WO2001019470A2

WO2001019470A2 - Gaming apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2001019470A2
Application number: PCT/GB2000/003505
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Anthony Lynch; Michael John Lerwill; Justin Charles Tomlinson; Charles John Summers
Original assignee: Coinmaster Gaming Limited
Priority date: 1999-09-13
Filing date: 2000-09-13
Publication date: 2001-03-22
Also published as: AU7029600A; WO2001019470A3

Abstract

A gaming apparatus comprising a replaceable wheel (2) mounted for rotation about its axis in a horizontal plane, a peripheral region of the upper surface of the wheel being divided into a plurality of compartments (14). The apparatus further comprises means (40, 42, 50) for counting the number of compartments (14) of the wheel (2) as the wheel is rotated, so that the apparatus may automatically reconfigure itself, each time the wheel is replaced, according to the number of compartments counted by the counting means.

Description

Gaming Apparatus

The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus and more particularly to a gaming apparatus based on the game of roulette .

The game of roulette has, for many years, provided entertainment in casinos and other gaming establishments.

To play the game of roulette, a horizontally-inclined circular wheel, having a peripheral region divided into a plurality of numbered compartments, is spun in either a clockwise or an anti-clockwise direction about its axis. A ball is released onto the surface of the spinning wheel where it is randomly deflected before eventually coming to rest in one or other of the compartments.

Players of the game bet on which compartment or subgroup of compartments the ball is going to fall into by placing tokens or "chips" at appropriate locations on a betting table .

Traditionally, a croupier has been required to manually operate the roulette wheel and to supervise betting. However, with the advent of affordable electronic technology, it has now become possible to provide a fully automated roulette wheel based gaming apparatus and a number of such systems are already in use .

Unfortunately, existing automated gaming apparatus have been found to be lacking in a number of significant respects and we have now devised an arrangement which overcomes these limitations .

In existing automated gaming apparatus, to facilitate the recovery of a ball from a compartment of a roulette wheel, the base of each compartment is formed with an aperture. A disc, mounted to the underside of the wheel, is formed with a plurality of apertures corresponding to those formed in the compartments of the wheel.

The wheel and the disc are normally arranged such that their corresponding apertures are misaligned, but are rotatable with respect to one another to align the apertures when it is required that the ball should drop through the aligned apertures to be recovered.

However, such an arrangement is limited in that any accumulation of detritus between the opposed surfaces of the wheel and the disc will cause the disc to jam. We have now devised an arrangement which overcomes this limitation.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming apparatus comprising a wheel mounted for rotation about its axis in a horizontal plane, a peripheral region of the upper surface of the wheel being divided into a plurality of compartments, each compartment being formed with an aperture in its base which exposes the static surface of a track extending below the wheel, a portion of the track being displaceable away from the underside of the wheel to allow a ball held in an overlying compartment to fall through the aperture of that compartment .

Preferably at least a portion of the surface of the track is roughened to scour the surface of a ball rolling across it. Most preferably, an annular strip of abrading material is formed on, or is embedded into, the surface of the track.

In existing automated gaming apparatus, at least one- fixed position sensor is provided for detecting whether a passing compartment of the roulette wheel is occupied by a ball. However, to determine the number associated with that compartment, it is necessary to establish the angular position of the wheel and we have now devised a cost effective arrangement by which this may be achieved. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming apparatus comprising: a wheel mounted for rotation about its axis in a horizontal plane and formed with a reference aperture connecting its upper and lower surfaces, a peripheral region of the upper surface of the wheel being divided into a plurality of compartments; a first fixed-position sensor mounted below the wheel for detecting the reference aperture as it passes overhead; and a second fixed-position sensor for detecting whether a passing compartment of the roulette wheel is occupied by a ball, the apparatus being arranged to count the number of compartments passing the second sensor in the time interval between the reference aperture being detected by the first sensor and an occupied compartment being detected by the second sensor, to determine therefrom the identity of the occupied compartment .

The wheel is preferably formed with a circular arrangement of apertures connecting its upper and lower surfaces, each aperture corresponding with a respective compartment, the number of apertures detected by the first sensor (or by an additional sensor) in said time interval providing said count . Under different international jurisdictions, the number of numbered compartments which must be provided by a roulette wheel can vary, thus requiring a manufacturer to produce a range of automatic gaming machines.

