GB2415272A - Computer-based gambling - Google Patents

Abstract

A computer-based gaming apparatus enables a user to place an overall bet on a series of events each having a separate probability of a particular outcome. The apparatus includes a processor adapted to: determine the set of possible outcomes of the series of events; determine a total payout (W) associated with each one of the possible outcomes and a probability (P) of that outcome; determine cumulative probabilities (Pcum) for selected payouts (W); and determine a total payout value associated with at least one selected cumulative probability; generate at least one betting option for a user, based on the total payout value associated with the at least one selected cumulative probability at offered odds associated with the selected cumulative probability. The apparatus further comprises means for receiving an acceptance of said at least one betting option by a user; means for receiving or generating an outcome for each event in the series of events; and means for determining whether the set of received or generated outcomes for the series of events results in a win or a lose.

Description

24 1 5272

GAMING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to computer-based gaming apparatus, and in particular, though not exclusively, to standalone or networked devices with which users may interact for the purposes of placing bets.

Betting and gambling are popular recreational activities and there is an increasing demand for electronic implementations of such activities, e.g. to reduce costs, to increase availability and accessibility to the public, and to provide new and varied gaming experiences.

in a conventional betting procedure, a user is presented with betting odds offered in respect of a particular outcome of an event, such as a horse race or spin of the wheel on a roulette table. The user is then offered the ]5 opportunity to commit a stake, at the offered betting odds, the size of the potential prize to the user being determined by the size of the stake and the offered betting odds.

Electronic systems which automate this activity are already in widespread use so that the interaction between the user and a gaming organization can take place electronically, e.g. by computer terminal located in a betting premises. The result, communicated to the terminal may be determined locally or centrally.

There are several limitations on this conventional betting procedure. Firstly, for practical reasons and/or legal reasons, the betting odds offered, or maximum stake size available, may substantially limit the potential payout to the user, to an extent that some potential customers will not be interested in playing. Still further, single event betting of this type may be insufficiently complex or exciting to many users, particularly those who are used to placing accumulator bets or bets on a series of races or other events, e.g. football matches. Another limitation is that the number of potential outcomes, and therefore the selection of odds available to a user, may be significantly limited according to the event on which the betting is taking place, e.g. the number of horses in a race or the number of selectable permutations on the roulette table.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a computerbased gaming device that enables a user to receive an enhanced betting facility.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides an electronic gaming system for enabling a user to place an overall bet on a series of events each having a separate probability of a particular outcome, the system comprising a processor adapted to: ] 5 determine the set of possible outcomes of the series of events; determine a total payout (W) associated with each one of the possible outcomes and a probability (P) of that outcome; determine cumulative probabilities (Pain) for selected payouts (W); determine a total payout value associated with at least one selected cumulative probability; generate at least one betting option for a user, based on the total payout value associated with the at least one selected cumulative probability at offered odds associated with the selected cumulative probability; the system further comprising: means for receiving an acceptance of said at least one betting option by a user; means for receiving or generating an outcome for each event in the series of events; and means for determining whether tle set of received or generated outcomes for the series of events results in a win or a lose.

According to another aspect, a gaming system provides for the placement of an overall bet on a series of events each having a separate probability of a particular outcome, comprising the steps: determining a set of possible outcomes of the series of events; determining a total payout (W) associated with each one of the possible outcomes and a probability (P) of that outcome; determining cumulative probabilities (Paid) for selected payouts (W); determining a total payout value associated with at least one selected l O cumulative probability; generating at least one betting option for a user, based on the total payout value associated with the at least one selected cumulative probability at offered odds associated with the selected cumulative probability; accepting at least one betting option by a user; receiving or generating an outcome for each event in the series of events; and determining whether the received or generated set of outcomes for the series of events results in a win or a lose.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure l shows a schematic diagram of an electronic gaming apparatus or system implementing the present invention; Figure 2 shows a tabulated list of possible outcomes and cumulative probabilities in respect of a series of events; Figure 3 shows an exemplary output display in respect of a roulette game; Figure 4 shows a tabulated list of possible outcomes and payouts in respect of each game of roulette according to the stakes placed as shown in figure 3; Figure 5 shows an exemplary output display of offered betting options on a series of roulette games, based on the stakes placed on the first game; Figure 6 shows an exemplary output display following the acceptance, by the user, of a 100 stake on a selected one of the offered betting options; Figure 7 shows an exemplary output display during play; and Figure 8 shows a flow chart of the process carried out by the electronic gaming system of figure 1.

