U.S. patent application number 12/334092 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-16 for blackjack game with bingo aspect.
Invention is credited to Geoff Hall.
Application Number | 20090179380 12/334092 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40849953 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090179380 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hall; Geoff |
July 16, 2009 |
Blackjack Game with Bingo Aspect
Abstract
A variation of casino blackjack that includes a bingo type side
game. A scoreboard is prominently displayed to the players which
comprise indicator lights representing conditions of either the
dealer's hand or a player's hand. When each condition is satisfied,
the respective indicator light on the scoreboard is lit. When a
player plays the side wager and the scoreboard displays particular
combinations, the player wins an award.
Inventors: |
Hall; Geoff; (Shirley,
GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MUSKIN & CUSICK LLC
30 Vine Street, SUITE 6
Lansdale
PA
19446
US
|
Family ID: |
40849953 |
Appl. No.: |
12/334092 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11754283 |
May 26, 2007 |
|
|
|
12334092 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 1/06 20130101; A63F
2001/003 20130101; A63F 3/062 20130101; A63F 3/00157 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/292 |
International
Class: |
A63F 1/00 20060101
A63F001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 30, 2006 |
GB |
0507030.5 |
Claims
1. A method to play a wagering side game between a player and a
dealer for a casino, the method comprising: providing an indicator
display which can display occurrences of at least two conditions;
resolving a main wager by dealing dealt cards, completing a
wagering game, and updating the indicator display based on an
occurrence derived from the dealt cards; and determining if the
indicator display displays a predetermined winning set, and if so,
paying the player an award based on the winning set.
2. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising: resolving
a second main wager by dealing second dealt cards, completing a
second wagering game, and updating the indicator display based on
the second dealt cards; determining if the indicator display
displays a predetermined winning set, and if so, paying the player
an award based on the winning set.
3. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising repeating
the resolving, completing, updating, and determining an indefinite
number of times.
4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the indicator display
displays point totals corresponding to a dealer's final hand.
5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the indicator display
displays point totals corresponding to the dealer's upcard.
6. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising repeating
the resolving, completing, updating, and determining, until a reset
condition occurs.
7. The method as recited in claim 6, wherein the wagering game is
blackjack and the reset condition comprises when the dealer
busts.
8. The method as recited in claim 6, wherein the reset condition
comprises when a predetermined number of hands has been played
after the side game has started.
9. The method as recited in claim 6, wherein whether the reset
condition occurs is determined based on cards dealt during a last
recent round of the wagering game.
10. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising, receiving
a side wager from the player.
11. The method as recited in claim 2, further comprising receiving
a second side wager from the player.
12. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein the player places a
new side wager for each new hand in order to be eligible for the
award.
13. The method as recited in claim 2, further comprising receiving
an initial wager from the player.
14. The method as recited in claim 6, further comprising receiving
an initial wager from the player.
15. The method as recited in claim 14, wherein the player does not
need to place additional side wager(s) in order to be eligible for
the award until the reset condition occurs.
16. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the occurrence is
based on a point total of the dealer's initial two cards.
17. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the occurrence is
based on the dealer's up-card.
18. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the occurrence is
based on the dealer's final point total after drawing.
19. The winning set is a predetermined pattern on the indicator
display.
20. A method to play a blackjack variation between a player and a
dealer for a casino, the method comprising: providing an indicator
board which can display occurrences of at least two conditions;
receiving a first blackjack wager and a side wager from a player;
playing a first blackjack hand by dealing first dealt cards;
updating the indicator board based on at least one of the first
dealt cards; determining if the indicator board displays a
predetermined set of conditions, and if so, then awarding the
player an award for the side wager. receiving a second blackjack
wager from the player; playing a second blackjack hand by dealing
second dealt cards; updating the indicator board based on at least
one of the second dealt cards; determining if the indicator board
displays a predetermined set of conditions, and if so, then
awarding the player an award for the side wager.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation in part (CIP) of
application Ser. No. 11/754,283, filed in the USPTO on May 26,
2007, entitled, "Blackjack Game with Bingo Aspect" which claims
benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 to commonly owned UK
Provisional Application No. 0507030.5, filed in the UK Patent
Office on May 30, 2006, entitled, "Blackjack Bingo," by inventor
Geoff Hall, both applications of which are incorporated by
reference herein their entireties for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present inventive concept relates to a casino table
game, and more particularly, to a variation of casino
blackjack.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The popularity of casino blackjack has been waning in recent
years. Other games, such as poker variants and machine games have
provided the standard blackjack game with some competition.
Moreover, the standard blackjack game has become old and tiresome
as gamblers have a limited attention span and like to see new and
exciting games.
[0006] Therefore, what is needed is a new variation of blackjack
which can provide a more enjoyable game than the standard
version
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an
enjoyable variation of blackjack that can be played in a casino
that some players may prefer over the standard game.
[0008] The above aspects can be obtained by a method that includes
(a) providing an indicator display which can display occurrences of
at least two conditions; (b) resolving a main wager by dealing
dealt cards, completing a blackjack game, and updating the
indicator display based on an occurrence derived from the dealt
cards; and (c) determining if the indicator display displays a
predetermined winning set, and if so, paying the player an award
based on the winning set.