To overcome this limitation, the wheel of the present invention is preferably replaceable and the apparatus is arranged: to count the number of compartments of the wheel as the wheel is rotated; and to automatically reconfigure itself, each time the wheel is replaced, according to the number of compartments counted.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided gaming apparatus comprising: a replaceable wheel mounted for rotation about its axis in a horizontal plane, a peripheral region of the upper surface of the wheel being divided into a plurality of compartments; and means for counting the number of compartments of the wheel as the wheel is rotated; the apparatus being arranged to automatically reconfigure itself, each time the wheel is replaced, according to the number of compartments counted by the counting means. Preferably the upper and lower surfaces of the wheel are connected by a circular arrangement of apertures, each corresponding with a respective compartment, and a reference aperture, the counting means comprising: a first fixed-position sensor mounted below the wheel for detecting as each of the circular arrangement of apertures passes overhead; a second fixed-position sensor mounted below the wheel for detecting the reference aperture as it passes overhead; and means for counting, as the wheel is rotated, the number of apertures detected by a first sensor between successive detections of the reference aperture by a second fixed-position sensor.

To determine the identity of an occupied compartment of the wheel, a third fixed-position sensor is preferably arranged to detect whether a passing compartment of the wheel is occupied by a ball, the apparatus being arranged to count the number of compartments passing the first sensor in the time interval between the reference aperture being detected by the first sensor and an occupied compartment being detected by the third sensor.

In existing automated gaming apparatus, means are provided which convey a ball to a seat, upon which the ball rests until it is propelled onto the surface of the wheel by a solenoid operated striker. However, any movement of the apparatus prior to the striker being operated will cause the ball to fall prematurely onto the surface of the wheel, making existing apparatus unsuitable for use on ships, etc. We have now devised an arrangement which overcomes this limitation.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming apparatus comprising: a wheel mounted for rotation about its axis in a horizontal plane; and means for delivering a ball to the surface of the wheel , the ball delivery means comprising a gate which is normally closed to trap the ball prior to its delivery and whose opening is synchronised with the operation of a ball propelling device to deliver the ball to the wheel.

Preferably the ball delivery means comprises a solenoid operated switch, the solenoid part of which opens and closes the gate and the switch of which operates the ball propelling device when the gate is fully opened.

To increase the degree of randomness provided by the apparatus, the ball propelling device may comprise one of a pair of ball propelling devices arranged to propel the ball in opposite respective directions around the periphery of the wheel, wherein the direction of propulsion varies, in sequence or at random, between successive plays.

Preferably the ball is delivered via one or other of two oppositely-directed tangential channels formed in a circular wall surrounding the wheel. Alternatively, or to further increase the degree of randomness provided by the apparatus, the or each ball propelling device may comprise: a solenoid operated striker; and an electrical circuit which varies, in sequence or at random, the magnitude of the driving signal applied to the solenoid.

Preferably the driving signal is provided by discharging a capacitor through the solenoid, the amount of charge stored by the capacitor thus determining the force with which the ball is struck.

Preferably the capacitor is charged from the output of a digital to analogue converter, the amount of charge stored by the capacitor thus being determined by the digital value applied to the input of the converter.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a gaming apparatus comprising: a gate which is normally closed to trap a ball prior to its delivery and whose opening is synchronised with the operation of a ball propelling device to deliver the ball to the wheel, the ball propelling device comprising: a solenoid operated striker; and an electrical circuit which varies, in sequence or at random, the magnitude of the driving signal applied to the solenoid.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a solenoid operated switch, the solenoid part of which opens and closes the gate and the switch of which operates the solenoid striker when the gate is fully opened. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming apparatus comprising: a wheel mounted for rotation about its axis in a horizontal plane; and means for delivering a ball to the surface of the wheel, the ball delivery means comprising a pair of opposed ball propelling devices arranged to propel the ball in opposite respective directions around the periphery of the wheel, wherein the direction of propulsion varies, in sequence or at random, between successive plays.

Preferably the ball is delivered via one or other of two oppositely-directed tangential channels formed in a circular wall surrounding the wheel.

To further increase the degree of randomness provided by the apparatus, each of the ball propelling devices preferably comprises: a respective solenoid operated striker; and an electrical circuit which varies, in sequence or at random, the magnitude of the driving signal applied to the solenoid.

Preferably the driving signal is provided by discharging a capacitor through the solenoid, the amount of charge stored by the capacitor thus determining the force with which the ball is struck. Preferably the capacitor is charged from the output of a digital to analogue converter, the amount of charge stored by the capacitor thus being determined by the digital value applied to the input of the converter.

The ball delivery means preferably comprises a gate which is normally closed to trap the ball prior to its delivery and whose opening is synchronised with the operation of a ball propelling device to deliver the ball to the wheel.

