JP2023126968A - Multi-display computer terminal system - Google Patents

Abstract

To alleviate some of drawbacks of traditional systems for playing games.SOLUTION: Provided is an apparatus, comprising: a display device; and at least one processor which: displays a graphical user interface on the display device; receives information for identifying a second player in a casino; in response to the reception of the information for identifying the second player, associates the information for identifying the second player with a control section on the graphical user interface; determines that the control section is activated; in response to the determination that the control section is activated, displays the information about the second player on the display device; receives data representing the betting of a game played by the second player; and displays real-time information about the game played by the second player on the display device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Games of chance have gained wide popularity. Traditional systems for playing these games have certain drawbacks. Computer-implemented systems have the potential to alleviate these drawbacks.

Summary According to some embodiments, a game of chance may be played on a computer system.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an interactive gaming system A10 in accordance with various embodiments. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a roulette table in a casino along with an associated video camera and other parts of the system. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a terminal, computer or television type display. FIG. 4A depicts a casino offering both internal and online (over a network) gaming, according to various embodiments. FIG. 4B illustrates a casino according to some embodiments. FIG. 5 illustrates a player communicating with the casino of FIG. 4A via a server, according to some embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates the casino of FIG. 4A providing amenities to players, according to some embodiments. FIG. 7 illustrates a display used by the casino of FIG. 4A to electronically verify that a player is eligible for an advantage, according to some embodiments. FIG. 8 illustrates a system for detecting and managing collusion, according to some embodiments. FIG. 9 is a functional illustration of a software program stored on the application web server of FIG. 8, according to some embodiments. FIG. 10 is a functional illustration of a software program stored on the collusion detection server of FIG. 8, according to some embodiments. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a general purpose computing system on which various embodiments may be implemented. FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a computer data storage system in which various embodiments may be implemented. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating components of a sports betting calculator, according to some embodiments. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating components of a payment subsystem, according to some embodiments. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating components of a dispensing subsystem, according to some embodiments. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating components of a sports betting calculator, according to some embodiments. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a process for placing sports bets, according to some embodiments. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a method for authenticating a pre-generated random event sequence in an online casino game, according to some embodiments. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a method for authenticating a pre-generated random event sequence that is converted into a digital digest, according to some embodiments. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a method for authenticating a pre-generated random event sequence that is encrypted and converted to a digital digest, according to various embodiments. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of a method for authenticating a pre-generated random event sequence in a multi-player game, according to various embodiments. FIG. 22 illustrates a gaming system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 23 illustrates a communication network according to some embodiments. FIG. 24 illustrates a gaming service provider communicating with a gaming communication device, according to some embodiments. FIG. 25 illustrates a communication network, according to some embodiments. FIG. 26 illustrates a gaming system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 27 illustrates a wireless gaming system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 28 illustrates a mobile gaming device with solicitation content, according to some embodiments. FIG. 29 is a block diagram of a gaming system according to some embodiments. FIG. 30 is a block diagram of a payment system that forms part of the gaming system shown in FIG. 8, according to some embodiments. FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of a portable gaming device of the gaming system shown in FIG. 8, according to some embodiments. FIG. 32a is a flow diagram illustrating a method of using a mobile gaming device by a player, according to some embodiments. FIG. 32b is a flow diagram illustrating certain methods of using a mobile gaming device by a player, according to some embodiments. FIG. 33 is a flow diagram of a method of using a mobile gaming device by a gaming device operator, according to some embodiments. FIG. 34 is a flow diagram of a method of using a mobile gaming device, according to some embodiments. FIG. 35 illustrates one embodiment of a spin reel slot machine. FIG. 36a shows a direct video image of a display area, according to some embodiments. FIG. 36b illustrates a virtual video image of a display area, according to some embodiments. FIG. 37 illustrates a video image superimposed with explanatory information prompting a player to insert coins or gaming credits, according to some embodiments. FIG. 38 illustrates a superimposed video image depicting an activated pay line and a number of credits wagered, according to some embodiments. FIG. 39 illustrates a superimposed video image depicting a pay table in response to a player's command (eg, by pressing “Pay Table” on a button panel), according to some embodiments. FIG. 40 depicts a superimposed video image highlighting a winning combination (e.g., "7," "7," "7") and its pay line and depicting the prize for that winning combination, according to some embodiments. show. FIG. 41 illustrates one embodiment of a gaming system consistent with some embodiments. FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10. FIG. 43 schematically depicts one embodiment of a player tracking card 59 located in a card reader 58. FIG. 44 is a perspective view of various possible embodiments of a gaming device. FIG. 45 is a gaming device according to some embodiments. FIG. 46 illustrates an apparatus for playing games, according to some embodiments. FIG. 47 is a block diagram of components of a palm reading system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 48 illustrates a system, according to some embodiments. FIG. 49 illustrates a casino server according to some embodiments. FIG. 50 illustrates a terminal for use by a second player, according to some embodiments. FIG. 51 illustrates a gaming device, according to some embodiments. FIG. 52 illustrates a monitoring device (eg, camera, card reader), according to some embodiments. FIG. 53 shows a database entry containing various information related to the game (eg, date, time, outcome, player, amount of bet). FIG. 54 shows a database entry containing various games played by players. FIG. 55 illustrates a touch screen display for entering betting information and tracking game progress, according to some embodiments. FIG. 56 illustrates a touch screen display for entering betting information and tracking game progress, according to some embodiments. FIG. 57 illustrates a table display of information about various games, according to some embodiments. FIG. 58 illustrates a gaming environment, according to some embodiments. FIG. 59 illustrates a gaming environment, according to some embodiments. FIG. 60 illustrates information regarding gaming devices, according to some embodiments. FIG. 61 illustrates a terminal, according to some embodiments.

Reconstructing Events Using Graphics In various embodiments, events may occur out of sight of interested players. The event may have occurred in a different location from where the party of interest is located. The event may have occurred before the interested party arrived at the location where the event occurred. The event may have been missed because the interested party was looking away or not paying attention. According to various embodiments, one or more details of an event are recorded. Details can be recorded using recording devices such as cameras, microphones, scanners, or other recording devices. For example, in a game, a card shuffler may include a scanner to read images of the cards being dealt. The details may be recorded in a network coupled environment and made available to one or more other computing devices connected to the network. The details may then be accessed by one or more computing devices.

In various embodiments, details of the recorded event may be used to reconstruct the event. For example, an image processing algorithm may determine ranks and sets of dealt cards based on captured images of the cards. The details of the event may be rendered by a server or any computing device that stores the details.

After the details of the event are presented, the event is performed. For example, a cartoon event may be staged based on the stored event details. For example, the depiction of the card may be generated by a computer.

The performance of the event may then be presented to people. The presentation may be in video, audio, tactile, or any other format. In various embodiments, a performed game performance may be presented to a person who is away from the game or who was not watching the performance when it was performed. Such persons include a secondary player or players who bet on the outcome of a game without directly participating in the game themselves.

In various embodiments, details of the event are not staged. Rather, event details are provided as they were recorded. For example, a video of the event may be presented.

Presentation of Information to Players at the Table In various embodiments, players sit shoulder-to-shoulder with other players, typically with a designated area for placing cash, gaming chips, food, drinks, or other items. It takes up almost no space. Additionally, there is little space to view desired information, such as information about other players, information about game strategy, or information not related to the game. According to various embodiments, a terminal with multiple screens allows a player to view multiple information offerings and many different types of information. The desk area of the terminal provides the player with space to place personal possessions or game items. A player may also participate in multiple games at the terminal in various embodiments. In this way, the terminal helps alleviate the spatial constraints found in traditional gaming tables.

Using the terminal, the first player can call up information regarding the second player. The first player can recall information indicating how many times the second player has won or lost within a predetermined period of time. The first player can recall information indicating what strategy the second player used. A first player can recall information indicating amounts won or lost by a second player. The first player can call up any other information regarding the second player. A first player may have different statistics about a second player, or a predetermined statistic about many other different players (e.g., the amount won by each of 10 other different players). , it is possible to view multiple different pieces of information.

A terminal may include various input devices such as a keyboard, computer mouse, phone pad, camera, and microphone, and other input devices. A player may use the input device to indicate the player's desire to see information about other players, about any of the games the player is playing, or other information. It is.

Server-based games where people playing games in different parts of the casino can see everyone In various embodiments, people participating in an interactive event cannot converge in the same physical location There is a possibility that it cannot be done. For example, people may have physical weaknesses that prevent them from moving easily from one place to another. For example, in a casino, players may wish to play the same poker game, but it may be impossible or unwilling for them all to move to the same area of the casino. Thus, in various embodiments, each of a plurality of players may go to his or her own terminal. A terminal may include many display screens. Individual display screens may display images of other players participating in the same poker game. Each terminal may include a camera. The camera may capture an image of the player at the terminal. Images captured by the camera may be sent to a central server. The server may similarly send images from the camera to another player's terminal. Another player's terminal receives the image, which may be displayed on one of the terminal's display screens. In this way, a player can sit at a terminal and play a game opposite a player at another terminal. A player may view each of the other players on one of his terminal's display screens. In various embodiments, players may have audio links with each other. Each player's terminal may include a microphone. Words spoken into the microphone may be captured, sent to a central server, and forwarded to another terminal. Another terminal may broadcast the words spoken to the player at the terminal. In this way, a first player may say something like "bet" or "rise," followed by another player hearing the words spoken at another terminal. In these various embodiments, a player may participate in a game traditionally played individually, despite being separated from another player.

Playing Multiple Games Simultaneously In various embodiments, a terminal with multiple screens (eg, six screens) allows a player to participate in multiple games simultaneously. Traditionally, players of gaming devices such as slot machines have had limited space on the display screen from which to view the game action. Terminals according to various embodiments provide multiple display screens. The display screen may extend in a semicircular arc in front of the player. Thus, players have enough space to watch multiple games at the same time.

Although you cannot play from the same deck as another player in a live game, you can play against the dealer's cards. In various embodiments, the device transmits information from a live game conducted at the table to the table. combined with additional information to enable the game to be played by another player who is not present. The information acquisition device is near the table. For example, a camera may film a game being played at a table. Game play details are acquired by an information acquisition device. Details are communicated to a central server. The details are then interpreted to determine important game information, such as which cards have been dealt or are in the dealer's hands. Additional information is then generated. This additional information may include new cards, dice rolls, marks, and other game results or achievements. Additional information may be used along with information from the live game to create new games or gaming experiences for players at the terminal. The terminal's computer processor generates cards for the player. The processor uses a random number generator, for example, to select cards to be distributed to players. A player's victory or defeat is determined based on the generated additional information and important information from the live game. For example, a player may receive a blackjack hand generated by his terminal's processor. The player's hand may then be compared to the dealer's hand from a live blackjack game. This comparison is performed by the terminal's processor using standard blackjack rules.

A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING THIS APPLICATION Terminology The term "product" means any machine, manufacture and/or assembly of materials, unless otherwise specified.

The term "process" means any process, algorithm, method, etc., unless otherwise specified.

Each process (whether called a method, algorithm, or otherwise) inherently includes one or more steps; therefore, references to a "step" or "steps" of a process are There is an inherent antecedent basis in the mere citation of "process" or similar terms. Thus, references in the claims to a "step" or "steps" of a process have sufficient antecedent basis.
The term "invention" and similar terms mean "one or more inventions disclosed in this application" unless otherwise specified.

Terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiments”, “the embodiments”, “one of more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, “certain embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “another embodiment” , and similar terms mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the disclosed invention(s)" unless otherwise specified.

The term "variation" of the invention refers to one embodiment of the invention, unless otherwise specified.

Reference to “other embodiments” in the description of an embodiment indicates that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with the other embodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referenced embodiment). Not included.

The terms invention "including", "comprising" and variations thereof mean "including, but not limited to", unless otherwise specified.

The terms "a," "an," and "the" mean "one or more," unless otherwise specified.

The term "plurality" means "two or more" unless otherwise specified.

The term "herein" means "in this application, including everything included by reference", unless otherwise specified.

The term “at least one of” means all of one or more of those items, unless otherwise specified. means a combination of For example, the phrase "machinery, motor vehicles and wheels" includes (i) machinery, (ii) motor vehicles, (iii) wheels, (iv) machinery and motor vehicles, (v) machinery and wheels, (vi) motor vehicles and (vii) means any mechanical device, motor vehicle, or wheel; When the phrase "at least one" modifies more than one thing, it does not mean "each individual one" of the more than one thing.

Unless otherwise specified, numerical terms such as "1 piece", "2 pieces", etc., when used as a base number to indicate a quantity of something (e.g., 1 mechanical device, 2 mechanical devices), It means the quantity indicated by the numerical value, but does not mean at least the quantity indicated by the numerical value. For example, the phrase "a piece of machinery" does not mean "at least one piece of machinery", so the phrase "one piece of machinery" does not cover, for example, two pieces of machinery.

The phrase "based on" does not mean "based solely on" unless specifically stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on." The phrase "based at least on" is the same as "based at least in part on."

The term "represent" and similar terms are non-limiting unless specifically stated otherwise. For example, "represent" does not mean "represent only" unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "data represents a credit card number" means "data represents only a credit card number" and "data represents a credit card number and also data represents other things."

The term "whereby" here refers only to clauses or other sets of words that express only the intended result, object, or course of something that has been explicitly enumerated beforehand. Thus, when "whereby" is used in a claim, the clause or other word that "whereby" modifies does not further specifically limit the claim or otherwise modify the meaning or scope of the claim. Constrain.

The term "e.g." and similar terms means "for example" and does not limit the term or phrase it describes. For example, in the sentence "A computer sends data (e.g. instructions, data structures) over the Internet," the term "e.g." means that "instructions" are an example of "data" that a computer may send over the Internet, and " It explains that ``data structures'' are also an example of ``data'' that computers may send over the Internet. However, both "instructions" and "data structures" are only examples of "data", and things other than "instructions" and "data structures" can also be "data".

The term "respective" and similar terms mean "treated individually." Therefore, if two or more objects have "each" characteristic, each of those objects has its own characteristics, and these characteristics can be different from each other, but they do not have to be. For example, the phrase "two machines each having a respective function" means that the first machine has a function and the second machine also has a function. The characteristics of the first machine may or may not be the same as the characteristics of the second machine.

The term "i.e." and similar terms indicate "that is" and qualify the term or phrase it describes. For example, in the sentence "A computer sends data (i.e. instructions) over the Internet," the term "i.e." explains that the "instructions" are "data" that a computer sends over the Internet.

All numerical ranges include integers and fractions with a range. For example, the range "1 to 10" includes integers and non-integers (eg, 1.1, 1.2,...9) between 1 and 10 (eg, 1, 2, 3, 4,...9). .1.9) shall be construed to specifically include.

If two or more terms or phrases are synonymous (e.g., because of an explicit statement that the terms or phrases are synonymous), then an example of one such term/phrase is different from an example of the other term/phrase. It doesn't mean it has to have meaning. For example, if the meaning of “including” is synonymous with “including but not limited to,” then the mere use of “including but not limited to” ``(including)'' is not meant to mean anything other than ``including but not limited to.''

determining
The term "determine" and its grammatical variations (eg, determine a price, determine a value, determine a purpose that meets certain criteria) is used in a very broad sense. The term "determine" encompasses a wide variety of actions, including calculating, performing a process, deriving, examining, examining (e.g., examining a table, database, or other data structure), verifying, etc. including. Also, "determining" includes receiving (eg, receiving information), accessing (eg, accessing data in memory), and the like. Moreover, "determine" includes solving, selecting, selecting, etc.

The term "determining" does not imply absolute precision; "determining" includes anticipating, extrapolating, predicting, estimating, and the like.

The term "determine" does not mean that a mathematical operation must be performed, does not mean that numerical methods must be used, but does not mean that an algorithm or process is used. do not.

The term "determining" does not imply that a particular device must be used. For example, a computer does not necessarily need to carry out the decision.

Sentence Form A limitation in the first claim covers one of the features and one or more of the features (e.g., a limitation such as "at least one mechanical device" covers one or more mechanical devices as well as one or more mechanical devices). in a second claim dependent on a first claim, where the second claim uses the definite article “the” to make a limitation (e.g., “the said mechanical device”). , it does not mean that the first claim covers only one feature, nor does it mean that the second claim covers only one feature (e.g., "the mechanical device" (can cover both one mechanical device and one or more mechanical devices).

Ordinal numbers (e.g., "first," "second," "third," etc.) are used as adjectives in front of terms, and the ordinal number (unless otherwise specified) only indicates a particular characteristic, e.g. , indicating a difference from other features described by the same or similar terms. For example, the "first mechanical device" is merely named to distinguish it from, for example, the "second mechanical device." The use of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before “machinery” does not indicate any other relationship between two pieces of machinery, but rather indicates a relationship between one or two pieces of machinery. It is not indicative of other characteristics. For example, the use of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before "mechanical equipment" (1) does not indicate which mechanical equipment is in front or behind, in terms of order and location, (2) No temporal relationship is shown in the occurrence or operation of the device. (3) No hierarchical relationship is shown in the rank or quality of the mechanical device. Furthermore, the mere use of an ordinal number does not impose a numerical limitation on the characteristic identified by the ordinal number. For example, the use of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before "machinery" does not imply that there must be two or fewer machines.

Where a single device, article or product is described herein, one or more devices/articles (whether or not cooperating) may be used in place of the single device/article described. good. Thus, functionality described as being owned by a device may be owned by one or more devices/articles (whether or not they cooperate).

Similarly, if more than one piece of equipment, article or other product (cooperating or not) is listed, a single piece of equipment is used instead of more than one piece of equipment/article listed. /articles may be used. For example, multiple computer-based devices may be replaced by a single computer-based device. Therefore, functionality described as being owned by more than one device may be owned by a single device/article.

The functions and/or features of a single device described may be alternatively provided by one or more devices described but not expressly described as possessing such functions/features. It can be materialized. Thus, other embodiments need not include the exact features of the described device, but may include one or more other devices having such functionality/features in other embodiments.

The disclosed examples and terms are not limiting. Neither the title of the invention (as listed at the beginning of the first page of this application) nor the abstract (as listed at the end of this application) are disclosed. shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. The abstract is included in this application only because 37 C.F.R. section 1.72(b) requires an abstract of no more than 150 characters.

The title of this application and the section headings provided herein are for convenience only and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure in any way.

Although many embodiments are disclosed in this application, they are presented for illustrative purposes only. The disclosed embodiments are not and are not intended to be limiting in any way. As will become readily apparent from the disclosure, the invention disclosed herein is applicable to many embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed invention can be practiced with various modifications and changes, such as structural, logical, software, and electrical changes. Certain features of the disclosed invention are described in conjunction with one or more specific embodiments and/or drawings, and unless otherwise indicated, such features are referred to in the description of the embodiments. It should be understood that the use is not limited to one or more particular embodiments or drawings.

Except as expressly stated in this specification or in the claims, embodiments with respect to method steps or product elements described in this application herein refer to It is not an element of the claimed invention, is not essential to the invention claimed herein, and does not have the same scope as the invention claimed herein.

The introduction of a claim merely recites the object, benefits, and possible uses of the claimed invention, but does not limit the claimed invention.

This disclosure does not describe every embodiment of the invention verbatim. Furthermore, this disclosure does not list inventions that must be present in all embodiments.

Devices that communicate with each other do not need to be in continuous communication with each other unless otherwise specified. On the contrary, such devices only need to communicate as needed or desired and may regulate data exchange most of the time. For example, one machine that is communicating with another machine over the Internet may not have to send data to the other machine for long periods of time (eg, once every few weeks). Additionally, devices in communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components or features does not imply that all or any of those components/features are required. To the contrary, various optional components are described to illustrate a wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention. Unless otherwise noted, no components/features are essential or required.

Although steps, algorithms, or the like are described or required in a particular order, such processes may be configured to operate in a different order. In other words, any sequence or order explicitly stated or required does not necessarily imply a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of the process described herein may be performed in any order. Additionally, although some of the steps are described or implied to occur non-simultaneously (eg, one step is described after another), they may be performed simultaneously. Furthermore, the description of the steps illustrated by the drawings does not imply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations, nor does it imply that the illustrated process or any steps thereof are necessary for the invention; Nor does it imply that the described process is preferred.

Although a process may be described as including multiple steps, that does not imply that all or any of the steps are preferred, required, or necessary. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention include other processes that exclude some or all of the described steps. None of the steps are required or required unless otherwise noted.

Although the process is described alone or without reference to other products or methods, in embodiments the process interacts with other products or methods. For example, such interactions include linking one business model with another. Such interaction is provided to increase the flexibility or desirability of the process.

Although a product may be described as including a plurality of components, forms, attributes, properties, and/or features, this does not imply that any or all of a plurality are preferred, required, or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention include some or all of the described plurality.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be enumerated) does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless specifically stated otherwise. Similarly, a list in which items are listed (which may or may not be listed) does not imply that any or all of the items encompass any category, unless specifically stated otherwise. For example, "computers, laptops, PDAs" does not mean that any or all of the three items in the enumerated list are mutually exclusive; or all are not meant to be inclusive of any category.

A list in which items are listed (regardless of whether they are listed or not) does not imply that any or all of the items are identical to each other or readily interchangeable with each other.

All embodiments are illustrative and do not imply that the invention or embodiments were made or practiced on a case-by-case basis.

Computations It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various processes described herein may be performed by, for example, suitably programmed general purpose computers, special purpose computers and computing devices. Generally, a processor (e.g., one or more microcontrollers, one or more digital signal processors) receives instructions (e.g., from a memory or similar device), executes these instructions, and processes these instructions. Execute one or more processes determined by the command. The instructions may be embedded in one or more computer programs, scripts, for example.

"Processor" means one or more microprocessors, regardless of configuration (e.g., chip-level multiprocessing/multicore, RISC, CISC, non-pipeline interlocking microprocessors, pipeline configuration, simultaneous multithreading); Refers to central processing units (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, etc., or any combination thereof.

Thus, a description of a process is also a description of the apparatus that performs the process. Devices for executing processes include, for example, processors, input devices, and output devices suitable for executing processes.

Further, programs implementing such methods (as well as other types of data) may be stored and transmitted using a variety of media (e.g., computer readable media) and in a variety of manners. is possible. In some embodiments, hardwired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of or in combination with some or all of the software instructions that can implement the processes of various embodiments. In this way, various combinations of hardware and software can be used in place of software only.

“Computer-readable medium” means any medium, the same medium, or a combination of different media, that provides data (e.g., instructions, data structures) that can be read by a computer, processor, or similar device. That applies. Such a medium can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other permanent memories. Volatile media includes dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes main memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics including system buses connected to the processor. Transmission media include acoustic waves, light waves such as those generated in radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications, and electromagnetic radiation. Common forms of computer readable media include, for example, floppy disks, floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tape and all other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs and all other optical media, punched cards, paper tape and other hole patterned media. RAM, PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, transmitted waves as described below, or any other computer readable media.

A variety of computer readable forms may be involved in conveying data (eg, a sequence of instructions) to a processor. For example, data may be (i) delivered from RAM to a processor, (ii) carried over a wireless transmission medium, (iii) Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth, TCP/IP, formatted and/or transmitted according to a number of formats, standards or protocols, such as TDMA, CDMA, and 3G; (iv) encrypted to protect privacy or prevent collusion by various methods known in the art; Ru.

Thus, a description of a process is also a description of a computer readable medium that stores a program that executes the process. The computer readable medium (in any suitable format) can store program elements suitable for carrying out the method.

Embodiments of the apparatus may be capable of performing some (but not all) of the processes described, such that the description of various steps in a process does not imply that all steps described are required. computer/computing equipment.

Similarly, embodiments of a computer-readable medium storing a program or data structure may be used to carry out the process, such that a description of various steps in a process does not imply that all described steps are required. includes a computer-readable medium storing a program capable of causing a processor to perform some (but not all) of the described processes when

When a database is described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that: (i) alternative databases are readily available for the subject being described; (ii) other memory structures other than the database are readily available. be. Any illustrations or descriptions of any sample database presented herein are diagrammatic arrangements for representing stored information. For example, a number of other arrangements can be used in addition to those suggested by the tables shown in the drawings and the like. Similarly, the illustrated entries in any database provide exemplary information only. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number and content of entries can vary from what is described herein. Additionally, despite the depiction of databases as tables, other formats (association databases, object-based models, and/or distributed databases) can be used to store and manipulate the data types described herein. It is. Similarly, database object methods or behaviors can be used to perform various processes, such as those described herein. Furthermore, the database may be stored locally or remotely from the devices that access the data in the database, in known manner.

Various embodiments can be configured in a networked environment that includes a computer in communication (eg, via a communications network) with one or more devices. A computer may be connected to any wired or wireless medium (e.g., Internet, LAN, WAN, Ethernet, Token Ring, telephone line, cable line, radio channel, optical communication line, commercial online service provider, bulletin board system, satellite communication link, etc.) It is also possible to communicate directly or indirectly with the device via any combination of Each device itself consists of a computer or computing device, such as one based on an Intel® Pentium® or Centrino® processor, in communication with a computer. Any number and type of devices may communicate with the computer.

In one embodiment, a server computer or centralized authority is neither necessary nor preferred. For example, the invention may be implemented in one embodiment by one or more devices without a centralized authority. In such embodiments, functions described as being performed by a server computer, or data described as being stored on a server computer, may alternatively be performed or stored on one or more devices. It's good.

When a process is described, in one embodiment, the process may operate without user intervention. In another embodiment, the process includes some human intervention (eg, a step is performed with or with human assistance).

Continuing Application This disclosure provides those skilled in the art with an enabling description of several embodiments and/or inventions. Some of these embodiments and/or inventions may not be claimed in this application, but may be claimed in one or more continuing applications that claim priority from this application.

Applicant intends to file a supplemental application claiming patents on subject matter disclosed and practiced but not claimed in this application.

35 U.S.C. 112, 6th Paragraph A claim limitation that includes the phrase “means for” or the phrase “step for” in a claim is defined by 35 U.S.C. 112, 6th paragraph. means that the limitations apply.

In a claim, a claim limitation that does not include the phrase "means for" or the phrase "step for" does not include a description of the structure, material, or act for performing the function. Whether or not a feature is described without it means that 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6, does not apply to that limitation. For example, in a claim, when the phrase "means of" or the phrase "step of" is used simply to refer to one or more steps of the claim or another claim, That does not mean that 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6, applies to that step.

With respect to means or steps for performing a specified function pursuant to paragraph 6 of 3 U.S. Pat. May perform functions.

Computers, processors, computing devices, and similar products are structures that can perform a wide variety of functions. Such products may perform certain functions by executing one or more programs, such as programs stored in the product's memory or in a memory that the product has access to. Unless otherwise specified, such programs need not be based on any particular algorithm, such as any particular algorithm disclosed in this application. It is known to those skilled in the art that certain functions can be performed through different algorithms, and that any of the many different algorithms are merely design choices for performing a particular function.

Thus, with respect to means or steps for performing a specified function pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6, a structure corresponding to a specified function includes any product that is programmed to perform the specified function. . Such structure indicates that such product does not use (i) a disclosed algorithm for performing its features, (ii) an algorithm similar to the disclosed algorithm, or (iii) a method for performing its functions. Includes programmed products that perform functions, whether or not programmed with different algorithms.

When a means or method is described for performing a function, one structure for performing the method is a computer programmed and/or configured with suitable hardware to perform the function. equipment (e.g., a general purpose computer).

Also included are computing devices (eg, general purpose computers) programmed and/or configured with suitable hardware to perform the functions via other algorithms, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

Disclaimer Reference to particular embodiments does not imply a disclaimer or disclaimer of additional different embodiments. Similarly, reference to a description of an embodiment that includes a particular feature does not imply a disclaimer or disclaimer of embodiments that do not include that particular feature. Express disclaimers or disclaimers in this application are initiated by the phrase "does not include" or the phrase "cannot perform."

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE Any patent application or other document referenced herein is hereby incorporated by reference as part of this disclosure, but with a written description pursuant to paragraph 1 of 35 U.S.C. Incorporated solely for the purpose of implementation pursuant to paragraph 1. Also, those documents referred to would have permitted an ascertainable meaning to the terms presented, rather than the present application failing to provide an ascertainable meaning without incorporation by reference; It shall not be used to limit, define or construe the terms of this application. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art need not be limited by any embodiments provided by reference.

Incorporation by any reference does not, by itself, imply any warranty, agreement or unwillingness to make any statement, opinion, objection, or characterization contained in the patent, patent application or other document incorporated, unless expressly stated otherwise in this patent application. Does not include consent.

Procedural history In interpreting this application (including the claims), those skilled in the art will refer to the procedural history of this application, including other applications considered to be related to this application or sharing priority claims with this application. Regardless of whether or not a patent application has been filed, the procedure history of other patents or patent applications is not referred to.

Various Embodiments Gaming in Different Environments In various embodiments, a gaming system maintains proper odds in a game, allows players to more easily view their gaming experience, allows players to play remotely, To provide a platform for quick play of a card game for the purpose of enabling play between players when they are not close to each other.

In various embodiments, a computerized gaming system provides an electronic display of cards. The gaming system may determine the order of the cards using, for example, a quasi-random algorithm. The gaming system may then deal cards to one or more players and/or the house or dealer in turn to deal cards to one or more players. Depending on the game, a player may place one or more bets. Bets may be keyed using any of many possible interfaces, such as buttons, touch screens, computer mice, trackballs, and others. Depending on the game, the player may make one or more decisions in the game. Decisions may include dealing another card, folding, splitting hands, or other appropriate decisions.
A player may make decisions using an interface such as a computer mouse, buttons, touch screen, trackball, or other interface.

In various embodiments, the computer system reshuffles the cards after each individual game or a small number of games. Reshuffling is performed electronically and may occur nearly instantaneously. This saves the time required for the shuffling process if done with a physical deck of cards.

Reshuffling the card deck for each game results in constant or relatively constant odds for each game. For example, counting strategies used in blackjack or other card games may become less effective or completely ineffective if the cards are reshuffled each game.

In various embodiments, for example, cards numbered 1 through 6, or similarly labeled, are used to play a game of craps or other dice games. For example, in a crap game, a "roll" is simulated by dealing two cards. As recognized, each roll of the dice can be considered an independent, random event. However, for a deck of cards used to perform a dice game, it is possible in principle to make predictions about the next deal based on previously dealt cards. This is because each dealt card changes the composition of the rest of the deck by using one known card from the deck.

A computerized system according to various embodiments allows games that use cards to more closely simulate games that use dice. In some embodiments, the computerized system is configured such that a new card dealt is independent of the previous card dealing such that the rotation of a new die is independent of the rotation of its previous die. This may be simulated by reshuffling a standard deck.

Infinite Card Deck A computerized system may simulate an infinite or very large deck of cards. To simulate an infinite deck of cards, the computer system may distribute randomly selected cards if desired. However, after the individual cards are dealt, the computer does not have to make any changes to its selection process; for example, the computer does not have to assume that the remaining deck of cards has been used. In this way, the computer may deal in the next card exactly the same card that the computer previously dealt. As will be appreciated, there are other ways to simulate an infinite deck. When an infinite card deck is used, the odds of a particular dealt card do not depend on which cards were dealt previously. In this way, an infinite deck may be used to faithfully simulate a dice game.

Magnification A computer system for playing card games according to various embodiments features a zoom or magnification option. The player can press a button to increase the size of the cards displayed on the screen. The player may also touch or designate particular cards on the touch screen. Cards designated by a player may be expanded with respect to display size on the display screen so that they are more easily visible to the player. Players may also reduce the size of the cards or other items displayed, for example, to increase the game field. For example, if a player is playing a game with multiple opponents, the player may narrow the view of each opponent's cards so that all of the opponent's cards can be viewed simultaneously on the same display screen.

In various embodiments, games may be played on a physical table. The table may include a marked felt table top, a chip rack, chairs, a player area, and a dealer area. However, some of the players at the table may be visually challenged and unable to see the cards, bets, or other items at the table. According to some embodiments, a camera or other imaging device may capture an image of the table. The image may be displayed on a monitor or other display screen near the player. The player may be able to change the magnification of the screen by enlarging or reducing. In this way, a visually handicapped player may be able to follow the actions taking place at the table by referring to the display screen, which allows the image of the display screen to be enlarged.

Simultaneity In various embodiments, computer systems are designed to allow simultaneous actions or decisions by players during a game. In some embodiments, players compete against each other in a card game using, for example, the rules of blackjack. Players place money in pots and bet and raise with each other. The winning player is the player whose hand has a point total closest to 21 without exceeding 21. In some embodiments, games are played with different point totals, for example, with a maximum point total of 22. In any event, in such a game, the first player may have the advantage of deferring the decision to hit or stand until he or she confirms that the other player has chosen to hit or stand. Thus, to prevent any one player from gaining an advantage, the game rules require that all players in the game make certain decisions (e.g., hit/stand decisions) at the same time, or at least You may be required to make hit/stand decisions without knowing other players' hit/stand decisions.

