U.S. patent application number 14/034295 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-27 for four card poker game with variable wager.
This patent application is currently assigned to SHFL entertainment Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is SHFL entertainment Inc.. Invention is credited to Roger M. Snow.
Application Number | 20140087806 14/034295 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50339361 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140087806 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Snow; Roger M. |
March 27, 2014 |
Four Card Poker Game with Variable Wager
Abstract
An online casino game utilizes at least one deck of playing
cards, the game comprising: each player placing at least one wager
to participate in the casino game; dealing a first number of cards
to a dealer, the first number of cards being greater than the
number of cards to be used in determination of a poker rank hand
for the dealer; dealing a second number of cards to each player,
the second number of cards being greater than the number of cards
to be used in determination of a poker rank hand for each player;
the dealer discarding at least one card to form a resulting single
dealer hand; each player discarding at least one card to form a
resulting player's hand for each player, wherein the number of
cards in resulting player's hands and the resulting dealer's hand
are equal; and resolving each player hand against the dealer's hand
according to predetermined game rules. The initial player's wagers
must be at least matched with a Game Bet (or play bet) to remain in
the game after players have received their cards. The Game Bet may
be multiples of the initial player's wagers, for example, 1.times.
to 5.times. the initial wager, or more.
Inventors: |
Snow; Roger M.; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SHFL entertainment Inc. |
Las Vegas |
NV |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SHFL entertainment Inc.
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
50339361 |
Appl. No.: |
14/034295 |
Filed: |
September 23, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13631812 |
Sep 28, 2012 |
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14034295 |
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11499864 |
Aug 4, 2006 |
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13631812 |
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10152325 |
May 20, 2002 |
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11499864 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 1/00 20130101; G07F
17/3293 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/13 |
International
Class: |
A63F 1/00 20060101
A63F001/00 |
Claims
1. A method of managing play of a wagering game by a processor in
communication with a remote user device, comprising: receiving, by
a processor from the user device, an indication of a mandatory ante
wager and a mandatory bonus wager associated with a player to
participate in the wagering game; determining, by the processor, a
set of player hands, each player hand including five randomized
playing cards from a set of playing cards; providing, by the
processor, a player hand to the user device for display on the
associated user device; determining, by the processor, a dealer
hand including five randomized playing cards from the set of
playing cards; receiving, by a processor from the user device, an
indication of a best four-card poker hand for a player;
determining, by the processor, a best four-card poker dealer hand
using the dealer hand; receiving, by the processor from the user
device, a game play election option including one of a fold
election and a play wager election, wherein an amount of the play
wager is variable and equals the ante wager or, if the player hand
rank exceeds a predetermined threshold ranking, the play wager
optionally equals up to three times the ante wager; resolving, by
the processor, the ante and play wager by comparing the best
four-card poker hand of the player to the best four-card poker hand
of the dealer; the processor enabling paying a payout on the ante
when the player hand outranks the dealer hand; and resolving the
bonus wager by comparing the player poker hand ranking to a bonus
threshold and resolving the bonus wager according to a bonus pay
table.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the ante wager is placed in
wagering elements.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the wagering elements are
play-for-fun credits.
4. The method of claim 2, further comprising awarding a quantity of
wagering elements to the set of players based on a hierarchy of
players.
5. A method of managing play of a wagering game by a processor in
communication with a remote user device, comprising: receiving, by
a processor from a remote user device, an indication of an ante
wager and a bonus wager for a player playing on the user device to
participate in the wagering game; determining, by the processor, a
player hand, each player hand including five randomized playing
cards from a set of playing cards; providing, by the processor, the
player hand to the user device for display on the user device;
receiving an instruction from the user device to form a best
four-card hand from the player hand; providing, for display on the
user device, the best four-card player hand; receiving, by the
processor from the user device a game play election option
including at least one of a fold election and a play wager
election, wherein an amount of the play wager is variable and
equals the ante wager or, if the player hand rank exceeds a
threshold ranking, the play wager optionally equals up to three
times the ante wager; adding, by the processor, the ante, bonus and
play wagers to a game pot; and resolving, by the processor, at
least the ante and play wagers by awarding at least a portion of
the game pot to the player when a player poker hand ranking exceeds
a dealer poker hand ranking; and resolving the bonus wager by
comparing the player hand to a bonus threshold and resolving the
bonus wager according to a bonus pay table.
6. The method of claim 5, and further comprising receiving, by the
processor from the remote user device, an indicate of a poker
wager, wherein all poker wagers are combined in a poker pot, and
wherein the poker pot has no house advantage.
7. The method of claim 5, further comprising adding an additional
bonus wager to the game pot, and awarding at least a portion of the
game pot based on a predetermined event.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein a rake is collected from wagers
combined in the game pot.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the predetermined event is
selected from the group consisting of a predetermined number of
hands, a predetermined number of rounds, a predetermined time
limit, and a predetermined amount in the second pot.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the predetermined event is a
player hand meeting a qualifying hand or better.
11. The method of claim 7, wherein the game pot is a progressive
pot.
12. A system for managing play of a wagering game, comprising: a
communications interface communicating with a plurality of user
devices, each user device corresponding to a different player; a
processor configured to execute instructions; and a set of
instructions stored on a non-volatile medium that when executed by
the processor cause the processor to: receive, from each user
device, an indication of an ante wager and a bonus wager associated
with a player to participate in the wagering game; determine a
player hand for each user device, each player hand including five
randomized playing cards from a set of playing cards; provide a
player hand to each user device; determine a dealer hand including
five randomized playing cards from the set of playing cards;
receive, from each user device, an indication of a best four-card
hand from a received five card player hand; determine, a four-card
poker dealer hand using the dealer hand; receive, from each user
device, a game play election option including a fold election or a
play wager election, an amount of the play wager that is variable
and equals the ante wager or, if the player hand rank exceeds a
threshold ranking, the play wager optionally equals up to three
times the ante wager; resolve each ante and play wager by comparing
the associated poker playing hand to the poker dealer hand; and
resolve each bonus wager by comparing the associated poker playing
hand to a bonus threshold and resolving the bonus wager according
to a bonus pay table.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the ante wager is placed in
wagering elements.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the wagering elements are
play-for-fun credits.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein the instructions further cause
the processor to award a quantity of wagering elements to the set
of players based on a hierarchy of players.
16. A system for managing play of a wagering game, comprising: a
communications interface communicating with a plurality of remote
user devices, each operated by a different player; a processor
configured to execute instructions; and a set of instructions
stored on a non-volatile medium, that when executed by the
processor cause the processor to: receive, from each user device an
indication of an ante wager and a bonus wager e determine a set of
player hands, each player hand including five randomized playing
cards from a set of playing cards for each user device; determine a
dealer hand including five randomized playing cards from a set of
playing cards; provide each player hand to each user device;
receive, from each user device an indication of a best four-card
poker hand from each five card poker hand; receive, from each user
device a game play option including a fold or a play wager that is
variable and equals the ante wager or, if the player hand rank
exceeds a threshold ranking, the play wager optionally equals up to
three times the ante wager; deliver, by the processor a best four
card dealer hand from the five card dealer hand to each user
device; compare, by the processor a best four card hand of the
dealer and of the player; add, by the processor, the ante and play
wagers to a game pot; award, by the processor, at least a portion
of the game pot to the player having a hand ranking that outranks a
dealer hand ranking; and resolve each bonus wager by comparing the
associated poker playing hand to a bonus threshold and resolving
the bonus wager according to a bonus pay table.
17. The system of claim 16, and further comprising the processor
accepting a poker wager from a user device, wherein the poker
wagers are combined into a poker pot and wherein the poker pot has
no house advantage.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein the instructions further cause
the processor to add an optional bonus wager to the game pot and
award a portion of the game pot based on occurrence of a
predetermined event.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein a rake is collected from the
second pot.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein the predetermined event is
selected from the group consisting of a predetermined number of
hands, a predetermined number of rounds, a predetermined time
limit, and a predetermined amount in the second pot.
21. The system of claim 18, wherein the predetermined event is a
player hand meeting a qualifying hand or better.
22. The system of claim 18, wherein the game pot is a progressive
pot.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/631,821, filed Sep. 28, 2012, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/499,864, filed
Aug. 4, 2006, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/152,325 filed May 20, 2002, the disclosure of each of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a card game that
can be played in a casino or in a card room. More particularly, it
relates to a modified version of a stud poker game.
[0003] Many different wagering games presently exist for use in
both home and casino environments. Such games should necessarily be
exciting, uncomplicated and easy to learn so as to avoid
frustrating the players. Designing new games that meet these
criteria and are sufficiently different from old games to entice
players to play the new game is a particularly challenge.
SUMMARY
[0004] A casino table poker game is played with poker hands of
players competing against a poker hand of a dealer. A player enters
the game by placing one or both of a Bonus Bet (also referred to as
an Aces-Up wager) for competition against a pay table and an Ante
for direct competition against the dealer. In some embodiments, the
player also makes a mandatory Super Bonus bet to participate in the
game. The player is dealt more cards than needed to form a poker
hand. The dealer is also provided with more than the required
number of cards, from which a number of cards are selected for the
dealer's hand to play. The player is provided with bonus payouts
(e.g., multiple returns) on the bonus bet for ranked hands of a
predetermined rank or better. The players' hands also compete
directly against the rank of the dealer's hand if an additional
play bet is placed to supplement the ante. The additional play bet
may be varied by the player to be 1.times., 2.times., 3.times.,
4.times., or 5.times. the amount of the ante. Limits may be placed
on play wager amounts. Bonuses may also be paid on the bonus bet
(such as an Aces-Up bet) or ante wager with unusually high ranking
player's hands (such as a straight flush or four of a kind),
whether or not the rank of the player's hand exceeds the rank of
the dealer's hand.
[0005] Further embodiments may include one, some, or all of the
following: The acts of the dealer may be carried out by a visual
representation of a dealer, the visual representation being
generated and/or displayed by a computer. The visual representation
may be a virtual person (e.g., an animation), or may be a
transmission (e.g., a video) of an actual person. The visual
representation may be part of an online gaming experience of the
disclosed game. The acts described in this disclosure associated
with a dealer, including dealing cards, displaying or turning cards
over, receiving or paying bets, receiving game play elections or
any other actions, may be represented in any way when used in an
online environment. For example, the cards associated with a dealer
action, described as being dealt or otherwise handled by a dealer,
may appear as virtual cards, as transmitted pictures of physical
cards or as cards that appear in a streaming video image of a live
dealer dealing cards. This may include a display of virtual card
decks where each deck, individual card, and hand is displayed to an
online player in a manner consistent with the game play disclosed
herein, but may or may not include a visual representation of a
dealer with the cards. Likewise, betting activity may be displayed
in any manner to a player, including, but not limited to, virtual
chips, betting pools, numbers, or other indicia of a bet
amount.
[0006] The online experience may involve players playing remotely
(e.g., in a different physical location) from the dealer, the
location of a game server, or both, interacting through a networked
connection that may include, but is not limited to, the Internet.