[0009] The above aspects can also be obtained by a method that
includes (a) providing an indicator board which can display
occurrences of at least two conditions; (b) receiving a first
blackjack wager and a side wager from a player; (c) playing a first
blackjack hand by dealing first dealt cards; (d) updating the
indicator board based on at least one of the first dealt cards; (e)
determining if the indicator board displays a predetermined set of
conditions, and if so, then awarding the player an award for the
side wager. (f) receiving a second blackjack wager from the player;
(g) playing a second blackjack hand by dealing second dealt cards;
(h) updating the indicator board based on at least one of the
second dealt cards; (i) determining if the indicator board displays
a predetermined set of conditions, and if so, then awarding the
player an award for the side wager.
[0010] These together with other aspects and advantages which will
be subsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction and
operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed,
reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part
hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Further features and advantages of the present invention, as
well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the
present invention, will become apparent and more readily
appreciated from the following description of the preferred
embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of
which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating one example of a table that
can be used to implement an embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of
implementing a blackjack wagering side game, according to an
embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an alternative exemplary
method of implementing a blackjack wagering side game, according to
an embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of
implementing a blackjack wagering side game with the side bet made
for each hand, and one payout to the player(s), according to an
embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an alternative exemplary
method of implementing a blackjack wagering side game with the side
bet made for each hand, and multiple payouts can be made to the
player(s), according to an embodiment;
[0017] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate an exemplary progression of an
indicator board, according to embodiments;
[0018] FIGS. 6E-6H illustrate another indicator board and possible
winning patterns, according to embodiments;
[0019] FIGS. 6I-6K illustrates more examples of indicator boards,
according to embodiments;
[0020] FIG. 7 is an exemplary block diagram of hardware that can be
used to implement an electronic version, according to an
embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference
numerals refer to like elements throughout.
[0022] The present general inventive concept relates to a method,
system, and computer readable storage which allows a casino to
offer to at least one player a blackjack game which can provide a
player with increased winning opportunities. Casino blackjack is a
game that is well known in the art, for a description see
application Ser. No. 11/611,842, which is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety. As the dealer deals hands of blackjack, an
indicator board can be updated based on characteristics of hands
that are dealt. For example, an indicator board, which is
prominently displayed to all of the players at the table (and
preferably visible to spectators as well in order to generate more
excitement for the game) displays the possible point totals
(indicators) of: 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, BJ (blackjack). The indicator
board can start out with all of the indicators reset (not lit up).
Each time the dealer achieves a particular final point total, that
respective indicator light can be lit up on the indicator board.
For example, if a blackjack game ends with the dealer receiving a
final hand of 17, then 17 can be lit up on the indicator board. A
participating player (who is playing the side bet) can be paid
based on combinations that are lit up on the indicator board. For
example, if all possible indicators are lit up, then each
participating can win an award based on their side wager (e.g., 100
times their side wager). Each time a new game is played, depending
on the dealer's final hand, the indicator board can be updated. If
the dealer gets a particular hand (e.g., busts), then the indicator
board can be reset (all indicator lights can be turned off), and
the indicator board will have to start all over again.
[0023] The present general inventive concept is a side wager(s)
that players can place during the game of blackjack. The side wager
can preferably be optional on the part of the player, or in an
alternative embodiment can be mandatory. The side wager can be a
fixed amount (e.g., $1), or can alternatively be an amount of the
player's choosing.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating one example of a table that
can be used to implement an embodiment.
[0025] A first player side betting circle 1 is used by the first
player to place his or her side bet. Adjacent to the side betting
circle 1 is a larger main betting circle used by the first player
to place his or her main wager. Instead of using a betting circle,
a "coin drop" mechanism (not pictured) can be used (as used in
games such as Caribbean Stud Poker," in which any player places
their side bet wager (e.g., a $1 chip) in a respective slot, and
the dealer releases a lever which drops all of the side bet wagers
into a container and automatically indicates which players at the
table have place the side wager and thus are eligible to receive
side wager payouts. A second player side betting circle 2, a third
player side betting circle 3, a fourth player side betting circle
4, a fifth player side betting circle 5, and a sixth player side
betting circle 6 are also used to receive each player's respective
side wager. The second through sixth players' betting area is
typically identical (both in appearance and operation) to the first
player's betting area (described above). Thus, each player has
their own main betting circle to place the standard blackjack wager
on the blackjack game and a smaller side betting circle to place
their side wager.
[0026] A participant output 7 can be used to indicate which players
have placed the side wager and thus are eligible to receive side
wager payouts. A light can light up for each player that has placed
the side wager.
[0027] An indicator input 8 can be used by the dealer to designate
which (if any) indicator has occurred based on the cards dealt. For
example, if the dealer has received a point total of 18, then the
dealer can press 18 on the indicator input 8 (or switch a switch
marked 18) in order for the 18 to light up on the indicator board 9
(or "scoreboard"). Not pictured is a reset button/switch in which
the dealer can use when the cards dealt contain a reset trigger in
which the board needs to be reset (all lights turned off). The
indicator board 9 illustrated in FIG. 1 has lights (indicators) 17,
18, 20, 21 lit up (on, or set) while indicators 19 and BJ are not
lit up (off, or reset). Each indicator on the indicator board can
be switched on and off to indicate whether that particular
indicator's occurrence has already occurred.
[0028] Note that instead of using the indicator input 8 in order
for the dealer to indicate which occurrences have occurred, an
automatic system can also be used. For example, an automatic card
reader can be used to automatically input card values to a computer
which can automatically determine which occurrences have occurred
and automatically light the respective occurrence on the indicator
board. A video camera which can employ optical character
recognition in order to recognize card values/suits can be used for
this purpose. Alternatively, the card values can be marked with
barcodes or other machine readable identifiers in order for the
computer to recognize occurrences automatically and automatically
update the indicator board.
[0029] A simple example of an embodiment will now be presented in
order to illustrate how one embodiment of the side bet can operate.
This example can be used with the hardware/table illustrated in
FIG. 1. In this example, the dealer must receive all possible point
totals (e.g., 17-21 and a blackjack) in order for the player to win
a 100:1 payout on the bingo wager. If the dealer busts, then the
current bingo round is terminated, and a new bingo round can
begin.
[0030] Two players are sitting at the table and a new bingo round
is about to start. The first player decides to play the side bet by
placing a $1 in his respective side betting circle for each new
blackjack game, while the second player decides not to play the
side bet. Player one and player two both bet $2 on the main
blackjack game by placing their wagers in their respective main
betting circles. The indicator board starts out with all indicators
reset (turned off). In the first blackjack game, the dealer ends up
with a point total of 17. Thus, the 17 indicator on the indicator
board is now lit. Whether or not the players win their main
blackjack wager is typically not relevant for purposes of resolving
the side bet. The first blackjack game is completed, and a second
blackjack game is played. Both players bet on the main blackjack
game. Player one does need to make another side wager since player
one has already made his side wager at the start of the bingo round
to participate in the bingo game. Since player two did not make the
side wager at the beginning of the bingo game, player two cannot
now participate in the side wager (bingo game) and must wait for a
new round to begin (after a reset trigger has occurred) for
participating (placing the side wager). This time, the dealer gets
a point total of 19, and thus the 19 indicator is now lit up on the
indicator board. A third blackjack game is now completed, wherein
the dealer busts. The current bingo round is now over. Player one
did not win an award on the side wager since the indicator board
did not display a predetermined winning combination. However,
before the dealer busted, if the dealer received all possible hands
(17-21 plus a blackjack), then player one would receive a $100
payout (100:1) because a winning combination (all lights on the
indicator board) have been achieved. Since player two did not
participate in the bingo round, player two would not win such an
award.
[0031] In a further embodiment, player one would have to
continuously make the side wager at the start of each hand to
continue receives potential awards based on the indicator board. If
he fails to make the side wager, then if the indicator board
changes status based on a last hand and now contains a pattern
which awards a prize, in this embodiment, player one would not
receive the prize since he had not make the side wager on the last
hand.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of
implementing a blackjack wagering side game, according to an
embodiment.
[0033] The method can begin with operation 200, which receives a
bingo bet (side bet) and begins a new bingo round (side bet round).
The side bet received in operation 200 pays for the entire side bet
round without requiring the player to make additional side wager
bet(s) during the side bet round. However, once the side bet round
has ended, then the player would need to make a new side bet to
participate in the side bet game again.
[0034] From operation 200, the method can proceed to operation 202,
which deals a new blackjack hand(s) to player(s) at the table. This
includes receiving blackjack wager(s) from respective player(s), as
known in the art. Note that the side bet wager was received in
operation 200 and in this embodiment, is it not necessary for the
player to keep making the side wager for each hand.
[0035] From operation 202, the method can proceed to operation 204,
which resolves the blackjack hand and pays out the blackjack
wagers, as known in the art. For information on how to play
blackjack, see US patent publication no. 2003/0155715, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0036] From operation 204, the method can proceed to operation 206,
which determines whether cards dealt on the table in operations 200
and/or 204 trigger a new indicator. For example, if the indicator
display (or board) has the numbers 18-21 for possible dealer final
totals, and the dealer's total is a 17 (in operation 204 when the
game is completed), then no change in status on the indicator
display need be made. If the dealer's total is 18, then the 18 can
be lighted (set) (or start flashing) on the indicator display.
Thus, if the cards dealt are such that, depending on the conditions
on the indicator, cause a change in status on the indicator board,
then the method can proceed to operation 208, which updates the
indicator board to reflect the latest occurrence. If the latest
occurrence has already been reflected on the indicator board, then
the method can proceed to operation 208 or 210, as it should not
make any difference. Thus, for example, if the dealer's total is 18
and 18 has already been achieved by the dealer (during the current
bingo round), then 18 can remain set on the indicator board.
Alternatively, in this situation, the 18 can become reset (off) on
the indicator board, requiring the 18 to once again occur to become
set in order for the 18 to be used to form a winning combination on
the indicator board.
[0037] In operation 208, the indicator board is updated to reflect
the latest occurrence. For example, using the indicator board
illustrated in FIG. 1, if the dealer's final hand is a 19, then the
19 would be set (lit up).
[0038] From operations 206 or 208, the method continues at
operation 210, wherein it is determined whether cards dealt
comprise a reset trigger. For example, one reset trigger is whether
the dealer busts (has busted on the last blackjack game/round). A
reset trigger might also comprise if the indicator display displays
a jackpot (e.g., all indicator lights are set or a particular set
of lights are set that comprise a jackpot). If the player(s) have
won the jackpot on the side game, then the side game can start
anew. If the reset trigger does not occur, then the method can
return to operation 202 which plays a new blackjack hand. The reset
trigger can be based on cards dealt during a most recent (last)
blackjack round (for example what occurred during last time
operations 202 and/or 204 occurred).
[0039] If the reset trigger is determined to occur in operation
210, then the bonus round is over and the method can proceed to
operation 212. In operation 212, it is determined whether there is
a winning combination(s) on the indicator board. If so, then the
method can proceed to operation 214, which pays the player(s) who
have participated in the side game by placing the side wager in
operation 200. If more than one winning combination is displayed on
the indicator board, then the players can either receive the
highest paying winning combination, or alternatively payouts for
some (or all) of the winning combinations.
[0040] From operation 212 or 214, the method can proceed to
operation 216, which resets the indicator board by resetting all of
the indicators. In an alternative embodiment, some of the
indicators can still remain on, such as a free square or a random
indicator which would make it easier for the players. From
operation 216, the method returns to operation 200. Note that the
player(s) can choose whether to play a new bingo round (side bet
round) or not by placing their optional side bet wager.
[0041] Note that the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 embodies a
side bet game wherein each player can pay a single entry fee to
play and does not need to pay again until the side bet round has
ended (e.g., a reset trigger has occurred). In this embodiment, the
player(s) participating in the side bet are paid once, at the end
of the side bet round.
[0042] It is noted that other embodiments of the game can be
implemented as well. The operations in FIG. 2 (and any of the other
figures as well) can be performed in any order and any operation
can be optional.
[0043] In a further embodiment, the player(s) can be paid each time
the indicator board is updated that displays a new winning
combination. This is in contrast to the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2, wherein the player's are paid only once at the end of each
side bet round.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an alternative exemplary
method of implementing a blackjack wagering side game, according to
an embodiment.
[0045] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 is similar to the side
bet game illustrated in FIG. 2, but the players can be paid for
side bet winning combinations displayed on the indicator board at
each time the indicator board is updated which displays a new
winning combination entitled the player(s) to receive an award. For
example, if the player is to receive $1 payout if the indicator
board has five outcomes set (lit up), and is to receive a $2 payout
if the indicator board has six outcomes set (lit up), then the
participating players can receive the $1 as soon as the fifth
outcome has been set, and on a subsequent hand, can receive the $2
payout when the sixth outcome has been set (before the reset
trigger has occurred).
[0046] The descriptions of the operations in FIG. 3 are typically
the same as the description of the corresponding operation in FIG.
2.
[0047] It is noted that the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2 and
3 require the player to pay only once to participate in the side
bet round. In an alternative embodiment, the player(s) can be
required to place a side wager at the start of each new blackjack
hand in order to continue to be able to win side bet awards based
on the indicator board. A casino may prefer this embodiment since
it would typically require more side bet action from the player(s)
than if the player(s) were to make only a single side bet which may
last for a number of hands before the reset trigger occurs.
[0048] It is noted that players should typically not be allowed to
join a side bet game already in progress by placing the side bet
wager if there are indicator lights set (or the indicator lights
set are more favorable to the player than a default condition of
the indicator board when a new bonus game is initiated). This is
because if the indicator board is close to winning a jackpot, then
of course it would be to the player's advantage to start playing
the side bet game at such time. Thus, a player can participate in
the side bet game only if the player had participated in the side
bet game (by making the side bet wager) when the bonus round had
begun. Alternatively, a player may be allowed to start
participating in the side bet game even after the first hand of the
bonus game if there is no favorable change in status to the player
on the indicator board.
[0049] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of
implementing a blackjack wagering side game with the side bet made
for each hand, and one payout to the player(s), according to an
embodiment.
[0050] Note that FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 2, but in FIG. 4, the
player must make a separate side bet for each hand the player
wishes to participate in the side bet (bingo) round.
[0051] The method can begin in operation 400, which begins a new
bingo round. This can include resetting the indicator board to a
reset position (e.g., all lights for each occurrence off).
[0052] From operation 400, the method can proceed to operation 420,
which determines whether each player is eligible to make a side
bet. If operation 420 follows directly from operation 400, then the
side bet round has just begun and the player would be eligible to
make the side bet. If the side bet round has already begun on a
prior hand, then the player would typically not be eligible to make
the side bet. An exception to this can be if the indicator board
has not improved to the player's advantage (e.g., a new occurrence
has lit up) since the reset position form operation 400. If the
player is eligible to make the side bet, then the method can
proceed to operation 422, which receives the side bet. If the
player has made the side bet in operation 422, then the player is
eligible to receive a side bet payment when the method reaches
operation 414 for the next blackjack hand (dealt in operation 402)
and its affect on the indicator board. Note that in operation 422,
the player is not required to make the side bet but can do so at
the player's option. Of course, if the player chooses not to make
the side bet, then the player would not win any award (a side bet
award) when the next blackjack hand is dealt, the indicator board
is updated, and awards are potentially distributed in operation
414.
[0053] If the player is determined in operation 420 not to be
eligible to make the side bet, then the method can proceed to
operation 424, wherein the player cannot make the side bet (e.g.,
the house will not allow the player to place the side bet or will
not accept it). Thus, the player that does not make the side bet
will not be eligible for any awards that can be awarded in
operation 414 for the upcoming hand and its affect on the indicator
board.
[0054] From operations 422 and 424, the method can proceed to
operation 402, which receives the standard blackjack wager and
blackjack game (as known in the art). The blackjack game and the
wager(s) places in operation 402 can be resolved in operation 404,
as known in the art.
[0055] The remaining operations in FIG. 4 operate the same (or
similar to) the operations as described with regard to FIG. 2. In
operation 414, each player is only paid on winning combinations on
the indicator board if each respective player had made the side bet
at the prior opportunity (in operation 422). If a player was not
eligible to make the side bet (operation 424) or was eligible but
chose not to make it, then the player would not receive an award in
operation 424.
[0056] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an alternative exemplary
method of implementing a blackjack wagering side game with the side
bet made for each hand, and multiple payouts can be made to the
player(s), according to an embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 5 is a combination of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, that is, the
player must make the side bet each hand the player wishes to
receive a side bet award and the player can also receive multiple
awards on each hand based on the indicator display.
[0058] The operations in FIG. 5 operate the same or similarly to
their counterpart operations described herein. FIG. 5 operates
similarly to FIG. 4, but for each new indicator lit up on the
indicator board, then operations 508 updates the indicator board.
If a winning combination is determined to be on the indicator board
(operation 510), then the method can proceed to operation 512,
which pays the player (if the player made the side bet in operation
522 on the most recent possible opportunity to do so), which then
pays the participating player (player that made the side bet in
operation 522). Of course, players that have not made the side bet
in operation 522 (either because they chose not to or were not
eligible), then would not get paid in operation 512 for the last
hand dealt.
[0059] Also note that from operation 500, as in Figure, the method
proceeds to operation 520, which determines whether the player is
eligible to make the side bet. Operations 520-524 can be performed
as described above with regard to operations 420-424. From
operation 522 or 524, the method can proceed to operation 502,
wherein the method continues. Any operation in FIG. 5 can be
implemented as any other operation described herein included in the
other figures.
[0060] In a further embodiment, after the indicator displays any
winning combination, the bingo round can end. Thus, for example, in
operations 312 and 512, the method can proceed to operations 316
and 516, respectively. Thus, in this embodiment, getting a winning
combination on the indicator board can also be considered a reset
trigger and ends the bonus round.
[0061] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate an exemplary progression of an
indicator board, according to embodiments.
[0062] FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary initial position of an 3 by
3 indicator board with point totals representing the dealer's final
two card hand (note in an alternate embodiment, the dealer's
initial two card hand can be used). Note the initial position
includes the center square being lit up which is a "free" square
(already awarded to player by default).
[0063] Assuming on a first hand of the bingo round, the dealer's
final point total is an 18. Thus, the indicator board will now have
18 lit up as illustrated in FIG. 6B. Then assume that the dealer's
next point total in the next blackjack hand is a 21. The indicator
board will then have the 21 square lit up as illustrated in FIG.
6C. Then assume that the dealer's next point total in the next
blackjack hand is another 18. Thus, the second 18 on the indicator
board is lit up.
[0064] Winning combination(s) can be any combination of the
occurrences (the point totals, e.g., 17, 18, 19, etc.) lit up. For
example, having all occurrences lit up can award a jackpot prize.
Three in a row (bingo) can also award a prize. If there are nine
possible occurrences, there can be 2 9 possible combinations, of
which any one or more can be predetermined to award awards. In the
example illustrated in FIG. 6A, since the middle square is always
lit, there would be 2 8 possible combinations.
[0065] FIGS. 6E-6H illustrate another indicator board and possible
winning patterns, according to embodiments.
[0066] FIG. 6E illustrates a 4 by 4 indicator board which
illustrates dealer up-cards as occurrences. When a dealer up-card
(the initial card dealt to the dealer face up) matches one of the
occurrences, then that occurrence lights up.
[0067] FIG. 6F illustrates one possible winning combination, a
diagonal. The other diagonal can also be a winning combination.
FIG. 6G illustrates another possible winning combination, an "X"
shape. FIG. 6H illustrates another possible winning combination, a
"perimeter."
