U.S. patent application number 13/543788 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-09 for magic keno game.
The applicant listed for this patent is Amanda Tears Smith, Ray Smith. Invention is credited to Amanda Tears Smith, Ray Smith.
Application Number | 20140011562 13/543788 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49878911 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140011562 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Ray ; et al. |
January 9, 2014 |
MAGIC KENO GAME
Abstract
A method and system plays a side bet wagering game: a wager on a
game is received by a wager resolver; a random set of 20 numbers is
provided; the random set of numbers is organized into two columns
or two rows of number pairs; the wager resolver sums the sets of
numbers in the number pairs to form a number pair total outcome;
the number pair outcomes are ordered in accordance with an order of
highest number pair total outcome to lowest total number pair
outcome; and the side bet wager are resolved on correspondence of
the ordered number pair outcomes to a preselected number pair
outcome associated with the wager on the game.
Inventors: |
Smith; Ray; (Linden, NJ)
; Smith; Amanda Tears; (Linden, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Smith; Ray
Smith; Amanda Tears |
Linden
Linden |
NJ
NJ |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49878911 |
Appl. No.: |
13/543788 |
Filed: |
July 7, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3267
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/19 |
International
Class: |
A63F 5/02 20060101
A63F005/02 |
Claims
1. A gaming system comprising a processor, player input position
and a video display system, wherein: the processor is configured to
execute code to recognize a wager at a player input position on a
first wagering game; the processor is configured to recognize and
display on the video display system randomly selected
alphanumerics, wherein the randomly selected alphanumerics are used
in outcome determination in an underlying wagering game selected
from the group consisting of bingo, keno and variants of bingo and
keno; the processor displaying the randomly selected alphanumerics
on the screen to display outcome results for the underlying
wagering game; the processor also displaying the randomly selected
alphanumerics on the screen in a separate two-row or two-column
array of paired individual randomly selected alphanumerics; the
processor ranking paired individual randomly selected alphanumerics
on a basis of total summed values for paired individual randomly
selected alphanumerics; and the processor executing code to resolve
the wager at the player input position on the first wagering game
based upon the ranking paired individual randomly selected
alphanumerics.
2. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein between 1 and 12 pairs of
ranking paired individual randomly selected alphanumerics are
displayed and used in determining outcomes for the first game.
3. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein between 1 and 12 pairs of
ranking paired individual randomly selected alphanumerics are used
in determining outcomes for the first game and between 3 and 40
pairs of ranking paired individually selected random alphanumerics
are displayed on the video display system.
4. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the underlying game is
bingo and physical balls are randomly selected and electronic
signals of the physical balls selection outcomes are provided as
signals to the processor to enable the processor to recognize balls
selected as randomly selected alphanumerics.
5. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the underlying game is keno
and physical balls are randomly selected and electronic signals of
the physical balls selection outcomes are provided as signals to
the processor to enable the processor to recognize balls selected
as randomly selected alphanumerics.
6. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the underlying game is
bingo and virtual bingo balls are randomly selected by a random
number generator and electronic signals of the virtual balls
selection outcomes are provided as signals to the processor to
enable the processor to recognize balls selected as randomly
selected alphanumerics.
7. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the underlying game is keno
and virtual keno balls are randomly selected by a random number
generator and electronic signals of the virtual balls selection
outcomes are provided as signals to the processor to enable the
processor to recognize balls selected as randomly selected
alphanumerics.
8. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the player input position
comprises a terminal with a wager selecting system selected from
the group consisting of buttons and touchscreens.
9. The gaming system of claim 3 wherein the player input position
comprises a terminal with a wager selecting system selected from
the group consisting of buttons and touchscreens.
10. The gaming system of claim 5 wherein the player input position
comprises a terminal with a wager selecting system selected from
the group consisting of buttons and touchscreens.
11. The gaming system of claim 6 wherein the player input position
comprises a terminal with a wager selecting system selected from
the group consisting of buttons and touchscreens. 10 and 11 refer
to claims 5 and 6 (physical keno and virtual bingo) but not 4 and 7
(physical bingo and virtual keno)--is that okay?
12. The gaming system of claim 4 wherein exactly 20 ball selections
are used as the randomly selected alphanumerics and the 20 ball
selections are displayed on the video display system as two columns
of selections or two rows of selections of from 3 to 10 pairs of
ball selection values.
13. The gaming system of claim 5 wherein exactly 20 ball selections
are used as the randomly selected alphanumerics and the 20 ball
selections are displayed on the video display system as two columns
of selections or two rows of selections of from 3 to 10 pairs of
ball selection values.
14. The gaming system of claim 12 wherein the ball selections have
number values associated with each ball, the processor executes
code to a) display individual number values within racing positions
on an array; b) sum number values within each racing position; and
c) the processor executes codes to rank racing positions with
respect to largest summed number values.
15. The gaming system of claim 13 wherein the ball selections have
number values associated with each ball, the processor executes
code to a) display individual number values within racing positions
on an array; b) sum number values within each racing position; and
c) the processor executes codes to rank racing positions with
respect to largest summed number values.
16. A method of playing a side bet wagering game comprising: a
wager on a game is received by a wager resolver; a random set of 20
numbers is provided by the wager resolver; the random set of
numbers is organized by the wager resolver into two columns or two
rows of number pairs; the wager resolver sums the sets of numbers
in the number pairs to form a number pair total outcome; the wager
resolver orders the number pair outcomes in accordance with an
order of highest number pair total outcome to lowest total number
pair outcome; and the wager resolver resolves the side bet wager on
correspondence of the ordered number pair outcomes to a preselected
number pair outcome associated with the wager on the game.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the random set of 20 numbers is
provided by random selection of physical balls or random number
generator selected virtual balls.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein physical balls used in an
underlying game of keno or bingo are used by the wager resolver to
provide the random set of 20 numbers.
19. The method of claim 16 wherein virtual balls used in an
underlying game of keno or bingo are provided by a processor
performing as the wager resolver to provide the random set of 20
numbers, and the processor executes code to display the 20 numbers
and to resolve the wager on the game.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein an underlying game of keno is
played with the processor recognizing an underlying wager on the
keno game.
21. The method of claim 1 wherein the processor enables player
input at a specific player position where a wager has been
recognized so that symbol selections and/or frame selections in the
play of the wagering game may be recognized at that specific player
position; the processor executing code to display a grid of at
least 80 frames to provide frames for display of symbols in the
wagering game and displaying a unique symbol within each frame of
the grid; the processor recognizing selection of either at least
three specific frames or at least three specific symbols at the
specific player position from the player input system at that
specific player position; the processor executing code to randomly
select a) at least 10 symbols from a set of at least 80 separate
and distinct symbols or b) at least 10 frames from the grid; the
processor executing code to compare recognized at least three
symbols or at least three frames at the specific player position
with the at least 10 symbols or at least 10 frames randomly
selected by the processor; the processor resolving the wager
placing value at risk on a basis of degree of correspondence
between the at least three symbols or at least three frames at the
specific player position with the at least 10 symbols or at least
10 frames randomly selected by the processor; wherein A) the
processor executes code to display a first arrangement of unique
symbols within each frame prior to recognizing selection at the
specific player position, and B) the processor executes code to
display a second arrangement of the same unique symbols after
recognizing selection at the specific player position and before
resolving the wager, the first arrangement of symbols being
different from the second arrangement of symbols with respect to
distribution of symbols among the frames.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of wagering
games, particularly casino wagering games, and more particularly
casino wagering games similar to well known wagering games such as
Keno and variants of Keno.
[0003] 2. Background of the Art
[0004] Keno is similar to Lotto. It was first introduced in China
many years ago. The game was brought to the United States in the
mid 1800's by Chinese immigrants who came to work in the mines and
on the railroad. It is a very popular game and very easy to play.
It is an exciting pastime and, most importantly, it offers the
possibility of winning large payouts on relatively small
wagers.
[0005] Keno is usually played in Casino lounges specifically
allocated for the game, but there are so called `Keno runners` who
will collect tickets and deliver the winnings if the player wants
to play from outside the lounge area. There are many television
monitors spread all over the Casino halls to keep players informed
of the winning numbers. There is also the video version of Keno.
These are video slot-like coin, credit or ticket-in operated
machines. It plays using the same principle with similar rules of
the regular Keno, but the results occur much faster.
[0006] To play Keno, a player selects a minimum of 4 but no more
than 10 numbers between 1 and 80. Each selection is called a
`Spot`, so if 10 numbers are selected, a 10 Spot game is being
played. Keno tickets are located at tables throughout the Casino
and in the Casino's Keno lounge. The Casino provides a `Keno
crayon` for this purpose. A player simply marks a blank Keno ticket
(or virtual electronic ticket on a gaming device) with the numbers
of the selection. The ticket is presented to the Keno desk (or
received by a processor that executes code to effect game play)
with the wager and the clerk provides a duplicate ticket (or the
processor indicates the selections on the vieo display). In a few
minutes (or in less than a minute on electronic play), twenty
numbered Keno balls will be drawn at random from a barrel
containing 80 numbered balls (or 20 virtual balls or 20 random
numbers are provided by a random number generator associated with
and in communication with the processor), and if enough of the
selected numbers are drawn, a winning event outcome occurs. The
results are displayed on screens (or the video screen), called Keno
boards, throughout the Casino.
[0007] Minimum bets can be as low as 5 cents, although some Casinos
only accept bets of $1 or more. The house's Keno brochures gives
information about payoffs and various tickets that can be played.
The amount of money won is dependent upon the type of ticket played
and the number of `spots` caught. A player may wager on as many
tickets as desired. One could win as much as $50,000 on a $1 wager
in some Casinos.
[0008] The round of a Keno game is called a Keno race. In many
Casinos, `multi-race` Keno is featured, where one can play a number
of consecutive Keno races at one time. The house advantage on Keno
varies according to the Keno game played. It is always around 30%
or more. The chance of hitting one number in 80 is 0.25.
[0009] Many variants and side bet or bonus games have been
developed for play with Keno. Published U.S. Patent Application
Document No. 20080070670 (Brunelle) describes a keno game including
a set of playable symbols, from which a set of player symbols are
selected. A set of winning symbols are selected from a set of
potential winning symbols, with the set of potential winning
symbols including the set of playable symbols and at least one wild
symbol. The wild symbol may match any one of the player symbols,
none of the player symbols, or a range of player symbols. The
playable symbols are preferably numbers. Payouts preferably follow
a pay table having a weighted probability based on the total number
of symbols in the set of potential winning symbols.
[0010] Published U.S. Patent Application Document No. 20070173312
(Dodge) describes a novel Keno game wherein a player selects up to
ten numbers from a field of eighty numbers to be played and these
numbers are compared to twenty numbers randomly selected by the
game from the same field of numbers in a manner known in the prior
art. When the player places one or more conventional bets on the
outcome of the game, they now also place one or more side bets as
to the number of hits or matches there will be between the player
selected numbers and twenty numbers selected by the game computer.
The player may place side bets on more than one number of hits or
matches to increase their odds of achieving side bet winnings.
[0011] Published U.S. Patent Application Document No. 20070197664
(Schultz) discloses a keno game having a bonus round. The keno game
provides a player with an additional opportunity to win, after the
keno balls have been drawn, to add excitement and volatility to the
standard keno game. According to one method, the gaming machine
receives the player's input, with the player selecting one or more
numbers. A keno draw, which includes a plurality of numbers from a
keno pool, is then displayed to the player. A bonus round is
initiated in response to a trigger event. The bonus round is a
random selection of one or more numbers in addition to the numbers
previously selected from the keno draw. The numbers selected from
the bonus round are displayed to the player. The numbers selected
by the player are evaluated again the numbers from the keno draw
results as well as the bonus round, and a payout for any winning
outcomes are awarded to the player.
[0012] Published U.S. Patent Application Document No. 20060179694
(Thomas) describes a method of playing a keno-type wagering game.
The method includes conducting the keno-type wagering game at a
gaming terminal. The keno-type wagering game has a plurality of
game cards and a plurality of symbols. At least some of the
plurality of symbols to be used by a player in the wagering game is
displayed to the player. A first set of symbols from the plurality
of symbols is selected, and applies to all of the plurality of game
cards. The method further includes randomly generating a plurality
of second sets of symbols from the plurality of symbols. Each of
the plurality of second sets includes a first symbol and each of
the first symbols of each of the plurality of second sets is
displayed simultaneously. In response to at least one of the
symbols of the plurality of second sets matching a symbol from the
first set, the player receives an award.
[0013] Additional variations in the play of casino games, including
Keno are desired in the art. All references cited herein are
incorporated in their entirety by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] A wagering game is played on an electronic system with a
processor, a video display screen and a player input system. The
processor recognizing a wager, enabling player input at the
specific player position. The processor executes code to display a
grid of at least 50, preferably at least 80 frames for display of a
unique symbol within each frame of the grid. The processor compares
recognized at least three symbols at the specific player position
with at least 10 symbols selected by the processor. The processor
displays a first arrangement of unique symbols within each frame
prior to recognizing selection at the specific player position, and
B) the processor displays a second arrangement of the same unique
symbols after recognizing selection at the specific player
position, the first arrangement of symbols being different from the
second arrangement of symbols with respect to distribution of
symbols among the frames.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a plurality
of gaming terminals in communication with a central controller.
[0016] FIGS. 2A to 2C are perspective views of one embodiment of
the gaming terminal of the present invention illustrating the
player selecting numbers and the gaming terminal generating numbers
based on the selected game outcome seed.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic of a gaming terminal run by a
processor or central processing unit ("CPU") and a memory
device.
[0018] FIG. 4 shows a layout of the board played on 81 squares and
ball drop provision before and after balls have been called, with
the squares rearranged.
[0019] FIG. 5 shows a layout of the board played on 80 squares and
ball drop provision before and after balls have been called, with
the squares rearranged.
[0020] FIG. 6A shows a distribution of selected numbers in three
rows of ten columns and a distribution of selected numbers in three
columns of ten rows.
[0021] FIG. 6B shows two tables of coordinated selection of numbers
in a Race Chase PROCESS and the tabulated RESULTS of event
outcomes.
[0022] FIG. 7 shows an adjustable Odds Chart for selection of
combinations of numbers in a racing/bingo/keno event.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] It will be readily apparent that the various methods and
algorithms described herein may be implemented by, e.g.,
appropriately programmed general purpose computers and computing
devices. Typically a processor (e.g., one or more microprocessors)
will receive instructions from a memory or like device, and execute
those instructions, thereby performing one or more processes
defined by those instructions. Further, programs that implement
such methods and algorithms may be stored and transmitted using a
variety of media (e.g., computer readable media) in a number of
manners. In some embodiments, hard-wired circuitry or custom
hardware may be used in place of, or in combination with, software
instructions for implementation of the processes of various
embodiments. Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific
combination of hardware and software
[0024] A "processor" means any one or more microprocessors, CPU
devices, computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signal
processors, or like devices.
[0025] The term "computer-readable medium" refers to any medium
that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that may
be read by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium
may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile
media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media
include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other
persistent memory. Volatile media include DRAM, which typically
constitutes the main memory. Transmission media include coaxial
cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that
comprise a system bus coupled to the processor. Transmission media
may include or convey acoustic waves, light waves and
electromagnetic emissions, such as those generated during RF and IR
data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media
include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk,
magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other
optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium
with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM,
any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described
hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can
read.
[0026] Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in
carrying sequences of instructions to a processor. For example,
sequences of instruction (i) may be delivered from RAM to a
processor, (ii) may be carried over a wireless transmission medium,
and/or (iii) may be formatted according to numerous formats,
standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth.TM. TDMA, CDMA, 3G,
4G.
[0027] Where databases are described, it will be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art that (i) alternative database
structures to those described may be readily employed, and (ii)
other memory structures besides databases may be readily employed.
Any illustrations or descriptions of any sample databases presented
herein are illustrative arrangements for stored representations of
information. Any number of other arrangements may be employed
besides those suggested by, e.g., tables illustrated in drawings or
elsewhere. Similarly, any illustrated entries of the databases
represent exemplary information only; one of ordinary skill in the
art will understand that the number and content of the entries can
be different from those described herein. Further, despite any
depiction of the databases as tables, other formats (including
relational databases, object-based models and/or distributed
databases) could be used to store and manipulate the data types
described herein. Likewise, object methods or behaviors of a
database can be used to implement various processes, such as the
described herein. In addition, the databases may, in a known
manner, be stored locally or remotely from a device that accesses
data in such a database.
[0028] Some embodiments can be configured to work in a network
environment including a computer that is in communication, via a
communications network, with one or more devices. The computer may
communicate with the devices directly or indirectly, via a wired or
wireless medium such as the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token
Ring, or via any appropriate communications means or combination of
communications means. Each of the devices may comprise computers,
such as those based on the Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. or Centrino.TM.
processor, that are adapted to communicate with the computer. Any
number and type of machines may be in communication with the
computer.
[0029] The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in
the art, an enabling description of several embodiments and/or
inventions. Some of these embodiments and/or inventions may not be
claimed in the present application, but may nevertheless be claimed
in one or more continuing applications that claim the benefit of
priority of the present application. Applicants intend to file
additional applications to pursue patents for subject matter that
has been disclosed and enabled but not claimed in the present
disclosure.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 2A to 2C, each of the embodiments
described herein is provided in one preferred embodiment in a
gaming terminal 10. Alternatively, the embodiments are provided on
various monitors throughout a casino or gaming establishment,
including traditional Keno boards and electronic terminals and
video gaming equipment. Gaming terminal 10 is in one embodiment a
video gaming device and includes a cabinet 112 having at least one
video monitor. The illustrated embodiment includes two video
monitors 114 and 116. Cabinet 112 is illustrated as being of a type
where the player stands or sits. The cabinet is alternatively a bar
top cabinet, wherein the player sits to play the Keno game of the
present invention.
[0031] The cabinet 112 also provides controls for a player to
operate gaming terminal 10. In the illustrated embodiment, various
electromechanical input devices 118 are provided on a tilted
portion 120 of the cabinet 112, below video monitors 114 and 116.
Electromechanical input devices 118 each send a discrete signal to
a microprocessor located within cabinet 112. These input devices
enable the player to perform the various Keno functions, including
but not limited to, selecting at least one of the Keno numbers or
game choices, playing multiple games at once, wagering a number of
credits per game and cashing out. The input devices 118 may also
enable the player to play multiple Keno games in a row.
[0032] Similar to the electromechanical input devices 118, cabinet
112 of gaming terminal 10 can provide electromechanical displays
that show, for example, the player's credits maintained within
gaming terminal 10, the number of Keno numbers played, the bet per
game, etc. In one preferred embodiment, however, these functions as
well as others are provided on one or more video monitor or display
devices 114 and 116. In one embodiment, display device 114 may show
the pays for a number of hits or matches between the numbers or
game choices that the player selects and the numbers or game
choices that gaming terminal 10 marks or illuminates. Displays 114
and 116 can also inform the player of the rules concerning the
operation of the Keno game of the present invention.
[0033] Video monitors 114 and 116 display, among other items: (i)
the Keno numbers or game choices generated by the gaming terminal
10 based on the game outcome seed; (ii) the modified Keno numbers
or game choices; (iii) the numbers played by the player; (iv) the
wager per game; (v) the player's total wager and (vi) the player's
Keno award, if any. In one embodiment, credit display 164 displays
the player's accumulated credits. In one embodiment, when the
player selects a number or game choice, gaming terminal 10
highlights it as a certain color, for example, yellow. When the
gaming device generates a number or game choice or uses the
bidirectional map to modify a number or game choice, gaming
terminal 10 highlights it as a different color, for example, blue.
When a match occurs, the number is highlighted by a third color,
for example, green, a combination of blue and yellow.
[0034] Cabinet 112 of gaming terminal 10 also includes one or more
monetary input devices 122. The monetary input device 122 can
accept coins, cash, a smart card, a credit card, a debit card, a
casino card, ticket-in/ticket out wagering/accounting systems or
other type of gaming device card. Keno gaming terminal 10 can also
include a ticket reader and a ticket printer (not illustrated) that
enables the player to input and receive a redeemable ticket in lieu
of cash. The ticket reader/validator and printer operate with a
processor housed inside gaming terminal 10.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 3, gaming terminal 10 is run by a
processor or central processing unit ("CPU") 138 and a memory
device 140 that operates with one or more display devices 114 and
116 that display the generated Keno numbers. Processor 138 can be a
microprocessor and have a microcontroller-based platform. The
processor 138 is operable with a communication device which is in
communication with the central controller. The memory device 140
includes random access memory ("RAM") 146 and read only memory
("ROM") 148. The platform for the processor 138 and memory device
140 can be: (i) inside gaming terminal 10; or (ii) as stand alone
components in the casino, part of a server/client system, data
network, one or more application-specific integrated circuits
(ASIC's), field programmable gated arrays (FPGA's) or one or more
hard-wired devices. Furthermore, although the processor 138 and
memory device 140 preferably reside on each gaming terminal 10
unit, it is possible to provide at least the function of selecting
a game outcome seed (that is deterministic of a game outcome) from
a pool or set of game outcome seeds, at a central location by a
central controller such as a network server for communication to a
playing station such as over a local area network (LAN), wide area
network (WAN), Internet connection, microwave link, and the
like.
[0036] Cabinet 112 of gaming terminal 10 also provides a number of
speakers 124 that operate via a soundcard 142 with processor 138 to
inform the player of any type of output, outcome or instruction of
gaming terminal 10.
[0037] Gaming terminal 10 provides an electromechanical input
device 18 or simulated input device provided by a touch screen 150
that operates via a touch screen controller 152 and a video
controller 154 with the processor 138. The input devices enable the
player to operate the Keno gaming terminal 10 of the present
invention. One of the video monitors 114 and 116 and possibly,
additionally the speakers 124 are used to explain: (i) when . . . ;
(ii) how many . . . ; (iii) how much; and (iv) the type of award
provided for obtaining the required number of matches.
[0038] The Keno game of the present invention can include any
suitable variation of Keno. For purposes of the present invention,
the game is illustrated in combination with the variation sometimes
referred to as `horse race` or Nevada Keno. In this Keno game, one
or more players play against the house.
[0039] In addition to winning base game credits, the gaming
terminal 10, including any of the base games disclosed above, also
includes secondary or bonus games that give players the opportunity
to win credits. The gaming terminal 10 preferably employs a
video-based display device 130 or 132 for the secondary or bonus
games. The secondary or bonus games include a program that
automatically begins when the player achieves a qualifying
condition or a secondary game triggering outcome in the base game,
such as a certain number of matches, a specific number matched or a
any other suitable triggering event.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, the game play of the keno game of the
present invention is initiated by a player inserting the
appropriate amount of money or tokens at one of the plurality of
gaming terminals in communication with the central controller as
indicated in block 202. The gaming terminal enables the player to
push one of the electromechanical pushbuttons or touch the touch
screen that operates with the display device to select one or more
numbers or game choices to play from a plurality of different
player selectable numbers or game choices as indicated in block
204. It should be appreciated that while numbers are used to
describe the present invention, any other suitable game choice such
as symbols, images or indicia may be implemented with the keno game
of the present invention.
[0041] A method of playing a keno-type wagering game, the method
comprising: conducting the keno-type wagering game at a gaming
terminal, the keno-type wagering game having a plurality of game
cards (e.g., the traditional 81 or 80 or without a free space) or
the subset of smaller cards within the total number card of 80 or
81, as further described herein) and a plurality of symbols;
displaying at least some of the plurality of symbols to be used by
a player in the wagering game; selecting a first set of symbols
from the plurality of symbols, the first set of symbols applying to
all of the plurality of game cards; and randomly generating a
plurality of second sets of symbols from the plurality of symbols,
wherein each of the plurality of second sets includes a first
symbol and each of the first symbols of all of the plurality of
second sets are displayed simultaneously, and wherein each of the
plurality of second sets of symbols corresponds to one of the
plurality of game cards; in response to at least one of the symbols
of the plurality of second sets matching a symbol from the first
set, awarding the player a winning award.
[0042] The present technology may be described as including at
least a method of playing a wagering game on a system comprising a
processor, a video display screen and a player input system. This
general method may include steps of: [0043] a processor recognizing
a wager placing value at risk at a specific player position; [0044]
the processor allowing player input at the specific player position
where a wager has been recognized so that symbol selections in the
play of the wagering game may be recognized at that specific player
position; [0045] the processor executing code to display a grid of
9.times.9 frames to provide frames for display of symbols in the
wagering game and displaying a unique symbol within each frame of
the grid; [0046] the processor recognizing selection of either at
least three specific frames or at least three specific symbols at
the specific player position from the player input system at that
specific player position; [0047] the processor executing code to
randomly select a) at least 10 symbols from a set of at least 80
separate and distinct symbols or b) at least 10 frames from the
grid; [0048] the processor executing code to compare recognized at
least three symbols or at least three frames at the specific player
position with the at least 10 symbols or at least 10 frames
randomly selected by the processor; [0049] the processor resolving
the wager placing value at risk on a basis of degree of
correspondence between the at least three symbols or at least three
frames at the specific player position with the at least 10 symbols
or at least 10 frames randomly selected by the processor.
[0050] The method may generally include at least steps wherein A)
the processor executes code to display a first arrangement of
unique symbols within each frame prior to recognizing selection at
the specific player position, and B) the processor executes code to
display a second arrangement of the same unique symbols after
recognizing selection at the specific player position and before
resolving the wager, the first arrangement of symbols being
different from the second arrangement of symbols with respect to
distribution of symbols among the frames.
[0051] The method may be practiced wherein each frame of the grid
has a unique 1 of 80 symbols displayed therein in the first
arrangement, and/or wherein there is a single inactive symbol in a
single frame of the grid in the first arrangement, and/or wherein
the processor recognizes only selection of specific symbols at the
player position and the processor executes code to randomly
distribute the same unique symbols in step B), and/or wherein the
processor executes code to select at least 20 symbols from the set
of at least 80 separate and distinct symbols.
[0052] The method may also allow the processor to execute code to
select at least 20 symbols from the set of at least 80 separate and
distinct symbols. The method may also allow the processor to
execute code so that one frame is occupied by an inactive symbol
separate from the at least 80 symbols.
[0053] The method may be practiced wherein the processor recognizes
a second wager placing a second value at risk at a player position
in which a wager is made on at least three frames within a
contiguous 3.times.3 grid within the 9.times.9 grid, and the second
wager is resolved on a basis of degree of correspondence between
the at least three frames at the specific player position with the
at least 10 symbols randomly selected by the processor.
Alternatively the processor recognizes a second wager placing a
second value at risk at a player position in which a wager is made
on at least three frames within any number of contiguous 3.times.3
grids (either 1 grid, up to 9 grids, or even non-patterned grids,
such as rather than spaces 1-3, 10-12 and 20-22 forming a first
3.times.3 grid in an upper left section of a 9.times.9 grid,
wagering on frames 2-4, 11-13 and 21-23 within the 9.times.9 grid)
within the 9.times.9 grid, and the second wager is resolved on a
basis of degree of correspondence between the at least three frames
at the specific player position with the at least 10 symbols
randomly selected by the processor or the processor recognizes a
second wager placing a second value at risk at a player position in
which a wager is made on at least three symbols appearing within a
specific contiguous 3.times.3 grid within the 9.times.9 grid, and
the second wager is resolved on a basis of degree of correspondence
between the at least three symbols at the specific player position
with the at least 10 symbols randomly selected by the processor. In
playing the full card or small-card (e.g., 3.times.3 bingo variant
of the keno game, there are at least two options for play. A 1
credit wager may cover all 3.times.3 grids; and if any of 3.times.3
grids have a valid bingo pattern after the 20 symbols are selected,
the player will win (lower payouts) based on the number of
3.times.3 grids with valid bingos. Although the "free space" in a
9.times.9 keno card is usually an inactive space (although it may
be a truly free "winning" space in a 3.times.3 pick, especially
when all nine possible 3.times.3 sub-cards are selected) as its
location becomes random), it may be an inactive frame in the keno
games, but may be a "free space" in any wagers that include the
bingo variant.
[0054] Alternatively, Players can wager 1-9 (or more) credits on
specific bingo cards (including th individual 3.times.3 bingocards)
as you would wager the desired number of credits on lines in a slot
machine). If a Player wagered on Cards 1-3 only, and card 4 had a
valid bingo, the player would NOT win.
[0055] As a still further alternative, the processor recognizes a
third class of wager in which the processor executes code to
compare numbers or value of symbol correspondence in nine
contiguous 3.times.3 grids, and the recognized third wager selects
ones of the nine contiguous grids for numbers or value of
corresponding symbols as compared to other ones of the nine
contiguous grids, and the processor resolves the third recognized
wager for accurate selection at least one contiguous grid with
respect to numbers or value of corresponding symbols as compared to
other ones of the nine contiguous grids. In this last mode of play,
the processor may execute code to compare the nine grids in order
of greatest number or value of corresponding symbols within each of
the nine grids at least in a first highest, second highest and
third highest order of correspondence within 3.times.3 grids and
resolving the third wager based on processor recognized first
highest, second highest and third highest order of correspondence
within 3.times.3 grids and resolving the third wager based on a
processor recognized third wager on first highest, second highest
and third highest order of correspondence within 3.times.3 grids.
The order of finish in the individual grids may be likened to Win,
Place and Show wagers in a horse race. In the race variant, where
players have identified an order of "finish" for total absolute
value of symbol matches within respective 3.times.3 grids, or that
total absolute value is used to break ties between or among grids
with identical numbers of symbols in correspondence with the
randomly processor selected symbols, the total absolute value of
the matched symbols may be a component of the award. That is, where
frames have been originally selected, the frames are randomly
filled with numbers, the processor randomly selects numbers, and
the randomly selected numbers are compared with the numbers in the
randomly filled frames or squares, the actual numeric values (e.g.,
3, 9, 46, 65, 78, etc.) may be added within the 3.times.3 squares
as a comparative feature, either for breaking ties or paying a
special award (e.g., when a 3.times.3 grid has an absolute numeric
total in excess of a predetermined number (such as, for example,
.gtoreq.150, .gtoreq.160, 175, etc.). In the race variant, this is
a convenient way for breaking ties. If a tie still exists, the tie
could be finally broken by another evaluation of the grid that
contains the lowest matched number, the highest matched number
and/or the free space.
[0056] For example, in this last wager event, the nine grids may be
identified as 1, 2, . . . 9 or A, B, . . . J and the player may
make such various wagers on the relative order of finish as C in
first place (a Win bet), F in second place (a Place bet), I in
third place (a Show bet), A in first place and E in second place (a
Perfecta) or B in first place, A in second place and J in third
place (a Trifecta wager), or other specific combinations of
relative position wagers.
[0057] Additionally, in addition to wagering on win, place, show,
exacta, and trifecta, game play could offer the option to place all
9 grids in a predicted finish order. For example: 1.sup.st--G;
2.sup.nd--A, 3.sup.rd--F, 4.sup.th--B, 5.sup.th--C, 6.sup.th--D,
7.sup.th--E, 8.sup.th--I, 9.sup.th--H. Wins would be based on the
number correctly predicted. If Grid A did come in 2.sup.nd and Grid
C did come in 5.sup.th, but all other grids came in a different
finish order, the player would have 2 hits and be paid
accordingly.
Side Bet Games Playable with the Keno Games Format
[0058] The side bet technology of the Race and the Chase games may
be played on systems and methods as described herein. A gaming
system used may have a processor, player input position and a video
display system, wherein: [0059] the processor is configured to
execute code to recognize a wager at a player input position on a
first wagering game; [0060] the processor is configured to
recognize and display on the video display system randomly selected
alphanumerics, wherein the randomly selected alphanumerics are used
in outcome determination in an underlying wagering game selected
from the group consisting of bingo, keno and variants of bingo and
keno; [0061] the processor displaying the randomly selected
alphanumerics on the screen to display outcome results for the
underlying wagering game; [0062] the processor also displaying the
randomly selected alphanumerics on the screen in a separate two-row
or two-column array of paired individual randomly selected
alphanumerics [0063] the processor ranking paired individual
randomly selected alphanumerics on a basis of total summed values
for paired individual randomly selected alphanumerics; and [0064]
the processor executing code to resolve the wager at the player
input position on the first wagering game based upon the ranking
paired individual randomly selected alphanumerics.
[0065] The gaming system may use between 1 and 12 pairs of ranking
paired individual randomly selected alphanumerics displayed and
used in determining outcomes for the first game. For example, if a
single Win event is selected, only a single Pair of individual
randomly selected alphanumerics need be displayed, although this
would require some level of trust by a player on the integrity of
the system. Where two pairs are used, the pay back might have to be
lowered to 6:5, 7:5; 8:5 or 9:5, so that there is a reasonable
house return. It is more likely that at least three, at least four,
at least 5, six, seven, eight, nine or at least ten pairs are used
as described herein. The gaming system may be preferred where
between 1 and 12 pairs of ranking paired individual randomly
selected alphanumerics are used in determining outcomes for the
first game and between 3 and 40 pairs of ranking paired
individually selected random alphanumerics are displayed on the
video display system. The gaming system may be used in conjunction
with an underlying game of bingo or keno and physical balls are
randomly selected and electronic signals of the physical balls
selection outcomes are provided as signals to the processor to
enable the processor to recognize balls selected as randomly
selected alphanumerics. The gaming system may have an underlying
game of keno or bingo and virtual bingo or virtual keno balls are
randomly selected by a random number generator and electronic
signals of the virtual balls selection outcomes are provided as
signals to the processor to enable the processor to recognize balls
selected as randomly selected alphanumerics. The gaming system may
have the player input position be a terminal with a wager selecting
system selected from the group consisting of buttons and
touchscreens. Newer technology may allow for voice recognition, use
of PDA's, smart phones, smart pads, distal connection through a
processor (laptop or system computer), connection may be through
the internet in wireless systems, banked systems, multi-player
systems and the like. The gaming system may use exactly 20 ball
selections as the randomly selected alphanumerics and the 20 ball
selections are displayed on the video display system as two columns
of selections or two rows of selections of from 3 to 10 pairs of
ball selection values. The gaming system may be practiced wherein
the ball selections have number values associated with each ball,
the processor executes code to a) display individual number values
within racing positions on an array; b) sum number values within
each racing position; and c) the processor executes codes to rank
racing positions with respect to largest summed number values.
[0066] A method of playing a side bet wagering game according to
the present technology may include: [0067] a wager on a game is
received by a wager resolver; [0068] a random set of 20 numbers is
provided by the wager resolver; [0069] the random set of numbers is
organized by the wager resolver into two columns or two rows of
number pairs; [0070] the wager resolver sums the sets of numbers in
the number pairs to form a number pair total outcome; [0071] the
wager resolver orders the number pair outcomes in accordance with
an order of highest number pair total outcome to lowest total
number pair outcome; and [0072] the wager resolver resolves the
side bet wager on correspondence of the ordered number pair
outcomes to a preselected number pair outcome associated with the
wager on the game.
[0073] Note that all activity required in this method is performed
by the wager resolver that may be any combination of physical
dealer, croupier, processor, game controller and the like. The
random set of 20 numbers may be provided by random selection of
physical balls or random number generator selected virtual balls.
There may be physical balls used in an underlying game of keno or
bingo that are used by the wager resolver to provide the random set
of 20 numbers. The method may use virtual balls in an underlying
game of keno or bingo are provided by a processor performing as the
wager resolver to provide the random set of 20 numbers, and the
processor executes code to display the 20 numbers and to resolve
the wager on the game.
[0074] It is assumed that a twenty-ball game of keno is being
played, but smaller or larger numbers of balls may be used in the
play of the side bets and smaller or larger keno game boards may be
used as compared to the standard keno boards described above. The
game may also be played with or without the randomization of
numbers within frames of the keno board as described above.
[0075] In one side bet variant, the (assumed) twenty selected game
balls are deposited into a 2.times.10, 10.times.2, 4.times.5 or
5.times.4 grid. Even six 3.times. grids may be provided with a
separate 2.times. array, providing 7 different sets of "ordered"
balls that have been selected. Furthermore, additional grids may be
used such as Row 1 receiving only one ball, Row 2 receiving 2
balls, Row 3 receiving 3 balls, etc. creating a new set of pay
tables based on which rows are selected. Rows with more balls may
receive lower pay outs, while rows with less balls would receive
higher payouts if the player receives a winning outcome on their
wager. This deposition of the balls (e.g., in order of selection or
randomly) creates arrays of balls in an identifiable order.
Typically the "order" of the balls is read from left to right, but
a right to left, top-to-bottom or bottom-to-top order of the balls
may be used. If other numbers of randomly selected balls are used
for the game, other grids may become available such as a game using
21 balls with a 3.times.7 delivery grid.
[0076] An example of this "Race and Chase" type game will be
described with respect to the 2.times.10 set of arrays, with the
understanding that the format may be varied with respect to the
other grid arrays with minimal structural or software variation in
the play of the game.
[0077] The grids (in this case, the two 10-position grids) are
aligned with one ball in each array positioned parallel to or
like-position aligned with a ball in the other array. Two useful
variations of such alignments are shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0078] The various positions on the deposit grids 6A and 6B are
labeled 1a-10a on the horizontal grid array 6A and 1b-10b on the
vertical grid array 6B. Racing positions are artificially
constructed of parallel or adjacent racing positions of two frames
in the separate grids, for example, 1a, 2b, 6a, 8b or 10b. The
"score" of each racing position is the sum or total count of the
two balls in the racing position. Looking at FIG. 6B, for example,
the "scores" for various racing positions are 1b=(76+13=89);
2b=(2+39=41); 3b=(14+56=70); 4b=(11+70-81); 5b--(15+16=31);
6b=(27+55+82); 7b=(66+51=117); 8b=(8+29+37); 9b=(19+49=68); and
10b=(37+68=105). The racing positions are then ranked according to
the highest total sum scores, such as from FIG. 6B of
TABLE-US-00001 7b 117 10b 105 1b 89 6b 82 4b 81 3b 70 9b 68 2b 41
8b 37 5b 31
[0079] If there were a tie in scores for any racing positions, the
tie in ranking may be automatically broken by placing the racing
positions in order of a highest individual ball in the racing
positions. Therefore, if there were three racing positions with a
total score of 60 with balls of individual ranks (A 56+4). (B
45+15) and (C 33+27), they would be ranked on the order of final
racing positions as A, B and C because of the individual highest
balls in each of A B and C.
[0080] The side bet or side bets are based on any of a number of
combinations of sub-outcomes in the keno or bingo game. (In the
Bingo variant, the balls are also ranked in order, although because
of the underlying nature of the game, not all boxes in the arrays
of race positions are necessarily filled. Although wagering
structures and odds may address that issue, it is also possible,
after completion of a Bingo game, for the remaining necessary boxes
in the arrays to be artificially and rapidly filled by the
processor randomly providing numbers to unfilled frames. If more
than 20 balls happen to be selected in a Bingo game, only the first
twenty balls selected will be used in the race and chase game.)
[0081] Race wagers may be placed in manners similar to horse
betting wagers, with such wagering events as Win, Place, Show,
Trifecta, Perfecta/Exacta, quinellawagers and the like. A
completely novel wagering event can be placed by a player selecting
an order for all ten racing positions in a single game event,
referred to herein as the Chase game event. This event can be based
on a number of game interpretative bases. For example, one outcome
determinant will be how many selections match the specific position
in an actual finish order. Another game determinant event will be
how many consecutive positions starting with position 1 (the
"winner") are correctly chosen. Another game determinant event
could be how many consecutive positions starting with position 10
(the "last place finisher") are correctly chosen. Another game
determinant event could be how many consecutive places were
actually selected from any position in the field. In the last
event, for example, if the wager were on race positions 1-10 in
order, and the actual finish was 10, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 2, 8, 7,
there were four consecutive correct position finishers. In a
related event, if the wager was again made on positions 1-10 in
order and the final order of finish was 7, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 2, 1, 8,
10, there were four numbers in consecutive order (again 3, 4, 5 and
6) and although those numbers appeared in finish positions 2 (for
3), 3 (for 4), 4 (for 5) and 5 (for 6), there were four consecutive
positions from the original wager in the final game event
positions. This outcome might be a wagering event as a side bet or
an automatic payout at less odds than the previous payout odds for
the event where the four consecutive race positions were in the
numerically correct positions (e.g., 4 was picked for 4.sup.th
place, 5 was picked for 5.sup.th place, etc.).
[0082] Variations and options and alternative play within the scope
of this generic invention could be practiced by those skilled in
the art and be within the scope of the claims in this patent
document.
* * * * *