U.S. patent application number 11/938650 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-23 for systems and methods for additional table game wagering.
This patent application is currently assigned to ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY, LTD. Invention is credited to Christine Denlay, John Denlay, Gary Frerking, Scott Olive, Lattamore D. Osburn, Gareth Phillips, Kent Reisdorph, Jeffrey S. Topham.
Application Number | 20080261682 11/938650 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39872772 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080261682 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Phillips; Gareth ; et
al. |
October 23, 2008 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADDITIONAL TABLE GAME WAGERING
Abstract
Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for additional
table game wagering. Certain embodiments provide a method for table
game wagering including allowing a player place a wager on an
outcome of a table game, monitoring the performance of the play of
said table game and awarding a prize based on said wager upon
occurrence of the outcome. Certain embodiments provide a system
including a terminal allowing a player to place a wager on a table
game outcome, a device for determining an outcome of the table game
and a processor for resolving the table game wager.
Inventors: |
Phillips; Gareth; (Bramhall,
GB) ; Frerking; Gary; (Henderson, NV) ;
Osburn; Lattamore D.; (Las Vegas, NV) ; Denlay;
Christine; (Las Vegas, NV) ; Denlay; John;
(Las Vegas, NV) ; Olive; Scott; (Narrabeen NSW,
AU) ; Reisdorph; Kent; (Henderson, NV) ;
Topham; Jeffrey S.; (Las Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET, SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Assignee: |
ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA
PTY, LTD
Lane Cove
AU
|
Family ID: |
39872772 |
Appl. No.: |
11/938650 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60865543 |
Nov 13, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 ;
273/274 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3293 20130101;
G07F 17/3244 20130101; G07F 17/322 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 ;
273/274 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24; A63F 11/00 20060101 A63F011/00 |
Claims
1. A method for wagering on a table game outcome, said method
comprising: allowing a player to place a side bet wager on an
outcome of a table game via an associated wagering device, said
side bet wager distinct from a main game wager placed for main game
play by a player at the table game; electronically monitoring
activity at said table game, said electronic monitoring including
tracking of player activity at said table game; comparing
characteristics of said side bet wager outcome to characteristics
of the monitored activity to determine satisfaction of said side
bet wager outcome by the monitored activity; and awarding a prize
based on said wager upon satisfaction of said side bet wager
outcome by the monitored activity.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said side bet wager comprises at
least one of a fixed bet, a selection from among a series of
options, and a user-definable bet defined within certain set
parameters.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the outcome associated with the
side bet wager comprises at least one of a) whether a specific
player will win or lose a given hand; b) whether a next card dealt
will be a certain card or a certain suit; c) betting a constituency
of the outcome; d) betting on multiple outcomes; and e) betting on
a total score with which a player will bust.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein a spectator is allowed to place a
side bet wager on an outcome of a table game.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein activity at said table game is
tracked using at least one of a radio frequency identification
system and an electromagnetic tracking system to determine activity
at said table game.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein player activity at said table
game is monitored using a player tracking system.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said side bet wager is placed
using a kiosk.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said side bet wager is placed via
an electronic gaming machine.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said side bet wager is placed at
a location remote from said table game and wherein a better placing
the side bet wager views activity at said table game via a remote
display.
10. A gaming system facilitating side bet wagering on a table game
outcome in addition to main game wagering by players of the table
game, said system comprising: an interface allowing a user to place
a side bet wager on an outcome of a table game, said side bet wager
distinct from a main game wager placed for main game play by a
player at the table game; a processor electronically monitoring
activity at said table game in conjunction with a tracking device,
said electronic monitoring including tracking of player activity at
said table game, wherein said processor compares characteristics of
said side bet wager outcome to characteristics of the monitored
activity to determine satisfaction of said side bet wager outcome
by the monitored activity and awards a prize based on said wager
upon satisfaction of said side bet wager outcome by the monitored
activity.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein said side bet wager comprises
at least one of a fixed bet, a selection from among a series of
options, and a user-definable bet defined within certain set
parameters.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the outcome associated with the
side bet wager comprises at least one of a) whether a specific
player will win or lose a given hand; b) whether a next card dealt
will be a certain card or a certain suit; c) betting a constituency
of the outcome; d) betting on multiple outcomes; and e) betting on
a total score with which a player will bust.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein said interface enables both
players and spectator to place a side bet wager on an outcome of a
table game.