In various embodiments, a computer system may receive decisions from multiple players in a game. As the computer system receives the individual decisions, the computer system may store the decisions in computer memory. The computer may track how many players' decisions are received. If all players' decisions have been received, the computer system sends all decisions to all players by indicating the word hit or stand on a diagram showing the player positions on the virtual table, and/or by indicating the actual Show by showing the card.

In various embodiments, individual players in a game may be prompted to take turns making decisions, with the decisions not being disclosed, or only partially disclosed, to the other players. For example, a player may make a hit determination with the resulting card visible only to him. Alternatively, a player may make a hit decision with the resulting cards not only visible to him, but with other players receiving instructions for the decision. In either case, the other player makes the hit decision despite having no or limited knowledge (i.e., at least if an indication of the decision was provided) regarding the previous hit decision. You may be encouraged to do so. At some point, for example at the end of the game, all cards may be made visible to all players.

Similarly, in various embodiments, the computer system may cause bets to be placed simultaneously. For example, if all players in a game decide whether to bet at the same time and all players' decisions are received, all players are shown the amounts of all decisions/bets. A player who enters a smaller amount than another player may then be prompted to fold or enter an additional bet, such that all players enter the same amount, for example. In this way, no one player can monitor the bets of other players to gain an advantage before making his own betting decisions.

People Don't Touch the Cards In traditional blackjack games, it is undesirable to allow players to touch the cards. If a player touches a card, there is a risk that the player will mark the card or even replace it with a card that is more advantageous to him. In a traditional blackjack game, the cards are dealt upwards and there is no special need for the player to touch the cards. This is because the player can see everything he needs to know about the cards without touching them. However, if the cards are dealt face down, the player cannot see them without touching them.

Computer systems according to various embodiments allow certain cards to be viewed only to individual players, while eliminating the need for players to touch their cards. A computer system according to various embodiments allows players to play blackjack against each other, for example. Each player is dealt at least one card that he has a right to know but that other players do not know. The system allows players to play games on remote devices, terminals, computers, mobile gaming devices, or other interfaces. Since the players are separated from each other, the cards can be displayed on the first player's terminal without the risk of being seen by other players. A given player's terminal may display some, but not all, of the cards belonging to other players. For example, in a game of blackjack, a player may begin the game with one card private (visible only to that player), one card public (visible to all players), and/or or may receive hits that are kept private (visible only to the player in question) or public (visible to all players). At some point, for example at the end of the game, all cards may be visible to all players.

The interface screen used by the computer system displays the cards so that the player can view them personally without touching them.

In some embodiments, a physical table, such as a blackjack table, may include a display screen. However, the screen may only be visible in a very narrow viewing range, for example by barriers placed along both sides of the display screen.

Such a screen may allow the player to view the cards privately without requiring the player to touch the cards.

In various embodiments, any device that includes a display (eg, mobile gaming device, slot machine, personal computer) may display some or all of the cards dealt in a game. For example, a mobile gaming device may display not only cards dealt to a particular player, but also cards dealt to all other players. For example, during the initial phase of the game, a player may only be able to see the cards in his or her own hand. However, at the end of the game, the central server may send to all players' devices an indication of all cards that were distributed to all players during the game. Each player's device displays the cards of all players in the game. In this way, a player can compare the value of his hand with the value of another player's hand, so that the player can see for himself why he won or lost.

Tables without walls Traditional crap tables have one or more walls or barriers. Dice are thrown against the wall to ensure randomness. The wall also prevents the boundaries of the table surface from being crossed. In various embodiments, a craps game or other dice game is played on a table without walls and/or any boundaries. Cards are used on the table instead of dice. Cards are dealt from a deck consisting of only numbered cards from 1 to 6. Cards are not thrown like dice, so there is no need for a border for cards. Accordingly, various embodiments may include a craps table without walls. The table may include standard felt markings, such as areas for pass line bets, come bets, don't pass bets, odds bets, and other standard areas. However, the table may lack walls.

Mobile Gaming In various embodiments, players may play blackjack against each other using mobile gaming devices. Each player may carry a handheld gaming device (ie, a mobile gaming device). Individual mobile gaming devices may communicate with a central server. A player uses a mobile gaming device to input decisions in a game. The decisions may include an amount to bet, an instruction to hit or stand. A mobile gaming device may have buttons corresponding to one or more decisions. For example, there may be a hit button, a stand button, a double down button, and other buttons appropriate for blackjack. The mobile gaming device may transmit decisions by the player to a central server. The central server may shuffle the cards using an electronic shuffling algorithm. The central server may use other algorithms to determine which cards should be distributed to which players. The central server may then send instructions of the cards that have been dealt to the individual mobile gaming devices. At the end of the game, the central server may refer to game rules (eg, game rules stored in computer memory) to determine the game winner. The central server may provide game winner indications to individual players participating in the game. The central server may reveal hidden cards to one or more players and transmit instructions for such cards to other players.

A central server may maintain accounts for players. An account may include one or more records stored in a database. The records may be stored in computer memory. A player account may include information such as the player's name, the player's address, other identifying information about the player, and/or other information about the player. The account may further include information regarding monetary balances, casino credit balances, or other numerical balances. In various embodiments, when a player places a bet or wager on a mobile gaming device, for example, the server may detect the amount of the bet or wager from the player's account. In various embodiments, if a player wins money, the earned money may be added to the player account.

In various embodiments, a player device, such as a mobile gaming device, personal computer, standalone slot machine, or other device, may prompt a player to take action in a game. For example, a mobile gaming device may display text to prompt a player to either hit or stand in a blackjack game. For example, a player device may prompt a player to decide whether to bet on a pass line or a don't pass line in a craps game. As another example, a player device may prompt a player to decide how much to bet on a game. The central server initiates the invitation message and sends such message to the player device, at which point the player device may display the invitation. In some embodiments, the player device initiates the invitation if, for example, logic stored on the device determines that the invitation should be displayed to encourage the player to take action and progress along the game. You may do so.

In various embodiments, a player may use a mobile gaming device to play craps or other dice games. A mobile gaming device may provide cards instead of dice. Cards may be numbered from 1 to 6. At a given rotation, the central server may determine two cards from a randomly shuffled deck of cards. The central server may then communicate such card instructions to the player's mobile gaming device. A player may place a bet via a mobile gaming device. A player may press a button on the mobile gaming device to indicate a desire to take a new spin (eg, if the game did not end).

Motion Control In various embodiments, a mobile gaming device may include one or more motion sensors. For example, a mobile gaming device may include an accelerometer or gyroscope. A mobile gaming device may include one or more positioning devices, such as a global positioning system sensor. Logic within the mobile gaming device or server may differentiate the position sensor readings to detect motion.

A player may move a mobile gaming device to direct decisions during a game. Sensors within the mobile gaming device may detect movement of the mobile gaming device. Logic within the mobile gaming device or server may interpret those movements as commands used in the game. These moves are: to bet, to bet an amount, to raise, to fold, to call, to check, to hit, to stand, and to double down. may be interpreted as a command to place a bet on a pass line, bet on a Daunted Pass, or make any other bet in a game, or take any other action in a game.

Blackjack Motion Control In various embodiments, a player may use a mobile gaming device to play a game of blackjack. In various embodiments, players may compete against other players. In a traditional blackjack game, players indicate decisions with tapping motions. For example, in a traditional blackjack game, a player may tap the table twice to indicate a hit. In various embodiments, a player using a mobile gaming device to play blackjack may shake the mobile gaming device twice in an up and down motion.

Card Dice Motion Control In various embodiments, a player may make motions on a mobile gaming device as if they were spinning dice. For example, a player may shake a mobile gaming device as if shaking a die in his hand. The player may then make large rolling motions on the mobile gaming device as if they were actually rolling the dice on the table. The mobile gaming device may deal one or more cards (eg, from a deck of cards numbered 1-6) upon detection of a player's swinging motion.

Internet In various embodiments, players may participate in games over the Internet. Thus, in various embodiments, a computer system may include a central server that communicates with one or more player devices. Player devices may be wireless or wired networks. The network may be the Internet. In various embodiments, players may participate in games via personal computers while communicating over the Internet with a central server. In conjunction with mobile gaming devices, the central server may receive commands and instructions from player devices, determine cards to be dealt, calculate winners and losers, and credit or debit player accounts as appropriate. You can fill it out.

Standalone Slot Machines In various embodiments, one may participate in games such as blackjack games or dice games that use cards instead of dice. Standalone gaming devices may include slot machines, video poker games, video keno machines, bingo machines, or other devices. A gaming device may be networked with other gaming devices. For example, many gaming devices may be linked to the same gaming server. Thus, with mobile gaming devices and personal computers, a central server may enable competitive gaming between players on different stand-alone devices.

In some embodiments, a player may play a blackjack game according to various embodiments alone on a standalone gaming device. The gaming device may simulate a virtual player competing with the player. In this way, a real or human player may play a game with six virtual players, for example in a game of blackjack. Each of the real and virtual players may place bets and make decisions during the game. The winner may be determined based on which player is closest to 21 without folding and without exceeding 21. If the winner is a real player, the amount in the pot may be credited to the real player's account, paid out in cash to the player, or otherwise provided to the player.

A player may play a dice game on a stand-alone device. A stand-alone device may deal cards numbered 1 to 6 to simulate the rotation of a die. A player's winnings or losses may be determined according to applicable dice game rules, such as craps.

Deck Storage Device In various embodiments, decks of only one to six cards may be created from a standard 52 card deck or from multiple decks. A card deck may be created using a card sorter. According to some embodiments, a card sorter may receive a deck consisting of cards 1 through 6 and other cards (eg, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K). The card sorter may create two decks from this. The first deck may contain cards numbered 1 through 6, and the second deck may contain all other cards.

The card sorter may include an optical reader or scanner for reading the front of the cards. A card sorter may include a processor and memory. The processor and memory may be constructed from semiconductors or any other materials. The processor may be a standard Intel processor or any other processor.

Computer-Free Embodiments In various embodiments, where applicable, the embodiments described herein may be practiced without a computer system. For example, players may play blackjack against each other using physical cards or chips to place bets. A player may play craps or other dice games using a physical deck of cards numbered 1 through 6.

Generally, even if the numbers are the same, different patterns do not necessarily indicate the same item. The following reference numbers apply only to FIGS. 1 to 21, unless otherwise stated.

Configuration of System According to Various Embodiments Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an interactive game system A10 according to various embodiments is shown. The system A10 includes a controller A12 and a plurality of game devices or game machines G1, G2, G3, . ．． ．． GN (herein generally referred to as game machine A14). Each gaming machine A14 has a plurality of rotating reel type betting games, such as a video slot machine, for example. Each gaming machine A14 includes at least one display screen for viewing a player's results along with the results of other players. If the betting game is a video slot machine, the display screen can be used to view the betting game. The controller A12 is connected to the game machine A14 and controls the game machine A14. The controller A12 includes a central processing unit (CPU) A16, a random access memory A18, a read-only memory A20, a programmable interface circuit A22, a display A24, a user interface A26, a random number generator A28, and one or more servers S1, S2, S3, . ．． ．． It includes an SM (generally referred to as server A30). Each server A30 is assigned to operate a specific number of game machines A14. Interface circuit A22 includes a multiplex transmission circuit. However, it should be understood that this multiplexing circuit can be replaced with an address/data bus and appropriate decoder within each gaming machine A14. System A10 further includes a communication link A32. Communication link A32 electronically connects controller A12 with gaming machine A14. The random number generator A28 communicates with and controls the gaming machine A14 via the interface circuit A22 so that the gaming machine A14 has a completely random and random output as a stimulus function provided by the random number generator. do. Each gaming machine A14 is equipped with an enabling means, such as a push button, a joystick, a video game pad arm, or a touch screen for operating and playing betting games.

According to FIG. 1, the programmable interface circuit A22 may be programmed to perform data communication between the gaming machine A14 and the controller A12 when the gaming machine A14 and the controller A12 are arranged in different configurations. . In various embodiments, controller A12 is located at one specific location and individual gaming consoles A14 are located at Internet locations. In other embodiments, controller A12 and gaming machine A14 are physically located in the same location, such as in the same casino. When an individual gaming machine A14 is located at an Internet location, the individual gaming machine A14 typically includes a player's personal computer and corresponding software. In various embodiments, the player downloads software available on the Internet by server A30. This software allows communication between the player and the controller A12 and allows for the execution of betting games and desired themed games.

If the system A10 is configured such that the gaming machine A14 is located at a remote location connected to the Internet, the display screen of each player's personal computer may initially show the interior of the casino. programmed. Players can move around the casino by scrolling using the keyboard or mouse. In one embodiment, the player's personal computer and software are configured to provide audio of a typical casino environment. The "casino" shown on the display screen includes multiple groups or rows of slot machines. Each group of slot machines is associated with a particular themed game. An indicia is provided to identify which group of slot machines is associated with a particular themed game. Each slot machine is associated with an icon representing a chair or stool. If a player decides to use a slot machine associated with a particular themed game, he/she may choose to use a "chair" in front of one slot machine that is part of a row of gaming machines associated with the desired themed game. Click on the icon with your computer mouse. System A10 then tags that particular chair with the player's name or the pseudonym the player is using online. The preprogrammed computer provides a specific screen configuration that corresponds to the selected theme game. This will be explained in detail below.

System 10 may be controlled by a software program that implements the steps of the process according to various embodiments. In this way, system A10 can have any one of a variety of configurations, as described above, and interface circuit A22 allows CPU A16 to control data transmission between controller A12 and gaming machine A14 in any one of the above configurations. It should be understood that the device can be configured to operate in a manner consistent with a particular configuration of the device. Similarly, it should be understood that controller A12, as discussed above, is one example of a suitable controller, and that other suitable controller configurations can be used.

Gaming system A10 according to various embodiments allows games to be played by one or more players. Some themed games are configured to allow a group of players to play the game in rows of gaming machines. When a group of players plays a game on gaming system A10, the group of players is called a "group." In some embodiments, games may be configured such that players play against each other individually instead of as a group. In various embodiments, the system allows players to communicate with each other via email while simultaneously playing betting games.

Remote Participation in Live Casino Games Various embodiments relate to playing casino table-type games such as roulette, dice, etc. from a remote location while watching the actual games being played at a casino or similar location.

One of the games played at casinos is roulette. In this game, many players stand or sit around a table and place bets by placing chips on a grid of bet numbers in blocks, at intersections of blocks, on black and red, odd and even selections. The wheel is rotated, and when the wheel stops, the balls fall into numbered pockets, which determine the winner of the game, which pays out at various odds depending on the type of bet placed. These games are played in casinos all over the world. When a game is played, there is usually considerable interest and excitement around the table.

Roulette games are also played over the Internet. In this case, there is a betting grid of a roulette table and a rotation of the wheel which are simulated by the computer. These types of games begin at any location where a computer can be installed and the necessary telecommunications can be arranged. Players can place bets on the Internet for entertainment purposes only or by creating and using a credit card account. The Internet and other telecommunications make it possible to play roulette from anywhere in the world, provided you have the necessary equipment.

A similar situation exists for other casino games such as blackjack, dice and baccarat. In each of these games, players place bets on the table and there is interaction of the players as the game is played in addition to reactions under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

In various embodiments, a player establishes an information link with a casino from an interface station that includes a video monitor and a keypad. In response to the player's input of financial account information, the casino establishes an information line with the player's financial institution. The casino assigns the player a gaming table where live games are being played and sends all game images and descriptions to the player. The player sends bet and game execution information to the casino. Because there is an open line between the casino and the player's financial institution, bets are checked, paid out in the case of a win, and charged in the case of a loss.

Various embodiments include systems and methods for interactively playing roulette away from the actual casino table while experiencing and watching live casino action as the game is being played. According to various embodiments, the camera follows a game being played at a roulette table in a casino. The microphone picks up audio from players at the table and game play.

In some embodiments, terminals are deployed at various locations within the casino, away from the tables. The terminal is connected to a distribution device that provides the necessary communication between the player at the remote terminal and the game being played at the casino table.

The remote terminal accepts cash or credit cards to set up the player's account. The remote terminal displays an image (video) of the actual casino table where the game is being played. The remote terminal also includes a computer (microprocessor) that itself has various functions. These functions include the generation of a betting grid of the table and the display of an electronic depiction, which in some embodiments also has a touch-type keypad. A player at a terminal uses a keypad to place bets electronically, usually under casino (house) roulette rules, on a computer representation of a table's betting grid. The player also uses the touchpad to select the bet amount to be placed. The remote terminal microprocessor is programmed with the necessary information regarding the payout odds if the player places a winning bet. At the casino table, the Motojime proceeds with the game in the usual manner. At a given time, usually just before or as the ball is placed on the wheel, bets are not accepted. This sends a signal to the computers at the remote terminals, prohibiting players at those terminals from placing any further bets. A player at a remote terminal can view the actual game play and player reactions at the casino table. When the ball falls into the pocket of the wheel and the game at the casino ends, the player sees the winning number results. The results are also made available electronically at remote terminals.

In various embodiments, a remote terminal microprocessor maintains account balance information for terminal players. Once the game winning number results are communicated to the remote terminal, the terminal microprocessor calculates the bets placed. If the bet is a loss, the amount of the bet will be deducted from the player's account. If the bet is a win, the amount of the win is calculated at normal casino odds, or other odds are set, and the appropriate amount of the win is credited to the player's account.

Various embodiments relate to players who are not at a casino and may be effectively anywhere in the world. Here, games played in a casino are followed by a camera, and images of the game play and results are communicated via telecommunications to a remote location. The mode of transmission is the Internet, intended for players who play the roulette game using a personal computer or a device in the form of a TV set connected to the Internet using a control box provided by WEBTV or AOLTV. , satellite or other wired or wireless communication system. The device can be stationary or portable with wireless communication. Programs having the features of the casino remote terminal described above, such as calculating, generating betting odds, and displaying the betting grid and placing bets on the grid, may be installed on the remote terminal player's device or may be downloaded. It is possible that

In a remote player embodiment, games played at a casino may be viewed and audio of game play may be heard by a remote player. The player maintains an account, preferably on the player's own device, which is accessible by communication with the player's device to a central computer, such as a bank or credit card company. Players follow the table games by viewing the transmissions from the cameras. When the game is completed at the casino, the results are transmitted, the player's computer performs the necessary win/loss calculations based on the game results, and the results are entered into the player's account on the player's device.

In some embodiments, players who are not at the casino table can experience actual table play and crowd reaction and place bets without having to be physically present at the casino table. The outcome of the bet is calculated at the player's location and the running total of the player's account is presented, allowing the player to view the results of his bet and monitor the amount wagered.

Various embodiments relate to games played at tables such as blackjack, dice, baccarat, and similar games.

Various embodiments allow players to play roulette and other casino table types remotely while following the actual games being played at the casino table and using the casino results to determine the outcome of bets. You can make it possible to play games.

Various embodiments allow a player at a terminal or other device remote from the games being played at the casino to follow the games at the casino table, place bets using a computer located on the terminal or device, and place bets on the actual Systems and methods are provided for playing roulette and other casino table type games in which games are played and calculations are made regarding wins and losses.

Various embodiments provide methods and systems for viewing roulette or other table games played at a casino from a remote location where bets are placed and wins and losses are adjusted against the remote player's account balance.

FIG. 2 shows a conventional roulette table B10 commonly used in casinos. Although the various embodiments are described in relation to a roulette table, the principles can be applied to other table games such as blackjack, dice, and baccarat. The table has a normal turntable B12 on which a ball B11 is dropped by the trunk and rotated manually at the start of the game. Ball B11 is normally placed on tray B11a during periods when it is not in use. A betting grid B13 is on the table and the grid includes the usual format of numbered squares or rectangles, and other betting areas such as odd/even numbers and red/black. A player places one or more predetermined units of chips on a number, corner intersection, red/black, etc. to place a bet.

Shown above the table is a video camera B14, such as a full color type video camera. Camera B14 can be hidden like many cameras used in casinos for surveillance purposes. Or it could be a stand-alone visible type, for example if remote play features are advertised. The camera's field of view is limited to the player's hands as he places the bet on the table, and the player's face may not be shown. This is done to protect player privacy. Microphone B16 is also installed to pick up noise from the crowd of players. The microphone can be directional to pick up the sounds of the turntable and sphere.

Output cable B16 of camera B14 and output cable B17 of microphone B15 are shown. These are connected to a distribution device B20 at a suitable location that includes the type of broadcast equipment used in the system. For example, if the game is to be utilized only by remote terminals in the casino, a closed circuit TV system type is used. If the camera and audio output is broadcast over the Internet, suitable transmitters such as "streaming video" and "streaming audio" are used. When broadcasting is by satellite, communication such as digital transmission is used.

Similarly associated with table B10 is control box B18. This is used to indicate certain events during play, such as the start of a game and the end of a bet on a game, ie betting status signals. The control box B18 is capable of operation in any suitable manner, such as manual operation by master tightening, voice operation, and operation at a remote location, such as by a centrally located operator monitoring play at the table. In some embodiments, the control box B18 may be associated with a physical device, such as a tray T on which game balls are placed and which has microswitches or other types of sensors. When a ball is placed in the tray, a signal is output indicating the start of a bet on a new game, and when the ball is removed from the tray and placed on the wheel, a signal is output indicating the end of the bet on the game. The end of a bet can be indicated by a motion detector or a video camera that detects the start of a bet on a new game by detecting the start of rotation of the wheel and the stoppage of rotation of the wheel. These bet status signals are transmitted to the remote terminal via distribution device B20.

FIG. 3 shows a remote terminal B40 for use in a casino or other location. The remote terminal B40 has an input B39 for receiving video and table originating data signals. Terminal B40 includes a video display B42 that receives video images of the action of table B10 broadcast from casino camera B14. There is also an audio module B46 with a speaker and suitable volume control for controlling and implementing the audio picked up from the casino by the microphone and other audio information as described below. The images of the game being played at the table and the sound of the table are features that provide a sense of realism to players who are playing the game away from the casino.

Terminal B40 also includes a computer module B48 with a microprocessor and memory. That is, the terminal has an application program that can generate various displays and perform the calculations necessary for continuous account maintenance of the odds for running the game and the wins and losses of the players. Terminal computer module B48 receives bet result and bet situation type signals generated at table B10.

Remote terminal B40 also includes a display B44, which essentially consists of three sections. Display B44 is controlled by terminal computer module B48, and a connecting communication line B50 between the two is shown.

Display B44 has a section B44a that displays a table betting grid generated by computer module B48. This section can also display other information such as odds and bet combinations for various bets. The latter type of information can be displayed continuously or only on request.

The second section B44b of the display B44 is a touch type screen with a conventional 0-9 numbered numeric keypad B53, touch type input keys B54, and a display window B55 for displaying the entered data. Part of the menu on touch screen B44b is a set of keys for bet type selection: consecutive numbers, number combinations, red/black, and odd/even. The third section B44c displays the player's account balance. All sections of display B44 are generated and controlled by terminal computer module B48.

The audio module B46 of the terminal B40 also interacts with the computer module B48. The audio module may be used to provide information to assist the player in making bets. For example, the audio module may give a message resulting in the start of a new game, instruct the player to place a bet on a grid number, and indicate that the bet is over. Instead of an audio message, it is possible to display it in one of the sections of the display B44; a combination of audio and visual messages is also possible.

A bill acceptor B47 is also part of the terminal B40. Here, the player inserts banknotes to set up an account. The bill acceptor accepts one or more units of currency of the type used in casinos or other types. When a player inserts one or more bills into the receiver to open an account, their value is displayed in display section B44c. Also, the receiver B47 can be replaced by a credit card reader, or a credit card reader can be added to the receiver.

Remote terminal B40 also has an internal printer B49. When the player finishes the game at the terminal, he can request a printout of the account provided by printer B49. The printed output can be presented to the casino treasurer for redemption into cash or chips when the account balance is positive. If the player is playing with a credit card, the player may use a terminal so that the winnings of the player's account stored in computer module B48 are electronically entered into a credit card account with the credit card company or bank. can be requested. A player can obtain cash from an ATM machine or the like using a credit card.

In operation of remote terminal B40 for a new player, the player inserts a bill into receiver B47 or uses a credit card. This opens the terminal and the account amount is displayed in section B44c. Subsequently, the player selects the desired bet amount, ie the base bet amount corresponding to the chips. For example, if you open a $100 account and wish to bet in the amount of $5, you would have the equivalent of 20 $5 chips if you were to actually play at a casino table. One or more stacks of electronic chips of appropriate value can be displayed on electronic betting grid section B44a, etc. The value of the tip can be any amount, for example as little as 25 cents. At casino tables, which often have minimum bets of $5 or $10, small bet amounts are usually not allowed. The remote terminal expands the customer base and the amount that a casino owner or gamer can set during a game.

On the video display B42, the player can view the games in progress at the casino table and play along with the casino games. Preferably, the video display B42 is always on to encourage games on the terminal.

The player is encouraged to place a bet as a new game begins. The initiation of an audio or visual new game message is triggered by a control box B18 associated with the casino table. For example, when ball B11 is placed on tray B11 or the wheel stops rotating, the casino's dispensing device broadcasts this to the remote terminal. The player inputs a bet via the touch screen B44b. That is, the player selects whether the bet is on consecutive numbers, a combination, or some other bet. Like casino table play, different bet types can be selected. When placing a bet, the player may refer to the betting grid in display section B44a. Instead of a touch-type screen section B44b for specifying numbers or other types of bets, it is possible to select numbers by pointing/clicking the computer mouse on the electronic grid table B44a. Such an arrangement is particularly useful if the terminal is a PC or other device that is physically remote from the casino. In a PC or similar device, a portion of the display screen is available for video display and another portion is available for computer-generated functions such as a betting grid. In devices using AOLTV or WEBTV conversion boxes or similar devices, the display screen of the television screen is divided in the same way.

The selected bet type is displayed in window B55. If the bet is a combination, the player enters a number or grid intersection number. This is also displayed in window B55. Numbers, intersections, red/black or odd/even bets are displayed on electronic grid section B44a. The player then inputs the bet amount displayed in window B55. The bet amount may also be displayed on the bet grid section B44a by indicating the electronic chip stack or the selected chip amount at the appropriate grid location. The chips bet are removed from the electronic chips purchased by the player.

The completed bet is displayed in window B55. If the player agrees with the displayed content, the player touches input key B54. If not, the bet is canceled by touching a key on keypad B53, such as a star key, or a special cancel key provided in section B44b. At this point the bet data is entered into the memory of the terminal computer module B48. When a mouse is used, the input or cancel box displayed on the screen is designated and clicked with the mouse.

The player places additional bets until a signal emanating from the control box B18 of the casino gaming table, such as removing a ball from the tray B11a or starting the rotation of the wheel, indicates the end of the bet on the current game. Is possible. Remote terminal computer B48 is disabled from accepting bets. This is communicated to the player at the remote terminal by either voice or a computer-generated visual message, or both. During the time allotted for placing bets, the player at the terminal is able to view the player's actions at casino table B10 and the bets placed.

The game is played at casino table B10, and both the casino and the player at the remote terminal can see the rotation of the wheel and the fall of the ball. Audio at the table is also broadcast to players at remote terminals. The game result, ie the winning number of the pocket where the ball fell and its color, is sent from the casino distribution device B20 to the individual remote terminals. Computer module B48 of remote terminal B40 uses the game results and bet information placed to calculate whether there is a win or a loss. In case of a loss, the computer deducts the bet amount from the player's account. In case of a win, the remote terminal computer module B48 calculates the amount of the win according to the type of odds and the amount bet. That is, individual consecutive numbers and number combinations have different odds, and red/black and odd/even numbers have the same odds, but are different for number type bets. Computer B48 has a program that provides this calculation. The calculated winning amount is credited to the player's account. The amount of the account is displayed in display section B44c.

In this way, a player remotely from the actual casino table can follow the actual game and experience many of the reactions and sounds of the actual players in the casino. This makes the remote player's participation in play more realistic and interesting.

The above description is based on a standard casino setup, such as those found in Nevada and New Jersey. That is, a religious or veterans organization holds a gambling night. A roulette table and camera are taken to the organization's location, as are remote terminals and communication equipment. Remote terminals can be installed anywhere for people who want to play alone or to handle crowds.

Although the various embodiments are described with respect to a roulette table, application to other casino table play type games is possible. For example, it can be applied to a dice table in a casino that has a camera and microphone as described above. Here, the remote terminal has a video display of a casino dice table and a computer-generated depiction of the table. Players at remote terminals place bets and play games with players at the casino. Again, appropriate bet status signals are sent to the remote terminal to indicate the initiation and termination of bets, the placement of additional bets, and the outcome of the game. As previously discussed, a program within the remote terminal computer module calculates wins based on house odds or other odds and places them into the remote terminal's player account. Loss will be deducted.

The remote terminal video display of the actual game content is also applicable to blackjack, poker and baccarat.

Separate remote terminals can be provided for each type of game, or one general purpose terminal can be provided for two or more types of table games.

Certain features of the various embodiments are shown in one or more figures for convenience only, as individual features may be combined with other features according to the various embodiments. Alternative embodiments will be recognized by those skilled in the art and are intended to be within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the above description is to be construed in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Casino with Online Participation FIG. 4A depicts a casino offering in-house and online (over a network) gaming, according to various embodiments. In FIG. 4A, casino C105 includes various gaming devices such as slot machine C110 and blackjack C115. (Those skilled in the art will recognize other games offered by Casino C105). Casino C105 also includes a server C120 that tracks player activity within the casino. Thus, when a player utilizes the slot machine C110 or the blackjack table C115, the player's coin insertions, wins, etc. are all tracked via the server C120. Tracked data may be stored locally on server C 120 or on an off-site secure server (see bottom of Figure 5). Additionally, although server C120 is shown as being located within the realm of casino C105, it may also be located outside of casino C105.

Casino C105 also offers online gaming website C125. Website C125 offers Internet games similar to those offered at Casino C105, but does not use the physical equipment available in-house. For example, website C125 may offer an online version of slot machine game C130 or blackjack game C135. Credits used by players in Internet games can come from any source. For example, a player may enter a credit card number into website C 125, and website C 125 will then issue credits to the player in exchange for charging the player's credit card. Alternatively, the player may use credits associated with the player's account. A system for transferring credits from a player's account to a gaming machine is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/694,065, filed today. Those skilled in the art will recognize how the system can be modified to transfer credits to websites offering Internet games.

To utilize website C125, a user connects to website C125 from a computer, such as computer system C140, over network C145. Computer system C140 typically includes a computer C145, a monitor C150, a keyboard C155, and a mouse C160. Although computer system C140 is shown as a desktop personal computer, those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of computers are contemplated in various embodiments. For example, computer system C140 may be an Internet device with a monitor C150, a keyboard C155, and a mouse C160 integrated into the housing of computer C145. Computer system C140 may also take other forms: for example, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other mobile device, or a mobile telephone. Selectable equipment not shown in FIG. 4A as part of computer system C140 includes input/output devices such as printers. Not shown in FIG. 4A are conventional internal components of computer system C140, such as the central processing unit, memory, and file system. Similarly, network C 145 may be a variety of networks, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless network, a global network, or the like (such as the Internet). Network C145 can be any combination of the above networks used to connect computer system C140 and website C125.

Although FIG. 4A shows website C125 stored on server C120 within casino C105, those skilled in the art will recognize that website C125 may be stored on other servers. Similarly, since website C125 is accessible via server C105 or completely isolated, a connection to website C125 does not require a route via server C120. For example, FIG. 4B shows an alternative embodiment. In FIG. 4B, website C125 is opened by a server C150 that is independent of casino C105. Server C150 may be owned by casino C105, but is physically separate from server C120. In this embodiment, where server C150 and server C120 are separate devices, server C150 generally does not store player tracking information that is desirably stored on server C120. The server C150 may be installed in a different environment, outside the casino C105. Alternatively, server C150 may be a third party server operated by a third party on behalf of casino C105 (but under direction from casino C105). Those skilled in the art will recognize other possible variations.

If casino C105 does not own or operate its own server C150, casino C105 needs to be able to track player activity on website C125. To enable this tracking, server C150 can report player actions to casino C105. Connection C155 enables server C150 to report player actions to casino C105. Those skilled in the art will recognize that connection C155 need not be a direct physical connection. Server C150 is connectable to casino C105 via network C145.

Although FIGS. 4A and 4B depict website C 125 offering online games that are identical to the casino's in-house games, website C 125 may provide other forms of entertainment to players. For example, instead of playing for money, website C125 may provide players with playing for fun. With this configuration, when a player uses website C125, he does not bet his own money. However, casino C 105 may track player behavior in order to reward player patronage. For example, a player may earn points that can be redeemed for cash at a casino. In this way, the casino does not profit directly from the actions of the players, but it does earn money indirectly as the players visit the casino to redeem the points earned and, if successful, spend the money on gambling at the casino. There is a profit motive. Additionally, if a casino offers multiple websites to players, some of those websites may be configured for online gaming and others for entertainment.