[0068] FIGS. 6I-6K illustrates more examples of indicator boards,
according to embodiments. FIG. 6I illustrates a 3 by 3 indicator
board that mixes dealer final point totals (the numbers from 17-21)
with dealer up cards (the numbers that follow with `up.`) Thus,
different types of occurrences can be mixed on the same indicator
board. FIG. 6J illustrates a 4 by 3 indicator board which uses
dealer up cards as occurrences.
[0069] FIG. 6K illustrates a linear indicator board. This linear
board can be used as any of the other boards described herein. This
liner board can also be used for an in-order sequence. For example,
in an embodiment, the dealer's final point totals of 17, 18, 19,
and 20 need to be reached in that exact order, before the dealer
busts, in order to win a jackpot. Thus, if the dealer's first point
total is an 18, then nothing would light up. But if the dealer's
first point total is a 17, then the 17 would light up. Now the 18
would be eligible to light up if the next dealer's point total is
18, and so one. Once the entire board is lit up, a jackpot can be
awarded.
[0070] Note pictured in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6K are
other occurrences as well that can be used on the indicator board.
For example, if the dealer is dealt a pair (e.g., a pair of 2's),
then this can be an occurrence on the indicator board as well.
[0071] Also, any of the occurrences described with respect to the
dealer's hand can also be applied to one or more player's hands as
well. For example, if a player's hand has a particular point total,
this can be an occurrence on the indicator board. If the first (or
second) card dealt to a player is a certain card, this can also be
an occurrence on the indicator board (e.g., the first card dealt to
a player is a 3).
[0072] Payouts can be awarded according to paytables. Table I below
illustrates an exemplary paytable based solely on the number of
lights (occurrences) that have been set (lit up) on the indicator
board (scoreboard). Table I can apply, for example, to an indicator
board with 9 occurrences (or any other number).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Lights payout 5 2:1 6 3:1 7 5:1 8 10:1 9
100:1
[0073] Table II below illustrates an exemplary paytable based on
patterns on the indicator board. Table II can apply to a 3 by 3
indicator board (or any other dimensions). Note the "everything"
pattern is where every occurrence has occurred (i.e., every light
is on).
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE II Pattern Payout Straight line (bingo) 3:1 X
5:1 Perimeter 7:1 Everything 10:1
[0074] Note that any paytable can be applied to any embodiments
described herein. For example, the paytable in table II can be
applied to any of the methods illustrated in any of the figures.
For example, applying Table II to the method illustrated in FIG. 2,
wherein the player pays for the side bet once (at the start of the
side bet round), and gets paid at the end of the side bet round
based on the best pattern on the indicator board when the reset
trigger occurs (or alternatively gets paid immediately when the
highest paying pattern has been displayed which also can end the
side bet round and thus can be considered a reset trigger). Table
II can also be used with FIG. 2, which receives a single side bet
wager from the player and thereafter pays each time a new winning
pattern has been formed (until a reset trigger occurs). Table II
can also be used with FIG. 3, wherein the player pays for the side
bet wager on each hand and gets paid at the end of the side bet
round based on the best pattern on the indicator board. Table II
can also be used with FIG. 4, wherein the player pays for the side
bet wager on each hand and gets paid thereafter each time a new
winning pattern has been formed (until a reset trigger occurs).
[0075] In a further embodiment, having occurrences occur and lit up
on the indicator board in a predetermined order (sequence) can be
required or can be optional but can pay an additional bonus. For
example, on the indicator board illustrated in FIG. 6A, if the
dealer (or in an alternate embodiment the player) receives a point
total of 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 in that order then the side bet can
award a bonus (either on its on (e.g., pays an individual award of
$10) or in conjunction with another award). For example, if the
latter sequence has occurred, then any additional award to be paid
can now pay double.
[0076] A reset trigger triggers an end to the bingo (or side bet)
round so that the indicator board can be reset to a default
position and a new round can begin. The reset trigger can be a
number of different conditions. For example, after a predetermined
number of hands (e.g., 5), the bingo round can end. Thus, in FIGS.
2-6, operations 210, 314, 410, and 514 can be modified such that
instead of using the cards to end the bonus round, a counter can be
used such that after (or on) a predetermined number of hands have
been played after a start of the side bet round, the side bet round
can then be terminated. This operates as a reset trigger as
described herein.
[0077] Another reset trigger described herein is when the dealer
busts (achieves a point total over 21). Other reset triggers based
on cards dealt can be used as well. For example, if the dealer
achieves a particular point total (or a range of point totals),
either the dealer's initial two cards or on the dealer's final
point total (after possible draws), then this can comprise a reset
trigger. For example, if the dealer is dealt a point total of 20
(or from 12-16 or any other range) using the dealer's two initial
cards, this can comprise a reset trigger.
[0078] A reset trigger can also be when the dealer shows a
particular up-card (or has a particular face down card). For
example, if the dealer is dealt an ace as the dealer's up card (or
a ten valued card or any combination of cards), then this can serve
as a reset trigger which ends the bonus round.
[0079] Reset triggers can also be based on the player's (or
players') card(s) as well. Any of the reset triggers described
herein can also be applied to the player's (or players') cards as
well (and vice versa). For example, if a player's first two cards
total 12-16 (or fall below 12), this can comprise a reset
trigger.
[0080] In a further embodiment, a particular reset trigger can pay
a bonus. For example, if the bonus trigger being used is if the
dealer's initial point total is a 20 or blackjack, and the dealer
gets blackjack (or a suited blackjack in another embodiment, or any
other predetermined occurrence), then the players that are
participating in the side bet can either receive a special award
for this event and/or any award that the new blackjack triggers on
the indicator board to be awarded can pay a bonus (e.g., double).
If the special bonus trigger (e.g., a suited blackjack) does not
occur, then the game plays normally (e.g., no additional bonus is
paid aside from any additional award that the blackjack may cause
the player(s) to win).
[0081] In a further embodiment, "wild" occurrences can be used. For
example, if a particular predetermined occurrence occurs (e.g., the
dealer's up card is a 2), then a wild occurrence on the indicator
board can be lit up. The wild occurrence can be (depending on the
embodiment): a random occurrence to light up, or one needed to
cause the indicator board to trigger an award (e.g., if there are
two lights/occurrences in a row and the player needs three to win
an award, the wild occurrence can be the third occurrence), or any
other occurrence that the house selects at their option according
to predetermined rules.
[0082] In a further embodiment, the house can offer to settle the
player's wager, at pre-designated odds, if the player lights up a
square or certain number of squares. For example, if a winning line
contains 3 squares and pays 5/1, the casino can offer to pay the
player a settlement if they only have, say, 2 squares lit. This
offer would typically be reduced, say 2/1, and would depend on the
house edge that the casino required on the game.
[0083] It is further noted that all of the embodiments and features
described herein can be applied to any other wagering game as well
in addition to blackjack. For example, poker, three card poker,
baccarat, Pai Gow, etc. In every game there will be game
occurrences which will correspond to positions on an indicator
board (display), a terminating condition (occurrence) which resets
the board to an initial position (typically all indicators off),
and a paytable for awarding prizes based on predetermined patterns
lit up on the indicator display.
[0084] Thus, the indicator display (bingo style board) can be used
in other games in order to record particular events and pay out
according to specific conditions being met.
[0085] For example, in Pai-Gow Poker, the indicator board could be
used to represent the 2-card hand formed by the player or dealer.
The indicator board would exhibit certain occurrences that would
result in a light being lit on the board. In Pai-Gow Poker, for
example, the board could show Pair, Ace high, King high, Queen
high, Jack high, 10 high, 9 high, 8 high and 7 high for the 9
requirements on a 3.times.3 board, where each event, either by
dealer or player depending on the version used, would result in a
light being lit. In order to finish the bingo-style round then this
could be set either as 6 high, or lower, or pair of 10's or higher,
although any 2-card combination could be used to determine the end
of the game. Furthermore, the Bingo-style board could also use any
number of combinations of any particular 2-card hand in its
requirements to be lit.
[0086] This allocation of recording specific events in order to
award pay-outs for a particular winning sequence can be extended to
other games of chance. In 3-card poker the board could show a
series of 3-card poker outcomes in order to make up the bingo-style
board (for example see Table III for a sample indicator board for
three card poker). Again, the requirements could be set to be met
by either the player or the dealer in order to light up the
board.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE III Pair A's pair K's Pair Q's K high three of
a kind Q high Flush Straight pair 5's
[0087] Roulette has various outcomes that can be displayed on a
bingo-style board. The numbers could even be placed in groups, for
example, 1-6, 7-12 etc, or they could be split into red, black,
odd, even, high low etc, in order to form the requirements needed
to fill the board.
[0088] This method of displaying certain outcomes, or events, for
games of chance, can be adapted and used by any game that provides
multiple occurrences either by the player or dealer.
[0089] In a typical game of Bingo, numbers are picked from a total
of 90 numbers and a standard Bingo card will consist of 3 rows of 5
numbers.
[0090] A standard version of Bingo is to draw numbers until someone
has completed a line of 5 numbers (winning line). The drawing is
then continued until someone completes 2 lines of winning numbers
(winning 2 lines) and finally further numbers are drawn until
someone completes their Bingo card (`Full House`, `Coverall` or
`Bingo`).
[0091] Prizes, or cash, are awarded for each of the 3 winning
positions above with the completely filled card generally receiving
the largest share of the prize fund.
[0092] The same style card can be used in a Blackjack-Bingo style
card game whereby instead of numbers being drawn, cards are drawn,
or dealt from 1-8 decks. Infinite decks (electronic) or a
continuous shuffling machine (CSM) could also be used.
[0093] The Blackjack-Bingo element can be derived by producing
cards which consist of various 2-card totals. A 3.times.5 card is
suggested although any dimensions could be used depending on
requirements.
[0094] There are a total of 91 distinct 2-card hands that can be
dealt from a single deck of cards. With 2 or more decks then
additional 2-card hands can be created such as 3 of Spades, 3 of
Spades. In a single deck, the 2-card possibilities can be listed
and calculated as illustrated in Table IV:
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE IV A, 2 A, 3 A, 4 . . . A, K (13
possibilities) 2, 3 2, 4 2, 5 . . . 2, K (12 possibilities) 3, 4 3,
5 3, 6 . . . 3, K (11 possibilities) . . . . . . . . . Q, K (1
possibility)
[0095] Adding together 12+11+10+ . . . +1 gives 91 possibilities
which is very close to the number of balls used in a regular Bingo
game. If you ignore pairs then this reduces the total number of
possibilities to 78.
[0096] Using infinite decks, or a CSM, then each of the 91
possibilities are equally likely. A typical Blackjack-Bingo style
card is illustrated in Table V:
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE V A, 4 2, 7 4, 10 6, 6 8, 9 3, 5 4, Q 5, K 7,
K J, J A, Q 5, 8 10, K Q, K K, K
[0097] All of the players would have their own unique
Blackjack-Bingo card comprising of different combinations of 2
cards and their aim would be to complete a winning combination
before the other players involved.
[0098] The cards are dealt by a dealer in sets of 2 and each
occurrence is crossed off by the player if it corresponds to one on
his, or her, card. The dealt cards can be dealt in the context of a
blackjack game, any other wagering game, or just for the purpose of
resolving the bingo card wagers.
[0099] With the Blackjack-Bingo card as above, as an example, if
the dealer dealt Jack, Jack then the player would cross, or mark,
the corresponding square on his, or her, card.
[0100] Unlike regular Bingo, there is a possibility of repeating an
occurrence. In this event it can either be ignored or could result
in un-marking the square so that it needs to be crossed off again.
Deciding what to do with a repeat occurrence would be the
operators' choice.
[0101] Pairs could also be treated differently particularly as they
are more difficult to achieve with 1-8 decks. To allow for this,
and to keep each outcome as having equal chance, a slight variant
would be to allow pairs to be split until 2 different cards make up
the 2-card total. For example, the dealer deals 4,4 so splits them
and deals a Jack on one and a 4 on the other. The dealer now splits
the newly formed 4,4 and deals a 5 on one and a King on he other.
The end result is that 3 occurrences are recorded--4,5 4,J and 4,K.
Obviously, using this variant then only 78 possibilities are
available as the cards would not contain any pairs on them.
[0102] In a further embodiment, a special variant could be
introduced whereby a suited 2-card combination added a bonus if the
player ended up with a winning combination. For example, using the
previous Blackjack-Bingo card, let's assume that the player
achieves a winning top line e.g., the player has crossed, or
marked, A,4 2,7 4,10, 6,6 and 8,9. Depending on how many of these 5
combinations were suited, then either a bonus or multiplier could
be used to determine the final payout. For example, if the prize
money was generally $50 for a winning line then if 2 of the events
on the winning line were suited then this could double the prize
award, 3 suited could triple, 4 suited could quadruple and 5 suited
could multiply by 100. Alternatively, a cash bonus could be awarded
for 1,2,3,4 or 5 suited events on a winning line. Determining the
bonus or multipliers would be the operators choice and would be
dependent on the house edge required along with whether a separate
`pool` is formed specifically for suited payouts.
[0103] This could be extended further by applying the suited bonus
to all types of winning combinations with large awards being paid
to a `Full House` that contained a certain number of suited
combinations.
[0104] In a further embodiment, a game as described herein can be
played on an electronic device, such as an electronic gaming
machine (EGM). The game can also be played over a computer
communications network, such as the Internet, and can also be
offered at online casinos.
[0105] FIG. 7 is an exemplary block diagram of hardware that can be
used to implement an electronic embodiment.
[0106] A processing unit 700 can be connected to an output unit 702
(e.g., LCD), an input unit 704 (e.g. a touch screen, keyboard,
buttons, etc.), a network connection 406 (e.g. connection to a
casino server or the Internet or other communication network), a
ROM 708, a RAM 710, and any other hardware known in the art needed
to implemented a digital version of the game (not pictured). The
game can also be served to a remote client playing at an online
casino over a computer communications network (such as the
internet). A money collection unit 712 can be used to receive cash
(or other payment from such as electronic payment) and credit the
payment to the machine so that the player can play with the money
deposited.
[0107] Any embodiments described herein can be played with a
standard deck of cards or any type of special deck (e.g. a Spanish
deck, etc.) The game can also be played with a single deck or
multiple decks (e.g. 1-8 decks or more). Standard rules of
blackjack can be used as well as any known variation of blackjack.
Further, the order of any of the operations described herein can be
performed in any order and wagers can be placed/resolved in any
order. Any embodiments herein can also be played in electronic form
and programs and/or data for such can be stored on any type of
computer readable storage medium (e.g. CD-ROM, DVD, disk, etc.)
[0108] The many features and advantages of the invention are
apparent from the detailed specification and, thus, it is intended
by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of
the invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will
readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to
limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
illustrated and described, and accordingly all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *