U.S. patent application number 12/186406 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-05 for electronic bingo-based roulette game.
This patent application is currently assigned to KODIAK GAMING VENTURES, LLC. Invention is credited to Sean Smith.
Application Number | 20090061981 12/186406 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40408352 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090061981 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Sean |
March 5, 2009 |
ELECTRONIC BINGO-BASED ROULETTE GAME
Abstract
A game visually recognizable as roulette, but wherein winning
results correspond to the outcome of a simultaneous game of bingo,
includes a bingo server from which bingo balls are drawn, a
roulette server visually representing a roulette wheel, and two or
more stations where participants place bets and perform other
gaming functions. Bets are made and all bet permutations place a
corresponding bet on a bonus bingo card. When "no more bets" is
called, players' bets and bingo cards are locked, and bingo balls
are randomly drawn. The roulette wheel spins, as a simulation of
roulette. When all bingo balls are drawn, one participant wins the
"end of game pattern" and a prize is awarded. A bonus bingo
patterns is determined, corresponding to the numbers on a roulette
wheel. The winning card is displayed, with the corresponding
winning roulette ball displayed as a simulated ball dropping on the
roulette spindle.
Inventors: |
Smith; Sean; (Snellville,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AQUILLA PATENTS & MARKS, PLLC
221 COE HILL ROAD
CENTER HARBOR
NH
03226-3605
US
|
Assignee: |
KODIAK GAMING VENTURES, LLC
Miramar Beach
FL
|
Family ID: |
40408352 |
Appl. No.: |
12/186406 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60954016 |
Aug 5, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/19 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. An electronic game of roulette, wherein the results are derived
from an electronic game of bingo.
2. The electronic roulette game of claim 1, comprising a plurality
of separate slot-style cabinets for allowing individual players to
place bets at separate stations integrated in standalone cabinets,
which are operably connected to a remote bingo server that provides
game play information displayed on said standalone cabinets, and a
remote roulette server for displaying a simulated roulette wheel
and ball on said standalone cabinets.
3. The electronic roulette game of claim 1, comprising a common
table having a plurality of individual player stations or EGMs
operably connected to a bingo server and a roulette server for
displaying a simulated roulette wheel and ball, all of which are
contained within said common table.
4. The electronic roulette game of claim 3, comprising a large
central display, visible to all players, for graphically displaying
said simulated roulette wheel and ball.
5. The electronic roulette game of claim 1, wherein winning player
is the first to achieve the EGP or bingo.
6. The electronic roulette game of claim 1, wherein players win a
bonus if they achieve bingo on the first 3 balls drawn.
7. The electronic roulette game of claim 1, wherein winnings are
achieved by any player that places wagers corresponding to a series
of bonus bingo patterns.
8. The electronic roulette game of claim 1, comprising: a) a
central bingo server for generating a series of randomly drawn
numbered bingo balls, which are broadcast to other components of
the system; b) operably connected to a roulette server for
displaying a simulated roulette wheel and ball; and c) two or more
player stations or EGMs operably connected with said bingo server
and said roulette server for allowing players to place bets and
view results of said game.
9. The electronic roulette game of claim 8, wherein said bingo
server draws up to 75 numbers.
10. The electronic roulette game of claim 8, wherein each player
can place more than one bet.
11. A method for playing a bingo game by electronically simulating
play of a roulette game, comprising the steps of: a) providing a
central bingo server for generating a series of randomly drawn
numbered bingo balls, which are broadcast to other components of
the system; b) providing a roulette server, operably connected to
said bingo server, for displaying a simulated roulette wheel and
ball; and c) providing two or more player stations or EGMs operably
connected with said bingo server and said roulette server for
allowing players to place bets and view results of said game.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: d)
displaying a roulette betting board to players for allowing bets to
be placed; e) allowing said players to place one or more bets via a
user interface; f) randomly drawing numbered bingo balls from a
draw of seventy-five numbered balls, until at least one of the
bingo cards corresponding to a players bet achieves bingo; g)
determining the player a winner of the bingo game if the selected
bet corresponds to a bingo card that achieves bingo; and h)
displaying the game results as a simulated roulette game.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims an invention, which was disclosed in
Provisional Application No. 60/954,016, filed Aug. 5, 2007,
entitled "ELECTRONIC BINGO BASED ROULETTE GAME". The benefit under
35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) of the United States Provisional
Application is hereby claimed, and the complete disclosure of the
aforementioned application is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention pertains to the field of gaming systems. More
particularly, the invention pertains to a method and apparatus for
providing an electronic game of roulette wherein the results are
derived from the results of an electronic game of bingo.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Casino games, such as roulette, have long been enjoyed by
society as a means for entertainment. The popularity of casino
gambling with wagering also continues to increase, as does
recreational gambling, such as non-wagering computer game
gambling.
[0006] With the recent advances in electronic circuitry, there have
been many attempts to automate games and particularly, games of
gambling, which were heretofore played with little or no electronic
game operation. These attempts to automate games have become even
more pronounced in view of the recent advances in miniature
microprocessor technology.
[0007] One of the games, for example, which previously was played
without any type of electronic interaction, is the game of
roulette. Roulette is a popular game of chance, where players place
bets on a number, a range of numbers, the color red or black, or
whether the number is odd or even. While the wheel spins in one
direction, the ball spins in the opposite direction around a tilted
circular track running around the circumference of the wheel. The
ball stops on a position numbered from 1 to 36 with alternating
colors or red and black. Additionally there are green colored
positions of 0 and 00. Players may place bets on any number from 1
to 36, 0 and 00 and the payout is 35 to 1. Bets may be placed on
consecutive positions with any adjoining bet position winning, with
different payouts based on the bet. Betting on any two adjoining
numbers pays 17 to 1; any three numbers pays 11 to 1; four
adjoining numbers pays 8 to 1; five adjoining numbers pays 6 to 1;
six numbers from horizontal rows pays 5 to 1; columns 1, 2 or 3 and
1st, 2nd or 3rd dozen pays 2 to 1; odd, even, red, or black 1 to
18; and 19-36 pays 1 to 1.
[0008] Electronic facsimiles of the traditional roulette game
exist, using computer technology that simulates the display and
sounds of a traditional roulette game. The random nature of the
ball landing on a different spot of the wheel is accomplished with
a computer RNG (Random Number Generator). This method is allowed in
gaming jurisdictions, such as in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, and is
known as Class III gaming.
[0009] Class II Gaming, as is generally seen in tribal casinos, as
defined by The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (Pub. L. 100-497, 25
U.S.C. .sctn. 2701 et seq.). Class II gaming is defined as the game
of chance commonly known as bingo (whether or not electronic,
computer, or other technological aids are used in connection
therewith) and if played in the same location as the bingo, pull
tabs, punch board, tip jars, instant bingo, and other games similar
to bingo.
[0010] Various roulette games and electronic versions thereof are
known for both wagering and non-wagering use, as described, for
example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,094,150 (Pro-aggressive roulette);
6,890,255 (Multiple wheel roulette game); 6,575,834 (System and
method for remote roulette and other game play using game table at
a casino); 6,083,105 (Computerized roulette playing apparatus for a
single player); 5,775,993 (Roulette gaming machine); 5,755,440
(Enhanced roulette-style game); 5,743,798 (Apparatus for playing a
roulette game including a progressive jackpot); 4,792,137
(Monitoring and indicating apparatus for use in the game of
roulette); 4,744,098 (Roulette calculator); 4,643,425
(Microprocessor controlled roulette game including an optical
encoder for sensing the position of the ball on the roulette
wheel); 4,396,193 (Roulette wheel directional sensing apparatus);
and 4,260,159 (Electronic roulette game).
[0011] However, there remains a need in class II gaming
establishments to provide more variety of traditional gambling
games, as players desire these types of games. Thus, there is a
need in the art for a roulette-type game that is Class II
compliant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention provides methods and apparatus for a
simulated electronic roulette-type game, the features and
advantages of which will become readily apparent from the
accompanying drawing figures.
[0013] The invention provides an innovation, which electronically
enhances the game of bingo, by simulating the play of a roulette
game. The present invention also is applicable to simulating
various other types of games, including games of playing cards. The
invention allows a participant to enjoy the simulated play and
action of a live roulette game. The invention thus provides the
illusion of a live roulette game, but selection of the winner is,
in fact, based on bingo, such that the game is compliant with Class
II gaming regulations. The invention finds applicability in casinos
as well as other venues, such as sites where Class III gaming is
not allowed.
[0014] The present invention includes a system of hardware and
software components that provide a multiplayer electronic roulette
game, the winning outcome of which is directly derived from the
results of electronic bingo, as a component of the system. The
hardware preferably includes a central bingo server that generates
a series of 75 randomly drawn bingo balls and is broadcast to all
components of the system, a roulette server that displays the
electronic roulette wheel and ball, and two or more player
stations.
[0015] Consistent with Class II gaming regulations, the primary
game outcome is originated from the matching of patterns on
electronic bingo cards with a series of randomly drawn bingo balls
numbered from 1 to 75. The bingo server ensures that at least two
players are ready to play a game and that there is one winner
determined each game. The winner is the first to achieve an end of
game pattern. Additionally, winnings will be achieved by any player
that places wagers corresponding to a series of bonus bingo
patterns. The first matching pattern for the bonus bingo patterns
determines the winning bonus bingo card.
[0016] For entertainment purposes, the outcome of these bingo based
matched cards corresponds to an equal element in the game of
roulette. The player is displayed the results of the bingo game
along with the results of the roulette game that is a result of the
bingo pattern matching.
[0017] The invention provides for implementations of the system in
a multiplayer station, which physically represents a roulette
table, whereby multiple players may play at the players' computer
stations, which are embedded within the central cabinetry. The
invention provides for implementation utilizing separate slot style
cabinets that allow individual players to place bets at separate
computers integrated in standalone cabinets. These cabinets are
wired to the central bingo server and the player may rely on game
play information displayed on their computer cabinet. Optionally, a
visible display graphically displaying the roulette wheel and ball
are displayed visible to the player.
[0018] Briefly stated, an electronic game of roulette, wherein the
results are derived from an electronic game of bingo, includes a
central bingo server for generating a series of randomly drawn
numbered bingo balls, which are broadcast to other components of
the system, operably connected to a roulette server for displaying
a simulated roulette wheel and ball, and two or more player
stations or EGMs operably connected with the bingo server and the
roulette server for allowing players to place bets and view results
of the game.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] For a fuller understanding of the nature and object of the
present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale, with the emphasis
instead placed upon the principles of the present invention.
Additionally, each of the embodiments depicted are but one of a
number of possible arrangements, utilizing the fundamental concepts
of the present invention. The drawings are briefly described as
follows.
[0020] FIG. 1. shows a flow chart of the player betting phase,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2. shows the screen display players see when placing
bets, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 3. shows a flow diagram of the game play phase,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 4. shows the screen display for the common roulette
server display, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 5. shows the screen display players see for the bingo
results, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 6. shows the screen display players see displaying
roulette game results, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 7. shows a block diagram of the system hardware,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The following description relates to certain preferred
embodiments of apparatus and methods for a simulated electronic
roulette-type game. It will be readily apparent that numerous
variations and modifications other than those specifically
indicated will be readily apparent to those of sufficient skill in
the art. In addition, certain terms used throughout the discussion
are not intended to be specifically limiting of the invention,
except where so indicated in the claims.
[0028] The present invention is generally directed to a manner of
providing a multiplayer electronic game of roulette that satisfies
the jurisdictional requirements of a class II gaming facility, by
utilizing a game of electronic bingo in deriving its winning
outcome. Embodiments of the invention may be used in various
hardware implementations utilizing common gaming computer
electronic components and cabinetry in standalone forms for
individual players or common table with individual player
placement.
[0029] As will become more clear in the ensuing description, the
present invention provides for a unique method of bingo bonus games
that determine an outcome that correlates with the known outcome
for the game of roulette, which is displayed in electronic
facsimile for entertainment purposes.
[0030] FIG. 1 is a flow chart generally illustrating the player
betting phase, illustrating one embodiment of the present
invention. The roulette server initiates a betting round 100. Based
on an adjustable timer and after displaying the previous winning
results, the roulette server will announce in a recorded voice,
"Place your bets please". The roulette server will simultaneously
send a packet to each player EGM (Electronic Gaming Machine) a
state signal that the betting phase has begun.
[0031] After receiving the signal from the roulette server, the
player EGM allows bets to be placed 102. The player is displayed
the betting screen and, if proper credits have been inserted, is
allowed to place bets up to the credit amount. If the player wishes
to place bets above the current credit amount, he or she may insert
additional bills in the bill acceptor, or increase credits by other
means as configured for the location. Other means, such as, for
example, ticket-in or cashless credit systems may be employed. The
player screen displayed is as seen in FIG. 2.
[0032] During the betting phase, the player may place multiple
bets. For each bet placed 104, a corresponding bonus bingo card is
selected that corresponds to the bet placed 106. Each of these
bingo cards is cycled through on the display for bets placed. The
amount the each bet pays is set forth in Table 1 below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Bet Payoff Any number from 1 to 36, 0 or 00
35 to 1 2 adjoining numbers 17 to 1 3 adjoining numbers 11 to 1 4
adjoining numbers 8 to 1 5 adjoining numbers 6 to 1 6 numbers from
horizontal rows 5 to 1 Columns 1, 2 or 3 and 1.sup.st 2.sup.nd or
3.sup.rd dozen 2 to 1 Odd, Even, Red, Black, 1 to 18 and 19 to 36 1
to 1
[0033] After the set amount of time, which is configurable on the
roulette server, the server will announce "All bets are off" and a
signal is sent to each player EGM that bets are not to be taken
108. Once this occurs, the game will not accept any additional bets
and the betting phase is concluded.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates the flow of events that occur after the
betting phase is concluded. The roulette server initiates a game
session and signals to all player EGMs 300. The roulette server and
all player EGMs, with the beginning of the game session, await the
results of the bingo server's ball draw. When the bingo server
receives notification that at least two player EGMs are available
to play a game, the server randomly draws electronic bingo balls
from 1 to 75 302. These balls are sent to all player EGMs and to
the roulette server. When any player EGM matches the EGP (End of
Game Pattern) it notifies the server 304.
[0035] The end of game pattern forms a matching pattern on the
numbers on the standard bingo card as follows:
##STR00001##
[0036] The bingo server determines the first player EGM to achieve
the EGP and notifies the wining EGM of its standard win 306. If a
player achieves the EGP with the first 3 balls drawn, then an award
of 1000 credits will be given, otherwise the EGP pattern awards a 1
(one cent) "MUST GO".
[0037] In addition to the standard EGP, a bonus bingo winning card
is determined simultaneously by all player EGMs 308 and the
roulette server 310. The winning bonus bingo card is determined by
the first bonus bingo card to achieve the bonus pattern as
follows:
##STR00002##
[0038] This bonus bingo pattern as seen by the player on the player
EGM is shown in FIG. 5. Upon achieving the bonus bingo pattern, the
roulette server displays the winning ball drop 308. The roulette
server displayed for a winning ball drop is shown in FIG. 4. The
player EGM will display the winning bingo pattern along with the
winning ball drop that corresponds to that bonus bingo card
matching 310. Player winnings are calculated according to the
payouts illustrated in TABLE 1. The Player EGM displayed for a
winning ball drop is shown in FIG. 6.
[0039] FIG. 7 Illustrates the preferred hardware components
utilized with this invention. The technology includes a standard
microcomputer and networking components. The Bingo Server 700
houses the software that generates the ball draws for the
electronic bingo. This computer is a standard server type of
computer and is connected to the other computers via standard
networking cabling 708 and a network switch 706. The roulette
server 702 is a standard workstation type of computer, with a large
display that is visibly placed for players to see the wheel and
ball representation. A large monitor positioned so that each player
can see it is sufficient, if the player EGMs are positioned in a
standalone fashion. In a table type of configuration, a monitor
splitter may be used to provide multiple displays in the center of
the cabinetry.
[0040] Multiple player EGM stations 704 can be configured for as
many player stations as desired. The EGM station is a standard
workstation type of computer housed gaming cabinetry. Peripherals
that are needed to meet the particular casino location requirements
need may be used for acceptance of bills, coins, ticket-in and/or
card in systems. A touch screen preferably is used in place of a
standard computer mouse for playing the game.
[0041] The computer switch 706 and needed network cable 708 are
used to connect the bingo server, roulette server and each EGM to
communicate with each other, and are configured in the started
computer networking fashion. Optionally, other network technologies
may be used, such as, for example, wireless, to facilitate this
communication.
Game Overview
[0042] The preferred embodiment of the electronic roulette game of
the present invention pays back approximately 94.74% to the player.
Prizes are awarded based on the result of the bingo game. The bingo
ball draw preferably includes 75 numbers. The roulette display is a
representation of the result of each bingo card result. Players
must achieve or cover at least one different preset bingo pattern
to win an interim prize. Players can only win an interim prize if
they achieve bingo on the first 3 balls drawn. In the preferred
embodiment, if only one player has entered in for the game, the
system will wait for seven seconds for additional players, but if
no additional players join, then the wager is returned back to the
player. The ball draw continues, which can draw up to 75 balls,
will continue to be drawn until the End of Game Pattern (EGP) is
achieved. This closes the current game. If a player achieves the
EGP with the first 31 balls drawn, an award of 1000 credits will be
given, otherwise, the EGP awards a one cent "MUST GO".
How to Play
[0043] Preferably, a bill acceptor for the game accepts $5, $10,
$20, $50 and $100 dollar bills. The player inserts the bills and
selects the bet amount he/she wishes to use for each selection ($1,
$2 $5, $10). The player selects the bets on the betting board and
corresponding bonus bingo patterns are selected that correspond to
the betting board. When the game is about to begin, all bets are
off. Two players minimum are required for each game session. After
a second player has entered, the system allows for a window of from
1/4 to 1 second for additional players to enter that session, after
which time game play for that session begins and any additional
players automatically create another, separate bingo session. In
the event of any pattern match win, the player must daub again to
claim their winnings. The player has 777 seconds to claim their
prize. Players press "HELP" for game instructions and press
"PATTERNS" to view winning pattern screens.
[0044] It is to be understood that the architectural and
operational embodiments described herein are exemplary of a
plurality of possible arrangements to provide the same (or
equivalent) general features, characteristics, and general system
operation. Therefore, while there have been described the currently
preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in
the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be
made, without departing from the spirit of the present invention,
and it is intended to claim all modifications and variations as
fall within the scope of the appended claims.
[0045] Accordingly, it must further be understood that the
embodiments of the invention herein described are merely
illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention.
Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not
intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite
those features regarded as essential to the invention.
* * * * *