Returning to FIG. 4A, information about the player is tracked when the player plays within the casino C105, for example at the slot machine C110 or the blackjack table C115. Similarly, when a player plays online at website C125, such as slot machine game C130 or blackjack game C135, information about the player is tracked. In some embodiments, the combined data is stored on a secure server at a remote location (as shown at the bottom of FIG. 5). In the second embodiment, the combined data is stored on server C120. Regardless of where the data is stored, the combined data gives the casino more information about the player than it would otherwise have.

Although FIGS. 4A and 4B depict only a single casino, those skilled in the art will recognize that various embodiments may include multiple casinos. For example, a single website may track online gaming activity for players registered at one or more casinos. Additionally, a single casino may have one or more websites (located on one or more servers, all distinct from server C120), with player tracking data reported to server C120. is possible. Those skilled in the art will recognize other possible variations.

FIG. 5 illustrates a player communicating via a server of the casino of FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments. In FIG. 5, computer system 140 is shown communicating with server C120. Server C120 communicates with ASP server C205, which is communicating with secure server C210 downstream of firewall C215. The secure server C210 stores sensitive data: for example, player tracking data, which stores data regarding player behavior and personal information, among other possibilities.

ASP server C205 manages secure communications between server C120 and secure server C210. In a preferred embodiment, server C120 sends extensible markup language (XML) to ASP server C205, which is the only server C210 allowed to access after firewall C215. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that server C 120 can communicate with ASP server C 205 by means other than using XML. By having the secure server C210 communicate with the ASP server rather than with the secure server C210, sensitive data is safely maintained on the secure server C210, but if a request is sent in the correct manner, it will accessible. ASP server C205 can communicate with secure server C210 to obtain responses to requests securely sent to server C120, preferably using XML. Server C120 may convert the XML response to hypertext markup language (HTML) using an extensible style sheet language (XSL) transformation (XSLT). The resulting HTML can be displayed to the player on computer system C140.

Communication between the server C120 and the ASP server C205 can be encrypted. Any encryption scheme can be used: the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) cryptographic protocol used on the Internet can be applied to encrypt communications. Similarly, communications between ASP server C205 and secure server C210 are also preferably encrypted.

As an example of how the communication arrangement of FIG. 5 can be used, consider the case where a player desires to update his personal information. (Although encrypted communications are not described in this example, those skilled in the art will recognize how to implement encryption in this example.) Personal information is sensitive (the player does not want it made public) , the data is stored in the secure server C210 downstream of the firewall C215. Thus, using server C120, a player can request viewing of his player data. (Assume that the player has identified himself to the system at this point.) Browser requests made to server C120 are translated into XML requests for ASP server C205 that are forwarded to secure server C210. Secure server C210 responds with personal information that is formatted into XML and forwarded to server C120. Server C120 uses XSLT to convert the XML data into an HTML page that is presented to the user. Forms allow players to update personal information. The data in XML format is entered into the ASP server C205, which can update the database on the secure server C210. ASP server C205 returns the XML confirmation message to server C120, which again uses XSLT to convert the XML confirmation message into HTML that is presented to the user.

Player Registration Of course, before the benefits of Figures 6 and 7 can be received, the player must be registered with the casino. The most traditional way for a player to register with the system is to have the player come to the casino to register. A casino employee inputs player data (forms prepared by the player or data presented by the player on the spot) into a computer and issues a player card to the player. Thereafter, as the player uses the player card on any gaming device, the system can track the player's actions. A number unique to the gaming card can be stamped on the player's card; the player can use this number for identification when playing online games.

Instead of having a player go to a casino to register an account, there are other ways in which the player can be registered with the system. For example, players can fill out electronic forms over the Internet. The player may then be mailed a player card and/or electronically issued an identification number that can be used for online gaming.

Other methods for registering players are also possible. For example, software exists that allows locating a computer's Internet Protocol (IP) address. With such software, the player's location is verified without having to type any information. When a player sets up an account for the first time, the system can verify the player's location based on the IP address. However, because an IP address identifies a computer, not an individual, it is not possible to determine from the IP address who is using the computer. Furthermore, if an IP address is dynamically assigned, a computer cannot even be specifically identified.

Instead of assigning an identification number to a player, the player's existing ID may be used. For example, individual states assign state-specific driver's license numbers to individuals. A player can be uniquely identified by the combination of the issuing state and ID number. The player enters this information into the system, and the system can forward this information to a third party database. The third party database returns information about the player. The combination of issuing state and ID number can be used both for registration purposes (in setting up a player account) to obtain information about the player, and for identification purposes (for accessing the account).

In various embodiments, a combination of methods is used for player registration. First, the computer's IP address is checked to determine the player's location. The player is then prompted for an ID number and issuer. The ID number and issuer are transferred to a third party database to obtain confirmation of the player's location and demographic information as determined by IP address. If the player's location is verified, an account is registered using the player's IP address, ID number, and issuer. However, if the player's location cannot be verified, the player may call or personally visit the casino and have a casino employee register the player's account.

Setting Player Preferences Various embodiments provide gaming machines that are customized to the preferences of one or more players. A player may view and change player references stored in the player reference as preferred account information. Favorite account information includes favorite point account information, favorite point account settings, reward opportunities, favorite game features for favorite games, favorite game machine settings, favorite bonus games, favorite service options, and favorite progression games. including, but not limited to. Preferred account information may be stored in multiple preferred accounts on a preferred account server. Using a preferred account interface compatible with a web browser, players can view their preferred account information stored on their preferred account server from their gaming device, home computer, hotel room video interface, and casino kiosk. It's good to be able to change.

Detecting Collusion The game of poker is known to be a mixed game of chance and skill or strategy. It is known that in poker games, two or more players can adjust their playing strategies to gain an advantage over the remaining players in the game, making the game less fair.

Some embodiments are described with particular reference to a system for detecting and managing collusion in poker games. However, this application is not to be construed as limiting in various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 8, a system for detecting and managing collusion in poker games is generally designated by the reference numeral (D1). The system (D1) includes a game server (D2) and a portal (D3a, D3b) in the form of a website on the Internet World Wide Web. In this embodiment, each of the portal websites is an online casino website hosted on a corresponding casino web server (not shown). For convenience, various embodiments will be described with reference to only two online casino websites (D3a, D3b). Each casino website (D3a, D3b) can be accessed by one or more potential participating poker players (not shown). An individual poker player accesses the casino website by means of an Internet-enabled computer workstation with a display (D5) and an attached mouse, or alternatively a pointing device (D6) such as a touchpad. do. In this embodiment, even though the casino website (D3b) is shown as being connected to two computer workstations, the casino website (D3a) is shown connected to two computer workstations. The computer workstation (D4) is shown as having one computer workstation (D4). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the casino website (D3a, D3b) can ethically be connected simultaneously to any number of computer workstations (D4), the number of which is physically limited only by processing power and Internet access bandwidth considerations. Recognized as being restricted.

The system (D1) further includes a management facility (D13) in the form of an application server that communicates with the game server (D2) by a communication channel (D12). Details of the application web server (D13) are outlined in the subsequent description. The system (D1) also includes a collusion detection server (D14) capable of communicating with the game server (D2) over a communication channel (D12).

The game server (D2), the online casino web server (not shown) corresponding to the online website (D3a, D3b), the computer workstation (D4), the application web server (D13) and the collusion detection server (D14) are open communication They can communicate with each other via a channel, ie the Internet in this embodiment. Although the Internet is a single-packet switched communication network, it is conveniently shown in FIG. 8 as independent logical communication channels (D7, D8, D9, D10, D11, and D12).

The application web server (D13) maintains an account clearing facility (D15) with accounts corresponding to each of the casino websites (D3a, D3b). Similarly, each online casino web server (D3a, D3b) has a credit account facility (D16a) with a credit account corresponding to each player participating in a poker game via one of the computer workstations (D4). , D16b). In the exemplary embodiment, credit account facility (D16b) has two player-associated credit accounts, while credit account facility (D16a) has one associated player account.

The game server (D2) operates under a stored program that allows a predetermined maximum number of players, for example eight, to participate in one game of poker. When the number of players reaches this predetermined number, the stored program will cause a new game to be started allowing participation of eight more players. Furthermore, in this embodiment, fixed limit games exceeding $1/$2, $2/$4, $5/$10, $10/$20, $20/$40, $20/$40, and pot For each different level of play consisting of a limit game, the stored program initiates a different game. In this way, the game server can process as many players as possible under the stored program to accommodate the requests of a group of players wishing to run the game with different levels of play in groups of up to eight people. Able to run independent games. Each game started in this way is treated completely independently of other games.

Online casino websites (D3a, D3b) allow players who wish to participate in a game to request participation in the game by one of the computer workstations (D4), and to request participation in a particular round of the game. If your participation is approved, you will be able to bet on that round. Each participating player is presented with the same graphical user interface (GUI) on the display (D5) of the player's respective computer workstation (D4) by a program stored on the game server (D2). . The GUI may prompt the player to enter the poker game (not shown) with appropriate icons to enable the player to make desired gameplay decisions and to monitor the gameplay decisions of other participating players in the same round of the game. Provide appropriate display of

As shown in Figure 9, the stored program includes a betting means (D17) that allows bets to be placed by any participating player at the turning point of the game and by any one of the participating players at the turning point of the poker game. Discrimination means (D18) are provided by which it can be determined whether a placed bet is successful or unsuccessful. A program stored on the game server (D2), along with data representing the corresponding portal (D3a, D3b) through which each participating player accessed the game, is active in all games that are allowed to participate in the game and are started from time to time. It also maintains a dynamic registration (D19) of all players participating in the game. The dynamic register (D19) also contains data representing the round of the game in which the player is participating. The application web server (D13) also determines the participating players' bets after the conclusion of the turning point of every game.

In use, a player who wishes to participate in a poker game uses a computer workstation (D4) to access an online casino website (D3a, D3b) of the player's choice. A player is presented with an icon (not shown) in a GUI on his computer workstation that allows the user to request to participate in a poker game at a desired level of play. A player's participation request is forwarded by the online casino website (D3a, D3b) to the gaming server (D2), which adjudicates and processes the request in the following manner:1. If all existing poker games at the desired play level are being played by eight players, then the existing games are fully occupied and players who wish to participate are not allowed to participate. Users are informed of the situation and invited to join a waiting list of interested players. 2. If one of the existing poker games at the desired play level is available, the player wishing to participate will be removed from the waiting list and allowed to participate in that game, allowing the player to play the game and place bets. An appropriate GUI is presented to the newly authorized player for placement. The registration of the player wishing to participate is updated with data indicating the online casino website (D3a, D3b) where the player is authorized to participate in the game, as well as the specific games for which the player is authorized. Contains details of newly authorized players. 4. When the waiting list of players wishing to join a game at a particular level of play becomes sufficient, say 4 or 5, the game server will open a new round of the game at that level for players on the waiting list to join. and the list is cleared. 5. The registration of the player wishing to participate is updated with data indicating the online casino website (D3a, D3b) where the player is authorized to participate in the game, as well as the specific games for which the player is authorized. Contains details of newly authorized players for newly started games.

Any player can leave the poker game in which he or she is participating at any time after one round of the game. If a participating player leaves the poker game, the following actions occur as a result of the player leaving:1. The GUI corresponding to the poker game on the computer workstation is replaced with one that allows selection of playing other casino games. 2. Details of players who withdraw will be excluded from the registration of active participating players. 3. The remaining game locations are analyzed to terminate games with insufficient participants and combine participating players from these locations into one game location with more participants.

Players participating in any part of the game utilize the betting means (D17) to place bets from time to time during a round of the poker game as described above and to carry out required gameplay decisions during the course of the game. . Once the game has completed a round, the identification means (D18) determines which player is the winner of that round, and the application web server (D13) determines which player is the winner of that round, and the application web server (D13) is located by the players participating in that round of the game field. Settle your bets: 1. The game server (D2) notifies the online casino website (D3a, D3b) associated with the individual player who played the game. Each online website (D3a, D3b) charges the associated player's individual account an amount equal to the player's wager amount. 2. The settlement of the online website (D3a, D3b) account associated with the individual player who bet on that game round will be charged an amount equal to the player's corresponding bet amount. 3. The settlement of the account at the online website (D3a, D3b) associated with the player who made a successful bet for that game round will be entered in an amount equal to the sum of all bets including the successful bet. 4. The gaming server (D2) notifies the successful player's associated online website (D3a, D3b), which online casino website deposits all bets, including the successful bet, into the successful player's personal credit account. Enter only the amount that is the same as the total.

Bets placed by participating players in a game are made using credits purchased by the player prior to participating in the game. To this end, each online casino (D3a, D3b) includes credit issuing means (not shown) by which credits can be issued to any player wishing to participate in a poker game. Players purchase credits by traditional credit or debit card payments, which are not described in detail but are well known. Whenever a player purchases credits from a credit issuing means, the corresponding online casino (D3a, D3b) will credit the player's credit account with the same amount as the amount purchased by the player.

In various embodiments, the application server (D13) deducts a portion of the total amount of all bets on each round of the game as a collection of operator profits for the game server (D2) and the online casino website (D3a, D3b). do. A portion of that levy is posted to the individual online casino's (D3a, D3b) clearing account as a function of the proportion of players who participate in a gaming round via a particular casino website. As a variation of this embodiment, the clearing account at the casino (D3a, D3b) associated with a player who makes a successful bet on a round of the game has an amount equal to the sum of all bets, including the successful bet, less than the collected amount. amount will be entered. Similarly, a player's credit account with a successful bet will be credited with an amount equal to the total of all bets, including the successful bet, less than the collected amount.

The Collusion Detection Server (D14) maintains a record in the form of a Collusion Detection Database (D20) whose functionality will be explained in detail later. The collusion detection server (D14) operates under the control of a stored program that is capable of recording the history of individual players participating in the poker gaming arena at any time. The play history includes the amount of bets for each game round in which the player participated, along with the results of the corresponding bets. The outcome of the bet is considered to be the profit of the bet if successful and the amount of the bet which is forfeited if the bet is unsuccessful. In this particular embodiment, the result of a successful bet is the sum of the amounts bet by all participating players for the round of the poker game, minus the amount bet by the winner, minus the amount collected. The recorded information is recorded in the collusion detection database (D20).

As shown in FIG. 10, the program stored in the collusion detection server (D14) provides a ranking facility (D21) that can derive corresponding key statistics from the recorded plays of individual players. Each time the player's play history is updated with the results of further rounds of games in which the player has participated, the player's main statistics are recalculated by the ranking facility (D21). The derived key statistics are stored in the collusion detection database (D20). The key statistic is the player's win/loss ratio over all rounds of the game, calculated as follows: win .times./.times. loss .times. .times. (all .times. .times. hands . times. .times. played)=Units+/-na: where Units+/- is the sum of the results of all bets; na is the number of moves made by the player.

The stored program in the collusion detection server (D14) also provides a monitoring means for continuously monitoring the key statistics of any player in the collusion detection database (D20). If any player's key statistics change beyond a predetermined threshold, the monitoring means (D21) generates an output in the form of a flag. Such changes indicate changes in players' playing patterns and are indicators of possible collusion by players that merits further investigation. In order to minimize the possibility of false flag generation, the ranking facility (D21) collects key statistics for players whose play history of more than 300 games is recorded in the collusion detection server (D14). Take it out. The win/loss ratio for a particular player varies depending on the level at which the game is played, and players are believed to be more cautious when playing games at higher levels. For this reason, the ranking facility (D21) calculates the main statistics of the individual players for the respective levels at which the game is played. In this case, the levels of play are: games from $1/$2, games from $2/$4 to $5/$10, and games from $10/$20 to $20/$40. , fixed limit games over $20/$40, pot limit games, and no limit games. In this way, the key statistics for a particular level of play are retrieved by the ranking facility (D21) only if a play history of 300 games has been recorded for the particular level of play.

A stored program in the collusion detection server (D14) causes the control facility (D14) to act on the flag generated by the monitoring means (D21) by stopping the corresponding player from further participating in the poker game. D23) is also provided.

The ranking facility (D21) also calculates secondary statistical values for individual players. If the primary statistic is a positive value indicating a winning player, the first secondary statistic is a breakdown of that player's wins from other players in the game. The monitoring means (D22) generates a flag if an excessive percentage of the player's wins come from one or more players. Such skewed winning patterns are a further indicator of collusion among winning players.

A secondary statistic that is further calculated when a player's primary statistic is negative and indicates a losing player is a breakdown of that player's losses relative to other players in the game. The monitoring means (D22) generates a flag if an excessive percentage of the player's losses come from one or more players.

Further calculated secondary statistics are: Raising with or without raising hands = R/RH where R = total number of raises; RH = number of raising hands.

Each game play decision by a player to raise a previous bet is analyzed by an analysis facility (D24) connected to the game server (D2). The analysis equipment (D24) evaluates whether the game play decision was optimal in light of the cards in the player's hand. A ratio close to 1 indicates that the player is raising correctly. A ratio much greater than 1 indicates that the player is raising excessively with hands that are not adapted to raising hands. This indicates that the player is a bad player or a co-conspirator and a flag is raised by the monitoring means (D22).

As a further statistic, losses resulting from all raises of a player are broken down and analyzed. If the loss ratio to one or more other participating players is excessively high, the monitoring means (D22) raises a flag.

We believe that the previous two secondary statistics can be advantageously used to quickly analyze new participating players. With the recording of the play history of only 20 or 30 games, these secondary statistics will be accurate enough for the monitoring means (D22) to raise a flag if necessary.

Sports Betting Various embodiments provide systems and methods for placing sports and event bets. According to one aspect, the ease of using networks (eg, the Internet, mobile phone systems, and/or other types of networks) is combined with sports and event betting at fixed casinos. In this way, sports and other types of event betting are improved as betting becomes more convenient for the bettor.

According to one embodiment, a bettor can bet on professional and college football, soccer, baseball, basketball, auto racing, ice hockey, as well as cricket, on a website (e.g., via the Internet and/or other types of networks). , rugby, and other sports or events including various sports tournaments including the NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Championships and World Cup Soccer. Other events where bets are placed include, for example, types of events such as picking the winner of a reality television show (e.g. the Survivor reality show), when the first person will land on Mars, or who will win the US presidential election. Contains selectable types of events.

According to one embodiment, a website (eg, made available via the Internet or other type of network) includes a listing of all bets that may be placed. According to another embodiment, the bettor selects a bet to be placed online and registers the bet with the casino. One advantage of this is evident for complex or multiple selection events involving multiple selections of occurring events. For example, a bet that includes all 63 games and the 54-team NCAA Men's Basketball Championship Tournament is a complex bet that requires multiple event selections. As another example, fantasy league team selections (eg, for the National Football League) have 30 team members or positions and 60 selections for each individual position, further complicating the betting process. However, such traditional bets have been limited to being placed at gaming establishments by bettors. According to one aspect, bettors are permitted to place bets and legally make payments for bets outside of the gaming facility.

According to various embodiments, a bettor may apply to a website operator to consider a bet. According to various embodiments, a registration number is issued by the website operator if the bet is accepted. According to various embodiments, the bettor then proceeds to a fixed casino operating a website and pays out the registered bet. According to various embodiments, legal issues regarding Internet betting in the United States are reduced or eliminated by allowing bettors to actually pay out their bets at a fixed casino. It is believed that this method provides convenience to bettors, since they can decide and place their bets before going to the casino. Furthermore, since the bettor is required to be present at the casino for payment, such a method provides the necessary foot traffic for the casino to encourage the bettor to play other games.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example process for placing sports and event bets in accordance with various embodiments. At block E200, process E230 begins with a player deciding to place a bet on a sport or other event. In block E202, the person placing the bet signs on a website or other resource accessible via a communications network. In one example system, a player accesses a website that includes an interface (eg, a graphical user interface (GUI)) that the player may log on to for security purposes. Additionally, the player is allowed access to account information and/or bettor specific information. This interface is used to access websites or the Internet or to access other interfaces (e.g. interfaces used to access download websites for downloading betting software). It's fine. The interface may be, for example, an HTML, JAVA, or other type of interface.

At block E204, the bettor views available bets on the website. According to some embodiments, all or some of the possible bets may be listed. The bets that may be shown are determined by the bettor's account or betting profile (eg, football bets are not shown to a bettor who is not interested in football). Available bets are also indicated based on the bettor's historical betting behavior.

Odds for bets may be fixed or may vary depending on whether the bet is entered or when the bet is paid. For example, in the Major League Baseball World Series, the odds are 6:1 after the regular season but before the start of the playoffs, 1:1 immediately before the World Series, and 1:4 after the third game of the series. For this example, the odds of a registered bet may be determined at the time the bet is registered or when the bet is paid. If the odds of a registered bet are determined at the time of bet registration, the fixed casino will pay for bets registered within a certain period of time (e.g. 1 minute, 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, etc.) This specific time period is shortened as the sporting or other event approaches.

In block E206, the bettor decides to place a bet, and in block E208, the bettor registers the bet. For example, bets are entered on a website (e.g. via a communication network including the Internet, mobile phone network, etc.). Bettors may place the bets listed on the website. Alternatively, or in addition to the listed offered bets, players may apply for bets outside of the website. For example, if a bet is not listed on the website, the bettor declares the specific event on which the bet is being placed and the bettor or website operator informs the bettor for the bet that the bet is You may decide to be given it.

Once the website operator accepts the bet, the website may provide the bettor with a registration, transaction, or confirmation number for the bet at block E210. The operator then proceeds to the fixed casino for payment at block E212. For example, a bettor may proceed to a cashier, kiosk, or other means available to pay a bet at a casino or other legal gaming jurisdiction. At block E214, the bettor presents the registration number to the casino, and the casino verifies the registration number at block E216. At block E218, the bettor may pay the casino for a bet, and the bettor may obtain a slip of paper indicating the bet placed and the odds of that bet.

At block E220, an event is held to determine the outcome of the bet, and the casino determines whether the bettor is the winner at block E222. If the bettor is a winner, the casino pays out in block E226. In order to receive a win, the bettor is required to return to the casino.

At block E220, the bettor may need to make more picks on the same bet. For example, a bettor may need additional picks for second and other additional rounds in multiple tournaments based on previous results. Such tournaments include, for example, the FIFA World Cup in soccer, or the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship. In such tournaments, bettors are required to pick every round before placing a bet.

If a payment is to be made for a registered bet, the bettor may, for example, pay with money, loyalty points, a combination thereof, or other payment methods. In particular, a bettor may pay the gaming operator or affiliated entity using money by debit card, credit card, check, cash or use of account credit. Alternatively or in addition to other payment methods, bettors may pay using loyalty points from an account opened by the gaming operator or affiliated organization. Loyalty points can be obtained from any entity, but are generally associated with loyalty programs such as frequent airline travel, frequent hotel stays, or frequent casino visits. A bettor may pay in person (eg, using a cashier) or by other means within the casino, including by telephone, mobile device, or kiosk.

A computer system or game operator may automatically determine when a bettor becomes a winner. Such results are automatically authenticated and verified by the computer system. In this case, the computer system notifies the bettor of the player's win or loss and what kind of win it is. Notification to bettors may be by email, computer web or network, telephone, television, fax, or any other method.

After the winner is authenticated and verified, the computer system notifies the bettor of the win. Additionally, the computer system may display winning bets, the identity of the bettor, or the payout.

A bettor may be able to replay and review past bets using an audio or video execution device. For example, a kiosk, display phone, television, computer or mobile device may be used to view past bets. By accessing selected bets within the computer system, a game player may be able to view event outcomes, bet odds, and payouts.

In one embodiment, a computer system may be used to perform many acts of betting operations, including bet capture, registration, and payment. For example, the computer system used to perform the betting function according to one embodiment may include single or multiple computer systems, one or more of which may include a supercomputer, minicomputer, mainframe computer, or personal computer. That's fine. The computer systems used to place bet operations may include any combination of computer system types that work together to accomplish system-level tasks. Multiple computer systems may also be used to perform one or more of the betting operations. The computer system may also include output or input devices, a display, and a storage unit to enable betting operations. It will be appreciated that any computer system or systems may be used, and that some embodiments have no limitations on the number, type, or configuration of computer systems.

A computer system (e.g., system E300) that performs betting operations according to various embodiments includes, for example, one or more component systems (e.g., systems E302, E304, and/or E306 as shown in FIG. 13). That's fine. One system component (eg, payment system E302) may handle payments by bettors. Other system components (eg, sports betting system E306) may operate the capture and registration of bets on one or more events, including sports bets. Still other systems (eg, payout system E304) may operate payouts to players. Such betting systems may be connected (e.g., by direct line or network) to other computer systems, including operating casino or hotel patronage programs, reservations, in-room television viewing, gambling floor kiosks, or other systems. . Connections to other computer systems may be made using one or more of the system components described below.

The payment component (eg, system E302) may include one or more known systems. For example, a bettor may be able to pay via a casino cashier, kiosk or other means connected via an interface to a payment computer system. In a computer, data may be stored in a database that is stored in the computer system's memory. As used herein, a "data structure" is an arrangement of data defined by computer readable signals. These signals may be read by the computer system, stored on a medium associated with the computer system (e.g., in memory, on a disk, etc.), and transmitted to one or more other computer systems over a communication medium, such as a network. It's okay to be. As used herein, "user interface" or "UI" is an interface between a computer and a human user that allows communication between the user and the computer. Examples of UIs implemented in various embodiments include graphical user interfaces (GUIs), display screens, mice, keyboards, trackballs, microphones (e.g., used with voice recognition systems), speakers, touch screens, games, etc. controllers (eg, joysticks), etc., and combinations thereof.

Information about the bettor is also entered into the payment system component. The bettor information entered may include name, address, telephone number, age, and payment information may include credit or debit card number or patronage account information. Based on the payment information, the call center representative may verify that the payment information is valid and that there are sufficient credits or funds available for the player's bet.

The various payment systems and one or more user interfaces may be located on a computer system connected by a network to a computer system that stores bettor, account and signature information data. As used herein, "network" or "communications network" is a group of one or more devices interconnected by one or more segments of transmission media or active communication equipment between which communications are exchanged. be.

The above examples are merely illustrative aspects of payment system components. These illustrative aspects are not intended to be limiting in scope, as there are many ways to implement a payment system, such as variations for on-site casino payments, and are within the scope of various embodiments. For example, the payment system may include a pay-per-view system for interactive television at a casino hotel, or the payment engine may also send a receipt to the player by email or mail. None of the following claims are limited to any particular implementation of a payment system, unless a claim explicitly includes such a particular implementation.

Payment systems (eg, System E304) are well known. Any of a number of standard systems or payment engines that pay out wins may be used by various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15. For example, 'Quicken' (available from Intuit Inc., Mountain View, California, USA) can be used to issue and mail checks, or to use debit cards, credit cards (in jurisdictions where play is legal) or loyalty accounts. may be used to fill in the 'Quicken' may access the payment data structure via the network to obtain payment information. As used herein, an “application programming interface” or “API” is a set of computer-readable instructions that define functionality and, therefore, allow such functionality to be executed on a computer in conjunction with an application program. It is composed of

'Quicken' is only an exemplary embodiment of a payment system. These exemplary embodiments are not limiting in scope, as many other implementations of payment systems, such as online payment variations, are all possible and fall within the scope of the various embodiments. Additionally, the cashier may access payment data over the network using the user interface. The cashier then pays the winning player based on the information accessed.

A sports and event betting system (eg, system E306 shown in FIG. 16) according to various embodiments may include a number of components to perform particular functions. These components may include, for example, a storage medium that stores data structures having information regarding betting events and odds. For example, this information may include event data, time, location, bettor's betting and winning history, and event odds and payout time dependence of event odds. Sports and event betting systems may include components that access payment and payout data structures.

The sports and betting system may also include a betting engine. The bet engine may, for example, perform functions according to process E230 shown in FIG. 17 as described above. The betting process E230 may include more or fewer acts than those shown in FIG. 17, and various embodiments may include a particular number or order of acts (e.g., FIG. may include additional acts, and one or more of the acts of process E230 may be performed sequentially or in parallel with one or more other acts or portions thereof. For example, blocks E214 and E218, or portions thereof, may be executed together, and act E216 may be executed at any point in block E214 of process E230 (including after block E218).

Process E230 is merely an exemplary embodiment of a method for placing a sports or event bet. These exemplary embodiments are not limiting in scope, as many other methods for placing sports or event bets may be used. Unless a claim contains a limitation that explicitly recites a particular implementation, none of the claims are limited to a particular implementation of sports or event betting.

Process E230, its acts, and embodiments and variations of these methods and acts, by themselves or in combination, may be implemented on a computer readable medium, such as a non-volatile storage medium, an integrated circuit memory element, or a combination thereof. defined as a computer-readable signal tangibly embedded in a computer. Such signals may include instructions that, when executed by the computer, direct the computer to perform one or more of the methods or acts described herein and/or various aspects, variations and combinations thereof. For example, it may be defined as part of one or more programs. Such instructions may be written in any of a plurality of programming languages. Languages include, for example, Java, Visual Basic, C, C#, or C++, Fotran, Pascal, Eiffel, Basic, COBOL, or various combinations thereof. A computer-readable medium having such instructions stored thereon may be located in one or more of the components of the general-purpose computer described above, or may be distributed across one or more of such components.

The computer-readable medium may be transportable such that the stored instructions can be downloaded to any computer system resource to implement the various embodiments described herein. Furthermore, instructions stored on a computer-readable medium as described above are not limited to instructions embedded as part of an application program running on a host computer. The instructions may be implemented as any computer code (eg, software or microcode) that can be used to program a processor to implement the aspects described above.

For example, a single component or collection of components of a computer system that performs the functions described above and is described below in conjunction with FIG. 11 is generally considered to be one or more controllers that control the functions described above. It will be done. The one or more controllers may be implemented in a variety of ways, such as with dedicated hardware or with a processor programmed with software or microcode to perform the functions described above.

Other components of the event betting system may include software components (eg, drivers) that stream video to users over broadband, satellite, or wireless media. If the game is played completely automatically, the user interface may be simply a video terminal, including a television, with no user input means. Viewing access may be controlled by standard conditional access methods including the use of set top box addresses, telephone numbers, or Internet Protocol (IP) addresses.

The above are merely exemplary embodiments of sports and event betting systems. These exemplary embodiments are not limiting in scope, as many other sports and event betting systems, such as conditional access variations, are possible and within the scope of the various embodiments. None of the claims set forth below are limited to particular implementations of sports and event betting systems unless the claims contain limitations that explicitly recite such implementations.

System E300 and components of System E300, such as the payment, payout, and bet engines, may be implemented using software (e.g., C, C#, Java, or a combination thereof), hardware (e.g., one or more specific Application-specific integrated circuits, processors, or other hardware), firmware (eg, electrically programmed memory), or combinations thereof. One or more components of the E300 may be on a single system (eg, a payment subsystem), or one or more components may be on independent, separate systems. Furthermore, individual components may be distributed across multiple systems, and one or more systems may be interconnected.

Furthermore, individual components may be in one or more locations on each of the one or more systems that include one or more components of the E300. For example, different portions of component E300 may reside in different areas of memory (eg, RAM, ROM, disk, etc.). Each such one or more systems may include, among other components, a plurality of known components such as one or more processors, a memory system, a disk storage system, one or more network interfaces, and one or more processors. or internal communication links interconnecting various other components.

System E300 may be implemented on a computer system described below with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

System E300 is merely illustrative of one embodiment of a gaming system. These exemplary embodiments are not limiting in scope, as many other sports and event systems, such as any of the E300 variations, are possible and within the scope of the various embodiments. For example, interactive television may also be used to view available bets. None of the claims described below are intended to be limited to a particular implementation unless the claim contains a limitation that explicitly recite that particular implementation.

Various embodiments may be implemented on one or more computer systems. These computer systems may be general purpose computers, such as those based on Intel PENTIUM type processors, Motorola PowerPC, Sun UltraSPARC, Hewlett-Packard PA-RIK processors, or other types of processors. Any type of computer system, one or more, may be used to partially or fully automate the play of a game according to various embodiments. Additionally, the software design system may be distributed on a single computer or among multiple computers with an attached communication network.

For example, various embodiments may be implemented as specialized software running within a general purpose computer system E400 as shown in FIG. Computer system E400 may include a processor E403 coupled to one or more memory devices E404, such as disk drives, memory, or other devices for data storage. Memory E404 is generally used to store programs and data during operation of computer system E400. The components of computer system E400 may be interconnected by an interconnection mechanism E405 that includes one or more buses (e.g., components integrated within the same machine) and/or networks (e.g., between components located on independent, discrete machines). May be connected. Interconnect mechanism E405 enables communications (eg, data, instructions) to be intercommunicated between system components of system E400. Computer system E400 includes one or more input devices E402, such as a keyboard, mouse, trackball, microphone, touch screen, and one or more output devices, such as a printing device, display screen, or speakers. Also includes E401. Additionally, computer system E400 may include one or more interfaces (not shown) that connect computer system E400 to a communications network (in addition to or as an alternative to interconnect E405).

