game, is also
determined by the central server or controller and communicated to
the initiated gaming device to be presented or displayed to the
player.
[0101] In another embodiment, a predetermined game outcome value is
determined for each of a plurality of linked or networked gaming
devices based on the results of a bingo, keno or lottery game. In
this embodiment, each individual gaming device utilizes one or more
bingo, keno or lottery games to determine the predetermined game
outcome value provided to the player for the interactive game
played at that gaming device. In one embodiment, the bingo, keno or
lottery game is displayed to the player. In another embodiment, the
bingo, keno or lottery game is not displayed to the player, but the
results of the bingo, keno or lottery game determine the
predetermined game outcome value for the primary or secondary
game.
[0102] In the various bingo embodiments, as each gaming device is
enrolled in the bingo game, such as upon an appropriate wager or
engaging an input device, the enrolled gaming device is provided or
associated with a different bingo card. Each bingo card consists of
a matrix or array of elements, wherein each element is designated
with a separate indicia, such as a number. It should be appreciated
that each different bingo card includes a different combination of
elements. For example, if four bingo cards are provided to four
enrolled gaming devices, the same element may be present on all
four of the bingo cards while another element may solely be present
on one of the bingo cards.
[0103] In operation of these embodiments, upon providing or
associating a different bingo card to each of a plurality of
enrolled gaming devices, the central controller randomly selects or
draws, one at a time, a plurality of the elements. As each element
is selected, a determination is made for each gaming device as to
whether the selected element is present on the bingo card provided
to that enrolled gaming device. This determination can be made by
the central controller, the gaming device, a combination of the
two, or in any other suitable manner. If the selected element is
present on the bingo card provided to that enrolled gaming device,
that selected element on the provided bingo card is marked or
flagged. This process of selecting elements and marking any
selected elements on the provided bingo cards continues until one
or more predetermined patterns are marked on one or more of the
provided bingo cards. It should be appreciated that in one
embodiment, the gaming device requires the player to engage a daub
button (not shown) to initiate the process of the gaming device
marking or flagging any selected elements.
[0104] After one or more predetermined patterns are marked on one
or more of the provided bingo cards, a game outcome is determined
for each of the enrolled gaming devices based, at least in part, on
the selected elements on the provided bingo cards. As described
above, the game outcome determined for each gaming device enrolled
in the bingo game is utilized by that gaming device to determine
the predetermined game outcome provided to the player. For example,
a first gaming device to have selected elements marked in a
predetermined pattern is provided a first outcome of win $10 which
will be provided to a first player regardless of how the first
player plays in a first game and a second gaming device to have
selected elements marked in a different predetermined pattern is
provided a second outcome of win $2 which will be provided to a
second player regardless of how the second player plays a second
game. It should be appreciated that as the process of marking
selected elements continues until one or more predetermined
patterns are marked, this embodiment ensures that at least one
bingo card will win the bingo game and thus at least one enrolled
gaming device will provide a predetermined winning game outcome to
a player. It should be appreciated that other suitable methods for
selecting or determining one or more predetermined game outcomes
may be employed.
[0105] In one example of the above-described embodiment, the
predetermined game outcome may be based on a supplemental award in
addition to any award provided for winning the bingo game as
described above. In this embodiment, if one or more elements are
marked in supplemental patterns within a designated number of drawn
elements, a supplemental or intermittent award or value associated
with the marked supplemental pattern is provided to the player as
part of the predetermined game outcome. For example, if the four
corners of a bingo card are marked within the first twenty selected
elements, a supplemental award of $10 is provided to the player as
part of the predetermined game outcome. It should be appreciated
that in this embodiment, the player of a gaming device may be
provided a supplemental or intermittent award regardless of if the
enrolled gaming device's provided bingo card wins or does not win
the bingo game as described above.
[0106] In another embodiment, one or more of the gaming devices are
in communication with a central server or controller for monitoring
purposes only. That is, each individual gaming device randomly
generates the game outcomes to be provided to the player and the
central server or controller monitors the activities and events
occurring on the plurality of gaming devices. In one embodiment,
the gaming network includes a real-time or on-line accounting and
gaming information system operably coupled to the central server or
controller. The accounting and gaming information system of this
embodiment includes a player database for storing player profiles,
a player tracking module for tracking players and a credit system
for providing automated casino transactions.
[0107] In an alternative embodiment, individual gaming machines 10
include onboard ROGs that communicate with individual gaming device
processors 12 to generate the player and dealer hands. Here, the
above-mentioned machines 10a and 10c (in FIGS. 7B and 7D,
respectively), for example, would generate their own hands and
communicate the results to the processor of central server computer
102, so that central server computer 102 can thereafter communicate
the results to the remaining machines 10b, 10d and 10e (as
displayed in FIGS. 8C, 8E and 8F, respectively). In one embodiment,
the player hand and banker hand cannot share the same card.
Accordingly, server computer 102 in one embodiment plays a
supervisory role by preventing the player from picking a card
selected previously by the banker and vice versa. The results of
the hand generations are sent accordingly on a card by card basis
from individual processors 12 to central server 102 in one
embodiment.
[0108] Regardless of whether server computer 102 or one of the
individual gaming devices 10 generate the player and banker hands,
in one embodiment a subsequent ROG result is completely independent
of a previous ROG result. That is, the first result has no bearing
on the second result. Here, the same hand in theory can be
generated over and over. Any of the random generations can be
weighted if needed however. For example, additional cards such as
Jokers used for bonus or progressive pay purposes can be weighted
differently if desired. In one embodiment, each of the fifty-two
playing cards is weighted equally with each other playing card, and
wherein the rules of baccarat set the payback percentage for each
type of bet.
[0109] FIG. 2 shows an electrical schematic for one of the
constituent machines 10. Gaming device 10 has a suitable support
structure, housing or cabinet (not illustrated) that provides
support for a plurality of displays, inputs, controls and other
features of a conventional gaming machine. Gaming device 10 is
configured to be operated by a player standing or sitting. The
gaming device may be positioned on a base or stand or be configured
as a pub-style, table-top game (not shown), which a player can
operate while sitting. Gaming device 10 can be constructed with
varying cabinet and display configurations.
[0110] As seen in FIG. 2, gaming device 10 includes at least one
processor 12, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based
platform, a suitable integrated circuit or one or more
application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC's). Processor 12 is
in communication with or operable to access or to exchange signals
with at least one data storage or memory device 14. In one
embodiment, processor 12 and memory device 14 reside within the
cabinet of gaming device 10. The memory device stores other data
such as image data, event data, player input data, random or
pseudo-random number generators, pay-table data or information and
applicable game rules that relate to the play of the gaming device.
In one embodiment, the memory device includes random access memory
(RAM), which can include non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), magnetic RAM
(MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and other forms as commonly
understood in the gaming industry. In one embodiment, the memory
device includes read only memory (ROM). In one embodiment, the
memory device includes flash memory and/or EEPROM (electrically
erasable programmable read only memory). Any other suitable
magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory may operate in
conjunction with the gaming device disclosed herein.
[0111] Memory device 14, for example, can store the ROG code if the
player and banker hands are generated locally as described above.
Memory device 14 also stores other data, such as image data, event
data, player input data, metering data (e.g., for the credit
display, bet display and win amount display), paytable data,
ticketing data, and other operating data, information and
applicable game rules that relate to the play of gaming device
10.
[0112] In one embodiment, part or all of the program code and/or
operating data described above can be stored in a detachable or
removable memory device, including but not limited to, a suitable
cartridge, disk or CD ROM. A player can use such a removable memory
device in a desktop, a laptop personal computer, a personal digital
assistant ("PDA") or other computerized platform.