With reference to figure 1, a gaming system 10 or apparatus comprises a data processing device 1 l coupled to a user display l 2, a user input device 13, a memory 14 and an event processor 15. The system may also include an administrator system and interface 16.

In one arrangement, some or all of the above components may be distributed about a computer network. For example, the user display 12 and user input device 13 may comprise a terminal connected to a central server 11 by suitable network connections 17. In another example, the user display 12 and user input device 13 could be a personal computer system connected to the central server 11 by way of an internet link 1 7.

In similar fashion, memory 14, event processor 15 and administrator system 16 could be separate devices in a distributed computing network.

in a further an-angement, processor 11, memory 14, user display 12 and user input device 13 could be housed in a standalone unit, e.g. in the style of those commonly used for arcade games. The event processor 15 may also be included in such a standalone unit, or may be remotely situated using an appropriate Communication link 18 as will become apparent.

In the preferred arrangement, the user display 12 and user input device 13 comprise a touchscreen type unit in which user inputs are made by pressing or touching an appropriate area of the screen. In an alternative arrangement, the user input device may comprise physical buttons on a cabinet, keyboard, screen or keypad.

Operation of the gaming system 10 will now be described in the context of a specific game type, namely roulette. However, as will become clear, the l0 invention can generally be implemented in respect of a wide range of possible entertainment activities including gambling. Generally speaking, the system l0 can be used in the context of any game or activity, virtual or real, in which a series of events (e) each have a number of possible outcomes, each with an associated probability of outcome. The overall outcome of the series of events (E) therefore depends upon the cumulative outcomes of each of the separate events in the series. The probability of any one overall result out of all possible outcomes is therefore dependent upon the cumulative probabilities of each one of the possible outcomes of each separate event.

Thus, in the context of a roulette game, each one of the events in the series of events corresponds to a game of roulette, i.e. one spin of the wheel. This will determine a numeric result which will be one of 37 possible outcomes (the numeric values 0 to 36 corresponding to the boxes on the roulette table).

Each possible outcome is associated with a resulting payout to the user who has placed a stake on that particular outcome. In a very simple bet, the payout may be zero for all possible event outcomes except one, which will result in a payout calculated according to the size of the stake and the odds offered for that outcome. s

More normally, however, of the 37 possible outcomes in roulette, a significant number of them will result in a non-zero payout. In the example illustrated in figure 3, a 10 stake has been placed on each one of the four corners on which the 10 chips are centred; a 3 stake has been placed on the number 29; and a 16 stake has been placed on all ODD numbers.

As a result, the payout 'w' from this game for each of the possible outcomes (spin ball = 0, l, ... 36) will be as shown in the table 40 of figure 4. The potential payouts w are shown for each ofthe possible outcomes of the event 0, 1, ...36 in the right hand column 4l.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the roulette 'table' is a computer generated image 30 on the user display 12. The user places IS 'chips' on the 'table' by touching an appropriate denomination in the chip selection box 31 and then touching an appropriate position on the roulette table area 32. Alternatively, this could be performed by a 'click-and-drag' type operation using a mouse or similar user input device. An amount of user credit is displayed in the remaining credit box 33 and this is decremented according to the stakes placed.

A particular aspect of the invention is to provide a new dimension to the bets placed on individual games (spins) of roulette (or other 'events'). It will be understood that if the above stakes are placed on the roulette table for each of a succession of games, each one of this series of events or games will have 37 possible outcomes. Each is associated with a payout. Thus, if five games are to be played, there are a total of 69,343, 957 possible outcomes from the five spins. Each of those outcomes is associated with a total payout W which is the cumulative total of the payout w for each separate spin.

