U.S. patent application number 13/844617 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for wide area gaming table system.
The applicant listed for this patent is NOVEL TECH INTERNATIONAL LIMITED. Invention is credited to Jay Chun.
Application Number | 20140274252 13/844617 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51529479 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140274252 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chun; Jay |
September 18, 2014 |
WIDE AREA GAMING TABLE SYSTEM
Abstract
An electronic gaming table adapted to host table games involving
wagers includes a physical surface adapted for the play of live
table games that include live players and the use of a live dealer
and physical game components, multiple player terminals having
separate processors, a master table controller in communication
with each of the player terminal processors and adapted to control
a plurality of electronic gaming table functions, and at least one
interface in communication with the master table controller and one
or more additional electronic gaming tables remotely located from
the electronic gaming table. Each player terminal allows for a live
player stationed thereat to participate in a first live table game
directly at the electronic gaming table and also a second live
table game remotely at a remotely located table. The first and
second live table games can be different games, and can be played
simultaneously.
Inventors: |
Chun; Jay; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NOVEL TECH INTERNATIONAL LIMITED |
Hong Kong |
|
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
51529479 |
Appl. No.: |
13/844617 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/11 ; 463/25;
463/36; 463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3225 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3223 20130101; G07F 17/3218 20130101;
G07F 17/322 20130101; G07F 17/3262 20130101; A63F 2003/00164
20130101; G07F 17/3293 20130101; G07F 17/3272 20130101; A63F 13/30
20140902 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/11 ; 463/42;
463/36; 463/25 |
International
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20060101
G07F017/32 |
Claims
1. An electronic gaming table adapted to host table games involving
wagers, table games based on the wagers, and monetary awards based
on the results of the table games, the electronic gaming table
comprising: a physical surface adapted for the play of live table
games that include the use of a live dealer and physical game
components; a dealer station situated proximate said physical
surface and adapted to provide for the presence of a live dealer at
the electronic gaming table, wherein the live dealer facilitates
the play of said live table games; a plurality of player terminals
situated proximate to and distributed about said physical surface,
wherein each of said plurality of player terminals provides for the
presence of a live player at the electronic gaming table and
includes a player terminal processor coupled to a player interface
having one or more player input devices and one or more player
output devices; a master table controller in communication with
each of said plurality of player terminal processors and adapted to
control a plurality of electronic gaming table functions; and at
least one interface in communication with said master table
controller and adapted for communications with one or more
additional electronic gaming tables remotely located from said
electronic gaming table, wherein at least one of said plurality of
player terminals is adapted to allow a live player stationed
thereat to participate in a first live table game at the electronic
gaming table and also a second live table game at one of the
additional remotely located electronic gaming tables.
2. The electronic gaming table of claim 1, wherein the first live
table game at the electronic gaming table is different than the
second live table game at the remotely located electronic gaming
table.
3. The electronic gaming table of claim 1, wherein said one or more
player input devices and one or more player output devices include
a camera and a video screen.
4. The electronic gaming table of claim 3, wherein the camera is
adapted to capture a gesture of the live player, convert the
gesture to an equivalent game command, and associate the game
command to the player position at the electronic gaming table.
5. The electronic gaming table of claim 1, wherein the first live
table game and second live table game are played
simultaneously.
6. The electronic gaming table of claim 1, wherein each of said
plurality of player terminals includes a touchscreen, buttons, bill
acceptor, printer and card reader.
7. The electronic gaming table of claim 1, further including: an
electronic shoe in communication with said master table controller
and adapted to hold playing cards for the play of a live table
game, wherein said electronic shoe is further adapted to read the
playing cards and communicate information therefor to said master
table controller.
8. The electronic gaming table of claim 1, further comprising: a
camera situated proximate the physical surface and operatively
coupled to the master table controller, the camera being configured
to collect information on one or more live game play actions of the
first live table game.
9. The electronic gaming table of claim 8, wherein the one or more
live game play actions are selected from the group consisting of:
shuffling cards, cutting a card deck, dealing cards, squeezing
cards, game flow control gestures by the dealer, collecting used
cards, and combinations thereof.
10. The electronic gaming table of claim 9, wherein the camera is
adapted to transmit video of the one or more live game play actions
to the remotely located electronic gaming table such that the video
can be presented to one or more players at the remotely located
electronic gaming table.
11. The electronic gaming table of claim 8, wherein the one or more
live game play actions are associated with the physical game
components.
12. The electronic gaming table of claim 1, wherein the physical
game components are selected from the group consisting of: one or
more playing cards, one or more mechanical wheels rotatable about
one axle, one or more physical dice, one or more monetary value
chips, one or more banker or dealer buttons or tokens, and
combinations thereof.
13. The electronic gaming table of claim 1, further comprising: at
least one community display configured to display community
information, wherein the at least one community display is situated
proximate the physical surface and operatively coupled to the
master table controller.
14. The electronic gaming table of claim 15, wherein the community
information is selected from the group consisting of: previous game
results, leader board rankings, wagering statistics, win-loss
statistics, current jackpot amounts, bonusing status, minimum wager
requirements, and combinations thereof.
15. The electronic gaming table of claim 1, wherein said at least
one player terminal is adapted to conduct financial transactions
between the live player and one or more remotely located network
devices via said at least one interface.