The storage device E406 shown in FIG. 12 is generally a computer readable and writable non-volatile storage device in which signals defining a program to be executed by a processor or information stored on or in the medium E501 and processed by the program are stored. Contains a sexual recording medium E501. This medium may be, for example, a disk or flash memory. Generally, during operation, the processor reads data from the non-volatile storage medium E501 and moves it to other memory E502 that makes data access by the processor faster than the medium E501. This memory E502 is typically a non-volatile random access memory, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or static memory (SRAM). It may be located in the memory system 406 shown or in the memory system E404, not shown. Processor E403 generally operates on data in integrated circuit memories E404, E502 and copies the data to medium E501 after processing is complete. Various mechanisms are known for managing data movement between medium E501 and integrated circuit memory elements E402, E502.

A computer system may include specially programmed special purpose hardware, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Various features or aspects may be implemented in software, hardware, or firmware or a combination thereof. Furthermore, such methods, acts, system elements, and components thereof may be implemented as part of the computer systems described above or as independent components.

Although computer system E400 is shown for illustrative purposes as one type of computer system on which various embodiments may be implemented, embodiments are not limited to implementation on a computer system such as that illustrated in FIG. Various embodiments may be implemented on one or more computers having different configurations or components as shown in FIG.

Computer system E400 may be a general purpose computer system that can be programmed using a high-level computer programming language. Computer system E400 may be implemented using specially programmed special purpose hardware. In computer system E400, processor E403 is typically a commercial processor, such as the well-known Pentium class processor available from Intel Corporation. Such processors include, for example, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows 2000 (Windows ME) available from Microsoft Corporation, the MAC OS system available from Apple Computer, the Solaris operating system available from Sun Microsystems, or various Runs a UNIX-like operating system available from various sources.

Processors and operating systems define computer platforms for applications written in high-level programming languages. Various embodiments are not limited to particular computer system platforms, processors, operating systems, or networks. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various embodiments are not limited to particular programming languages or computer systems. Additionally, the use of other suitable programming languages and other suitable computer systems is possible.

Portions or portions of the computer system may be distributed across one or more computer systems (not shown) connected to a communications network. These computer systems may be general purpose computer systems. For example, various embodiments may include one or more customer computers configured to provide a service (e.g., a server) or to perform an overall task as part of a distributed system. May be distributed among computers. For example, various embodiments may be implemented on a customer server system that includes components distributed among one or more server systems that perform various functions in accordance with various embodiments. These components may be executable in intermediate (eg, IL) or translation code (eg, Java) that communicates over a network (eg, the Internet) using a communication protocol (eg, TCP/IP).

Various embodiments are not limited to execution on any particular system or group of systems. Various embodiments are not limited to any particular distribution configuration, network, or communication protocol. Various embodiments may be programmed using an object-oriented programming language such as SmallTalk, Java, C++, Ada, or C# (C-Sharp). Other object-oriented programming languages may also be used. Alternatively, functional, scripting, and/or logic programming languages may be used. Documents created in HTML, XML, or other formats that provide the appearance of a graphical user interface (GUI) or perform other functions in an environment in which the various embodiments are not programmed (e.g., when viewed in a browser program window) ) may be implemented. Various embodiments may be implemented as programmed or unprogrammed elements, or any combination thereof.

Although several exemplary embodiments have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing description is provided by way of example only and is not limiting. Many variations and other exemplary embodiments will be within the scope of the various embodiments and within the scope of those skilled in the art. In particular, although many of the examples described herein involve particular combinations of method acts or system elements, it is understood that other combinations of these acts and elements are possible to achieve the same purpose. Should.

Confirming to Player That Event Was Random Various embodiments may provide a means for verifying the integrity and authenticity of random events used in online casino games.

Various embodiments may provide methods for using pre-generated random event sequences to run online games.

Various embodiments may provide a method for sending a pre-generated random event sequence to a user in an encrypted and/or digested manner so that the user cannot predict the random event sequence in an online casino game.

Various embodiments utilize a cryptographic key and the original random event sequence to verify the previously generated random event sequence by comparing the decrypted and stored random event sequence with the original random event sequence at the end of the game session. Event sequences may be provided to players to authenticate random events used in online games.

Various embodiments may provide a way to send pre-generated random event sequences to a user so that the user can reconstruct the random events after completing a game session.

Various embodiments may provide a method for authenticating pre-generated random event sequences of online casino games. In a preferred embodiment, a user sets up communication with an online casino to request a gaming session. A user requests a game to play in an online casino game from a list such as blackjack, roulette, craps, etc. Once the user has finished selecting a game, the online casino receives the request and begins the gaming session. For each game, there is a certain number and type of expected random events that are necessary to play the game session to completion, or to end the game session at the user's discretion. Individual random events represent actions that occur in a real casino, such as drawing cards or rolling dice. Online casinos are equipped with random number generators that generate an expected number of random events in advance and place the random events into a random event sequence. The random event sequence is encoded into a cryptographic sequence and sent to the user who stores the cryptographic sequence until the game verification stage. Regarding the encryption step, the random event sequence may be converted to a digital digest and sent to the user, or it may be first encrypted and converted to a digital digest and then sent.

At this stage of the gaming session, the user is unable to understand the pre-generated and encrypted random event sequence received from the online casino. Also, online casinos do not have to worry about users being able to fraudulently predict sequences of random events in the future. A user requests a random event from an online casino to start playing a particular game. The online casino receives these requests from the user and responds by sending the user the next number drawn in sequence from a pre-generated random event sequence. Events from the random sequence are consumed by the online casino during a gaming session. Users record all random events received from online casinos. When the number of random events in the pre-generated sequence is exhausted, or when the user indicates an intention to end the gaming session, the online casino communicates "game over" to the user and the game ends.

The online casino then sends the user a game verification cryptographic key to prove the integrity of the game. The encryption key is sent to the user at the beginning of the game session and allows the user to decrypt the encrypted random event sequence. The user decrypts the encrypted random event sequence, and the decrypted event sequence is compared to a record of the random event sequence sent by the online casino and stored by the user. If the sequences are identical, the random event sequence was not changed or tampered with by the online casino during the gaming session. The verification fails if the random event sequence recorded by the user and the random event sequence presented by the online casino are different. The user will notify the online casino of the failure and appropriate action will be taken.

A game session may be played by one or more players. Online casinos send identical pre-generated cryptographic sequences to individual participants, have participants re-edit their individual random event sequences back to the original pre-generated random event sequences, and use them for verification purposes. Compare the random event sequence sent by the online casino with the re-edited random event sequence.

Various embodiments are described with reference to FIGS. 18-21. They generally disclose methods for ensuring the authenticity and integrity of online games, and more specifically, methods for authenticating pre-generated random event sequences in online casino games.

Referring to FIG. 18, in a preferred embodiment, a user sets up communication with an online casino F10 to request a gaming session that is identical to an actual game. The User possesses the necessary computers, customer gaming software, and other basic equipment and hardware necessary to set up communications with the Casino Line. An online casino may be a single computer acting as a gaming server, or it may be several computers with databases and processors located in separate locations. A user requests a game to play on an online casino during a gaming session by selecting from a list of available games. A list of common games played during a gaming session may include the following games: blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, slot machines, raffles, sports betting, and poker. Various embodiments are not limited to these games and may also include games not included in the above list.

Once the user has finished selecting a game and communicated the selected game to the online casino, the online casino receives the request and begins the gaming session F12. For each game, there is a certain number and type of expected random events that are necessary to play the game to completion or, at the user's discretion, to end the game session. Each random event represents an action that occurs in a real casino, such as drawing a card or rolling a die. For example, in the case of a blackjack game, the type of random event that occurs during the game is the action of drawing a card. The number of random events in one game session generally does not exceed 10,000. Events from the random sequence are consumed by the online casino during a gaming session. The online casino is equipped with a random number generator that generates the random event F14 in advance.

The online casino generates the expected number of random events and places the random events into a random event sequence, which is a set of random events generated for the game session F16. The random event sequence is encoded into an encrypted sequence F18 and then sent F20 to the user who stores the encrypted sequence until the game verification stage. The method for encrypting the random event sequence may be any known encryption method in use. For the encryption step, the random event sequence may be converted to a digital digest and sent to the user, or it may be first encrypted and then converted to a digital digest, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, respectively. , may be sent to the user.

Referring again to Figure 18, at this stage of the gaming session, the user cannot understand the pre-generated encrypted sequence and the online casino does not have to worry about the user predicting future random event sequences. . The user then requests a random event from the online casino to start playing a particular game F22. The online casino receives these requests from the user and responds by sending the user the next number drawn sequentially from a pre-generated random event sequence. F24 where the user records all random events received from online casinos. The user may manually record random events as a function of the customer gaming software or other known recording methods. When the number of random events in the pre-generated sequence is exhausted or the user indicates an intention to end the game session, the online casino communicates "end of game" to the user and the game ends F26.

The online casino then sends the cryptographic key to the user for game verification to prove the integrity of the game F28. The cryptographic key allows the user to decrypt the encrypted random event sequence sent to the user at the beginning of the game session. The user decrypts the encrypted random event sequence F30, and the encrypted random event sequence is compared to a record kept by the user, which is the random event sequence sent by the online casino at the beginning of the gaming session. F32. The user may manually compare random events as a function of the customer gaming software or other known recording methods. If the sequences are the same, the game is fair F34, and the random event sequence was not changed or tampered with during the game. If the verification fails, the user will communicate the failure to the online casino and appropriate action will be taken.

As shown in FIG. 17, in the encryption step, the online casino may encrypt the pre-generated random event sequence using a digital digest. The online casino converts the random event sequence into a digital digest F36 before transmitting the digital digest F38 to the user. F22 where a specific game is played. F24 allows the user to record random events during the game session. When the game ends, F26, the online casino sends an undigested random event sequence to the user, F40. The user then determines the authenticity of the random event sequence sent by the online casino by converting the undigested random events into a digital digest and comparing this digital digest with the digital digest sent by the casino at the start of the game. F42 to verify gender. For verification to be successful, the two digital digests must be identical. Once the random event sequence sent by the online casino is verified in this way, at the end of the game the verified undigested random event sequence sent by the online casino is compared with the random event sequence held by the user. The user thereby proceeds to verification F44 of the random event sequence sent by the casino during the gaming session.

For verification to be successful, the two random event sequences must be identical. Similarly, comparisons can be performed manually by the player or by customer software. If the sequences are the same, the game is fair F46, and no random event sequences were changed or tampered with during the game session. If the verification fails, the user will communicate the failure to the online casino and appropriate action will be taken.

Referring to FIG. 20, an online casino may signal the pre-generated random event sequence with initial encryption and convert the encrypted sequence into a digital digest to complete the signaling step. The online casino encrypts the random event sequence and converts it into a digital digest F50 before sending it to the user. F22 where a specific game is played. F24 where the user records random events during the game session. At the end of the game F26, the online casino sends the undigested random event sequence to the user in encrypted form. F52 online casinos also send encryption keys to users. The user first authenticates the encrypted random event sequence by converting it to a digital digest and comparing it F54 with the digital digest sent at the beginning of the game session. The random event sequence is decoded F56 and compared F58 with a record of random event sequences sent by the online casino maintained by the user. User comparisons can be performed either manually or by customer gaming software. The sequences must be identical for verification to be successful. If the sequences are the same, the game is fair F60 and the random event sequence has not been changed or tampered with during the game session. If the verification fails, the user will communicate the failure to the online casino and appropriate action will be taken.

Using the above method, the encrypted sequence is generated in advance and sent to the user before the start of the gaming session, eliminating the opportunity for the online casino to change the sequence of events depending on the user's actions or steps during the game. Therefore, the user can be confident that the random event sequence was generated without any online casino fraud or fraudulent information.

Referring to FIG. 21, a game session may be performed by one or more players F62. The online casino may send the same pre-generated sequence (eg, the encrypted sequence represents the same deck of cards) to each participant. Individual users must have access to random event sequences received by other users during a game session. At the end of the gaming session, the user comprehensively compares the received random event sequence with the random event sequence sent by the online casino at the beginning of the gaming session to ensure that the sequence has not been altered.

Although embodiments have been described for verifying the authenticity and integrity of online games, the features described can be used in any electronic game or technology that requires authentication of random event sequences. As such, the features and aspects described above are not to be construed as limiting.

Team Various embodiments relate to a computerized system that implements team play of card games. The computerized system includes: a first computer for use by a first participant of a first team; a second computer for use by a second participant of a second team; and a fourth computer for use by a fourth participant of the second team. A computer network interconnects the first and second computers and allows the first and second participants to compete for team points in a first set of card games. Similarly, a computer network interconnects the third and fourth computers, allowing the third and fourth participants to compete for team points in a second set of card games. A central server computer connected to the computer network coordinates the first, second, third and fourth computers and scores by the participants of the individual teams to calculate the total team score for the individual teams. Account for team points earned. Preferably, the central server computer also calculates team points individually earned by the first, second, third and fourth participants. The computer network may be in the form of a local area network, assuming the computers are located relatively close together, such as in a casino. Alternatively, the computer network may be the Internet if one or more of these computers is located remotely from the others.

Incorporated by reference The following is incorporated herein by reference:
U.S. Patent 6,375,568;
U.S. Patent 6,575,834;
U.S. Patent 5,800,268;
US Patent Application 20070015587
U.S. Patent 6,319,125;
U.S. Patent 5,655,961;
US Patent Application 20060194633;
US Patent Application 20060189381:
US Patent Application 20060172803;
US Patent Application 20060094497; and US Patent Application 20060089189

Mobile Game The following reference numbers apply only to Figures 22 to 34 unless otherwise specified.

In various embodiments, distributed gaming systems allow participants to participate in gaming activities from remote and/or mobile locations. Possible gaming activities include gambling offered by casinos. Gambling activities include any casino type gambling activity, including but not limited to: slot machines, video poker, table games (e.g., craps, roulette, blackjack, pay-go poker, Caribbean stud poker, baccarat) etc.), carousel fortune games, sports betting, horse racing, dog racing, jai alai, and other gambling activities. Gaming activities include betting on any type of event. Events include, for example, sporting events such as horse or car races, and athletic events such as football, basketball, baseball, golf, and the like. Events also include things that you would not normally bet on. Such events include political elections, entertainment industry awards, movie box office results, and more. Games also include non-stakes games and events. Games also include lotteries or lottery-type activities, such as state and interstate lotteries. These include number selection lotteries, scratch-off lotteries, and other lottery contests. The gaming system may be implemented on a communication network, such as a mobile network or a personal wireless and/or wired network. Examples of the latter include WiFi and WiMax networks. In some embodiments, the gaming system communication network is completely independent of the Internet. In some embodiments, gaming system operation minimizes the use of the Internet such that only non-secure information is transmitted over the Internet and/or the information is encrypted. In various embodiments, the communication network allows players to participate in the game from a remote location (eg, outside of the gaming area of the casino). The system allows players to move while participating in gaming activities. In various embodiments, the system has a location verification or determination feature that allows or disallows participation in the game from a remote location based on whether the location meets one or more criteria. enable. The criterion may be, for example, whether the location is within a predetermined area where gambling is legally permitted.

For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the gaming system 10 may include at least one user 12. The system may include additional users, such as at least a first user 12 and a second user 14. Multiple users may access the first gaming system 10 while a second gaming system (not shown) is in communication with the first gaming system. Users 12 and 13 may access system 10 using game communication device 13. Game communication device 13 may include any suitable device for sending and receiving electronic communications. Such devices include, without limitation, mobile telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), computers, minicomputers, and the like. Game communication device 13 transmits game information to and receives game information from communication network 16 . Game information is communicated between network 16 and a computer 18, such as a server, within the realm of gaming service provider 20. The location of the computer 18 is flexible, and the computer 18 may be located near or remote from the game service provider 20. Various embodiments may not include a gaming service provider. Computer 18 and/or gaming service provider 20 may be located within, close to, or remotely located at the gaming provider (not shown in FIG. 22). The gaming service provider may be the actual controller of the gaming, such as a casino. As one example, the gaming service provider may be located at a casino premises and the computer 18 may be within the geographic boundaries of the gaming service provider. However, as discussed above, there are other possibilities for the remote location of computer 18 and gaming service provider 20. Computer 18 may function as a game server. Additional computers (not explicitly designated) may function, for example, as database management computers and redundant servers.

In various embodiments, the software resides on game communication device 13 and computer 18. Software residing on gaming communication device 13 may be capable of presenting information corresponding to gaming activities (including gambling and non-gambling activities as described herein). The information includes, without limitation, graphical depictions of objects associated with the activity and depictions of options associated with the activity and selectable by the user. The gaming communication device may be capable of receiving data from the computer and data entered by the user. The software located on the computer may exchange data with gaming communication devices, access additional computer and data storage devices, and perform all of the functions described herein in addition to the functions commonly known as electronic gaming systems. It's good to be able to do it.

The game information transmitted over network 16 may include any information and in any format necessary or desirable for operation of the game experience in which the user participates. The information may be transmitted, in whole or in combination, in any format, including digital or analogue, text or audio, and based on known or future transmission technologies, including, for example, wired or wireless technologies. Wireless technologies may include, for example, licensed or license-exempt technologies. Specific technologies that may be used include, without limitation, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), WiFi (802.11x), WiMax (802.16x), ), Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Digital Subscriber line (DSL), Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN), or cable modem technology. These are only examples, and those skilled in the art will understand that other communication technologies are also possible. Furthermore, it is understood that additional components can be used to communicate information between the user and the game server. Such additional components include, without limitation, lines, tracks, antennas, switches, cables, transmitters, receivers, computers, routers, servers, fiber optic communication equipment, repeaters, amplifiers, and the like.

In some embodiments, communication of game information occurs without involvement of the Internet. However, in some embodiments, some of the game information may be transmitted over the Internet. All or some portion of the game information may be partially transmitted over the Internet communication path. In some embodiments, some information is transmitted, in whole or in part, over the Internet, and the information is non-gaming or gaming information that does not need to be kept confidential. For example, data that provides a graphical depiction of a table game on a user's gaming communications device is transmitted at least partially over the Internet, whereas betting information transmitted by the user is transmitted entirely over a non-Internet communications network. be done.

According to some embodiments, as shown for example in FIG. 23, the communication network includes a mobile communication network 22. Mobile communication network 22 includes a plurality of base stations 23, each base station having a corresponding service area 25. Base station technology is generally known and base stations can be of any type found in typical mobile communications networks. Base stations may have overlapping coverage areas. Furthermore, the service area may or may not be sectioned. The network includes mobile stations 24 that function as gaming communication devices used by users to access the gaming system and participate in activities available at the gaming system. Users are connected to a network of base stations by sending and receiving radio signals. The communications network also includes at least one voice data switch connected to the wireless portion of the network via a dedicated secure land line. The communication network may also include a gaming service provider connected to the voice data switch via a dedicated secure land line as well. The voice data switch may be connected to the base station's wireless network, for example via a mobile switch center (MSC), and a land line is provided between the voice data switch and the MSC.

Users access the gaming system through mobile stations that are in communication and become part of a communications network. A mobile station may be any communication device that operates in connection with a network as described above. For example, in this particular embodiment, the mobile station includes a mobile telephone.

In various embodiments, for example in the case of a mobile communications network, the gaming system is enabled through the use of a private label carrier network. Each base station is programmed by the cellular carrier to receive and transmit private secure voice and/or data transmissions to and from mobile station handsets. The handset may be pre-programmed with both gaming software and carrier authentication software. The base station communicates with the switch via a private T1 line. The gaming service provider borrows a private T1 or T3 line that routes calls back to a gaming server managed by the gaming service provider. Encryption is configured on the phone when required by a gaming enforcement agency, such as a gaming commission.

Mobile communications networks can be private, closed systems. The mobile stations communicate with base stations, which are connected to a central switch within the gaming jurisdiction. Voice calls on the switch may be transmitted locally or over long distances. Game traffic for a particular service provider is sent from a central switch to a game server at a host location, which may be a casino or other location.

When a subscriber starts a particular gaming application, the handset communicates only with the particular base station whose cell or sector is designed to be entirely gaming territory. For example, if the base station is close enough to acquire or transmit a signal on the state line, the base station cannot communicate with that device. If the customer uses the device for gaming, the system may prohibit making and receiving voice calls if desired. Additionally, audio is completely excluded if requested. Furthermore, the device is not allowed to connect to the Internet. This provides a high level of certainty that bets begin and end within the boundaries of the gaming jurisdiction and that private wireless systems cannot be circumvented or bypassed. In some embodiments, some of the data and/or voice traffic is communicated at least in part over the Internet, while in other embodiments the communication path does not include the Internet. Alternatively, in some embodiments, certain non-gaming information may be communicated over a path that includes the Internet, while other information related to the system's gaming activities is communicated over a path that does not include the Internet. .

As shown in FIG. 24, gaming communication device 32 communicates with a gaming service provider over network 34. Preferably, the gaming service provider owns one or more servers on which various games and other applications are located. As shown in FIG. 24, some examples of gaming applications include horse racing and other sports, financial exchanges, casinos and/or virtual casinos, entertainment and other event exchanges, news and real-time entertainment. Each of these applications may be implemented by one or more software modules. Applications may be combined in any possible combinations. Furthermore, it should be understood that these applications are not exhaustive and that other applications may exist to provide the user with an environment related to any of the described or potential activities. .

In other embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 25, the communication network includes a private wireless network. A private wireless network may include, for example, 802.11x (WiFi) network technology covering "gaming spots" or "entertainment spots". In FIG. 25, various WiFi networks are shown as network 41. Network 41 may use other communication protocols that provide private wireless networks, including but not limited to 802.16x (WiMax) technology. Furthermore, networks 41 may be interconnected. Additionally, the game system may include a combination of networks as shown in FIG. For example, a combination of private wireless networks 16, a mobile communication network including a multi-channel access unit or sectorized base station 42, and a satellite network including one or more satellites 46 are shown.

Regarding private wireless networks, this technology covers small areas and provides very high speeds of information, making private wireless networks particularly suitable for gaming commissions that require location and identity verification for gaming service providers. There is. Gaming spots enabled by network 41 include the current casino area 48, new areas such as swimming pools, lakes or other recreational areas 49, rooms and restaurants such as those in casinos 48 or hotels 45 and 47. , and other remote gaming areas 43. The overall configuration of the game system depicted in FIG. 25 is merely an example, and may be modified to suit various embodiments.

In some embodiments, the system configuration of the gaming system includes:
(1) Wireless LAN (Local Access Network) components, often consisting of 802.11x (WiFi) and/or 802.16x WiMax technologies; ruggedized security and authentication software; gaming software; Windows or Symbian (a) CDMA technology that is secure for over-the-air data protection;
(b) at least two layers of user authentication (one provided by the mobile carrier and one provided by the gaming service provider);
(c) forced tunneling to game servers (static routing);
(d) end-to-end encryption at the application layer; and (e) state-of-the-art firewall and DMZ technology;
(2) Metropolitan Wireless Access Network (MWAN) consisting of licensed or license-exempt point-to-point links and licensed or license-exempt point-to-multipoint technologies;
(3) T1 and T3 lines of a private MAN (Metropolitan Access Network) that provides connectivity to places where wireless service cannot reach (4) Redundant private line communication from the mobile switch back to the game server Individual "game spots" or " Preferably, the entertainment spots are connected to central and redundant gaming servers via the MWAN/MAN. To access the private wireless network 41, the gaming communication devices may be PDAs or mini-laptops running on WiFi or WiMax and may not be managed by a third party partner.

In various embodiments, the gaming system includes a location verification feature that allows or disables gaming from a remote location depending on whether the location meets one or more criteria. The criterion may be, for example, whether the game is within a predefined location where gaming is legally permitted. As another example, the criterion may be whether the location is a non-gaming zone, such as a school. Location verification technologies used in the system may include, without limitation, "network-based" and/or "satellite-based" technologies. Network-based techniques may include, for example, multilateration, triangulation, and geofencing. Satellite-based technology may include, for example, global positioning satellite (GPS) technology.

As mentioned above, the mobile telephony approach may include the use of at least one mobile telephony, mobile communications voice and data network. For games in jurisdictions such as Nevada, techniques such as triangulation, Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology, and/or geofencing avoid the possibility that bets or wagers may be placed outside of Nevada state lines. May be included for. In some embodiments, the network does not cover all of a particular jurisdiction, such as Nevada. For example, the network does not cover areas where a particular base station's mobile telephone coverage area crosses state lines or other jurisdictional boundaries. This is to allow the use of location verification to prevent the opportunity for bets to be initiated or terminated outside of the state. Triangulation is used as a method to prevent games from being played from unauthorized locations. Triangulation is performed, for example, by comparing the signal strength from a single mobile station received by multiple base stations, each having GPS coordinates. This technique may be used to pinpoint the location of a mobile station. The location is checked against a map or other material to determine if it is an area where mobile stations are not allowed, such as a school. Alternatively, GPS technology may be used for this purpose.

As shown in FIG. 26, the game system includes a plurality of game communication devices 54, 55, and 56. Devices 55 and 56 are both located within the gaming jurisdiction. However, only device 56 is located within a geofence 57 established by the service area of multiple base stations 53 . In this way, geofencing may be used to allow gaming via device 56 but disable gaming via devices 54 and 55. Although some gaming communication devices within gaming jurisdiction 58, such as device 55, are not allowed to access the gaming system, geofence 57 ensures that gaming communication devices outside jurisdiction 58, such as device 54, are not allowed access. guaranteed.

Geofencing does not specify location. Rather, it ensures that the mobile station is within a certain boundary. For example, geofencing is used to ensure that mobile stations that cross state lines do not access gaming systems. Triangulation, on the other hand, pinpoints a location at or near a pinpoint. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, device 56 is triangulated between three of base stations 53 to determine the location of device 56. Triangulation may be used to identify if a device, such as a mobile station, is located in a particular spot (eg, a school) where gambling is not permitted. Preferably, the location technology used with the various embodiments is compliant with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Phase 2E911. Geological Institute Survey (GIS) mapping is used to compare the identified coordinates of a game communication device to GIS map features or elements to determine if the device is within an unauthorized area of the game. May be used. Any type of location verification, such as triangulation, geofencing, global positioning satellite (GPS) technology, or other positioning technology, that provides an acceptable level of confidence that the user is within the authorized game area. may also be used.

In various embodiments, location verification is performed by channel address checking or other identification numbers or location verification using information indicating which network or portion of a network is being accessed by the gaming communication device. Assuming the use of identification numbers for this purpose, according to the method of location verification, for example, a participant accesses the gaming system via a mobile phone. The identification number of the mobile telephone, or the network component being accessed by the mobile telephone, identifies the caller's connection to the mobile network. The number indicates that the caller is within a defined area and on a particular mobile network. A server application may reside on the mobile phone to communicate this information over the network to the gaming service provider. In some embodiments, the identification number or information may be transferred from a first network provider to a second network provider. For example, a caller's home network may be provided by a second provider, but the caller roams on a network (within a jurisdiction) provided by a first provider. The first provider forwards the identifying information to the second provider so that the second provider can determine whether the caller is within a defined area of authorized or unauthorized gaming activity. In various embodiments, the gaming service provider maintains or has access to a database that maps numbers identifying various mobile communications networks around the world to geographic areas. Various embodiments contemplate the use of numbers or proxies that indicate networks, portions of networks, or network components to which a mobile phone is connected. The identification number may represent one or more base stations, base station groups, lines, channels, trucks, switches, routers, repeaters, etc.

In various embodiments, when a user connects a mobile phone to a gaming server, the gaming server retrieves network identification information and communicates that information to the gaming service provider. Software residing on the gaming communication device may incorporate functionality that upon user login or access, determines the user's location (based at least in part on the identification information) and sends a message to the gaming service provider. The identification number or information used for location determination may be country-specific, state-specific, town-specific, or specific to other definable boundaries.

In conjunction with any of the location determination methods, the gaming system may periodically update location information. Updates may occur at predetermined time intervals during a game session, for example, to ensure that movement of a game communication device into an unauthorized area is detected during play and not just upon login or initial access. May be implemented.

Thus, depending on the location technology used, the gaming communications device, the gaming server, or the telecommunications network used to transmit information between the gaming communications device and the gaming server (such as a base station) In any component of the game, a decision may be made to allow or prohibit gaming activities.

One aspect of private wireless networks that is relevant to preventing gaming in unauthorized areas is the installation of sensors, such as attaching radio frequency identification (RFID) sensors to gaming communication devices. If the user takes the device out of the game-permitted area, the sensor will set off an alarm. Additionally, the device may be tethered to an immovable object. A user logs into such a device using an ID and password.

In various embodiments, a gaming system may include the ability to determine the location of gaming communication devices within a large building, such as a casino complex. This adds the ability to enable or disable devices based on their location within a building. For example, government regulations prohibit the use of gambling devices from rooms in casino complexes. Accordingly, certain embodiments may include the ability to determine the location of a device within a building and prevent the device from performing gambling functions from a guest room or other area where gambling is prohibited. FIG. 27 illustrates an example wireless gaming system in which the location of a gaming communication device 604 is determined in accordance with various embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 27, the wireless gaming system includes a wireless network that at least partially covers a casino complex 600 in which one or more gaming communication devices 604 are used to participate in various gaming activities. The wireless network may include at least three signal detection devices 602, although various embodiments may include fewer or more signal detection devices. As shown in FIG. 27, the wireless network includes four signal detection devices 602, each located at a corner of the casino complex 600. In various embodiments, these signal detection devices may include wireless access points, wireless routers, wireless base stations, satellites, or other suitable signal detection devices. Furthermore, although the signal detection device 602 is illustrated as being located at the boundary of the casino complex 600, if the signal detection device can receive a signal coming from a gaming communication device 604 within the casino complex 600, the signal detection device It may be located either inside or outside the body 600. In various embodiments, signal detection device 602 may be used to transmit as well as receive signals to gaming communication device 604.

In various embodiments, the casino complex 600 may be divided into one or more zones 608 representing different areas of the casino complex, such as a lobby, guest rooms, restaurants, shops, entertainment locations, or pool areas. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, zone 608a may correspond to a casino lobby, zone 608b to a guest room, zone 608c to a restaurant, and zone 608d to a casino gaming floor. Each zone 608 may be further divided into one or more subzones 606 that identify particular locations within the zone 608. Subzones 606 may be arranged in a grid-like configuration, each of uniform size. In some embodiments, each subzone may consist of 9 square feet (ie, 3 feet by 3 feet). In some embodiments, each subzone may consist of 10 square feet (ie, 10 feet by 10 feet). The selection of the area size covered by a subzone is determined by administrator preferences, wireless network technical constraints, government regulations, and other considerations.

Particular embodiments may use a map that divides the casino complex 600 into multiple zones 608 and subzones 606 to determine the location of the gaming communication device 604 within the complex. These embodiments may utilize signals received by signal detection device 602 from gaming communication device 604 to determine the location of the device.

In various embodiments, the location of the game communication 604 may be determined based on the signal strength received from the device 604 by the individual signal sensing device 602. In various embodiments, the signal strength determination is performed using a received signal strength index (RSSI) value or any other suitable indicator of signal strength. Generally, the closer a subzone is to a signal detection device, the stronger the signal the signal detection device will receive from a gaming communication device located in that subzone. Thus, given multiple signal strength readings obtained from different points within the casino complex (e.g., signal detection device 602), these different signal strength readings may be used to determine the location of the device. good. With this in mind, each subzone 606 may be associated with a reference set of signal strengths that the signal detection device has received from devices located in this particular subzone. Typically, these numbers are generated and periodically calibrated by obtaining reference readings from gaming communication devices located in the subzone. After individual subzones are associated with a reference set of signal strengths, these reference signal strengths may be compared to signal strengths received from the gaming communication device by the signal detection device. Since each subzone has its own set of signal strengths, this comparison may be used to identify the particular zone in which the gaming communication device is located.

In various embodiments, the location of the gaming communication device 604 may be determined based on the elapsed time between signal transmission from the device 604 and signal reception by the respective signal sensing device 602. In various embodiments, this elapsed time may be determined based on time difference of arrival (TDOA) or other suitable techniques. As with signal strength, each subzone 606 may be associated with a predetermined or reference elapsed time between transmission and reception of the signal from the gaming communication device. This set of elapsed times is different for each individual subzone of the casino complex, since the time at which the signal arrives at each signal detection device depends on the proximity of the subzone to each base station. The subzone in which the device is located is determined by comparing the time from signal transmission until the signal detection device receives the signal from the game communication device.

Once the location of the gaming communication device is determined, certain embodiments enable and/or disable certain functions of the device based on this determination. For example, as described above, certain embodiments may disable the gambling communication device from performing gambling functions from a user's guest room while allowing the user to purchase goods or services or purchase tickets to an entertainment event. enable other features of the device. Once the user leaves the cabin, the gambling functionality of the gaming communication device may be enabled. Similarly, certain embodiments may prevent gaming communication devices from being used for monetary transactions from the gaming casino floor. Such functionality may be enabled once the user leaves the casino floor. Similarly, other functions of the gaming communication device may be enabled or disabled based on the device's location within the building, according to various embodiments.