Alternatively, different stakes could be applied to each one of the series of events. The principle is the same as for that described above.

Turning now to figure 5, prior to commencement of the first game (spin), the gaming system lO provides the user with a 'multispin' option, in which the user may place an additional bet on the outcome of a series of games or spins. In the example shown, the user is offered betting odds over five spins. This 'multispin' option is initiated by pressing the 'multispin' button 34 (figure 3).

A number of considerations are important in the technical implementation of this 'multispin' arrangement.

Firstly, it is strongly preferred that the user is presented with a number of possible betting options in order to make the game exciting and enable significant user involvement. In the illustration of figure 5, the user is immediately presented with four betting options, illustrated by touch buttons 51, 52, 53, 54. More may be available by pressing the 'more bets' button. It will be understood that the number of betting options may be varied, may be pre-programmed or may be user selectable.

Secondly, it is preferred that the user is presented with relatively simple odds, also preferably of fixed denomination from game series to game series. In the illustration of figure 5, the odds are fixed as 4/1 (boxes 51, 52) and 1/l (boxes 53, 54). It will be understood that the betting odds options may be varied, may be pre-programmed, or may be user selectable.

Thirdly, the betting odds will inherently be a function of the probabilities of each possible outcome of each one of the series of events. The actual cash payout will be multiple of the stake on each of the bets.

Therefore, in order to determine a suitable arrangement of betting options, many permutations of possible outcomes must be evaluated, typically of the order of thousands or even millions of possible outcomes. These possible outcomes must then be examined to dctennine on what basis the various betting options can be presented to the user while meeting the criteria required. In order to provide a satisfactory presentation to the user, and maintain an appropriate activity flow for the user, the system must determine and evaluate these possible outcomes and present the betting options without significant delay to the user. It will be readily apparent from the following discussion that such activity is clearly only possible in an electronic device capable of performing such high speed computations.

A preferred procedure for computation and evaluation of the various betting IS options to be offered to the user will now be described with reference to figures 2 and 8. Figure 2 shows a tabular data structure 20 which is preferably formulated, at least partially 'on the fly', immediately after the user has indicated the stakes / bets to be placed on each individual roulette spin. In the case of roulette, the resulting cumulative probability will change with each bet added to or removed from the system. More generally, this tabular data structure 20 can be generated as soon as all initial parameters (to be described below) become available. The table 20 may also be partially pre-populated with predetermined data in order to speed up processing.

In step I (figure 8, box 81), a first initial parameter is obtained, which parameter comprises the number n of events e in the series of events E over which the game is to be played. Preferably, the system 10 is preprogrammed with this value n, or the user may be asked to enter the value as a betting option. This value n determines the number of sub-columns 211 30... 21-n in table 20.

In step 2 (box 82), the number r of possible outcomes for each of the events e is determined. In the case of roulette, this parameter r is fixed at 37 for each game. For other games or events, the value of r may vary on an event by-event basis. For example, if each event e corresponds to a horse race in a series of races, the number of possible outcomes r may vary according to the number of horses in each race, i.e. some or all of r/, r2... r,, may be different.

This value or values of r will effectively determine the number of rows required in table 20.

In step 3 (box 83), the complete set of permutations of possible outcomes is listed in the appropriate columns 21-1 to 21-5. By way of example, for the five spin roulette game, rat, r2, r3, r4, rS = 37; n = 5; and the number of possible outcomes is in excess of 69 million. However, some of these possible outcomes are effectively the same as will now be seen and these may be grouped by permutation.

In step 4 (box 84), the payout w in respect of each possible event e outcome is calculated, e.g. as shown in the table 40 of figure 4. The table 20 is populated in columns 22-1 to 22-5 with the event payout values w (as given in the right hand column 41 of table 40) for each of the respective possible event outcomes (or for each permutation of event outcomes).

In step 5 (box 85), the total payout W for each possible outcome of the series of events (or for each permutation of the series, where this results in the same total payout) is then calculated from the sum of we + W2 + W3 +W4 + W5 and entered in column 23.

In step 6 (box 86), the total probability P for each possible outcome for the series E (or permutation of series), is calculated and entered in column 24.

The table 20 is then preferably sorted according to the values of W so that the series (or pcnnutations of series) are sorted in order of increasing or decreasing payout W. In step 7 (box 87), starting with the sorted table, the total probability values P are used to derive a cumulative probability PCUI]] for each table row, which cumulative probability value is entered in column 25. This cumulative probability will rise from zero at one end of the table (e.g. the top) to 100% at the other end of the table (e.g. at the bottom). As will become clear, ]O however, depending on the betting options to be generated, it might not be strictly necessary to generate all cumulative probability values, only those up to a certain desired level or down to a desired level.

In a first preferred arrangement, it is required to derive a betting option or several betting options for which the odds are approximately equal to one or more predetermined values, Be, B2. In the example shown in figure 5, the predetermined odds values given in boxes 51 to 54 are Be = 4/1 (20%) and B2 = ]/1 (50%). As previously indicated, the value or values for B may be pre-programmed, user input or user selected. Thus, in step 8 (box 88), the required value or values of B are determined either from memory, or by user query or other input type.

In step 9 (box 89), a search is conducted through the table 20 to locate a row (indcatcd by reference numeral 27) in the table where the cumulative probability value PCUI11 corresponds to the desired value of B. The exact row selected to correspond with B may be determined according to a number of possible selection algorithms for the relationship between PCUI11 and B. as will be explained hereinafter. The row selected 27 gives a total payout value W that corresponds to that cunulative probability.

For example, the table row 27 where PCum = B may be selected. With reference to figure 5, box 52, B -- 4/1 (20%), and for the roulette stakes placed it can be shown that tilere is approximately 4/l chance of winning less than 96 over the five spins based on this cumulative probability.

Alternatively, the table row where (100 - Pain) = B (Pcul = 80%) may be selected. For the roulette stakes placed it can be shown that there is approximately 4/1 chance of winning more than 424 over the Live spins.

Similar calculations (see box 89A) can be performed for betting odds B = 10]/1 (50%) where, of course, the table row 27 gives the single value of 244 for both the win more than W and the win less than W. There are two potential problems with this determination of W for given odds B. Firstly, there may not be an exactly matching value of Pale in the table, as the value of PCUl11 generally jumps in variable size increments according to the number of possible outcomes (or permutations of outcomes) that result in payouts W that have the same numeric value. Secondly, selecting PC,,,n = B does not allow the operator of the gaming system a suitable profit margin on the betting activity.

Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the relationship between the selected table row 27 (PC,,,n value) and the selected odds B is adjusted by a margin value m such that the row 27 sought is either where PCum = (B - m) or where PCUI11 = (B + m) depending upon whether the betting option is for a total win < X or for a total win > X (to ensure that the margin accrues in favour of the gaming apparatus, not the user). X represents the total win value we 3- w2 + + M/...

Further, in the preferred embodiment, where an exact match between PCUI11 and the sought-after value of B. or (B _ m), is not available (because of the incremental jumps in the values of PCum' then the nearest available value of PCUI11 in the same vertical direction as the applied margin m is selected, i.e. Pin < (B - nt) for a betting option where the win < X, and PCUI11 > (B + m) for a betting option where the win > X. In the presently preferred example as shown in figure 5, the value of m is set at 2.7%, and the four betting options in boxes 5 l to 54 shown in that figure have, in fact been computed according to that margin m. In other words, the 4/l betting odds are offered for a total payout value W where W (= 96) is ]0 derived from the cumulative probability corresponding to 17.3% (20% 2.7%) and where W (= 424) is derived from the cumulative probability corresponding to 82.7% (l 00% - 20% + 2.7%). In general, for most gaming activities, it is found that the number of possible outcomes and associated total payouts is sufficiently large that a value of PC,,n, at or very close to the desired betting odds B (suitably adjusted by the margin m as appropriate) is almost always available.