The online game play may involve players who are also physically
remote from each other. Remote connections may use networks
involving several types of network links including, but not limited
to, the Internet. Networked connections allowing physically remote
players to play a game using a game server or system may be part of
an implementation of a virtual or online gaming environment.
[0007] The actions described in this disclosure as the acts of a
player, including betting, card selection (if any), card discards
(if any), or any other actions, may be carried out over a network
where the indicated actions are received as input to a user device.
The input-receiving user device is typically physically remote from
the game server or game host and connected over a long-distance
network, but may also be implemented over a wired or wireless LAN
in one building, or even in one room, for example. In one
embodiment, game play generated at the server or host location may
be displayed on the same device as the user device. In some
embodiments, game play may be conveyed to remote players in devices
separate from the devices receiving input from a player, such as
public screens or publicly broadcast data about a game coupled with
individual or private user input devices. The reception of an input
at a device may be accomplished through any technology adapted for
such a purpose including, but not limited to, keypads, keyboards,
touchpads, mice, optical location devices, eye movement/location
detectors, sound input devices, etc. When discussing a device, it
is understood the device may comprise multiple components and be
complex, including hardware components combined with firmware
and/or software, and may itself be a subcomponent of a larger
system.
[0008] Yet other embodiments may comprise apparatuses and systems
for administering wagering games according to embodiments of the
disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0009] While the disclosure concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming embodiments within the scope
of the disclosure, various features and advantages of embodiments
encompassed by the disclosure may be more readily ascertained from
the following description when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a flowchart diagram of a method of administering a
wagering game;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a playing surface for implementation
of the wagering game;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an enlarged diagram of one of the player positions
of the playing surface of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a flow chart diagram of a method of administering
a wagering game that may be at least partially player-pooled;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an individual electronic
gaming device configured for implementation of embodiments of
wagering games;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a top view of a suitable table configured for
implementation of embodiments of wagering games;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
suitable table configured for implementation of embodiments of
wagering games having a virtual dealer;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a gaming system for
implementing embodiments of waging games;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a gaming system for
implementing embodiments of wagering games including a live dealer
feed; and
[0019] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a computer for acting as a
gaming system according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The illustrations presented herein are not meant to be
actual views of any particular act in a method of administering a
wagering game, apparatus for use in administering a wagering game,
or component thereof, but are merely idealized representations
employed to describe illustrative embodiments. Thus, the drawings
are not necessarily to scale. Additionally, elements common between
figures may retain the same or similar numerical designation.
Elements with the same number, but including a different alphabet
character as a suffix should be considered as multiple
instantiations of substantially similar elements and may be
referred generically without an alphabet character suffix. For
example, elements 100a, 100b, 100c, may be a device that is
instantiated three times and referred to generically as element
100.
[0021] The terms "gaming," "gambling," or the like, refer to
activities, games, sessions, rounds, hands, rolls, operations, and
other events related to wagering games such as web-based games,
casino games, card games, dice games, and other games whose outcome
is at least partially based on one or more random events ("chance"
or "chances"), and on which wagers may be placed by a player. In
addition, the words "wager," "bet," "bid," or the like, refer to
any type of wagers, bets or gaming ventures that are placed on
random events, whether of monetary or non-monetary value. Points,
credits, and other items of value may be purchased, earned, or
otherwise issued prior to beginning the wagering game. In some
embodiments, purchased points, credits, or other items of value may
have an exchange rate that is not one-to-one to the currency used
by the user. For example, a wager may include money, points,
credits, symbols, or other items that may have some value related
to a wagering game. Wagers may be placed in wagering games that are
"play for pay" as well as "play for fun," as will be described in
more detail below.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a flowchart diagram of a method of
administering a wagering game is shown. A card game is played by at
least one player and a dealer. For simplicity in the following
discussion, a single player's actions are described, though many
players may play simultaneously. The dealer usually represents the
house or the casino in the play of the game. In this embodiment, a
player makes 100 at least an ante wager and an equal bonus wager at
the beginning of each round of play. In this embodiment, the bonus
wager is mandatory and equals the size of the ante wager. This
mandatory bonus wager equal to the ante is termed a "super bonus"
to distinguish this bonus wager from other bonus wagers described
further below.
[0023] To initiate play of the game, at least one (and usually only
one) deck of standard or variant playing cards is provided. In
other forms of the game, multiple intermixed decks of cards, decks
with wild cards or special decks (i.e. decks with certain cards
removed) are used. After placing at least the ante wager, the cards
are dealt 102 to the player and the dealer. In one embodiment, the
dealer is dealt five cards, and the player is dealt five cards. In
other embodiments, the number of cards dealt to the player is
unequal to the number of cards dealt to the dealer. In general, at
least one additional card is dealt to the player and the dealer
than the number of cards required to complete a hand. In this
embodiment, the player and dealer form four-card poker hands. In
some embodiments, the player makes a best four-card hand from the
five available cards though a user device. In other embodiments,
the gaming system is able to assist the player by making the best
four out of five card poker hand.
[0024] After receiving the cards, the player determines whether to
make 104 a variable play wager or to fold. The amount of the
variable play wager available for the user to make varies based on
the rules of the particular game. In this embodiment, the player
may wager 1.times. to 3.times. the player's ante wager as a play
wager, when the player hand is a minimum qualifying rank, such as a
pair of aces or better. When the player hand is less than the
qualifying rank, the play wager must equal the Ante wager.
Alternatively, the player may fold, which forfeits the player's
ante wager. Next, the player and dealer each make 106 a four-card
hand based on the cards dealt to each. That is, the player discards
a card from the player's five cards, while the dealer discards one
cards from the dealer's five cards. The player's four-card hand is
evaluated 108 against the dealer's four-card hand using a four-card
poker ranking to determine whether the player's hand beats the
dealer's hand. The player's four-card hand is also evaluated
against a paytable for the super bonus wager. Based on the
evaluation, the wagers are resolved 110. When the player's hand
beats the dealer's hand, the player wins the ante and play bet, and
when the player's hand does not beat the dealer's hand, the player
loses the ante and play bet. If the player and dealer tie, the ante
and play bet are resolved based on the rules of the game. For
example, in one embodiment the play bet is a push, and the ante bet
is a loss to the dealer when the player and dealer hands tie. In
another embodiment, when the player and dealer hands tie, the Ante
and Play bets push.
[0025] The player's bonus wager is resolved based on the applicable
paytable and the strength of the player's hand. For example, in one
embodiment the bonus is paid based on premium hands, such as a
four-of-a-kind or a straight flush. In one embodiment, if the
player wins the ante and play bet, but does not qualify for the
paytable of the bonus bet, the bonus bet is a push and is neither
won nor lost. In yet other embodiments, the bonus bet pushes if the
player hand is not a predetermined winning hand, but the player
hand beats the dealer hand.
[0026] Additional variants and embodiments of four-card wagering
games are described below. In the description that follows, games
are described may include or not include the super bonus bet
described above. While generally describing four-card wagering
games, these methods of play are not limited to games using
four-card hands and are more generally applicable to games using
more or fewer cards to form a hand. These wagering games may
include more or fewer cards dealt to a player and with additional
or fewer wagers placed by the player, such as an additional bonus
bet, as further described below.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, a diagram of a playing surface for
implementation of the wagering games within the scope of the
present disclosure is shown. Wagering areas 110 are provided for
each player, and card receiving areas 112 are available for each of
the players and the dealer. The wagering area may include three
distinct wagering zones for each player comprising a Bonus wager
area 114 (also termed an Aces-Up wager), an Ante area 116, and a
Play Bet area 118. The wagering area may also include a Super Bonus
wager area 120. Each player who wishes to enter the play of the
game makes at least one wager selected from the Bonus Bet (or
Aces-Up bet) and the Ante. One or both of these wagers may be made.
The player may also play the hand blind (also referred to as the
"House Way") by placing both an Ante and an additional Play Bet
(also referred to as the Game Bet). The player may also bet the
Super Bonus bet which in some embodiments is a mandatory bet.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 3, an enlarged diagram of one of the
player positions of the playing surface of FIG. 2 is shown. In one
embodiment of a player position 110, the card receiving areas 112
include an area for each card received by a player, in this case
five. In other embodiments, the card receiving areas 112 are not
marked, or are marked with multiple cards together in one location.
Also shown in this embodiment is the super bonus bet area 120 for a
bet termed a "super bonus" bet. This super bonus bet may be used in
certain embodiments of the described wagering game, and not used in
other embodiments. When the super bonus is used, it is generally
equal in size to the ante 116, as indicated on the player position
110. When the super bonus is not used, the super bonus bet area 120
may be omitted from the player position 110. Though not shown in
FIG. 3, a paytable may also be provided at each player position 110
when the game is played at a table, and may be accessible on a
display when the game is played electronically.
[0029] After placement of the at least one wager, each player who
has made an at least one wager is provided with five cards, in this
embodiment, from which to select a best four-card poker hand. The
cards may be dealt as a complete set of five cards or in portions
of one or more cards. At about the same time, the dealer is dealt a
number of cards exceeding four. In one embodiment, six cards are
dealt to the dealer. One or more additional cards can be dealt to
the player, the dealer or both.
[0030] Although in one example the dealer receives one more card
than each player, the number of cards dealt can be equal. In
particular, enough cards are dealt so that at least one discard can
be made.
[0031] In an embodiment, a four card poker hand is played. The
player reviews the five cards received at that player position and
determines what best four-card poker hand can be made from the five
cards. If the player believes that the cards cannot form a
four-card poker rank of sufficiently high rank to warrant
competition against the dealer's hand (even without that hand or
any portion of that hand having been displayed), the player may
fold the hand, refusing to place an additional wager. At this time
or usually a later time, the Ante would be collected by the dealer.
In one example, if the player made the Aces-Up bet and the Ante bet
and decides to fold, the Aces-Up bet is swept along with the Ante.
In another embodiment, if the player remains in the game by making
the Play Bet and the player's hand does not contain a hand ranking
of a pair of Aces or higher, and a bet was made on the Ace-Up
wager, that wager may be now or later collected by the dealer. If
the player determines that the rank of the best four-card poker
hand that can be made from the five cards dealt to the player is
sufficiently high as to warrant competition against the dealer (or
if the player wants to `bluff` against the dealer, particularly if
the dealer must qualify), the player makes an additional wager,
referred to as a play bet or game bet. That additional wager may be
multiples of the Ante, such as 1.times., 2.times., 3.times.,
4.times. or 5.times. the amount of the original Ante, at the option
of the player. In some embodiments, the game bet is 1.times. the
ante unless the player has a qualifying hand such as a pair of
kings or better for example. If the player's hand qualifies he has
the option of increasing his bet. Fractional amounts or larger
amounts may be allowed, but they can complicate the payout or alter
the hold for the house, so those changes are in the discretion of
the casino. After discarding excess cards and placing the Game Bet,
or placing the fifth card face down, or merely leaving the fifth
card in the hand so that the hand may be arranged and ranked by the
dealer or player when exposed, the player's hand is placed on the
table for display. The dealer's hand is then revealed after each
and every player has determined whether or not the Game Bet is to
be made. The dealer compares the value or rank of his hand against
the value or rank of each player's hand, usually in succession
around the table, and each series of wagers (the Aces-Up wager, the
Ante and the Game Bet) is resolved. Ties on the rank of player's
hands and dealers hands may be either paid to the player, called a
push, or collected by the dealer, depending upon the desired house
advantage the casino wants to build into the game. The dealer may
either always qualify to play, or a level of qualification may be
built into the game (such as at least Queen high, at least King
high, at least Queen-Jack, At least King-Jack, at least Ace-King,
or at least one pair).
[0032] Resolution on the wagers may be based upon pay tables for
the Aces-Up wager, pay tables on the Ante, and/or the Game Bet. One
embodiment of play of the game provides pay tables for one or more
of the Aces-Up wager, the Ante and an automatic bonus payout on the
ante. The Game Bet pays one-to-one with a player win. Because the
player can see the strength of the player hand when making the game
bet, the player would be at an extreme advantage in placing a
5.times. Game Bet, assuring a very high multiple payout, with
essentially no risk or little risk involved in the placement of the
5.times. Game Bet wager. The payout of wagers may be tailored by
the casino by selecting pay tables designed for greater player
payouts or greater casino earnings.
[0033] Although a four card poker game is one embodiment, the game
could also be played with three, five or seven cards, with
necessary adjustments to the pay tables.
[0034] For example, in a four card game, the hierarchy of hands is
as follows: [0035] Four of a Kind [0036] Straight Flush [0037]
Three of a Kind [0038] Flush [0039] Straight [0040] Two Pair [0041]
Pair [0042] High Card.
[0043] A three or five card game may require a different hierarchy
of hand rankings.
[0044] There are many variations of the game that may be played.
The following variations on the format described above illustrate
the expanded scope of play available under various methods.
[0045] Version I--Each player receives 5 cards, and the dealer
receives 6 cards. The players and the dealer identify their best
four card poker hands, the players may rely upon the house for
assistance, if needed. The dealer always qualifies, that is the
dealer's hand and any players' hands are always in play if the ante
bet is made. Players have the choice of placing one or both of the
Ante Bet and a Bonus Bet (e.g., the Aces-Up wager). House rules may
require the player to make the Ante Bet, the Bonus Bet, or both the
Ante and Bonus Bet. The Ante wager is a wager directly against the
rank of the dealer's hand, and the Aces Up Bonus Bet is a bet
against a pay table. If after viewing his/her hand, a player
chooses to stay in the game against the dealer (keeping the Ante
wager in play), the player must make an additional Game Bet to stay
in the game. This Game Bet may be, for example, between 1 and 5 (or
between 1 and 4, or between 1 and 3) times the amount of the
initial Ante wager at the opinion of the player. In other forms of
the game, the player's Game Bet must be 1.times. the ante unless
the player holds a qualifying hand of a pair of Aces or better. If
the player has a qualifying hand, he can bet up to 3.times. the
Ante. The player must hold a pair of aces or better to win on the
Bonus Bet (hence the name `Aces-Up`) in this embodiment. The Bonus
Bet pays a maximum return of 50:1 in one embodiment, but payouts
may theoretically be as high as 500:1 for certain hands, such as
for four Aces. The Bonus Bet side bet game may or may not be
present in the rules of the game. In this example, the game pays an
automatic bonus for certain high ranking hands according to a
payout schedule. This bonus is paid on the Ante wager, and does not
require the player to make a separate bet to qualify for this
payout. For example, automatic bonuses are paid on three of a kind,
straight flushes and four of a kind.
[0046] Version II--Each player and the dealer gets five cards to
make the best four-card poker hand. If the dealer's hand does not
equal or exceed a certain rank (e.g., a pair of 2's or better), he
discards all cards and draws a new five card hand, and then makes a
four-card poker hand from the five cards. The player must make the
Ante wager to be in the game against the dealer. The dealer always
qualifies to play against the player. It is possible to allow the
player or require the player to make the Ante wager 1) before the
deal of cards, 2) after the deal of cards but before any cards are
revealed, 3) after the deal of cards and after the players has
reviewed his cards but before the dealer has exposed cards, 4)
after the deal of cards and a partial or complete revelation of the
dealer's five cards (but before review of the player's cards), or
5) after the deal of cards and a review of the players' cards and a
partial revelation or complete revelation of the dealer's five
cards, which play might be restricted to where the dealer has not
qualified (but not after revelation of any sixth card). The
player's hand may be required to exceed a minimum rank to bet more
than 1.times. the Ante. For example, if the player has a qualifying
hand of a pair of Kings or better, the player can make a Game Bet
of 1.times., 2.times. or 3.times. the Ante. As with Version I, the
rules can provide that the Bonus Bet (side bet) is mandatory or
both initial bets (the Ante and the Bonus Bet) are mandatory. The
automatic bonus against a pay table on the Ante bet may or may not
be present in the rules of the game. The Bonus Bet game may or may
not be present, also in the rules of the game. In this example, a
pair of aces or better qualifies the player for an Aces-Up payout
of 1:1. The automatic bonus pays even if the player's hand is lower
in rank than the dealer's hand.
[0047] Version III--The players and dealer each receive five cards
to make their best four-card poker hand. The betting/wagering rules
and procedures are the same as in the previous versions, except for
those listed below. Either the Ante is mandatory, the Ante or the
Bonus Bet is mandatory, or both initial wagers are mandatory. The
dealer must qualify to play (for example, with a hand of Ace high
or better, King-Queen or higher, Ace-King or higher, pair of deuces
or higher, etc.). The automatic bonus side bet game against a pay
table is present in the rules of this example of the game.
[0048] If the player stays in the game, the player can bet 1.times.
to 3.times. the Ante if the player has a qualifying hand of a pair
of Kings or better. Otherwise, the maximum Game Bet is 1.times. the
Ante. The lowest ranking hand that qualifies for the bonus payout
is a pair of Aces or better.
[0049] Version IV--Four Card Poker with Super Bonus--The dealer and
each player are dealt five cards each. The cards are used to make
the best four card poker hand by the players and the dealer. The
hands are ranked according to the following four card poker ranking
schedule: [0050] Four of a Kind [0051] Straight Flush [0052] Three
of a Kind [0053] Flush [0054] Straight [0055] Two Pair [0056] Pair
[0057] High Card.
[0058] Players can make a bet against the dealer (Ante), a bet
against the pay table (Aces-Up Bonus Bet) or both. House rules may
require one or both bets to be mandatory. In addition, the players
are required to make a Super Bonus bet in an amount equal to the
Ante in this version.
[0059] Players place equal bets on the Ante and/or Super Bonus
and/or Bonus spots on the layout. After viewing the cards, the
player must fold or place an additional Bet (play wager). If the
player's hand does not qualify with a pair of Kings or better, he
must bet 1.times. the ante to stay in the game. With a qualifying
hand of a pair of Kings or better, he can bet an amount equal to or
multiples of the Ante, such as 1.times., 2.times. or 3.times. the
Ante.
[0060] If the player has a higher ranking hand than the dealer's
hand, the player is paid 1:1 on the ante and the play bet. If the
dealer's hand outranks the player's hand, the player loses the ante
and the play bet.
[0061] The player has the option (or may be required) at the
beginning of the game to place an Aces-Up bonus bet. In this
example, the player wins a bonus payout for a pair of Aces or
better. If the player makes the Ante and Play bets and beats the
dealer, but does not have a pair of Aces or better, the player
pushes on the bonus bet. The player is always paid on the Aces-Up
bonus bet, regardless of whether or not the player's hand beats the
dealer's hand.
[0062] In addition, this example includes a mandatory Super Bonus
bet that is made in an amount equal to the ante. The player wins a
payout for certain high ranking hands such as a straight flush or
four of a kind. A pay table is provided on the layout to identify
winning hands and payout amounts.
[0063] A failure to obtain a "Super Bonus" hand does not result in
an automatic loss of the bet. For example, when the player's hand
against the dealer does not qualify with a pair of kings or a
straight flush or better, but the hand still beats the dealer, the
Super Bonus bet pushes. But, if the player folds on the ante or
lose the ante and play bets against the dealer, the Super Bonus bet
is also lost.
[0064] The Super Bonus bet is desirable in some instances where it
is desired to provide the house with more of an advantage. In this
example of the game, removing the mandatory Super Bonus bet causes
the game to favor the player. However, other rule changes such as
requiring the dealer to qualify, or raising the minimum
qualification hand ranking when making the play bet are other means
to shift the odds to favor the house.
[0065] There are a number of advantages of the games as described
herein. The fold rate for a player using good strategy on this game
is approximately 21%, which is lower than the fold rate in some
other games. This feature is believed to attract and retain
players, making the game more appealing to casinos.
[0066] Players win this game approximately 48% of the time, which
exceeds the expectation of many players, and increases player
appeal.
[0067] In some situations, e.g., when the player has a qualifying
hand, additional betting opportunities are available, such as
tripling down on the Ante, increasing player appeal.
[0068] By varying the number of cards made available to the dealer
and/or players, in forming the hands, by requiring the dealer's
hand to qualify or by eliminating dealer qualification, by
modifying the payouts and winning hand combinations possible on the
bonus bet, by adding the Super Bonus bet etc., the payouts can be
made to pay as high as 500:1, e.g., for four of a kind hands. This
feature is believed to attract and retain more poker players.
[0069] Various platforms are contemplated that are suitable for
implementation of embodiments of wagering games according to the
present disclosure. For example, embodiments of wagering games may
be implemented such that one or more players may place wagers and
engage in game play according to the rules of the wagering games.
For example, wagering games may be implemented on gaming tables,
which may include physical gaming features, such as physical cards,
physical chips, and may include a live dealer and a shuffler or
shoe. More specifically, a live dealer may deal physical cards,
accept wagers, issue payouts, and perform other administrative
functions of game play. Some embodiments may be implemented on
electronic devices enabling electronic gaming features, such as
providing electronic displays for display of virtual cards, virtual
chips, game instructions, pay tables, etc. Some embodiments may
include features that are a combination of physical and electronic
features.
[0070] As an example, embodiments of wagering games may be
implemented on an individual gaming device for accepting wagers
that has a display screen and input devices for enabling game play
of the wagering games. Such an individual gaming device may be
linked with other gaming devices that may be operated, for example,
by other players. Some individual electronic gaming devices may be
referred to as an individual player "cabinet" and may be
stationary, such as being located on a casino floor. Other
individual electronic gaming devices may be portable devices that
may be carried to different locations by the player. Portable
devices may include both display of the ongoing game play and input
reception for game play by a player, and may be configured for
receiving input from a player while the game play is displayed on a
public monitor, or other display device. Game play and game
outcomes may also be displayed on a portable device.
[0071] As previously noted, the present games and rules may be
played as a live casino table card game, as a hybrid casino table
card game (with virtual cards or virtual chips), on a multi-player
electronic platform (as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.
Nos. 10/764,827; 10/764,994 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,661,676, issued
Feb. 16, 2010); and Ser. No. 10/764,995, all filed on Jan. 26,
2004, the disclosure of each of which applications is incorporated
herein in its entirety by this reference), on a personal computer
for practice, on a hand-held game for practice or on a legally
authorized site on the Internet.
[0072] In one embodiment, the players are remotely located from a
live dealer and the players observe a live dealer and a game table
on their monitors via a video feed. The players' video feeds may be
transmitted to the dealer and also be shared among the players at
the table. In a sample embodiment a central station includes a
plurality of betting-type game devices, and an electronic camera
for each game device. A plurality of player stations remotely
located with respect to the central stations, each one including a
monitor for displaying a selected game device at the central
station, and input means for selecting a game device and for
placing a bet by a player at the player's station relating to an
action involving an element of chance to occur at the selected game
device. Further details on gambling systems and methods for
remotely located players are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,755,741
B1, issued Jun. 29, 2004, and titled "Gambling Game System and
Method for Remotely-Located Players," the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference, and in
connection with FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0073] In some embodiments, the wagering games described herein may
be played against the house (i.e., be "house-banked"), which may
involve playing against a dealer hand or a pay table, with payouts
on wagers being paid by a casino or other gaming establishment and
losses on wagers being collected by the casino or other gaming
establishment. For example, payouts associated with the ante bet,
play bet, bonus bet, and (if applicable) super bonus bet may be
banked by the house and payouts made by the house. In the
house-banked game, the player's hand is played against the
dealer's, where the player's four-card hand is compared against the
dealer's four-card hand. When the player makes an ante, and makes a
play wager, these bets may be resolved against an account of the
house, such as a dealer adding player chips to a chip rack of the
house or adding chips to the player stacks from the chip rack of
the house.
[0074] In other embodiments, the wagering games, or at least one
wager associated with the wagering game, may enable players to play
against one another (i.e., be "player-banked" or "player-pooled"),
with payouts on wagers being paid from a pot and losses on wagers
being collected by other players. Player-banked games allow a
player or a professional banker to take all other player losses and
pay payouts to players. In a player-banked version of a game of the
present disclosure, a house may provide a dealer to administer the
game, and may rake wagers made, payouts won, or charge a flat fee
for playing the game. Player-banked games are typically offered as
live table games in card rooms where house-banking gaming is not
permitted by local gaming regulations. Player-pooler variants of
games may be offered as live table games, but are more typically
offered in electronic format, where tracking the value of a jackpot
pool is conducted using computer-controlled equipment.
Player-pooled variants are particularly useful when regulators of
online casino play permit the play of "poker".
[0075] Referring to FIG. 4, a flow chart diagram of a method 200 of
administering a wagering game, which may be at least partially
player-pooled, is shown. The method 200 includes accepting a first
"poker" wager from a player and adding the first wager to a first
poker pot (e.g., a pool or accumulation of bets), as indicated at
operation 202. The wagers contributed to the poker pool may be
raked in one example of the invention.
[0076] A second wager may be received at operation 204. The second
wager may comprise, for example, a base game wager (e.g., antes,
blinds, play bets, raises, and other bets made on the underlying
wagering game) or a side wager. Second wagers may be raked.
Alternatively, payouts on second wagers may be raked. More
specifically, the second wager may comprise, for example, the ante
wager and any of the play wagers, or a separate pay table or
progressive side wager. The second wager may be accepted, for
example, by performing any of the acts described previously in
connection with FIG. 1. In one example, the second wager may
comprise all wagers made in any of the four-card games described
above, and the first wager may be an additional "poker" wager. The
first poker pot may be non-progressive, meaning that the entire
value of the pot is distributed to a player at the conclusion of a
round of play. If two players tie with a highest ranking hand, the
poker pot may be split. In other embodiments, the player holding
the highest ranking hand is awarded a percentage of the pot, and a
player holding a second highest ranking hand is also awarded a
percentage of the pot. An exemplary split between highest and next
highest hand is 80/20 for example.
[0077] The second pot may be separate from the first pot. For
example, the first and second pots may include chips located in
separate areas on a gaming table when the wagering game is
conducted live in a casino. As another example, the first and
second pots may be displayed as separate amounts on one or more of
video displays 374, 404, 414, 418, 430, 532, 560, 564, and 658 (see
FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 9) (e.g., a monitor) controlled by one or more
of processors 350, 414, 428, 597, and 642 (see FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and
9) and may be maintained in separate accounts when the wagering
game is conducted online. The second wager may enable a player to
be eligible to win an additional award, such as, for example, a
progressive payout for a predetermined premium hand.
[0078] In one embodiment, all odds payouts are paid out of the
second pot, and all losses are accumulated in the second pot. When
a predetermined event occurs, such as a player holding a
predetermined premium hand such as a royal flush in hearts, for
example, the administrator of the game may award the entire second
pot to the player holding the premium hand at operation 214.
[0079] In other embodiments, all normal game wagers such as the
Ante and all play wagers in the present game are placed in the
second pot, and all payouts are made from the second pot. Excess
amounts that grow in the pot are redistributed to players in the
form of a dividend distribution (e.g., a share of the second pot
awarded to each participating player), from the second pot. The
second wager may comprise, for example, the ante wager or any of
the play wagers.
[0080] In some embodiments, the second wager may be a mandatory
wager. In other embodiments, the second wager may be optional, and
a player wishing to play the poker wagering game may do so by
placing a bet in the first pot without placing the second wager and
without being eligible to win any award from the second pot. In
some embodiments, the second wager may include multiple sub-wagers.
For example, the second wager may include an ante wager, a first
play wager, a second play wager and a third play wager. In other
embodiments, a third pot (not shown) for participating in a
progressive side bet game is provided. Such third pots may be
separate from the other pots, or may be combined with one of the
other pots. The second wager may be accepted, for example, by
performing any of the acts described previously in connection with
FIG. 1.
[0081] In some embodiments, the second pot may be a pooled or
linked pot. For example, the second pot may include second wagers
accepted from multiple concurrent wagering games, which may include
only second wagers from those wagering games currently being played
or may include accumulated second wagers from past wagering games.
As specific, nonlimiting examples, the second pot may include all
second wagers accepted from a group of tables or local wagering
game administration devices at a casino, from multiple groups of
remote devices connected to network gaming architecture, or both.
In other embodiments, the second pot may not be pooled, and awards
for the second wager may be limited to the amounts wagered at a
respective table, local wagering game administration device, or
group of remote devices.
[0082] A rake (e.g., a commission for the house) may be taken on at
least one of the first and second wagers, as indicated at operation
206. For example, the house may collect a portion of the second
wager at the time the second wager is placed or may collect a
portion of amounts awarded from the second pot at the time the
second pot or a portion of the second pot is awarded. The rake may
comprise, for example, a fixed percentage of the second wager. More
specifically, the percentage of the second wager collected for the
rake may be, for example, greater than a theoretical house
advantage for the underlying game. As another example, the rake may
be less than an average house advantage for play of the wagering
game by all players, including average and sub-average players,
which may be calculated using a historical house advantage for the
wagering game (e.g., a house advantage for the wagering game over
the last 5, 10, or 15 years for a given casino or other gaming
establishment). As specific, nonlimiting examples, the percentage
of the second wager collected for the rake may be between 3% and
8%, between 4% and 7%, or between 5% and 6%. In other embodiments,
the portion of the second wager collected for the rake may comprise
a variable percentage of the second wager or may comprise a fixed
quantity (e.g., a flat fee) irrespective of the total amount for
the second wager, a fixed percentage with a cap, or a time-based
fee for increments of time playing the wagering game.
[0083] All profits for the house may be made from the rake in some
embodiments. In such embodiments, all second wagers in excess of
the rake may be redistributed back to the players, rather than be
collected by the house as additional revenue. Such limiting of
profits for the house and redistribution of second wagers back to
the players may increase the attractiveness of the wagering game to
both inexperienced and highly skilled players. Because the amount
earned by the house is known, highly skilled players may perceive
that their skill will enable them to increase winnings, and
inexperienced players may be enticed by the possibility of winning
the second pot or a portion thereof. In other embodiments, the
house may make profits on the rake and on losses from one or more
of the wagers (e.g., ante and play wagers), including losses
resulting from optimal and suboptimal play. The rake may be
maintained in a rake account, and profits for the house may be
deducted from the rake account. The rake may be taken by, for
example, electronically transferring funds from the second pot to a
rake account (e.g., as instructed by a game server 606 (see FIG. 8)
using casino account servers 610 (see FIG. 8)) or physically
removing or exchanging money or representations of money from the
second pot on a live table.
[0084] A round of the underlying wagering game may be played, as
indicated at operation 208. For example, the underlying wagering
game may be played at least substantially as described previously
in connection with FIGS. 1 through 3. In one embodiment, an
additional side wager is played between players, rather than
against a pay table. The additional side wager may be a fixed
amount, such as an amount equal to the ante bet. The additional
side wager is added to a first pot that is completely distributed
at the end of each round of play. The distribution of the
additional side wager may be based, for example, on the highest
player hand at the conclusion of the game. The ante and play wagers
are added to a second progressive pot for distribution based on the
pay table. In this way, the first pot allows the players to compete
based on hand strength against other players, while the second pot
is able to support larger progressive awards based on a pay
table.
[0085] At the end of a round of play, the first wager may be
resolved and at least a portion of the first pot may be awarded to
at least one player, as indicated at operation 210. Each successive
round of making wagers, dealing cards, and resolving wagers may
constitute a round of play, and the first pot or a portion of the
first pot may be awarded to at least one player at the end of each
round of play. The player to whom the first pot or the portion of
the first pot is awarded may hold a winning hand or at least a
tying hand for that round of play according to the rules of the
underlying wagering game. Awarding the first pot or the portion of
the first pot may comprise crediting a player account of each
wining player or may comprise distributing physical money or
physical representations of money to each winning player.
[0086] In some embodiments, an entire amount of the first pot may
be awarded to at least one player at the end of each round of play.
In such embodiments, the first pot may be a non-progressive pot.
Awarding the entire first pot to at least one player at the end of
each round of play may enable the wagering game to qualify as a
legal form of online "poker" play under some relevant statutes. For
example, in games that require a mandatory pot bet that may or may
not be raked, and that has no house advantage, and all other bets
go into a second pot that is raked, the game may qualify as "poker"
to gaming authorities, especially for online versions of the games.
Awarding the entire amount of a first pot to at least one player at
the end of each round of play redistributes lost first wagers
attributable to suboptimal play to other players, rather than to
the house. Accordingly, such a wagering game may be particularly
attractive to players who perceive themselves as being highly
skilled in the wagering game and, therefore, more able to take
advantage of suboptimal play by other players. In some embodiments,
a portion of the first pot may be awarded to at least one player at
the end of each round of play. For example, the house may take a
rake on the first wager, which may still enable the wagering game
to be qualify as a legal form of online gambling under some
relevant statutes. The rake taken may comprise, for example,
between 1% and 8%, between 2% and 6%, or between 3% and 5% of the
first wager. The rake amounts on each wager may be more than, less
than, or equal to the rake taken on other wagers in some
embodiments. In still other embodiments, a portion of the first pot
may remain in the first pot or be redistributed to another pot
(e.g., the second pot) to be awarded in a subsequent round of play
as a progressive payout or a dividend distribution. In such an
example, the portion of the wager remaining in the first pot or
redistributed to another pot may comprise, for example, a fixed
percentage of the first wager, a variable percentage of the first
wager (e.g., an odds payout may be awarded and the remainder
retained in the first pot or redistributed to the other pot), or a
fixed amount.
[0087] In lieu of, or in addition to, a rake taken on one or more
wagers or from winnings, the house may be compensated in a number
of other ways, including without limitation a flat fee per round of
play, a percentage of wagers made with or without a cap, rental of
a player "seat," or otherwise as is known in the gaming art. All
such compensation may be generally referred to as a commission.
[0088] All or portions of the second pot are distributed when there
is a qualifying event, as indicated by operation 212. In
embodiments where the second pot is a progressive pot, at least a
portion of the second pot may be awarded to at least one player
when a predetermined non-premium winning hand combination is dealt,
as indicated at operation 214, or when a premium winning hand
composition is dealt, as indicated at operation 216. The second pot
may not be awarded at the end of each round of play, but may grow
during each successive round in which no player is dealt a premium
winning hand combination. Awarding the second pot or a portion of
the second pot may comprise crediting a player account with funds
from the second pot or may comprise distributing physical money or
physical representations of money from the pot to the player. In
some embodiments involving a no-house-advantage first pot awarded
at the end of each round and a progressive second pot that receives
all other game bets, all players participating in the wagering game
who have made the second pot wager may be eligible to win the
second pot or a portion of the second pot. Players who are
ineligible to win the first pot, and players who have folded but
still have one or more other active bets in play, may be eligible
to win the second pot or a portion of the second pot.
[0089] A predetermined winning hand combination may comprise, for
example, four of a kind, a full house, a flush, a straight, three
of a kind, two pair, or one pair. The hands qualifying as new
winning hand combinations may be predetermined at the beginning of
each round of play in some embodiments. In other embodiments, new
winning hand combinations may be predetermined at the beginning of
play and may remain fixed until at least one player achieves a
predetermined winning hand combination, at which time new winning
hand combinations may be predetermined. In still other embodiments,
the hand combinations qualifying as winning hand combinations may
be predetermined at the outset of the wagering game and remain
fixed for the duration of the wagering game. The hands qualifying
as winning hand combinations may be predetermined at random from a
list of possible winning hand combinations, from among a schedule
with a fixed rotation of possible winning hand combinations, or
using a fixed table of winning hand combinations.
[0090] A premium winning hand composition may comprise, for
example, four of a kind, a straight flush, a royal flush or a royal
flush of a certain suit. The hand compositions qualifying as
premium winning hand compositions may remain fixed throughout the
duration of the wagering game or may change during the wagering
game. For example, after a player has achieved a premium winning
hand composition, the hand compositions qualifying as premium
winning hand compositions may be made more restrictive or less
restrictive. As a specific, nonlimiting example, after a player has
achieved a straight flush, the hand compositions qualifying as
premium winning hand compositions may be restricted to royal
flushes or may be expanded to include four of a kind. The hands
qualifying as premium winning hand compositions may be
predetermined at random from a list of possible premium winning
hand compositions, following a schedule with a fixed rotation of
possible premium winning hand compositions, or according to a fixed
table of premium winning hand compositions.
[0091] In embodiments where the second pot is a progressive pot,
the amount awarded from the second pot for achieving a premium
winning hand composition may be a progressive payout at least as
great as a maximum progressive payout for achieving a predetermined
winning hand composition. For example, the entire second pot may be
awarded when a player or multiple players are dealt a premium
winning hand composition, and only a portion of the second pot may
be awarded when a player or multiple players are dealt a
predetermined winning hand combination.
[0092] In embodiments, the qualifying event at operation 212 is
based on a predetermined event that is not based on hand
composition. In embodiments where the amount of the second pot is
adjusted using a dividend refund method, the second pot, less the
rake, may be distributed among the players upon the occurrence of a
predetermined event. The predetermined event may not be based, for
example, on player skill or chance events occurring in the
underlying wagering game. The predetermined event may comprise, for
example, the expiration of a time limit or the amount of the pot
reaching a certain threshold amount. The pot, which has already
been raked, less a minimum seed amount is divided pro-rata between
players who are currently participating, to players who contributed
to the pot, or to players according to another distribution method.
The distribution can take the form of a debit to a player account,
and the distribution does not take place as part of a game play
event. Players may receive dividend refunds on play conducted on a
live gaming table, on a game administered by an electronic gaming
machine, or remote gaming device.
[0093] In some embodiments, the dividend distributions may not be
paid to players who have not contributed to the second pot since
the last dividend distribution was paid. The percentage of the
second pot, less the rake, paid to each player as a dividend
distribution may be, for example, approximately equal to the
percentage of hands won by each player, the percentage of first pot
winnings won by each player, the percentage of total amounts
wagered by each player, the proportional number of wagers made by
each player, the proportional length of time spent playing the
wagering game by each player, or an equal percentage for each
player eligible to receive a dividend distribution from the second
pot.
[0094] Alternatively, the second pot and/or any other pots may be
distributed (wholly or partially) in response to a predetermined
event or condition. The predetermined event or condition may be
time-based, pot-based (or pool-based), game-based, or other.
Further details on pot distributions based on predetermined events
and conditions are disclosed in the U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/871,824, filed Apr. 26, 2013, and titled "Distributing
Supplemental Pot in Wagering Games Based on Predetermined Event,"
the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by
this reference.
[0095] In some embodiments, the second pot may be seeded with money
from the rake account or reserve account at the beginning of play,
after the second pot or a portion of the second pot has been
awarded, or both. For example, the second pot may be seeded from
the rake account of the house, and the house may maintain an amount
of funds in the rake account sufficient to significantly reduce
(e.g., to essentially eliminate) the likelihood that any payouts
made from the rake account and any seeding amounts withdrawn from
the rake account exhaust or overdraw the rake account. In some
embodiments, a casino reserve account may be provided to fill the
rake account in the event of an overdraw. Such seeding may
incentivize players to participate in the wagering game, and
specifically to place the second wager to be eligible for the
second pot. In addition, such seeding may reduce the likelihood
that the amount of funds in the second pot may be insufficient to
cover all the payouts to players. For example, where a player
achieves a premium winning hand composition in one round of play, a
player achieves a predetermined winning hand combination in the
immediately following round of play, and a fixed odds payout is to
be awarded to the player holding the predetermined winning hand
combination, the amount seeded to the second pot between those
rounds of play may be at least as great as the maximum fixed odds
payout awardable for any predetermined winning hand combination.
The second pot may be seeded each time the second pot is awarded in
its entirety or each time the amount in the second pot is lower
than the maximum fixed odds payout.
[0096] As a specific, nonlimiting example, a player-banked wagering
game may comprise receiving an ante bet and additional side bet
from a plurality of players. The additional side bet is added to a
first poker pot that is not raked, having no house advantage, and
being completely distributed to the players after each round. The
ante bet and any subsequent play bets may be added to a second game
pot having a progressive payout for achieving a predetermined rank,
such as a rank listed on a pay table as described above. After
placing the ante bet and optionally an additional side bet, the
game is played as described above. Additional bets in the hand are
added to the second pot. After completing the hand, the first pot
is awarded to the player remaining in the hand with the highest
hand. The second pot is a progressive pot and awards a hand that
matches a pay table.
[0097] As another specific, nonlimiting example, a player-banked
wagering game may comprise receiving an ante bet and additional
side bet from a plurality of players. The additional side bet is
added to a first pot that is not raked, having no house advantage,
and being completely distributed to the players after each round.
The ante bet and any play bets are added to a second pot having a
dividend payout for reaching a predetermined event. After placing
the ante bet and additional side bet, the player play of a game
round is provided as described above. Any additional bets are added
to the second pot. After completing the hand, the first pot is
awarded to the player remaining in the hand with the highest hand.
The second pot is a progressive pot and awards a distribution from
the second pot based on a predetermined event. The predetermined
event may be selected from the group consisting of participating
for a predetermined number of hands, completing a predetermined
number of rounds, reaching a predetermined time limit, or reaching
a predetermined amount in the second pot.
[0098] In some embodiments, wagering games may be played without
risking money in connection with the wagers (i.e., "play-for-fun"
games). Access to play-for-fun wagering games may be granted on a
time period basis in some embodiments. For example, upon initially
joining the wagering game, each player may automatically be given
wagering elements, such as, for example, chips, points, or
simulated currency, that is of no redeemable value. After joining,
the player may be free to place bets using the wagering elements
and a timer may track how long the player has been participating in
the wagering game. If the player exhausts his or her supply of the
wagering elements before a predetermined period of time has
expired, the player may simply wait until the period of time passes
to rejoin the game and receive another quantity of the wagering
elements to resume participation in the wagering game.
[0099] In some embodiments, a hierarchy of players may determine
the quantity of wagering elements given to a player for each
predetermined period of time. For example, players who have been
participating in the wagering game for a longer time, who have
played closest to optimal strategy for the game, who have won the
largest percentage of wagers, or who have won the largest
quantities of wagering elements from their wagers may be given more
wagering elements for each allotment of time than players who have
newly joined, who have played according to poor strategy, who have
lost more frequently, or who have lost larger quantities of
wagering elements. In some embodiments, the hierarchy of players
may determine the duration of each allotment of time. For example,
players who have been participating in the wagering game for a
longer time, who have played closest to optimal strategy for the
game, who have won the largest percentage of wagers, or who have
won the largest quantities of wagering elements from their wagers
may be given shorter allotments of times to wait after exhausting
their supply of wagering elements than players who have newly
joined, who have played according to poor strategy, who have lost
more frequently, or who have lost larger quantities of wagering
elements. In some embodiments, players who have not run out of
wagering elements after the period of time has expired may have the
balance of their wagering elements reset for a subsequent allotment
of time. In other embodiments, players who have not run out of
wagering elements may retain their remaining wagering elements for
subsequent allotments of time, and may receive additional wagering
elements corresponding to the new allotment of time to further
increase the balance of wagering elements at their disposal.
Players may be assigned to different categories of players, which
determine the number of wagering elements awarded. In a given
period of time, higher level players, or players who have invested
more time playing the game may earn more wagering elements per unit
of time than a player assigned to a lower level group.
[0100] In some embodiments, a player may be permitted to redeem an
access token of no redeemable face value, such as, for example,
points associated with a player account (e.g., social media account
credits, online points associated with a transacting account,
etc.), to compress the period of time and receive more wagering
elements. The access tokens may be purchased or may be obtained
without directly exchanging money for the access tokens. For
example, access tokens may be acquired by participating in member
events (e.g., completing surveys, receiving training on how to play
the wagering game, sharing information about the wagering game with
others), spending time participating in the wagering game or in a
player account forum (e.g., logged in to a social media account),
or viewing advertising. Thus, an entity administering play-for-fun
wagering games may not receive money from losing player wagers or
may not take a rake on wagers, but may receive compensation through
advertising revenue or through the purchase of access tokens
redeemable for time compressions to continue play of the wagering
game or simply to increase the quantity of wagering elements
available to a player.
[0101] After a player has stopped participating in a play-for-fun
wagering game, any remaining quantities of the wagering elements
may be relinquished by the player in some embodiments. For example,
logging out of a play-for-fun wagering game administered over the
Internet may cause any remaining wagering elements associated with
a respective player to be lost. Thus, when the player rejoins the
play-for-fun wagering game, the quantity of wagering elements given
to the player for an allotment of time may not bear any
relationship to the quantity of wagering elements held by the
player when he or she quit playing a previous session of the
wagering game. In other embodiments, the quantity of wagering
elements held by a player when stopping participation may be
retained and made available to the player, along with any
additional quantities of wagering elements granted for new
allotments of time, when rejoining the wagering game.
[0102] Referring to FIG. 5, an example of an individual electronic
gaming device 300 configured for implementation of embodiments of
wagering games according to the present disclosure is shown. The
individual electronic gaming device 300 may include an individual
player position 314 that includes a player input area 332 for a
player to interact with the individual electronic gaming device 300
through various input devices (not shown). The electronic gaming
device 300 may include a gaming screen 374 configured to display
indicia for interacting with the individual electronic gaming
device 300, such as through processing one or more programs stored
in memory 340 to implement the rules of game play at the individual
electronic gaming device 300. Accordingly, game play may be
accommodated without involving physical playing cards, poker chips,
and/or live personnel. The action may instead be simulated by a
control processor 350 operably coupled to the memory 340 and
interacting with and controlling the individual electronic gaming
device 300. Although the figure has an outline of a traditional
gaming cabinet, gaming device 300 may be implemented in any number
of ways, including but not limited to client software downloaded to
a portable device, such as a smart phone, tablet, or laptop
personal computer. Gaming device 300 may also be a non-portable
personal computer (e.g., a desktop or all-in-one computer) or other
computing device. In some embodiments, client software is not
downloaded but is native to the device, or otherwise delivered with
the device when received by a player.
[0103] A communication device 360 may be included and operably
coupled to the processor such that information related operation of
the gaming device 300, information related to the game play, or
combinations thereof may be communicated between the gaming device
300 and other devices (not shown) through a suitable communication
media, such, as, for example, wired networks, Wi-Fi networks, and
cellular communication networks.
[0104] The gaming screen 374 may be carried by a generally
vertically extending cabinet 376 of the individual electronic
gaming device 300. The individual electronic gaming device 300 may
further include banners (not shown) configured to communicate rules
of game play and/or the like, such as along a top portion 378 of
the cabinet 376 of the gaming device 300. The individual electronic
gaming device 300 may further include additional decorative lights
(not shown), and speakers (not shown) for transmitting and/or
receiving sounds during game play. Further detail of an example of
an individual electronic gaming device (as well as other
embodiments of tables and devices) is disclosed in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/215,156, filed Aug. 22, 2011, and titled
"Methods of Managing Play of Wagering Games and Systems for
Managing Play of Wagering Games," the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.
[0105] Some embodiments may be implemented at locations that
include a plurality of player stations. Such player stations may
include an electronic display screen for display of game
information, such as displaying virtual cards, virtual chips, and
game instructions, and for accepting wagers and facilitating credit
balance adjustments. Such player stations may, optionally, be
integrated in a table format, may be distributed throughout a
casino or other gaming site, or may include both grouped and
distributed player stations. While some features may be automated
through electronic interfaces (e.g., virtual cards, virtual chips,
etc.), some features may remain in the physical domain. As such,
the game play may be administered by a live dealer, a virtual
dealer, or a combination of both.
[0106] Referring to FIG. 6, an example of a suitable table 400
configured for implementation of embodiments of wagering games
according to the present disclosure is shown. The table 400 may
include a playing surface 404. The table 400 may include a
plurality of player stations 412a through 412g. Each player station
412a through 412g may include a player interface 416a through 416g,
which may be used for displaying game information (e.g., game
instructions, input options, wager information including virtual
chips, game outcomes, etc.). The player interface 416a through 416g
may include a display screen in the form of a touch screen, which
may be at least substantially flush with the playing surface 404 in
some embodiments. Each player interface 416a through 416g may be
coupled respectively with its own local game processor 414a through
414g (shown in dashed lines), although in some embodiments, a
central game processor 428 (shown in dashed lines) may be employed
and communicate directly to player interfaces 416a through 416g. In
some embodiments, a combination of individual local game processors
414a through 414g and a central game processor 428 may be
employed.
[0107] A communication device 460 may be included and operably
coupled to one or more of the local processors 414, the central
game processor 428, or combinations thereof, such that information
related operation of the table 400, information related to the game
play, or combinations thereof may be communicated between the table
400 and other devices (not shown) through a suitable communication
media, such, as, for example, wired networks, Wi-Fi networks, and
cellular communication networks.
[0108] The table 400 may further include additional features, such
as a dealer chip tray 420, which may be used by the dealer to cash
players in and out of the wagering game, whereas wagers and balance
adjustments during game play may be performed using virtual chips.
For embodiments using physical cards 406a and 406b, the table 400
may further include a card handling device 422 that may be
configured to shuffle, read, and deliver physical cards for the
dealer and players to use during game play or, alternatively, a
card shoe configured to read and deliver cards that have already
been randomized. For embodiments using virtual cards, such virtual
cards may be displayed at the individual player interfaces 416a
through 416g. Common virtual cards may be displayed in a common
card area (not shown).
[0109] The table 400 may further include a dealer interface 418,
which, like the player interfaces 414a through 414g, may include
touch screen controls for assisting the dealer in administering the
wagering game. The table 400 may further include an upright display
430 configured to display images that depict game information such
as pay tables, hand counts, historical win/loss information by
player, and a wide variety of other information considered useful
to the players. The upright display 430 may be double sided to
provide such information to players as well as to the casino
pit.
[0110] Further detail of an example of a table and player displays
is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2010/0016050,
filed Jul. 15, 2008, and titled "Split Screen on a Chipless Gaming
Table," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its
entirety by this reference. Although an embodiment is described
showing individual discrete player stations, in some embodiments,
the entire playing surface 404 may be an electronic display that is
logically partitioned to permit game play from a plurality of
players for receiving inputs from, and displaying game information
to, the players, the dealer, or both.
[0111] Referring to FIG. 7, another example of a suitable table 500
configured for implementation of embodiments of wagering games
having a virtual dealer according to the present disclosure is
shown. The table 500 may include player positions 514a through 514e
that are arranged in a bank about an arcuate edge 520 of a video
device 558 that may comprise a card screen 564 and a dealer screen
560. The dealer screen 560 may display a video simulation of the
dealer (i.e., a virtual dealer) for interacting with the video
device 558, such as through processing one or more stored programs
stored in memory 595 to implement the rules of game play at the
video device 558. The dealer screen 560 may be carried by a
generally vertically extending cabinet 562 of the video device 558.
The card screen 564 may be configured to display at least one or
more of the dealer's cards, community cards, and/or player's cards
by the virtual dealer on the dealer screen 560 (virtual dealer not
shown in FIG. 7).
[0112] Each of the player positions 514a through 514e may include a
player interface area 532a through 532e, which is configured for
wagering and game play interactions with the video device 558
and/or virtual dealer. Accordingly, game play may be accommodated
without involving physical playing cards, poker chips, and/or live
personnel. The action may instead be simulated by a control
processor 597 interacting with and controlling the video device
558. The control processor 597 may be located internally within, or
otherwise proximate to, the video device 558. The control processor
597 may be programmed, by known techniques, to implement the rules
of game play at the video device 558. As such, the control
processor 597 may interact and communicate with display/input
interfaces and data entry inputs for each player interface area
532a through 532e of the video device 558. Other embodiments of
tables and gaming devices may include a control processor that may
be similarly adapted to the specific configuration of its
associated device.
[0113] A communication device 599 may be included and operably
coupled to the control processor 597 such that information related
operation of the table 500, information related to the game play,
or combinations thereof may be communicated between the table 500
and other devices (not shown) through a suitable communication
media, such, as, for example, wired networks, Wi-Fi networks, and
cellular communication networks.
[0114] The video device 558 may further include banners (not shown)
configured to communicate rules of play and/or the like, which may
be located along one or more walls 570 of the cabinet 562. The
video device 558 may further include additional decorative lights
(not shown) and speakers (not shown), which may be located on an
underside surface 566, for example, of a generally horizontally
depending top 568 of the cabinet 562 of the video device 558
generally extending toward the player positions 514a through
514e.
[0115] Further detail of an example of a table and player displays
is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2005/0164762,
filed Jan. 26, 2004, and titled "Automated Multiplayer Game table
with Unique Image Feed of Dealer," the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. Although an
embodiment is described showing individual discrete player
stations, in some embodiments, the entire playing surface (e.g.,
player interface areas 532a through 532e, card display 564, etc.)
may be an electronic display that is logically partitioned to
permit game play from a plurality of players for receiving inputs
from, and displaying game information to, the players, the dealer,
or both.
[0116] Wagering games in accordance with embodiments of the
disclosure may be administered over the Internet, or otherwise
online, in one embodiment using a gaming system employing a client
server architecture. Referring to FIG. 8, a schematic block diagram
of a gaming system 600 for implementing wagering games according to
an embodiment is shown. The gaming system 600 enables end users to
access proprietary and/or non-proprietary game content. Such game
content may include, without limitation, various types of wagering
games such as card games, dice games, big wheel games, roulette,
scratch off games ("scratchers"), and any other wagering game where
the game outcome is determined, in whole or in part, by one or more
random events. This includes, but is not be limited to, Class II
and Class III games as defined under 25 U.S.C. .sctn.2701 et seq.
("Indian Gaming Regulatory Act"). Such games may include banked
and/or non-banked games.
[0117] The wagering games supported by the gaming system 600 may be
operated with real currency or with virtual credits or other
virtual (e.g., electronic) value indicia. For example, the real
currency option may be used with traditional casino and
lottery-type wagering games in which money or other items of value
are wagered and may be cashed out at the end of a game session. The
virtual credits option may be used with wagering games in which
credits (or other symbols) may be issued to a player to be used for
the wagers. A player may be credited with credits in any way
allowed, including, but not limited to, a player purchasing
credits, being awarded credits as part of a contest or a win event
in this or another game (including non-wagering games), being
awarded credits as a reward for use of a product, casino or other
enterprise, time played in one session, games played, or may be as
simple as virtual credits upon logging in at a particular time or
with a particular frequency, etc. Although credits may be won or
lost, the ability of the player to cash out credits may be
controlled or prevented. In one example, credits acquired (e.g.,
purchased or awarded) for use in a play-for-fun game may be limited
to non-monetary redemption items, awards, or credits usable in the
future or for another game or gaming session. The same credit
redemption restrictions may be applied to some or all of credits
won in a wagering game as well.
[0118] An additional variation includes web-based sites having both
play-for-fun and wagering games, including issuance of free
(non-monetary) credits usable to play the play-for-fun games. This
may attract players to the site and to the games before they engage
in wagering. In some embodiments, a limited number of free or
promotional credits may be issued to entice players to play the
games. Another method of issuing credits includes free credits in
exchange for identifying friends who may want to play. In another
embodiment, additional credits may be issued after a period of time
has elapsed to encourage the player to resume playing the game. The
system may enable players to buy additional game credits to allow
the player to resume play. Objects of value may be awarded to
play-for-fun players, which may or may not be in a direct exchange
for credits. For example, a prize may be awarded or won for a
highest scoring play-for-fun player during a defined time interval.
All variations of credit redemption are contemplated, as desired by
game designers and game hosts (the person or entity controlling the
hosting systems).
[0119] The gaming system 600 may include a gaming platform that
establishes a portal for an end user to access a wagering game
hosted by a game server 606 through a user interaction server 602.
The user device 620 may communicate with a user interaction server
602 of the gaming system 600 using a network 630 (e.g., the
Internet). The user interaction server 602 may communicate with the
game server 606 and provide game information to the user. In some
embodiments, the game server 606 may also be a game engine. In some
embodiments, a single user device communicates with a game provided
by the game server 606, while other embodiments may include a
plurality of user devices 620 configured to communicate and provide
end users with access to the same game provided by the game server
606. In addition, a plurality of end users may access a single user
interaction server 602, or a plurality of user interaction servers
602, to access game server 606.
[0120] The user interaction server 602 may communicate with the
user device 620 to enable access to the gaming system 600. The user
interaction server 602 may enable a user to create and access a
user account and interact with gaming server 606. The user
interaction server 602 may enable users to initiate new games, join
existing games, and interface with games being played by the
user.
[0121] The user interaction server 602 may also provide a client
622 for execution on the user device 620 for accessing the gaming
system 600. The client 622 provided by the gaming system 600 for
execution on the user device 620 can comprise a variety of
implementations according to the user device 620 and method of
communication with the gaming system 600. In one embodiment, the
user device 620 connects to the gaming system 600 using a web
browser and the client 622 executes within a browser window or
frame of the web browser. In another embodiment, the client 622 is
a stand-alone executable on the user device 620.
[0122] In one embodiment, the client 622 may comprise a relatively
small amount of script (e.g., JavaScript.RTM.), also referred to as
a "script driver," including scripting language that controls an
interface of the client 622. The script driver may include simple
function calls requesting information from the gaming system 600.
In other words, the script driver stored in the client 622 may
merely include calls to functions that are externally defined by,
and executed by, the gaming system 600. As a result, the client 622
may be characterized as a "thin client." As that term is used
herein, the client 622 may be little more than a script player. The
client 622 may simply send requests to the gaming system 600 rather
than performing logic itself. The client 622 receives player inputs
and the player inputs are passed to gaming system 600 for
processing and executing the wagering game. In one embodiment, this
includes providing specific graphical display information to client
622, as well as game outcomes.
[0123] In other embodiments, the client 622 comprises an executable
file rather than a script. In that case, client 622 may do more
local processing than does a script driver, such as calculating
where to show what game symbols upon receiving a game outcome from
game server 606 through user interaction server 602. In one
embodiment, it may be that portions of asset server 604 are loaded
onto the client 622, and used by the client 622 in processing and
updating graphical displays. Due to security and integrity
concerns, most embodiments will have the bulk of the processing of
the game play performed in the gaming system 600. However, some
embodiments may include significant game processing by client 622
when the client and user device 620 are considered trustworthy or
when there is reduced concern for security and integrity in the
displayed game outcome. In most embodiments, it is expected that
some form of data protection, such as end-to-end encryption, will
be used when data is transported over network 630. Network 630 may
be any network, including, but not limited to, the Internet.
[0124] In an embodiment where the client 622 implements further
logic and game control methodology beyond a thin client, the client
622 may parse and define player interactions prior to passing the
player interactions to the gaming system 600. Likewise, when the
client 622 receives a gaming interaction from the gaming system
600, the client 622 may be configured to determine how to modify
the display as a result of the gaming interaction. The client 622
may also allow the player to change a perspective or otherwise
interact with elements of the display which do not change aspects
of the game.
[0125] In one form of the invention, the client 622 is part of an
online casino that enables game play on gaming system 600 by
players playing on a user device 620. The client 622 provides a
portal to the gaming system 600 and the player may not be aware
that a game that is being played on the online casino is being
administered by the gaming system 600. In other embodiments, the
gaming system 600 is an integral part of the online casino. In
other embodiments, the gaming system 600 is operated by a different
entity than the entity that operates the online casino.
[0126] The gaming system 600 may include an asset server 604, which
may host various media assets (e.g., audio, video, and image files)
that may be sent to the client 622 for presenting the various
wagering games to the end user. In other words, in this embodiment
the assets presented to the end user may be stored separately from
the client 622. In one embodiment, the client 622 requests the
assets appropriate for the game played by the user; in other
embodiments, especially those using thin clients, just those assets
that are needed for a particular display event will be sent by game
server 600 when the game server 600 determines they are needed,
including as few as one asset. In one example, the client 622 may
call a function defined at the user interaction server 602 or asset
server 604, which may determine which assets are to be delivered to
the client 622 as well as how the assets are to be presented by the
client 622 to the end user. Different assets may correspond to the
various clients that may have access to the game server 606 or to
different games to be played.
[0127] The game server 606 is configured to perform game play
methods and determine game play outcomes that are provided to the
user interaction server 602 to be transmitted to user device 620
for display on the end user's computer. For example, the game
server 606 may include game rules for one or more wagering games,
such that the game server 606 controls some or all of the game flow
for a selected wagering game, as well as determining game outcomes.
Game server 606 may include pay tables and other game logic. The
game server 606 also performs random number generation for
determining random game elements of the wagering game. In one
embodiment, the game server 606 is separated from the user
interaction server 602 by a firewall or other method of preventing
unauthorized access to the game server 606 from the general members
of the network 630.
[0128] The user device 620 may present a gaming interface to the
player and communicate the user interaction to the gaming system
600. The user device 620 may be any electronic system capable of
displaying gaming information, receiving user input, and
communicating the user input to the gaming system 600. As such, the
user device 620 can be a desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet
computer, a set-top box, a mobile device, including, but not
limited to, smart phones, a kiosk, a terminal, or another computing
device. The user device 620 may operate the client. When the user
device operates the client 622, the user device may comprise an
interactive electronic gaming system 300 (see FIG. 5), as described
above. The client 622 may be a specialized application or may be
executed within a generalized application capable of interpreting
instructions from the interactive gaming system 600, such as a web
browser.
[0129] The client 622 may interface with an end user through a web
page, or an application that runs on a device, including, but not
limited to, a smartphone, a tablet, or a general computer, or be
any other computer program configurable to access the gaming system
600. The client 622 may be illustrated within a casino webpage (or
other interface) indicating that the client 622 is embedded into a
webpage, which is supported by a web browser executing on the user
device 620.
[0130] In one embodiment, the gaming system 600 may be operated by
different entities. The user device 620 and/or device housing the
client 622 may be operated by a third party, such as a casino or an
individual, that links to the gaming system 600, which may be
operated, for example, by a wagering game service provider.
Therefore, in some embodiments, the user device 620 and client 622
may be operated by a different administrator than the operator of
the game server 606. In other words, the user device 620 may be
part of a third-party system that does not administer or otherwise
control the gaming system 600 or game server 606. In another
embodiment, the user interaction server 602 and asset server 604
are provided by a third-party system. For example, a gaming entity
(e.g., a casino) may operate the user interaction server 602 or
user device 620 to provide its customers access to game content
managed by a different entity, which may control game server 606,
amongst other functionality. In some embodiments, these functions
are operated by the same administrator. For example, a gaming
entity (e.g., a casino) may elect to perform each of these
functions in-house, such as providing both the access to the user
device 620 and the actual game content and providing administration
of the gaming system 600.
[0131] The gaming system 600 may communicate with one or more
external account servers 610, optionally through another firewall.
For example, the gaming system 600 itself may not directly accept
wagers or issue payouts. That is, the gaming system 600 may
facilitate online casino gaming, but may not be part of a
self-contained online casino itself. Instead, the gaming system 600
may facilitate the play of wagering games owned and controlled by a
company offering games and gaming products and services, such as
SHFL entertainment, Inc. Another entity (e.g., a casino or any
account holder or financial system of record) may operate and
maintain its external account servers 610 to accept bets and make
payout distributions. The gaming system 600 may communicate with
the account servers 610 to verify the existence of funds for
wagering, and instruct the account server 610 to execute debits and
credits.
[0132] In some embodiments, the gaming system 600 may directly
accept bets and make payout distributions, such as in the case
where an administrator of the gaming system 600 operates as a
casino. As discussed above, the gaming system 600 may be integrated
within the operations of a casino rather than separating out
functionality (e.g., game content, game play, credits, debits,
etc.) among different entities. In addition, for play-for-fun
wagering games, the gaming system 600 may issue credits, take bets,
and manage the balance of the credits according to the game
outcomes, but may not permit payout distributions or be linked to
an account server 610 that permits payout distributions. Such
credits may be issued for free, through purchase, or for other
reasons, without the ability for the player to cash out. Such
play-for-fun wagering games may be played on platforms that do not
permit traditional gambling, such as to comply with jurisdictions
that do not permit online gambling.
[0133] The gaming system 600 may be configured in many ways, from a
fully integrated single system to a distributed server
architecture. The asset server 604, user interaction server 602,
game server 606, and account server 610 may be configured as a
single, integrated system of code modules running on a single
server or machine, where each of the servers is functionally
implemented on a single machine. In such a case, the functionality
described herein may not be implemented as separate code modules.
The asset server 604, user interaction server 602, game server 606,
and account server 610 may also be implemented as a plurality of
independent servers, each using its own code modules running on a
separate physical machine, and may further include one or more
firewalls between selected servers (depending on security needs).
Each server could communicate over some kind of networked
connection, potentially as varied as that described for network
630. Further, each single server shown in FIG. 8 may be implemented
as a plurality of servers with load balancing and scalability
factors built into the embodiment. All such embodiments and
variations are fully contemplated.
[0134] Additional features may be supported by the game server 606,
such as hacking and cheating detection, data storage and archival,
metrics generation, messages generation, output formatting for
different end user devices, as well as other features and
operations. For example, the gaming system 600 may include
additional features and configurations as described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/353,194, filed Jan. 18, 2012, and
application Ser. No. 13/609,031, filed Sep. 10, 2012 both titled
"Network Gaming Architecture, Gaming Systems, and Related Methods,"
the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety
by this reference.
[0135] The network 630 may enable communications between the user
device 620 and the gaming system 600. A network (not shown) may
also connect the gaming system 600 and account server 610, and,
further, one or more networks (not shown) may interconnect one or
more of the other servers shown collectively as game system 600. In
one embodiment, the network 630 uses standard communications
technologies and/or protocols. Thus, the network 630 can include
links using technologies such as Ethernet, 802.11, worldwide
interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), 3G, digital
subscriber line (DSL), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM),
InfiniBand.RTM., PCI Express Advanced Switching, etc. Similarly,
the networking protocols used on the network 630 can include
multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), the transmission control
protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP), the User Datagram Protocol
(UDP), the hypertext transport protocol (HTTP), the simple mail
transfer protocol (SMTP), the file transfer protocol (FTP), etc.
The data exchanged over the network 630 can be represented using
technologies and/or formats including the hypertext markup language
(HTML), the extensible markup language (XML), etc. In addition, all
or some of the links can be encrypted using conventional encryption
technologies such as secure sockets layer (SSL), transport layer
security (TLS), virtual private networks (VPNs), Internet Protocol
security (IPsec), etc. In another embodiment, the entities can use
custom and/or dedicated data communications technologies instead
of, or in addition to, the ones described above. Depending upon the
embodiment, the network 630 can include links comprising one or
more networks such as the Internet.
[0136] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a gaming system for
implementing embodiments of wagering games including a live dealer
feed. Features of the gaming system 600 as described above are
generally implemented by this embodiment, except as further
described. In this embodiment, rather than cards being determined
by a computerized random process, cards are dealt by a dealer 650
at a table 640 from a card handling system 660. A table manager 648
assists the dealer 650 in facilitating play of the game by
transmitting a video feed of the dealer's actions to the user
device 620 and transmitting player elections to the dealer 650. As
described above, the table manager 648 communicates with a gaming
system 600 to provide gaming at table 640 to users of the gaming
system 600. Thus, the table manager 648 communicates with the user
device 620 through a network, and may be a part of a larger online
casino, or may be operated as a separate system that facilitates
game play. In various embodiments, each table 640 is managed by an
individual table manager 648 constituting a gaming device, which
receives and processes information relating to that table. For
simplicity of description, these functions are described as being
performed by the table manager 648, though certain functions may be
performed by an intermediary gaming system 600. In some
embodiments, the gaming system 600 may match players to tables 640
and facilitate transfer of information between user devices and
gaming devices, such as wagering amounts and player action
elections, but does not manage gameplay at individual tables. In
other embodiments, functions of the table manager 648 are
incorporated into a gaming system 600.
[0137] The table 640 includes a camera 670 and optionally a
microphone 672 that capture video and audio feeds relating to the
table 640. The camera 670 is trained on the dealer 650, play area
642, and card handling system 660. As the game is administered by
the dealer 650, the player using the user device 620 is shown the
video feed captured by the camera 670 and any audio captured by the
microphone 672.
[0138] The card handling system 660 is typically a shuffling
device, though the card handling system 660 may also be a shoe for
dispensing cards. When the game play rules require cards to be
dealt, the dealer 650 obtains card from the card handling system
660 and places the card in the appropriate location in a play area
642. The play area 642 depicts player positions and any applicable
card locations for playing the same, such as shown in FIGS. 2 &
3. As determined by the rules of the game, the player at the user
device 620 is presented options for responding to an event in the
game using a client 622 as described with reference to FIG. 8.
[0139] The user device 620 presents the options to the player and
permits the player to select an election from among the options.
The election is transmitted to the table manager 648, which
provides player elections to the dealer 650 using a dealer display
646 and player action indicator 644 on the table 640. The dealer
display 646 and player action indicator 644 provide information to
the dealer 650 regarding the game play and elections made by
players. Using the dealer display 646, for example, the dealer 650
may obtain information regarding where to deal the next card, or
which player position is responsible for the next action.
[0140] In one embodiment, the table manager 648 receives card
information from the card handling system 660 describing cards
dealt by the card handling system 660. The card handling system 660
may include a card reader that determines card information from the
card. For example, the card handling system 660 may process an
image of the card, or the card handling system 660 may include a
barcode reader or other system for obtaining information regarding
each card. The card information may include rank and suit of each
dealt card, which is obtained by the card handling system 660 and
transmitted to the table manager 648. The card handling system 660
may also dispense more than one card at once, or identify a set of
cards dispensed together as a hand. One example card handling
system 660 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,070,574, which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0141] Using the card information, the table manager 648 identifies
hands associated with each player and, when applicable, the dealer.
The table manager 648 uses the card information and identified
hands, along with the elected player decisions, to determine
gameplay events and, using the rules of the game, determine wager
results. Alternatively, the wager results are determined by the
dealer 650 and input to the table manager 648, and may be used to
confirm automatically determined results by the gaming system.
Optionally, the card information relating to cards viewable by a
player is also transmitted to the user device associated with the
player, permitting representations of the cards to be displayed to
the user in addition to the cards viewed in the play area 642.
[0142] The live video feed permits the dealer to show cards dealt
by the card handling system and play the game as though the player
were at a live casino. In addition, the dealer can prompt a user by
announcing a player's election is to be performed. In embodiments
where a microphone 672 is included, the dealer 650 can verbally
announce action or request an election by a player. In some
embodiments, the user device 620 also includes a camera or
microphone, which also captures feeds to be shared with the dealer
650 and other players.
[0143] Referring to FIG. 10, a high-level block diagram of a
computer system 740 for acting as a gaming system 600 (see FIGS. 8
& 9) according to one embodiment is shown. Illustrated are at
least one processor 742 coupled to a chipset 744, as indicated in
dashed lines. Also coupled to the chipset 744 are a memory 746, a
storage device 748, a keyboard 750, a graphics adapter 752, a
pointing device 754, and a network adapter 756. A display 758 is
coupled to the graphics adapter 752. In one embodiment, the
functionality of the chipset 744 is provided by a memory controller
hub 760 and an I/O controller hub 762. In another embodiment, the
memory 746 is coupled directly to the processor 742 instead of the
chipset 744.
[0144] The storage device 748 is any non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium, such as a hard drive, a compact
disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), DVD, or a solid-state memory device
(e.g., a flash drive). The memory 746 holds instructions and data
used by the processor 742. The pointing device 754 may be a mouse,
a track pad, a track ball, or other type of pointing device, and is
used in combination with the keyboard 750 to input data into the
computer system 740. The graphics adapter 752 displays images and
other information on the display 758. The network adapter 756
couples the computer system 740 to a local or wide area
network.
[0145] As is known in the art, a computer system 740 can have
different and/or other components than those shown in FIG. 9. In
addition, the computer system 740 can lack certain illustrated
components. In one embodiment, a computer system 740 acting as a
gaming system 700 lacks a keyboard 750, pointing device 754,
graphics adapter 752, and/or display 758. Moreover, the storage
device 748 can be local and/or remote from the computer system 740
(such as embodied within a storage area network (SAN)). Moreover,
other input devices, such as, for example, touch screens may be
included.
[0146] The network adapter 756 (may also be referred to herein as a
communication device) may include one or more devices for
communicating using one or more of the communication media and
protocols discussed above with respect to FIG. 8.
[0147] In addition, some or all of the components of this general
computer system 740 of FIG. 10 may be used as part of the processor
and memory discussed above with respect to the systems of FIGS. 5,
6, and 7.
[0148] The gaming system 600 may comprise several such computer
systems 740. The gaming system 600 may include load balancers,
firewalls, and various other components for assisting the gaming
system 600 to provide services to a variety of user devices.
[0149] As is known in the art, the computer system 740 is adapted
to execute computer program modules for providing functionality
described herein. As used herein, the term "module" refers to
computer program logic utilized to provide the specified
functionality. Thus, a module can be implemented in hardware,
firmware, and/or software. In one embodiment, program modules are
stored on the storage device 748, loaded into the memory 746, and
executed by the processor 742.
[0150] Embodiments of the entities described herein can include
other and/or different modules than the ones described here. In
addition, the functionality attributed to the modules can be
performed by other or different modules in other embodiments.
Moreover, this description occasionally omits the term "module" for
purposes of clarity and convenience.
[0151] Some portions of the disclosure are presented in terms of
algorithms (e.g., as represented in flowcharts, prose descriptions,
or both) and symbolic representations of operations on data bits
within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and
representations are the means used by those skilled in the data
processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their
work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and
generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps
(instructions) leading to a desired result. The steps are those
requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually,
though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of
electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored,
transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It is
convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to
refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols,
characters, terms, numbers, or the like. Furthermore, it is also
convenient at times to refer to certain arrangements of steps
requiring physical manipulations or transformation of physical
quantities or representations of physical quantities as modules or
code devices, without loss of generality.
[0152] However, all of these and similar terms are to be associated
with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient
labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated
otherwise as apparent from the following discussion, it is
appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing
terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating,"
"determining," "displaying," "determining," or the like, refer to
the action and processes of a computer system, or similar
electronic computing device (such as a specific computing machine),
that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical
(electronic) quantities within the computer system memories or
registers or other such information storage, transmission or
display devices.
[0153] Certain aspects of the embodiments include process steps and
instructions described herein in the form of an algorithm. It
should be noted that the process steps and instructions of the
embodiments can be embodied in software, firmware, or hardware, and
when embodied in software, could be downloaded to reside on and be
operated from different platforms used by a variety of operating
systems. The embodiments can also be in a computer program product,
which can be executed on a computing system.
[0154] Some embodiments also relate to an apparatus for performing
the operations herein. Such an apparatus may be specially
constructed for the purposes, e.g., a specific computer, or it may
comprise a general-purpose computer selectively activated or
reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a
computer program may be stored in a computer-readable storage
medium, such as, but is not limited to, any type of disk including
floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic-optical disks,
read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), EPROMs,
EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, application specific integrated
circuits (ASICs), or any type of media suitable for storing
electronic instructions, and each coupled to a computer system bus.
Memory can include any of the above and/or other devices that can
store information/data/programs and can be a transient or
non-transient medium, where a non-transient or non-transitory
medium can include memory/storage that stores information for more
than a minimal duration. Furthermore, the computers referred to in
the specification may include a single processor or may be
architectures employing multiple processor designs for increased
computing capability.
[0155] The algorithms and displays presented herein are not
inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus.
Various general-purpose systems may also be used with programs in
accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to
construct more specialized apparatus to perform the method steps.
The structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the
description herein. In addition, the embodiments are not described
with reference to any particular programming language. It will be
appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to
implement the teachings of the embodiments as described herein, and
any references herein to specific languages are provided for the
purposes of enablement and best mode.
[0156] While certain illustrative embodiments have been described
in connection with the figures, those of ordinary skill in the art
will recognize and appreciate that embodiments encompassed by the
disclosure are not limited to those embodiments explicitly shown
and described herein. Rather, many additions, deletions, and
modifications to the embodiments described herein may be made
without departing from the scope of embodiments encompassed by the
disclosure, such as those hereinafter claimed, including legal
equivalents. In addition, features from one disclosed embodiment
may be combined with features of another disclosed embodiment while
still being within the scope of the disclosure, as contemplated by
the inventor.
* * * * *