14. The system of claim 10, wherein said interface is used by a
dealer at said table game to coordinate entry of said side bet
wagers for said table game.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein said tracking device use to
track activity at said table game comprises at least one of a radio
frequency identification system and an electromagnetic tracking
system to determine activity at said table game.
16. The system of claim 10, wherein said processor interacts with
at least one of a player tracking system and a game accounting
system to monitor player activity at said table game.
17. The system of claim 10, wherein said interface is provided in
at least one of said table game, a gaming service kiosk, an
electronic gaming machine, and a wireless device.
18. The system of claim 10, wherein said side bet wager is placed
at a location remote from said table game and wherein a better
placing the side bet wager views activity at said table game via a
remote display.
19. A gaming system facilitating side bet wagering on a table card
game outcome in addition to main game wagering by players of the
table card game, said system comprising: a gaming table involving
card play, said gaming table adapted to electronically monitor
gaming and player activity at said gaming table; a touchscreen
interface allowing a user to place a side bet wager on an outcome
of a card game at said gaming table, said side bet wager distinct
from a main game wager placed for main card game play by a player
at the gaming table; a processor electronically monitoring activity
at said gaming table in conjunction with a tracking device, said
electronic monitoring including tracking of player and gaming
activity at said gaming table, wherein said processor compares
characteristics of said side bet wager outcome to characteristics
of the monitored activity to determine satisfaction of said side
bet wager outcome by the monitored.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein said tracking device use to
track activity at said gaming table comprises at least one of a
radio frequency identification system, an electromagnetic tracking
system, and a player tracking system to determine activity at said
gaming table.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein said side bet wager comprises
at least one of a fixed bet, a selection from among a series of
options, and a user-definable bet defined within certain set
parameters.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to, and claims the benefit of,
Provisional Application No. 60/865,543, filed on Nov. 13, 2006, and
entitled "Crappy Blackjack." The foregoing application is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to table games, and more particularly
relates to systems and methods for an improved electronic table
games.
[0003] Gaming machines, including electronic table games, such as
electronic blackjack, poker, or roulette, offer popular, exciting,
and sophisticated wagering activities at casinos and other gambling
locations. At the same time, gaming machines have also become a
source of greater revenue for gaming establishments. Thus,
competition between manufacturers of gaming machines has
intensified as competitors vie for business from gaming
establishments. Gaming machine manufacturers and gaming
establishments continually seek new ways to attract patrons,
provide entertainment and generate revenue through gaming
opportunities.
[0004] Table games, such as blackjack provide interaction among
players, as well as tests of strategy. While blackjack and other
table games include wagering opportunities for their players,
additional wagering opportunities, missing in today's casinos,
would provide the players with more excitement in playing table
games as well as the opportunity to increase their winnings.
[0005] Gaming wagers are typically made in relation to an outcome
of a particular play or event. In current slot machine gaming
systems, for example, a standard bet per line is defined and
resolved within the course of one game play. That is, a winner
and/or a loser are determined in one game play, and the outcome
hinges on the outcome of the game during that game play. Bets per
way are similarly defined and resolved within the course of one
game play. Bets on a sporting event are resolved by the outcome of
that sporting event. Casinos and other establishments may be able
to capitalize on other wagering opportunities outside of
traditional bets. Thus, systems and methods for providing
alternative wagering opportunities would be highly desirable and
not currently found in the industry.