However, the system could also be configured to ensure that if the difference between the closest PC,,m value and B. or (B + m), exceeds a certain threshold, then either different values of B could be selected for presentation to the user (e.g. the odds changed from 4/1 to, say, 5/l) , or an adjustment could be made to the win value X that is proportionate to the error factor (Paid - B) such that the average margin over a number of games is maintained.

Referring now to figure 6, the selected betting odds 51 - 54 have been presented to the user (see also box 90, figure 8), and as indicated, the user has elected to place a 100 stake (shown by reference numeral 55) on the multispin bet that he or she will win more than 244 over five spins, at odds of l/l. This may be achieved by a similar touch screen operation or 'click- and-drag' type operation as that described in connection with figure 3.

The user may also be offered the alternative of more betting options by pressing button 56 for More bets'. In this instance, the electronic gaming system may be programmed to generate more betting options based on different values of betting odds, B. In the case of the tabular data structure already generated, these additional offered bets can be generated substantially instantaneously.

Once the 'multispin' bet is placed, the system can then be instructed to start the game by pressing the start button 57.

During play, the electronic gaming system may simulate the roulette game by graphic generation of a roulette wheel 70 (as shown in figure 7) and continuing display of the roulette table 71.

It will be understood from the foregoing that the electronic gaming system described is therefore capable of determining, substantially in read time, the set of possible outcomes of a series of events, determining a total payout associated with each of those possible outcomes, generating cumulative probabilities for the tote] payouts and finding a total payout value that is associated with one or more cumulative probabilities in order to be able to offer a user a number of betting options that extend over the series of events.

The calculations include provisions for ensuring that the operator of the electronic gaming system can maintain a suitable profit margin.

The gaming system 10 is capable of connection to, or integration with, a large number of possible electronic entertainment, gambling or betting systems. The exemplary system described above is deployed together with an electronic roulette game in which virtual roulette is played by the user on a computer display. However, the system can be integrated with any virtual game playing system or module in which a series of events occur each of which has a separate probability of a particular outcome (e. g. the fall of a roulette ball, or the fall of some dice). The virtual game could also extend to virtual horse racing or motor sport, with each event being a computer generated race having a plurality of possible winners.

In each of these virtual event systems, the outcome of the events would lO generally be determined at least to some extent by a random number generator. In each of these virtual event systems, the system includes a computer display to show the simulated action, which display may be shared with the display 12 ofthe gaming system 10.

l 5 In a general aspect, the game playing system which determines the outcomes of each of the events that form the basis of the 'multispin' betting options is represented by the event processor 15 (figure l).

the gaming system lO can also be integrated with 'real world' events such as horse racing, motor racing, sports matches and the like. In this instance, the gaming system processor 11 must be supplied electronically with the necessary real world data, e.g. the number of horses in a race and their separate odds of winning that race, for each of a series of races. These data could be supplied via administrator system and interface l 6 (figure l). The gaming system l O is then capable of determining odds for the series of races, the possible overall payouts for that series of races based on the customer's proposed bets on each race, and thus the betting options for the 'multirace' bet according to the algorithms defined above.

Clearly, in read world events, the gaming system lO will also be provided with a data feed indicating the actual results of each event so that the user's winning or losing status can be established and the bets paid out. In a general aspect, the data feed of actual results is represented by the event processor 15 (figure 1) which may be any suitable system such as a race ticker feed, event result electronic bulletin system and the like. This event processor 15 could be coupled to the processor 11 by private network or via secure internet link 18 to prevent fraud.

lO Thus, in a general aspect, the outcome of each event may be generated locally or remotely from the processor 11 by a local or remote event processor 15.

In the preferred arrangements of gaming system 10, a virtual credit system is also provided, as described in connection with figure 3. Preferably, the virtual credit system reflects the true state of a user's account with an operator of the electronic gaming system 10. In other words, payment (electronic or otherwise) to the operator of the electronic gaming system 10 is made by the user to obtain a credit balance as shown in credit box 33, figure 3. Betting activity then adjusts this credit balance accordingly.

From a tcclmical viewpoint, it will be noted that the gaming apparatus and methodology described herein is distinct from prior art betting techniques that depend upon the separate outcomes of a series of events. For example, a conventional accumulator betting system relies on accumulated odds over a series of events, each of which must result in a win for the accumulator bet to win. The accumulated odds are relatively simply established by arithmetic. By contrast, the apparatus described herein provides multiple betting options based on overall performance of multiple bets in a series of events in a way which requires extremely fast and complex data manipulation operations in order to provide betting options based entirely on the statistical chances of a range of possible outcomes while taking into account suitable profit margins for the operator of the apparatus.

Other embodiments are intentionally within the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims (13)

1. An electronic gaming system for enabling a user to place an overall bet on a series of events each having a separate probability of a particular outcome, the system comprising a processor adapted to: determine the set of possible outcomes of the series of events; determine a total payout (W) associated with each one of the possible outcomes and a probability (P) of that outcome; determine cumulative probabilities (Pa) for selected payouts (W); lO detennine a total payout value associated with at least one selected cumulative probability; generate at least one betting option for a user, based on the total payout value associated with the at least one selected cumulative probability at offered odds associated with the selected cumulative probability; the system further comprising: means for receiving an acceptance of said at least one betting option by a user; means for receiving or generating an outcome for each event in the series of events; and means for determining whether the set of received or generated outcomes for the series of events results in a win or a lose.

2. The gaming system of claim] in which the processor is further adapted to: sort the set of possible outcomes into ascending or descending order of total payouts (W) prior to determining the cumulative probabilities according to the sort order; use the sorted set to determine the total payout value that lies closest to a predetermined margin distance (m) from the selected cumulative probability (Paid).

3. The gaming system of claim] in which the processor is further adapted to: sort the set of possible outcomes into ascending or descending order of total payouts (W) prior to determining the cumulative probabilities according to the sort order; use the sorted set to determine the total payout value corresponding to one of the set of possible outcomes having a cumulative probability less than or greater than the selected cumulative probability by at least a lO predetermined margin.

4. The gaming system of claim l, claim 2 or claim 3 further including a visual display.

5. The gaming system of any preceding claim in which the means for receiving an outcome for each event in the series of events comprises an electronic feed from an external system providing results from real world events.

6. The gaming system of any one of claims 1 to 4 in which the means for generating an outcome for each event in the series of events comprises an electronic game-playing module.

7. The gaming system of any one of claims l to 4 in which the means for generating an outcome for each event in the series of events comprises a random number generator.

8. The ganging system of claim 6 in which the game-playing module comprises a processor adapted to: generate display information and receive user input for the playing of a plurality of games each of which includes an event having a number of possible outcomes, which plurality of games correspond to the series of events; and prior to a first one of the plurality of games, initiate the generation of said at least one betting option for the user, based on the total payout value associated with the at least one selected cumulative probability of the overall outcome of the plurality of games.

9. The gaming system of claim 8 in which the games include a simulated roulette game.

10. The gaming system of any preceding claim in which the processor is further adapted to: maintain a virtual credit account for a user; dctiting the virtual account of the user with a stake value upon said acceptance of said at least one betting option by the user; and crediting the virtual account in the event of a win.

11. The gaming system of any preceding claim in which the processor is adapted to generate multiple betting options for a user, each based on a total payout value associated with a selected cumulative probability at offered odds associated with the selected cumulative probability.

12. The gaming system of claim 11 in which the betting options include offered betting odds on a total payout value for the series of events greater than a first threshold value and/or a total payout value for the series of events less than a second threshold value.

13. Apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.