Preferably the ball delivery means comprises a solenoid operated switch, the solenoid part of which opens and closes the gate and the switch of which operates a ball propelling device when the gate is fully opened.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ball propelling device for a gaming apparatus, the device comprising: a solenoid operated striker; and an electrical circuit which varies, in sequence or at random, the magnitude of the driving signal applied to the solenoid. Preferably the driving signal is provided by discharging a capacitor through the solenoid, the amount of charge stored by the capacitor thus determining the force with which the ball is struck.

Preferably the ball propelling device comprises one of a pair of opposed ball propelling devices arranged to propel the ball in opposite respective directions around the periphery of the wheel, wherein the direction of propulsion varies, in sequence or at random, between successive plays.

Preferably the ball is delivered via one or other of two oppositely-directed tangential channels formed in a circular wall surround the wheel.

In existing automated gaming apparatus, banknotes are stored in a secure enclosure within an operating console of the apparatus. However, hitherto, a panel or door of the console has had to be opened to empty the enclosure, thereby interrupting use of the console.

We have now devised an arrangement which overcomes this limitation.

According to a eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming apparatus comprising: an operating console; and an enclosure which is normally housed within the operating console for receiving items as payment, but which may be extended upwardly through an aperture in the top of the console to be emptied. Thus, the enclosure may be emptied without interrupting use of the console.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a gas strut for raising the enclosure from the operating console, the strut being primed each time the enclosure is retracted into the console .

In existing automated gaming apparatus, it is desirable for players to sit at respective consoles around a roulette wheel so that they are each able to watch the operation of the wheel. However, this necessarily limits the number of people who can play the apparatus at any one time.

It is known to provide such an apparatus with a video camera which relays an image of the roulette wheel to the screen of one or more remote monitors, thus enabling an increased number of persons to play the apparatus. However, the image provided by a camera is typically of a very poor quality.

We have now devised an arrangement which overcomes this limitation.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming apparatus comprising: a wheel mounted for rotation about its axis in a horizontal plane, a peripheral region of the upper surface of wheel being divided into a plurality of compartments; sensing means for identifying which compartment of the wheel is occupied by a ball; and means for displaying a stored image corresponding to the compartment identified by said sensing means.

The stored image is preferably a simulated image of the whole or a portion of the actual wheel, giving the player the impression that he is viewing the actual wheel of the apparatus. Preferably the simulated image is stored as a digitised image of an actual wheel. Preferably, whilst the ball is in play and before it comes to rest in a compartment, the display means provides an animated display of a rotating wheel, which may comprise a sequence of digitised images of an actual wheel .

In existing automated gaming apparatus, the outcome of play is determined by identifying the compartment in which a single ball comes to rest. However, this arrangement, which reflects the traditional rules of play of the game of roulette, is unnecessarily limited in the range of different bets that it can provide.

We have now devised an arrangement which overcomes this limitation.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming apparatus comprising: a wheel mounted for rotation about its axis in a horizontal plane, a peripheral region of the upper surface of wheel being divided into a plurality of compartments; means for delivering a plurality of balls to the surface of the wheel; sensing means for identifying which of the compartments of the wheel are simultaneously occupied by balls; and means for providing a payout according to the compartments identified by said sensing means.

Thus the apparatus may be used to play Keno or another such game . A limitation of such an apparatus, particularly when using a conventional roulette wheel, is that a ball coming to rest adjacent an already occupied compartment may become trapped and therefore fail to enter a compartment.

To overcome this limitation, the apparatus of the present invention preferably comprises at least one striker, most preferably in the form of a swinging pendulum, positioned above the wheel, for dislodging any ball which may become trapped. Preferably the or each striker is arranged to deflect balls into unoccupied compartments of the wheel . As an alternative or, more preferably, in addition to providing the apparatus with one or more strikers, the wheel may be arranged for balls to enter the compartments thereof via a circular channel extending around the wheel and through respective entrance passages formed in the radially innermost edges of the compartments. Each compartment is sized to accommodate a single ball so as to present a substantially smooth surface at its entrance from said channel, across which a ball may freely run. Where one or more strikers are provided, these preferably form obstructions in said channel .

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of an example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an automated gaming apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the roulette wheel of the gaming apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a section through a sub-assembly of the apparatus ; Figures 4 and 5 are two different perspective views of the ball release sub-assembly of the apparatus;

Figures 6 and 7 are two side elevations of a payment receiving sub-assembly of the apparatus, showing an enclosure thereof in an extended and retracted position respectively; Figure 8 is an example of a simulated screen display that might be provided by the apparatus;

Figure 9 is a plan view of a second embodiment of roulette wheel in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the roulette wheel of Figure 9.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, an automated roulette-wheel based gaming apparatus is shown comprising a roulette wheel 2 encased beneath a domed canopy 4, a plurality of operating consoles 6, each having a respective touch sensitive screen interface 8, and an elevated screen display 10.