[0113] As seen in FIG. 2, processor 12 of gaming device 10 controls
a display device 16. Display device 16 is connected to or mounted
to the cabinet (not illustrated) of gaming device 10. Display
device 16 may include without limitation, a monitor, a television
display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display ("LCD"), a
display employing light emitting diodes ("LED"); a display based on
a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a display
based on polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), a display based on
a plurality of surface-conduction electron-emitters (SEDs), a
display including a projected and/or reflected image or any other
suitable electronic device or display mechanism. Each of these
different types of displays may also be used for shared display 106
described herein. In one embodiment, as described in more detail
below, display device 16 includes a touchscreen 18 and an
associated touchscreen controller 20. Display device 16 may
alternatively or additionally include mechanical or
electromechanical components, such as input devices 26. Display
device 16 may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration.
[0114] Display device 16 is configured to display one or a
plurality of images, symbols and indicia, and the movement or
changing of same, such as the revealing of a selected card or the
updating of a bet. Display device 16 may have mechanical, virtual
or video components, dynamic lighting, video images and images of
people, characters, places, things, faces of cards, tournament
advertisements, promotions and the like, which can enhance or set
forth a theme for gaming system 100.
[0115] In one embodiment, the symbols, images and indicia displayed
on or by display device 16 are in mechanical or electromechanical
form. That is, display device 16 may include any suitable
mechanical or electromechanical device, which moves or can be
moved. For example, instead of the purely simulated cards shown
below in the example, display device 16 can include a mechanical
overly with fifty-two hinged doors. The overlay is placed in front
of a video monitor. The monitor displays randomly sorted cards
behind each door. The player flips open one of the doors to display
a selected card.
[0116] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, gaming device
10 includes at least one payment acceptor 24 in communication with
processor 12. Payment acceptor 24 may include any one or more of a
coin slot and a payment, note or bill acceptor, in each of which
the player inserts money, a ticket voucher, coins or tokens. The
player can place coins in the coin slot or paper money, ticket or
voucher into the payment, note or bill acceptor. Payment acceptor
24 also includes devices such as readers or validators for credit
cards, debit cards, data cards or credit slips.
[0117] Gaming device 10 includes at least one input device 26
(generally) that communicates with processor 12. Input devices 26
can include any suitable apparatus that enables the player to
produce an input signal read by processor 12. Input device 26, for
example, can be a game activation device, such as a bet button 32
shown below for example in FIGS. 4B to 4F and 5B to 5F. Any of the
input devices 26 described herein may be a touch screen input
device or an electromechanical device as desired. Further, as seen
for example in FIGS. 4A to 4F, display devices 16 of the example
gaming devices 10a to 10f each include a credit meter 34, which
displays a player's current number of credits, cash, account
balance or the equivalent. Other meters of display device 16 are
discussed below.
[0118] Gaming device 10 also includes a cash out button (not
illustrated). The player pushes the cash out button to receive a
cash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the
number of remaining credits shown currently in credit meter 34. In
one embodiment, when the player cashes out, the player receives
coins or tokens in a coin payout tray (not illustrated). In another
embodiment, when the player cashes out, the player receives another
type of payout mechanism, such as a ticket or credit slip, which is
redeemable by a cashier or funded to the player's electronically
recordable identification card.
[0119] As mentioned above and seen in FIG. 2, a touchscreen 18 or
other type of touch-sensitive display overlay may be provided,
which operates with a touchscreen controller 20 to enable the
player to interact with the images on display device 16.
Touchscreen 18 and touchscreen controller 20 operate with a video
controller 22. Touchscreen controller 22 in one embodiment includes
software provided for example by the touchscreen manufacturer,
which operates to convert a player's touch of a certain area of
touchscreen 18 at a certain time to an appropriate signal, which is
sent to processor 12. A player can thereby make decisions and input
signals into gaming device 10 by touching touchscreen 18 at an
appropriate place and at a particular time. This enables for
efficient screen management. For example, bet and clear buttons 32
and 36 can be displayed only when needed, e.g., in FIGS. 4B to 4F
and 5B to 5F, but not thereafter.
[0120] Gaming device 10 in one embodiment includes a plurality of
communication ports for enabling communication between processor 12
and external peripherals, such as a server or central determination
computer, external video sources, expansion buses, game or other
displays, an SCSI port or keypad.
[0121] In one embodiment processor 12 communicates with one or more
sounds cards 28. Sound card 28 operates with at least one speaker
30 and/or other sound generating hardware and software to generate
sounds, such as voice or music for the baccarat game of gaming
device 10. Gaming device 10 is configured to provide dynamic sounds
that couple with attractive multimedia images displayed on display
device 16 for game play. During idle periods, gaming device 10 may
display a sequence of audio and/or visual attraction messages to
attract potential players to gaming device 10. The audio/video
outputs also provide any desired customized information, such as
game play and paytable information. To that end, processor 12 may
operate multiple imbedded screens, such as a game play or paytable
screen that the player can recall selectively, e.g., by touching
indicia on touchscreen 18 corresponding to the game play or
paytable screen.
[0122] In one embodiment, gaming device 10 includes a camera (not
illustrated) that communicates with processor 12. The camera is
positioned to acquire an image of a player playing gaming device 10
and/or the surrounding area of gaming device 10. The camera can
selectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video) images in an
analog, digital or other suitable format. Gaming device 10 is
further configured to: (i) display the camera images, e.g., in
split-screen or picture-in-picture fashion on display device 16; or
(ii) send the signal to shared display 106 where it is displayed,
e.g., in split-screen or picture-in-picture fashion. For example,
the cameras associated with gaming devices 10 designated to draw
the player or banker hands in a given play of gaming system 100 can
each acquire an image of the players selecting the player and
banker hands, which images are fed to and displayed live on shared
display 106.
[0123] Processor 12 enables the player to change the player's
wager, add money to gaming device 10 and cash out from gaming
device 10. Processor 12 responds to inquiries from the player,
e.g., for paytable or game operation information. Processor 12
commands display device 16 and speakers 30 to communicate the
results of game play (e.g., actual outcome, rank of outcome, missed
award opportunities and awards provided), bonus play, bonus pay and
progressive pay.
[0124] Processors 12 of individual gaming devices 10 calculate
payouts and update credit meters 34 accordingly. The payout is in
the form of a multiplier in one embodiment, which multiplies the
number of coins or credits wagered, for example, the number of
coins or credits wagered on the banker, player or tie bets in the
Baccarat embodiments. Processor 12 performs this calculation and
updates credit display 34 accordingly.
[0125] In addition to winning credits in the base game, in various
embodiments, the gaming device may also give players the
opportunity to win credits in one or more bonus or secondary games
or bonus or secondary rounds. The bonus or secondary game enables
the players to obtain bonus prizes or payouts in addition to the
payout, if any, obtained from the base game. A bonus or secondary
game can produce a higher level of player excitement versus
providing only the base game because bonus games generally provide
greater expectations of winning, can be accompanied by attractive
and little seen or heard visual and audio outputs, and generally do
not require a separate wager to play.
[0126] The bonus games can be played singly or be shared games,
e.g., controlled by individual processors 12 or via the central
server 102. A shared bonus game is desirable from one standpoint
because the base game can be interrupted for each machine 10 for
the same period of time. For example, a shared bonus game could
enable each player to pick one of the playing cards from a set of
facedown cards shown for example in FIGS. 6B and 6D. The bonus
could pay a multiple of the face value of the playing card, for
example, where Jacks are worth eleven, Queens twelve, Kings
fourteen and Aces fifteen.