In various embodiments, various functions of a gaming communication device may be enabled or disabled based on the zone 608 in which the device is located. In such embodiments, individual zones 608 of the casino complex may be associated with a set of permitted activities. For example, the lobby zone 608a of a casino complex may allow all activities, while the building's guest room zone 608b may allow all activities except gambling. According to the location of the gaming communication device, the functionality of the gaming communication device may be limited to the set of activities permitted for the zone in which the device is located. As the gaming communication device moves from zone to zone, the device's location may be redetermined and the device's capabilities updated to reflect the set of activities allowed for the zone in which the device is currently located.

Various embodiments may use location determination to transmit location-specific information to a gaming communication device. For example, if the device (and thus the user) is located elsewhere in the casino complex, a notification may be sent to the user's device that an entertainment event for which the user has tickets is about to begin. In other embodiments, if the user is in the guest room, the user may be contacted that the user's preferred dealer is on the casino floor.

In various embodiments, a gaming communication device may be used to deliver goods and services purchased or ordered by a user of the device. For example, in various embodiments, a user may use the device to purchase food and drinks. The location of the device may be used to deliver food and drinks to the user even if the user moves to another subzone after ordering.

The location determination of the gaming communication device may be used to provide the user with directions to other locations in the casino complex. For example, a user on a casino floor who wants to go to a particular restaurant within a casino complex may be given instructions based on the user's location. These instructions may be updated as the user progresses toward the desired location. If the user goes off course, the position determination updated while the user is moving may be used to alert the user that he has gone off course and determine a new course to the desired location.

It should be understood that the above description includes only some of the implementation techniques that may be used by the various embodiments. Other techniques are available and included, according to various embodiments. The various embodiments may be implemented using any suitable technology, now existing or developed in the future.

User Profiles According to various embodiments, a wireless gaming system can implement user profile elements. Profiles for one or more users are created, maintained, and modified, for example, on one or more servers of the gaming system. Generally, a user profile includes information about an individual user. Information may be maintained in one or more databases. The information may be accessible to the game server and/or one or more mobile devices. The device that accesses the information includes a gaming device or a game management device, according to some embodiments. Gaming management devices may include wireless devices used by casino staff to provide gaming services or gaming management services.

Various embodiments include software and/or hardware that allows for the preparation, modification, and maintenance of one or more user profiles. Thus, each of the one or more user profiles may consist of a set of data maintained within a data storage device. A dataset for an individual user may reflect many parameters or information about a particular user corresponding to a profile. Without limitation, such information may include, for example, preferred games and/or game configurations, preferred screen configurations, betting preferences, gaming activity preferences such as gaming location preferences, dining and other service preferences; May include preferences, etc. Information may include names, addresses, hotel names and room numbers, telephone numbers, social security numbers, user codes, and electronic files such as voice, photographs, retinal scans, or other biometric information. User profile information may also include information about the user but not determined by the user or the user's activities. Such information may include any information associated with or forming part of the profile. For example, a legal entity such as a casino may include as part of its profile rules governing the distribution of benefits or offers to users. User profile information may include any codes, account numbers, credit information, consents, interfaces, applications, or any other information related to the user. Thus, user profile information may include any information specific to a given user. For example, profile information may include the locations a particular user has played, skill level, success level, types of games played, and betting style, and trend information regarding user activity.

In various embodiments, user profile information may include administrator or other service information associated with the user. Custodian services may include restaurant services, entertainment services, hotel services, money management services, or other suitable services provided to users of gaming devices. For example, restaurant services may include, without limitation, services for allowing users to order drinks, food, make reservations, or perform other restaurant-related activities. As another example, entertainment services may include, without limitation, services that enable users to purchase show tickets, make reservations or arrange services, make actual purchases, coordinate transportation, or perform other entertainment-related activities. may be included. Hotel services may include, for example, services that allow users to check in, check out, make spa reservations, check messages, leave messages, review hotel bills, or perform other guest-related activities. Money management services may include, for example, services that allow users to transfer funds, pay bills, or perform other money management related activities.

The gaming system may be configured to set up a new profile for any user using the gaming device for the first time. Alternatively, a new profile may be set up for a previous user who has not played for a predetermined period of time. The gaming system may set up the profile, monitor user activity, adjust the profile, and adjust the information (such as graphics) displayed to the user. The gaming system may be configured to use the profile information to modify the presentation of gaming information to the user. For example, if a previous user returns to the gaming system, the system may examine the profile for the user and determine that the user lost money on craps and won money on blackjack in a previous gaming session. Based on this information, the system may adjust the default game screen and present the user with a blackjack table. As another example, profile information may indicate that much of the user's previous blackjack time was spent at tables with $25 minimums. The system may further adjust the game environment accordingly, making the blackjack table a $25 table. In this sense, the gaming system enables personalized wireless gaming based on one or more criteria maintained in the user profile.

User profiles may be established, maintained, and updated periodically as necessary to enable the game provider to provide enhanced, current, and/or customized gaming experiences. Updates may be based on any suitable trigger, such as the occurrence of an event, the occurrence of user activity, or the passage of a predetermined period of time. Any or all of the profile information may be updated.

Warnings In some embodiments, the gaming system may be configured to initiate one or more warnings to one or more users based on any number of criteria. For example, it may be based on the user's location. The system may be configured to track other location-independent parameters. Game alerts may be based on this and/or other information stored in the user profile. Warnings are presented on a priority basis and the content and presentation of the warnings can be customized by the user or other entity. As a related concept, the system may be configured to provide instructions and/or maps. Other related ideas may include that the system allows users to remotely view certain activities or areas. Alerts may be generated in response to the presence of data within the user profile. Additionally, the design and presentation of alerts may be determined based on information within the user profile. In this way, when a warning occurs and what it indicates may be customized or adapted according to the user's preferences (or other information stored about the user (e.g., user profile)). .

In some embodiments, the alert may be presented or displayed to the user in a format determined, at least in part, by any of the parameters described or contemplated herein. For example, if the user is outdoors, the brightness may be set automatically to make the alert more visible to the user. The alert may be in any or a combination of textual, visual, audio, or other information exchange formats. The warning presented to the user on the gaming communication device may be configured in any desired manner, for example. Preferably, the information is displayed in a manner that makes the most effective use of screen space to convey the alert message. In this way, different alerts of different types or with different priorities can be displayed differently on the gaming device. For example, secondary alerts may scroll to the bottom of the screen, while more important alerts may be displayed as pop-ups. Players can register alerts and determine specific preferred alert configurations.

According to some embodiments, instructional information may be provided to one or more users. Instructional information may be associated with warnings. The instructional information may be based on any of the parameters described herein (eg, changes in profile, alerts, location, play or other activity, etc.). Instructions may be given for activities, locations, seats, tables, recreational sports, restaurants, cage changes, information booths, casinos, hotels, sports venues, theaters, etc. For example, directions may be directed to a particular table or gaming area, to a casino other than the one where the user is currently located or to a casino with other users, to a restaurant identified in the user profile, to a sports reservation area of the casino, to a hotel room, etc. It can be given.

The instructions can be presented audibly, textually, and/or graphically (eg, as a map with zoom capabilities). Examples of how instructions may be provided include a user profile indicating that the user likes to play high-limit blackjack on Saturday nights, but the user has no preference for a particular casino. It will be done. When a user enters any casino where the system is active, the system provides the player with a warning inviting the player to a high-restriction hijack table, and visual roulette-style instructional information. Other examples include a user leaving an in-casino sports reservation, and the user indicates a desire to play craps. The device provides walking instructions to the crap table. Other examples include users with a list of dinner restaurant preferences. At a predetermined time (eg, 8:00 PM), the system provides the list to the user and allows the user to make selections and reservations. The system provides the user with voice directions from the user's current location to the selected restaurant. The system may be configured to provide supplemental information based, at least in part, on the alert, profile, or instructional information provided. For example, depending on where the user is going and the route he is taking, the system may inform the user that he needs a taxi, that he needs to go by train, or that he needs a jacket and tie, etc.

According to various embodiments, the system allows a user to view a particular activity or area remotely. For example, cameras (or other viewing devices) may be installed throughout the casino building (or other relevant areas). On the kiosk or wireless gaming device, a user can peek into one or more selected areas to view activity in the selected areas. For example, from the pool, the user can see if the crap table has changed limits or is full. From the crap table, the user can see if the restaurant or bar is getting crowded.

According to various embodiments, the operation of the alert module and the alert method are integrated with various techniques for managing user profiles. In an example of this aspect, when playing a casino game, the system may be configured to recognize that the user has a preferred dealer or stickman. If these dealers or stickmen are on duty and the user is located in a certain area or within a certain distance, an alert may be sent to invite the user to participate in the gaming activities of the particular table where the dealer or stickman is on duty. May be sent.

Thus, if the user profile information indicates that one or more criteria are satisfied, the system may send an alert to the corresponding user or other users. For example, the system may know that the user is a fan of a particular sports team. The system monitors upcoming events involving those teams at predetermined times and checks if the user has placed a bet on the event. If not, the system invites the user to visit the sports booking and place a bet. In another example, the system knows that the user prefers tables with a $10 minimum and alerts the user to open a seat at such a table. In other examples, a warning may be triggered by information that is not directly related to or associated with a particular user (eg, non-user specific information). For example, the alert may be triggered by a particular time or by a particular event (eg, the odds given to a particular sport change by a particular predetermined amount).

Service Applications According to various embodiments, gaming services may be provided as application adjuncts to existing communication or data services. In this way, gaming service applications may be made available to existing communication or data service customers. For example, customers of certain wireless telephone or data services may be provided with any one or a combination of the various gaming service applications described herein as an additional feature bundled with the telephone or data service. Although this document refers to the communication services bundled with the provided gaming service application as including existing communication services, the gaming service application may be provided as part of a package that includes a newly activated communication service plan. May be accepted. In yet other embodiments, gaming services may be configured first and communication services added later.

Gaming service applications bundled with or provided with communication services may be customized to meet the needs of the customer, the service provider, or both. For example, a service provider may select and create gaming service applications that are available only to a subset of the service provider's customers. In this way, some, but not all, customers associated with a service provider are provided with gaming services. As another example of a customized gaming service application, a communication service may offer its customers a number of gaming service plans that provide different levels of service. For example, certain services, such as advertising and/or promotional services, may be free to communication service customers. Such level of service may be selected by the customer, selected by the service provider, or both.

The customer may be billed separately for additional gaming services or may be billed for existing communication services along with invoices already received by the customer. For example, in certain embodiments, gaming services may be billed as an additional fee in the same way that caller ID services, call waiting services, and call message services are charges in addition to the base charges associated with communication services. It's okay to be.

PEER-TO-PEER WIRELESS GAMING According to various embodiments, a gaming service enables peer-to-peer wireless gaming. In particular, the system allows multiple players to participate in the same gaming activity at the same time from distributed locations. This is particularly desirable for certain games such as, but not limited to, horse racing, poker, and blackjack. The system may allow a single player to participate in multiple positions for a particular game. For example, a user may be allowed to play multiple hands of blackjack. Particular aspects include assisting users in searching for particular activities. For example, a first player may wish to play poker at a six-person table. The gaming system may be used to identify poker tables with positions available to the first player. Additionally or alternatively, if the first player desires to play at the same table as the second player, the system may assist the first player in locating games in which the second player is already participating. It may be configured as follows.

Location technology may be incorporated to enable peer-to-peer gaming or related services. For example, a "buddy network" may be set up to track members of a selected group. For example, a group of friends may be in a gambling jurisdiction, but at various discrete locations within the jurisdiction. The game system allows this group of friends to build a private peer buddy network. The system allows one or more members of a group to track one or more other members of the group. In various embodiments, the system may also enable messages from or to one or more group members. For example, the system may also allow members to invite other members to certain wireless gaming activities. Additionally or alternatively, the system may enable members of the group to bet on the game performance of other members of the group participating in a virtual or real game.

Positioning technology may be incorporated to set up an "alert system." Alert systems may be used to invite certain types of players to participate in gaming activities. Criteria may be used to identify users of gaming devices that meet the criteria. For example, a gaming participant may wish to initiate gaming activities with other users of gaming devices who are identified as "high rollers" or "high prize gamers." As another example, a celebrity user may wish to start gaming activities with other celebrities, or a veteran citizen may wish to start gaming activities with other veteran citizens. In either case, the user identifies criteria that will be used to identify other game participants that meet the initiation criteria for the peer-to-peer gaming event.

It should be understood that the above description includes only some implementations of the techniques used by the various embodiments. Other techniques may be used and considered, depending on various embodiments. The various embodiments may be implemented using any suitable technology, including any existing or yet to be developed technology.

Gaming and Wireless Systems Various embodiments include gaming systems that include handheld personal gaming devices. The gaming system is arranged to present one or more games to a user with one of the handheld gaming devices.

In various embodiments, the gaming system includes a mobile gaming device or interface. The mobile gaming device has a display for displaying game information to a player, an input device for receiving input from at least one user, and is capable of sending and receiving information to and from a remote device/location. The gaming system also includes a gaming server that generates game data, transmits game data to the mobile gaming device, and receives information, such as player input, from the mobile gaming device. The gaming system further includes a payment transaction server for validating payments and granting rights to players provided by the gaming server to play games via mobile gaming devices.

In various embodiments, the gaming system includes one or more stationary gaming machines or other devices capable of printing valued tickets. The mobile gaming device includes a ticket reader for reading ticket information that is used by the payment transaction server in verifying the value being assigned to the player to allow the player to play the game.

In one or more embodiments, a mobile gaming device communicates with other devices (such as a gaming server) via a wireless communication channel. Appropriate relays and transceivers are provided to enable wireless communications.

In one or more embodiments, a mobile gaming device includes multiple interfaces for changing the configuration of the gaming device or for interacting with one or more transaction servers. In some embodiments, a login interface is provided for receiving login information regarding a user of the device. In various embodiments, the number of interfaces and other functions or features that are displayed or allowed to be accessed are configured according to the user of the device. Once the game representative has verified their identity, they are provided with an interface that allows them to access various control functions. Once a player verifies their identity, such control functions will not be accessible, but instead only consumer-related functions such as game play will be accessible.

In one or more embodiments, the gaming system includes one or more transaction servers, such as a food transaction server. Using the mobile gaming device's interface, a player or other user may request services from the food transaction server. For example, a player may request food, drinks, restaurant reservations, or other services.

One or more embodiments include a method for playing a game via a mobile gaming device connected to a gaming network. In some embodiments, a player obtains a mobile gaming device such as checking out the device from a restaurant hostess station or hotel/casino reception desk. The player provides value to the gaming operator, such as a credit card or cash down payment. This value is associated with the server and matches the ticket number, player tracking number, or other identifier.

The game device is configured to support player play using a login interface. Login is performed by the player or game operator. The player then demonstrates value and establishes the right to obtain services, such as playing games. In some embodiments, the player scans his ticket using the device's ticket reader. The scanned information is sent to a payment transaction server to verify the player's right to play a game or obtain other services. Once rights are verified, the player is permitted to participate in game play or request services.

If a player desires to play a game, the player indicates that desire by selecting a particular game using the gameplay interface. Upon receiving such instructions, the game server generates and transmits game data to the personal gaming device. The transmitted data may include audio and video data used by the personal gaming device in presenting the game. A player can participate in a game by making inputs to a game server via a personal gaming device. The game server determines whether the outcome of the game is a win or a loss. If the result is a win, a prize may be awarded. This award may be a cash value associated with a player account at the payment transaction server. If the outcome is a loss, the bet or stake placed by the player is lost and the amount may be withdrawn from the player's account at the transaction server.

FIG. 29 shows a block diagram of a gaming system according to various embodiments.

As illustrated, the game system B20 includes a plurality of game machines B22a, B22b, B22c, B22d, B22f, B22g, B22h, B22i, and B22j. In some embodiments, these game machines B22a, B22b, B22c, B22d, B22f, B22g, B22h, B22i, B22j are of fixed type. Generally, gaming machines B22a, B22b, B22c, B22d, B22f, B22g, B22h, B22i, B22j are arranged to present one or more games to a player. In various embodiments, these games are of the type that require a stake or bet to be placed, or where a player who receives a winning result is offered a prize, such as a cash prize. These devices include, for example, video poker and slot machines. Additionally, gaming system B20 includes one or more handheld portable gaming devices (PGDs) B24. The PGD B24 is arranged to provide one or more games to the player and may be used as an access point to various other services, as described below. A device referred to herein as a "personal gaming device" may be referred to by other terms such as portable gaming interface, personal gaming unit, etc., but regardless of the name of the device, it may include one or more of the features herein. have

Additionally, in various embodiments, PGD B24 communicates with at least one game server B28. As described below, in various embodiments, the one or more games presented to the player via the PGD B24 are provided by the game server B28.

Gaming machines B22a, B22b, B22c, B22d, B22f, B22g, B22h, B22i, B22j and individual PGD B24 communicate with a system referred to herein as "EZ-Pay." The system includes a server B26 for sending and receiving information. Generally, the EZ Pay system is utilized to receive payments from players to play games and obtain other goods and services, and to pay wins or awards to players.

In the exemplary embodiment, gaming system B20 includes other servers B30, B32 for transmitting and/or receiving information. In some embodiments, one server B30 includes a prize transaction server. Other servers B32 include food transaction servers. In some embodiments, information may be sent between PGD B24 and servers B30, B32.

The EZ Pay system according to various embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 30. If a player wishes to win a game or cash out, the EZ Pay system may constitute a prize ticket system that allows for the issuance of prize ticket coupons in lieu of traditional coin awards or payouts. These tickets may also be used by gaming machines and other devices that provide value, such as bets to play games or payments for items including stakes.

FIG. 30 illustrates in block diagram form several embodiments of such a system. As shown, a first group consisting of game machines B22a, B22b, B22c, B22d and B22e is connected to a first clerk verification terminal (CVT) B34, and a first group consisting of game machines B22f, B22g, B22h, B22i and B22j The second group is connected to the second CVT B36. All of the gaming machines print ticket coupons that can be exchanged for cash or accepted as credits or marks on other gaming machines. If CVT B34, B36 are not connected to each other, the ticket coupon printed by one gaming machine can only be used as a mark of credit for other gaming machines in the group of gaming machines connected to the same CVT. May be used. For example, an award ticket printed from game machine B22a can be used as a credit mark on game machines B22b, B22c, B22d, and B22e that are connected to a common CVT B34; and B22j, these game machines are connected to CVT B36, so they do not need to be available.

CVTs B34, B36 store ticket coupon information corresponding to unpaid ticket coupons awaiting redemption. This information is used when tickets are confirmed and cashed. CVTs B34, B36 store information about ticket coupons printed by gaming machines connected to the CVTs. For example, CVT B34 stores ticket coupon information for tickets printed by gaming machines B22a, B22b, B22c, B22d, and B22e. If a player wishes to cash out a ticket coupon and CVTs B34 and B36 are not connected to each other, the player can cash out the coupon printed from a particular gaming machine using the CVT of that group of gaming machines. good. To convert the ticket coupon into cash, the ticket coupon is verified by comparing the information obtained from the ticket with the information stored in the CVT. After the ticket coupon is redeemed, the CVT marks the ticket as paid in the database to prevent the ticket coupon from being redeemed multiple times with similar information.

Multiple groups of game machines connected to CVTs B34, B36 may be interconnected by a cross-verification network B38. A cross-validation network is generally a collection of one or more CVTs that accepts input from two or more CVTs and that allows communication to and from two or more CVTs using a single communication line. Contains transmitter B40. Concentrator B40 is connected to a front end controller B42 that may call CVTs B34, B36 for ticket coupon information. The front end controller B42 is connected to the EZ Pay server B26 which may provide various information services to the award ticket system including accounting B44 and administration B46.

The cross-validation network allows ticket coupons issued by any gaming machine connected to the cross-validation network to be accepted by other gaming machines within the cross-validation network. Additionally, the Cross Verification Network allows cashiers at cashier stations B48, B50, and B52 to verify any ticket coupons issued from gaming machines within the Cross Verification Network. To cash out a ticket coupon, a player may present the ticket coupon at one of the cashier stations B48, B50, B52. The information obtained from the ticket coupon is used to verify the ticket by comparing the information on the ticket with information stored in CVTs B34, B36 connected to the cross-validation network. As the ticket is verified, this information may be sent to other computers B54 to provide review services.

As mentioned above, gaming system B20 may also include one or more PGDs B24. In various embodiments, the PGD B24 is a mobile device capable of transmitting and receiving via a wireless communication link/network.

Referring again to FIG. 29, gaming system B20 may include a printer B56, wireless communication relays B58 and B60, and wireless transceivers B62, B64, B66, and B68 connected to remote transaction servers B26, B28, B30, and B32. In various embodiments, a player may play one or more games and/or obtain other services, including food services or lodging services, after obtaining a PGD B24 and obtaining appropriate authorization.

FIG. 31 shows a block diagram of a game and service system implemented by PGD B24 and game system B20 illustrated in FIG. 29. In various embodiments, the games and services system B100 consists of at least a PGD B24 and a number of input/output devices. PGD B24 generally includes a display screen B102 that may display a number of game service interfaces B106. Game service interface B106 is generated on display screen B102 by some type of microprocessor (not shown) within PGD B24. An example of a PGD B24 on hand that accommodates the game service interface B106 shown in FIG. 31 is manufactured by Symbol Technologies, Inc. of Holtsville, New York. Interface or menu data may be stored in local memory, or data may be sent to the PGD B24 from a remote location (such as a data server). This reduces the memory requirements of the device.

The game services interface B106 may be used to provide game operation services, including transacting various game services and presenting one or more games for play by a user. A game service interface B106 including a login interface B105, an input/output interface B108, a transaction mediation interface B110, a ticket confirmation interface B115, a prize provision interface B120, a food provision interface B125, an accommodation provision interface B130, a game operation interface B135, and a game play interface B137. may be accessed via a main menu with a number of submenus that allow a gaming service representative or player to access different display screens related to a particular interface.

In one or more embodiments, some or all of the interface may be available to users of the PGD B24. For example, in one or more embodiments, the PGD B24 can be used by players to play games and participate in other activities, and by game-running personnel to provide services to players and perform administrative functions. It may have a dual purpose of being used for In various embodiments, some PGDs B24 may be specifically configured for use only by players, and other PGDs B24 may be specifically configured for use only by game-related or other personnel. . In such cases, interface B106 may be specially programmed.

In one or more embodiments, only certain interfaces B106 may be displayed depending on the context of the user of the PGD B24. In some embodiments, the particular interface B106 that is displayed and accessible is determined by the user's status as indicated via the login functionality. In various embodiments, when the PGD B24 is operational (such as when the power button is turned on), the default status of the PGD B24 is the display of the login interface B105. When a user of PGD B24 logs in, the status of PGD is changed.

In one or more embodiments, the login interface B105 may allow the gaming service representative to enter some type of user identification and to verify the user identification with a password. If display screen B102 is a touch screen, a user may enter user/operator identification information on the display screen that includes login interface B105 using an input pen B103 and/or one or more input buttons B104. Using the menus on the display screen of the login interface, the user may select other display screens related to the login and registration process. For example, other display screens obtained via a menu on the display screen during the login interface may allow the fingerprint of a gaming service representative to be scanned for identification, or the fingerprint of a gaming player. It's fine.

If the user identifies himself as a gaming operator or representative, the PGD B24 may be arranged to display one or more interfaces such as those listed above and described in detail below. In one or more embodiments, the default status or login may be a "player" mode login.

In various embodiments, the login interface B105 allows a player to identify himself or herself in order to configure the PGD B24 to allow access to multiple player services, such as game play, etc. You can do it. In various embodiments, login interface B105 includes a request for the user to identify themselves as a "player" or "authorized personnel." If “Authorized Personnel” is selected, the user identification (including password) referenced above will be required. Once a "player" is selected, in various embodiments, the player is required to provide an EZ payment ticket. As described in more detail below, in various embodiments, a player who wishes to play one or more games or obtain other goods or services may provide credits or otherwise pay for them. Use EZ payment tickets. Tickets may be obtained from the cashier or by playing other gaming devices (such as devices B22a, B22b, B22c, B22d, B22e, B22f, B22g, B22h, B222i, B22j of FIG. 29). Tickets are verified by the EZ payment system described above.

In various embodiments, PGD B24 includes a ticket reader B145 and a card reader B140. In some embodiments, ticket reader B145 may be of various types. In some embodiments, the reader includes a barcode reading optical scanner. In this case, the user of the PGD B24 simply passes the barcode ticket in front of the barcode reader. In some embodiments, card reader B140 includes a magnetic stripe card type reader for reading information associated with the magnetic stripe of a card, such as a player tracking card.

Once the appropriate permissions are granted, access is granted to the user of PGD B24, which consists of one or more of the following interfaces B106.

In one or more embodiments, authorized users are provided access to input/output interface B108. In various embodiments, such access is provided only to gaming service operators and not to players. In one or more embodiments, the input/output interface B108 allows the user to select devices from a list of devices stored in the memory of the PGD B24 to which the PGD may input game service information or output game service transaction information. allow. For example, PDG B24 may communicate with ticket reader B145. As another example, PGD B24 may input information from card reader B140. Such input is useful, for example, when a gaming service operator wishes to verify the authenticity of a player tracking card or the like.

The PGD B24 may output game and service transaction information to many devices. For example, to print a receipt, PGD B24 may output information to printer B150. In this game service transaction, the PGD B24 may send a print request to the printer B150 and may receive a print response from the printer B150. Printer B150 may be a large device at some fixed location, or a portable device carried by a gaming service representative. As another example, the output device may be a card reader B140 capable of storing information on a magnetic card or smart card. Other devices that accept input or output from the PGD B24 are personal digital assistants, microphones, keyboards, storage devices, game consoles, and remote transaction servers.

PGD B24 may communicate with various input and output mechanisms using both wired and wireless communication interfaces. For example, PGD B24 may be connected to printer B150 by some type of wired connection. However, PGD B24 may communicate with remote transaction server B160 via a wireless communication interface, including a spread spectrum mobile network communication interface. An example of a spread spectrum mobile communications network communication interface is Spectrum 24, which operates between 2.4 and 2.5 gigahertz and is provided by Symbol Technologies of Holtsville, New York. Information communicated using wireless communications may be encrypted to provide security for certain gaming service transactions, such as validating tickets for cashing. Some devices may be compatible with multiple communication interfaces. Such spread spectrum networks are just one possible communication system.

Another type of interface that may be stored on the PGD B24 is an award ticket confirmation interface B115. In some embodiments, this interface is available only to authorized gaming service operators and not to players. Some embodiments of the award ticket interface B115 are compatible with the EZ Pay Ticket Coupon System and may validate EZ Pay tickets as previously described. However, if other ticket coupon systems are utilized, the award ticket confirmation interface B115 may be designed to interface with the other ticket coupon systems. Using the prize ticket confirmation interface B115, the gaming service representative reads and verifies information from the ticket presented to the gaming service representative by the user using the ticket reader and accepts the prize indicated on the ticket. You can pay.

In various embodiments, the prize ticket includes gaming service transaction information that may be verified against information stored on the remote transaction server B160. To confirm the ticket requires a number of game service transactions. For example, after obtaining gaming service transaction information from an award ticket, the PGD B24 may send a ticket confirmation request to and receive a ticket confirmation response from the remote transaction server B160 using a spread spectrum communication interface. In particular, the confirmation response and confirmation request may be for an EZ payment ticket. After the prize ticket is verified, PGD B24 may send a confirmation of the transaction to remote server B160. Details of the game service transaction confirmation process are described with reference to FIG. In various embodiments, the prize ticket interface may verify prize information from a smart card or other portable information device, or may verify prize information directly from a gaming device.

When the game and service transaction is completed, the game and service transaction information may be stored in storage device B155. Storage device B155 may be a remote storage device or a portable storage device. Storage device B155 may be used as a backup for audit purposes in case of failure of PGD B24's memory, or may be removable from PGD B24.

One type of game service interface that may be recorded on the PGD B24 is an award service interface B120. As a prize on a gaming machine (i.e., gaming machines B22a, B22b, B22c, B22d, B22e, B22f, B22g, B22h, B22i, B22j in FIG. 29) or while playing a game via PGD B24, a player You may receive tickets (such as those issued by other gaming machines) convertible into goods including bicycles, computers or luggage, or you may receive such prizes directly (such as while playing PGD B24). ) You may accept it. Using the prize service interface B120, a gaming service representative or player may review prize service tickets and check the availability of particular prizes. For example, if a prize service ticket indicates a player's acquisition of a bicycle, the gaming service representative may check the availability of the prize at a nearby prize distribution center. Alternatively, the player may be allowed to do the same. In some embodiments, a player may be awarded one prize for a particular level if there is one or more particular prizes for that level. In such cases, the player may use interface B120 to determine what prizes are currently available at the awarded prize level. The PGD B24 may verify the prize ticket and communicate with a remote prize server to check the availability of a particular prize. Additionally, the gaming service representative may ship the prize to the player's home or send a request to send the prize to the prize delivery location. Game service transactions necessary to verify prize tickets, confirm prize availability, and order or ship prizes, including prize confirmation requests and prize acknowledgment responses, may be performed through various display screens located within the prize interface. It is carried out using The different prize screens of the prize service interface may be accessed using menus located on individual screens of the prize service interface. In some embodiments, the prize service interface B120 may verify information from a smart card or other portable information device, or may verify prize information directly from the gaming device.

A type of game service interface that may be stored in PGD B24 is a food service interface B125. As a prize at a gaming machine or as compensation for a certain amount of gaming, a player may receive free food or drinks. Using the food service interface, a player may originate a food or beverage prize, or a gaming service representative may issue such a prize (e.g., a prize in the form of a ticket to a player at gaming device B22a). ) and check the availability of the award. For example, if a player receives a prize ticket valid for a free meal, the food service interface may be used to check the availability of dinner reservations and make dinner reservations. As another example, the PGD B24 may be used to take food or drink orders from players. Such orders may be processed via remote food server B32 (see Figure 29). The transactions necessary to confirm a food ticket or prize, check the availability of food service, request food service, and receive a response to a food service request are performed in various ways located within the food service interface B125. Implemented using a display screen. These display screens may be accessed using menus located on individual screens of the food service interface. In some embodiments, the food service interface may be configured to confirm food service information from a smart card or other form of information device.

Another type of gaming service that may be stored on the PGD B24 is an accommodation service interface B130. As a game play award or compensation for a certain amount of game play, a player may receive an award in the form of an accommodation service, such as a room upgrade, free night stay, or other accommodation service. Using the accommodation service interface B130, a player may check the availability of specific accommodation awards. For example, if a player wins a room upgrade award, the accommodation service interface may be used to check room availability and reserve a room. Regardless of whether a player wins an accommodation prize, the player may use the accommodation service interface to make room reservations (such as reserving additional nights) or to upgrade a room. In some embodiments, a player in a game may be issued a ticket (e.g., from independent gaming devices B22a, B22b, B22c, B22d, B22e, B22f, B22g, B22h, B22i, B22j shown in FIG. 29). , the gaming representative may use the accommodation service interface to verify the player's prize ticket, check the availability of the prize, and redeem the prize. As another example, the PGD B24 may be used to hail a taxi or other form of transportation for a player who is at a gaming machine and wishes to leave the gaming area. The game play area may be a casino, hotel, restaurant, bar, or store.

The PGD B24 may communicate with a remote accommodation server to verify accommodation service awards and check the availability of particular accommodation awards. The actions necessary to confirm accommodation tickets, check the availability of accommodation services, request accommodation services, and receive responses to accommodation service requests are performed through various displays located within the accommodation services interface. It may be implemented using a screen. These display screens may be accessed using menus located on individual screens of the accommodation service interface. In some embodiments, the accommodation service interface may be configured to verify accommodation service information from a smart card or other portable information device.

One type of game service interface that may be stored on the PGD B24 is a game operations interface B135. Using the game service interface B135 on the PGD B24, the game service representative may perform a number of game service transactions related to game operations. For example, if a game player spills a drink within the game play area, a gaming service representative may send a request to maintenance to send personnel to clean up the incident and receive a response to the request from maintenance. You may do so. Maintenance requests and maintenance responses may be sent and received via display screens selected via on-screen menus of the game operations service interface. As another example, if a gaming service representative notices damage to a gaming machine, such as a burned out light, the gaming service representative may use the PGD B24 to send a maintenance request for the gaming machine. In one or more embodiments, the player may be allowed various options by the game services interface B135. For example, a player may be allowed to make requests to a service representative or attendant using interface B135.

One type of gaming service interface that may be stored on the PGD B24 is a transaction mediation interface B110. In various embodiments, the PGD B24 includes memory for storing game service transaction information. The memory may record the type and time a particular game service is executed. From time to time, records of gaming service transactions stored within the PGD B24 may be compared to records stored in other locations. For example, for confirmation of a prize ticket, each time a prize ticket is verified and paid out, a confirmation is sent to the remote server B160. As such, information regarding prize tickets verified using PGD B24 should match information regarding transactions conducted by the PGD stored on remote server B160. The transaction reconciliation process includes the use of the transaction reconciliation interface B110 to compare this information. In various embodiments, only game service representatives (excluding players) are allowed access to transaction mediation interface B110.

One type of gaming service that may be stored on the PGD B24 is an audio interface B138. Using spread spectrum mobile communications or other communication networks built into the PGD, players and/or gaming service representatives may use the PGD B24 as a voice communication device. This audio interface B138 may be used to supplement some of the previously described interfaces. For example, if a game player spills a drink, the gaming service representative may use the voice interface B138 on the PGD B24 to send a maintenance request and receive a maintenance response. As another example, if a game player requests confirmation of a food service, such as a free meal, the player or a game service representative at a restaurant or other location can use the voice interface B138 on the PGD B24 to , such a request may be made. In some embodiments, a player may be allowed to communicate with players at other PGD B24s, such as by entering a code number assigned to the PGD B24 with which he or she wishes to communicate. In this way, for example, a married couple using two different PGDs B24 is allowed to communicate with each other. The voice interface B138 may allow the player to communicate with a hotel/casino front desk, a gaming location switchboard operator, and the like.

One type of game service interface that may be stored on the PGD B24 is a game play interface B137. In various embodiments, a player is permitted access to a gameplay interface B137 to select one or more games for play. Game play interface B137 may include a menu that lists one or more games that a player may play via PGD B24. In various embodiments, game play is performed by game server B28 (see FIG. 29).

In one or more embodiments, the game control code does not reside on the PDG B24, but resides on a secure remote server. Referring to FIG. 29, game play data is transmitted from game server B28 to PGD B24 and from PGD B24 to game server B28. PDG B24 is adapted to receive and process data by receiving video data and processing the data to present it as information on display B102. Similarly, PGD B24 is arranged to accept input and transmit the input or commands to game server B28. This arrangement provides the advantage that nearly all aspects of the game player can be monitored since game play data is required to be sent to or from a remote location. This prevents, for example, game software that has been altered or copied from being stored in the PGD B24.

In one or more embodiments, each PGD B24 has a unique identifier that is utilized to identify from and to which PGD B24 data is transmitted. In some embodiments, by directing game data regarding a particular game being played on a particular PGD B24 to that PGD B24 using a particular identifier, the game server B28 can route the same or different games to different PGDs. It may be used to present to multiple players using B24.

As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the PGD B24 may have a variety of configurations. As mentioned above, PGD B24 may be used in gaming system B20 where game code is not stored directly on the PGD. In such embodiments, the PGD B24 may have a significantly more limited amount of data memory. In some embodiments, PGD B24 includes a processor to execute control code necessary to operate display B102, accept input, etc. from pen B103 or input buttons B104. Further, PGD B24 preferably includes a buffer memory for receiving data transmitted from game server B28. This data may include data for displaying game information such as video and audio content.

Various uses of the PDG B24 will be described. In one or more embodiments, the PGD B24 may be used directly by the player. In various embodiments, a player may use the PGD B24 to play one or more games and obtain products and services, such as food.

The use of PGD B24 according to some embodiments is illustrated in FIGS. 32(a) and 32(b). Generally, a player must first obtain a PGD B24. For example, a player may rent a PGD B24 from a gaming operator. The player then sets permission to use the PGD B24. In some embodiments, a player must identify themselves at a login interface and obtain a valid ticket to operate the PGD B24. In operation, the player may use the interface B106 to play games, redeem prizes, order food and beverages, make reservations, seek assistance from game operators, and the following: may be permitted to engage in various transactions, such as soliciting various other goods and services as described in more detail in .

An example of how a player may use the PGD B24 will be described with reference to FIG. 32(a). In a first step B400, the player first obtains PGD B24. In some embodiments, a gaming operator may have a location where a player obtains a PGD B24 from a gaming attendant or other desired location, such as a hotel/casino front desk, restaurant hostess stand. In some embodiments, the gaming operator may actually allow the player to possess the PGD B24, such as renting, selling, or gifting the PGD B24 to the player.

In step B402, PGD B24 is activated. In some embodiments, this step includes turning on the PGD B24 (such as using a power switch) and logging in. In some embodiments, the login interface B105 is automatically displayed when the PGD B24 is turned on. Login interface B105 may include "player" and "authorized personnel" buttons that may be activated using pen B103.

In some embodiments, the game operator may log the player in. For example, if a player obtains a PGD B24 from a restaurant hostess, the hostess may log the player in. In some embodiments, a gaming operator may have PGDs B24 used by players and other equipment used by gaming personnel. In such a case, PGDs B24 configured for player use may be automatically configured to player mode after turn-on.

In step B404, the player sets the entitlement to use the PGD B24. In some embodiments, this step may include the player providing a valid ticket that can be verified using the EZ payment portion of gaming system B20. In some embodiments, a player obtains a ticket by playing on one of the gaming machines B22a, B22b, B22c, B22d, B22e, B22f, B22g, B22h, B22i, B22j. It's okay. In some embodiments, a player may have a ticket issued by a gaming service representative. For example, a player may be issued a ticket by crediting a cashier cage (with a credit card or cash). The player may pay cash or the like to the restaurant hostess and have the ticket issued.

Once the player has a ticket, the ticket may be scanned using the PGD B24's ticket reader B145. For example, a player may pass a ticket past a ticket reader B145. Once the information is read by the PGD B24, the data may be sent to the EZ payment server B26 for confirmation. Preferably, this confirmation validates the particular ticket, including the fact that it is unpaid and has a corresponding value.

In one or more embodiments, entitlements may be set in other manners. For example, in some embodiments, eligibility may be established with a player tracking or identification card that may be read using card reader B140 of PGD B24.

By establishing PGD B24 entitlements, players may be assured that they have the necessary funds to pay for the services and products available through the use of PGD B24. However, in one or more embodiments, this step may be deleted. For example, in some embodiments, a player may use PGD B24 to pay for goods or services in other ways. In some embodiments, a player may order food and pay the waiter for the food, for example, with a room charge or cash when the food is delivered. In some embodiments, a player may use a credit card to pay for games, food, etc. In this case, the credit card may be read by the card reader B140 when the service or product is delivered or ordered by the player.

At step B406, the player is allowed to make one or more selections from interface B106. As mentioned above, the player may not be allowed to access all interfaces B106. In any event, the player may select a service from the group on interface B106, such as by using pen B103. An example of engaging in specific activities using PGD B24 is described below with reference to FIG. 32(b).

When the player no longer desires to engage in activities using the PGD B24, the PGD B24 usage session ends in step B408, and in one or more embodiments, the PGD B24 is returned to the gaming operator. . In various embodiments, when the player no longer desires to use the PGD B24, the player returns the PGD B24 to the gaming operator. At that point, the gaming operator may confirm that the transaction using the PGD B24 is closed or completed and may pay out any wins to the player. In some embodiments, Player B24 is provided with a new ticket representing the Player's credits (including all payments made for the first use of PGD B24, with all wins added up and expenditures added up). ) is issued.

An example method for using PGD B24 is described in detail with reference to FIG. 32(b) when a game player selects the option to play a game using game play interface B137. In step B410 (which includes certain embodiments of step B406 of FIG. 32(a)), the player is selecting a "gameplay" event or service using the game play interface B137.

In some embodiments, when a player selects the game play interface B137, a menu of one or more games that the player is allowed to play may be displayed to the player. In some embodiments, when the player selects the game play interface B137, a signal is sent from the PGD B24 to the remote game server B28, indicating to the game server B28 the player's desire to play the game. In response, game server B28 may send the latest game menu to PGD B24 for display. In this configuration, the available game menus may be constantly updated at one or more central locations (such as at server B28) instead of at individual PGD B24.

Once the system B20 allows the player to select a game from the game menu, the method includes selecting the particular game the player wishes to play. Game play begins when a game is selected or only a single game option is provided. In some embodiments, the game server B28 sends data such as video and audio content to the PGD B24 for use by the PGD B24 in presenting the game.

In some embodiments, step B412 requires the player to place a bet or wager in order to participate in the game. In some embodiments, a player may place a bet or wager using the EZ payment system. As described above, a player establishes a PGD B24 entitlement with an EZ payment ticket or other ticket that indicates that the player has cash or credit in the account that may be used to pay for goods and services. It is preferable to do so. These services include game play services.

In some embodiments, when a player entitles a PGD B24, the value of the player's credits or cash is displayed to the player so that the player pays visual attention to these amounts. . When a player begins playing a game, the player may enter a bet or wager that does not exceed the value of credits or cash that the player has in his account. When a player places a bet or wager, that information is sent to the EZ payment server B26 and subtracted from the player's account. The new credit value is displayed to the player in PGD B24.

In various embodiments, a player may provide a bet or wager in other manners. For example, a player may swipe a credit card into card reader B140 to provide the necessary credits for a bet or wager.

In step B414, the player is allowed to engage in the game. In some embodiments, game play includes the game server B28 executing game code and transmitting information to the PGD B24 to present certain aspects of the game to the player. If necessary, the player is allowed to input, and the input data is transmitted from PGD B24 to game server B28.

As an example of a game, the game may include video poker. In this embodiment, game server B28 executes code to randomly generate or select five cards. Data representing video images of the cards is sent to PGD B24 where images of the five dealt cards are displayed on display screen B102.

Instructions to "draw" or "stay" may be displayed to the player. The player may then select one or more cards to keep or replace. If the player chooses to exchange a card, the instruction is sent to the game server B28, which randomly generates or selects a card for exchange. The exchange card data is sent to the PGD B24 and an image of the exchange card is displayed.

If the game server B28 determines that a five card hand (including replacement cards) includes a predetermined winning hand, the player may be paid the winning amount. If not, the player loses the bet or stake. This step includes step B416 of the method for determining the outcome of the game.

If the result is a win, the player may be paid for the win by crediting the player's account by the EZ payment server B26. In that case, the displayed player's credit value is updated to reflect the player's win.

The player may choose to play the game again, play a different game, or select one or more offered services. In some embodiments, a "return to main menu" button or the like may be displayed to the player at any time, allowing the player to return to the display containing the various interfaces B106.

In some embodiments, once the player completes using the PGD B24, the player returns the PGD B24 to the gaming operator. For example, the player may return the PGD B24 to the cashier cage or gaming service operator. In various embodiments, the gaming service operator or other party issues a ticket to the player for the credits or value remaining in the player's account. PGD B24 may be deactivated for use by other players. In some embodiments, PGD B24 may be rendered inactive by powering it down. In some embodiments, a "logout" interface or option may be provided that causes the PGD B24 to return to a default state requiring login by the player or user.

PGD B24 may be used by gaming service operators. Some examples of such usage are described in detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 29 and 30.

When a game service representative contacts a game player seeking game services in game playing area B70 (see FIG. 29), the game service representative may The appropriate game service interface on the display screen of the PGD B24 is used to provide the requested game service. For example, if a gaming player requests EZ ticket validation, the gaming service representative causes an EZ payment ticket validation interface to be displayed on the display screen of PGD B24 using the menu available on display screen B102. The gaming service representative scans the EZ payment ticket using a ticket reader connected to the PGD B24 to obtain unique ticket information. PGD B24 then sends an EZ payment ticket confirmation request to EZ payment server B26 using the wireless communication interface.

In various embodiments, the ticket confirmation request is comprised of one or more information packets that conform to the wireless communication standard being used. Using wireless link B72, one or more information packets containing the ticket confirmation request are transmitted to transceiver B62, which is connected to the EZ payment server. Transceiver B62 is designed to receive and transmit messages from and to one or more PGDs B24 in game playing area B70 in the communication format used by the PGDs. Depending on the location of PGD B24 within game playing area B70, the communication path for information packets to or from PGD B24 may be via one or more wireless communication relays including B58 and B60. For example, if PGD B24 is near game console B22a, the communication path for messages from PGD B24 to EZ payment server B26 is from PGD B24 to relay B60, from relay B60 to relay B58, from relay B58 to transceiver B62, and from relay B60 to relay B58. It may be from transceiver B62 to EZ payment server B26. When the location of PGD B24 within game playing area B70 changes, the communication path between PGD B24 and EZ payment server B26 may also change.

After receiving the EZ Payment Ticket Confirmation Response from the EZ Payment Server B26, the EZ Payment Ticket may be confirmed using the appropriate display screen on the PGD B24. After cashing the ticket, the gaming service representative may use the PGD B24 to send a confirmation of the transaction to the EZ payment server B26. Transaction history for PGD B24 may be stored on PGD B24 as well as EZ payment server B26. A receipt for the transaction may then be printed. The receipt may be issued from a portable printer carried by the gaming service representative and connected in some manner to the PGD B24, or the receipt may be issued from a fixed location printer B56.

After using the PGD B24 to provide a number of gaming services, including a number of gaming service transactions, to different gamers in the game playing area B70, the gaming service representative logs off the PGD B24 and returns it to a secure storage location. You may do so. For example, at the end of a shift, a gaming service representative may inspect the PGD B24 at several locations and, if the equipment is not assigned to a particular gaming service representative, check the PGD B24 at other gaming service representative locations. may be assigned to However, before the PGD B24 is assigned to another gaming service representative, the transaction history stored on the PGD B24 must be matched with an independent transaction history stored on a transaction server, such as the EZ Payment Server B26. It's okay to be rejected.

Assignment and non-assignment of PGD B24 to game service representatives and transaction mediation are performed for security and audit purposes. Another security measure used in the PGD B24 is a fixed connection time between the PGD B24 and the transaction server. For example, if a PGD B24 is assigned to a gaming service representative, and that gaming service representative logs on to the PGD B24, the PGD B24 may process one or more transactions involving EZ Payment Server B26, Server B28, Server B30, or Server B32. You may establish a connection with the server. The connection between the transaction server and the PGD B24 allows the PDG B24 to send information to and receive information from the transaction server. The length of the connection may be fixed such that the connection between the PGD B24 and the transaction server is automatically terminated after a predetermined period of time. A login and registration process must be performed repeatedly on the PGD B24 to connect to the transaction server.

A transaction server may provide one or more game service transactions. However, the PGD B24 may connect with multiple transaction servers to obtain different gaming services. For example, server 30 may be a prize transaction server that enables prize service transactions, and server B 415 may be a food transaction server that enables food transactions. When the gaming service representative receives a prize service request from a gamer, the PGD B24 contacts the prize transaction server B30 using a wireless communication link between the PGD B24 and a transceiver B64 connected to the prize transaction server B30. may be used for Similarly, when the gaming service representative receives a food service request from a gamer, the PGD B24 sends the food transaction server B32 to the food transaction server B32 using the wireless communication link between the PGD B24 and the transceiver B66 connected to the food transaction server B32. May be used to contact.

Different transaction servers, including servers B26, B28, B30, and B32, may be on separate networks or may be linked in some manner. For example, server 32 is connected to network B74, server B26 is connected to network B38, server B30 is connected to network B76, and server B28 is connected to network B78. In this embodiment, network link B80 exists between network B76 and network B38. In this manner, server B26 may communicate with server B30 via network link B80. Communication links between different servers allow these servers to share game service transaction information and may allow different communication paths between the PGD and the transaction servers. Similarly, network link B82 exists between network B78 and network B38 and allows the game server to communicate with EZ payment server B26.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing gaming services using handheld devices. At step B500, the gaming service representative receives the PGD B24 and logs into the device to allocate this device. The checkout and allocation processes are for security and audit purposes. At step B505, the gaming service representative contacts game players within the game playing area requesting certain types of gaming services. In step B510, the gaming service representative selects the appropriate interface on the PGD B24 using the menu on the PGD's display screen B102 that allows the gaming service representative to provide the requested gaming service. At step B515, the gaming service representative enters the gaming service transaction information required to perform the gaming service transaction. For example, to verify a prize ticket, a gaming service representative may use a ticket reader to read information from the ticket. As another example, to provide food services including dinner reservations, a gaming service representative may enter a gaming player's name to make the reservation.

In step B520, the transaction information obtained in step B515 is verified as necessary. For example, if a player attempts to cash out a prize ticket, the information from the prize is verified to ensure that the ticket is genuine (e.g., the ticket may be counterfeit) and has not yet been verified. be done. The verification process requires the movement of a certain number of information packets between the PGD B24 and the transaction server. Details of the award ticket confirmation process will be explained with reference to FIG. 34. If the transaction information is valid at step B522, a gaming service transaction is provided. For example, a room reservation is made for a player requesting accommodation services. Confirmation of the gaming service transaction may be sent to the transaction server for transaction reconciliation in step B545. In one or more embodiments, the method may include issuing a receipt for the gaming service transaction.

In step B535, after the service is provided, the game player may request other game services. If the gamer requests additional gaming services, the gaming service representative returns to step B510 and selects the appropriate interface for the gaming service. If the gamer does not request additional game services at step B530 and it is not the end of the shift, the game service representative returns to step B505 and contacts the new gamer. In step B540, if the shift is finished, the gaming service representative logs out of the PGD B24 and deposits the PGD in a secure location so that it can be assigned to another gaming service representative. In step B545, before the PGD B24 is given to a different gaming service representative, the transaction history recorded on the PGD is consistent with transactions previously confirmed in the trading server during the gaming service representative's shift period. Transaction history reconciliation is performed to ensure that Transaction history on the PGD B24 may be stored on the PGD's removable memory storage device. In this manner, memory may be removed from the device for transaction reconciliation and replaced with new memory. In this way, transaction information from the previous gaming service representative assigned to the device is reconciled while the device with new memory is given to the new gaming service representative.

FIG. 34 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for verifying information to provide personal gaming services. In the illustrated embodiment, tickets are verified in a manner consistent with the EZ payment ticket system. EZ payment tickets are normally used for prize tickets. However, the system may be adapted to provide tickets to other services including food services, prize services or accommodation services. At step B600, the request for gaming service transaction information read from the ticket is sent to the appropriate transaction server via the wireless communication interface of the PGD B24, as described with reference to FIG. In step B605, the server identifies which clerk verified ticket (CVT) B34, B36 owns the ticket. When a CVT owns a ticket, it stores information regarding the status of a particular ticket issued by a gaming machine connected to the CVT B34, B36. In step B610, the server sends a request for ticket payment to the CVT identified as the ticket owner. Generally, a request for payment for the services indicated on the ticket is required. For cash tickets, a payment request means that a request to cash the ticket has been made. For free meals, a request to pay means that a request has been made to obtain the meal. In step B615, the CVT receives the ticket payment request and marks the ticket as pending. While the ticket is pending, all attempts to confirm the ticket with similar information are blocked by the CVT.

At step B620, the CVT B34, B36 sends a response back to the server with context information. As an example, the contextual information may be the time and location when the ticket was issued. Information from the CVT to the server may be sent as one or more data packets according to a communication standard shared by the CVT and server. In step B625, after receiving the acknowledgment from the CVT, the server marks the payment request as pending and sends a payment instruction to the PGD B24. While a payment request is pending, the server does not allow other tickets with the same information as the ticket for which the payment request is pending to be confirmed.

At step B630, the gaming service representative may choose to accept or reject the payment instruction from the server. If the gaming service representative accepts the payment request from the server in step B640, the PGD B24 sends a response to the transaction server confirming that the transaction has been executed. The transaction server marks the request as paid, thereby preventing other tickets with the same information from being confirmed. In step B645, the server sends a confirmation to the CVT that allows the CVT to change the mark of the request from pending to paid. If the gaming service representative rejects the payment order from the server, the PGD B24 sends a response to the server to change the mark of the payment request from pending to unpaid. Once a ticket is marked unpaid, the ticket may be verified by another PGD B24 or other verification device. In step B655, the server sends a response to the CVT to change the mark of the payment request from pending to unpaid, thereby allowing confirmation of the ticket.

In one or more embodiments, tickets may be used to provide credits/value to qualify for services or goods, such as the right to play a game or obtain food. PGD B24 may include a card reader B140. In such a configuration, the user of the PGD B24 may use a credit card or other magnetic stripe type card to provide credit/value. In various embodiments, the PGD B24 may include one or more other types of devices for obtaining/receiving information, such as a smart card reader. In such a configuration, the PGD B24 device may read information from a credit card, smart card, or other device. Such cards may include well-known credit or debit cards. This information may be used to provide credits/value. In the credit card example, the user's account information may be read from the card and transmitted from PGD B24 to controller B42. Credit card/credit verification information may be associated with a credit card server (not shown). This credit server may be associated with a bank or other business that is remote from the casino or location of use of PGD B24 and controller B42. A communication link may be provided between controller B42 and a remote server for sending credit card information.

In some embodiments, if the player utilizes a smart card or credit card, the associated credits or value may be communicated to the EZ payment server B26, and the credits/values are transferred as if the credits/value were given by the ticket. Amounts may be treated in the same manner. If the player wishes to cash out, the EZ payment server B26 has a record of the original credit amount, prize amount, loss or payout, and may issue the player a ticket corresponding to the total amount of credits.

According to various embodiments, a gaming system is provided that includes one or more mobile gaming devices. Mobile gaming devices allow players to play one or more games in a variety of locations, such as hotel rooms, restaurants, or other locations. These locations may be separate and generally separate from traditional gaming areas where fixed gaming machines are located.

In one or more embodiments, a player may use a mobile gaming device not only to play games but also to obtain other products and services. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, mobile gaming devices may be used by gaming service representatives to perform various functions and provide various services to players.

The foregoing description should be understood to include only some of the implementation techniques that may be utilized in accordance with the various embodiments. Other techniques may be used and are contemplated according to various embodiments. Various embodiments may be implemented using any suitable technology, whether existing or undeveloped.

Wireless Interactive System According to various embodiments, a wireless interactive gaming system includes one or more wireless gaming devices, a receiver, and a central processor. The wireless interactive gaming system may also include a terminal in communication with the central processor.

In a gaming environment using a wireless interactive gaming system, a player receives a wireless gaming device from a gaming administrator representing a gaming company or "house." The wireless gaming device can receive betting information as commands entered by a player and transmit the received betting information along with identification information to a recipient via wireless transmission.

A wireless interactive gaming system may support many wireless gaming devices within one gaming facility. The wireless transmission range from the wireless gaming device may be up to 100 feet.

According to various embodiments, a player enters information into a wireless gaming device by, for example, pressing a push button or key on the device. A wireless gaming device may include any number of buttons in a keypad type arrangement, for example from 5 to 20. The buttons may be marked with numbers from 0 to 9 and may include a "$" (dollar sign) key and an "enter" key so that the player can easily enter betting information. In various embodiments, the wireless gaming device includes at least eight player selection buttons (eg, numeric) and at least five special function buttons (eg, for requesting player balance). In various embodiments, by swiping a smart card containing a microprocessor chip or magnetic stripe with encrypted information through a smart card reader of a wireless gaming device, a player can retrieve some or all of the betting information. can be input to the wireless game device.

In various embodiments, a wireless gaming device may include an identifier. The identifier may be, for example, a series of alphanumeric symbols, a bar code, or a magnetic stripe affixed to the device. In various embodiments, the identifier may be a digital code stored in secure memory, such as electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM). If the identifier is a sequence of letters and numbers, the identifier may be read directly by the game administrator, or the identifier may be read automatically by a barcode reader or magnetic tape reader. It's fine. In various embodiments, the identifier may be programmed into the EEPROM or read from the EEPROM via an RS-232 port that is connected directly to the terminal's encryption and decryption circuitry.

The wireless gaming device may store the cryptographic key. The encryption key may be used to encrypt information sent from the device to the receiver. Encrypting the information sent to the receiver limits tampering with the wireless gaming machine and prevents unauthorized or counterfeit devices from being used with the system.

In various embodiments, the cryptographic key may be stored in EEPROM. EEPROMs have the advantage of being difficult to access storage devices unless suitable encryption circuitry is available. In this way, the encryption circuitry that downloads the encryption key to the device is believed to be kept secure by the game administrator.

Instead, when a gaming device is handed over to a player, the gaming device can be directly connected via a port to the encryption and decryption device within the terminal, so that the encryption key stored in the EEPROM is transmitted to each player receiving the gaming device. may be updated and changed. In addition, other digital information related to the game being played can be transferred from the terminal to the EEPROM by direct connection with the wireless gaming device.
May be downloaded to.

In various embodiments, a microprocessor controls the operation of the wireless gaming device. The microprocessor receives digital betting information entered by the player using buttons or keys on the wireless gaming device. The microprocessor stores an identification code for the wireless gaming device that is the digital equivalent of the wireless gaming device's identifier. The microprocessor also executes a software application for encrypting the identification code and player betting information for transmission to the receiver. The software includes an algorithm that encrypts the data packet containing the identification code and betting information with a cryptographic key.

In various embodiments, the wireless gaming device has a unique address, or identification code, for communication with the receiver and stores a player identification that is programmed into the device by a central processor. The wireless gaming device may include a wager register that is maintained and updated using a key on the device. The value stored in the bet amount register may be included in the transmission from the device to the central processor. The value of the bet amount register is defaulted to a predetermined value, for example $1 when the device is initialized, and may be further adjusted by the player. The wireless gaming device may also include an account balance register located within the device and updated periodically by a central processor. The value of the account balance register should be set to $0 as a default value when the device is initialized.

The wireless gaming device may include player function keys. Player function keys may be used to accomplish the following functions:
1. Send the message to the receiver2. Request account balance information 3. Adjust the device status4. Enable the data to be sent in the next outgoing message 5. 6. Increase the bet amount register by a predetermined amount, e.g. $10, $5 or $1. Reset the bet amount register to the default value, e.g. $1

The wireless gaming device's firmware may only allow one button or key press every 100ms. In various embodiments, keypresses are not queued; once a keypress message is queued and sent, no other player input is accepted until the queued message is sent. do not have.

The wireless gaming device may include a transmitter. A transmitter may receive encrypted digital information from the microprocessor and convert it into a signal for wireless communication to a receiver. The transmitter transmits the signal wirelessly, for example using a radio signal or an infrared signal. Communication between the receiver and the wireless gaming device may be asynchronous at 2400 bits per second.

The wireless gaming device may include an identification circuit that drives the transmitter to periodically transmit an identification signal to the receiver. Through the use of identification circuitry, the receiver and central processor can verify that the wireless gaming device is operational, functional, and within the gaming establishment. In this way, when a wireless gaming machine is removed from a gaming establishment, the receiver and central processor will no longer receive the periodic identification signals sent by the identification circuitry and transmitter, and the gaming administrator will may be warned that the game has been removed from the gaming facility.

The wireless gaming device may include a real-time clock that allows the microprocessor to monitor the current time and date. The clock may be a timing circuit. The microprocessor can use the time and date obtained from the clock to perform calculations and other functions based on the current time and date.

The wireless gaming device may include a tag, such as an electronic or magnetic component, that provides an alert upon passing a sensing device located at the entrance and/or exit of the gaming facility. When a tagged wireless gaming device passes the detection device, an alert is generated, thereby informing the gaming administrator that the wireless gaming device is about to be removed from the gaming facility.

The wireless gaming device may be powered by a battery power source built into the device. Portable power sources, such as battery power sources, extend cordless operation of wireless gaming devices within gaming environments. The battery power source may be part of a removable rechargeable battery pack that allows charging when the device is not in use.

In some embodiments, a wireless gaming device displays information, such as game information, on a display device such as a backlit liquid crystal display (LCD). The LCD can be used to display the values stored in the bet amount register and the account balance register. The wireless gaming device may include a display receiver that receives digital information transmitted from a receiver or central processor.

The device may also include two-color light emitting diodes (LEDs). A bicolor LED displays at least two colors, for example red and green. The green light may flash for a period of time to be visible to the player each time the wireless gaming device transmits to the receiver. When a key is pressed on the wireless gaming device, a red light is emitted and may remain on until a transmission is received by the receiver, and if the red light is on, no additional key inputs are performed. The wireless gaming device may also include additional light emitting diodes, for example, to indicate when the account balance register is updated and balance information is displayed on the LCD.

The receiver can receive signals transmitted from the transmitter of the wireless gaming device. The receiver includes a decoder that converts the received signal into, for example, digital information. This digital information includes at least the wireless gaming device's identification code and the player's betting information. The digital information obtained by the decoder is sent to the central processor. In various embodiments, communication between the central processor and the receiver may be by a 9600 or 19,200 bytes per second RS-232 electrical interface data serial communication link.

The receiver receives signals from a number of wireless gaming devices in succession or in rapid succession using, for example, multiplexing techniques, so that many players can place bets using the wireless gaming devices in a short period of time. good. A receiver identifies signals received from various devices by means of identification codes present in the signals received by the receiver.

A central processor receives the wireless gaming device identification code and player betting information from the receiver. A central processor decrypts this information using a cryptographic key. The central processor can receive data from multiple wireless gaming devices in a seemingly simultaneous manner.

In various embodiments, player accounts are stored in a central processor database. The database stores monetary values of account balances associated with wireless gaming device identifiers.

The central processor manages the player's account in the database based on signals received from the player's wireless gaming device when the player makes bets and when awards are awarded during the execution of the game. The central processor removes money from the player's account balance when the player places a bet. A player's account balance may be automatically increased by the central processor if the player wins a game on which he has placed a bet.

The central processor can also store and execute software applications containing algorithms that calculate player account balances, bets, and wins. The central processor uses algorithms that define the activities to be performed on a player's account during the course of a game, such as when bets are entered, winning payouts are made, and funds are added to a player's account. should be able to do all of the following.

Algorithms in the central processor's software may calculate odds and payouts for certain games, such as lottery-type games, during game execution. The odds and payouts at a particular point in time may depend on the characteristics of the game being played by the central processor and may change as the game progresses. These algorithms may be executed by a central processor to accurately calculate the odds of a particular game event occurring and to provide a prize for a player to correctly predict that one of these events will occur. . The algorithm may be running constantly so that real-time odds and payouts are calculated as the game progresses.

The central processor may perform various activities on a player's account, resulting in various effects on the account. For example, if a player wins a game, his account will be credited for payouts based on his bets. When a player places a bet using a wireless gaming device, his account is debited by the amount of the bet. When the gaming administrator receives additional funds from a player, the amount of funds will be credited to the player's account. When the game administrator closes the player's account and pays the funds to the player, the balance of the player's account is withdrawn by the amount paid.

The central processor may be located at the gaming facility that houses the receiver. In various embodiments, the central processor may be located remotely from the receiver and communicate with the receiver via electronic digital telephone communications or wireless transmissions, such as a serial communications link. Additionally, the central processor may perform multiple functions for different receivers in different gaming environments.

In some embodiments, communication between the central processor, receiver, and wireless gaming device may include a polling scheme. Polling allows many wireless gaming devices to communicate with a receiver without interference between each other. Such polling schemes include digital signaling in the form of strings of hexadecimal digits. Preferably, all communications between the central processor, receiver and wireless gaming device are encrypted.

In such a polling scheme, hexadecimal digits may be reserved for specific control protocols. For example, an attention character is a header character used to initiate all communications from the central processor to the receiver, to describe the message, and to synchronize receipt of the message at the receiver. The same functionality is included when a caution character follows in response to a message communication. Acknowledgment characters are other header characters that provide confirmation to the sending device that previous message data has been received and acknowledged. The confirmation character can also function as a caution character to start the next message. An end of message character is used to indicate the end of a transmission. The next byte complement character also enables the use of reserved protocol characters in normally transmitted messages by preventing false control signals when a message data byte matches one of the control characters. If a message byte that needs to be sent matches one of the protocol control characters, the character that completes the next byte is sent, followed by completion of the matching message byte.

Verification of received data may be performed using a single byte checksum of message information. This checksum may be a complement to the sum of the original message data, not including header characters. If the checksum equals one of the protocol control characters, the next byte is treated according to the function of the complementing character.

In the above polling scheme, there are three different communication modes in the link between the central processor and the receiver. First, the central processor may send a message directed to the receiver. Second, the central processor may send messages directed to the wireless gaming device. Third, the wireless gaming device may send messages directed to the central processor. In various embodiments, messages sent by the central processor may be in the form of a character string formatted with header characters, followed by an identification code of the destination device, an instruction or message, a message termination character, and a checksum character. . Although messages received by the receiver or wireless gaming device may be acknowledged by sending a confirmation character, the central processor need not acknowledge messages sent from the wireless gaming device. Messages sent by the central processor and received by the wireless gaming devices may be broadcast to all wireless gaming devices. The device address may be reserved as a broadcast address for all wireless gaming devices, and all devices will receive messages sent to this address. In this case, there is no need for a confirmation to be returned from any of the wireless game devices.

