U.S. patent application number 10/597362 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-04 for apparatus for playing a game.
Invention is credited to James David Thomas, James Simon Thomas.
Application Number | 20080214274 10/597362 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31971369 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080214274 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thomas; James David ; et
al. |
September 4, 2008 |
Apparatus for Playing a Game
Abstract
The present invention, with reference to FIG. (1), is concerned
with apparatus for playing a game. A plurality of randomisers are
provided, each for generating one or more random indicia from a
predefined set of indicia in a turn of play. One or more playfields
are provided for play in each turn of play, the one or more
playfields each being associated with at least one of the plurality
of randomisers and offering for play via that playfield the same
redefined set of indicia as the associated randomiser or
randomisers.
Inventors: |
Thomas; James David;
(Leicestershire, GB) ; Thomas; James Simon;
(London, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LUEDEKA, NEELY & GRAHAM, P.C.
P O BOX 1871
KNOXVILLE
TN
37901
US
|
Family ID: |
31971369 |
Appl. No.: |
10/597362 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
January 24, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB05/00242 |
371 Date: |
February 8, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 ; 463/17;
463/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3211 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 ; 463/17;
463/40 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 23, 2004 |
GB |
0401527.7 |
Jan 27, 2004 |
GB |
0401729.9 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for playing a game comprising: a plurality of
randomisers each for generating one or more random indicia from a
predefined set of indicia in a turn of play; one or more playfields
for play in each turn of play, the one or more playfields each
being associated with at least one of the plurality of randomisers
and offering for play via that playfield the same predefined set of
indicia as the associated randomiser or randomisers; and evaluation
means for: determining which of the plurality of randomisers has or
have been selected for play by a player in a turn of play;
determining if the one or more random indicia generated by the
selected randomiser or randomisers in a turn of play has or have
been validly selected for play via a playfield or playfields
associated with that randomiser or randomisers and is a winning
game entry; and awarding a winning payment or credit to the player
of a winning game entry; wherein, in each turn of play: each player
of the game selects one or more of the plurality of randomisers for
play in that turn of play and for each randomiser selected uses at
least one of the associated playfields by placing a stake or stakes
to select one or more indicia on that playfield for play in that
turn of play, whereafter: at least the selected one or selected
ones of the plurality of randomisers each generate one or more
random indicia from the predefined set of indicia for that turn of
play; and the evaluation means determines if there are any winning
game entries and awards a winning payment or credit to each player
of a winning game entry.
2. Apparatus for playing a game comprising: a plurality of
randomisers each for generating one or more random indicia from a
predefined set of indicia in a turn of play; a plurality of
playfields for play in each turn of play, the plurality of
playfields each being associated with at least one of the plurality
of randomisers and offering for play via that playfield the same
predefined set of indicia as the associated randomiser or
randomisers; and evaluation means for: determining which of the
plurality of randomisers has or have been selected for play by a
player in a turn of play; determining if the one or more random
indicia generated by the selected randomiser or randomisers in a
turn of play has or have been validly selected for play via a
playfield or playfields associated with that randomiser or
randomisers and is a winning game entry; and awarding a winning
payment or credit to the player of a winning game entry; wherein,
in each turn of play: each player of the game selects one or more
of the plurality of randomisers for play in that turn of play and
for each randomiser selected uses at least one of the associated
playfields by placing a stake or stakes to select one or more
indicia on that playfield for play in that turn of play,
whereafter: at least the selected one or selected ones of the
plurality of randomisers each generate one or more random indicia
from the predefined set of indicia for that turn of play; and the
evaluation means determines if there are any winning game entries
and awards a winning payment or credit to each player of a winning
game entry.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a central
control unit comprising the plurality of randomisers.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 further comprising one or more
terminals each connectable to the central control unit for
communication therebetween, each terminal being provided for use by
a player to play the game and offering that player one or more of
the playfields for play in each turn of play, wherein each player
of the game uses a terminal to select one or more of the plurality
of randomisers for play in that turn of play and for each
randomiser selected uses at least one of the associated playfields
by placing a stake or stakes to select one or more indicia on that
playfield for play in that turn of play.
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the one or more
terminals is/are located in close proximity to the central control
unit and hard wired together for communication therebetween.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the one or more
terminals is/are located in close proximity to the central control
unit and communication therebetween is wireless using infra-red,
radio, cellular, blue tooth or other wire free communication
medium.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the one or more
terminals is/are located remotely from the central control unit
and/or from each other and communication therebetween is effected
via a network such as an intranet or the Internet.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein one or more of the
plurality of randomisers is effected using electrical and/or
electronic components.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein one or more of the
playfields is effected using electrical and/or electronic
components.
10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the electrical and/or
electronic components comprise any one or more of a computer means,
a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a
television, or a visual display unit.
11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the electrical and/or
electronic components comprise processing means, data storage means
and are programmable.
12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein one or more of the
plurality of randomisers is traditional physical apparatus.
13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein one or more of the
playfields is effected using traditional physical apparatus.
14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 for use in the game of
roulette.
15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein one or more of the
plurality of randomisers is a roulette wheel.
16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the one or more
roulette wheels is a standard single zero or double zero wheel.
17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the one or more
roulette wheels is of bespoke design.
18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the one or more
roulette wheels comprises bespoke indicia.
19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein one or more of the
playfields is a roulette playfield.
20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein the one or more
playfields is a standard single zero or double zero playfield.
21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 20 wherein the one or more
playfields comprises bespoke indicia.
22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 for use in a dice game.
23. Apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein one or more of the
plurality of randomisers is a die or set of dice.
24. Apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein each die or each set
of dice is a standard die or set of dice.
25. Apparatus as claimed claim 22 wherein each die or each set of
dice comprises standard indicia.
26. Apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein each die or each set
of dice comprises bespoke indicia.
27. Apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein one or more of the
playfields is a roulette playfield.
28. Apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein one or more of the
playfields is a bespoke playfield.
29. Apparatus as claimed in claim 28 wherein the one or more
playfields comprises standard dice indicia.
30. Apparatus as claimed in claim 28 wherein the one or more
playfields comprises bespoke dice indicia.
31. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 for use in a card game.
32. Apparatus as claimed in claim 31 wherein one or more of the
plurality of randomisers comprises playing cards.
33. Apparatus as claimed in claim 31 wherein one or more of the
playfields comprises playing card indicia.
34. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 for use in the game of
bingo.
35. Apparatus as claimed in claim 34 wherein one or more of the
plurality of randomisers comprises bingo balls.
36. Apparatus as claimed in claim 34 wherein one or more of the
playfields comprises bingo indicia.
37. Apparatus for playing a game comprising: a central control unit
comprising a plurality of randomisers each generating one or more
random indicia from a predefined set of indicia in each turn of
play; one or more terminals each connectable to the central control
unit for communication therebetween, each terminal being provided
for use by a player to play the game and offering that player one
or more playfields for play in each turn of play, the one or more
playfields each being associated with at least one randomiser of
the central control unit and offering for play via that playfield
the same predefined set of indicia as the associated randomiser;
evaluation means for determining if the one or more random indicia
generated by each of the plurality of randomisers in each turn of
play has or have been validly selected for play via a playfield on
a terminal in any turn of play and is a winning game entry and for
awarding a winning payment or credit to the player of a winning
game entry, wherein in each turn of play: each player of the game
uses a terminal to select one or more of the plurality of
randomisers for play in that turn of play and for each randomiser
selected uses at least one of the associated playfields by placing
a stake or stakes to select one or more indicia on that playfield
for play in that turn of play, whereafter: the plurality of
randomisers of the central control unit each generate one or more
random indicia from the predefined set of indicia for that turn of
play; and the evaluation means determines if there are any winning
game entries and awards a winning payment or credit to each player
of a winning game entry.
38. Apparatus for playing a game comprising: a central control unit
comprising a randomiser for generating one or more random indicia
from a predefined set of indicia in each turn of play; one or more
terminals each connectable to the central control unit for
communication therebetween, each terminal being provided for use by
a player to play the game and offering that player a plurality of
playfields for play in each turn of play, the plurality of
playfields each offering for play via that playfield the same
predefined set of indicia as the randomiser; evaluation means for
determining if the one or more random indicia generated by the
randomiser in each turn of play has or have been validly selected
for play via a playfield on a terminal in any turn of play and is a
winning game entry and for awarding a winning payment or credit to
the player of a winning game entry, wherein in each turn of play:
each player of the game uses a terminal to select one or more of
the plurality of playfields for play in that turn of play and for
each playfield selected places a stake or stakes to select one or
more indicia on that playfield for play in that turn of play,
whereafter: the randomiser of the central control unit generates
one or more random indicia from the predefined set of indicia for
that turn of play; and the evaluation means determines if there are
any winning game entries and awards a winning payment or credit to
each player of a winning game entry.
39. Apparatus for playing a game comprising: a central control unit
comprising one or more randomisers each generating one or more
random indicia from a predefined set of indicia in each turn of
play; one or more terminals each connectable to the central control
unit for communication therebetween, each terminal being provided
for use by a player to play the game and offering that player one
or more playfields for play in each turn of play, the one or more
playfields each being associated with at least one randomiser of
the central control unit and offering for play via that playfield
the same predefined set of indicia as the associated randomiser;
evaluation means for determining if the one or more random indicia
generated by each of the one or more randomisers in each turn of
play has or have been validly selected for play via a playfield on
a terminal in any turn of play and is a winning game entry and for
awarding a winning payment or credit to the player of a winning
game entry, wherein in each turn of play: each player of the game
uses a terminal to select one or more of the randomisers for play
in that turn of play and for each randomiser selected uses at least
one of the associated playfields by placing a stake or stakes to
select one or more indicia on that playfield for play in that turn
of play, whereafter: the one or more randomisers of the central
control unit each generate one or more random indicia from the
predefined set of indicia for that turn of play; and the evaluation
means determines if there are any winning game entries and awards a
winning payment or credit to each player of a winning game
entry.
40. Apparatus for playing a game comprising: a central control unit
comprising a randomiser for generating one or more random indicia
from a predefined set of indicia in each turn of play; one or more
terminals each connectable to the central control unit for
communication therebetween, each terminal being provided for use by
a player to play the game and offering that player a playfield for
play in each turn of play, the playfield offering for play the same
predefined set of indicia as the randomiser; evaluation means for
determining if the one or more random indicia generated by the
randomiser in each turn of play has or have been validly selected
for play via the playfield on a terminal in any turn of play and is
a winning game entry and for awarding a winning payment or credit
to the player of a winning game entry, wherein in each turn of
play: each player of the game uses a terminal to place a stake or
stakes to select one or more indicia on that playfield for play in
that turn of play, whereafter: the randomiser of the central
control unit generates one or more random indicia from the
predefined set of indicia for that turn of play; and the evaluation
means determines if there are any winning game entries and awards a
winning payment or credit to each player of a winning game
entry.
41. Apparatus for playing a game comprising: a central control unit
comprising one or more randomisers for generating one or more
random indicia from a set of available indicia in each turn of
play; a plurality of terminals each connectable to the central
control unit for communication therebetween, each terminal being
provided for use by a player of the game and offering that player a
plurality of independent game entries for play in each turn of
play, each terminal comprising a payment acceptor means for
receiving payment or credit of one or more stakes from a player of
the game, and a selector means for selecting one or more of the
independent game entries for play in a turn of play; comparator
means for determining when the one or more random indicia generated
by one or more randomisers in each turn of play has been validly
selected for play on a terminal in a game entry by a player and is
a winning game entry; and payment means for awarding a winning
credit or payment to the player of a winning game entry, wherein in
each turn of play: each player of the game selects a terminal for
play, deposits one or more stakes via the payment acceptor or uses
banked or credited stakes to provide credit for that turn of play,
selects one or more of the independent game entries for play in
that turn of play and, for each independent game entry, selects one
or more indicia from the set of available indicia for play in that
turn of play; and the one or more randomisers each generate one or
more random indicia from the set of available indicia for that turn
of play, whereupon: the comparator means determines if there are
any winning game entries; and the payment means awards a winning
credit or payment to the player of a winning game entry.
42. Apparatus for playing a game as claimed in claim 41 wherein the
comparator means and the payment means are integrated.
43. Apparatus for playing a game comprising: a central control unit
comprising one or more randomisers each generating one or more
random indicia from a predefined set of indicia in each turn of
play; one or more terminals each connectable to the central control
unit for communication therebetween, each terminal being provided
for use by a player to play the game and offering that player a
plurality of independent game entries for play in each turn of
play, each terminal comprising payment acceptor means for receiving
payment from or accessing credit for that player of one or more
stakes, and selector means for use by that player to select one or
more of the independent game entries for play in a turn of play and
to place one or more stakes by selecting one or more indicia from
the predefined set of indicia for play in each independent game
entry selected for play; evaluation means for determining if the
one or more random indicia generated by the one or more randomisers
in each turn of play has or have been validly selected for play on
a terminal in any game entry by a player and is a winning game
entry and awarding a winning payment or credit to the player of a
winning game entry, wherein in each turn of play: each player of
the game uses a terminal to select one or more of the plurality of
independent game entries for play in that turn of play and, for
each independent game entry selected for play, places one or more
stakes by selecting one or more indicia from the predefined set of
indicia for play in that turn of play; and the one or more
randomisers each generate one or more random indicia from the
predefined set of indicia for that turn of play, whereupon the
evaluation means determines if there are any winning game entries
and awards a winning payment or credit to each player of a winning
game entry.
44. Apparatus for playing a game comprising: a central control unit
comprising a plurality of randomisers each generating one or more
random indicia from a predefined set of indicia in each turn of
play; one or more terminals each connectable to the central control
unit for communication therebetween, each terminal being provided
for use by a player to play the game and offering that player a
plurality of independent game entries for play in each turn of
play, each terminal comprising payment acceptor means for receiving
payment from or accessing credit for that player of one or more
stakes, and selector means for use by that player to select one or
more of the independent game entries for play in a turn of play and
to place one or more stakes by selecting one or more indicia from
the predefined set of indicia for play in each independent game
entry selected for play; evaluation means for determining if the
one or more random indicia generated by the plurality of
randomisers in each turn of play has or have been validly selected
for play on a terminal in any game entry by a player and is a
winning game entry and awarding a winning payment or credit to the
player of a winning game entry, wherein in each turn of play: each
player of the game uses a terminal to select one or more of the
plurality of independent game entries for play in that turn of play
and, for each independent game entry selected for play, places one
or more stakes by selecting one or more indicia from the predefined
set of indicia for play in that turn of play; and the plurality of
randomisers each generate one or more random indicia from the
predefined set of indicia for that turn of play, whereupon the
evaluation means determines if there are any winning game entries
and awards a winning payment or credit to each player of a winning
game entry.
45. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the electrical and/or
electronic components comprise any one or more of a computer means,
a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a
television, or a visual display unit.
46. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the electrical and/or
electronic components comprise processing means, data storage means
and are programmable.
47. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein the one or more
playfields is of bespoke design.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus for playing a
game and, in particular, to apparatus for playing a manual,
semi-automated, or fully-automated game of chance where a stake may
be gambled.
[0002] Manual, semi-automated and automated games of chance are
well known in the art and are widely available in a number of
different game formats and themes. Manual games of chance where
money is staked include, interalia, card games and games such as
roulette. Roulette has also been developed to exist in
semi-automated formats. Automated games of chance where money is
staked are commonly referred to as gaming machines,
amusement-with-prizes machines (AWPs) or fruit machines. These
gaming machines are provided for the purposes of entertainment,
recreation and sport, and are sited at venues such as leisure
centres, public houses, amusement arcades, clubs, bingo halls and
casinos. In particular, gaming machines are sited in considerable
numbers at dedicated gaming centres such as bingo halls and
casinos.
[0003] The apparatus of the present invention is of particular
utility in new game formats developed by the applicant which are
well suited to the game universally known as roulette.
Traditionally, the game of roulette takes the form of a roulette
table having a roulette wheel and a playfield. A croupier oversees
and manages the game. In each turn of play, players of the game are
invited to place a stake, typically in the form of a `chip`, on the
playfield so as to bet on a particular outcome or range of outcomes
of the roulette wheel. The roulette wheel is spun, a ball released,
and the ball comes to rest in one of a number of possible positions
provided on the roulette wheel, thus determining the game outcome
in that turn of play. The croupier `banks` the stakes of losing
players and pays out wins from the bank to winning players of the
game. A typical roulette wheel has thirty seven segments numbered
`0` to `36`, with numerals `1` to `36` positioned on alternating
red and black coloured segments and the numeral `0` occupying a
green segment. The playfield comprises a green baize marked with a
grid of play spaces having not only the corresponding thirty seven
possible number outcomes, but also having play spaces specifically
assigned with `odd`, `even`, `red`, `black`, `1st 12`, `2nd 12`
`3rd 12` designations to enable a player to place a stake on a more
likely outcome (albeit with a reduced payout corresponding to the
reduced odds). A stake placed on a single number only is termed a
`straight up` bet. A stake placed on combinations of play spaces is
termed a `party bet`.
[0004] It is known in the art to provide some degree of automation
of the game of roulette. For example, in GB 2284499 A of McNally
Gaming Limited, there is disclosed a self contained coin operated
gaming machine having a roulette wheel behind a glass screen.
Optical sensors are provided for determining the position of the
wheel as it rotates. Means is also provided for detecting when a
ball has settled in a segment of the wheel, thus determining the
number selected by the ball and whether a player of the game has
preselected that number for play. If so, the player is a winner and
a prize is awarded.
[0005] The present invention is concerned with improving upon
traditional apparatus for playing games of chance and addresses the
limitations of the prior art.
[0006] The present invention provides, in a first aspect, apparatus
for playing a game comprising:
[0007] a plurality of randomisers each for generating one or more
random indicia from a predefined set of indicia in a turn of
play;
[0008] one or more playfields for play in each turn of play, the
one or more playfields each being associated with at least one of
the plurality of randomisers and offering for play via that
playfield the same predefined set of indicia as the associated
randomiser or randomisers; and
[0009] evaluation means for
[0010] determining which of the plurality of randomisers has or
have been selected for play by a player in a turn of play;
[0011] determining if the one or more random indicia generated by
the selected randomiser or randomisers in a turn of play has or
have been validly selected for play via a playfield or playfields
associated with that randomiser or randomisers and is a winning
game entry; and
[0012] awarding a winning payment or credit to the player of a
winning game entry;
[0013] wherein, in each turn of play:
[0014] each player of the game selects one or more of the plurality
of randomisers for play in that turn of play and for each
randomiser selected uses at least one of the associated playfields
by placing a stake or stakes to select one or more indicia on that
playfield for play in that turn of play, whereafter:
[0015] at least the selected one or selected ones of the plurality
of randomisers each generate one or more random indicia from the
predefined set of indicia for is that turn of play; and
[0016] the evaluation means determines if there are any winning
game entries and awards a winning payment or credit to each player
of a winning game entry.
[0017] In a second aspect, the present invention provides apparatus
for playing a game comprising:
[0018] a plurality of randomisers each for generating one or more
random indicia from a predefined set of indicia in a turn of
play;
[0019] a plurality of playfields for play in each turn of play, the
plurality of playfields each being associated with at least one of
the plurality of randomisers and offering for play via that
playfield the same predefined set of indicia as the associated
randomiser or randomisers; and
[0020] evaluation means for:
[0021] determining which of the plurality of randomisers has or
have been selected for play by a player in a turn of play;
[0022] determining if the one or more random indicia generated by
the selected randomiser or randomisers in a turn of play has or
have been validly selected for play via a playfield or playfields
associated with that randomiser or randomisers and is a winning
game entry; and
[0023] awarding a winning payment or credit to the player of a
winning game entry;
[0024] wherein, in each turn of play:
[0025] each player of the game selects one or more of the plurality
of randomisers for play in that turn of play and for each
randomiser selected uses at least one of the associated playfields
by placing a stake or stakes to select one or more indicia on that
playfield for play in that turn of play, whereafter:
[0026] at least the selected one or selected ones of the plurality
of randomisers each generate one or more random indicia from the
predefined set of indicia for that turn of play; and
the evaluation means determines if there are any winning game
entries and awards a winning payment or credit to each player of a
winning game entry.
[0027] In a third aspect, the present invention provides apparatus
for playing a game comprising:
[0028] a central control unit comprising a plurality of randomisers
each generating one or more random indicia from a predefined set of
indicia in each turn of play;
[0029] one or more terminals each connectable to the central
control unit for communication therebetween, each terminal being
provided for use by a player to play the game and offering that
player one or more playfields for play in each turn of play, the
one or more playfields each being associated with at least one
randomiser of the central control unit and offering for play via
that playfield the same predefined set of indicia as the associated
randomiser:
[0030] evaluation means for determining if the one or more random
indicia generated by each of the plurality of randomisers in each
turn of play has or have been validly selected for play via a
playfield on a terminal in any turn of play and is a winning game
entry and for awarding a winning payment or credit to the player of
a winning game entry, wherein in each turn of play:
[0031] each player of the game uses a terminal to select one or
more of the plurality of randomisers for play in that turn of play
and for each randomiser selected uses at least one of the
associated playfields by placing a stake or stakes to select one or
more indicia on that playfield for play in that turn of play,
whereafter:
[0032] the plurality of randomisers of the central control unit
each generate one or more random indicia from the predefined set of
indicia for that turn of play; and
[0033] the evaluation means determines if there are any winning
game entries and awards a winning payment or credit to each player
of a winning game entry.
[0034] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides apparatus
for playing a game comprising:
[0035] a central control unit comprising a randomiser for
generating one or more random indicia from a predefined set of
indicia in each turn of play;
[0036] one or more terminals each connectable to the central
control unit for communication therebetween, each terminal being
provided for use by a player to play the game and offering that
player a plurality of playfields for play in each turn of play, the
plurality of playfields each offering for play via that playfield
the same predefined set of indicia as the randomiser;
[0037] evaluation means for determining if the one or more random
indicia generated by the randomiser in each turn of play has or
have been validly selected for play via a playfield on a terminal
in any turn of play and is a winning game entry and for awarding a
winning payment or credit to the player of a winning game entry,
wherein in each turn of play:
[0038] each player of the game uses a terminal to select one or
more of the plurality of playfields for play in that turn of play
and for each playfield selected places a stake or stakes to select
one or more indicia on that playfield for play in that turn of
play, whereafter:
[0039] the randomiser of the central control unit generates one or
more random indicia from the predefined set of indicia for that
turn of play; and
[0040] the evaluation means determines if there are any winning
game entries and awards a winning payment or credit to each player
of a winning game entry.
[0041] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides apparatus
for playing a game comprising:
[0042] a central control unit comprising one or more randomisers
each generating one or more random indicia from a predefined set of
indicia in each turn of play;
[0043] one or more terminals each connectable to the central
control unit for communication therebetween, each terminal being
provided for use by a player to play the game and offering that
player one or more playfields for play in each turn of play, the
one or more playfields each being associated with at least one
randomiser of the central control unit and offering for play via
that playfield the same predefined set of indicia as the associated
randomiser;
[0044] evaluation means for determining if the one or more random
indicia generated by each of the one or more randomisers in each
turn of play has or have been validly selected for play via a
playfield on a terminal in any turn of play and is a winning game
entry and for awarding a winning payment or credit to the player of
a winning game entry, wherein in each turn of play:
[0045] each player of the game uses a terminal to select one or
more of the randomisers for play in that turn of play and for each
randomiser selected uses at least one of the associated playfields
by placing a stake or stakes to select one or more indicia on that
playfield for play in that turn of play, whereafter:
[0046] the one or more randomisers of the central control unit each
generate one or more random indicia from the predefined set of
indicia for that turn of play; and
[0047] the evaluation means determines if there are any winning
game entries and awards a winning payment or credit to each player
of a winning game entry.
[0048] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides apparatus
for playing a game comprising:
[0049] a central control unit comprising a randomiser for
generating one or more random indicia from a predefined set of
indicia in each turn of play;
[0050] one or more terminals each connectable to the central
control unit for communication therebetween, each terminal being
provided for use by a player to play the game and offering that
player a playfield for play in each turn of play, the playfield
offering for play the same predefined set of indicia as the
randomiser;
[0051] evaluation means for determining if the one or more random
indicia generated by the randomiser in each turn of play has or
have been validly selected for play via the playfield on a terminal
in any turn of play and is a winning game entry and for awarding a
winning payment or credit to the player of a winning game entry,
wherein in each turn of play:
[0052] each player of the game uses a terminal to place a stake or
stakes to select one or more indicia on that playfield for play in
that turn of play, whereafter:
[0053] the randomiser of the central control unit generates one or
more random indicia from the predefined set of indicia for that
turn of play; and the evaluation means determines if there are any
winning game entries and awards a winning payment or credit to each
player of a winning game entry.
[0054] In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides
apparatus for playing a game comprising:
[0055] a central control unit comprising one or more randomisers
for generating one or more random indicia from a set of available
indicia in each turn of play;
[0056] a plurality of terminals each connectable to the central
control unit for communication therebetween, each terminal being
provided for use by a player of the game and offering that player a
plurality of independent game entries for play in each turn of
play, each terminal comprising a payment acceptor means for
receiving payment or credit of one or more stakes from a player of
the game, and a selector means for selecting one or more of the
independent game entries for play in a turn of play;
[0057] comparator means for determining when the one or more random
indicia generated by one or more randomisers in each turn of play
has been validly selected for play on a terminal in a game entry by
a player and is a winning game entry; and
[0058] payment means for awarding a winning credit or payment to
the player of a winning game entry, wherein in each turn of
play:
[0059] each player of the game selects a terminal for play,
deposits one or more stakes via the payment acceptor or uses banked
or credited stakes to provide credit for that turn of play, selects
one or more of the independent game entries for play in that turn
of play and, for each independent game entry, selects one or more
indicia from the set of available indicia for play in that turn of
play; and
[0060] the one or more randomisers each generate one or more random
indicia from the set of available indicia for that turn of play,
whereupon:
[0061] the comparator means determines if there are any winning
game entries; and
[0062] the payment means awards a winning credit or payment to the
player of a winning game entry.
[0063] In an eight aspect, the present invention provides apparatus
for playing a game comprising:
[0064] a central control unit comprising one or more randomisers
each generating one or more random indicia from a predefined set of
indicia in each turn of play;
[0065] one or more terminals each connectable to the central
control unit for communication therebetween, each terminal being
provided for use by a player to play the game and offering that
player a plurality of independent game entries for play in each
turn of play, each terminal comprising payment acceptor means for
receiving payment from or accessing credit for that player of one
or more stakes, and selector means for use by that player to select
one or more of the independent game entries for play in a turn of
play and to place one or more stakes by selecting one or more
indicia from the predefined set of indicia for play in each
independent game entry selected for play;
[0066] evaluation means for determining if the one or more random
indicia generated by the one or more randomisers in each turn of
play has or have been validly selected for play on a terminal in
any game entry by a player and is a winning game entry and awarding
a winning payment or credit to the player of a winning game entry,
wherein in each turn of play:
[0067] each player of the game uses a terminal to select one or
more of the plurality of independent game entries for play in that
turn of play and, for each independent game entry selected for
play, places one or more stakes by selecting one or more indicia
from the predefined set of indicia for play in that turn of play;
and
[0068] the one or more randomisers each generate one or more random
indicia from the predefined set of indicia for that turn of play,
whereupon the evaluation means determines if there are any winning
game entries and awards a winning payment or credit to each player
of a winning game entry.
[0069] In a ninth aspect, the present invention provides apparatus
for playing a game comprising;
[0070] a central control unit comprising a plurality of randomisers
each generating one or more random indicia from a predefined set of
indicia in each turn of play;
[0071] one or more terminals each connectable to the central
control unit for communication therebetween, each terminal being
provided for use by a player to play the game and offering that
player a plurality of independent game entries for play in each
turn of play, each terminal comprising payment acceptor means for
receiving payment from or accessing credit for that player of one
or more stakes, and selector means for use by that player to select
one or more of the independent game entries for play in a turn of
play and to place one or more stakes by selecting one or more
indicia from the predefined set of indicia for play in each
independent game entry selected for play;
[0072] evaluation means for determining if the one or more random
indicia generated by the plurality of randomisers in each turn of
play has or have been validly selected for play on a terminal in
any game entry by a player and is a winning game entry and awarding
a winning payment or credit to the player of a winning game entry,
wherein in each turn of play:
[0073] each player of the game uses a terminal to select one or
more of the plurality of independent game entries for play in that
turn of play and, for each independent game entry selected for
play, places one or more stakes by selecting one or more indicia
from the predefined set of indicia for play in that turn of play;
and
[0074] the plurality of randomisers each generate one or more
random indicia from the predefined set of indicia for that turn of
play, whereupon the evaluation means determines ff there are any
winning game entries and awards a winning payment or credit to each
player of a winning game entry.
[0075] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be
described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0076] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first preferred embodiment
of apparatus for playing a game according to the present invention,
illustrating a plurality of terminals each connected to a central
control unit;
[0077] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the central control unit
of the game apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0078] FIG. 3 is a detail view of a visual display unit of the
central control unit of FIG. 2.
[0079] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of one terminal of the game
apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0080] FIG. 5 is a detail view of an interactive visual display
unit of the terminal of FIG. 4;
[0081] FIG. 6 illustrates a customised design of roulette wheel for
use in an alternative embodiment of game apparatus according to the
present invention;
[0082] FIG. 7 illustrates a customised playfield for use with the
customised roulette wheel design of FIG. 6; and
[0083] FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of a further alternative
embodiment of apparatus for playing a game according to the present
invention, illustrating a single terminal connected to a central
control unit.
[0084] Referring first to FIG. 1, a gaming apparatus 10 according
to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown.
A central control unit 20 comprises a visual display unit 22,
preferably a plasma screen, and programmable electronic processing
means. Three terminals 40 are sited in close proximity to the
central control unit 20, each terminal 40 being of conventional
gaming machine construction. Each terminal 40 comprises an
interactive visual display unit 42, preferably a TFT touch
sensitive screen, and its own programmable electronic processing
means. All terminals 40 are connectable to the central control unit
20 so as to permit communication therebetween and, if desired, with
one another. Any terminal 40 may be used by a player of the game in
each turn of play.
[0085] In FIG. 2, there is shown a front elevation view of the
central control unit 20 which is preferably supplied in two parts,
an upper unit 21 and a lower unit 23, so as to facilitate ease of
shipping, handling and installation. The upper unit 21 houses the
visual display unit 22, background lighting for illuminating the
frontal area of the upper unit 21 surrounding the visual display
unit 22, and a toughened glass frontage overlying at least part of
the upper unit 21 of the central control unit 20. The lower unit
23, upon which the upper unit 21 is preferably mounted, contains a
master control unit provided with the programmable electronic
processing means and a power supply, all of which are connectable
to each of the terminals 40 of the gaming apparatus 10. The
electronic processing means of the central control unit 20 has
overall control of the gaming apparatus 10 and functions as at
least one randomiser (random number/indicia generator) to generate
random indicia in each turn of play of the game.
[0086] In FIG. 3, a typical screen graphic displayed by the visual
display unit 22 of the central control unit 20 is shown. The
electronic processing means of the central control unit 20
generates the necessary signals for the visual display unit 22 to
display a playfield 24 comprising a plurality of play spaces 25
arranged in an array. A particular indicia 26 or range of indicia
28 from a predefined set of indicia are reproduced in each play
space 25. The playfield 24 illustrated in this preferred embodiment
is for use with what is known in the art as a `double zero`
roulette wheel. The electronic processing means of the central
control unit 20 additionally generates the necessary signals for
the visual display unit 22 to display six roulette wheel game
windows 30, each simulating electronically at least part of a
`roulette wheel`. These are displayed on the visual display unit 22
below the playfield 24. Each `roulette wheel` is in fact a
randomiser of the gaming apparatus 10 having a predefined set of
indicia. In this preferred embodiment each roulette wheel is the
same and the predefined set of indicia is that of a standard
`double zero` roulette wheel, so as to be compatible with the
playfield 24. Each roulette wheel game window 30 is dynamic in the
sense that the electronic processing means can generate signals
which cause the visual display unit 22 to simulate both a spinning
roulette wheel and a roulette wheel at rest. The or each randomiser
can generate an independent random indicia result from the
predefined set of `double zero` roulette wheel indicia for each of
the six roulette wheel game windows 30. The winning indicia 31 of
each roulette wheel are then displayed on the visual display unit
22, preferably identified by an electronic representation of a ball
39 or other indicia coming to rest or appearing in a ball position
32 adjacent the winning indicia 31,
[0087] In FIG. 4, there is illustrated a front elevation view of a
terminal 40. The terminal 40 houses the interactive visual display
unit 42 and the electronic processing means. The interactive visual
display unit 42 displays graphics under the control of the
electronic processing means of the terminal 40 and/or the
electronic processing means of the central control unit 20 and is
responsive to tactile inputs from a player of the game. These
player inputs can be relayed from the terminal 40 to the central
control unit 20. A coin slot 43 and a note acceptor 44 are provided
for receipt of coins and notes from a player of the game. A payout
button 49 and payout tray 50 are provided for a player to collect
winnings in the form of coins and/or notes paid out directly by the
terminal 40. Function buttons 45, 46, 47 and 48 are provided on the
terminal 40 for a player to use where necessary in each turn of
play of the game. These function buttons 45, 46, 47 and 48 are
so-called `hard key` buttons used to offer the same or additional
functionality to that provided by the so-called `soft key` buttons
displayed by the touch screen interactive visual display unit 42,
Function button 46 is used to clear all stakes placed by the player
on the playfield 24 in that turn of play. Function button 47 is
used to clear the last stake placed on the playfield 24 by the
player in that turn of play. Function buttons 48 allow a player to
repeat the stakes already placed on the playfied 24 for one or more
further roulette wheels simulated by roulette wheel game windows 30
in that turn of play. Function button 45 gives a player of the game
access to game information,
[0088] In the first preferred embodiment of gaming apparatus 10
there are two modes, a first `attract mode` and a second `game
mode`. In `attract mode`, a full demonstration of the game is given
by the central control unit 20 and each terminal 40. Each terminal
40 acts under the control of the central control unit 20 in the
absence of players. This simulation demonstrates to potential
players all aspects and functionality of the game. In `game mode`,
a typical game cycle comprises the sequence `place your bets`,
`tick-tock` (a countdown period for players to place their bets),
`no more bets` (a cutoff), `spin the wheels`, results and
evaluation, and `all winners paid`.
[0089] To play a game, the or each player of the game must select a
terminal 40 for play and deposit funds via one or both of the coin
receiving acceptor 43 or note receiving acceptor 44 to provide
credit for at least one turn of play. The credit balance deposited
and/or won by the player of the game is displayed by the visual
display unit 42 at window 37 (FIG. 5) under the control of the
electronic processing means of the terminal 40. This information is
also communicated to the electronic processing means of the central
control unit 20.
[0090] The electronic processing means of the central control unit
20 detects that a stake is ready to be placed by a player of the
game and, where necessary, the game apparatus 10 changes from the
`attract mode` to the `play mode` and a first game period begins.
Alternatively, this mode change may instead be effected by a player
using a soft key and/or hard key (e.g. named `play`, not shown)
made available on a terminal 40. During this first game period, the
electronic processing means of the central control unit 20
broadcasts `place your bets` both audibly and/or for display from
the central control unit 20 and electronically to each of the
terminals 40 for display and/or audible reproduction. Preferably, a
countdown period begins and the electronic processing means of the
central control unit 20 broadcasts `tick-tock` repeatedly both
audibly and/or for display from the central control unit 20 and
electronically to each of the terminals 40 for display and/or
audible reproduction. This prompts each player of the game who has
credit available and wishes to play to use the interactive visual
display unit 42 of the terminal 40 to select the or each roulette
game wheel window 30 they wish to play in that turn of play, as
well as to place stakes on the playfield 24 in a manner similar to
that for the traditional game of roulette. For example, with
particular reference to FIG. 5, a player may select the desired
chip value for play using the chip value selector 27 on the
interactive visual display unit 42. A player touches the up arrow
to increase the value of the chips selected for play or touches the
down arrow to reduce the value of the chips. The chip value
increments may be in units or in multiples of units, and may be
simple numerical values or may represent a currency value. A player
may place stakes on the playfield 24 simply by touching the
interactive visual display unit 42 in a relevant location so as to
place a chip on a play space 25 of the playfield 24, either on a
single indicia 26 (i.e. a `straight up` bet) or on an intersection
or side wall of a play space 25 (i.e. a `party` bet). The stakes
placed by a player may be subject to rules policed by the terminal
40 and/or central control unit 20 which stipulate the maximum bet
on a winning chance, as is known in the traditional game of
roulette. A player may de-select, re-select or further select one
or more additional `roulette wheels` (i.e. independent randomisers)
for play by touching the relevant roulette wheel game window 30
which will toggle that window between selected and unselected
modes. Preferably, the roulette wheel game windows 30 selected for
play are displayed in full colour, whilst the unselected roulette
wheel game windows 30 are displayed in greyscale.
[0091] In this preferred embodiment, the total bet staked by a
player will be a multiple of the number and value of chips placed
on the playfield 24 and the number of roulette wheel game windows
30 selected for play by a player in that turn of play. The value of
the bet staked per roulette wheel game window 30 (i.e. per
independent game entry) is indicated on the interactive visual
display unit 42 at window 33. The number of roulette wheel game
windows 30 selected for play by a player is indicated on the
interactive visual display unit 42 at window 34, and the total bet
staked in that turn of play is indicated at window 35.
[0092] A player may add to, delete from, or amend any bets placed
on the playfield 24 during the `tick-tock` countdown period of the
game (indicated audibly and/or graphically) simply by touching the
interactive visual display unit 42 to toggle between selections,
Touching the interactive visual display unit 42 causes a selection
to be made and touching the screen again causes a de-selection
(so-called `soft key` operation). Alternatively, a player can use
the so-called `hard key` function buttons `clear all bets` button
46, `clear last bet` button 47 and `repeat bet` button 48, each of
whose function is self-explanatory. Once the `tick-tock` countdown
period has elapsed, the central control unit 20 broadcasts `no more
bets` both audibly and/or for display from the central control unit
20 and electronically to each of the terminals 40 for display
and/or audible reproduction. After this `cut-off` stage, each
player selection on each of the terminals 40 is fixed and can no
longer be amended. Game play data from each of the terminals 40 is
communicated back to and stored by the central control unit 20 for
statistical analysis purposes, and may also be used for display on
the visual display unit 22.
[0093] As an alternative (or in addition) to the `tick-tock`
countdown period, the or each player may indicate his or her
readiness to continue with play after finalising their bets by
touching or depressing a soft key and/or hard key (e.g. named
`ready`, `start`, `spin` or `play`, not shown) made available on a
terminal 40. If the or all players have indicated their readiness
to continue, the game proceeds.
[0094] Next, the central control unit 20 broadcasts `spin the
wheel` both audibly and/or for display from the central control
unit 20 and electronically to each of the terminals 40 for display
and/or audible reproduction. Preferably, the electronic processing
means of the central control unit 20 and of each terminal 40
together simulate a spinning roulette wheel in each of the six
roulette wheel game windows 30, irrespective of whether or not each
has been selected for play. An electronic representation of a ball
39 is then dropped into the simulated roulette wheel of each
roulette wheel game window 30 whereupon the ball spins for a time
before dropping into a random ball position 32 adjacent to an
indicia 31 of the roulette wheel to indicate the random indicia
result of that randomiser of the central control unit 20. Each
roulette wheel game window 30 may stopped be sequentially (in or
out of turn). These spinning roulette wheel simulations are
displayed simultaneously in each of the six roulette wheel windows
30 of both the visual display unit 22 of the central control unit
20 and the visual display unit 42 of each terminal 40.
[0095] Next, the terminals 40 each evaluate their playfield 24 for
each of the roulette wheel game windows 30 selected for play (i.e.
each independent game entry) by a player in that turn of play. Each
winning entry is indicated as such to the player by the terminal
40, whereupon the win display window 36 of the visual display unit
42 is updated and then the win credit added to the credit display
window 37. This information is also relayed from each terminal 40
to the central control unit 20 where the electronic processing
means updates its database with all relevant game data for that
turn of play.
[0096] Once the central control unit 20 has collected the results
from each of the terminals 40, then the central control unit 20
broadcasts `all winners paid` both audibly and/or for display from
the central control unit 20 and electronically to each of the
terminals 40 for display and/or audible reproduction. The central
control unit 20 then initialises itself and, provided there are
players with stakes to placed, the next turn of play of the game
begins. Alternatively, if not, the gaming apparatus 10 enters
`attract mode`.
[0097] It will be appreciated that the first preferred embodiment
of gaming apparatus 10 described in detail above may be varied in
many respects, certain of which will now be described by way of
example. In this regard, the scope of the invention is that as set
out in the appended claims.
[0098] Whilst it has been described above that it is preferred that
the electronic processing means of the central control unit 20 and
of each terminal 40 together simulate a spinning roulette wheel in
each of the six roulette wheel game windows 30 irrespective of
whether or not each has been selected for play, it will be
appreciated this is just one option. Alternatively, only those
roulette wheel game windows 30 selected for play by a player (or as
a further alternative any player) may simulate a spinning roulette
wheel in that turn of play.
[0099] When a player of a game selects a chip value using the chip
value selector 27, this may be done at any time during the
`tick-tock` countdown period of the game or until the player(s)
has/have indicated their readiness to continue with play. The
effect of this in the preferred embodiment described above is to
change the value of all chips already placed on the playfield 24 as
well as subsequently. However, it is possible to program the game
apparatus 10 such that, as an alternative, already placed bets
retain their original value and, upon changing the chip value via
the chip value selector 27, subsequent placed chips are placed with
the new different chip value.
[0100] In the preferred embodiment, a single playfield 24 is made
available to a player by each terminal 40 no matter how many
`roulette wheels` (i.e. randomisers) are made available for play by
a player via roulette game wheel windows 30 and selected for play
in each turn of play. This restricts the bet selection process
because the bets staked on the playfield 24 apply to all roulette
wheel game windows 30 selected for play by a player in that turn of
play. A player may wish instead to bet on a greater or fewer number
of indicia for each different roulette game wheel window 30
selected for play, or simply to select different indicia for play.
Accordingly, the gaming apparatus 10 can be modified such that when
a player selects to play, for example, the roulette wheel game
windows 30 marked "Game 1" and "Game 4" respectively, it is
possible to provide and display a separate playfield 24 for each
roulette wheel game window 30 to facilitate the possibility of
placing different bets for each independent game entry in a single
turn of play. In this case, a separate playfield 24 may be provided
for each of the six roulette wheel game windows 30 (i.e. each
randomiser).
[0101] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the gaming
apparatus 10 need not be limited to six `roulette wheels` (i.e.
randomisers) described in the preferred embodiment of the gaming
apparatus 10. Any number of `roulette wheels` are possible.
Alternatively, just one roulette wheel may be displayed and spun,
but a plurality of balls provided and released simultaneously or
sequentially, each coming to rest and determining separate winning
indicia results. Essentially, each ball is a separate randomiser in
its own right. In this case, the receptacles provided in the
`roulette wheel` for the balls may be made large enough such that
each can accommodate all of the balls such that the full range of
indicia are available for play in each turn of play. The or each
playfield 24 would then be associated with a particular ball rather
than a particular roulette wheel. Each ball would be readily
distinguishable from all others (e.g. by number and/or colour).
Indeed, it is possible to have a plurality of balls and a plurality
of roulette wheels, with playfields associated with one or both
types of randomiser (e.g. two bails for one of three roulette
wheels and two further roulette wheels each having one ball, with
four playfields, one for each randomiser). The result of the or
each randomiser can of course be presented electronically on the
visual display units 22, 42 in any desired form. For example,
simple indicia may be individually displayed rather than portions
of a roulette wheel.
[0102] It will be further appreciated that the gaming apparatus 10
need not be limited to six identical roulette wheels and associated
playfields 24. It is possible to have different known designs
(`single zero` and `double zero` formats) or customised designs of
roulette wheel and playfield available for play by a player on a
single terminal 40 in each turn of play. Each such randomiser will
have its own predefined set of indicia which may be the same or
different to that of another. For example, the electronic
processing means of the central control unit 20 and terminals 40
can be programmed to have six independent randomisers, say two
standard `single zero` roulette wheels and associated playfields
(`Game 1` and `Game 2`), two standard `double zero` roulette wheels
and associated playfields (`Game 3` and `Game 4`), and two
customised `twin eagle` roulette wheels and associated playfields
(`Game 5` and `Game 6`). The customised `twin eagle` format of the
applicant is described in detail below.
[0103] With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is illustrated a
non-standard roulette wheel 300 and associated playfield 240. This
customised format is called `twin eagle` by the applicant. The
predefined indicia set comprises numerical indicia 310 ranging from
`1` to `30` on alternating red and black coloured segments, but
additionally comprises two separate regions 340, 360 of three
typical sized wheel width segments 350, 370. Each region 340, 360
is assigned the colours gold and silver respectively with an eagle
indicia provided on each, rather than numerical indicia. Thirty-six
traditional ball receiving segments 320 are provided in a known
fashion. A corresponding `twin eagle` playfield 240 is likewise
different from a standard playfield in the sense that it contains
the numerical indicia 250 ranging from `1` to `30` and additionally
comprises two further play spaces 260 each designated with the gold
or silver colour and an indicia in the form of an eagle. All other
aspects of the gaming apparatus 10 are similar to that described
above. It will be appreciated however, that this changes the format
of the game and in particular the odds that a player is able to
play in each turn of play. Other alternatives are of course
possible as will be readily appreciated by the skilled person in
the art. Indeed, any customised predefined indicia set or sets may
be employed in a standard or customised roulette wheel and
playfield for use in the gaming apparatus 10.
[0104] Furthermore, in yet further embodiments of the present
invention the randomiser(s), indicia set(s) and playfield(s) may
take a form more suitable for other game formats. For example, one
such alternative game format requires the randomiser(s) to take the
form of a dice or die (or sets thereof bearing standard game and/or
bespoke indicia. The playfield(s) will bear betting/playing spaces
corresponding at least to each of those individual indicia borne by
the dice or die and may also bear further betting/playing spaces
(e.g. such as `odd`, `red`, `king`, `diamond` etc. depending on the
indicia set employed) to provide the option of party bets.
[0105] In addition, further betting opportunities may be presented
to a player of the gaming apparatus 101 such as the `jackpot game`
windows 38 illustrated in the preferred embodiment with particular
reference to FIG. 5. In this case, a player of the game may bet a
stake on the number of like winning indicia in each turn of play of
each roulette wheel game window 30. Since such a combination is far
more unlikely, and so a high value prize may be offered by the
operator for any such winning bet, typically a large cash sum or a
car, for example.
[0106] Whilst in the first preferred embodiment described, the
gaming apparatus 10 comprises a central control unit 20 and three
terminals 40 each connected to the central control unit 20, this is
of course only exemplary. The game apparatus 10 is modular in
nature and so it is possible that any number of terminals may be
connected to the central control unit 20, from one to any number.
Indeed, each terminal 40 does not have to be located at the same
site as the central control unit 20. One or more terminals may be
located remotely at a different site and connected to the central
control unit 20 via a communications network such as the Internet
or an intranet, for example.
[0107] Furthermore, with the advent of the Internet it will be
appreciated that a player may use his or her own personal computer
as a terminal 40 in which case software may be downloaded from the
central control unit 20, a game operators website, or may be
purchased separately for loading on to the personal computer in
order that the personal computer has the full functionality of a
terminal 40. Alternatively, the central control unit 20 may be
modified such that it contains all of the electronic processing
means and software necessary to conduct all of the necessary game
functions itself. Accordingly, this unit may, for example, take the
form of a single stand atone unit of the traditional
gaming/AWP/fruit machine type.
[0108] In this regard, a further embodiment of game apparatus 100
according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 8. A
central control unit 200 and single terminal 400 may be located in
close proximity or indeed mounted in a single tower type housing.
Both the central control unit 200 and the terminal 400 function in
the same manner as previously described above but are simply more
compact in nature. As an alternative (or in addition) to the
`tick-tock` countdown period previously described, the or each
player may indicate his or her readiness to continue with play
after finalising their bets by touching or depressing a soft key
and/or hard key (e.g. named `ready`, `start`, `spin` or `play`, not
shown) made available on the combined central control unit 200 and
terminal 400. If the or all players have indicated their readiness
to continue, the game proceeds. The central control unit 200
comprises a visual display unit 220, preferably a plasma screen,
and programmable electronic processing means. The terminal 400
houses the interactive visual display unit 420 and the electronic
processing means. The interactive visual display unit 420 displays
graphics under the control of the electronic processing means of
the terminal 40 and/or the electronic processing means of the
central control unit 200 and is responsive to tactile inputs from a
player of the game. These player inputs can be relayed from the
terminal 400 to the central control unit 200. A coin slot 430 and a
note acceptor 440 are provided for receipt of coins and notes from
a player of the game. A payout button 490 and payout tray 500 are
provided for a player to collect winnings in the form of coins
and/or notes paid out directly by the terminal 400. Function
buttons 450, 460, 470 and 480 are provided on the terminal 400 for
a player to use where necessary in each turn of play of the game.
These function buttons 450, 460, 470 and 480 are so-called `hard
key` buttons used to offer the same or additional functionality to
that provided by the soalled `soft key` buttons displayed by the
touch screen interactive visual display unit 420. Function button
460 is used to clear all stakes placed by the player on the
playfield 240 in that turn of play. Function button 470 is used to
clear the last stake placed on the playfield 240 by the player in
that turn of play. Function buttons 480 allow a player to repeat
the stakes already placed on the playfield 240 for one or more
further roulette wheels simulated by roulette wheel game windows
300 in that turn of play. Function button 450 gives a player of the
game access to game information. Whilst this particular example of
a single stand alone unit 100 can be seen to comprise two visual
display units 220, 420, it will be appreciated that one of these
units may be dispensed with and instead a single interactive or
simple visual display unit can provide the functionality of both
(either by toggling between views or by having all relevant data
illustrated on the single display unit, for example).
[0109] Whilst in the preferred embodiments described above the
means for accepting payment comprises a coin or note receiving
apparatus, it will be appreciated that any means of accepting
credit well known in the art may be employed in a game apparatus
according to the present invention. For example, a payment
accepting means may be provided to accept tokens, notes, credit
cards or charge cards. Alternatively, the gaming apparatus may be
linked to a central electronic memory holding account details of a
player and a player may identify him or herself to the gaming
apparatus by, for example, entering a personal identification
number, and in each turn of play the gaming apparatus adjusts the
personal account of the player stored in the electronic memory.
[0110] Additionally, a portable hand held unit with electronic
processing means, card and/or paper receipt readers and a printer
may be provided for use by a game operator or manager in order to
produce a credit slip for winnings over a predetermined limit, or
to accept credit from a player. The portable unit is connectable to
a terminal 40 via an RS232, USB or similar type wire connection, or
via an infra-red or other wireless communications link for data
exchange therebetween. This portable unit may be provided for
convenience, safety/security reasons or to comply with legislative
requirements.
[0111] Whilst the visual display units 22, 42 are preferably of the
plasma and TFT touch sensitive types respectively, it will be
appreciated that any form of visual display unit may be
alternatively or additionally employed. Examples of such display
units include, inter alia, cathode ray tubes, liquid crystal
displays (LCDs), and projectors.
[0112] It will be appreciated that wire free communication between
the central control unit 20, terminals 40 and any associated
apparatus is possible, rather than via a hard wired connection.
This may be achieved using infra-red, radio, cellular, blue tooth
or any other such wire free communication medium.
[0113] The electronic processing means in each of the central
control unit 20 and each terminal 40 are programmable and data
storage capability is additionally provided. Game software and game
play data may be stored by either or both of the central control
unit 20 and each terminal 40. Different game software is available
so that different game formats and themes may be played on the game
apparatus 10 of the present invention. In particular, different
versions of the `Jackpot Roulette` game software are available,
each of which are produced to comply with the different gaming
legislation and regulations applicable to the different sites and
countries in which the game apparatus 10 is sited and operated. The
data storage facility database in each of the central control unit
20 and each terminal 40 is used by operators of the game apparatus
10 in order to obtain reports on all aspects of game play such as,
for example, cash in, cash out, number of games played, number of
games played per player in each turn of play, and win history.
[0114] As mentioned above, the present invention provides apparatus
for playing a manual, semi-automated, or fully-automated game of
chance where a stake may be gambled. Whilst in the preferred
embodiments described above in detail parts of the apparatus such
as the roulette wheels, for example, are simulated in
electrical/electronic form, the present invention is not limited to
this format and can instead take the form of a traditional or
bespoke physical apparatus. For example, the present invention may
take the form of a physical roulette wheel or wheels and a terminal
for use by a player to place bets on a playfield or playfields. The
playfield(s) may be simply represented electronically on the
terminal and made available for use by the player, or the terminal
may be used by a player to indicate to a croupier or other person
the bet or bets to be physically staked on a physical playfield(s).
Such a terminal may be located in close proximity to the physical
roulette wheel(s) and/or playfield(s) or, alternatively, at a
remote location. In either case, the terminal may be supplied by
live video feed from, or a camera link with, the physical
apparatus. Also, whilst in the main the apparatus described in
detail above is automated as far as possible, this level of
automation may be detrimental to a players interest in a particular
game format or may be precluded by legislation. In such a case,
user interaction can be increased by requiring more manual inputs
by the player or players of the game. For example, a player of the
game may be required to spin the physical roulette wheel or wheels
by hand or start the electronic simulation of such roulette wheels
by depressing a button on the terminal or touching an area of the
screen.
[0115] It will be appreciated that the above description is not
limiting and that the game apparatus, game format, playfield,
indicia sets can all be varied so as to provide a vast array of
games which may be played by a player at multiple sites or indeed a
across the world by remote access. This functionality together with
the particular inventive concept as set out in the appended claims
gives rise to a new gaming experience.
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