[0127] If played as a single gaming device, gaming system 100 in
one embodiment continues the base game play with the non-bonus
gaming machines 10, while the gaming-machine 10 in the bonus plays
the bonus game. The bonus gaming machine can rejoin baccarat play
after the bonus is over upon the next auction or countdown. An
example of a singly played bonus game could simply be a bonus round
game, wherein for example, the player is provided two hundred
credits to wager however the player sees fit. The bonus game plays
according to the operation and example discussed in detail below or
automatically with no player interaction. Alternatively, the bonus
game could automatically wager 200 credits for the player on the
player hand, for example. Here, the player picks the playing cards
for the player hand (including the third card in one embodiment),
while the playing cards for the banker are selected randomly by
processor 12 or central server 102.
[0128] It should be appreciated that the present disclosure may be
implemented in various configurations for gaming machines or gaming
devices, including but not limited to: (1) a dedicated gaming
machine or gaming device, wherein the computerized instructions for
controlling any games (which are provided by the gaming machine or
gaming device) are provided with the gaming machine or gaming
device prior to delivery to a gaming establishment; and (2) a
changeable gaming machine or gaming device, where the computerized
instructions for controlling any games (which are provided by the
gaming machine or gaming device) are downloadable to the gaming
machine or gaming device through a data network when the gaming
machine or gaming device is in a gaming establishment. In one
embodiment, the computerized instructions for controlling any games
are executed by a central server, central controller or remote
host. In such a "thin client" embodiment, the central server
remotely controls any games (or other suitable interfaces) and the
gaming device is utilized to display such games (or suitable
interfaces) and receive one or more inputs or commands from a
player. In another embodiment, the computerized instructions for
controlling any games are communicated from the central server,
central controller or remote host to a gaming device local
processor and memory devices. In such a "thick client" embodiment,
the gaming device local processor executes the communicated
computerized instructions to control any games (or other suitable
interfaces) provided to a player.
[0129] In one embodiment, one or more gaming devices in a gaming
system may be thin client gaming devices and one or more gaming
devices in the gaming system may be thick client gaming devices. In
another embodiment, certain functions of the gaming device are
implemented in a thin client environment and certain other
functions of the gaming device are implemented in a thick client
environment. In one such embodiment, computerized instructions for
controlling any primary games are communicated from the central
server to the gaming device in a thick client configuration and
computerized instructions for controlling any secondary games or
bonus functions are executed by a central server in a thin client
configuration.
[0130] In one embodiment, the present disclosure may be employed in
a server based gaming system. In one such embodiment, as described
above, one or more gaming devices are in communication with a
central server or controller. The central server or controller may
be any suitable server or computing device which includes at least
one processor and a memory or storage device. In alternative
embodiments, the central server is a progressive controller or
another gaming machine in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the
memory device of the central server stores different game programs
and instructions, executable by a gaming device processor, to
control the gaming device. Each executable game program represents
a different game or type of game which may be played on one or more
of the gaming devices in the gaming system. Such different games
may include the same or substantially the same game play with
different pay tables. In different embodiments, the executable game
program is for a primary game, a secondary game or both. In another
embodiment, the game program may be executable as a secondary game
to be played simultaneous with the play of a primary game (which
may be downloaded to or fixed on the gaming device) or vice
versa.
[0131] In this embodiment, each gaming device at least includes one
or more display devices and/or one or more input devices for
interaction with a player. A local processor, such as the
above-described gaming device processor or a processor of a local
server, is operable with the display device(s) and/or the input
device(s) of one or more of the gaming devices.
[0132] In operation, the central controller is operable to
communicate one or more of the stored game programs to at least one
local processor. In different embodiments, the stored game programs
are communicated or delivered by embedding the communicated game
program in a device or a component (e.g., a microchip to be
inserted in a gaming device), writing the game program on a disc or
other media, downloading or streaming the game program over a
dedicated data network, internet or a telephone line. After the
stored game programs are communicated from the central server, the
local processor executes the communicated program to facilitate
play of the communicated program by a player through the display
device(s) and/or input device(s) of the gaming device. That is,
when a game program is communicated to a local processor, the local
processor changes the game or type of game played at the gaming
device.
Operation
[0133] The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides an
auction or wager sequence to enable one or more players of a
multi-player game to win additional interaction, control or
perceived control in a play of the game. In one embodiment, the
auction or wager sequence is based on a comparison of the wagers
made by the players on the play of the game. In various
embodiments, the player determined to win the auction or wager
sequence, such as the player with the highest wager, is enabled to:
(a) perform a function which the other players do not perform; (b)
perform a function before the other players; (c) see one or more
parts of the game before the other players; (d) function as a
"dealer"; (e) function as a "banker"; (f) function as a "player";
(g) perform an input or selection to obtain one or more random
outcomes; or (h) perform any combination thereof. It should be
appreciated that any suitable player action may be employed as the
interaction provided to the player for obtaining a designated
result in the auction. In other embodiments, various potentially
different interactions may be provided to player's depending on
where they rank in the auction.
[0134] In alternative embodiments, the auction or wager sequence is
based on a comparison of one or more designated portions of the
wagers of the players on the play of the game. In different
examples, the auction is based on the wagers placed on one or more
designated paylines in a multi-player slot game, the wagers placed
on one or more designated symbols or symbol combinations, the
wagers placed on one or more designated playing cards in a
multi-player card game, the wagers placed on one or more designated
hand(s) in a multi-player card game, the wagers placed on one or
more designated bets (from a plurality of different bets a player
can make), or the wagers placed on one or more side wagers or side
bets placed.
[0135] In one example embodiment, the present gaming system and
method is employed in a Blackjack game wherein the auction
determines: (a) the player who gets to look at the dealer's under
playing card (i.e., the dealt face down playing card) for a short
period of time before the other players; (b) the order which
players can stand or hit or (c) any combination thereof. In an
alternative example Blackjack game wherein all of the players play
the same group hand, the auction determines: (a) the player who
gets to choose whether to stand or hit; (b) the player who gets to
look at the dealer's under playing card for a short period of time
before the other players; (c) the player who gets to look at one or
more of the playing cards in the group hand for a short period of
time before the other players; (d) the player who decides whether
to double-down or split the group hand; (e) the player who decides
whether to surrender the group hand; (f) the player who decides
whether to buy insurance if the dealer's hand shows an ace; or (g)
any combination thereof. In an example electronic Blackjack game,
the auction determines the player who selects the playing cards
(from the face down cards) for the dealer hand/and or player
hand(s). In different embodiments, the aspect(s) of the Blackjack
game which the auction winner is enabled to choose or configure are
predetermined, randomly determined, determined based on a player's
status (such as determined through a player tracking system),
determined based on a generated symbol or symbol combination,
determined based on a random determination by the central
controller, determined based on a random determination at the
gaming machine, determined based on one or more side wagers placed,
determined based on a player's primary game wager, determined based
on time (such as the time of day), determined based on an amount of
coin-in accumulated in one or more pools, or determined based on
any other suitable method or criteria.
[0136] In another example embodiment, the present gaming system and
method is employed in a Draw Poker game wherein the auction
determines: (a) the player who gets to look at the dealer hand for
a short period of time before the other players; (b) the order
which players can hold or discard playing cards; or (c) any
combination thereof. In an alternative Draw Poker game, wherein all
the players play the same group hand, the auction determines: (a)
the player who gets to choose which playing cards to hold and which
playing cards to discard; (b) the player who gets to look at one or
more of the playing cards in the group hand for a short period of
time before the other players; or (c) any combination thereof. In
an electronic Draw Poker game, the auction determines the player
who selects the playing cards (from the face down cards) for the
player hand(s). In different embodiments, the aspect(s) of the Draw
Poker game which the auction winner is enabled to choose or
configure are predetermined, randomly determined, determined based
on a player's status (such as determined through a player tracking
system), determined based on a generated symbol or symbol
combination, determined based on a random determination by the
central controller, determined based on a random determination at
the gaming machine, determined based on one or more side wagers
placed, determined based on a player's primary game wager,
determined based on time (such as the time of day), determined
based on an amount of coin-in accumulated in one or more pools, or
determined based on any other suitable method or criteria.