The roulette wheel 2 of the apparatus is shown in detail in Figure 2 and comprises an inclined peripheral region 12 encircling a plurality of compartments 14. The base of each compartment 14 is formed with an aperture 16 having a diameter slightly greater than that of the ball used to play the apparatus .

The wheel 2 is also formed with a reference aperture 18 and a circular arrangement of apertures 20, each corresponding with a respective compartment 14, the apertures 20 being used to determine the number corresponding with an occupied compartment, as will be explained in more detail below.

When the wheel 2 is fitted in place to an upright rotatable shaft 22, as shown in Figure 3, the apertures 16 of the compartments 14 overlie the static surface of an annular track 24 such that a ball, e.g. 26, coming to rest in one of the compartments will roll along the surface of the track 24 as the wheel 2 is rotated. The shaft 22 is rotated by an electric motor 28, which drives the shaft via a gearbox 30.

An annular strip of abrading material 31 is embedded into the surface of the track 24 for scouring the surface of a ball rolling across it.

A portion 32 of the track 24 is pivotally mounted and connected to a solenoid or pneumatically operated plunger 34 such that when the plunger 34 is retracted by the solenoid 36, the pivotally mounted portion 32 is displaced away from the underside of the wheel 2 (as shown) to allow a ball, e.g. 38, carried in a compartment 14 passing over the pivotally mounted portion 32, to fall through the aperture 16 in the base of that compartment to be recovered.

As shown in Figure 3, a first optical sensor 40 mounted below the wheel 2 is arranged to detect the apertures 20 in the wheel 2 as they pass overhead. A second optical sensor 42 mounted adjacent the first sensor 40 is arranged to detect the reference aperture 18 of the wheel as it passes overhead. An optical transmitter 44 is arranged to transmit a light beam, through opposed apertures 46,48 formed respectively in the inner and outer walls of each compartment 14, to a third optical sensor 50, such that the beam is broken by a ball sitting (as shown) in a passing compartment 14.

The arrangement of three optical sensors 40,42,50 allows the number corresponding to the occupied compartment to be determined by counting the number of apertures 20 to pass the first sensor 40 in the time interval between the reference aperture 18 being detected by the second sensor 42 and an occupied compartment being detected the third sensor 50.

The arrangement of optical sensors 40,42,50 also allows the apparatus to automatically reconfigure itself when the wheel 10 is replaced with one having a greater or lesser number of compartments 14, by counting the number of apertures 20 detected by the first sensor 40 between successive detections of the reference aperture 18 by the second sensor 42. A ball is delivered to the roulette wheel 2 by the arrangement shown in Figures 4 and 5 which is incorporated into a circular wall surrounding the wheel 2.

The ball delivery arrangement comprises a pair of opposed spring-biased solenoid operated strikers 52,54, arranged to fire a ball, e.g. 56, along one or other of two oppositely-directed tangential delivery channels 58,60 and around the periphery of the wheel 2. The direction in which the ball is fired for each play of the game is either predetermined sequence or is chosen at random. The solenoid operated strikers 52,54 are selectively operated by an electrical circuit (not shown) which varies, in sequence or at random, the magnitude of the driving signal applied to the chosen solenoid.

The driving signal is provided by discharging a capacitor through the solenoid, the amount of charge stored by the capacitor thus determining the force with which the ball is struck.

The capacitor is charged from the output of a digital to analogue converter of the driving circuit, so that the amount of charge stored by the capacitor is determined by the digital value applied to the input of the converter.

A gate 62 is normally raised, to prevent a ball from being prematurely dislodged from its seat, but may be lowered for the ball to be delivered. The gate 62 is mounted to the spring-biased plunger 64 of a solenoid 66 for raising and lowering the gate. When the gate 62 is fully lowered, a portion 68 of the plunger 64 projecting from the base of the solenoid 66 operates a microswitch 70, thereby causing the ball to be struck by one or other of the solenoid operated plungers 52,54.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, each of the operating consoles 6 houses an enclosure 72 for receiving bank-notes as payment through a slot 74 at the top of the enclosure. For security reasons, the enclosure 72 is normally contained within the console 6, as shown in Figure 7, but is mounted to a gas strut 76 so that it may be extended upwards, as shown in Figure 6, through an aperture 78 in the top of the console 6, to be emptied. Thus, the enclosure 72 may be emptied without interrupting use of the console 6. Referring once again to Figure 1, each screen of the elevated screen display 10 provides a display corresponding to the state of play of a game. When a ball is in play, but has not yet come to rest in a compartment 14, an animated digitised image of a roulette wheel is displayed. When the ball has come to rest in a compartment 14 , an image such as that shown in Figure 8 is displayed to indicate the occupied compartment, as determined from the output of the optical sensors 40,42,50. The images displayed are such that a player viewing the screens will assume that he is looking at a relayed image of the roulette wheel 2 and not a simulated image. The elevated screen display 10 may also be used to present advertising or other information.

Whilst the apparatus described is intended primarily for use with a single ball to provide a single winning number, a plurality of balls might instead be released onto the surface of the wheel at each play, to provide a plurality of different winning numbers. In this case, an alternative, rapid fire ball delivery mechanism might be provided. For example the balls might be carried upwards by and thrown, one at a time, from the top of a rotating Archimedean screw. Alternatively, a supply of pressurised air may be provided for blowing balls onto the surface of the wheel .

Where a number of balls are released onto the surface of the wheel at each play, it will be appreciated that any ball coming to rest adjacent an already occupied compartment may become trapped and therefore fail to enter a compartment .

Figures 9 and 10 shown an alternative embodiment of roulette wheel 80 which may be used to alleviate this problem. The wheel of Figures 9 and 10 is arranged for balls to enter the compartments 82 thereof via a circular channel 84 and through respective entrance passages 86 formed in the radially innermost edges of the compartments. Each compartment 82 is sized to accommodate a single ball so as to present a substantially smooth surface at its entrance 86 from the channel 84, across which a ball may freely run.

One or more strikers in the form of swinging pendulums (not shown) are also mounted above the wheel, and form obstructions in the channel 84 for dislodging any ball which may become trapped. The incident surface of each striker is shaped to deflect balls from the channel into unoccupied compartments of the wheel.

The apparatus thus described is improved over existing apparatus in several significant respects.

Claims

1) A gaming apparatus comprising: a replaceable wheel mounted for rotation about its axis in a horizontal plane, a peripheral region of the upper surface of the wheel being divided into a plurality of compartments; and means for counting the number of compartments of the wheel as the wheel is rotated; the apparatus being arranged to automatically reconfigure itself, each time the wheel is replaced, according to the number of compartments counted by the counting means.

2) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the upper and lower surfaces of the wheel are connected by a circular arrangement of apertures, each corresponding with a respective compartment, and a reference aperture, the counting means comprising: a first fixed-position sensor mounted below the wheel for detecting as each of the circular arrangement of apertures passes overhead; a second fixed-position sensor mounted below the wheel for detecting the reference aperture as it passes overhead; and means for counting, as the wheel is rotated, the number of apertures detected by the first sensor between successive detections of the reference aperture by a second fixed-position sensor.

3) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, comprising a third fixed-position sensor arranged to detect whether a passing compartment of the wheel is occupied by a ball, the apparatus being arranged to count the number of compartments passing the first sensor in the time interval between the reference aperture being detected by the first sensor and an occupied compartment being detected by the third sensor.

4) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, arranged: to identify which compartment of the wheel is occupied by a ball; and to display a stored image corresponding to the compartment identified as being occupied.

5) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the stored image is a simulated image of the whole or a portion of the actual wheel, giving the player the impression that he is viewing the actual wheel of the apparatus .

6) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the simulated image is stored as a digitised image of an actual wheel .

7) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 6, arranged such that, whilst the ball is in play and before it comes to rest in a compartment, the display means provides an animated display of a rotating wheel .

8) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the animated display comprises a sequence of digitised images of an actual wheel .

9) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, arranged: to deliver a plurality of balls to the surface of the wheel ; to identify which of the compartments of the wheel are simultaneously occupied by balls; and to provide a payout according to the compartments identified as being occupied.

10) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 9, comprising at least one striker positioned above the wheel, for dislodging any ball which may become trapped.

11) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the or each striker comprises a swinging pendulum.

12) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 10 or Claim 11, wherein the or each striker is arranged to deflect balls into unoccupied compartments of the wheel .

13) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 12, wherein the wheel is arranged for balls to enter the compartments thereof via a circular channel extending around the wheel and through respective entrance passages formed in the radially innermost edges of the compartments, each compartment being sized to accommodate a single ball so as to present a substantially smooth surface at its entrance from said channel, across which a ball may freely run.

14) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 13, appended to Claim 10, wherein the or each striker forms a respective obstruction in the channel .

15) A gaming apparatus comprising: a wheel mounted for rotation about its axis in a horizontal plane and formed with a reference aperture connecting its upper and lower surfaces, a peripheral region of the upper surface of the wheel being divided into a plurality of compartments; a first fixed-position sensor mounted below the wheel for detecting the reference aperture as it passes overhead; and a second fixed-position sensor for detecting whether a passing compartment of the wheel is occupied by a ball, the apparatus being arranged to count the number of compartments passing the second sensor in the time interval between the reference aperture being detected by the first sensor and an occupied compartment being detected by the second sensor, to determine therefrom the identify of the occupied compartment .

16) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the wheel is formed with a circular arrangement of apertures connecting its upper and lower surfaces, each aperture corresponding with a respective compartment, the number of apertures detected by the first sensor (or by an additional sensor) in said time interval providing said count.

17) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein the wheel is replaceable and the apparatus is arranged: to count the number of compartments of the wheel as the wheel is rotated; and to automatically reconfigure itself, each time the wheel is replaced, according to the number of compartments counted by the counting means.

18) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of claims 15 to 17, arranged: to identify which compartment of the wheel is occupied by a ball; and to display a stored image corresponding to the compartment identified as being occupied.

19) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 18, wherein the stored image is a simulated image of the whole or a portion of the actual wheel, giving the player the impression that he is viewing the actual wheel of the apparatus.

20) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the simulated image is stored as a digitised image of an actual wheel .

21) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 18 to 20, arranged such that, whilst the ball is in play and before it comes to rest in a compartment, the display means provides an animated display of a rotating wheel.

22) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 21, wherein the animated display comprises a sequence of digitised images of an actual wheel .

23) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, arranged: to deliver a plurality of balls to the surface of the wheel; to identify which of the compartments of the wheel are simultaneously occupied by balls; and to provide a payout according to the compartments identified as being occupied.

24) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 23, comprising at least one striker positioned above the wheel, for dislodging any ball which may become trapped.

25) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the or each striker comprises a swinging pendulum.

26) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 24 or Claim 25, wherein the or each striker is arranged to deflect balls into unoccupied compartments of the wheel . 27) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 26, wherein the wheel is arranged for balls to enter the compartments thereof via a circular channel extending around the wheel and through respective entrance passages formed in the radially innermost edges of the compartments, each compartment being sized to accommodate a single ball so as to present a substantially smooth surface at its entrance from said channel, across which a ball may freely run.

28) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 27, appended to Claim 24, wherein the or each striker forms a respective obstruction in the channel.

29) A gaming apparatus comprising: a wheel mounted for rotation about its axis in a horizontal plane; and means for delivering a ball to the surface of the wheel , the ball delivery means comprising a gate which is normally closed to trap the ball prior to its delivery and whose opening is synchronised with the operation of a ball propelling device to deliver the ball to the wheel.

30) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 29, wherein the ball delivery means comprises a solenoid operated switch, the solenoid part of which opens and closes the gate and the switch of which operates the ball propelling device when the gate is fully opened.

31) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 29 or Claim 30, wherein the ball propelling device comprises one of a pair of ball propelling devices arranged to propel the ball in opposite respective directions around the periphery of the wheel, wherein the direction of propulsion varies, in sequence or at random, between successive plays.

32) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 31, wherein the ball is delivered via one or other of two oppositely-directed tangential channels formed in a circular wall surrounding the wheel .

33) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 32, wherein the or each ball propelling device comprises: a solenoid operated striker; and an electrical circuit which varies, in sequence or at random, the magnitude of the driving signal applied to the solenoid.

34) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 33, wherein the driving signal is provided by discharging a capacitor through the solenoid, the amount of charge stored by the capacitor thus determining the force with which the ball is struck.

35) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 34, wherein the capacitor is charged from the output of a digital to analogue converter, the amount of charge stored by the capacitor thus being determined by the digital value applied to the input of the converter.

36) A gaming apparatus comprising: a wheel mounted for rotation about its axis in a horizontal plane; and means for delivering a ball to the surface of the wheel, the ball delivery means comprising a pair of opposed ball propelling devices arranged to propel the ball in opposite respective directions around the periphery of the wheel, wherein the direction of propulsion varies, in sequence or at random, between successive plays. 37) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 36, wherein the ball is delivered via one or other of two oppositely-directed tangential channels formed in a circular wall surrounding the wheel .