16. An electronic gaming table system, comprising: a plurality of
electronic gaming tables adapted to host table games involving
wagers, table games based on the wagers, and monetary awards based
on the results of the table games, wherein at least two of said
plurality of electronic gaming tables are located remotely from
each other and each includes: a physical surface adapted for the
play of live table games that include the use of a live dealer and
physical game components, a dealer station situated proximate said
physical surface and adapted to provide for the presence of a live
dealer at the electronic gaming table, wherein the live dealer
facilitates the play of said live table games, a plurality of
player terminals situated proximate to and distributed about said
physical surface, wherein each of said plurality of player
terminals provides for the presence of a live player at the
electronic gaming table and includes a player terminal processor
coupled to a player interface having one or more player input
devices and one or more player output devices, a master table
controller in communication with each of said plurality of player
terminal processors and adapted to control a plurality of
electronic gaming table functions, and at least one interface in
communication with said master table controller and adapted for
communications with the remaining electronic gaming tables from
said at least two electronic gaming tables, wherein at least one of
said plurality of player terminals is adapted to allow a live
player stationed thereat to participate in a live table game at the
electronic gaming table and also another live table game at one of
the remaining electronic gaming tables; and an electronic gaming
table host server located remotely from and in communication with
said at least two electronic gaming tables, said electronic gaming
table host server being adapted to facilitate communications
between said at least two electronic gaming tables.
17. The electronic gaming table system of claim 16, wherein a first
live table game at a first electronic gaming table from said at
least two electronic gaming tables is different than a second live
table game at a second electronic gaming table from said at least
two electronic gaming tables.
18. The electronic gaming table system of claim 17, wherein the
first live table game and second live table game are played
simultaneously.
19. The electronic gaming table system of claim 16, wherein said
one or more player input devices and one or more player output
devices include a camera and a video screen.
20. The electronic gaming table system of claim 19, wherein the
camera is adapted to capture a gesture of the live player, convert
the gesture to an equivalent game command, and associate the game
command to the player position at the electronic gaming table.
21. The electronic gaming table system of claim 16, further
including: a financial server in communication with each of said at
least two electronic gaming tables, said financial server being
adapted to facilitate financial transactions from said at least two
electronic gaming tables.
22. The electronic gaming table system of claim 21, wherein one or
more of said player terminal is adapted to conduct financial
transactions between a live player and said financial server.
23. The electronic gaming table system of claim 16, further
comprising: a plurality of remote player terminals located
separately from all of the plurality of electronic gaming tables,
each of said plurality of remote player terminals being adapted to
allow a remote player not present at any of plurality of electronic
gaming tables to participate in a live table game at one of the
electronic gaming tables and also another live table game at
another of the electronic gaming tables, wherein each remote player
terminal includes a processor operatively coupled to: a player
interface having one or more player input devices and one or more
player output devices, the electronic gaming table host server, and
a financial server in communication with the plurality of
electronic gaming tables and the plurality of remote player
terminals, said financial server being adapted to facilitate
financial transactions between the plurality of electronic gaming
tables and the plurality of remote player terminals.
24. A method of providing live table games at a gaming table,
comprising: providing a first electronic gaming table adapted to
host table games involving wagers, table games based on the wagers,
and monetary awards based on the results of the table games;
establishing a communication connection between the first
electronic gaming table and a remotely located second electronic
gaming table also adapted to host table games involving wagers,
table games based on the wagers, and monetary awards based on the
results of the table games; presenting a first live table game
involving a live dealer at the first electronic gaming table,
wherein a live player located at the first electronic gaming table
participates in the first live table game; presenting a second live
table game at the second electronic gaming table; displaying a live
feed of at least a portion of the second live table game at the
first electronic gaming table, wherein the live player participates
in the second live table game while being located at the first
electronic gaming table; and awarding a prize or monetary payout to
the live player based on the outcome of the first live table game,
the second live table game, or both.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein said first electronic gaming
table includes: a physical surface adapted for the play of live
table games that include the use of a live dealer and physical game
components, a dealer station situated proximate said physical
surface and adapted to provide for the presence of a live dealer at
the first electronic gaming table, wherein the live dealer
facilitates the play of said live table games, a plurality of
player terminals situated proximate to and distributed about said
physical surface, wherein each of said plurality of player
terminals provides for the presence of a live player at the first
electronic gaming table and includes a player terminal processor
coupled to a player interface having one or more player input
devices and one or more player output devices, a master table
controller in communication with each of said plurality of player
terminal processors and adapted to control a plurality of
electronic gaming table functions, and at least one interface in
communication with said master table controller and adapted for
communications with the remaining electronic gaming tables from
said at least two electronic gaming tables, wherein at least one of
said plurality of player terminals is adapted to allow a live
player stationed thereat to participate in a live table game at the
electronic gaming table and also another live table game at one of
the remaining electronic gaming tables.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein said live feed comprises a
video feed.
27. The method of claim 24, wherein the first live table game and
second live table game are played simultaneously.
28. The method of claim 24, wherein the first live table game is
different than the second live table game.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to gaming machines
and systems, and more particularly to gaming tables having
automated components.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Wagering games such as baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and
various poker-based table games, among many others, are popular
games offered in casinos and other similar establishments. These
games are generally played on physical gaming tables having a live
actual dealer, felt layouts, cards, dice, chips and the like, or on
electronic gaming machines where the dealer, playing cards, chips
or other gaming elements may be virtual. Each of these platforms
has a limited capacity for players to participate in any particular
game due to a limited number of player positions or a limitation on
physical space about the table.
[0003] These space limitations have led to the introduction and
growing popularity of gaming table systems having remote gaming
terminals that essentially extend the capacity of a table game to
include additional players in the game. These remote gaming
terminals can be configured to facilitate the participation of
other players in a table game.
[0004] While gaming table systems have increased the player
capacity for table games, these systems are a relatively recent
development and there is always a desire improve the desirability
and functionality of such systems. What is desired then are
improved gaming table systems, particularly with respect to those
having the ability to allow players to participate in many live
table games from remote locations.