[0137] In another example embodiment, the present gaming system and
method is employed in a group or shared bonus game or event wherein
the auction determines the player who initiates the bonus game or
event. For example, the player who has made the highest wager gets
to initiate the spin of a wheel for the bonus event. In different
such embodiments, the auction determines: (a) the order which each
player is displayed their respective awards; (b) which player gets
to stop the group bonus game or event; (c) the player who gets to
determine the duration of the group bonus game; or (d) any
combination thereof. In different embodiments, the aspect(s) of the
group or shared bonus game which the auction winner is enabled to
choose or configure are predetermined, randomly determined,
determined based on a player's status (such as determined through a
player tracking system), determined based on a generated symbol or
symbol combination, determined based on a random determination by
the central controller, determined based on a random determination
at the gaming machine, determined based on one or more side wagers
placed, determined based on a player's primary game wager,
determined based on time (such as the time of day), determined
based on an amount of coin-in accumulated in one or more pools, or
determined based on any other suitable method or criteria.
[0138] In another example embodiment, the present gaming system and
method is employed in a player tournament wherein the auction
determines: (a) the player who gets to officially start the
tournament (i.e., play on that player's gaming machine activates
all of the other gaming machines for starting play); (b) the player
who gets to determine the duration of the tournament; (c) the
player who gets to end the tournament; or (d) any combination
thereof. In other example embodiments, the auction determines the
player that gets to control one or more designated parameters of
the tournament, such as, but not limited to: the time window when
the tournament will run, one or more aspects of tournament game
play or the theme for the tournament. In different embodiments, the
aspect(s) of the player tournament which the auction winner is
enabled to choose or configure are predetermined, randomly
determined, determined based on a player's status (such as
determined through a player tracking system), determined based on a
generated symbol or symbol combination, determined based on a
random determination by the central controller, determined based on
a random determination at the gaming machine, determined based on
one or more side wagers placed, determined based on a player's
primary game wager, determined based on time (such as the time of
day), determined based on an amount of coin-in accumulated in one
or more pools, or determined based on any other suitable method or
criteria.
[0139] In another example embodiment, the present gaming system and
method is employed in a Craps game wherein the auction determines
the player who gets to be the shooter (or first shooter) for the
game. In another example employing a Craps game, the auction
determines the player that gets to pick which of a plurality of
different sets of dice are rolled. In different embodiments, the
aspect(s) of the Craps game which the auction winner is enabled to
choose or configure are predetermined, randomly determined,
determined based on a player's status (such as determined through a
player tracking system), determined based on a generated symbol or
symbol combination, determined based on a random determination by
the central controller, determined based on a random determination
at the gaming machine, determined based on one or more side wagers
placed, determined based on a player's primary game wager,
determined based on time (such as the time of day), determined
based on an amount of coin-in accumulated in one or more pools, or
determined based on any other suitable method or criteria.
[0140] In another example embodiment, the present gaming system and
method is employed in a Roulette game wherein the auction
determines: (a) the player who gets to release the ball or indicate
to the dealer when to release the ball; (b) the player who gets to
pick which ball is used; (c) the player who gets to spin the wheel;
(d) the player who gets to place a community wager; (e) the player
who picks a bonus number where if the ball lands on that number,
pays are multiplied or (f) any combination thereof. In different
embodiments, the aspect(s) of the Roulette game which the auction
winner is enabled to choose or configure are predetermined,
randomly determined, determined based on a player's status (such as
determined through a player tracking system), determined based on a
generated symbol or symbol combination, determined based on a
random determination by the central controller, determined based on
a random determination at the gaming machine, determined based on
one or more side wagers placed, determined based on a player's
primary game wager, determined based on time (such as the time of
day), determined based on an amount of coin-in accumulated in one
or more pools, or determined based on any other suitable method or
criteria.
[0141] In another example embodiment, the present gaming system and
method is employed in a Pai Gow Poker game wherein the auction
determines: (a) the player who is given the option of being the
dealer on the table, or (b) the player who is enabled to see the
dealers hand before other players or (c) any combination thereof.
In different embodiments, the aspect(s) of the Pai Gow Poker game
which the auction winner is enabled to choose or configure are
predetermined, randomly determined, determined based on a player's
status (such as determined through a player tracking system),
determined based on a generated symbol or symbol combination,
determined based on a random determination by the central
controller, determined based on a random determination at the
gaming machine, determined based on one or more side wagers placed,
determined based on a player's primary game wager, determined based
on time (such as the time of day), determined based on an amount of
coin-in accumulated in one or more pools, or determined based on
any other suitable method or criteria.
[0142] In another example embodiment, the present gaming system and
method is employed in a group slots game wherein the auction
determines the player who: (a) gets to pull the handle or press the
Spin button; (b) gets to stop the reels (individually or as a
group); (c) gets to pick which reels to nudge; (d) gets to pick
which reels to hold; (e) gets to pick which paylines to wager on;
(f) gets to pick which order the generated symbols are evaluated
(i.e., left-to-right or right-to-left); (g) gets to pick which
symbol combination(s) are associated with designated awards, such
as progressive awards; (h) gets to pick which symbol(s) are wild
symbols; (i) gets to pick the order which the reels will spin; (j)
gets to pick one or more applicable symbol features; (k) gets to
pick one or more applicable reel features; or (l) any combination
thereof. In different embodiments, the aspect(s) of the group slots
game which the auction winner is enabled to choose or configure are
predetermined, randomly determined, determined based on a player's
status (such as determined through a player tracking system),
determined based on a generated symbol or symbol combination,
determined based on a random determination by the central
controller, determined based on a random determination at the
gaming machine, determined based on one or more side wagers placed,
determined based on a player's primary game wager, determined based
on time (such as the time of day), determined based on an amount of
coin-in accumulated in one or more pools, or determined based on
any other suitable method or criteria.
[0143] In another example embodiment, the multi-player game has
multiple different games and the auction determines: (a) the player
who chooses which game the players will play; (b) the player who
gets to pick the order which a plurality of games are played; (c)
the player who gets to pick which players are enabled to
participate in which games; (d) the player who gets to determine
the duration of one or more of the games played; (e) the player who
gets to determine the pace of one or more of the games played; (f)
the player who gets to pick one or more game play functions of one
or more of the games played; or (g) any combination thereof. In
different embodiments, the aspect(s) of the multiple different
games which the auction winner is enabled to choose or configure
are predetermined, randomly determined, determined based on a
player's status (such as determined through a player tracking
system), determined based on a generated symbol or symbol
combination, determined based on a random determination by the
central controller, determined based on a random determination at
the gaming machine, determined based on one or more side wagers
placed, determined based on a player's primary game wager,
determined based on time (such as the time of day), determined
based on an amount of coin-in accumulated in one or more pools, or
determined based on any other suitable method or criteria.