5 38) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 36 or Claim 37, wherein each of the ball propelling devices comprises: a respective solenoid operated striker; and an electrical circuit which varies, in sequence or at random, the magnitude of the driving signal applied to the 0 solenoid.

39) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 38, wherein the driving signal is provided by discharging a capacitor through the solenoid, the amount of charge stored by the capacitor thus determining the force with which the ball is struck.

15 40) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 39, wherein the capacitor is charged from the output of a digital to analogue converter, the amount of charge stored by the capacitor thus being determined by the digital value applied to the input of the converter.

20 41) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 36 to 40, wherein the ball delivery means comprise a gate which is normally closed to trap the ball prior to its delivery and whose opening is synchronised with the operation of a ball propelling device to deliver the ball to the wheel.

25 42) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 41, wherein the ball delivery means comprises a solenoid operated switch, the solenoid part of which opens and closes the gate and the switch of which operates a ball propelling device when the gate is fully opened. 43) A ball propelling device for delivering a ball to the surface of a wheel of a gaming apparatus, the device comprising : a solenoid operated striker; and an electrical circuit which varies, in sequence or at random, the magnitude of the driving signal applied to the solenoid.

44) A ball propelling device as claimed in Claim 43, wherein the driving signal is provided by discharging a capacitor through the solenoid, the amount of charge stored by the capacitor thus determining the force with which the ball is struck.

45) A ball propelling device as claimed in Claim 44, wherein the capacitor is charged from the output of a digital to analogue converter, the amount of charge stored by the capacitor thus being determined by the digital value applied to the input of the converter.

46) A pair of ball propelling devices, each as claimed in any of Claims 43 to 45 and arranged to propel the ball in opposite respective directions around the periphery of the wheel, wherein the direction of propulsion varies, in sequence or at random, between successive plays.

47) A pair of ball propelling devices as claimed in Claim 46, wherein the ball is delivered via one or other of two oppositely-directed tangential channels formed in a circular wall surrounding the wheel .

48) A gaming apparatus comprising: a gate which is normally closed to trap a ball prior to its delivery and whose opening is synchronised with the operation of a ball propelling device to deliver the ball to the wheel, the ball propelling device comprising: a solenoid operated striker; and an electrical circuit which varies, in sequence or at random, the magnitude of the driving signal applied to the solenoid.

49) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 48, comprising a solenoid operated switch, the solenoid part of which opens and closes the gate and the switch of which operates the solenoid striker when the gate is fully opened.

50) A gaming apparatus comprising a wheel mounted for rotation about its axis in a horizontal plane, a peripheral region of the upper surface of the wheel being divided into a plurality of compartments, each compartment being formed with an aperture in its base which exposes the static surface of a track extending below the wheel, a portion of the track being displaceable away from the underside of the wheel to allow a ball held in an overlying compartment to fall through the aperture of that compartment .

51) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 50, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the track is roughened to scour the surface of a ball rolling across it.

52) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 51, wherein an annular strip of abrading material is formed on, or is embedded into, the surface of the track.

53) A gaming apparatus comprising: an operating console; and an enclosure which is normally housed within the operating console for receiving items as payment, but which may be extended upwardly through an aperture in the top of the console to be emptied.

54) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 53, comprising a gas strut for raising the enclosure from the operating console, the strut being primed each time the enclosure is retracted into the console.

55) A gaming apparatus comprising: a wheel mounted for rotation about its axis in a horizontal plane, a peripheral region of the upper surface of wheel being divided into a plurality of compartments; sensing means for identifying which compartment of the wheel is occupied by a ball; and means for displaying a stored image corresponding to the compartment identified by the sensing means.

56) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 55, wherein the stored image is a simulated image of the whole or a portion of the actual wheel, giving the player the impression that he is viewing the actual wheel of the apparatus.

57) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 56, wherein the simulated image is stored as a digitised image of an actual wheel .

58) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 55 to 57, arranged such that, whilst the ball is in play and before it comes to rest in a compartment, the display means provides an animated display of a rotating wheel.

59) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 58, wherein the animated display comprises a sequence of digitised images of an actual wheel .

60) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 55 to 59, wherein the wheel is formed with a reference aperture connecting its upper and lower surfaces, the apparatus comprising : a first fixed-position sensor mounted below the wheel for detecting the reference aperture as it passes overhead; and a second fixed-position sensor for detecting whether a passing compartment of the roulette wheel is occupied by a ball, and being arranged to count the number of compartments passing the second sensor in the time interval between the reference aperture being detected by the first sensor and an occupied compartment being detected by the second sensor, to determine therefrom the identity of the occupied compartment.

61) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 60, wherein the wheel is formed with a circular arrangement of apertures connecting its upper and lower surfaces, each aperture corresponding with a respective compartment, the number of apertures detected by the first sensor (or by an additional sensor) in said time interval providing said count.

62) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 55 to 61, wherein the wheel is replaceable and the apparatus is arranged: to count the number of compartments of the wheel as the wheel is rotated; and to automatically reconfigure itself, each time the wheel is replaced, according to the number of compartments counted. 63) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of claims 55 to 62, arranged: to deliver a plurality of balls to the surface of the wheel ; to identify which of the compartments of the wheel are simultaneously occupied by balls; and to provide a payout according to the compartments identified as being occupied.

64) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 55 to 63, comprising at least one striker, positioned above the wheel, for dislodging any ball which may become trapped.

65) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 64, wherein the or each striker comprises a swinging pendulum.

66) A gaming apparatus as claimed m Claim 64 or Claim 65, wherein the or each striker is arranged to deflect balls into unoccupied compartments of the wheel .

67) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 63 to 66, wherein the wheel is arranged for balls to enter the compartments thereof via a circular channel extending around the wheel and through respective entrance passages formed m the radially innermost edges of the compartments, each compartment being sized to accommodate a single ball so as to present a substantially smooth surface at its entrance from said channel, across which a ball may freely run.

68) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 67, appended to Claim 64, wherein the or each striker forms a respective obstruction m the channel .

69) A gaming apparatus comprising a roulette wheel mounted for rotation about its axis in a horizontal plane, a peripheral region of the upper surface of wheel being divided into a plurality of compartments. means for delivering a plurality of balls to the surface of the wheel; sensing means for identifying which of the numbered compartments of the wheel are simultaneously occupied by balls; and means for providing a payout according to the compartments identified by said sensing means.

70) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 69, comprising at least one striker, positioned above the wheel, for dislodging any ball which may become trapped.

71) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 70, wherein the or each striker comprises a swinging pendulum.

72) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 70 or Claim 71, wherein the or each striker is arranged to deflect balls into unoccupied compartments of the wheel.

73) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of claims 70 to 72, wherein the wheel is arranged for balls to enter the compartments thereof via a circular channel extending around the wheel and through respective entrance passages formed in the radially innermost edges of the compartments, each compartment being sized to accommodate a single ball so as to present a substantially smooth surface at its entrance from said channel, across which a ball may freely run.

74) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 73, appended to claim 70, wherein the or each striker forms a respective obstruction in the channel. 75) A gaming apparatus as claimed m any of Claims 70 to

74, wherein each compartment of the wheel is formed with an aperture m its base which exposes the static surface of a track extending below the wheel, a portion of the track being displaceable away from the underside of the wheel to allow a ball held m an overlying compartment to fall through the aperture of that compartment .

76) A gaming apparatus as claimed m any of Claims 70 to

75, wherein the wheel is formed with a reference aperture connecting its upper and lower surfaces, with the apparatus comprising : a first flxed-position sensor mounted below the wheel for detecting the reference aperture as it passes overhead; and a second flxed-position sensor for detecting whether a passing compartment of the wheel is occupied by a ball, and being arranged to count the number of compartments passing the second sensor m the time interval between the reference aperture being detected by the first sensor and an occupied compartment being detected by the second sensor, to determine therefrom the identity of the occupied compartment.

77) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 76, wherein the wheel is formed with a circular arrangement of apertures connecting its upper and lower surfaces, each aperture corresponding with a respective compartment, the number of apertures detected by the first sensor (or by an additional sensor) m said time interval providing said count.

78) A gaming apparatus as claimed m any of Claims 69 to 77, wherein the wheel is replaceable and the apparatus is arranged: to count the number of compartments of the wheel as the wheel is rotated, and to automatically reconfigure itself, each time the wheel is replaced, according to the number of compartments counted.

79) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 69 to 78, arranged: to identify any compartment of the wheel which may be occupied by a ball; and to display a stored image corresponding to any compartment so identified.

80) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any Claim 79, wherein the stored image is a simulated image of the whole or a portion of the actual wheel, giving the player the impression that he is viewing the actual wheel of the apparatus.

81) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 80, wherein the simulated image is stored as a digitised image of an actual wheel .

82) A gaming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 79 to 81, arranged such that, prior to the stored image being displayed, the display means provides an animated display of a rotating wheel .

83) A gaming apparatus as claimed in Claim 82, wherein the animated display comprises a sequence of digitised images of an actual wheel .