[0006] Furthermore, with additional wagering opportunities, more
players are likely to play blackjack and other table games, thus
potentially resulting in increased revenue for the operators of the
improved table game. However, manual tracking makes it difficult to
provide additional wagering opportunities.
[0007] Thus an unmet need exists for providing additional wagering
opportunities for players of table games, such as blackjack.
Meeting such a need can increase the draw or attraction of playing
blackjack to players who previously did not play. In addition,
meeting such a need can increase the revenue for the operators of
the improved blackjack or other table game. Currently efforts in
this area are lacking.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for
additional table game wagering. Certain embodiments provide a
method for table game wagering including allowing a player place a
wager on an outcome of a table game, monitoring the performance of
the play of the table game and awarding a prize based on the wager
upon occurrence of the outcome. Certain embodiments provide a
system including a terminal allowing a player to place a wager on a
table game outcome, a device for determining an outcome of the
table game and a processor for resolving the table game wager.
[0009] Certain embodiments provide a method for wagering on a table
game outcome. The method includes allowing a player to place a side
bet wager on an outcome of a table game via an associated wagering
device. The side bet wager is distinct from a main game wager
placed for main game play by a player at the table game. The method
also includes electronically monitoring activity at the table game.
The electronic monitoring includes tracking of player activity at
the table game. The method further includes comparing
characteristics of the side bet wager outcome to characteristics of
the monitored activity to determine satisfaction of the side bet
wager outcome by the monitored activity. Additionally, the method
includes awarding a prize based on the wager upon satisfaction of
the side bet wager outcome by the monitored activity.
[0010] In certain embodiments, the side bet wager may include at
least one of a fixed bet, a selection from among a series of
options, and a user-definable bet defined within certain set
parameters, for example.
[0011] In certain embodiments, the outcome associated with the side
bet wager may include at least one of a) whether a specific player
will win or lose a given hand; b) whether a next card dealt will be
a certain card or a certain suit; c) betting a constituency of the
outcome; d) betting on multiple outcomes; and e) betting on a total
score with which a player will bust, for example.
[0012] Certain embodiments provide a gaming system facilitating
side bet wagering on a table game outcome in addition to main game
wagering by players of the table game. The system includes an
interface allowing a user to place a side bet wager on an outcome
of a table game. The side bet wager is distinct from a main game
wager placed for main game play by a player at the table game. The
system also includes a processor electronically monitoring activity
at the table game in conjunction with a tracking device. The
electronic monitoring includes tracking of player activity at the
table game. The processor compares characteristics of the side bet
wager outcome to characteristics of the monitored activity to
determine satisfaction of the side bet wager outcome by the
monitored activity and awards a prize based on the wager upon
satisfaction of the side bet wager outcome by the monitored
activity.
[0013] Certain embodiments provide a gaming system facilitating
side bet wagering on a table card game outcome in addition to main
game wagering by players of the table card game. The system
includes a gaming table involving card play. The gaming table is
adapted to electronically monitor gaming and player activity at the
gaming table. The system also includes a touchscreen interface
allowing a user to place a side bet wager on an outcome of a card
game at the gaming table. The side bet wager is distinct from a
main game wager placed for main card game play by a player at the
gaming table. The system further includes a processor
electronically monitoring activity at the gaming table in
conjunction with a tracking device. The electronic monitoring
includes tracking of player and gaming activity at the gaming
table. The processor compares characteristics of the side bet wager
outcome to characteristics of the monitored activity to determine
satisfaction of the side bet wager outcome by the monitored.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view representing a prior art system
for tracking players at a gaming table.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting a layout view of a
table game system according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a system for placing additional table
game wagers in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram for a method for placing
additional table game wagers in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0018] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will
be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, certain
embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood,
however, that the present invention is not limited to the
arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In certain embodiments, in a gaming environment, such as a
casino, a player and/or spectator may place a bet on an outcome of
a live table game, such as blackjack, poker, roulette, pai gow,
baccarat, etc. A person may place a bet on an outcome of a live
card game participant's (player or dealer) play, for example. In
certain embodiments, bets may be placed remotely as well.
[0020] In certain embodiments, bets include betting whether a
specific participant will win or lose a given hand, betting whether
a next card dealt will be a certain card (or certain suit), betting
a constituency of an outcome, betting on multiple outcomes (e.g., a
player will get two consecutive blackjacks), a total score with
which a player will bust, etc. Thus, a player and/or spectator may
place one or more side bets separate from a primary bet involved in
the table game. The side bet is related but not equal to a single
play at the table game, for example. In certain embodiments,
electronic tracking systems on gaming tables as well as electronic
gaming tables enables additional betting on a game in progress. In
certain embodiments, electronic tracking systems, such as radio
frequency identification (RFID), near field effect systems,
electromagnetic field detection systems, and the like, allow side
bet wagering remotely via a computer terminal, kiosk, wireless
device, etc.
[0021] Certain embodiments may function in conjunction with a
player monitoring system, such as the prior art player monitoring
system 1 implemented on a blackjack table 10 as described in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,672,589. Prior art system 1, shown in FIG. 1, is
described as being configured for tracking play of players at the
blackjack table 10, as well as providing information pertaining to
the players, and includes a card reader 12 located adjacent a
dealer position 13. The card reader 12 is coupled to a central
computer 14 via a communication channel 15. The central computer 14
keeps track of the various players' accounts. Each player's account
may include player information, such as, for example, the player's
account number. System 1 includes a display monitor 20 that
displays a representation of the blackjack table 10, including all
player positions 11 (11a-11g) while a game is being played. In
operation, when a player sits down at the table, the player
presents his or her player card to the dealer, who then enters or
"swipes" the card into the card reader 12. After a card is read by
the card reader 12, the dealer touches the respective player
position on the display monitor 20 where the player whose card has
just been read is seated, thus associating the table position of
the new player with the new player.
[0022] Alternatively or in addition, certain embodiments operate in
conjunction with a player monitoring system, such as the system
show in FIG. 2.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting a top view of a
gaming table system 200 according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the gaming table system 200
may be used for any card game, including blackjack. The table as
shown includes seven positions 208(1)-208(7). Alternative
embodiments may provide for tables with any number of seating
positions, or systems cable of tracking player activity at multiple
tables.
[0024] System 200 can include or be linked to a processor 202 that
is linked by appropriate communication link to a display 204.
System 200 can also be operatively linked to a data structure 206,
database, or other suitable computing or storage functionality
(e.g., a slot accounting system, or "SAS" computer). The data
structure 206 may be used to store player account information.
System 200 may include an account access device 214.
[0025] Account access device 214 may be used to access information
related to a player's account. For example, the account access
device 214 may be a card reader, wherein a player's identification
card is inserted into the card reader. The card reader and/or a
processor may determine a player's account number and provide it to
the system 200. The account access device 214 may also be used to
authenticate a player's identity. Other embodiments may include an
account access device 214 that utilizes a keypad, or a biometric
identification device such as a fingerprint scanner. The player's
identification information may be provided to the processor 202.
Access device 214 may be configured to accept an ID card input,
e.g., as a card reader configured to read stored information on an
ID card when a dealer "swipes" a player's ID card. A suitable card
reader may be any type that is capable of reading or obtaining
information from cards issued by the casino, such as, for example,
a magnetic reader for reading magnetic stripes on cards, an
electronic card reader for reading electronic cards, an RFID card
reader, "smart card" reader and a data input device such as a
keypad, touch screen or the like. While system 200 is described in
relation to a typical blackjack table, one of skill in the art will
appreciate that system 200 may be used in other gaming table
applications, e.g., for poker, baccarat, roulette, etc.
[0026] Display 204 can any device enabled to display graphics
supplied by a processor. For example, a computer monitor such as a
CRT, plasma, LCD or other electronic display device. Display 204
can include a pointer 210 indicating a player location, e.g.,
208(4) and a portion configured as data input device 212. The data
input device 212 portion of display 204 may be enabled to accept
input from a user and provide the input to other components of the
system 200. The data input device 212 may be operative in tandem
with pointer 210 to input a location on the display 204 that
corresponds to a physical player position at the table. In an
example embodiment, the data input device 212 may be a touch-screen
based icon or display figure that is movable as shown in FIG. 2.
More specifically, a user may touch the portion of display 204
identified as data input device 212 to provide input. A user may
drag or slide their fingers along the data input device in order to
move the pointer 210. Alternatively, the data input device 212 may
take the form of touch sensitive keys or icons.
[0027] In operation of system 200, when a player having an
identification/information (ID) card sits down or gains access to a
particular gaming table, the table dealer can log the player into
system 200. Using the slider 212 the dealer locates the seat
position of the player by touching the slider 212 in a
corresponding position. For this purpose the slider 212 may include
along its length number icons corresponding to player positions,
e.g. numbers 1-7 spaced along the length of the slider 212 as shown
in FIG. 4A. When a position is touched on the slider 212 the
pointer 210 pivots to point toward the corresponding player
position 208(1)-(7) which may also be highlighted, change color or
brightness to indicate the correspondence. After position the
player, the player's ID card data can be entered (e.g., read into,
or swiped) at access device 214, which can include a suitable card
reader. Alternative embodiments may provide for other
identification techniques, such as the use of biometric scanners or
keypads.
[0028] In an additional embodiment, the pointer 210 may be
dispensed with and the slider 212 may be directly used to highlight
and designate player positions 208(1)-208(7). Further, other
embodiments of the system 200 may provide for multiple betting
positions corresponding to a single seating position. For example,
a single player at a blackjack table may play 2 or more hands
simultaneously. The system 200 provides for tracking information of
multiple hands related to a single player.
[0029] The player's account information can be accessed by
processor 202, which can control the display of an indication of
desired player account information, e.g., a particular color
indicating one of inactive status, status or player credit history,
elite player status, on the display 204. The player's account
information and/or the player's identification may also be tied to
a player's bank accounts. An icon may be presented on the display
204 which, when touched, calls up the player information on the
display 204 or in a window in the display 204. If the player
position is mistakenly entered, suitable correction can be taken,
e.g., the process can be repeated or the dealer can "drag and drop"
the player's indicated information to the correct seat on the
display 204. Slider 212 can thus allow a dealer to quickly locate a
player to a seat position without needing to touch various seat
positions on a seat layout, simplifying and speeding up play at the
table.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a system 300 for placing additional table
game wagers in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The system 300 includes a terminal 310 for placing a
wager, a device 320 for determining an outcome of a game upon which
a wager is placed, and a processor 330 for resolving the wager. The
components of the system 300 may be implemented separately and/or
integrated in one or more combinations in hardware, software and/or
firmware, for example.
[0031] To place a wager, a casino patron and/or casino employee (as
appropriate) may access a wagering menu at the terminal 310, such
as at a gaming terminal, gaming table, wireless device, system
workstation, kiosk, and/or external system, for example. The
player, such as the casino patron or employee, may select from a
list or other presentation of available table game wagers, for
example. In certain embodiments, an interface is presented to the
player and/or other user in the form of a menu or other listing of
options, one or more buttons, a touchscreen or touchpad with
options, etc. Wagers may be presented in the form of a fixed bet, a
series of options, and/or a user-definable bet (e.g., a wager
defined within certain parameters set by the system and/or subject
to approval by authorized personnel and/or automated system). The
player then pays via any available method at the wagering
device.
[0032] The device 320 may be an electronic table game, traditional
table game, electronically-enabled traditional table game, and the
like. Game play, player activity, wagering, and/or other activity
may be monitored at or by device 320.
[0033] The processor 330 queues the wager, for example. In an
embodiment, a printed and/or electronic receipt may be generated
for the transaction. The processor 330 may receive monitored
information from the device 320 and compare the information to the
queued wager to determine whether a bet has been won, lost, and/or
is still ongoing.
[0034] FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram for a method for table game
wagering used in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. At step 410, in order to place a wager, a player
accesses a wagering interface or other interface at an appropriate
location, such as the SCI of a gaming terminal or other similar
gaming machine, a kiosk, a wireless portable interface, and/or an
external computer via an Internet connection or other connection.
In certain embodiments, a casino employee or other personnel may
operate a wagering interface for the player.
[0035] At step 420, the player selects and/or otherwise defines a
desired scope of wager. In certain embodiments, a player and/or
other user may select and/or define a wager at the time of the bet
and/or may configure one or more wagers ahead of time and later
place the bet. The player may select from various categories of
propositions offered. At step 430, the player selects and/or
otherwise defines events and/or propositions characterizing the
wager from a set of offered propositions. In certain embodiments,
the player is only presented with options that would construct
valid wagers. In certain embodiments, the player is allowed to
create a new proposition and request approval to place a bet with
respect to that proposition with certain odds. Once the wager is
defined, a wagering manager and/or other system determines odds, at
step 440, for the proposed wager. At step 450, the odds are
displayed and/or otherwise presented to the player.
[0036] In certain embodiments, odds for one or more wagers and/or
potential wagers may be calculated in advance and/or dynamically by
an electronic system and/or authorized personnel. Odds may be
calculated on a historical basis, for example. Historical data may
be tracked and analyzed to determine reasonable odds for a wager
and/or group of wagers. Odds may vary based on bet, for example.
Odds may be mathematically calculated based on known odds of a
gaming machine and/or group of gaming machines and/or
mathematically calculated based on historical statistics and/or
other related data, for example. As stated above, odds may vary in
a fashion to induce wagers on one side of the proposition or
another much like sports wagering in Nevada sports wager booking
establishments.
[0037] At step 460, the player completes the wager transaction by
accepting the proposed odds and funding the wager by any system
and/or method available to the player. In certain embodiments, the
wager may be funded in a variety of ways including cash, voucher,
ticket, credit card, and/or other payment vehicle, for example. The
player may also pay from an online player's account, such as a
Personal Banker account, or other account, from credits on the
player's gaming machine or other device, and/or from other funded
and/or credit account, for example. An example of a player account
is found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,377, which is herein incorporated
by reference in its entirety. In certain embodiments, a player may
fund a wager with promotional credits, loyalty points, and the
like. A wager may be made directly (e.g., after a period of time, a
predetermined wager is awarded to the player) or indirectly (the
player may apply accrued loyalty points towards the purchase of a
table game wager). The player may also enter, if the system so
provides, an email address or other contact information for
notification to the player on a remote basis, for example.
[0038] At step 470, a wager record is created in response to the
player placing a wager, and a transaction number, such as a unique
or reusable identification number, is assigned to the wager record.
At step 480, a ticket and/or other verification may be printed
and/or otherwise generated to serve as a record for the
transaction. At step 490, the wager record is stored, such as in a
slot system wagering database and/or other database. At step 500,
table game events related to the wager are monitored. For example,
a wagering manager notifies a accounting system and/or tracking
system of its interest in events related to the wager, such as by
subscribing to related accounting system events.
[0039] One or more of the steps of the method 400 may be
implemented alone or in combination in hardware, firmware, and/or
as a set of instructions in software, for example. Certain
embodiments may be provided as a set of instructions residing on a
computer-readable medium, such as a memory, hard disk, DVD, or CD,
for execution on a general purpose computer or other processing
device.
[0040] Certain embodiments of the present invention may omit one or
more of these steps and/or perform the steps in a different order
than the order listed. For example, some steps may not be performed
in certain embodiments of the present invention. As a further
example, certain steps may be performed in a different temporal
order, including simultaneously, than listed above.
[0041] Game accounting and player tracking systems, such as an
Aristocrat.RTM. OASIS.TM. system, an IGT.RTM. SAS system and/or a
separate add-on monitoring system, interface with gaming terminals
in a gaming property to track statistics related to play on the
gaming terminals, notify personnel of system events, such as large
jackpots, and/or track play of players that have enrolled in a
loyalty program, for example. In certain embodiments, statistics
and/or notifications may serve as a basis for additional betting
opportunities at a system level. Certain embodiments leverage
existing gaming system hardware and/or software to offer a wide
array of betting opportunities to players. Certain embodiments may
provide increased and alternative betting opportunities with little
or no increase in staffing or floor space in a gaming property, for
example.
[0042] Table game wagers and other related betting opportunities
may be resolved during one gaming play or may be contingent upon
one or more events driven by game play and/or occurring during
multiple game plays, for example. In certain embodiments, players
define two or more events, for example, and define a condition
linking the events together. The system calculates probabilities
and offers appropriate player incentive based on a theoretical
return to the player. Alternatively, a gaming system and/or
personnel may define event(s) and condition(s), as well as
associated probabilities and awards for selection by a player.
[0043] When a wager is made at a gaming terminal or other gaming
device, payment for the wager may be made via any method available
a the gaming terminal, such as transferring from the gaming
terminal's credit meter, coin in, bill in, voucher in, promotional
coupon in, and/or from a system account, such as a PersonalBanker
account or player loyalty/rewards account. A receipt may then be
generated for the bet showing the wager made along with a
timestamp, parameters related to the bet, and an identifier
associating the receipt with the wager in a database or other
record.
[0044] Winnings from table game wagers may be paid directly to a
player's account (e.g., a personal banker account, casino account,
bank account, credit card account, player loyalty account, etc.).
Alternatively, winning may be stored in a system database and hand
paid by personnel upon surrender or presentation of the associated
wager receipt. If the player is actively playing at a gaming
terminal when a win occurs, the player may be notified of the win
via that machine's player tracking system interface, a secondary
display, and/or a message on a primary machine display, for
example. A player may also be notified via a gaming floor
notification, a wireless device, text page, email, in person by
personnel, and/or other message, for example.
[0045] Wagers may also be made on progressive and/or mystery
jackpot events. For example, a player may bet that the next
MegaBucks.RTM. jackpot will occur on a particular machine, in a
bank of machines, and/or in a particular casino or other gaming
property. For wide area progressives, wagers may be made within a
given property and/or within a jurisdiction of a player club if the
club spans multiple properties, for example. Wagers extending to
other jurisdictions served by a progressive may be possible through
cooperation with a wide area progressive provider, for example.
[0046] The above features, as appropriate, may also be made
available through an interface such as a kiosk (e.g., a
workstation, terminal, interactive display, etc.) located on the
gaming floor or in another location, a wireless device 180 (such as
a cellular phone, personal digital assistance, handheld and/or
pocket computer, etc.), and/or a web-based interface external to
the casino or other gaming location (e.g., a web browser on a home
computer or television, an interface on a hotel computer or
television, etc.). Players may be able to access applicable
information and/or place bets while away from the casino floor (for
example, in a hotel room or home). Using any of a variety of
interfaces, a player may view a menu or other listing of options,
select an option, place a wager, and generate a record, for
example. An interface may also allow a player to learn about new
wagers available at the casino or read reviews and information
related to wagers prior to going to the casino, for example. The
player may add interesting wagers, games, and/or other feature(s)
to his or her list of "favorites" in a player profile for easy
access while on the casino floor. Additionally, the kiosk, wireless
device, or other interface device may provide players with a site
map or other casino information. The kiosk, wireless device, or
web-based interface may enable players to find out where games are
on a gaming floor, jackpot information, and the like.
[0047] For example, one or more kiosks may be used to facilitate
operations such as gaming, ticket redemption, player card point
redemption, change and/or currency dispensation, promotion
redemption and/or issuance, advertising, information, event and/or
dining reservations and/or ticketing, etc. For example, one or more
kiosks and/or external systems may used to purchase and/or view
sports scores, news, game announcements, weather, flight
information, show times, specials, reward tickets, prize tickets,
coupons, airline or show tickets, reservation confirmation, or
other information, for example. Additionally a player may be able
to locate his or her favorite games, restaurants or other
facilities and/or services at a kiosk. The kiosk may also provide a
venue for players to make wagers on gaming system propositions
according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
[0048] In certain embodiments, a wireless device, such as a
cellular phone, personal digital assistant, handheld or pocket
computer, etc., may be used to interact with systems in a gaming
environment. For example, the wireless device may be used to
retrieve game and/or sports scores, reservation information,
weather information, travel information, entertainment information,
etc. The wireless device may also be used to place bets, make
reservations, redeem rewards/prizes, etc.
[0049] In certain embodiments, to place a supplemental table game
wager, a casino patron and/or casino employee (as appropriate)
accesses a wagering menu at a gaming table, a gaming terminal,
wireless device, system workstation, kiosk, and/or other gaming
device, for example. The player, such as the casino patron or
employee, selects from a list or other presentation of available
wagers. In certain embodiments, an interface is presented to the
player and/or other user in the form of a menu or other listing of
options, one or more buttons, a touchscreen or touchpad with
options, etc. Wagers may be presented in the form of a fixed bet, a
series of options, and/or a user-definable bet (e.g., a wager
defined within certain parameters set by the system and/or subject
to approval by authorized personnel and/or automated system). The
player then pays via any available method at the wagering device. A
wagering manager queues the wager in a database, for example. In an
embodiment, a printed and/or electronic receipt may be generated
for the transaction. Alternatively and/or in addition, active
wagers may be displayed for the betting player and/or for public
viewing in the gaming area, for example.
[0050] Table game wagers and other related betting opportunities
may be resolved during one gaming play or may be contingent upon
one or more events driven by game play and/or occurring during
multiple game plays, for example. In certain embodiments, players
define two or more events, for example, and define a condition
linking the events together. The system calculates probabilities
and offers appropriate player incentive based on a theoretical
return to the player. Alternatively, a gaming system and/or
personnel may define event(s) and condition(s), as well as
associated probabilities and awards for selection by a player.
[0051] Thus, certain embodiments provide systems and methods
allowing wagers to be placed based on one or more events and/or
event combinations related to gaming system play and/or other
activity. Certain embodiments allow wagers based on events
occurring during game play, apart from game play, and/or in
relation to performance and/or activity related to one or more
table games, for example. System dependent or "side" bets may be
placed at a table game and/or via a separate interface, for
example. Thus, both table game players and non-players may
participate. The examples given above are for illustration only and
are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments. Certain
embodiments are implemented as wagers "against the house", but, in
certain embodiments, pari-mutuel wagering may be used.
[0052] Certain embodiments may be implemented in software,
firmware, and/or hardware, for example. For example, certain
embodiments may be implemented as a set of instructions or routines
stored on a machine-readable medium, such as a CD, DVD, CD-ROM,
DVD-ROM, hard disk, floppy disk, RAM, ROM, flash memory, and/or
other medium, for execution on a computer and/or other processing
device. Certain embodiments may be implemented on a standalone
gaming terminal, a bank of gaming terminals, a network of gaming
terminals, and/or a client-server system communicating with one or
more gaming terminals and/or other devices, for example.
[0053] Thus, certain embodiments provide systems and methods for
additional table game wagering.
[0054] While the invention has been described with reference to one
or more preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will
understand that changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
step, structure, or material to the teachings of the invention
without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that
the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment
disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments
falling within the scope of the appended claims.
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