[0144] In another example embodiment, the auction is employed in
association with the trigging of a shared progressive award. In
this embodiment, if a designated outcome, such as a progressive
determination outcome, is generated in a play of a game, a
secondary sequence is provided to determine if the shared
progressive award is provided to one or more players. In different
embodiments, the auction determines the player who: (a) gets to
pick the format of the secondary sequence; (b) gets to participate
in the secondary sequence; (c) gets to view the outcome of the
secondary sequence for a short period of time before the other
players; or (d) any combination thereof. In different embodiments,
the aspect(s) of the shared progressive award which the auction
winner is enabled to choose or configure are predetermined,
randomly determined, determined based on a player's status (such as
determined through a player tracking system), determined based on a
generated symbol or symbol combination, determined based on a
random determination by the central controller, determined based on
a random determination at the gaming machine, determined based on
one or more side wagers placed, determined based on a player's
primary game wager, determined based on time (such as the time of
day), determined based on an amount of coin-in accumulated in one
or more pools, or determined based on any other suitable method or
criteria.
[0145] For example, a shared progressive award has a 1/100,000
chance of being provided to one or more players and a designated
outcome, such as a progressive determination outcome, has a 1/1,000
chance of being generated for each play of a game. In this example,
if the progressive determination outcome is generated, the auction
winner is enabled to initiate and participate in a secondary
sequence (which is associated with a 1/100 chance of being
successful). In different embodiments, the secondary sequence is a
random generation of a symbol or symbol combination, a selection
game, a bonus game, an apparent skill game or any suitable game or
event that utilizes the associated chance of being successful. If
the secondary sequence provides a successful outcome, the
progressive award is provided amongst one or more of the players at
the gaming devices in the gaming system.
[0146] In another example embodiment, the auction is employed to
enable a player to control the aesthetics of the game. In different
such embodiments, the auction determines the player who gets to
choose the deck from which the players play (such as between a red
and blue deck). In different embodiments employing electronic
games, the auction determines: (a) the player who gets to choose a
game theme; (b) the player who gets to determine the graphics used
in the game, such as what one or more symbols or the dealer looks
like; (c) the player who gets to choose the sounds or music used in
the game; or (d) any combination thereof. In different embodiments,
the aesthetic aspect(s) which the auction winner is enabled to
choose or configure are predetermined, randomly determined,
determined based on a player's status (such as determined through a
player tracking system), determined based on a generated symbol or
symbol combination, determined based on a random determination by
the central controller, determined based on a random determination
at the gaming machine, determined based on one or more side wagers
placed, determined based on a player's primary game wager,
determined based on time (such as the time of day), determined
based on an amount of coin-in accumulated in one or more pools, or
determined based on any other suitable method or criteria.
[0147] It should be appreciated from the above examples that since
each different game has different rules and functions, the auction
can be employed differently in each game to determine any suitable
function to enhance player interaction for that game. It should be
further appreciated that the above are non-limiting examples and
that the present gaming system could be employed in any suitable
group or multi-player game.
[0148] In one embodiment, a shared display is configured to display
a virtual dealer (if the game has or needs a dealer) and one or
more other game elements or functions. In one embodiment, the
individual gaming devices each correspond to one of the player
positions in the game such as one of the player positions of the
live version of the table game (if the game is conventionally a
table game). The individual gaming devices may be any suitable
stationary or portable devices (such as handheld devices).
[0149] In one embodiment, the auction is run in a designated time
period such as a period under a timer. A prescribed amount of time
is provided and displayed to the players during which the players
have to make their bets or wagers. In one embodiment, the result of
the auction is based on a comparison of one or more the players
bets or wagers (or portions thereof, such as portions placed on a
first payline or a first hand), and determines, at least in part,
certain player interaction in the play of the game. In various
alternative embodiments, the result of the auction is one winner,
multiple winners, or a ranking for a plurality of the players. It
should be appreciated that in the various embodiments described
above, the auction does not determine the winner of the game, but
rather determines a level of player action or interaction in the
game.
[0150] In different alternative embodiments, the winner of the
auction or a part of the auction can be the player: (a) who made
the first maximum bet; (b) who made the first maximum bet and
confirmed their bet (using a confirm button); (c) who made the
first highest bet; (d) who made the first highest bet and confirmed
their bet (using a confirm button); (e) who made the most bets; (f)
who made the fastest bet; (g) who made the fastest highest bet; (h)
who made the fastest maximum bet; (i) with the highest player
status (as determined via a player tracking system) who made the
highest bet; (j) with the highest player status (as determined via
a player tracking system) who made the maximum bet; (k) who made
the highest average bet; (l) who made the last highest bet; (m) who
made the last maximum bet; (n) or any combination thereof. In
different embodiments, the auction winner is predetermined,
randomly determined, determined based on a player's status (such as
determined through a player tracking system), determined based on a
generated symbol or symbol combination, determined based on a
random determination by the central controller, determined based on
a random determination at the gaming machine, determined based on
one or more side wagers placed, determined based on a player's
primary game wager, determined based on time (such as the time of
day), determined based on an amount of coin-in accumulated in one
or more pools, or determined based on any other suitable method or
criteria. It should be appreciated that the results of the auction
can be determined in any suitable manner.
[0151] The auction or each part of the auction can be initiated in
one or more suitable ways. For example, the auction time period is
initiated automatically after a previous play of the game, such as
by a countdown starts five seconds after the previous play. In
another example, the auction time period is initiated after a first
one of the players at one of the gaming devices wagers or makes a
bet on the next play of the game. In this example, the first bet
starts a countdown of a designated period of time. In one
embodiment, the auction time period concludes upon placement of at
least one bet on each gaming device carrying a positive credit
balance. In different embodiments, the manner which the auction
time period is initiated is predetermined, randomly determined,
determined based on a player's status (such as determined through a
player tracking system), determined based on a generated symbol or
symbol combination, determined based on a random determination by
the central controller, determined based on a random determination
at the gaming machine, determined based on one or more side wagers
placed, determined based on a player's primary game wager,
determined based on time (such as the time of day), determined
based on an amount of coin-in accumulated in one or more pools, or
determined based on any other suitable method or criteria.
[0152] In one embodiment, the gaming system and method adds
additional time for additional bets to be made in certain
circumstances. For instance, the gaming system can add time if: (a)
no players have placed a wager; (b) wagers below a designated
number of players have placed a wager; (c) wagers below a
designated amount have been placed; (d) a player requests more
time; (d) two players are tied in the auction; or (f) any
combination thereof. In another embodiment, after a first player
has placed at least one wager and such wager information is
displayed to one or more other players, the gaming system provides
additional time for the other players to place their bets (or
increase their previous bets) in light of the first player's wager.
In different embodiments, the determination to add additional time
for additional bets is predetermined, randomly determined,
determined based on a player's status (such as determined through a
player tracking system), determined based on a generated symbol or
symbol combination, determined based on a random determination by
the central controller, determined based on a random determination
at the gaming machine, determined based on one or more side wagers
placed, determined based on a player's primary game wager,
determined based on time (such as the time of day), determined
based on an amount of coin-in accumulated in one or more pools, or
determined based on any other suitable method or criteria.
[0153] In one embodiment, the results of the auction during the
auction are not displayed to the players. In this embodiment, the
results are displayed to the players at the end of the auction or
part of the auction. In another embodiment, the results of the
auction, such as the amounts and placements of different wagers by
the different players, are displayed to each player during the
auction and/or at the end of the auction. In different embodiments,
the results are displayed in any suitable manner such as via the
shared display, on the individual screens one or more of the gaming
devices or any combination thereof.
[0154] It should be appreciated from the foregoing discussion that
gaming system 100 can be configured differently to apportion its
functionality centrally or locally as desired. The following
operational flow diagram can be implemented in any of the hardware
schemes set forth above.
[0155] Referring now to FIG. 3, one suitable sequence of operation
is illustrated by sequence 50. Upon starting the sequence as seen
at oval 52, a bidding auction for the group play baccarat gaming
system is initiated, as illustrated by block 54. In one embodiment,
the auction sequence begins automatically after the previous play
of the baccarat gaming system. For example, the gaming system can
wait a few seconds, such as five seconds, after the payout from the
previous play has been made. Afterward, the gaming systems begins
the auction automatically with a countdown. The countdown time can
be any suitable time, such as thirty seconds. In an alternative
embodiment, the auction begins upon the first wager placed by any
of the players playing the baccarat gaming system. Here again,
after the first wager is made a countdown sequence begins in which
any player wishing to play in the next deal must make each desired
wager.
[0156] In a further alternative embodiment, the auction begins
automatically or after the first wager is made, but lasts here
until the last wager is made on any active gaming machine of the
gaming system. In one embodiment, a gaming machine is active if a
positive credit balance is maintained by a player on the gaming
machine. It should be appreciated that active can be defined in any
suitable manner and any suitable criteria (such as (a) a gaming
machine on which a wager was placed in the last 15 seconds, or (b)
a gaming machine having an inserted player tracking card). This can
be determined or defined by the gaming system designer, system
manufacturer, or casino. Because certain players may delay in
making the wager, the gaming system can be configured in this
embodiment to prompt or remind the lagging player to finish making
any desired bet. If such player continues to delay, a short
countdown can eventually be run after which the banker and player
hands are dealt.
[0157] As shown in the example described below, in one embodiment,
any player can wager none, one, two or perhaps three different bets
(including opposite bets--player hand and banker hand). Presumably,
most players do not wager on both the player hand and banker hand.
It is possible and indeed likely however for a player to wager the
player hand or the banker hand in combination with a tie bet. In
one embodiment, if the auction times out before the player can
place two bets, but has placed one bet, the gaming system proceeds
with whichever bet has been wagered. In one embodiment, the gaming
system shows flashing lights or provides additional audio and/or
video prompts when nearing the end of the countdown to compel the
players to finish wagering. In one embodiment, the gaming system
enables the player to select another player and make the same type
and/or amount bets as another player or different bets (such as
opposite bets) as the other player.
[0158] Upon completion of the auction or countdown, the gaming
system shows an audio, visual or audiovisual message such as
"please wait for next auction" on the display devices of any active
gaming machines on which a wager was not placed and/or on an
non-active gaming machine as seen in connection with block 56.
[0159] The gaming system displays all banker, player and tie bets
on the shared display, as illustrated by block 58. In one
embodiment, the gaming system includes a large shared display 106,
such as an overhead video monitor, which can be of any of the types
described above for display device 16. As seen in the examples
below, each participating machine can be given a number, which is
viewable on the shared display by all other players of the baccarat
gaming system. Machine numbers and their corresponding bets are
shown on the shared display. This enables each of the players to
see what each of the other players have wagered. Each player's bets
and corresponding number can be shown additionally or alternatively
on the local machine displays. Some or all of this information can
be additionally or alternatively displayed on the individual gaming
machine display devices.
[0160] In the example discussed below, the shared display shows the
bets as they are wagered during the auction or countdown. Here, the
auction is open and enables the players to either wait until the
end to wager their bets, so as to place the highest bet for either
banker or player. As discussed below, alternatively, the players
can each clear a bet and make a new bet, which is higher, so that
the player again can wager the highest player or banker bet. In an
alternative embodiment, the auction is blind and the shared display
does not display each player's bets until the auction has been
completed. This embodiment promotes quicker wagering because there
is no incentive to wait. In a further embodiment, the shared
display each player's bets for an initial portion of the auction,
so that the players have an idea of what the high-bets will be,
after which the auction becomes blind and the shared display clears
the bets and shows a finish betting screen. Again, some or all of
this information can be additionally or alternatively displayed on
the individual gaming machine display devices. Additionally, the
shared display or the individual gaming machine display devices can
display the sum of all bets for each possible outcome, bets for the
current play, one or more bets for past plays such as the history
of bets made by a player, the history of one or more outcomes or
previous results, or any other suitable information.
[0161] After the auction, system 50 determines whether any of the
participant gaming devices have made a banker bet, as discussed in
connection with diamond 60. If not, the gaming system in one
embodiment is set to auto-generate the banker's hand, for example,
on the shared display and thereafter display the banker's hand on
the participant gaming machines, as indicated by block 62. The
determination made in connection with diamond 60 enables game play
to continue even if no player wagers a banker bet. In an
alternative embodiment, the auction is replayed until at least one
player wagers a banker bet.
[0162] If at least one banker bet has been wagered, the gaming
system then determines whether there is a tie for the highest
banker bet, as determined in connection with diamond 64. If there
is no tie for the highest banker bet, that is, only one gaming
device has wagered the highest banker bet, the gaming system sets
that high banker bet machine to be the one that generates the
banker's hand. After such generation, the banker's hand is
displayed on each of the participant gaming machines, as shown in
connection with block 66. One example of the timing involved with
generating the baccarat hands on the high-bet machines and
thereafter displaying the results of the hands on the other
machines is shown in the example below.
[0163] If a tie for the high banker bet does exist, the gaming
system performs a selection sequence, which picks one of the gaming
machines to be the one that is enabled to generate the banker's
hand, as shown in connection with block 68. As discussed above, the
selection sequence can involve one or more criteria or basis upon
which to pick the "winning" gaming device from the tied gaming
devices. For example, the gaming system could break the tie based
on which machine has the highest total bet, e.g., if one machine
places an additional tie bet, that machine could be declared the
winner. In another embodiment, the gaming system can randomly
determine which of the gaming machines is enabled to generate the
banker's hand. In a further embodiment, a secondary auction is held
in which each tied machine is enabled to increase their banker bet
if desired. If two or more of the tied machines increase the bet by
the same amount, the gaming system can run a further auction or use
one of the other methods to decide which machine wins. In a further
alternative embodiment, the gaming system performs another suitable
type of contest to determine the winner. For example, the gaming
system enables each player to draw one card. The playing card
closest to nine, for example, would decide the winning machine from
the tied machines. Again, the contest could be rerun until a
winning machine is found. In a further example alternative, one
player can pick the playing cards and another player could see the
playing cards before the other players.
[0164] After selecting a winner, the gaming system employing
sequence 50 sets the winning machine to generate the banker's hand,
after which the banker's hand is displayed on the remaining
participant machines, as indicated by block 70. Again, in one
embodiment, the winning high-bet banker machine is enabled to draw
or generate the banker hand, which generation is first shown to the
player on the display device of that high-bet machine. The drawing
of the banker hand is not immediately shown to the other
participant gaming devices and is not immediately shown on the
overhead display. After a slight delay, these results are
displayed. Thus, the gaming system provides a small delay in
showing the results to all of the players and give the players who
won the auction an honor of seeing the playing cards or result
first (such as one or two seconds before the other players). The
delay in showing all of the results can be any suitable delay. The
result of the draw is however shown on the other participant gaming
machines and on the shared display as discussed below.
[0165] In an alternative embodiment, the actual drawing of the
banker's hand is shown on one or both of the other participant
gaming machine displays and the shared display. Such generation
would provide fun and excitement to the non-drawing players.
However, by not initially showing the generation of the banker's
hand on the participant machines or the shared display, the player
of the (winning) high-bet banker's hand is enabled to preview for a
short period of time the banker's hand and have a perceived sense
of control.
[0166] In the same manner as with the player's bet, after the
auction, system 50 determines whether any of the participant gaming
devices have made a player bet, as shown in connection with diamond
72. If not, the gaming system in one embodiment is set to
auto-generate the player's hand, for example, on the shared display
and thereafter display the player's hand on the participant gaming
machines, as indicated by block 74. The determination made in
connection with diamond 72 enables game play to continue even if no
player wagers a player bet. In an alternative embodiment, the
auction is replayed until at least one player wagers a player
bet.
[0167] If at least one player bet has been wagered, the gaming
system determines whether there is a tie for the highest player
bet, as determined in connection with diamond 76. If there is no
tie for the highest player bet, that is, only one gaming device has
wagered the highest player bet, the gaming system sets that high
player bet machine to be the one that generates the player's hand.
After such generation, the player's hand is displayed on each of
the participant gaming machines, as shown in connection with block
78.
[0168] If a tie for the high player bet occurs, the gaming system
performs a suitable selection sequence that picks one of the gaming
machines to be the one that is enable to generate the player's
hand, as shown in connection with block 80. As discussed above, the
selection sequence can involve one or more criterion or basis upon
which to pick the "winning" gaming device from the tied gaming
devices.
[0169] After selecting a winner, the gaming system employing
sequence 50 sets the winning machine to generate the player's hand,
after which the player's hand is displayed on the remaining
participant machines, as indicated by block 82. Again, in one
embodiment, the winning high-bet player machine is enabled to draw
or generate the player hand, which generation is shown to the
player on the display device of that high-bet machine alone. The
drawing of the player hand is not shown to the other participant
gaming devices and is not shown on the overhead display. The
"result" of the player draw is however shown on the other
participant gaming machines and on the shared display as
illustrated below.
[0170] In an alternative embodiment, the actually drawing of the
player's hand is shown on one or both of the other participant
gaming machine displays and the shared display. Such generation
would provide fun and excitement to the non-drawing players.
However, by not showing the generation of the player's hand on the
participant machines or the shared display, the player of the
(winning) high-bet player's hand is enabled to preview the player's
hand and have a perceived sense of control and/or advantage.
[0171] After the initial banker and player hands are generated and
shown to the participant gaming devices, the baccarat gaming system
employing method 50 determines whether either the banker or player
hand should receive a third card, as shown in connection with
diamond 84. As discussed above, in one embodiment the determination
of whether either the banker or player hand draws a third card is
preset by the rules of baccarat. Sequence 50 in one embodiment
therefore determines automatically whether either the high-bet
banker or high-bet player hand machine draws a third card. If so, a
suitable message is shown and either one or both the high-bet
banker or player machine is enabled to draw a third card as shown
in connection with block 86.
[0172] Whether or not any third card is drawn, the baccarat gaming
system employing sequence 50 determines whether the banker wins,
the player wins or a tie occurs as determined in connection with
block 88. Next, any bonus or progressive play is provided, as shown
in connection with diamond 90. Bonus and progressive embodiments
are described above. If a bonus game or progressive play is
provided, the bonus or progressive is played and paid to the
associated machine(s) and player(s) as shown in connection with
block 92. The bonus and progressive can additionally or
alternatively be shown on the shared display. Further, as discussed
above, group bonus or progressive pays are provided in one
embodiment.
[0173] Sequence 50 shows all wins and updates the credit meters of
the participant gaming machines, as shown in connection with block
94. Sequence 50 determines whether a next auction and associated
baccarat play is provided, as determined in connection with diamond
96. If the gaming system is shut down for whatever reason, sequence
50 ends as shown in connection with oval 98. Otherwise, another
auction is initiated as shown in connection with block 54 and
sequence 50 as just described is repeated. Example
[0174] One example of the play of gaming system 100 is shown in
connection with FIGS. 4A through 4F, FIGS. 5A through 5F, FIGS. 6A
through 6F, FIGS. 7A through 7F, FIGS. 8A through 8F, FIGS. 9A
through 9F and FIGS. 10A through 10F. The figures are structured to
show at given points in time in the play of gaming system 100, the
state of shared display 106 and the corresponding state of
individual display devices 16 of the constituent gaming devices 10a
through 10e.
[0175] As seen in FIGS. 4B through 4F, display devices 16 initially
display the bet button 32 and credit meter 34 as discussed above.
Additionally, each gaming device 10 includes a clear button 36,
which in one embodiment clears all bets that have been made during
the auction or countdown. In an alternative embodiment, pressing
clear button 36 once clears the instant bet, pressing clear button
36 a second time clears the bet made previous to the instant bet
and so on.
[0176] Each gaming device 10 includes a wager input 38. In the
illustrated embodiment, wager input 38 includes four digits, each
with corresponding up and down incrementing arrows. If a player
wishes to wager ten credits on any given bet for example, the
player pushes the plus indicator of the ten's digit to one.
Alternatively, selectable digits zero to nine are provided, which
enable the player to enter the desired bet digitally. In further
alternative embodiments, knobs, toggles and/or other types of
incrementors may be used. In another embodiment, the gaming system
enables a player to utilize virtual wager chips to place one or
more bets.
[0177] The time remaining in a given auction countdown is shown on
clock or timer 40. In one embodiment, clock or timer 40 counts down
from the beginning time, such as thirty seconds down to zero, at
which point the auction is completed. The player chooses which bet
to make by bet type input 42. Bet type input 42 includes selectable
indicia shown in combination with a meter that reads out the bet
placed on the player, tie and banker bets. In one sequence, the
player presses the desired type of bet to make via input 42, for
example, the banker indicia. Afterwards, the player enters the bet
amount via bet input 38. The player confirms the amount selected by
selecting the bet button 32. The player can thereafter clear that
bet by pressing clear input 36. Additionally or alternatively, the
player can reselect the banker indicia of input 42 to redo the
banker bet. If the player then wishes to wager a tie bet for
example, the player presses the tie indicia of input 42 and repeats
the same sequence as described above for the banker bet.
[0178] Alternatively, the player enters an amount via bet input 38
and then selects a bet to which to apply the amount via type input
42. The clear input 36 is operable to change one or more bets. When
the player is satisfied with the bet regime, the player selects the
bet input 32, which acts as a confirm input. The bets are stored in
one of the memory devices disclosed herein.
[0179] Credit display 34 shows the current wagerable number of
credits the player has. Bet display 44 shows the total bet wagered
by the player, for example, a banker bet added to a tie bet. Win
meter 46 shows any win the player achieves at the end of a sequence
of play of gaming system 100.
[0180] Each of the players can see shared display 106, which in one
embodiment is a large overhead display. FIG. 4A shows the state of
shared display 106 at the beginning of an auction. For each gaming
device (shown on shared display 106 as gaming devices 1 to 5), the
tie bet is shown along row 108a, the banker bet is shown along row
108b and the player bet is shown along row 108c. The score or tally
resulting from the generation of the player hand is shown in meter
110a. The score or tally of the generated banker hand is shown in
meter 110b. The gaming machine maintaining the high banker bet (or
the winning machine from a tie sequence discussed above) and the
corresponding high player bet is shown in meter 112a. Likewise, the
high-bet banker or the gaming machine that wins tie sequence
between two or more high-bet bankers and a corresponding high
banker bet is shown in meter 112b. Shared display 106 in one
embodiment also shows the timer or countdown meter 40 (shown also
on individual display devices 16) and other indicia corresponding
to a baccarat theme as desired.
[0181] FIGS. 4A to 4F show a new game portion of one sequence of
gaming system 100. Here, each individual display device 16 shows a
message to the associated player to place any desired bet. A
similar message can also be shown on shared display 106. For
example, streaming video of the virtual dealer can promote the
players to wager their bets and inform the them that the auction
period is beginning. The shared display as well as the local
display devices 16 also show the actual countdown beginning, for
example, at thirty seconds.
[0182] FIGS. 5A to 5F show a point in time in the sequence in which
the auction or countdown is about to end. In particular, the
players have only three seconds remaining in which to update or
place a new bet. Local display devices 16 still display the place
your bet indicia. The shared display 106 shows the bets as they are
being wagered during the countdown. This enables the participant
players to see what each other player is wagering, which promotes
higher wagering for players who wish to have the highest player or
banker bet. Showing the bets during the auction also enables
non-high-bet players to follow a player they trust or to avoid a
player they feel is bad luck. This feature tends to involve every
player, not just high-bet players. The feature promotes a group
gaming experience.
[0183] As seen on shared display 106, player one of gaming device
10a has wagered 500 credits on the player bet. Player two of gaming
device 10b has wagered 175 credits on the banker bet and 25 credits
on the tie bet. Player three of gaming device 10c has wagered 230
credits on the banker bet. Player four of gaming device 10d has
wagered 450 credits on the player bet and fifty credits on the tie
bet. Player five of gaming device 10e has wagered forty credits on
the banker bet and 10 credits on the tie bet. Although not
illustrated, the virtual dealer of shared display 106 can prompt
the players visually and/or audibly to complete their wagering.
[0184] FIGS. 6A to 6F show a point in the sequence of the gaming
system 100 after which the auction has ended and at which the
generation of the player and banker hands is about to begin. As
seen on display devices 16 of FIGS. 6B through 6F, the bet screen
has been cleared and playing screens are now shown. The screens
differ for high-bet players verses non-high-bet players. As
highlighted by shared display 106, the high-bet player wager has
been made by player one of gaming device 10a, who has wagered a
high player bet of 500 credits as seen in meter 112a of shared
display 106. The high-bet banker is player three of gaming device
10c, who has wagered 230 credits as seen in meter 112b of shared
display 106. Each player's bets continue to be displayed in columns
108a to 108c.
[0185] As seen in FIGS. 6B to 6F, each of the credit meters 34 is
reduced by the amount of the associated total bet, which is shown
in bet meter 44. Each player is reminded locally of each of the
bets made, which are shown on a portion of the bet meter 44 located
at the bottom of display device 16. As seen, the local high-bet
screens 16 are different than the local non-high bet screens
16.
[0186] High-bet player one of machine 10a is shown a deck 48 of
selectable cards, which are face-down or masked, and slots for
generated player cards 114a to 114c. Likewise, player three of
gaming device 10c is shown the same deck 48 of selectable cards
face-down or masked, and slots for generated player cards 116a to
116c. Lower bet players two, four and five of machines 10b, 10d and
10e, respectively, each show slots for the generated player cards
114a to 114c and banker cards 116a to 116c. Also, each display
device 16 of each of participant gaming device 10 shows the tally
meters 110a and 110b discussed above in connection with shared
display 106.
[0187] Gaming system 100 prompts players one and three on display
devices 16 of gaming devices 10a and 10c to generate the player and
banker hand, respectively. Shared display 106 also indicates that
it is time to deal. In one embodiment, the playing cards of deck 48
are each selectable areas of touch screen 18 operable with display
device 16.
[0188] FIGS. 7A to 7F show the generation of the player and banker
hands according to the illustrated sequence of gaming system 100.
It should be appreciated that at this point in the sequence,
players two, four and five are not privy on their screens 116 to
the playing card generation information provided to high-bet
players one and three of gaming devices 10a and 10c, respectively.
Shared display 106 also does not show the non-high-bet players the
generation of the player and banker hands in the illustrated
embodiment, but does show slots in which cards 114a, 114b, 116a and
116b will be revealed. Accordingly, the high-bet players achieve a
sense of control of their own fate because they are enabled to
generate their own hands. Further, high-bet players one and three
are enabled an initial viewing of their respective hand, so that
they can gain an initial sense of whether their associated bet will
be successful or not. In an alternative embodiment, the generation
of the hands can be shown either on shared display 106, the
displays 16 of the non-high-bet machines or both.
[0189] As seen in FIGS. 7B and 7D, player one picks the fifth card
of the top row of deck 48 as the first player hand card 114a and
the fourth from the last card in the middle row of deck 48 as the
second player hand card 114b. Likewise, player three of gaming
device 10c picks the seventh card of the third row of deck 48 as
the first banker card 116a and the sixth card of the first row of
deck 48 as the second banker card 116b. In one embodiment, system
100 does not enable the players to pick the same card from deck 48.
System 100 can employ any suitable picking sequence, namely: (i)
banker, banker, player, player; (ii) player, player, banker,
banker; (iii) banker, player, banker, player; (iv) player, banker,
player, banker; or (v) no sequence, picks are done randomly.
[0190] Display device 16 of gaming device 10a displays to player
one that the first player card 114a is the Seven of Diamonds, while
the second player card 114b is the Ten of Clubs. Display device 16
of gaming device 10c reveals to player three that the first banker
card 116a is the Three of Hearts, while the second banker card 116b
is the Nine of Diamonds. The player and banker cards are initially
not revealed to the other players and thus none of the tally meters
110a or 110b is updated. This delay lasts a short period of time.
Thus, for this short period of time, only player one of gaming
device 10a knows that the player hand with a total of seven looks
good. Likewise, for this short period of time only player three of
gaming device 10c knows that the total of two for the banker hand
will likely mean that the player will have to draw a third card for
the banker hand. It should be appreciated that in alternative
embodiments the display can be simultaneous or nearly
simultaneous.
[0191] As seen in FIGS. 8A to 8F, after the first two cards of the
banker and player hands are generated (here at gaming devices 10a
and 10c, respectively) player cards 114a and 114b and banker cards
116a and 116b are revealed on shared display 106 and at
non-high-bet machines 10b, 10d and 10e. Tally meters 110a and 110b
are updated everywhere to show that the player hand total is
currently seven, while the banker hand total is currently two.
Selected areas for cards 114a, 114b, 116a and 116b of deck 48 on
display devices 16 of gaming devices 10a and 10c can be grayed or
otherwise colored to show that they have been selected.
[0192] Referring now to FIGS. 9A to 9F, system 100 in one
embodiment determines automatically that the banker player of
gaming device 10c has to pick a third card. Display device 16 of
FIG. 9D accordingly displays an audio, visual or audiovisual
message 118 informing player three to pick a third card from deck
48. Shared display 106 and display device 16 of gaming device 10c
accordingly show an area in which third banker card 116 will be
shown. This area informs players one, two, four and five of gaming
devices 10a, 10b, 10d and 10e, respectively, that a third banker
card will be revealed shortly. As seen in display devices 16 of
FIGS. 10B, 10D and 10E, a region for the reveal of third banker
card 116c is also highlighted.
[0193] Referring now to FIGS. 10A to 10F, a game over portion of
the sequence is shown. Here, player three of gaming device 10c
picks the third card of the third row of deck 48 as third banker
card 116c. Third banker card 116c is revealed to be the Queen of
Spades on each of the display devices 16 of gaming devices 10b to
10e and also on shared display 106. Face cards in baccarat add a
zero to the total, thus the banker tally meter 110b remains at two.
The player hand, with a total of seven wins accordingly. In the
illustrated embodiment, banker players one and four each win a
total of two times their player bet, so that player one wins
five-hundred credits over and above the five-hundred credits
wagered on the player bet. Player four wins four-hundred fifty
credits over and above the four-hundred fifty credits wagered on
the player bet. Credit meters 34 of gaming devices 10a and 10d are
updated accordingly. System 100 displays a game over message 120 on
each of display devices 16 of gaming devices 10. A similar message
can also be displayed visually and/or audibly on shared display
106, for example via the virtual dealer, in accordance with the
theme of the baccarat gaming system.
[0194] It should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described
herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes
and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its
intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and
modifications be covered by the appended claims.
* * * * *