U.S. patent application number 12/577413 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-07 for dice game.
Invention is credited to Patrick Thomas McGrath.
Application Number | 20100252991 12/577413 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41402891 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100252991 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McGrath; Patrick Thomas |
October 7, 2010 |
Dice Game
Abstract
Inter alia the present invention provides an apparatus for
playing a dice game with bets on the outcome of throws of the dice,
which apparatus comprises: a table with a playing surface: at least
one die having a plurality of sides, each of said plurality of
sides having a different one from a set of indicia; a plurality of
substantially identical playing pieces/chips to be used by
different players or by one player for different bets in a game,
the playing surface of the table being marked with a plurality of
independent betting areas each corresponding to a different outcome
of a throw of the at least one die, wherein at least one of the
betting areas is marked with a plurality of mutually differently
marked zones, each of said plurality of differently marked zones to
receive a playing piece/chip thereon that is specific to one player
so that each playing piece/chip may be differentiated by player
from another not by the colour of the playing piece/chip but by the
selected differently marked zone of the at least one betting area
that the playing piece/chip is placed on.
Inventors: |
McGrath; Patrick Thomas;
(Luton, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Patrick Thomas McGrath
5 Alton Road
Luton
LU1 3NS
omitted
|
Family ID: |
41402891 |
Appl. No.: |
12/577413 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61106459 |
Oct 17, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/146 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 9/04 20130101; A63F
3/00157 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/146 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/04 20060101
A63F009/04 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for playing a dice game with bets on the outcome of
throws of the dice, which apparatus comprises: a table with a
playing surface, the playing surface of the table being marked with
a plurality of independent betting areas each corresponding to a
different outcome of a throw of the at least one die, wherein at
least one of the betting areas is marked with a plurality of
mutually differently marked zones, each of said plurality of
differently marked zones to receive a playing piece/chip thereon
that is specific to one player so that each playing piece/chip may
be differentiated by player from another not by the colour of the
playing piece/chip but by the selected differently marked zone of
the at least one betting area that the playing piece/chip is placed
on.
2. An apparatus for playing a dice game as claimed in claim 1,
which apparatus further comprises: at least one die having a
plurality of sides, each of said plurality of sides having a
different one from a set of indicia; and a plurality of
substantially identical playing pieces/chips to be used by
different players or by one player for different bets in a
game.
3. An apparatus for playing a dice game as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the differently marked zones of the at least one betting
area are configured in a radial array around a centre of the at
least one betting area.
4. An apparatus for playing a dice game as claimed in claim 3,
wherein the at least one betting area is polygonal and each side of
the polygon is a differently marked zone.
5. An apparatus for playing a dice game as claimed in claim 1,
wherein each differently marked zone of the at least one betting
area is differentiated by its colour.
6. An apparatus for playing a dice game as claimed in claim 1,
wherein there are at least two dice and each die is a six-sided
die
7. An apparatus for playing a dice game as claimed in claim 6,
wherein there are at least 21 independent betting areas, each
corresponding to a different outcome of a throw of the pair of
dice.
8. An apparatus for playing a dice game as claimed in claim 7,
wherein there are a further six independent betting areas
corresponding to the six different outcomes for one of the pair of
dice.
9. An apparatus for playing a dice game as claimed in claim 7,
wherein the at least 21 independent betting areas are configured on
the playing surface grouped together in a triangular
arrangement.
10. An apparatus for playing a dice game as claimed in claim 7,
wherein the at least 21 independent betting areas are configured on
the playing surface grouped together with adjacent sides of
adjacent betting areas being contiguous.
11. An apparatus for playing a dice game as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the table has at least two dice-throwing zones, each having
a perimeter wall towards which the dice may be thrown/rolled and
serving to contain the dice on the table, there being an inset
bay/recess between the at least two dice-throwing zones where a
game supervisor may stand.
12. An apparatus for playing a dice game with bets on the outcome
of throws of the dice, which apparatus comprises: a table with a
playing surface on which the dice may be thrown wherein the table
has at least two dice-throwing zones, each having a perimeter wall
towards which the dice may be thrown/rolled and serving to contain
the dice on the table, there being an inset bay between the at
least two dice-throwing zones where a game supervisor may stand
13. An apparatus for playing a dice game as claimed in claim 12,
wherein each of the perimeter walls curves/bows outwardly from the
table as viewed from above.
14. An apparatus for playing a dice game as claimed in claim 12,
wherein a first of the perimeter walls curves/bows outwardly
oriented in a first direction and a second perimeter wall
curves/bows outwardly oriented in a second direction at an acute
angle to the first direction.
15. An apparatus for playing a dice game as claimed in claim 14
wherein each of the perimeter walls curves/bows outwardly
substantially symmetrically and each is oriented with its axis of
symmetry at an acute angle to the axis of symmetry of the other
perimeter wall.
16. An apparatus for playing a dice game as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the playing surface is further marked with a further group
of betting areas wherein each betting area of the group corresponds
to multiple different outcomes of a throw of the at least one die
so that a player may bet on multiple different outcomes with one
placed bet.
17. An apparatus for playing a dice game as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the playing surface is further marked along the perimeter
of the table facing the players with a series of marks each
corresponding to a different one of the marks of the differently
marked player-specific zones so that each player will stand behind
their specific marked position.
18. A method for playing a multi-player game of chance in which
bets are placed using betting areas marked on a playing surface,
the method comprising marking the betting areas thereon with a
plurality of markings each of which markings is specific to one
player so that each player's playing piece/chip may be
differentiated from that of another player not by the colour of the
playing piece/chip but by the selected differently marked zone of
the betting area that the playing piece/chip is placed on.
19. A method for playing a multi-player game of chance as claimed
in claim 18, wherein the game is a dice game and the pay-offs for
all of the available betting areas offer the same house
advantage.
20. A method for playing a multi-player game of chance as claimed
in claim 18, wherein the game is a dice game and pay-offs for all
of the available betting areas are whole number (ie odds of X to 1
where X is a whole number).
Description
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention concerns dice games and more
specifically a novel apparatus and method for playing a dice game
that involves wagering on the outcome of throwing dice on a
table.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Dice games of the type in question and which include
`Craps`, `Sic Bo`, `Chuck-a luck` or conventional Dice are a
popular feature of casinos that have a range of different betting
games. Such games are, however, quite expensive to administer since
they generally involve use of a number of dedicated tables each
taking up a substantial amount of floor space and each manned by
several staff to supervise the game-play and betting. Also staff pr
machines are needed to manage/sort and re-distribute the
player-specific coloured chips/tokens at the end of each round of
game play.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention there
is provided apparatus for playing a dice game with bets on the
outcome of throws of the dice, which apparatus comprises:
[0004] a table with a playing surface:
[0005] at least one die having a plurality of sides, each of said
plurality of sides having a different one from a set of
indicia;
[0006] a plurality of substantially identical playing pieces/chips
to be used by different players or by one player for different bets
in a game,
[0007] the playing surface of the table being marked with a
plurality of independent betting areas each corresponding to a
different outcome of a throw of the at least one die, wherein at
least one of the betting areas is marked with a plurality of
mutually differently marked zones, each of said plurality of
differently marked zones to receive a playing piece/chip thereon
that is specific to one player so that each playing piece/chip may
be differentiated by player from another not by the colour of the
playing piece/chip but by the selected differently marked zone of
the at least one betting area that the playing piece/chip is placed
on.
[0008] With differentiated player-specific zones in each betting
area on the table there is no longer any need to provide and
process differently colored player-specific chips, which avoids the
need for manual labour or automated machinery for sorting the chips
between each bout of use. This results in very considerable time
and cost savings for the casino or other operator running the dice
game and can enhance the players experience too. Cost-savings
amounting to many thousands of pounds/dollars a year may be
made.
[0009] Preferably the differently marked zones of the at least one
betting area are configured in a radial array around a centre of
the at least one betting area. Suitably the at least one betting
area is polygonal and each side of the polygon is a differently
marked zone. By this means an optimal number of players can be
serviced on a single table.
[0010] Preferably each differently marked zone of the at least one
betting area is differentiated by its colour. This makes the use of
the new system simpler and more intuitive/easier for players to
adjust to.
[0011] Suitably the table/playing surface is further marked along
the perimeter of the table facing the players with a series of
marks each corresponding to a different one of the marks of the
differently marked player-specific zones so that each player will
stand behind their specific marked position. Alternatively, each
player might be given a single token when they start playing marked
to show their player specific marking so that they are
reminded/validated for playing in their designated zones. In other
words they are, for example, given their single player-specific
colored chip at the start corresponding to their colored zone in
each betting area and they hold it and return it after they have
played as many games as they wish.
[0012] The game is best played with at least two dice and suitably
where the or each die is a six-sided die
[0013] For greatest appeal with a twin six-sided dice game
arrangement there are suitably at least 21 independent betting
areas, each corresponding to a different outcome of a throw of the
pair of dice. A further six independent betting areas may be
provided corresponding to the six different outcomes for one of the
pair of dice. Suitably the at least 21 independent betting areas
are configured on the playing surface grouped together in a
triangular arrangement. This is optimally compact and easily viewed
and followed by the supervisor and the players. The at least 21
independent betting areas are preferably configured on the playing
surface grouped together with adjacent sides of adjacent betting
areas being contiguous.
[0014] In a further major improvement the table is configured to
have at least two dice-throwing zones, each having a perimeter wall
towards which the dice may be thrown/rolled and serving to contain
the dice on the table, there being an inset bay between the at
least two dice-throwing zones where a game supervisor may
stand.
[0015] By making the table in this form this can enable
considerable savings to be made in number of tables and floor space
for a given number of players as well as in supervisor man-power to
run multiple simultaneous games.
[0016] For, example, one supervisor alone stationed in the bay
between the two dice-throwing zones can manage un-assisted and
replace four of five supervisors where the table is set up for
playing multi-player American Craps. This can, of course, represent
huge cost-savings to the casino or other operator.
[0017] Thus, according to a second aspect of the present invention
there is provided an apparatus for playing a dice game with bets on
the outcome of throws of the dice, which apparatus comprises: a
table with a playing surface on which the dice may be thrown
wherein the table has at least two dice-throwing zones, each having
a perimeter wall towards which the dice may be thrown/rolled and
serving to contain the dice on the table, there being an inset bay
between the at least two dice-throwing zones where a game
supervisor may stand
[0018] Preferably in this table each of the perimeter walls
curves/bows outwardly from the table as viewed from above. Suitably
a first of the perimeter walls curves/bows outwardly oriented in a
first direction and a second perimeter wall curves/bows outwardly
oriented in a second direction at an acute angle to the first
direction. Suitably each perimeter wall curves/bows outwardly
substantially symmetrically and each is oriented with its axis of
symmetry at an acute angle to the axis of symmetry of the other
perimeter wall.
[0019] In further improvements the playing surface is suitably
further marked with a further group of betting areas wherein each
betting area of the group corresponds to multiple different
outcomes of a throw of the at least one die so that a player may
bet on multiple different outcomes with one placed bet. This
further group suitably is arranged as a linear series or matrix of
adjacent and suitably contiguous areas on the table
[0020] In a further aspect of the invention there is provided an
apparatus for playing a dice game with bets on the outcome of
throws of the dice, which apparatus comprises:
[0021] a table with a playing surface, the playing surface of the
table being marked with a plurality of independent betting areas
each corresponding to a different outcome of a throw of the at
least one die, wherein at least one of the betting areas is marked
with a plurality of mutually differently marked zones, each of said
plurality of differently marked zones to receive a playing
piece/chip thereon that is specific to one player so that each
playing piece/chip may be differentiated by player from another not
by the colour of the playing piece/chip but by the selected
differently marked zone of the at least one betting area that the
playing piece/chip is placed on.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be
more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference
to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters
designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views,
and wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1A: is a top down view displaying one of two parts of
the present embodiment that make up the double betting area; this
part contains six bets.
[0024] FIG. 1B: is a top down view displaying the present
embodiment that make up the middle betting area; this part contains
fifteen bets.
[0025] FIG. 2: is a top down view displaying the present embodiment
that makes up the "outside" betting area; this part contains six
bets.
[0026] FIG. 1A "double" betting area and FIG. 1B "middle" betting
area will collectively be known as the "inside" betting area. FIG.
2 will be known as the "outside" betting area.
[0027] FIG. 3A: is a top down view displaying the present
embodiment highlighting the winning bets when the outcome of both
dice is one.
[0028] FIG. 3B: is a top down view displaying the present
embodiment highlighting the winning bets when the outcome of both
dice is two.
[0029] FIG. 3C: is a top down view displaying the present
embodiment highlighting the winning bets when the outcome of both
dice is three.
[0030] FIG. 3D: is a top down view displaying the present
embodiment highlighting the winning bets when the outcome of both
dice is four.
[0031] FIG. 3E: is a top down view displaying the present
embodiment highlighting the winning bets when the outcome of both
dice is five.
[0032] FIG. 3F: is a top down view displaying the present
embodiment highlighting the winning bets when the outcome of both
dice is six.
[0033] FIG. 4: is a top down view displaying the present layout
containing the inside, middle and outside bets. FIG. 4 contains the
inside, middle and outside betting areas that are collectively
known as the main betting area.
[0034] FIG. 5: is a top down view displaying a possible alternative
layout containing the inside, middle and outside bets. FIG. 5
collectively could be known as the main betting area if chosen as a
preferred embodiment over FIG. 4
[0035] FIG. 6A: is a top down view displaying an optional betting
area for the purpose of multiple betting by the player. FIG. 6A
contains six betting areas with each area representing six single
bets on the "inside" betting area.
[0036] FIG. 6B: is a top down view displaying an optional betting
area for the purpose of multiple betting by the player. FIG. 6B
contains eleven betting areas representing the available combined
totals of 2 dice with each area representing various bets on the
main betting area. Single and multiple bets are available dependent
upon the betting area selected by the player.
[0037] FIG. 6C: is a top down view displaying an optional betting
area for the purpose of multiple betting by the player. FIG. 6C
contains five betting areas representing some available combined
totals of 2 dice with each area representing various bets on the
main betting area. Each betting area of FIG. 6C represents multiple
betting areas on the main betting area.
[0038] FIG. 6D: is a top down view of the present embodiment
displaying all the optional betting areas combined into one layout.
FIG. 6D is an optional sub betting area collectively known as the
Track.
[0039] FIG. 7A: is a top down view of the present embodiment
displaying the method of marking the layout using various
player-specific colours. This method of marking the layout negates
the need for player-specific coloured chips and allows all players
to use the same chips.
[0040] FIG. 7B: is a top down view of a suggested alternative
embodiment displaying a method of marking the layout using various
colours.
[0041] FIG. 7C: is a top down view of a suggested alternative
embodiment displaying a method of marking the layout using various
colour borders that surround a betting area negating the need for
colour chips.
[0042] FIG. 7D: is a top down view of a suggested alternative
embodiment displaying a method of marking the layout using
different colour symbols; in this case different coloured
arrows.
[0043] FIG. 8: is a top down view of the present embodiment
displaying the main layout using the method shown in FIG. 7B.
[0044] FIG. 9: is a top down view of a suggested table using the
layout from FIG. 8 and the optional betting area, FIG. 7B. FIG. 9
also displays eight colour boxes positioned on the edge of the
suggested table that correspond with the colours in FIG. 7B and
FIG. 8.
[0045] FIG. 10: is a top down view of a suggested table identical
to FIG. 9 on a reversed perspective.
[0046] FIG. 11: is a top down view of a suggested alternative
shaped table. FIG. 11 offers players a choice of two areas where
they can throw the dice.
[0047] FIG. 12: is a flowchart illustrating the overall operation
of the present embodiment.
[0048] Table. 1 shows a pay table containing the true odds and
payoffs.
[0049] Table. 2 shows a pay table where on a perfect average all
players will lose one chip every 36 rolls of the dice providing an
overall advantage to the house of about 2.77%.
[0050] Table. 3 shows a pay table where on a perfect average all
players will lose two chips every 36 rolls of the dice providing an
overall advantage to the house of about 5.54%
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0051] Main Game Layout
[0052] FIG. 4 represents a possible layout of the playing surface
of the dice game table. There are a total of twenty-seven
independent betting options split into two groups, FIG. 2 shows six
betting options that will be called the outside bets and will be
referred to as such. FIGS. 1A and 1B together make up what will be
called the inside bets and will be referred to as such. The inside
bets offer twenty-one betting options. The outside bets allow for
players to bet that at least one of the dice rolled will be a
specific value; any winning bets are paid according to a pay table,
The inside bets offer betting options on all of the possible
outcomes of two identical dice. These are split into two
groups.
[0053] FIG. 1A shows the six doubles and any winning bets are paid
according to a pay table. FIG. 1B shows the remaining fifteen
outcomes, any winning bets are paid according to a pay table. The
main game layout contains a total of twenty-seven independent bets,
of which there are six outside bets and twenty-one inside bets, the
inside bets are made up of the absolute number of possible outcomes
of two identical dice or their digital equivalent. FIG. 1A contains
six betting areas where both dice have equal values; these bets
will be called "doubles". On a perfect average each of the six bets
will win once in every thirty-six rolls of the dice. A player who
makes a bet in one of these boxes only wins if on the next roll
both dice match exactly the area that the player placed their bet.
The player will then receive a pay off according to a pay table.
Pay table 1, table 2 and table 3 are three possible pay tables.
[0054] FIG. 1B contains fifteen betting areas where each dice has a
different value. These bets will be called "middle" bets which, on
a perfect average, each bet will win four times in every thirty-six
rolls of the dice. Bets that are placed in one of the fifteen areas
(middle betting area) win if the dice, after being rolled, match
exactly to the area that the player placed their bet or if a double
is rolled that matches one of the dice values that the player is
betting on, e.g. If a player placed a bet on the 1, 6 betting area,
then to receive a pay off the dice must either be 1, 6 exactly or a
double 1 or a double 6. In the event of a winning bet the player
will receive a pay off according to a pay table. Because all
twenty-one inside betting areas are independent there is no limit
to how these can be arranged on the playing surface, however, it is
preferable to arrange these in the shape of a triangle as it aids
both the players and the dealer in identifying specific bets
quickly, for example, if the winning outcome was 5, 3 the betting
area 5, 3 can be found by mentally forming an equilateral triangle
with double 3 at one corner and double 5 at another corner with 5,
3 being found at the other corner. Additionally if you are looking
at the totals with double 1 being a total of two the next vertical
row will contain 2, 1 being a total of 3 the next vertical row
which contain all combinations that total 4 and so on until you
reach the other side of the board where you will find double 6
giving a total of twelve. Note that all combinations that total 7
are found running straight down the centre of the layout.
[0055] Outside Betting Area
[0056] FIG. 2 contains six independent betting areas each showing
one side of one dice. These bets are known as the "outside" bets.
Any bets placed in these betting areas win if one of the two dice
thrown matches the betting area where the bet is placed. Bets are
paid according to a pay table. A winning bet will receive a higher
pay off if both dice are rolled and both dice match the betting
area of the winning bet. Because all six bets are independent there
is no preferred layout. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 both show the "outside"
(FIG. 2) bets broken up into two sets of three on each side of the
main triangle betting area.
[0057] Inside Betting Area
[0058] On every roll of the dice one of the "inside" bets must be
the winning combination. When one of the combinations shown in FIG.
1B is thrown, that particular combination is deemed to win and
receives a payoff according to a pay table; all other combinations
are deemed to lose and are removed from the layout. Additionally
two outside bets win and receive pay offs; the remaining outside
bets lose and are removed from the table.
[0059] Double Betting Area
[0060] When the winning combination of dice is a double, shown in
FIG. 1A, there are 7 winning bets. One in the "double" betting
area, five in the "middle" betting area and one in the "outside"
betting area. FIG. 3A shows the winning "inside" bets when double 1
is rolled. FIG. 3B shows all the winning inside bets when double 2
is rolled. FIG. 3C shows all the winning inside bets when double 3
is rolled. FIG. 3D shows all the winning inside bets when double 4
is rolled. FIG. 3E shows all the winning inside bets when double 5
is rolled. FIG. 3F shows all the winning inside bets when double 6
is rolled. All bets are independent and as such, there is no limit
to the shape of the layout or how the bets are contained within,
but at present it is found preferable to have the " inside" bets in
the shape of a triangle. FIG. 5 shows a layout made up using
squares to form a triangle.
[0061] Optional/Auxiliary Game Layouts
[0062] FIG. 6D shows a first optional/auxiliary layout; this layout
will be called the track and referred to as such. Bets placed on
the track will be called track bets. All of the track bets
represent groups of "inside bets". The number of chips required to
play these bets varies depending upon how many inside bets are
covered by a particular betting area. All track bets must be given
to and placed by the dealer. The track contains twenty-two betting
options split into two groups.
[0063] Cozy Bets
[0064] The first of these "group" bets are shown in FIG. 6A and
will be called the "cozy" bets. FIG. 6A displays six betting
options, each separate bet corresponds to six individual betting
positions on the "inside" betting area. For example, a player
wishing to place a bet on 6.6, 6.5, 6.4, 6.3, 6.2 and 6.1 could
make use of the betting area depicted in 6A by passing six chips of
minimum table value or higher to the dealer. To identify the
individual betting value he was seeking to bet the player would use
the phrase `SIX COZY` whereby the dealer would place the entire bet
on the area designated "six" within the group of bets in FIG. 6A.
To illustrate the betting area placed in the above example, please
refer to FIG. 3A. In the event of any of these positions winning
the appropriate chip(s) will be moved from the track and placed on
the appropriate inside position(s) and then they would receive a
pay off according to a pay table.
[0065] The second and third group of track bets are concerned with
the total value of both dice when added together unlike the "Cozy
Bets" which represent specific combinations of dice, FIGS. 6B and
6C will address those players seeking to play for totals only.
FIGS. 6B and 6C offer bets that are determined by adding the
outcome of both dice after a roll. Solo Bets FIG. 6B offers eleven
betting option; this representing every possible total of two dice
from double 1 which gives a total of 2, all the way up to double 6
which gives a total of 12. FIGS. 6B shows all of the single totals,
the number of chips needed to play these bets varies depending on
how many "inside" bets equal the value the player wants to play. To
identify the individual betting value the player was seeking to
bet, the player would use the phrase `SIX SOLO` when announcing the
bet, whereby the dealer would place the entire bet on the area
designated "six" within the group of bets in FIG. 6B. In this
example the player would need to surrender a minimum of three chips
of table value or multiples of 3 chips to the dealer to place
because there are three betting areas on the "inside" layout that
add up to the total of six; 3.3, 4.2 and 5.1. Were the player to
chose a different "solo" number, perhaps the number "ten", the
player would need only surrender two chips of table value or
multiples of 2 chips to the dealer to place because there are only
2 betting areas on the inside layout that add up to the total of
ten, 5.5 and 6.4. In the event of any of these positions winning
the appropriate chip(s) will be moved from the track and placed on
the appropriate inside position(s) and then they would receive a
pay off according to a pay table. This group of bets will be called
the "solo" bets and allow a player to play all of the "inside" bets
that are of a certain total in one straightforward to play bet.
[0066] Bevy Bets
[0067] FIG. 6C offers five betting options, these being groups of
single totals as such these will be called "Bevy" bets and allow a
player to play a portion of or the entire "inside" betting area
that contain certain groups of totals in one or multiple
straightforward bets. The purpose of the track is to allow a player
to place multiple "inside" bets quickly without the need to place
many individual bets themselves. "Bevy" bet 2, 3, 11 and 12 is a
four chip minimum bet as each number represents one inside betting
area. A player would have to place four chips or multiple of four
chips on this betting area to reach the minimum required chips for
their bet to be accepted by the dealer. Likewise, "Bevy" bet 4, 5,
9 and 10 are 8 chip minimum bets as each number represents two
inside betting areas. A player would have to place 8 chips or
multiples of 8 chips on this betting area to reach the minimum
required chips for their bet to be accepted by the dealer. "Bevy"
bet 6, 7 and 8 are 9 chip minimum bets as each number represents
three inside betting areas. A player would have to place 9 chips or
multiple of 9 chips on this betting area to reach the minimum
required chips for their bet to be accepted by the dealer. "Bevy"
bet 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 is a 9 chip minimum bet as all numbers
collectively representing nine inside betting areas. A player would
have to place 9 chips or multiple of 9 chips on this betting area
to reach the minimum required chips for their bet to be accepted by
the dealer. "Bevy" bet 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 is a 9 chip minimum bet
as all numbers collectively representing nine inside betting areas.
A player would have to place 9 chips or multiple of 9 chips on this
betting area to reach the minimum required chips for their bet to
be accepted by the dealer. All track bets must be passed to the
dealer by with the respective "bevy" bet called verbally by the
player before the dealer accepts the bet. For example, if the
player wishes to place the group betting area numbered 2, 3, 11,
12, the player would call `BEVY 2 to 12`. Providing sufficient
chips have been passed to the dealer, the bet would be accepted and
placed on the track signified as 2-3-11-12 in FIG. 6C. Each "bevy"
bet called by the player must begin with the word "bevy" followed
with the lowest number of the group desired and ending with the
highest number from within the same group to identify the group of
bets requested. As all twenty-two track bets are independent
betting areas, as such there is no limit to the shape of the track
and how the betting areas are contained within. There is also no
need for a track to contain all twenty-two betting options, FIGS.
6A, 6B and 6C could all be used as independent tracks or any
combination of groups of inside bets could be used to create a
track.
[0068] FIG. 4 shows a layout where the use of colour chips would be
a necessary part of the game when more than one player is playing.
However, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention this
is undesirable. We eliminate the use of colour chips to avoid need
for manpower or mechanical sorting machines to process large
volumes of colour chips every turn, slowing the overall speed of
the game and also enabling the removal of large banks of colour
chips required to service other games that generally use colour
chips as a method of identifying players.
[0069] Eliminating The Use Of Colour Chips
[0070] The use of different coloured chips to indentify where each
player is placing their bets is a firmly established feature of
conventional games which offer multiple betting areas. However, we
dispense with the need for colour chips and by doing so we remove
the ongoing cost of replacing colour chips and avoid need for any
staff time or automated chip processing machines to separate mixed
lots of colour chips.
[0071] FIG. 8 displays a possible layout that would function with
many players without the need for colour chips. FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C
and 7D each show eight colour markings printed on the layout101
Green102 Brown103 Yellow104 Light blue105 Red106 Grey107 Orange108
Dark blue.
[0072] These marking will surround all twenty-seven betting options
of the main game layout in a similar fashion. FIG. 8 shows a
completed layout using the method shown in FIG. 7B. By designating
each player a particular colour, the player is confined to only
placing bets in their respective corresponding colour marking that
surrounds each betting option. This method negates the need to
distribute chips of a differing colour which is a commonly found
solution of differentiating bets between players of house games.
This method enables all players to bet with similar chips on the
"inside" and "outside" betting areas at the same time with other
players whilst maintaining the ability to identify the owner of any
particular bet anywhere on the game layout. There are numerous
options for designating each player with a colour of which two such
methods are as follows.
[0073] Method One.
[0074] Each player is given a colour marker or button that that
player retains whilst playing; when they have finished playing they
give the marker back to the dealer so that colour is available for
the next player.
[0075] Method Two.
[0076] FIG. 9 displays that by marking the outside edge of the
layout a player is designated a colour simply by his position at
the layout. As an example, a player standing at 103 in FIG. 9 would
place their chips at the position 103 in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and
7D.
[0077] A player wishing to play would be offered an available
colour; for example yellow. In colour method one as described
above, the dealer would then give the player a yellow marker. The
player would then place their chip(s) on any of the corresponding
coloured areas on the layout, in this instance, yellow 103. The
player would surrender the coloured marker to the dealer prior to
leaving the game. Alternatively, to avoid the vacating player
retaining the coloured marker after finishing their play a system
of assigning colour to a player can be employed by using the method
as described in FIG. 9.
[0078] FIG. 9 displays a drawing placing permanent colours around
the edge of the layout allowing the players using identical chips
to place their bets on the colour markings in FIG. 7B. This
corresponds with the colour markings printed on the layout where
the player is positioned in FIG. 9. In FIG. 9 a player standing in
the yellow area 103 would place bets on the layout on the yellow
markings 103 shown in FIG. 7B. If all of the available colours are
being used by other players, a player who wishes to play can still
place a bet by placing their chip(s) in the centre of all of the
other colours
[0079] Alternative Embodiments
[0080] FIG. 10 shows a mirrored layout of that shown in FIG. 9. By
not limiting the shape of the table to FIG. 9 different designs
enable both left and right handed versions of the table to be
offered.
[0081] Embodiment of the Second Aspect of the Invention
[0082] FIG. 11 shows a specially-shaped table different to that
shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. This new table shape is easier for both
the dealer and the players to reach all available betting areas and
very usefully enables the dealer/supervisor of the game to manage a
table that has anywhere up to eight or so players playing
simultaneously without requiring assistance from colleagues. The
players also have a choice of areas to throw the dice. The table is
configured to have at least two dice-throwing zones, each having a
perimeter wall towards which the dice may be thrown/rolled and
serving to contain the dice on the table, there being an inset bay
between the two dice-throwing zones where the dealer/game
supervisor may stand. By making the table in this form this can
enable considerable savings to be made in number of tables and
floor space for a given number of players as well as in supervisor
man-power to run multiple simultaneous games. For, example, one
supervisor alone stationed in the bay between the two dice-throwing
zones can manage un-assisted and replace what would normally be
four of five supervisors where the table is set up for playing
multi-player American Craps. This can represent huge cost-savings
to the casino or other operator.
[0083] In a further improvement over the prior art in game play the
game may be played with unconventional payouts/pay-offs where all
of the betting areas offer the exact same house advantage.
Furthermore the payouts/pay-offs may be exclusively whole numbers,
ie X to 1 where X is a whole number. To achieve this unique payout
we pay a bonus to players when a double number (eg two sixes) is
the outcome of throwing the pair of dice. This has a number of
benefits--making the payouts easier to comprehend and work with and
uniquely offering different pay-outs for bets placed on the same
betting area. The odds are also well balanced between the needs of
casino and player.
[0084] Table. 2 shows a pay table where on a perfect average all
players will lose one chip every 36 rolls of the dice providing an
overall advantage to the house of about 2.77%. Alternative pay
tables are displayed in Table.1 and Table.3 and are not exhaustive.
Other pay tables are possible as are different methods of play
corresponding with various pay tables. For instance, a method of
play could involve a different outcome and corresponding pay table
when a double number is the outcome of both dice. In an embodiment,
when a double is the outcome of the dice roll, all corresponding
bets on the middle betting area as in FIG. 1B with the same number
as the double receive a payoff of 3 to 2. Alternative methods of
play could see all of the middle bets to lose when a double is the
outcome of both dice or all middle bets could remain in their
positions for another throw of the dice when a double is
thrown.
[0085] Operation of the preferred Embodiment
[0086] The player stands at one of the coloured areas around the
table shown in FIG. 9. If playing chips are required monies are
passed to the dealer 207 which is exchanged for chips from the chip
area 206. The player then places any desired bets on either the
main game layout or the optional game layout or both. The dealer
207 then offers two or more dice 201 to the player, who selects two
dice 201. The dice are thrown against either the side walls 204 or
the back wall 205. The dealer 207 calls out the winning combination
and then retrieves the dice 201 using the dice stick 203 and places
the dice in a display area. The dealer 207 places the dolly 202
onto the winning position on the inside betting area. All losing
bets are removed from the layout and placed in the chip area 206.
If the optional track layout is in use all losing track bets are
cleared and any winning track bets are placed onto the winning
position(s) on the main game layout. Winning bets receive a payoff
and the dolly 202 is removed from the layout and the next round of
betting begins.
[0087] FIG. 12 shows a flowchart illustrating a basic overview of
the above process. Each roll of the dice is an independent event
and is not affected by what has already been rolled.
[0088] Touch Bets
[0089] In the last 5 years casinos in many jurisdictions have
introduced a new method of delivering casino games known as Touch
Bet gaming that involves electronic machines that have a screen
representing a gambling layout, most commonly Roulette. The player
inserts cash or card to buy credits and places bets by touching the
screen over the betting area. These machines are linked to a live
game via a video camera that televises the outcome of a spin of a
roulette wheel. The player often has the choice of either a live
game or may choose to rely on numbers being generated by an
automatic casino wheel which is self contained where the ball is
propelled by a gas mechanism. Because Roulette is played with
colour chips, normally eight to ten different colours, once all the
colours are in play no more players can join the game. Remote touch
bet machines permit the casino operator to effectively add further
players to an existing game thereby having no limit to the amount
of players who can be connected to a single roulette game. This
touch bet technology may be used in the context of the present
invention with changes only in the software. The game may be run
from a live game or an automatic dice generator either remotely or
attached to a touch bet machine. It will be appreciated that the
present invention and claims embrace within their scope virtual
dice tables and game play and remote televised dice games using
touch bet screens.
[0090] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations
are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention in which
all terms are meant in their broadest, reasonable sense unless
otherwise indicated. The two primary aspects of the present
invention both individually and together dramatically improve
efficiency in the operation of dice games, whether the game be
played under the rules of `Craps`, `Sic Bo`, `Chuck-a luck` or
conventional Dice or any other rules that involve betting on the
outcome of the roll of dice on a table. Other aspects of the
invention will also be apparent from the foregoing description and
the claims and drawings that follow.
* * * * *