SUMMARY
[0005] It is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide
improved gaming table systems, particularly with respect to those
having the ability to allow players to participate in many live
table games from remote locations. This can be accomplished at
least in part through the use of electronic gaming tables adapted
to host live games with live dealers and physical game components,
where the various player terminals situated about the table allow a
live player to participate in live table games at the table and
also in live table games at another similar yet remotely located
table in communication with the first table. Remote player
terminals without a live game thereon that provide for such
multiple table participation can also be included.
[0006] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, an
electronic gaming table is adapted to host live table games
involving wagers, table games based on the wagers, and monetary
awards based on the results of the table games. The electronic
gaming table can include a physical surface adapted for the play of
live table games that include the use of a live dealer and physical
game components, as well as a dealer station situated proximate the
physical surface and adapted to provide for the presence of a live
dealer who facilitates the play of the live table games. The gaming
table can also include a plurality of player terminals situated
proximate to and distributed about the physical surface, wherein
each of the player terminals provides for the presence of a live
player at the table and includes a player terminal processor
coupled to a player interface having one or more player input
devices and one or more player output devices. In addition, a
master table controller can be in communication with each of the
player terminal processors and adapted to control a plurality of
electronic gaming table functions. Also, at least one interface can
be in communication with the master table controller and adapted
for communications with one or more additional electronic gaming
tables remotely located from the electronic gaming table. At least
one of the player terminals can adapted to allow a live player
stationed thereat to participate in a first live table game at the
electronic gaming table and also a second live table game at one of
the additional remotely located electronic gaming tables.
[0007] In various detailed embodiments, the first live table game
can be different than the second live table game. Also, the first
live table game and second live table game can be played
simultaneously. In some embodiments, the player input devices
player output devices can include a camera and a video screen. The
camera can be adapted to capture a gesture of the live player,
convert the gesture to an equivalent game command, and associate
the game command to the player position at the electronic gaming
table. The camera can be situated proximate the physical surface,
operatively coupled to the master table controller, and configured
to collect information on live game play actions at the table. Such
live game play actions can be associated with the physical game
components, and can include, for example, shuffling cards, cutting
a card deck, dealing cards, squeezing cards, game flow control
gestures by the dealer and/or collecting used cards. Also, the
camera can be adapted to transmit video of the game play actions to
the remotely located electronic gaming table such that the video
can be presented to players at the remotely located electronic
gaming table.
[0008] One or more player terminals can include a touchscreen,
buttons, bill acceptor, printer and/or card reader. In addition,
the table can include an electronic shoe in communication with the
master table controller, where the shoe can hold playing cards for
the play of a live table game and be adapted to read the playing
cards and communicate information therefor to the master table
controller. The physical game components can include one or more
playing cards, mechanical wheels rotatable about one axle, physical
dice, monetary value chips, and/or banker or dealer buttons or
tokens. In addition, the table can include at least one community
display configured to display community information, situated
proximate the physical surface and operatively coupled to the
master table controller. Such community information can include
previous game results, leader board rankings, wagering statistics,
win-loss statistics, current jackpot amounts, bonusing status,
and/or minimum wager requirements. In some embodiments, a player
terminal can be adapted to conduct financial transactions between
the live player and one or more remotely located network devices
via the interface.
[0009] In further embodiments, an electronic gaming table system
can include a plurality of electronic gaming tables such as any of
those set forth above, as well as an electronic gaming table host
server located remotely from and in communication with at least two
of the electronic gaming tables, where the electronic gaming table
host server is adapted to facilitate communications between the two
electronic gaming tables. Similar to the foregoing, a first live
table game at a first electronic gaming table can be different than
a second live table game at a second electronic gaming table. Also,
the first live table game and second live table game can be played
simultaneously. In addition to the foregoing, the system can
include a financial server in communication with each of the two
electronic gaming tables, where the financial server is adapted to
facilitate financial transactions from the two electronic gaming
tables. In particular, one or more player terminals at the tables
can be adapted to conduct financial transactions between a live
player and the financial server.
[0010] In various detailed system embodiments, a plurality of
remote player terminals can also be included. These remote player
terminals can be located separately from all of the plurality of
electronic gaming tables, and each of the remote player terminals
can be adapted to allow a remote player not present at any of the
electronic gaming tables to participate in a live table game at one
of the electronic gaming tables and also another live table game at
another of the electronic gaming tables. Each remote player
terminal can include a processor that is operatively coupled to a
player interface having one or more player input devices and one or
more player output devices, the electronic gaming table host
server, and a financial server in communication with the plurality
of electronic gaming tables and the plurality of remote player
terminals. The financial server can be adapted to facilitate
financial transactions between the plurality of electronic gaming
tables and the plurality of remote player terminals.
[0011] In still further embodiments, various methods of providing
live table games at a gaming table are provided. Pertinent method
steps can include providing a first electronic gaming table adapted
to host table games involving wagers, table games based on the
wagers, and monetary awards based on the results of the table
games, establishing a communication connection between the first
electronic gaming table and a remotely located second electronic
gaming table also adapted to host table games involving wagers,
table games based on the wagers, and monetary awards based on the
results of the table games, presenting a first live table game
involving a live dealer at the first electronic gaming table,
wherein a live player located at the first electronic gaming table
participates in the first live table game, presenting a second live
table game at the second electronic gaming table, displaying a live
feed of at least a portion of the second live table game at the
first electronic gaming table, wherein the live player participates
in the second live table game while being located at the first
electronic gaming table, and awarding a prize or monetary payout to
the live player based on the outcome of the first live table game,
the second live table game, or both. Such methods can be conducted
with one or more electronic gaming tables from those set forth
above. In various embodiments, the live feed comprises a video
feed. Again, the first live table game and the second live table
game can be played simultaneously. Also the first live table game
can be different than the second live table game. Other details
from the single table and system embodiments above can also apply
to the various detailed method embodiments.
[0012] Other apparatuses, methods, features and advantages of the
disclosure will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the
art upon examination of the following figures and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the disclosure, and be
protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and
serve only to provide examples of possible structures and
arrangements for the disclosed inventive apparatuses and methods
for wide area gaming tables and systems. These drawings in no way
limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the
disclosure by one skilled in the art without departing from the
spirit and scope of the disclosure.
[0014] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate in top and front perspective
views an exemplary electronic gaming table adapted for use in a
wide area gaming table system according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 2A illustrates in rear perspective view the exemplary
gaming table of FIGS. 1A and 1B according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 2B illustrates in top perspective view an exemplary
gaming table similar to that of FIGS. 1A and 1B an having a live
dealer and live players situated thereat according to one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 2C illustrates in block diagram format an exemplary
computing system for an electronic gaming table adapted for use in
a wide area gaming table system according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates in top plan view an exemplary overhead
layout for an alternative electronic gaming table adapted for use
in a wide area gaming table system according to one embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates in block diagram format an exemplary wide
area electronic gaming table system according to one embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 5 provides a flowchart of an exemplary method of
administering a live table game in a gaming table system having a
game server, games router and financial clearinghouse according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 6 provides a flowchart of an exemplary method of
broadcasting live games from an electronic gaming table across an
associated gaming table system according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 7 provides a flowchart of an exemplary method of
providing live table games at an electronic gaming table within a
gaming table system according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Exemplary applications of apparatuses and methods according
to the present disclosure are described in this section. These
examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the
understanding of the disclosure. It will thus be apparent to one
skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced
without some or all of these specific details. In other instances,
well known process steps have not been described in detail in order
to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Other
applications are possible, such that the following examples should
not be taken as limiting.
[0024] In the following detailed description, references are made
to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description
and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments of the present disclosure. Although these embodiments
are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art
to practice the disclosure, it is understood that these examples
are not limiting, such that other embodiments may be used, and
changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of
the disclosure.
[0025] The present disclosure relates in various embodiments to
systems and methods for providing, conducting and facilitating the
play of multiple wagering games at live electronic gaming tables
that can include live dealers, live players, live gaming
components, and an electronic platform. This disclosure may be
applied to any live table game, such as baccarat, blackjack,
roulette, craps, pai gow, sic bo, bingo, card games, and the like,
as well as any other type of game having a live or electronic
dealer and one or more players seated at a gaming table or
electronic gaming platform. The various embodiments disclosed
herein can be applied with respect to individual tables, entire
systems, and methods of running table games.
[0026] As discussed herein, this disclosure may also be applied in
a live electronic gaming table system that monitors a live table
game in which physical or virtual cards are dealt to one or more
players at a gaming table, or other gaming elements are employed
such as dice, and collects the randomly generated game play data.
The game play data collected is used to enable play of the same
live table game remotely through gaming terminals. The gaming
terminals may be any platform capable of receiving and transmitting
data, including "thin-client" platforms or platforms which do not
process game play data and "smart" platforms or platforms which
process game play data. The gaming terminal maybe stationary,
similar to the slot machines or electronic tables commonly seen at
the physical casino, or maybe portable electronic devices such as
smart phones, computer tablets, portable media players, laptop
computers, desktop computers, smart TV, and the like. Additionally,
the gaming network they attach to can be of wired (Ethernet, Token
Ring, Serial multidrop, etc.) or wireless variety (802.11x,
BlueTooth, LTE, 2G/3G/4G cellular, Zigbee, Ultra Wide Band, etc.)
known in the art. Thus, players interested in placing wagers on a
live-table games are not confined to the gaming table or casino
floor.
[0027] In general, the present disclosure pertains to a system of
electronic gaming tables that allows any participating player on
one table to also play on multiple other electronic gaming tables
at the same time. In addition, the system also allows remote player
terminals to participate as if the remote player has a seat at the
physical table. A relevant electronic gaming table system can
include live electronic tables ("eTables"), remote game terminals
(electronic gaming machine ("EGM"), smart phone, smart TV, tablet,
etc.), a central games repository and server that acquires the
available live games from each eTable, indexes them and broadcasts
the games and games history to other electronic tables, remote game
terminals, and remote gaming sites, a multi-site games traffic
server that receives remote game requests, verifies a player's
eligibility (location, ID, funds), enforces jurisdictional rules,
and routes eligible bets to the player's requested game "channel"
being broadcasted, a financial server that acts as a Central
Clearinghouse for remote wagers, and a network that connects the
electronic tables, remote game terminals, the games repository and
router, and the financial clearinghouse server. Other components
and items may also be present as desired.
[0028] In addition to the various components, details and other
aspects set forth herein with respect to the disclosed wide area
gaming table systems and remote gaming in general, further details
and explanations regarding remote gaming and table game systems can
be found at, for example, U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.
13/893,340; 13/542,446; 13/456,110; 13/042,633; 11/497,708;
11/312,150; 11/198,218; and 11/042,732, with the entire contents of
all of these applications being incorporated herein by reference in
their entireties and for all purposes.
[0029] Referring first to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an exemplary electronic
gaming table adapted for use in a wide area gaming table system
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is
illustrated in top and front perspective views respectively.
Electronic gaming table ("eTable") 100 can include a playing
surface 110 adapted for the play of live table games using live
physical components, a live dealer station or region 115, a
plurality of player stations 120, each of which has its own
displays 122, bill acceptor, card acceptor and other input
components 124, one or more community displays 130, and a dealer
station display and/or computing device 140. One or more physical
separators 126 may separate the different player stations 120.
[0030] Each player position 120 around the eTable 100 can have a
player terminal integrated into it. Like a standalone remote gaming
terminal, each player terminal can have its own controller,
buttons, touchscreen display, bill validator, printer, card reader,
and so forth. The player terminals can be connected to a master
table controller ("MTC") for the entire table via a switch/hub, and
the MTC connects to an overall local or wide area network, as
provided in greater detail below.
[0031] Each eTable 100 can be hosted by a live dealer, such as at a
dealer station 115. The live dealer deals real cards and/or uses
real dice or other physical game components, which can be done on a
wooden green-felt table surface 110. The cards can be drawn from an
electronic shoe ("eShoe"), which is connected to the MTC on the
local table network. In some embodiments, the eShoe scans the cards
and reads the rank and suits for each card removed. The MTC, via
player login data (such as player tracking card swipe or a cash
insertion at the bill acceptor), knows which positions at the table
are active and thus can monitor the progress of a game. One or more
table sensors, such as a camera, RFID reader, or the like, can be
used to capture video of the dealer action for broadcasting, as
well as tracking of players and physical game components through a
variety of means. The camera can also be used to further verify and
keep a log of game activities, such as, for example, cards removed
from the eShoe, cards dealt to player positions, bets entered, new
players, and the like.
[0032] The eTable 100 also has one or more displays. In one
embodiment, there can be one or more community displays 130 to show
common player information, such as community cards, table wager
minimum, casino name, time, advertisement, and the like. Game
history (e.g., baccarat roadmaps) may also be displayed on the same
screen 130 or on a separate screen attached to the eTable 100. The
eTable may also have discrete displays such as On/Off/Flashing
lights mounted underneath table graphics to annunciate game
information such as Banker Win, Player Win, New Game, No More Bets,
and so forth. Such table screens and discrete displays can be
driven by the MTC.
[0033] Unlike other electronic gaming tables where each player
terminal is only configured to receive and to interact with one
live game occurring at the table itself, one or more of player
terminals 120 are configured to allow participation in the live
game at the eTable 100, as well as participation at other live
games at other eTables in communication with eTable 100. Such
participation in local and remote live games can happen
simultaneously. Further, the local games need not be the same as
the remote games. For example, a live player at eTable 100 could be
playing blackjack live with real cards, chips, and the like at his
or her player station 120, while also playing roulette or craps at
a remotely located eTable via the display 122 and associated input
and output components at the player station.
[0034] Thus, the player interface 122 at each player station 120 on
eTable 100 can be designed to toggle between local interactions
(e.g., play options with the live game at the local eTable) and
remote interactions (e.g., placing bets at other eTables). The
player interface can be adapted to switch between games, or can be
adapted to present multiple local and remote games at the same
time. Switches can depend on the context of the game and whether it
is important for concurrent play at the table. For example, a local
baccarat interface may have touchscreen options for bets on Player,
Dealer, and a Tie, but a remote blackjack game interface
simultaneously being played may have screen buttons for Bet,
Insurance, Double Down, Split, and the like.
[0035] Continuing with FIG. 2A an exemplary gaming table similar to
that of FIGS. 1A and 1B is shown in rear perspective view. eTable
200 can have a dealer station in back situated proximate a table
playing surface 210, one or more community displays 230, and a
dealer computer, display or terminal 240 at the dealer station.
FIG. 2B illustrates in top perspective view an exemplary gaming
table similar to that of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2A, while having a live
dealer and live players situated thereat. Again, eTable 200 has a
playing surface 210 and community displays 230, among other
pertinent items. A dealer 201 and numerous players 202 can be
seated or otherwise situated proximate the playing surface of the
table.
[0036] Turning next to FIG. 2C an exemplary computing system for an
electronic gaming table adapted for use in a wide area gaming table
system is provided in block diagram format. Computing system 250
for an eTable can include various individual processors and
peripherals 260a-260h for a plurality of player stations. In
various embodiments, each of these separate items can be an
identical or substantially similar set of processors, displays,
inputs and other components, as may be desirable for each separate
player station. All of the player station systems 260a-260h can
couple to a central router or hub 270, which is coupled to a master
table controller ("MTC") having a CPU 280 and memory or storage
281. The MTC can be coupled to various table displays 290, as well
as an interface 291 for outside communications. Link 292 represents
the connection to the network, so that system 250 is able to
communicate with various other network or system components.
[0037] One example of an overhead layout for an alternative
electronic gaming table adapted for use in a wide area gaming table
system is provided in FIG. 3. As shown, eTable 300 can be adapted
for a different style game having different sets of rules. eTable
300 can have a playing surface 310 and a dealer station 315. Also,
a plurality of players 301 can be distributed about the table at
various player stations 320, each of which can have its own display
322 and other individual components, as in the forgoing
embodiments.
[0038] Moving now to FIG. 4 an exemplary wide area electronic
gaming table system according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure is illustrated in block diagram format. Wide area system
400 can include a wide variety of components and items, such as a
bank 410, a games router 420, and a financial clearinghouse 430. A
cloud 450 or network can couple these items to various eTables,
terminals, game servers, casinos, and other distributed components.
One or more personal devices 440 can serve as remote player
terminals in some embodiments. Various networked casinos, game
servers, eTables 460 and other remote terminals 470 can also be
coupled through the cloud 450 or network in system 400.
[0039] One or more game servers may be present in system 400, and
each operates in a particular manner to facilitate the play of
remote table games. In particular, a game server collects live game
information from each eTable, applies game rules, and returns game
results. Beside monitoring and controlling the games, the game
server also keeps track, in a database, of game history of each
eTable, accounting information, revenue reports, maintenance
information, and the like. Each of these individual functions can
be performed by a separate application on a separate server, or
integrated into one application running on one comprehensive
server. The determination of one or multiple servers and
applications depends on the number of eTables, game stations,
remote gaming terminals, both local and remote, that are being
connected across the system.
[0040] Each separate casino or gaming establishment can have its
own one or more game servers, and each game server can be
configured to serve a particular game type (e.g., baccarat,
blackjack, roulette, craps, and the like), a quantity of tables or
game stations, or an area of the casino. In a multi-game,
multi-site environment, one important function of the game server
is the handling of financial transaction from remote game
terminals. In prior arts, remote game terminals are logged into a
particular eTable. From there, the remote player either participate
directly as if he is sitting at the table, or back bet on one of
the players at the table. In system 400, however, a remote player
need not be constrained to any particular physical eTable. For
instance, a player sitting at a seat on a local eTable can wager on
the game on going at the local table and at another table at the
same casino, or at an eTable at a casino located elsewhere. These
capabilities are enabled by a network of game servers, one or more
games routers 420, and a central financial clearinghouse 430 for
remote wagers.
[0041] Another important function performed by each game server
across multiple establishments is the push of live game information
to the game server to be broadcasted to remote gaming terminals.
Here, the game server can reconstruct a live physical game in a
number of ways, such as by mashing up live video feeds of the game
being played at the local eTable, the digital rendition of the game
pieces (cards, dice, roulette wheel, etc.), the bet options (bet
board), and the like, into a composite video stream and/or digital
presentation for broadcasting. In short, the live game at the
eTable can be broadcast to other gaming sites like TV channels
being broadcast by cable TV system to eligible subscribers.
Utilizing such a design, and in separating the game presentation
from the bet actions, allows many remote devices to participate in
a given live table game. Again, such devices can include a remote
EGM, smart phone, tablet computer, laptop, smart TV, and the
like.
[0042] A games router 420 can be a match maker between a given live
eTable and a remote bettor or player. In operation, games router
420 receives search requests from the various remote game stations,
matches up the search requests with the available live table games
in its database, and directs the multitude of live game broadcasts
to their requestors and subscribers. Again, such requests for
remote play can come from remote EGMs, remote terminals, remote
mobile devices, remote eTable players, and so forth. The games
router 420 also monitors its subscriber-base for remote wagers from
the subscribers. When a remote wager is received, the games router
420 verifies the eligibility of the wager prior to allowing the
remote EGM to make a wager. Such verification can be based on EGM
location, rules related to that location, player ID, funds
available, and other relevant criteria. Once a remote wager is
accepted at the eTable, the games router notifies the financial
clearinghouse, which in turn handles the wager settlement based
upon the game outcome. Then the local game server that services the
remote EGM is notified, such that proper revenue accounting can
take place, along with an audit trail for account reconciliations
and/or dispute resolutions if that becomes necessary. Games router
420 can also handle notifications to remote players regarding wins,
losses, account values, and the like.
[0043] Like the financial clearinghouse of a stock market, the
financial clearinghouse ("FCH") 430 can be a centralized entity
that keeps track of all of the remote wagers and all of the
eTable(s) and remote terminals involved. At the end of each game at
each eTable, the FCH 430 settles all accounts by crediting or
debiting them. Such accounts can include each live player account,
each remote player account, an overall eTable account, and any
other pertinent account that requires resolution. FCH 430 receives
remote bets from the games router 420 and the game results (e.g.,
win/loss, and paytable information) from the local games server for
the particular eTable 460 involved in a given game. In one
embodiment, a player account can be pre-established with the FCH
430, and the FCH can credit the player account directly at the
casino where he or she is playing, or at his Bank 410, if that has
been arranged. In another approach, the FCH 430 sends the
settlement funds directly to the player station, EGM or remote
terminal where the player is actually located. This can be a
preferred approach for cash players, for example.
[0044] In various embodiments, remote gaming terminals 470 can be
fully robust or even thin client gaming terminals that are allowed
to participate in live games remotely from eTables in the overall
system. As in the case of player stations at the eTables, the
remote gaming terminals can be adapted to play in multiple live
games, which can be done simultaneously and where the games are
different from each other. A remote game terminal 470 can be
similar to a video slot machine, with all the typical peripheral
devices attached such as a coin or bill acceptor, display, player
tracking card reader, printer, and the like. The main difference is
that it is remotely located from the live table game, is connected
to the eTable system network, and receives its live game feed from
a game router.
[0045] A remote gaming terminal 470 may be provided as a kiosk, an
interface at an electronic gaming device or eTable, a handheld
device, cellular phone, tablet, smart TV, or other device networked
(locally or via the Internet, for example) to the overall system
400. A data communication device may be positioned at a gaming
table and configured for receiving game play data randomly
generated during play of the live table game, either through manual
input or automatic input of game play information, such as the
gaming symbols on the cards dealt, to the communication device. The
communication device can be a PDA or smart phone 440, for example.
Such a device can be at a live eTable, or can be a remote gaming
terminal separate from all system eTables, similar to terminals
470.
[0046] In various embodiments, game play information may be
manually input to data communication device through a manual input
device such as a keypad or touchscreen. Alternatively, electronic
scanning, recognition and detecting devices known in the art may be
used to read cards, determine the location of a roulette ball, or
ascertain the results of a dice game, and then automatically
transmit the information via communication device. Game play
information may also be automatically input using a camera mounted
over the live table game to obtain game information, or through one
or more card reading devices, such as an optical reader mounted in
a gaming table, card delivery shoe, or card shuffler, which is
capable of decoding the gaming symbols shown on physical playing
cards. Alternatively, such as in electronic gaming platforms in
which physical cards are replaced by virtual cards, the gaming data
may derive from the random number generator used to generate random
virtual cards.
[0047] The data communication device receives and transmits game
play data, which can be live or randomly generated as a result of
playing the live table game. Processing device facilitates
comparing the game play data with the rules and/or criteria for
winning the wagers stored in data storage device, and determining
an outcome of the wagers placed on the live table game via a data
communication device of gaming terminal 470. If the criteria are
satisfied, then the wager is won, whereas if the criteria are not
satisfied the wager is lost. A display device at the gaming
terminal 470 can be configured to facilitate the entry of wagers,
show a live multimedia feed of the table game being played and
communicate the outcome of any wagers placed.
[0048] As one example, system 400 may be configured to provide the
option for a player to enter remotely into a live conventional
blackjack game through an eTable 460 or remote gaming terminal 470.
A player using gaming terminal 470 may choose to participate in the
live blackjack game or play another remote blackjack game in which
the rules are different, such as the rules for dealing cards to
reveal their value, or rules relating to the wager size (minimum,
maximum, increment), or rules relating to payout associated with
game symbols and symbol combinations, or rules allowing for a wild
card, or in a blackjack variant in which the rules differ in any
way from conventional blackjack. The cards dealt in the live game
can be correlated by system 400 with the cards to be received in
the remote wagering game according to its rules in order to resolve
all wagers placed in the remote wagering game.
[0049] System 400 may be configured to be responsive to an
additional request for randomly generated game play data, which may
be necessary for resolving a remote wagering game played by a
remote player. For example, system 400 may inform the dealer at the
live table game through a communication device or display 140 to
continue to deal a certain number of randomly shuffled cards above
the amount needed to resolve the live table game, or system 400 may
be in communication with a random number generator for the purpose
of generating any amount of random gaming symbols necessary to
match the amount necessary in the remote wagering game or add on to
the random gaming symbols acquired from the live table game.
[0050] In another example, system 400 is configured to provide the
option for a player to enter into a live conventional blackjack or
play a remote blackjack game which includes one or more side
wagers. Players may place the side wager through a player station
at an eTable 460 or remote gaming terminal 470. Either live game
component results and/or randomly generated gaming symbols received
via a communication device can be compared via appropriate system
processing, with criteria for determining the outcome of the side
wager the determining whether the game outcome is favorable or
negative. If favorable, then the side wager will be won and the
player appropriately credited.
[0051] For example, a remote blackjack game may allow for the
player to wager on receiving a hand that has achieved a poker rank
such as a pair. The physically dealt cards and/or randomly
generated gaming symbols dealt in the live conventional blackjack
game are received and compared with the criteria that the gaming
symbols corresponding to the player's hand in the remote blackjack
game comprise two cards of the same rank. In yet another example,
the game of baccarat may be played live and broadcast to player
terminal 470, along with various remote baccarat variant games that
include different rules, such as no-commission versions, variations
on pay tables, or which include additional side wagers, which may
include progressive side wagers, mystery jackpots or bonuses. Thus,
players at a player station at an eTable 460 or remote gaming
terminal 470 are capable of participating in many variations of
baccarat games with the same hand delivered in the live table
game.
[0052] Players may therefore have a variety of options to play
other wagering games than the live table game. However, system 400
may be configured so that only the remote wagering games that rely
on the same amount or plurality of gaming symbols, or game
variations that belong to the same game families (variations of
Baccarat, Roulette, Sic-Bo, and the like) as those gaming symbols
which are physically determined and/or randomly generated in the
live table game are offered as available to players through the
actual eTable.
[0053] System 400 may be configured to provide a simulation of the
remote wagering game wager on by players using a player station or
remote gaming terminal. The simulation may be presented on a
suitable display according to the rules of the remote wagering game
and may take any form, such as a display of playing cards being
dealt by a virtual dealer or the actual dealer in the live table
game, which would enhance the overall player experience. System 400
may be configured to provide a new display or skin on a display
device of a station or gaming terminal and provide customized
playing cards for the remote wagering games to distinguish between
games and provide proprietary information, among other things.
Variations in game rules, wager size and pay tables affecting
payout amounts and volatility that are different from that of the
live table may also be applied to the games at the remote game
terminals to provide a favorable personalized player
experience.
[0054] FIG. 5 provides a flowchart of an exemplary method of
administering a live table game in a gaming table system having a
game server, games router and financial clearinghouse. After a
start step 500, monetary value from a player is accepted by an EGM
or other gaming terminal at process step 502. Again, this can be at
a player station at an eTable, at a remote terminal, or at any
remote playing device. The monetary value can be by way of coins,
bills, cards, or other acceptable cash or valuable credit offered
by the player. The monetary value is validated and sent to the MTC
of the respective eTable for which a game is to be played at
process step 504. In addition, the EGM or other station ID, player
ID, and/or any other relevant data can also be sent to the MTC. The
MTC can then authorize the EGM to play at process step 506,
whereupon suitable game play credits are then sent to the EGM. Such
monetary value and/or game play credits can be stored at the
appropriate location.
[0055] At a following step 508, a live game play can be initiated
at the eTable. This can be done by a live dealer starting to play a
game with the appropriate physical components, which can be cards,
dice, wheels, chips, tokens, and the like. The MTC at the eTable
then captures the live game play data at process step 510, after
which the live game play data is forwarded to the appropriate game
server at process step 512. The game server can then store the
appropriate game data and create a composite display of game play
for the various remote gaming stations and other eTables where the
game might be played at process step 514. The game server notifies
the game router of the available live game play feed at subsequent
process step 516.
[0056] At the next process step 518, the game router maps the
remote EGM bets or wagers and view requests to the various
appropriate game channels in the system. The game server then
applies the game rules at step 520, and returns the results the
eTable and appropriate EGMs. The game server then notifies the
financial clearing house of the game results at process step 522,
after which all pending wagers from all player stations local and
remote are resolved at step 524. Player accounts are resolved by
way of credit or debit at step 526, after which an inquiry is made
at decision step 528 as to whether a new game is desired. If so,
then the method reverts to process step 508 and the entire process
from that point is repeated. If not, then the method ends at end
step 530.
[0057] FIG. 6 provides a flowchart of an exemplary method of
broadcasting live games from an electronic gaming table across an
associated gaming table system. After a start step 600, the game
router receives game broadcasts from the various games servers at a
first process step 602. At a following process step 604, various
search and view requests are received at the game router from
different remote player stations, EGMs, remote player terminals and
the like. The game router can then verify the network access
eligibility of the various requesting EGMs and other devices at a
process step 606, after which an inquiry is made at decision step
608 as to whether a particular requesting EGM is eligible. If not,
then access is denied and the method reverts to process step
602.
[0058] If the EGM (e.g., player station or remote terminal) is
eligible though, then the method continues to process step 610,
where the game router performs a search and maps the EGM request to
matching or appropriate game channels. The results are then sent to
the requesting EGM at process step 612, after which a selection of
one or more eTables or live table games of interest is made at the
EGM at process step 614. A remote wager request is then received at
the game router from the requesting EGM at a process step 616, upon
which an inquiry is made at decision step 618 to determine whether
the wager is eligible for that particular EGM. Wager or bet
eligibility can be a function of, for example, EGM location, player
ID, local gaming rules, minimum or maximum bet size, funds
availability, and the like. If the wager is not eligible, then the
method can revert back to process step 602. Alternatively, the
method may revert back not as far, such as to step 610 or even step
618 as may be appropriate. For example, a prompt indicating that
the wager is not within the minimum and maximum wager limits for
that given remote game, along with a prompt to try again, might be
more appropriate in some instances.
[0059] Where the wager is eligible, then the method continues to
process step 620, where the financial clearinghouse ("FCH") and
local server are both notified of the pending eligible wager on a
relevant remote live table game. The games server can also notify
the active EGM of its accepted wager on the remote live game. At a
following process step 622 the game result is applied and the wager
is resolved. This can be done at the live eTable and/or at the game
server that serves that table. The resolved wager results are then
sent to the game router and the FCH at process step 624, after
which the player account at the FCH is credited, debited or
otherwise settled at process step 626. The EGM or other remote
terminal is notified of the results at process step 628, which can
be done by the game router. An inquiry can then be made at decision
step 630 as to whether a new live game is desired. If so, then the
method can revert to step 602 and completely repeat. As in the
foregoing decision, the method may revert to process step 616 in
some cases, such as where the player wishes to remain at the same
remote table and game. When no new game is desired at step 630,
then the method ends at end step 632.
[0060] FIG. 7 provides a flowchart of an exemplary method of
providing live table games at an electronic gaming table within a
gaming table system. Starting with a start step 700, a first
electronic gaming table or eTable can be provided at process step
702. Such an eTable can be any of the foregoing embodiments or any
other suitable device for this method. At a subsequent process step
704, a communication link is established between this first eTable
and a second remotely located eTable. At the next process step 706,
a first live table game is presented at the first eTable. Next, or
alternatively at the same time as step 706, a second live table
game is presented at the second remotely located eTable at process
step 708. A live feed of the second live table game is presented at
the first eTable at process step 710, after which a payout can be
awarded to a player at the first eTable at step 712. This payout
can be based on the outcome of the first live game, the second live
game, or both. At a decision step 714, an inquiry is made as to
whether any new or further live table games are desired. If so,
then the method can revert to step 706 and repeat. If not, then the
method proceeds to end step 716.
[0061] For each of the foregoing three flowcharts and methods, it
will be readily appreciated that not every method step provided is
always necessary, and that further steps not set forth herein may
also be included. For example, added steps to involve additional
eTables or third or more live table games may be added.
Furthermore, the exact order of steps may be altered as desired for
various applications, and some steps may be performed
simultaneously.
[0062] It should be understood that the devices, systems and
methods described herein may be adapted and configured to function
independently or may also interact with other systems or
applications, such as for example, a casino management system or
player tracking system. As such, the wagering data may be recorded
and stored in connection with player information retrieved from the
terminal. It should also be readily apparent that additional
computerized or manual systems may also be employed in accordance
with the disclosure in order to achieve its full implementation as
a system, apparatus or method.
[0063] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that any of
the systems and methods of the disclosure may include various
computer and network related software and hardware, such as
programs, operating systems, memory storage devices, data
input/output devices, data processors, servers with links to data
communication systems, wireless or otherwise, and data transceiving
terminals, and may be a standalone device or incorporated in
another platform, such as an existing electronic gaming machine,
portable computing device or electronic platforms with multiple
player positions. In addition, the system of the disclosure may be
provided at least in part on a personal computing device, such as
home computer, laptop or mobile computing device through an online
communication connection or connection with the Internet. Those
skilled in the art will further appreciate that the precise types
of software and hardware used are not vital to the full
implementation of the methods of the disclosure so long as players
and operators thereof are provided with useful access thereto or
the opportunity to play the game as described herein.
[0064] The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or
features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in
any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can
be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware
and software. The computer readable medium is any data storage
device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a
computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include
read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic
tape, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves. The computer
readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled
computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and
executed in a distributed fashion.
[0065] Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in
detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity
and understanding, it will be recognized that the above described
disclosure may be embodied in numerous other specific variations
and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential
characteristics of the disclosure. Certain changes and
modifications may be practiced, and it is understood that the
disclosure is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but
rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *