U.S. patent application number 11/717135 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-18 for game of chance and apparatuses therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to PENETANGUISHENE-HURONIA BINGO INC.. Invention is credited to Jordan Gnat.
Application Number | 20080224400 11/717135 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39761872 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080224400 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gnat; Jordan |
September 18, 2008 |
Game of chance and apparatuses therefor
Abstract
Each player places an ante on a betting position of bingo paper
indicium having a plurality of uniquely marked spaces, and
purchases bingo paper indicium. Marking generated using random
marking generator. Player awarded antes if placed an ante on
betting position on bingo paper indicium represented by generated
marking. Marking can be on bingo ball drawn from bingo ball blower.
Marking can include number. Marked spaces may be arranged in grid
with lines. Ante may be placed on line or on intersection of lines
between adjacent marked spaces. Indicium may be on game table
including a table top having a perimeter, a station for a bingo
caller on the perimeter of the table top for a bingo caller, space
about the perimeter of the table top for a plurality of
players.
Inventors: |
Gnat; Jordan; (Toronto,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ralph A. Dowell of DOWELL & DOWELL P.C.
2111 Eisenhower Ave, Suite 406
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
PENETANGUISHENE-HURONIA BINGO
INC.
Toronto
CA
|
Family ID: |
39761872 |
Appl. No.: |
11/717135 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/269 ;
273/240 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/062 20130101;
G07F 17/322 20130101; A63F 3/00157 20130101; G07F 17/3213
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/269 ;
273/240 |
International
Class: |
A63F 3/06 20060101
A63F003/06 |
Claims
1. A method of playing a game, the method comprising: each player
placing an ante on a betting position of a bingo paper indicium
comprising a plurality of uniquely marked spaces and, separately,
purchasing the bingo paper indicium, randomly generating a marking
using a random marking generator, and awarding player antes to a
player that placed an ante on a betting position on the bingo paper
indicium represented by the randomly generated marking.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein randomly generating a marking
comprises drawing a bingo ball comprising the marking from a bingo
ball blower.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein randomly generating a marking
comprises drawing from a bingo ball blower a bingo ball comprising
the marking which marking includes a number.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein awarding player antes further
comprises if an ante is placed on a space represented by a number
other than the number on the bingo ball then awarding player antes
antes to those players that placed an ante on a space on the bingo
paper indicium of a column that includes a space represented by the
number on the bingo ball.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein purchasing the bingo paper
indicium comprises placing a purchase in a purchase space on a
table top of a table, and wherein the bingo paper indicium is also
on the table top.
6. The method of claim 3 wherein a bingo caller stationed at a
table having a table top operates the ball blower, collects the
purchases, and awards the antes, and wherein the bingo paper
indicium is on the table top.
7. The method of claim 3 wherein the drawn ball is displayed at a
table after the ball is drawn and until the antes are awarded, and
wherein the bingo paper indicium is on the table top.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein placing an ante on a betting
position comprises placing an ante on one of the uniquely marked
spaces on the bingo paper indicium.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein awarding player antes comprises
awarding player antes to a player that placed an ante on one of the
uniquely marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium represented by
the generated marking.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein placing an ante on a betting
position comprises placing an ante between adjacent marked spaces
on the bingo paper indicium.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein awarding player antes comprises
awarding player antes to a player that placed an ante on a betting
position between adjacent marked spaces on the bingo paper
indicium.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein placing an ante on a betting
position comprises placing an ante between two adjacent marked
spaces on the bingo paper indicium and wherein if all antes for a
game are placed on a betting position other than a marked space
represented by the generated marking then awarding player antes
comprises awarding player antes to a player that placed an ante on
a betting position between a marked space represented by the
generated marking and an adjacent marked space on the bingo paper
indicium.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein the marked spaces on the bingo
paper indicium are arranged in a grid.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein the marked spaces on the bingo
paper indicium are arranged in a grid.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein lines are marked between
adjacent marked spaces in a grid.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein placing an ante on a betting
position between adjacent marked spaces comprises placing an ante
on a line between adjacent marked spaces on the bingo paper
indicium.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein placing an ante on a betting
position between adjacent marked spaces comprises placing an ante
on an intersection of two lines between adjacent marked spaces on
the bingo paper indicium.
18. A game substrate comprising: a station for a bingo caller on a
perimeter of the substrate, space about the perimeter of the
substrate for a plurality of players, and a bingo paper indicium on
the substrate accessible to a plurality of players, the bingo paper
indicium having a plurality of betting positions comprising a
plurality of uniquely marked spaces, each marked space of
sufficient size to receive a marker from one of the players.
19. A game table comprising: a table top having a perimeter, a
station for a bingo caller on the perimeter of the table top, space
about the perimeter of the table top for a plurality of players, a
bingo paper indicium on the table top accessible to a plurality of
players, the bingo paper indicium having a plurality of betting
positions comprising a plurality of uniquely numbered spaces, each
numbered space of sufficient size to receive a marker from one of
the players, and a random number generator adapted to randomly
generate a number representing one of the numbered spaces on the
bingo paper indicium from a set of numbers representing at least
each of the numbered spaces.
20. The game table of claim 19 further comprising: purchase
indicium on the table top of sufficient size to receive a purchase
from each of the players to purchase a right to play in a game
using the bingo paper indicium.
21. The game table of claim 19 wherein the table top is covered
with felt and the bingo paper indicium is marked on the felt.
22. The game table of claim 19 further comprising a display
associated with the table top to display the randomly generated
numbers.
23. The game table of claim 19 wherein the numbered spaces are
arranged in a grid having a plurality of rows and columns.
24. The game table of claim 23 wherein the grid contains a lettered
row with a uniquely lettered space for each column.
25. The game table of claim 24 wherein the grid has five columns
and the spaces of the lettered row are lettered in order B, I, N,
G, O, respectively from left to right.
26. The game table of claim 23 wherein the numbered spaces are
numbered consecutively started from 1.
27. The game table of claim 26 wherein numbers of the numbered
spaces increase down each column.
28. The game table of claim 27 wherein the numbers of the numbered
spaces increase from left to right across each row.
29. The game table of claim 28 wherein the numbers of the numbered
spaces increase consecutively down each column.
30. The game table of claim 29 wherein the random number generator
is adapted to generate numbers representing the numbered spaces and
no other numbers.
31. The game table of claim 29 wherein the random number generator
is a ball blower containing a plurality of balls including a
respective numbered ball for each numbered space.
32. A game table comprising: a table top having a perimeter, a
station on the perimeter of the table top for a table operator,
space about the perimeter of the table top for a plurality of
players, indicium on the table top accessible to a plurality of
players, the indicium having a plurality of betting positions
comprising a plurality of uniquely marked spaces, each marked space
of sufficient size to receive a marker from one of the players, a
random marking generator adapted to randomly generate a marking
representing one of the marked spaces on the indicium from a set of
markings representing at least each of the marked spaces, and
purchase indicium on the table top to receive a purchase from each
of the players to purchase a right to play in a game using the
bingo paper indicium.
33. A method of playing a multiplayer table game, the method
comprising: each player placing an ante on a betting position of an
indicium on a table top of a table, the indicium having a plurality
of betting positions comprising a plurality of uniquely marked
spaces and, separately, purchasing the indicium, randomly
generating a marking representing one of the marked spaces on the
indicium from a set of markings representing at least each of the
marked spaces, and awarding player antes to a player, if any, that
placed an ante on a marked space represented by the randomly
generated marking.
34. A game comprising: a bingo paper indicium accessible to a
plurality of players, the bingo paper indicium comprising a
plurality of betting positions comprising a plurality of uniquely
numbered spaces, each numbered space of sufficient size to receive
a marker from one of the players, a random number generator adapted
to randomly generate a number representing one of the numbered
spaces on the bingo paper indicium from a set of numbers
representing at least each of the numbered spaces, and purchase
indicium to receive a purchase from each of the players to purchase
a right to play in a game using the bingo paper indicium.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to games of chance. More particularly,
it relates to methods of playing games of chance and to apparatuses
used in playing games of chance.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Most jurisdictions regulate games of chance under applicable
gaming statues. Games of chance played in public locations
typically take familiar forms, such as bingo. It has been
recognized that traditional games can be fairly slow and lack
excitement. As an example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,534 entitled Table
Bingo Game Method issued 20 Oct. 1998 to Banyai (the "534 patent");
refer to "fast action", "lightning", or "bullet" bingo, which uses
a limited set of numbers to speed up play. The '534 patent attempts
to address the speed of play and excitement issues by creating a
table game where each player has a station about a table and
selects a subset of numbers from a full set of numbers at the
players' station on which to play a bingo game. The '534 patent
describes a variety of methods of playing bingo games using the
table.
[0003] Alternative methods of playing games of chance and
alternative apparatuses for use in playing games of chance are
desirable.
SUMMARY
[0004] In a first aspect the invention provides a method of playing
a game. The method includes each player placing an ante on a
betting position of a bingo paper indicium comprising a plurality
of uniquely marked spaces and, separately, purchasing the bingo
paper indicium. The method further includes randomly generating a
marking using a random marking generator, and awarding player antes
to a player that placed an ante on a betting position on the bingo
paper indicium represented by the randomly generated marking.
[0005] Randomly generating a marking may include drawing a bingo
ball with the marking from a bingo ball blower. Randomly generating
a marking may include drawing from a bingo ball blower a bingo ball
with the marking, which marking includes a number.
[0006] Awarding player antes may include, if an ante is placed on a
space represented by a number other than the number on the bingo
ball then, awarding player antes to those players that placed an
ante on a space on the bingo paper indicium of a column that
includes a space represented by the number on the bingo ball.
[0007] Purchasing the bingo paper indicium may include placing a
purchase in a purchase space on a table top of a table wherein the
bingo paper indicium is also on the table top. A bingo caller
stationed at a table having a table top may operate the ball
blower, collect the purchases, and award the antes, while the bingo
paper indicium is on the table top. The drawn ball may be displayed
at a table after the ball is drawn and until the antes are awarded,
while the bingo paper indicium is on the table top.
[0008] Placing an ante on a betting position may include placing an
ante on one of the uniquely marked spaces on the bingo paper
indicium. Awarding player antes may include awarding player antes
to a player that placed an ante on one of the uniquely marked
spaces on the bingo paper indicium represented by the generated
marking.
[0009] Placing an ante on a betting position may include placing an
ante between adjacent marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium.
Awarding player antes may include awarding player antes to a player
that placed an ante on a betting position between adjacent marked
spaces on the bingo paper indicium.
[0010] Placing an ante on a betting position may include placing an
ante between two adjacent marked spaces on the bingo paper
indicium. If all antes for a game are placed on a betting position
other than a marked space represented by the generated marking then
awarding player antes may include awarding player antes to a player
that placed an ante on a betting position between a marked space
represented by the generated marking and an adjacent marked space
on the bingo paper indicium.
[0011] The marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium may be
arranged in a grid. Lines may be marked between adjacent marked
spaces in a grid. Placing an ante on a betting position between
adjacent marked spaces may include placing an ante on a line
between adjacent marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium. Placing
an ante on a betting position between adjacent marked spaces may
include placing an ante on an intersection of two lines between
adjacent marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium.
[0012] In a second aspect the invention provides a game substrate.
The substrate includes a station for a bingo caller on a perimeter
of substrate, space about the perimeter of the substrate for a
plurality of players, a bingo paper indicium on the substrate
accessible to a plurality of players, the bingo paper indicium
having a plurality of betting positions comprising a plurality of
uniquely marked spaces, each marked space of sufficient size to
receive a marker from one of the players.
[0013] In a third aspect the invention provides a game table
including a table top having a perimeter, a station for a bingo
caller on the perimeter of the table top for a bingo caller, space
about the perimeter of the table top for a plurality of players, a
bingo paper indicium on the table top accessible to a plurality of
players, the bingo paper indicium having a plurality of betting
positions comprising a plurality of uniquely numbered spaces, each
numbered space of sufficient size to receive a marker from one of
the players, and a random number generator adapted to randomly
generate a number representing one of the numbered spaces on the
bingo paper indicium from a set of numbers representing at least
each of the numbered spaces.
[0014] The game table may further include purchase indicium on the
table top of sufficient size to receive a purchase from each of the
players to purchase a right to play in a game using the bingo paper
indicium. The table top may be covered with felt and the bingo
paper indicium may be marked on the felt. The game table may
include a display associated with the table top to display the
randomly generated numbers.
[0015] The numbered spaces may be arranged in a grid having a
plurality of rows and columns. The grid may contain a lettered row
with a uniquely lettered space for each column. The grid may have
five columns and the spaces of the lettered row may be lettered in
order B, I, N, G, O, respectively from left to right. The numbered
spaces may be numbered consecutively started from 1. The numbers of
the numbered spaces may increase down each column. The numbers of
the numbered spaces may increase from left to right across each
row. The numbers of the numbered spaces may increase consecutively
down each column.
[0016] The random number generator may be adapted to generate
numbers representing the numbered spaces and no other numbers. The
random number generator may be a ball blower containing a plurality
of balls including a respective numbered ball for each numbered
space.
[0017] In a fourth aspect the invention provides a game table
including a table top having a perimeter, a station on the
perimeter of the table top for a table operator, space about the
perimeter of the table top for a plurality of players, indicium on
the table top accessible to a plurality of players, the indicium
having a plurality of betting positions comprising a plurality of
uniquely marked spaces, each marked space of sufficient size to
receive a marker from one of the players, a random marking
generator adapted to randomly generate a marking representing one
of the marked spaces on the indicium from a set of markings
representing at least each of the marked spaces, and purchase
indicium on the table top to receive a purchase from each of the
players to purchase a right to play in a game using the bingo paper
indicium.
[0018] In a fifth aspect the invention provides a method of playing
a multiplayer table game. The method includes each player placing
an ante on a betting position of an indicium on a table top of a
table, the indicium having a plurality of betting positions
comprising a plurality of uniquely marked spaces and, separately,
purchasing the indicium. The method further includes randomly
generating a marking representing one of the marked spaces on the
indicium from a set of markings representing at least each of the
marked spaces, and awarding the total antes to a player, if any,
that placed an ante on a marked space represented by the randomly
generated marking.
[0019] In a sixth aspect the invention provides a game including a
bingo paper indicium accessible to a plurality of players, the
bingo paper indicium comprising a plurality of betting positions
comprising a plurality of uniquely numbered spaces, each numbered
space of sufficient size to receive a marker from one of the
players, a random number generator adapted to randomly generate a
number representing one of the numbered spaces on the bingo paper
indicium from a set of numbers representing at least each of the
numbered spaces, and purchase indicium to receive a purchase from
each of the players to purchase a right to play in a game using the
bingo paper indicium.
[0020] Combinations of the above aspects or individual features
from one aspect to another are possible. Other aspects of the
invention and possible additional features for some embodiments of
the above aspects will be evident from the detailed description,
claims, and drawings herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] For a better understanding of the present invention and to
show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will
now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings that
show the preferred embodiment of the present invention and in
which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention, and
[0023] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a table top in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a table 1 for a multiplayer game has
table top 3. About a perimeter 5 of the table 1 is an operator
station space 7 for a table operator 9. Separately, about the
perimeter 5 is player space 11 for multiple players 13. The table
top 3 has a game indicium 15 accessible to a plurality of players
13. The indicium 15 has a plurality of uniquely marked game spaces,
indicated generally at 17. Each space 17 has sufficient space to
provide a betting position for receiving a marker 19 from a player
13. The table top 3 also has a purchase space 21 sufficient to
receive purchases 23 from each of the players 13, as indicated by
purchase indicium 22. Multiple purchase spaces 21 of similar or
different size may be spaced about the table 1 for ease of access
by the players 13; however, this may make supervision of the table
1 by an operator 9 more difficult and slow down play.
[0025] Associated with table 1 and the indicium 15 is a random
marking generator 25 able to generate a marking 27 representing one
of the marked spaces 17 on the game indicium 15 from a set of
markings 27 representing at least each of the marked spaces 17. The
set of possible random markings 27 able to generated by the random
marking generator 25 may contain markings 27 that do not represent
the marked spaces 17. Typically the set of random markings 27 will
represent at least one betting position on an indicium 15 on the
table 1.
[0026] The set of possible random markings 27 may contain markings
27 that do not represent any betting position on an indicium 15 on
the table 1. For example, a marking 27 may represent a marked space
17 on an alternate table, or payment of the antes to a general pool
to be available to be won from multiple tables 1. Many uses for
non-betting position markings 27 are possible. Such
non-representing markings 27 will generally represent a small
portion of the set of markings 27.
[0027] The perimeter 5 of the table top 3 may have a border wall 29
to keep the markers 19 and purchases 23 from falling from the table
top 3.
[0028] As shown in the FIGS., the game indicium 15 can be a bingo
paper indicium with uniquely marked spaces 17 as uniquely numbered
spaces 17, and the random marking generator 25 can be, for example,
a ball blower 25. The markings 27 can be balls 27 with unique
numbered indicium representative of a respective one of the
numbered spaces 17. In this case the random marking generator 25
can be a random number generator 25; however, even where numbered
spaces 17 are used it is possible that some balls 27 may be marked
with non-number markings for alternative game play. As an example
alternative to a ball blower, the random marking generator 25 could
be some form of computerized marking generator 25 with video
display capabilities, such as for example a monitor.
[0029] The bingo paper indicium 15 has spaces 17 arranged in a grid
31 having a plurality of rows, one of which is indicated at 33, and
columns, one of which is indicated at 35. The grid 31 can also
contain a lettered row 37 with uniquely lettered spaces, one of
which is indicated at 39, for each column 35.
[0030] For familiarity, the grid 31 can have five columns 35 with
the lettered 35 with the lettered row 37 containing lettered spaces
39 lettered B, I, N, G, and O, respectively.
[0031] The numbered spaces 17 can be numbered consecutively
starting from "1". The numbers of the numbered spaces 17 can
increase proceeding down each column 35. The numbers of the
numbered spaces 17 can increase proceeding across each row 33 from
left to right. The numbers of the numbered spaces 17 can increase
consecutively down each column.
[0032] The indicium 15 of the FIGS. is shown with seventy-five
numbered spaces 17 and a B, I, N, G, O lettered row 37. This
reflects a traditional seventy-five-number permutation from a
traditional BINGO game. The columns 35 of the grid 31 contain
B1-15, I16-30, N31-45, G46-60, and O61-75. The grid 31 also has an
extra deep BINGO lettered row 41 for receiving a plurality of
markers 19 in each lettered space, one of which is indicated at 43.
The random number generator 25 could be restricted to generating
numbers from a set of numbers containing the same numbers as appear
on the marked spaces 17 in an indicium 15 on a table 1, for example
where an indicium 15 contains seventy-five number spaces 17 as
described above then the random number generator can be restricted
to generating only those seventy-five numbers. The random number
generator 25 may still be capable of generating other non-number
markings 27 for special game activity.
[0033] It is to be recognized that the marked game indicium 15
could contain consecutively numbered spaces 17 or non-number marked
spaces (for example, unique icons such as fruits). Also, the
uniquely marked spaces 17 could be organised in a non-grid pattern.
Many other such modifications to the indicium 15 within the scope
of this description will be possible.
[0034] For ease of understanding the method of play and for
efficiency in recognising the location of marked spaces 17 it is
believed that a consecutively numbered grid 31 format from
traditional BINGO permutations with BINGO column headers will be
most effective; although, as indicated above, the principles
described herein are not limited to such a grid 31.
[0035] The ball blower 25 has a display stand 45 to receive and one
or more display balls 27 during play of a game. Markers 19 and
purchase 23 can take many different forms. For example, markers 19
could be coins such as dimes or quarters. As a further and
preferable example, markers 19 could be chips 51, such as those
used for poker in casinos. Similarly, purchases 23 could be coins
or, preferably, chips 51. The form of purchase 23 could be
different from that for the markers 19; however, this is not
required and for the sake of efficiency, is likely undesirable.
[0036] The table top 3 can be rigid to support game play. The table
top 3 can be smooth or have felt or another such material across
its surface to carry the bingo game indicium 15. A non-smooth
surface can provide some grip and a little give to resist bouncing
and sliding of chips 51 and the like.
[0037] The indicia 15, 22 could be marked on a substrate separate
from the table top 3, such as a felt, that is supported during game
play. It is recognized that notwithstanding the use of the word
"paper" in the term "bingo paper indicium" it is not required that
the bingo paper indicium be on a paper substrate. Other substrates,
such as for example cardboard, hardboard, plastic or a graphic
display terminal (such as for example a computer monitor) may be
used. Separate substrates carrying the indicia 15, 22 could be
placed on a support surface for use during a game. The bingo paper
indicium 15 could be three-dimensional if desired. Also, the
purchase indicium 22 could be three-dimensional. The purchase
indicium 22 could be represented by a three-dimensional form, such
as for example, a bowl or dish or tray that provides the purchase
space 21 to receive purchases 23. If the substrate is a video
display terminal then the markers 19 could be virtual markers 19
that are manipulated to appear on the video display terminal over
the bingo paper indicium 15. Similarly, the purchaser indicium 22
and the purchase 23 could appear on a video display terminal. Also,
a random marking generator 25 could generate random markings 27 for
display on a video display terminal.
[0038] It is to be recognized that the game can be played with
players in distributed locations by provided the same bingo paper
indicia 15 on each players video display terminal and display the
antes from each player 13 to all other players 13 over the bingo
paper indicium 15. Effectively, all players are playing the same
bingo paper indicium from different locations. A game could be
played, for example, over the internet through respective browser
software of the players 13 or through such are software as desired
in communication with server or other computer equipment operating
appropriate software. A combination of local and remote game play
could be provided by tracking respective antes and displaying the
antes to all players 13 during a game.
[0039] It will be recognized that the table 1 can bear some
similarities to a traditional roulette table, not shown. Variations
of such roulette tables may be applied to the table 1 with
consequent modifications as will be evident to those skilled in the
art.
[0040] A method of playing a multiplayer table game that may, for
example, utilize the table 1 includes each player 13 placing an
ante, represented by marker 19, on a space 17, 39, 43 of indicium
15 and separately, purchasing the indicium 15. Example alternative
betting positions are described elsewhere herein. Purchasing the
indicium 15 provides a player 13 with the right to play in the game
by placing an ante as described above, and possibly, receiving an
award from the antes for winning the game. Placement of the ante,
and purchase of the right to play, is followed by randomly
generating a marking 27 representing one of the marked spaces 17,
39, 43 on the indicium 15 from a set of markings 27 representing at
least each of the marked spaces 17. This can be further followed by
awarding the total antes to a player 13, if any, that placed an
ante, represented by marker 19, on a marked space 17, 39, 43
represented by the randomly generated marking 27. Alternative
example methods of winning are set out elsewhere herein. Other
alternative methods of winning are possible including, for example,
combinations of awarding antes as described herein.
[0041] As an example, a method of playing a multiplayer table game
using the table 1 is set out below.
[0042] To start a game a caller as operator 9 calls, "ANTE UP" or
provides some other indication that a game is starting. The use of
"ANTE UP" is to be differentiated from placing an ante on a marked
space 17 as many people recognize ANTE UP as an initial paid
amount, for example, purchase 23. Each player 13 then places a
purchase 23 into the purchase space 21. The caller 9 then tells the
players 13 to "PLACE YOUR CHIPS" or some other indication to place
one or more markers 19 representing an ante on the indicium 15.
Depending on how the game is to be played, the players 13 may have,
for example, three options. The players 13 can be permitted to
place a chip 51, representing an ante, on either B, I, N, G, or O.
The extra deep row 41 is useful for this purpose. Alternatively,
the players 13 can place a chip 51 on any desired numbered spaces
17 on the indicium 15. As a further alternative, chip 51 may be
placed on a betting position on a line, such as line 53, between
two adjacent spaces 17 to bet both the adjacent spaces 17 or on a
betting position at an intersection, for example intersection 55,
of two lines 53 to bet four adjacent spaces 17. The indicium 15 may
include actual lines 53 and intersections 55 marked for the grid 31
to visually indicate different betting positions. The spaces 17,
39, 43, lines 53 and intersections 55 are examples of betting
positions for a game.
[0043] The caller 9 starts the ball blower 25 and one ball 27, is
drawn, called and placed on the ball display stand 45. There are,
for example, two ways to win. First, if no player 13 has placed a
marker 19 on the specific numbered space 17 that has been called,
all the players 13 that have placed a marker 19 on the lettered
space 39, 43 of the column of the numbered space 17 of the ball
drawn, for example, either B, I, N, G, or O, share the total table
wagers amongst themselves. The respective letters representing the
columns may be marked on the balls 27 along with a respective
number form a set of numbers representing at least each of the
numbered spaces 17. A traditional ball blower with traditional
bingo balls may be used for the ball blower 25 and balls 27. Other
ball combinations can be used as desired for game variations. For
example, if a ball 27 comes out as B2, all who have placed a marker
19 on a B space in row 37 or 41 are winners. The awards are made up
from all those who placed markers 19 on either the I, N, G, or O,
or any numbered space 17. A second way of winning is to have placed
a marker 19 on a specific numbered space 17 and that number is
called when its ball 27 is drawn. In that case, the winner will win
all the markers 19 on the table. Because of the lower probability
of having a specific number called the game may be set to pay a
bonus amount to a winner having won based on selecting on a
numbered space 17.
[0044] It is to be noted that multiple indicia 15 could be spread
about the table top 3. This may assist players 13 in reaching an
individual indicium 15. Each indicium 15 could contain the same
marked spaces 17, some of the same marked spaces 17, or different
marked spaces 17. Players 13 may wish to play alternate indicium
15. For ease of administration and heightened excitement it is
anticipated that having a single indicium 15 for a given table top
3 will be preferred; however, this is not the only method of game
play.
[0045] If no player 13 wins on a particular generator of marking 27
many alternatives are possible. As an example, the game may end
with the antes remaining alive to form part of the antes to be won
on a further game. The held over antes could be, for example,
accumulated in a single location not on the indicium 15 in order to
facilitate game play.
[0046] A game can be played with chips 51 in values of either
$0.25, $0.50, $1.00, or any other amount depending on the stakes
level at the table.
[0047] Each table can be designated for a given number of players
to participate at the same time. For example, a minimum of two
players 13 can be set where no antes are held over from a prior
game as there is no potential benefit to a single player without
additional antes in the game, unless rules are provided to increase
the potential winnings for a single player game. This is possible
if desired. A maximum number of players 13 could be set based, for
example, on factors such as the size and configuration of the table
1 and the indicium 15, and the ability and number of operators 9
for the table 1. As an example, a maximum of ten players could
likely be suitable for a fast paced, single operator 9 game. Other
minimums and maximums, if any, could be used. Each player can be
identified to facilitate game play, for example, with different
colour chips or another unique identifier on the markers 19 and
purchases 23.
[0048] Example roles and rules for individuals that could be
involved in the conduct of a game, particularly in casino
locations, are set out below.
[0049] The antes can be collected by a caller 9 acting as operator
9 and given to a Session Manager (Pit Boss) and placed in a locked
box that will be opened, counted, and recorded by the Session
Manager at the end of each event as part of settlement
requirements. It is not necessary to place all collected purchases
23 into a locked box, not is it necessary to have a Session
Manager, nor is it necessary to record the activity for each game.
These are examples of possible game structuring. As a further
example, the caller 9 can carry out the Session Manager functions
for a given table 1. An event can, for example, be a set number of
games or specific time period during which games are played.
[0050] Session Manager (Pit Boss): [0051] Count float of chips 51
issued by a hall to be used, for example, for changing chips 51
with players 13. [0052] For each game record game number. [0053]
For each game verify number of people at table 1 and collect
purchases 23 from caller 9. [0054] At end of event, prepare and
count float to be given back to the hall running the game. [0055]
Count and record float of chips 51 to be given back to the hall.
[0056] Verify that collected purchases 23 match amount on a daily
reconciliation sheet.
[0057] Players 13: [0058] Purchase playing chips 51 from a cashier.
[0059] Purchase game indicium 15 for $0.25, $0.50, $1.00, or any
other amount depending on the stakes level at the table 1. [0060]
Ante by placing as many chips 51 as desired on as many different
numbers or letters on the indicium 15 in a betting position. [0061]
When a ball 27 is drawn that matches a numbered space 17 with a
marker 19, of a player 13, then the player calls, "BINGO" or some
other designated signal to indicate the player 13 believes the
player 13 has won. [0062] After the caller 9 has verified and
recorded the antes, the antes are awarded to the winner or
winners.
[0063] In order to facilitate game play the caller 9 may enforce
rules such as: [0064] Players 13 must be 19 years old to play.
[0065] The responsibility is on the player 13 to yell "Bingo" loud
enough for the caller 9 to hear. [0066] All final decisions
regarding the bingo event rest with the operating facility. [0067]
Players 13 cannot hold chips 51 in their hands. [0068] Players 13
hands must not touch the playing area once the caller 9 has begun a
game. [0069] Players 13 hands must not touch the playing area until
the caller 9 has divided the antes and awarded the antes to the
winner(s).
[0070] Caller 9 (Operator 9 for a single operator 9 game): [0071]
Ask for purchase 23 from each player 13 at the table 1 to be placed
in a purchase space 21. [0072] Allow players 13 sufficient time to
place their ante chips 51 on the table 1 in betting position.
[0073] Announce the beginning of the game and no more chips 51 to
be placed. [0074] Start the blower 25 and wait for the ball 27 to
come out. [0075] Display the ball 27 in the ball display, stand 45
and announce the marking on the ball 27. [0076] Verify ante to be
awarded, record it, and give prize money to player or players who
won. [0077] Collect purchase chips 51 from table 1 and provide to
Session Manager.
[0078] The methods of play described herein can be made to comply
with at least some current legal gaming regimes that typically
govern traditional BINGO games in some jurisdictions. The methods
can provide a more interactive, intimate, and fast-paced game than
a traditional BINGO game.
[0079] Although the table 1 has been described for use with the
methods described herein, it is to be recognized that the table 1
may be used for other methods of play.
[0080] Although the methods of play described herein have been
described in association with the table 1, it is to be recognized
that the methods may be used with tables of other formats.
[0081] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that this
description is made with reference to the preferred embodiment and
that it is possible to make other embodiments employing the
principles of the invention which fall within its spirit and scope
as defined by the following claims.
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