Each instruction or message may begin with an instruction code that indicates how the information contained in the message is to be used. The instruction code for the message sent by the central processor to the receiver and wireless gaming device includes:
1. Send device address list to receiver2. 3. Send account balance information to the device that has the address. Send a command to deactivate the device with the address4. Send an instruction to operate a device with an address

In various embodiments, the message sent between the receiver and the wireless gaming device includes the destination device's identification code, current bet amount, request, command, or data in the form of a character string formatted with header characters. , a message termination character, and a checksum character may follow. The instruction code, instructions and data for the request sent between the receiver and the wireless gaming device include:
1. Read user identification 2. Read the device address 3. Read the balance register 4. Read the bet amount register5. 6. Provide equipment status. Write user identification7. Write the device address8. Write balance register 9. Write the bet amount10. Run a self test

These instruction codes are used to program a device address and user identification information into the wireless gaming device so that they may be used to initialize the device to its default state, i.e., to set the player's account balance to $0. May be used. Each of the account balance register and user identification may include two characters, a least significant byte and a most significant byte, allowing the use of a wider range of numbers for these values.

Various embodiments include a method by which a central processor communicates with a wireless gaming device. The central processor sends a string of hexadecimal digits containing, for example, a header character followed by a device identification code, a request, command or data, a message termination character, and a checksum character. After the central processor transmits the character string, the wireless gaming device receives the string, recognizes the identification code, and executes the instructions within the string. If the central processor sends instructions to all wireless gaming devices simultaneously, all of the currently active devices receive and execute the instructions. Although the receiver may receive a transmission from the wireless gaming device that the instructions were successfully received, the wireless gaming device does not send a confirmation message to the central processor. The central processor communicates with the receiver in a similar manner, except that the receiver may send a confirmation message containing confirmation control protocol characters to the central processor.

Similarly, wireless gaming devices communicate with receivers and central processors using, for example, strings of hexadecimal digits. The receiver regularly and periodically queries the operating wireless gaming device for information or wager requests. If a player has input a request to the wireless gaming device since the wireless gaming device was last probed, the player's request is transmitted to the receiver.

Various embodiments include methods by which a wireless gaming device receives and relays player requests to a central processor. First, the player enters a request into the wireless gaming device using buttons or keys. The player then presses a button that, for example, is labeled "Enter" or "Send" and instructs the wireless gaming device to send a request the next time the receiver probes the wireless gaming device. When this button is pressed, a two-color LED red light source is illuminated to notify the player that a request is pending. The request may include, for example, a header character, an identification code (or, alternatively, an independent identification string reserved for a particular player), a current bet amount, a player request (e.g. to change the bet amount or update the balance). transmission), a message termination character, and a checksum character. The next time the receiver interrogates the device, the device's transmitter sends a character string to the receiver. When the wireless gaming device is interrogated by the receiver, the two-color LED green light source flashes to notify the player that a request has been sent. A receiver receives the request string and sends the string to the central processor. The central processor then executes based on the player's requests.

Using the terminal, the gaming administrator may process betting transactions and distribute wireless gaming devices. In various embodiments, the terminal may include a bar code and/or magnetic stripe reader to quickly enter the wireless gaming device's identifier prior to handing the wireless gaming device to the player. The reading device provides information in the form of digital data to the terminal. The terminal may include a keyboard used to enter data that is manually transmitted to the central processor by the game administrator. Using a reader, keyboard, or a combination thereof, the Game Administrator sets up a player's account, increases the account balance if the player pays funds to the Game Administrator, and allows the player to withdraw cash from the account balance. Communicate with the central processor to reduce the account balance when attempting to collect value.

When a player receives a wireless gaming device from a gaming administrator, the player sets the balance of the account associated with his wireless gaming device identified by the identifier. The player may increase the monetary value of the account balance by paying additional funds in cash or credit to the gaming administrator, which the gaming administrator then stores via the terminal in the central processor to increase the account balance. access your account.

After the player has played one or more games, the wireless gaming device is returned to the gaming administrator. The reader may be used to read the identifier for closing the player's account stored in the central processor's database. The terminal includes a terminal display that informs the gaming administrator of the balance of the player's account so that the player can be paid the cash value of the remaining balance of the account.

In some embodiments, an account status display device is placed at a gaming establishment to display player account information. In various embodiments, the display device may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or a cathode tube display. The display devices are controlled by a central processor that sends information for display to the player.

Verifying that bets transmitted from the wireless gaming device are received by the receiver and transmitted to the central processor, determining the monetary balance of the player's account, and verifying that the player's winnings are posted to his or her account. To do so, the player may look at the display device. The display device displays important information necessary for the player to participate in the game. The information displayed to an individual player may include the account number, the player's account balance, the player's last bet, and the player's last award or win.

The display device is divided into specific areas: for example a display area, each area showing the account information of one player. The size of the display area may be determined by the size of the display device and the number of players with wireless gaming devices. It is believed that only active accounts are displayed on the display device. If additional display devices are required to display information regarding multiple accounts, the central processor may be configured to drive multiple similar display devices.

The display device may be used to display odds and payouts for game bets. Alternatively, a separate display device driven by a central processor may be used to display odds and payout information. Further, the odds and payouts may be displayed on the device display 21.

A procedure for using a wireless interactive gaming system according to some embodiments is described. In some embodiments, a player pays, for example, $100 in cash or credit to a gaming administrator at a gaming establishment to set up an account. The gaming administrator selects a wireless gaming device and uses, for example, a bar code reader on the terminal to enter the wireless gaming device's identifier into the terminal. The game administrator enters the paid amount, ie, $100, into the terminal via the keyboard. The game administrator hands the wireless gaming device to the player and informs him that the account is account number 12, for example. Alternatively, the player may verify his account number directly from the wireless gaming device's identifier. Information entered into the terminal by the game manager is transmitted to the central processor, which sets the player's account record in the database.

For example, the central processor may be running a racing game in which a player selects a winning race element to bet on in the next racing game scheduled to be held at the gaming establishment. To place a bet, the player presses a button on the wireless gaming device.

In some embodiments, the player first presses the button that corresponds to the number assigned to the race element that the player selects, e.g. 3, and then presses the "$" button for a bet of the amount of the bet, e.g. $5. and press “5”. The player then presses the "Enter" key to send the bet to the central processor.

In an alternative embodiment, the game may be simplified such that all bets are placed at a fixed amount, eg, $1, by pressing one button on the wireless gaming device. By pressing the button corresponding to the number assigned to the selected race element, eg, "3", the player bets $1 on race element number 3. The player places a bet on race element 3 by betting $5 on race element 3 by pressing the "3" button a number of times corresponding to the number of $1 bets the player desires, for example by pressing "3" five times. It is possible to bet more.

Each time a player enters a bet, the wireless gaming device generates a data packet that includes the player's betting information and the wireless gaming device's identification code. The data packets are encrypted and transmitted by a transmitter via wireless communication.

A decoder at the receiver receives encrypted data packets sent by the transmitter. The encrypted data packets are sent to a central processor where they are decrypted. The central processor uses the obtained information to update the player's account in the database by subtracting the amount of the bet from the player's account and to register the player's bet on the game.

After the game is played, the central processor awards prizes to winning players based on the bets placed by the players and the odds corresponding to the winning outcome of the game. If the player owning the wireless gaming device is the winner, the central computer updates the player account in the database by adding the prize amount to the player account balance. Otherwise, the player account remains unchanged.

When a player finishes playing a game at a gaming facility, he returns the wireless gaming device to the gaming administrator. The game administrator inputs the identifier of the wireless game device into the terminal again, for example, using the terminal's barcode reader. The terminal accesses the player's account information stored in the central processor's database to obtain the remaining balance of the player's account. The terminal display displays the player's remaining balance to the gaming administrator, who then pays the cash value of that amount to the player. The account is closed and the transaction is recorded in a central processor.

It should be understood that the above description includes only some implementations of the techniques that may be used by the various embodiments. Other techniques may be used and considered according to various embodiments. The various embodiments may be implemented using any suitable technology, whether existing or yet to be developed.

Handheld Wireless Game Player Various embodiments include a handheld wireless game player for playing games of chance. A handheld wireless game player may generally be considered to include: 1) a wireless communication interface; 2) a display screen; 3) one or more input devices; 4) a microprocessor with i) a master game control located on the game console; ii) presenting a game of chance on a display using operating instructions received from a device via a wireless communication interface; and ii) a master game using information from input signals generated from one or more input machines via a wireless communication interface. configured to send to a controller. Wireless game players may be used at multiple meeting locations that are physically separate from the gaming machine location. Here, the plurality of meeting locations are selected from the group consisting of a Keno parlor, a bingo parlor, a restaurant, a sportsbook, a bar, a hotel, a pool area, and a casino floor area. The games of chance played at the wireless game player may be selected from the group consisting of slot games, poker, pachinko, multiple hand poker games, pay-go poker, blackjack, keno, bingo, craps, and card games. Other games are also contemplated in various embodiments.

In various embodiments, the wireless communication interface may use a wireless communication protocol selected from the group consisting of IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11x, Hyperlan/2, Bluetooth, and HomeRF. The wireless game player may include a wired network interface that connects the wireless game player to a wired network access point. Additionally, the wireless game player may include a peripheral interface for connecting to peripheral gaming devices. Here, the peripheral interfaces are a serial interface, a parallel interface, a USB interface, a FireWire interface, and an IEEE1394 interface. Peripheral gaming devices may be printers, card readers, hard drives, and CD-DVD drives.

In various embodiments, the one or more input machines of the wireless game player may be selected from the group consisting of a touch screen, an input switch, an input button, and a biometric input device that may be a fingerprint reader. The wireless game player may include a removable memory interface designed to accept removable memory that stores graphics programs for one or more games of chance played on the wireless game player. The wireless game player may include one or more of the following: 1) an audio output interface for receiving a headphone jack, 2) an antenna, 3) a sound projection device, 4) a battery, powering the wireless game player from an external power source. and a power interface for charging the battery from an external power source; 6) a memory unit that may store a graphics program for one or more games of chance to be played on the wireless game player; 7) designed to accept an electronic key. and 8) a video graphics card that renders images on a display screen, which may be used to turn 2-D graphics into 3-D graphics.

It should be understood that the above description includes only some implementations of the techniques that may be used by the various embodiments. Other techniques may be used and considered according to various embodiments. The various embodiments may be implemented using any suitable technology, whether existing or yet to be developed.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE The following documents are hereby incorporated by reference:
US Patent 6,676,522
US Patent 6,846,238
US Patent 6,702,672

Casino Electronic Games The following reference numbers apply only to FIGS. 35-40 unless otherwise specified.

Game Execution FIG. 35 shows one embodiment of the spinning reel slot machine 10. The slot machine includes mechanically rotatable reels 12a, 12b, 12c and a video display (see Figures 36a and 36b). In response to a bet, the reels 12a, 12b, 12c rotate and symbols are randomly placed on the reels in visual coordination with the display area 16. Payments are awarded based on the combination of symbols that appear in display area 16. The video display uses display area 16 to provide video images 18 that are superimposed on reels 12a, 12b, 12c. Video images 18 interact with reels 12a, 12b, 12c and may be dynamic or static and display payout values, paytables, paylines, bonus games, special effects, themed scenery, and instructional information. may be included. In the exemplary embodiment, slot machine 10 is "vertical" with display area 16 oriented vertically relative to the player. Alternatively, the slot machine 10 may be "top tilted" with the display area 16 angled approximately 30 degrees toward the player of the slot machine 10.

Referring to Figures 36a and 36b, in various embodiments the video image 18 in the display area 16 may be either a direct image (Figure 36a) or a virtual image (Figure 36b). If the video image 18 is a direct image, the direct image may be generated by a flat transparent video display 14a located in front of the reels 12a, 12b, 12c, as shown in Figure 36a. The transparent display 14a may be, for example, a transparent liquid crystal display (LCD) available from LG Phillips LCD Co., Ltd. Seoul Korea. The transparent display 14a may include a touch screen attached to the front of the display 14a. The touch screen contains soft touch keys displayed by an image on the underlying display 14a and is used to operate the slot machine 10.

If the video image 18 is a virtual image, as shown in FIG. 36b, the virtual screen is preferably generated by a projection arrangement including a video display 14b and a partially reflective mirror 20. Video display 14b and partially reflective mirror 20 are positioned relative to each other to project a virtual image onto the front surface of reels 12a, 12b, 12c between the reels and the player. Video display 14b may be mounted below reels 12a, 12b, 12c and is generally perpendicular to display area 16. Mirror 20 may be mounted to the front of reels 12a, 12b, 12c and is set at an approximately 45 degree angle relative to both video display 14b and display area 16. The virtual image is generally parallel to the display area 16 and may actually occupy the display area 16. Additionally, the virtual image may be three-dimensional. In the embodiment of Figure 36b, display area 16 includes a glass cover/window. The cover is optionally equipped with a touch screen displayed by a virtual image and containing soft touch keys used to operate the slot machine 10.

Video display 14b in Figure 36b may be a CRT, LCD, dot matrix, LED, electroluminescent or other type of video display. Also, instead of mounting the video display 14b below the reels 12a, 12b, 12c, the display 14b is a mirror mounted above the reel at an approximately 45 degree angle to both the video display 14b and the display area 16. It may be installed with

Returning to FIG. 35, the slot machine 10 can use the three mechanical rotating reels 12a, 12b, and 12c to execute a basic slot game with a bonus game that is started when a bonus starts as a result of the basic game. The number of mechanical reels may vary, including, for example, one or more reels. The mechanical reel may be mounted on a horizontal axis for vertical rotation as shown, or alternatively may be mounted on a vertical axis for horizontal rotation. Also, instead of individual rows of symbols corresponding to one reel, individual symbols are mapped to a single reel, such that a symbol arrangement of nine symbols corresponds to nine independent reels. It's okay. Each of the five pay lines 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e extends through one symbol on each of the three mechanical reels. The number of payment lines may be more or less than five and may have various configurations.

Generally, game play is initiated by inserting a certain number of coins or executing a certain number of credits, which causes the central processing unit to activate a certain number of pay lines depending on the number of coins or credits executed. As shown in FIG. 37, the superimposed video image 18 may display instructional information prompting the player to insert coins or issue credits. The player then selects the number of pay lines (eg, between 1 and 5) by pressing a "line selection" key on button panel 24. The player then selects the number of coins or credits to bet on the selected pay line by pressing the "bet per line" key on button panel 24. As shown in FIG. 38, a superimposed video screen may display activated pay lines and the number of credits wagered per pay line.

After activation of a pay line, by touching the “Reel Spin” key on the button panel 24, or if the player wishes to bet the maximum amount per line, press the “Max Bet Spin” key on the button panel 24. By use, the reels 12a, 12b, 12c may be started. Alternatively, other mechanisms may be used to trigger the reel, such as a lever. The central processing unit uses a random number generator to select a game outcome (eg, a "base" game outcome) that corresponds to a particular set of reel "stop positions". The central processing unit then stops the individual mechanical reels at appropriate "stop positions". Symbols are printed on the reels to graphically indicate the reel stop positions and to indicate whether the reel stop positions correspond to winning game results.

The winning result in the base game (eg, a symbol combination that results in a payout of coins or credits) can be known to the player through the payout table. As shown in FIG. 39, superimposed video image 18 may display a pay table in response to commands by the player (eg, by pressing a "Pay Table" key on button panel 24). A winning result of the base game occurs if a symbol appearing on the reels 12a, 12b, 12c corresponds to one of the winning combinations on the pay table. A winning combination is, for example, three matching symbols on an activated pay line. When the displayed symbols stop at a winning combination, the game awards the player an amount obtained by multiplying the prize on the pay table corresponding to that combination by the credit amount bet on the winning pay line. As shown in FIG. 40, the superimposed video image 18 highlights the winning combination (e.g., "7," "7," "7") and the associated pay line (e.g., pay line 22c), and the winning combination You may display awards for Video image 18 may further display winning pay lines and/or prizes flashing and exploding. The winning pay line may flash followed by an explosive flash or may display a portion of the pay table. A player may collect accumulated credit amounts by pressing a "collect" key on button panel 24. In one implementation, winning combinations begin on the first reel 12a (left to right) and continue to the next reel. In another implementation, the winning combinations start on the first reel 12a (left to right) or the third reel (right to left) and lead to the next reel.

Payout Table A game may have a payout table that defines all possible outcomes for one play of the game that will award a prize to a player.

In various embodiments, each row of the pay table includes the number of coins needed to play the game, the criteria that defines a win, the odds of the win criteria resulting from a play of the game, and the information provided to the player by the gaming device if a win is registered. Defines the number of coins to be refunded. Additionally, the pay line may include the ability to accept progressive awards from the system. This allows, in various progressive gaming systems and methods, a game's pay lines to be linked to system-controlled progressive prizes.

The pay table may include a pay list for a slot machine or video poker game. This table may indicate how many coins the bettor will receive for each symbol combination and number of coins bet.

On some older and newer reel machines, the payout table may be displayed on the face of the machine, usually above and below the area containing the turntable.

Each machine may have a table tabulating the number of credits the player receives when the symbols listed on the pay table line up on the machine's pay line. The pay table details to the bettor where the symbols must be to be paid. In general, the image must be centered directly below the machine's pay line. Video slot machines generally display pay lines only for winning lines.

Some machines offer symbols that are "wild" and will pay if they appear anywhere, even if they are not on the pay line. These wild symbols may be used as any other symbols at the pay table.

Most video displays display a pay table when a player touches a "pay table" button or a "pay table" on the screen, and some also have pay tables shown on the cabinet.

Progressive Games of chance may be described as progressive or non-progressive. In non-progressive games, such as traditional pull tabs, participants play for a chance to win a predetermined prize, ie, one of the winning cards. In contrast, progressive games include jackpots or prizes that increase over the course of the game. Many state number lotteries fall into the progressive category because, for example, prizes increase over time as player participation increases. During the operation of a progressive game, a portion of an individual player's purchases are collected into prizes. In this way, the prize increases until a winning number is selected and the game ends. Some slot machines also offer progressive jackpots.

In various progressive gaming systems and methods, a portion of each individual bet may be used as funds to increase the value of the current prize, as funds for the starting value of the next prize after a win occurs, and for other uses. will be used as funds for Generally, the portion used is usually known as the contribution and is determined by control data related to the percentage and denomination of coins.

For example, $1,000 with a 3.5% contribution rate to fund the next award's starting value of $1,000,000 and a 2.5% contribution rate to increase the value of the current award. Assume an award starting at ,000. Also assume that the prize is linked to a gaming device that requires a wager of $2. This means that each bettor contributes $0.07 (2.00*0.035=0.07) towards the starting value of the next prize and $0.05 (2.00*0. 025=0.05) to increase the current award. According to such contribution percentages, approximately 14,285,715 (1,000,000/0.07) steering operations or There has to be a run of the game. Essentially, the total amount of bets made in the theoretical lifecycle of one prize award is $28,571,430.00 (14,285,715*2.00=28,571,430.00). be.

During this theoretical period, the prize value increased by $714,285 (0.05*14,285,714.29) to bring the average prize value to $1,714,285 for each theoretical win. Make it equivalent to . Further assume that marketing research indicates that a prize should be won on average approximately once every month to retain player interest. This means that 14,285,715 handle operations should be over a time span of 30 days. Assuming that an individual gaming device can average approximately 5 games per minute during a 10 hour day, the gaming device will perform 3000 games per day. If awards are won every 30 days and each gaming device generates 90,000 handle movements per month (5 games * 60 minutes/hour * 10 hours * 30 days = 90,000), at least 159 games A device (14,285,715/90,000 = 158,73...) must be involved in the award.

Linked Machines Machines are often connected in a linked manner so that a set of machines offers particularly large prizes or "jackpots." Individual slot machines in the group contribute a small amount to this progressive jackpot, which is awarded to players who win (for example) a royal flush in a video poker game, or a particular combination of symbols in a regular or 9-line slot machine. be done. The amount paid out on a progressive jackpot is usually much higher than a single slot machine pays out on itself.

In some cases, multiple machines are linked across multiple casinos. In these cases, the machine may be owned by the machine manufacturer who is responsible for paying the jackpot. Casinos rent machines rather than owning them. Megabucks, including Nevada Megabucks and Penny Megabucks, are an example of linked machines across multiple casinos.

Central Computers, Networks, and Accounting Various embodiments include networked gaming devices. Multiple gaming devices, such as slot machines, benefit from being interconnected to a central computer via a computer network. Some of the benefits of networked gaming devices may include the ability to pull accounting data from individual gaming devices as well as player tracking. Various network systems enable a central host computer to monitor usage and payments, collectively known as audit data, for individual gaming devices. This audit data includes information such as the number of coins or tokens inserted into the machine, the number of times the machine is used, the amount paid for raises, the number and type of jackpots paid by the machine, the number of times the door is opened, etc. Contains relevant data. The host computer can thus compile accounting reports based on audit data from individual gaming devices. This report can be used by management, for example, to evaluate the profitability of individual gaming devices.

In some regions, regulations recommend or require relatively detailed accounting of individual video game machines to ensure that the machines are operating within regulatory standards. Meters are often provided to track deposits into or withdrawals from the machine. Deposits for simple withdrawals may be deposited into the machine but not used for betting, for example when a player inserts a certain amount of cash or credits but cashes out before placing the entire amount. The ratio does not necessarily accurately reflect the operational activity of the gaming machine. Therefore, it is useful to track the amount wagered and the amount of money or credits won by a player.

In large facilities, such as casinos, a central computer may monitor such information for multiple embedded system single player gaming machines by means of a "location controller." The individual video game machines communicate continuously with the location controller to provide the appropriate information to the central computer. When the central computer detects a foul for a particular game, the central computer instructs the location controller to deactivate the game. An example of a system including a location controller and embedded system circuitry in a video game console for providing information to the location controller is disclosed in U.S. Pat. 5,429,361 and No. No. 5,470,079, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

The following reference numbers apply only to FIG. 41 unless otherwise noted.

FIG. 41 illustrates one embodiment of gaming system 10 according to some embodiments. Referring to FIG. 41, gaming system 10 includes a first group or network 12 of gaming units 20 operatively connected to a network computer 22 via a network data link or bus 24. Referring to FIG. Gaming system 10 includes a second group or network 26 of gaming units 30 operatively connected to a network computer 32 via a network data link or bus 34 . The first and second gaming networks 12, 26 may be functionally connected to each other via a network 40, which may include, for example, the Internet, a wide area network via a first network link 42 and a second network link 44. (WAN) or local area network (LAN).

A first network 12 of gaming units 20 may be located at a first casino or facility, and a second network 12 of gaming units 30 may be located at a second casino or facility at an independent geographic location other than the first facility. . For example, the two facilities may be in different areas of the same city or in different states. Network 40 may include network computers or server computers (not shown) that are each functionally interconnected. If network 40 includes the Internet, data communications may occur over communication links 42, 44 via Internet communication protocols.

Network computer 22 may be a server computer and may be used to store and analyze data regarding the operation of gaming unit 20. For example, network computer 22 collects data from individual gaming units 20 representing dollar amounts and bet amounts made on individual gaming units, data representing how much individual gaming units 20 are paying out in wins, data representing how much individual gaming units 20 are paying out in wins, Data representing the identification and gaming habits of players using the game unit 20 may be constantly received. Network computer 32 may be a server computer and may be used to perform the same or different functions as network computer 22 described above in connection with gaming unit 30.

Although networks 12, 26 are each shown to include one network computer 22, 32 and four gaming units 20, 30, it should be understood that different numbers of computers and gaming units may be utilized. It is. For example, network 12 may include multiple network computers and tens or hundreds of gaming units, all of which may be interconnected via data links 24. Data link 24 may be a dedicated hardwired link or a wireless link. Although data link 24 is shown as a single data link 24, data link 24 may be multiple data links.

Various embodiments include a system for operating networked gaming devices. A system according to various embodiments allows casinos equipped with the system to collect player tracking and accounting data from all machines while simultaneously implementing promotions or bonuses on any properly deployed gaming machine. enable. The system gives casinos the ability to choose which machines will be used in response to a given promotion. The system also allows a number of different promotions to be carried out simultaneously.

The system includes a plurality of gaming devices or consoles connected to associated floor controllers over a network. The system includes one or more of the floor controllers. The floor controllers are interconnected by a high speed network, such as an Ethernet network, to a database where accounting and player tracking data is stored. The system may also include pit terminals and/or fill and jackpot processing terminals. Each promotion includes sending reconfiguration instructions from the floor controller to the gaming devices selected as part of a given promotion over the associated network. Upon receiving the reconfiguration instruction, the gaming device reconfigures the payment schedule according to the received reconfiguration instruction. In some embodiments, this reconfiguration includes operating a bonus pay schedule. A partial list of promotions may include, without limitation: a number of jackpots for which the gaming device reorganizes its payouts into a number of default payout schedules; a progressive jackpot in which two or more gaming devices are combined into a progressive jackpot with a progressive jackpot payout schedule. In addition to these, many other advancements are possible with the above-described system for controlling multiple gaming devices.

In some embodiments, the system provides player tracking by recording machine transactions including time played, machine number, duration of play, coins deposited, coins paid out, jackpot paying hands, and games played. May be supported. Player tracking occurs on the same network where accounting data is pulled. This makes it possible to prepare bonuses for certain individual players as well as for certain periods of time. Various embodiments include a system that monitors and reports how many coins are played by individual players. Systems according to various embodiments include the ability to record how much time individual players spend at each machine, the number of coins won, games played, and jackpot hands won by individual players. . All of this information is stored in a database and can be used for future direct mail campaigns. Player tracking according to various embodiments allows casinos to evaluate bus and other group plans and their profitability. The system allows for cashless play as well as advanced accounting and security.

Bonus Game Various embodiments include a "secondary" or "bonus" game that may be played in conjunction with the "base" game. The bonus game may include any game, may be initiated based on the occurrence of a predetermined event or the outcome of the base game, and may be similar or completely different from the base game.

Various embodiments include at least one recognizable mark of a method of game execution, a gaming device, a primary game, eg, spinning reels, and a secondary game that may include payout instructions. The secondary game may be completely or temporarily separated from the main game.

According to various embodiments, the bonus payout indicator is clearly visible to the player and functions when the main reel of the main game slot machine stops at a predetermined mark. According to some embodiments, if the primary game exhibits one of a plurality of predetermined marks, the secondary payment indicator is activated automatically or upon some activity of the player, such as when the player presses a button. It takes the form of a rotating bonus board that can be rotated accordingly. The wheel gradually slows down and when the wheel stops, an indicator indicates the payment to be awarded to the player.

Various embodiments further include a recognizable multiplier that can change payments from a primary gaming unit or a secondary payment indicator, or both. Various embodiments include payments from the primary game unit, only payments indicated by a secondary payment indicator, payments from the primary game unit or secondary indicator in response to changes made by a multiplier, or changes made by a multiplier. It is contemplated to provide separate multiple payouts from the primary game unit and secondary indicators with or without.

According to various embodiments, the mechanical bonus payout indicator is electronically operated and linked to a random number generator that determines where the secondary indicator actually stops.

According to various embodiments, the secondary event actuator is activated when the primary unit stops at one of a plurality of predetermined sets of victory marks. According to various embodiments, a person, such as a player, must actuate the actuator to operate the bonus indicator.

According to various embodiments, the bonus actuator requires operator intervention in order for the player to engage a casino attendant who can actuate the bonus indicator.

According to various other embodiments, the bonus indicator is connected to a drive mechanism that gradually reduces the rotation rate of the bonus carousel before the bonus carousel stops.

Various embodiments include a gaming device having an electronic means for displaying a rotating reel mark, such as a video screen and/or a means for displaying a secondary payout indicator mark such as a video screen. . Various embodiments include a method for playing a game of chance. One method includes first randomly selecting a combination of marks, a mark selected and displayed from a group consisting of slot reels, a mark on at least one reel, a mark on at least one game card, and a combination of these marks. displaying a combination; generating at least one signal corresponding to a selection indication of at least one of the first marks; at least one of the mechanical bonus indicators indicating at least one of a plurality of possible payouts; providing a recognizable mark, the means for providing a bonus indicator mark being operatively connected to said first standard gaming unit and operable in response to said signal. According to various embodiments, the recognizable mark on the mechanical bonus indicator gradually reduces the speed of movement for a period of time before actually providing the recognizable mark for a payout. According to another embodiment, a multiplier is provided for multiplying the at least one payout by a multiple indicated most advantageously to the player. The multiple may preferably be continuously variable as the recognizable mark changes. For example, multiple multiples may be synchronized with multiple recognizable marks such that the multiple changes as the indicated payment changes.

Various embodiments include the steps of providing a player with the opportunity to place a bet, markings on a group of reels, markings on at least one preferably more than one reel, markings on at least one preferably more than one playing card, and combinations thereof. displaying a randomly selected combination of marks; generating at least one signal corresponding to the selection indication of at least one of said marks; indicating at least one of a plurality of possible bonuses of a mechanical bonus indicator; the bonus indicator mark taking the form of a wheel or reel and operable in response to the signal. be.

The bonus game may include other gaming machines or random selection devices operated by bonus qualification signals from the underlying or primary gaming machine. A wide variety of bonus games, features, and devices are known, some of which will now be described.

The WHEEL OF GOLD(TM) and WHEEL OF FORTUNE(TM) slot casino games incorporate a solo play bonus feature. When a certain mark appears on the reels of a slot game, the player presses a bonus button to start rotating the wheel, and the rotation of the wheel is used to make a bonus payment. A separate multiplier may be used to multiply the bonus payout. After the bonus rotation, play resumes on the underlying gaming machine.

In various embodiments, a bonus game that includes multiple plays is presented to a base gaming machine, such as a slot machine. Here, a Bernoulli trial procedure allows a player to repeatedly play a high-odds bonus game (like other slot games) and receive a prize until a losing combination occurs (i.e., continue winning until a loss). used for. The probability of winning in the bonus game is greater than 50% (even 70% or more can occur), and the probability of winning in the base game is much lower. This difference in accrual rates may cause players to settle for a base slot machine with a lower accrual rate in order to qualify for a bonus game with a higher accrual rate. If the bonus game occurrence rate is high, the length of the bonus game will be long. This bonus feature allows the player to win each bonus game and win until the player receives a losing combination (ie, lose until the player wins).

One slot machine primary game is interconnected with slot machine secondary games. The player has the option of pressing a button to withdraw the appropriate amount from the credit meter to play secondary games such as other slot games. In this way, the player bets an amount to play the bonus game.

Various embodiments include an electronic gaming device and related methods in which each play in the bonus is a continuation of the basic game play. This includes primary gaming devices such as poker or slot machines, and secondary gaming devices based on bingo. When a winning combination, such as three queens, appears in the main game, the space in the bingo matrix becomes the space for showing bingo symbols. Play in the main game continues until a winning sequence appears in the bingo game. The right to play the secondary bingo game does not occur unless the player inserts three or more coins. Play continues until a bingo is achieved in the game in which the player receives a prize.

Various embodiments include a slot machine with a jackpot feature in which prize value is transferred between different jackpot displays when playing consecutive games. Some of the reel symbols are printed over the numbers, and when the number is above the pay line, the number is used to move up the ladder. The ladder allows the player to win one or all of the prizes at the top of the slot machine. For example, if the stacked numbers cause the player to reach the first gaming level, the player receives all three prizes. Once the stacked numbers take the player to the second level, the player can choose which of the three prizes to receive. When the player reaches the third level, it becomes a skill game in which he or she chooses which of three prizes to choose. Finally, when the player reaches the fourth level, a prize is randomly selected. Prizes may be randomly doubled.

Various embodiments include multiple slot machines interconnected to an electronic controller that displays different racing games. Each occurrence of a particular predetermined combination of marks on the display of a particular slot machine generates a signal from the slot machine that advances the race element over a particular predetermined distance. If the player's horse reaches the finish line before the timer display indicates that the time has expired, the slot player wins an additional prize. Players do not race against each other, but against the clock. Various embodiments may include a gaming machine that includes a processor operable in basic and bonus modes to control game play. In the basic mode, the processor operates to select one basic game outcome from among a plurality of possible basic game outcomes. Possible base game outcomes include bonus initiation outcomes whose occurrence causes the processor to transfer operation from the base mode to the bonus mode. The processor is operable to define a plurality of bonus game outcomes selectable by the player. In bonus mode, a player selects one or more bonus game outcomes and is awarded credits based on which of the bonus game outcomes is selected.

Various embodiments include a gaming machine that includes a processor operable to select one game outcome from a number of possible game outcomes. A certain number of possible game outcomes are identifiable by the pay table as winning combinations, while a remaining number of possible game outcomes are identified as clear losing combinations. The gaming machine includes means for awarding credits upon occurrence of at least one of a winning combination and a clear losing combination.

Various embodiments include a gaming machine that includes a processor operable to control game play in a base mode and a bonus mode. In the basic mode, the processor operates to select one basic game outcome from among a plurality of possible basic game outcomes. Possible base game outcomes include one or more bonus resource outcomes whose occurrence causes the processor to generate bonus game resources executable in a bonus game. The gaming machine includes means for transferring processor operation from a basic mode to a bonus mode. The processor is operable to define multiple possible bonus game outcomes. In bonus mode, selection of a bonus game outcome may cause bonus game resources generated in the base game to be executed to affect the bonus game outcome. In one embodiment, if the bonus game result would otherwise cause the processor to terminate the bonus game, the processor continues to operate in the bonus mode by executing bonus game resources with the bonus game result, thereby allowing the player to The bonus game can continue running.

The reference numbers below apply only to FIG. 42 unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10. Slot machine 10 includes rotating reels 60, each reel having a plurality of symbols that are randomly displayed when mechanical lever 12 is pulled and reels 60 are rotated. If the displayed symbol is a predetermined symbol or a combination of predetermined symbols, the player can place the winnings into the coin reservoir 30 via the coin slot 20 or by the player displayed in the credit window 40. Receive payments by increasing your credits. Slot machine 10 may include a microprocessor or other central processing unit as well as memory. In such a case, a display screen (not shown) (e.g., a cathode ray tube (CRT), plasma display, liquid crystal display (LED), and/or light emitting diode (LED) display) may be used in place of the reels 60 to function on the computer. connected to simulate the reels and their rotation, a random number generator is used to command the types and combinations of symbols shown on the display screen.

A coin slot 14, a currency validator 16, or a card acceptor 18 (credit card, game card, play card, smart card, etc.) allows a player to initiate a game of the slot machine 10. Based on the mathematical odds at which winning symbols or winning combinations of symbols are randomly displayed on the markings on the reels 60, a player may have a predetermined chance or odds of winning a payout in the base game. Odds may be adjusted by varying the number of non-winning symbols or combinations of non-winning symbols in relation to possible winning symbols or combinations of winning symbols. The odds of obtaining a payout and the amount awarded to a winning player in relation to the amount of the bet may be defined in the form of a "payout table" or "per sheet."

Starting a base game on slot machine 10 may be performed, for example, by simply inserting coins, tokens, or other monetary equivalents (debit or credit cards) into a gaming device such as slot machine 10. . Other examples of player activities that may take place at the beginning of a base game include a "smart card" that has a microchip or magnetic strip coded and programmed with the player's identity, credit total, and other related information; This includes the insertion of an identification card such as ``. Such smart cards or "player cards" may be used in player tracking systems. Various embodiments include cards that include information about a player related to gaming activity, such as points awarded based on the player's gaming activity. A player may insert a card into a gaming device at the time of a game. When the player indicates that he is finished playing the gaming device, the card is updated with player activity information. The player can then insert the card into a different gaming device, thereby making the player activity information stored on the card available to the player tracking system. In various embodiments, a gaming device may receive a preprinted coupon or cashout slip, start a base game, and print a cashout slip directly from the gaming device. In various embodiments, money may be transferred to the game through an electronic funds transfer process.

The display of the gaming device may include a number of images representing various aspects of the game, such as game portions, credit total portions, and wager amount portions. Other displays may include an additional bonus award section that generally indicates the amount of bonus awards that may be won through multiple games or secondary games.

Internet Games In various embodiments, it is also possible to participate in games of chance via the Internet. This is accomplished by the casino or gaming organizer providing a display similar to those found on conventional gaming devices. Generally, in order to play a game of chance over the Internet, a software file is downloaded to the player's computer or terminal and is used to install the software necessary for the game and to access the casino or game organizer site. . As with traditional gaming devices, Internet games may be accessed using an identification code or name to identify a particular player and retrieve that player's credit total or play history.

Bonus games may include secondary games that are executed when the player achieves a predetermined outcome of the base game. In many cases, a bonus game is a unique event in which play changes to a bonus game when a certain base game outcome is achieved, and the bonus game is executed and completed. For example, when the slot machine reels stop at a predetermined mark, a bonus game may be initiated by pressing a button and a bonus indicator that is operative to display a randomly preset bonus award. In various embodiments, the bonus game is a more continuous event in that the progression of the bonus game is determined by continued play in the base game.

In some bonus game embodiments, possible main game outcomes include special symbol combinations that cause the computer processor to generate bonus game resources that can be executed in a bonus game. For example, one or more bonus game resources can be used to override bonus termination results, thereby allowing the bonus game to continue.

Various embodiments allow the player to have additional interaction in the bonus game by providing a touch screen where the player can select objects by touching predetermined locations on the screen. Various values are shown until the bonus end result appears.

In various embodiments, the bonus game may be performed by networked or linked gaming devices such that the secondary gaming activity involves multiple players betting on the base game played on separate gaming devices. Various bonus games may allow players to compete against multiple other players for secondary prizes. In various embodiments, a bonus game may include one or more competitors in a race. In one embodiment, each player betting at the primary gaming device may be represented by one particular competitor in the race. A contestant representing one particular player in the race may progress according to that player's gaming activity in the main gaming unit. The race ends when one competitor reaches the finish line or when a predetermined time period ends, whichever occurs first.

Various embodiments include a system of linked gaming devices where the occurrence of certain symbols at individual gaming devices is used to accumulate bonus value. Then, a bonus prize is awarded to a player who causes the accumulated bonus value to match or exceed a predetermined value.

Various gaming systems may include progressive systems in which the amount of a bonus award increases as base games are played on separate or linked gaming devices. In various advanced systems, game controllers are connected to multiple machines. One win occurs approximately every 1/2 minute (every 8 handle movements) and adds to the progressive bonus reserve. Therefore, the progressive bonus value increases rapidly.

Various gaming systems and methods for providing bonus games allow players to compete directly with other players or for other players to cooperate with each other to win prizes.

Virtual Reels A gaming device has a plurality of reels that are mounted to rotate about one axis and can be activated by pulling a lever. Marks are fixed to the outer periphery of these reels to indicate reel position, and brakes are operable to stop the reels at any randomly preselected position.

The random number generator is equipped with an electronic circuit that calculates random stopping positions at which the reels should be stopped with physical brakes. Random stop positions are the number of physical reel positions such that one physical reel position is represented by one or several positions on a virtual or electronically generated reel that are actually stopped by a random number generator. This is achieved by electronic random numbers, selected from a group of numbers exceeding . In various embodiments, the physical reels are merely used as a display of random number generation results and are not the game itself, as in a standard slot machine. Thus, by modifying the random number generator, a standard slot machine or gaming device can be made to function based on payout odds, independent of limitations on the number of physical reels and their physical stop positions. I can do it.

Random Number Generator In various embodiments, the slot machine is computerized so that the odds of various outcomes can be programmed in any manner. In various embodiments, reels and levers may be present for historical and fun reasons. In various embodiments, the location at which the reels stop is selected by a random number generator (RNG) built into the machine's software.

The RNG may constantly generate random numbers at a rate of thousands to millions of numbers per second. As soon as the lever is pulled or the "play" button is pressed, the latest random number is used to determine the outcome. This means that the results will vary depending on the exact time the game is played. Depending on whether it is a fraction of a second earlier or later, the result will be different. In various embodiments, the RNG may be a pseudorandom number generator.

Player Tracking The gaming device may include a player tracking card that may be placed in a card reader. The player tracking card may include a data storage device that stores data representative of the player identification. Further, the player tracking card may include a first card side, a second card side, and a transparent body extending between the first card side and the second card side. The player tracking card may be placed in a card illumination position, the first card side being placed in the card reader such that the first card side is adjacent to the light source of the card reader, and the second card side of the player tracking card The card surface remains visible outside the card reader. When the player tracking card is in the card illumination position, the light generated by the light source is within the first card side of the player tracking card such that the light is visible to the user through the second card side. and then may be transmitted through the transparent body of the player tracking card.

Player tracking, as the name suggests, may include individual player usage of gaming devices. In various embodiments, a player is issued a player identification card that is signaled with a player identification number that uniquely identifies the player. Each gaming device is fitted with a card reader into which the player inserts a player tracking card prior to use of the gaming device. The card reader reads the player identification number from the card and informs a central computer connected to the card reader of the player's continuous gaming activity. By tracking individual players, some audit data can be associated with player identification numbers to monitor individual player usage. This allows gaming establishments to target individual players using direct marketing techniques according to their individual usage.

The following reference numbers apply only to FIGS. 43-44A unless otherwise noted.

FIG. 43 schematically depicts one embodiment of a player tracking card 59 located in a card reader 58. A player tracking card 59 is located at the card illumination position. Card reader 58 may include a mounting plate 113 to assist in securing card reader 58 to housing 50 of gaming device 20 . Card reader 58 may also include a chassis 114 that may include a first side rail 116, a second side rail 118, and a rear structure 120.

Card reader 58 of FIG. 43 may also include a number of light sources 122. Card reader 58 of FIG. Although the light source 122 in FIG. 43 is fixed to the rear structure 122 of the chassis 114, the light source 122 may be directly attached to the housing 50 of the gaming device 20 or other structure within the housing 50 that is separate from the card reader 58. It may be fixed. Light source 122 may include an LED, OLED, incandescent bulb, fluorescent lamp, or other device capable of generating light. If multiple light sources 122 are used, they may generate the same color or multiple different colors. In order to control the illumination intensity and illumination pattern of the light source 122, the light source 122 may be connected to the controller 100 via a plurality of corresponding conductors. Leads 128 may be connected to modular connectors 126 to simplify equipping gaming device 20.

The player tracking card 59 is placed in a card illumination position with the first card side 127 adjacent the light source 122 when the card 59 is placed in the card reader. In the embodiment of FIG. 43, player tracking card 59 may be supported by side rails 116 and 118, with first card surface 127 adjacent rear structure 120 of chassis 114 when player tracking card 59 is in the card illuminated position. You may do so. Thus, when player tracking card 59 is in the card illumination position, light generated by light source 122 is directed to first card side 127 of player tracking card 59 .

A data reader 128 may also be included in the gaming device to read data from a player tracking card 59 located on the card reader 58. The data reader 128 may be attached to the chassis 114 such that the data reader is close to the player tracking card 59 when the player tracking card 59 is placed in the card reader 58 and in the card illumination position. Data reader 128 may read data from player tracking card 59 in a variety of ways. For example, data reader 128 may read data from an optically readable material, such as a magnetic strip or ink, both of which are located on player tracking card 59. Various embodiments may utilize multiple data reading devices to read data from additional magnetic strips or optically readable materials on the same or different sides of player tracking card 59. As another example, data reader 128 may use an antenna that couples with a corresponding antenna within player tracking card 59 so that data is transmitted.

A data reader 128 may be interconnected to the controller 100 such that the light source 122 is powered to enable data storage and operation. Although not shown, a data writing device may also be included to write new data to player tracking card 59. This device may be a separate component or may be combined with data reading device 128.

Machine type (video, mechanical)
Gaming devices may be installed, for example, in a casino and allow customers of the casino to play one or more games such as poker, blackjack, slots, keno, and bingo. The customer approaches the gaming device and selects a desired game from the games provided to the gaming device. Upon selection of the desired game, the game may appear on the gaming device and be available for play by the customer from this point on.

During the game, the customer may place bets and advance selected games. For example, if a customer is playing slots, a lever may be pulled to spin the reels. The reels may then stop on various symbols, thereby determining the customer's payout for that spin, after which the customer may place another bet and proceed as described above. If the customer selects blackjack or poker, the player may activate the "Card Deal" button to deal cards for each card game. A customer may change bets during a particular hand based on which cards are dealt, may replace cards in a card game, or may request cards. After the exchange and/or request is made, a payout may be determined and the player may place a new bet and play a new hand.

The device may include a gaming device having a housing and a display unit associated with the housing and capable of producing video images. The gaming device may also include a value input device that can allow a player to accumulate value media. Additionally, the gaming device may include a data reader associated with the card reader as well as a card reader with a light source associated with the card reader. The gaming device may include a controller operatively connected to the display unit, the value input device, and the card reader. The controller may have a processor and memory operatively connected to the processor. Furthermore, the controller may be programmed such that after the value input device detects a hoarding of value by a person, the controller allows the person to place a bet and a video image is generated on the display unit.

The video image may represent one game selected from the group of games consisting of video poker, video blackjack, video slots, video keno, and video bingo, and if the game includes video poker, the video image may represent at least five video images. may include images of game cards. Similarly, if the game includes video blackjack, the video image may include images of multiple gaming cards. If the game selected by the player is a video slot, the video image may include images of a plurality of simulated slot machine reels. If the game includes video keno, the video images may include images of multiple keno numbers, or if the game includes video bingo, the video images may include images of a bingo grid. The controller may also be programmed to determine the game outcome represented by the video image and the payout value associated with the game outcome.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of various embodiments of one or more gaming units 20. Although the following description evaluates the design of game unit 20, it should be understood that game unit 30 also has the same design as game unit 20 described below. It is contemplated that the design of one or more of the gaming units 20 may differ from the design of other gaming units 20 and the design of one or more of the gaming units 30 may differ from the design of other gaming units 30. The individual game units 20 may be any type of game unit and may have a variety of different structures and methods of operation. For illustrative purposes, various designs of gaming unit 20 are described below, although it is contemplated that numerous other designs may be utilized.

Referring to FIG. 44, the gaming unit 20 may include a housing or cabinet 54 and one or more input devices, including a coin slot or acceptor 52, a bill acceptor 54, a ticket reader/printer 56, and a card reader. 58 and is used for a variety of purposes, as described in detail below. A value input device may include any device capable of accepting value from a customer. As used herein, the term "value" may include game tokens, coins, banknotes, ticket coupons, credit or debit cards, and any other object representing value.

Ticket Reader If included in the gaming unit 20, the ticket reader/printer 56 may be used to read and/or print or signal ticket coupons 60. The ticket coupon 60 may consist of paper or printable or signalable material and may have one or more of the following information items or game data printed or signalized thereon: name, ticket coupon type, confirmation number, control and/or security data barcode, date and time of ticket coupon issue, payout instructions and restrictions, prize description, and any other information necessary or desired. Different types of ticket coupons 60 are available, such as bonus ticket coupons, cash payout ticket coupons, casino chip ticket coupons, extra game play ticket coupons, merchandise ticket coupons, restaurant ticket coupons, show ticket coupons, etc. Ticket coupon 60 may be printed with an optically readable material such as ink or magnetically signaled as data on ticket coupon 60. Ticket reader/printer 56 may have the ability to both read and print ticket coupons 60, or it may have only the ability to read, print, or signal ticket coupons 60. In the latter case, for example, some of the gaming units 20 may have a ticket printer 56 that may be used to print ticket coupons 60, which may then be used by the player at the ticket reader 56 or elsewhere. It is used in the game unit 20 of.

If provided, the card reader 58 may include any type of card reading device, such as a magnetic card reader or an optical card reader, and may read cards issued by a player, such as a credit card or a player tracking card. may be used to read data from. If provided for player tracking, the card reader 58 reads game data from a player tracking card that can store data representative of the player's identity, the casino's identity, the player's gaming habits, etc. , and/or for writing game data. Card reader 58 may include additional components described in conjunction with FIG. 43.

The gaming unit 20 includes one or more audio speakers 62, a coin payout tray 64, an input control panel 66, and a color video display for displaying images associated with the game or games provided by the gaming unit 20. A display unit 70 may be included. Audio speaker 62 may generate audio representing sounds, such as the spinning noise of slot machine reels, a dealer's voice, music, announcements, or any other audio associated with a casino game. The input control panel 66 may be equipped with a plurality of push buttons or touch sensitive areas that may be pressed by the player to select games, place bets, make game decisions, etc.

Reel Slot Machine A reel spinning slot machine may include a plurality of mechanical rotating reels that are controlled by a processor. When a bet is placed, the processor randomly selects one outcome from a plurality of possible outcomes and spins and stops the reels to display the selected outcome. The selected outcome is represented by a symbol on the reels that is visually associated with the display area. If the selected outcome matches a winning outcome identified in the payout table, the processor instructs the payment mechanism to pay the player for the winning in coins or credits.

In one embodiment, a slot machine includes a CPU and a reel mechanism. The CPU operates the slot machine according to the bet. The reel mechanism includes a motor, a reel with symbols, and a reel driver. The motor includes a rotating shaft, and the reel is attached to the rotating shaft. The reel driver includes a local microcontroller separate from and connected to the CPU. A reel driver is connected to the motor to cause the motor to rotate the reel.

The CPU issues high level commands to the reel driver related to reel rotation. High-level commands include, for example, a start rotation command that starts the rotation of the reels and a stop command that stops the reels at a particular position. However, to free up the CPU for other tasks, the local microprocessor performs low-level reel drive operations related to spinning the reels. Low-level reel drive operations include, for example, sampling reel conditions in real time, performing calculations, and responding to control changes.

Fixed Pool Games Fixed pool games may include games in which a specified amount or prize (a prize with a calculable monetary equivalent) is divided into individually purchasable sets and earnable units, each unit being With a known price, the set also includes purchasable units with no prizes. Thus, once all individually purchasable units are sold out, the total prize amount, prize distribution (ie, number of individual level prizes), and total payout amount are known at the beginning of the game.

Individually purchasable units may be issued and distributed as tickets. Two types of tickets include pull-tab tickets, called pull-tabs, and scratch-off tickets, called scratchers. Pull-tab tickets may be made from a variety of papers consisting of two layers. The first layer may indicate in some form if the purchaser wins, and the second layer may overlay the first layer. The second layer may be adhered to the first layer at three edges to cover the result. A small tab may be provided on the fourth edge to allow the purchaser to pinch the tab. The tab separates the layers when lifted and represents a win if the purchaser wins. The scratcher may use an opaque member that covers a portion of the ticket, with a predetermined outcome indicated on the covered portion. The buyer peels back the opaque material to reveal their victory.

The distribution of the total amount of winnings associated with the price of each individually purchasable unit is determined by those that make up the game. The exact method and calculation of an individual gaming pool will depend on, among other considerations, the target gaming audience (how much to charge per purchased unit, ticket or play), desired return on investment, and pool size. . Tickets (individually purchasable units) are printed and distributed for the entire game and may be organized into decks with different decks sold elsewhere. By purchasing a ticket, a player purchases one individually purchasable unit from the entire ticket or from the game event pool.

This may be referred to as a fixed pool lottery, meaning that there is a fixed pool of tickets (or outcomes) with a predetermined number of winners and losers, and players can participate in the “lottery” to obtain winning outcomes. It means trying your luck and trying your luck by buying a winning ticket from the pool.

Games based on fixed pool draws can be presented in many ways. For example, such a game may be displayed as a poker hand to mimic an actual poker game.

A player may bet an amount to play a game. This corresponds to individually purchasable units (note that different bet amounts participate in different fixed pool draws) for the lottery being used. The game may then obtain random draw results from a central server or a location with several active pools. The results may be sent back to the game machine. A gaming machine may represent the results as a game.

Video Betting Games Video betting games may be set up to mimic table games by adapting the table game rules and cards.

The reference numbers below apply only to FIGS. 45-47 unless otherwise noted.

Gaming Device FIG. 45 illustrates a gaming device according to some embodiments. The gaming device has a cabinet 100 surrounding a video display 102 and a set of standard game play buttons, shown generally as buttons 106. The gaming device includes at least one processor, dynamic memory, non-volatile memory, system support circuitry for proper execution of operating system selections, and interfaces to various player interfaces, such as a play button 106 and a video 102. It may also include internal hardware and software necessary for the gaming device, including I/O connections and interfaces to external network connections, shown as SMIB (slot machine interface board) 108. It may also include software necessary to run a particular game. The interior is not shown. SMIB 108 interfaces with a network connection 110, such as an RGC (Remote Game Controller, not shown). Alternatively, 108 may be an Ethernet connection to an Ethernet-based backbone network 110.

Apparatus for Running on a Communication System FIG. 46 is an apparatus for playing games according to some embodiments. There is a game execution system including a management unit 42, a player register 43, a game unit 45, and a plurality of player units 40-1 to 40-n connected via a communication system 41 such as the Internet. Each unit 40 is generally a personal computer with a display unit and control means (keyboard and mouse).

When a player logs on to the game execution system, unit 40 identifies itself to the management unit. The system maintains player details in a register 43, which includes separate player registers 44-1 to 44-n for all potential players, ie, all members of the system.

Once the player is identified, the player is assigned to a gaming unit 45. The gaming units include player data units 46-1 to 46-6, a dealer unit 47, a control unit 48, and a random distribution unit 49.

Game units 45 can be assigned to up to seven players. As explained, if more than seven system members are logged on at the same time, it is possible for a unit to exist such that several games can be run at the same time. The assignment of player units 40 to player data units 46 may be arbitrary or random, depending on whether player data units 46 or game units 45 are vacant. Each player data unit 46 is loaded from the corresponding player registration unit 44 and contains essentially the same details as the corresponding player unit 40, with mutually updated contents of the player unit and the player data unit. Communicate with player unit 40 to maintain. Additionally, appropriate portions of the contents of other player data units 46 and dealer units 47 are passed to player units 40 for display.

The logic unit 48 of the game unit 45 executes the game unit through the various stages of play, initiates dealing actions, and awaits appropriate responses from the player unit 40. Random deal unit 49 deals cards to dealer unit 47 and player data unit 46 essentially randomly. At the end of a hand, the logic unit sends the result of the hand, ie, win or loss, to the player data unit 46 to inform the player of the player's result. The management unit 42 also captures these results and updates the player registration unit 44 based thereon.

The player unit 40 is adapted to display. The player location is highlighted to identify the player. As play progresses, players select various boxes, place bets on them, etc., and the results of their activities are displayed. When cards are dealt, a series of overlapping card symbols are shown in the bonus box. At the player's option, cards can be shown in a row below the box, and cards to the dealer can be shown as well. At the end of the hand, a message is displayed informing the player of the outcome of the bet, ie, the amount won or lost.

Server-Based Game Execution In various embodiments, gaming devices such as electronically controlled slots, video and similar machines may include a central controller that includes a processor and memory. The central controller provides control of the gaming machine, including presenting one or more games to players present at the gaming machine.

A processor of the game controller may execute code to control the operation of the game console. This code may be stored in the game controller's memory. Control code, including specific game code, may be loaded into memory during manufacturing of the gaming machine.

In various embodiments, it may be desirable to change the control and/or game code associated with a gaming machine controller. For example, an operator may wish to change the "payout table" so that the gaming machine pays out a higher percentage of bets placed. Operators may also wish to update old games to newer, more desirable games.

Various embodiments include a gaming machine code download system and a method of managing or controlling downloading of code to a gaming machine.

Various embodiments include a method of downloading code or data from a remote device to a gaming console. In some embodiments, the method includes storing the gaming console code on the remote device. Once a request for gaming machine code is generated, the request is provided to the remote device. According to some embodiments of the method, upon request, a gaming machine code is transmitted over a communication link from a remote device to a first device of the gaming machine. The game code is processed and all or a portion of the processed game code is provided for use by a gaming machine controller or other second device of the gaming machine.

In various embodiments, the method is practiced in an environment that includes a gaming console, a communications network, and at least one remote device. The gaming machine includes at least one gaming controller adapted to control the gaming machine and includes the purpose of presenting a game on the gaming machine. Preferably, the gaming machine controller includes a processor and memory.

The gaming machine also includes secondary devices. The secondary device may include a player tracking controller. The player tracking controller includes a processor and memory. One or more devices may be associated with the player tracking controller, such as a player tracking card reader and a keypad.

In various embodiments, the player tracking controller includes a communication interface. A communication interface is associated with at least one network. In one embodiment, the network is a player tracking network that includes player tracking hosts. The player tracking host includes memory for storing player information including information regarding the player's play at one or more gaming machines.

In various embodiments, the game code host is associated with a player tracking network. The game code is transferred from the game code host to the game machine via the player tracking network. The transmitted game code is preferably sent to the gaming machine's player tracking controller, which processes the code and sends it to the gaming machine controller.

Various device systems or configurations are contemplated for various embodiments. In some method embodiments, a request for a game code is generated at a gaming device and sent to a game code host. The request may be generated by a gaming machine controller or a player tracking controller/device. For example, in some embodiments, the request is generated by a player tracking controller in response to a player identification performed by the player using a player tracking card at a card reader of a player tracking device of a gaming machine. It's okay to be.

The game code is transmitted from the game code host to the player tracking controller via a network or other communication link. In some embodiments, this link is part of a player tracking network that connects the gaming machine's player tracking device to the player tracking host. In other embodiments, the link is a link that is separate from the link that connects the gaming machine's player tracking device to the player tracking host, such as a wireless communication link to the game code host. The player tracking controller may process the game code in a variety of ways, including storing all or a portion of the game code.

In various embodiments, a request for code is followed by information regarding the priority of the request. The method may include ordering and transmitting the code to the gaming machine at one or more particular times.

Game code may include various information in various ways. For example, the game code may include information used by a gaming machine controller to control or operate one or more gaming machine peripherals, such as a bill validator. A game code may also include a set of codes that enable a gaming machine controller to present a particular game or games to a player.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE The following is incorporated by reference:
U.S. Patent 7,160,187; 7,033,271; 7,077,746; RE38812; 4,283,709; 6,921,337; 5,429,361; 260;7,112,136;5,848,932;6,059,289;6,190,255;6,869,361;4,448,419;6,729,956;7,137,885; 7,128,645;7,137,630;5,823,874;5,848,932;5,393,057;5,560,603;5,769,716;6,048,269;5, 902,983; 5,851,148; 5,911,418; 5,848,932; 6,190,255; 6,089,976; 5,779,544; 5,664,998; 5,560, 603; 6,168,523; 4,837,728; 6,729,956 and U.S. Patent Application Publication 20070026938; 20060183529

Cards Gaming cards have been around for many years. Although there are many types of cards used in many different game types, the most common gaming cards consist of 52 cards, with four different foundations (i.e., spades, spades, etc.) printed or shown on one side of each card. , hearts, diamonds, and clubs). In a standard deck, each of the four foundations consists of 13 cards, with numbers 2 to 10 printed or shown on the face of each individual card, or Ace, King, and Q. Queen) or J (Jack). In this way, each card will contain an indication of the foundation as well as a number or letter indication on its face. Kings, queens, and jacks contain some design on the face of the card and may be called face cards.

In some cases, a standard deck of 52 cards also includes a number of extra cards, which cards may have a use or meaning determined by the particular game being played with the deck; Sometimes called the Joker. For example, if a card game includes a joker and a player receives a joker "in hand," the player may use it as any card in the deck. When the player holds the Ten of Spades, Jack, Queen, and King together with the Joker, the player can use the Joker as the Ace of Spades. The player will thus achieve a royal flush (10 of spades to Ace).

Many different games can be played using a standard deck of gaming cards. A game played with a standard deck of cards may include other items such as a game board, chips, etc., or a game played may require only the gaming card deck itself. In most games played using a standard deck of cards, values are assigned to individual cards. Values may vary for different games.

Typically, card values start with number 2 as the lowest value and increase as the numbers increase up to 10, followed by Jack, Queen, King, and Ace in increasing value. In some games, an ace has less value than a 2, and in games where a particular card has wild or any value, that card has the most value. For example, in a card game where 2 is a wild card, a player with a play card containing a 2 can use that card as any other card, and a 9 and a 2 are two 9s. are equivalent.

Furthermore, the different foundations shown on the four types of cards may have particular values depending on the game. In a game rule where one foundation, spades, has a higher value than another foundation, hearts, the seven of spades has more value than the seven of hearts.

It is easy to imagine that many different games can be run using different card numbers and foundation values. In some games, it is the combination of cards obtained by a player that determines whether the player beats another player or players. Typically, the more difficult a combination is to obtain, the more valuable the combination is, and the player who achieves the more difficult combination (also taking into account the value of the cards) wins the game.

For example, in a poker game, each player ends up receiving five cards. A player who obtains three cards with the same number on a face, namely the 4 of Hearts, the 4 of Diamonds, and the 4 of Clubs, receives two cards of the same number, namely the King of Spades and the King of Hearts. You will end up defeating players who only have enough. However, a player with five cards of all clubs, better known as a flush, will beat a player with three cards of the same type as described above.

In many cases, standard decks of gaming cards are used to create gaming machines. In these gaming machines, players insert coins and play certain card games, such as poker, with a standard deck of cards on a video screen in an attempt to win more money than they originally inserted into the gaming machine. .

Other forms of gambling with cards utilize tables and are known as table games. The table uses a table and a dealer, and the players sit or stand around the table. Players place bets on the table and the dealer deals cards to individual players. The number of cards dealt, or whether the cards are dealt face up or down, will vary depending on the particular table game being played.

Additionally, imitations or depictions of standard gaming cards are utilized in many handheld electronic games, computer games, and Internet games, such as poker and blackjack. Using handheld electronic or computer games that may or may not be connected to the Internet, players receive imitation gaming cards and play card games against the computer or other players. Furthermore, many of these games can be performed on the computer in combination with gambling.

There are many game shows shown on television that use gaming card decks for game play, where the cards are enlarged and displayed on a video screen or monitor for easier viewing. In these television game shows, participants play card games for prizes or money, usually pitting players against each other, with individuals acting as hosts who monitor the action.

There are also lottery tickets that players purchase, and the players play the game by "peeling back" the opaque layer to see if they have won money and prizes. The opaque layer prevents players from peeling off lottery tickets and learning the results before purchase. In some of these lottery tickets, the gaming cards are used under an opaque layer and the player must match a certain number of similar cards to win a prize or money.

Card Game Rules Poker Rules In a basic poker game played with a standard 52 card deck, each player is dealt five cards. All five cards of an individual player are evaluated as one hand with various card combinations such as pairs, three-of-a-kind, straight, etc. Determination as to which combination is superior to other combinations is made with reference to a table containing rankings of combinations. The rankings shown in most tables are based on the odds of individual combinations occurring in the hands of the players. Regardless of the number of cards in a player's hand, the values and odds assigned to the cards and the method for evaluating all five cards in the player's hand are the same.

Poker is a popular skill-based card game in which players with fully or partially hidden cards place bets on a central pot. The pot is awarded to the player or players with the best combination of cards, or to the player who makes a bet that is not called. Poker is also applicable to video poker, a single player game found in casinos much like slot machines, or other games that utilize rankings of poker hands.

Poker is played in many variations, but most follow the same basic play pattern.

The right to deal is generally passed between players and is represented by a "dealer" button or a token called a back. In a casino, a host dealer handles the cards for each hand, while a button (generally a white plastic disc) rotates clockwise between players, directing the nominal dealer to determine the order of bets.

For each hand, one or more players are required to place a forced bet in order to generate an initial wager against which the players compete. The dealer shuffles and shuffles the cards, and the appropriate number of cards are dealt to the players, one at a time. Depending on the variant of poker being played, cards may be dealt either face up or face down. After the initial distribution, the first of several betting rounds begins. During a round, a player's hand progresses in some manner by being dealt additional cards or by replacing previously dealt cards. At the end of each round, all bets are collected into the central pot.

At any point during a betting round, if a player bets, his opponents are required to fold, call, or raise. If one player bets and none of his opponents accepts the bet, the hand ends immediately, the pot is awarded to the bettor, no cards are required to be shown, and the next hand is Start. The ability to win the pot without disclosing your hand allows for deception. Deception is a key feature of poker that distinguishes it from other competitive games and from other games that use rankings of poker hands.

If more than one player remains at the end of the last bet, cards are revealed and players evaluate their hands by opening previously hidden cards. According to the format of poker being played, the player with the strongest hand wins the pot.

The most popular poker variants are:
Draw Poker Each player receives five or more cards in a five-card draw, with all cards hidden. A player may exchange one or more of these cards a certain number of times.
Stud Poker Players receive one card at a time, and some of the cards are revealed to the players at the table. An important difference between stud poker and "draw" poker is that players are not allowed to discard or replace cards.
Community Card Poker Players combine individually dealt cards with several "community cards" that are dealt face up and shared by all players. Two or four cards may be dealt, respectively, as the most popular variants, Texas hold 'em and Omaha hold 'em.

Ranking of Poker Hands Straight Flush A straight flush is a hand such as Q (spade) J (spade) 10 (spade) 9 (spade) 8 (spade) that contains five cards of the same foundation in a row. When there are two such hands, they are compared using the higher ranking cards in a similar way to straights. Low Ace rules apply: 5 (Diamond) 4 (Diamond) 3 (Diamond) 2 (Diamond) A (Diamond) is a 5 high rank flush (also known as Steel Wheel). An A (club) K (club) Q (club) J (club) 10 (club) with an ace of high rank is known as a royal flush and is a standard poker hand (excluding 5 cards of the same type). This is the highest rank.
Example 7 (Heart) 6 (Heart) 5 (Heart) 4 (Heart) 3 (Heart) beats 5 (Club) 4 (Club) 3 (Club) 2 (Club) A (Club) J (Club) 10 ( Club) 9 (Club) 8 (Club) 7 (Club) draws with J (Diamond) 10 (Diamond) 9 (Diamond) 8 (Diamond) 7 (Diamond)

Four-of-a-kind or quads are poker hands such as 9 (Clubs), 9 (Spades), 9 (Diamonds), 9 (Hearts), and J (Hearts), consisting of four cards of one rank and one match. Including cards that do not. A four of a kind ranks above a full house and below a straight flush. Higher ranked odds beat lower ranked ones. Between two equal sets of four of a kind (as can occur in wild card and community card games), the kicker determines the winner.
Example 10 (Club) 10 (Diamond) 10 (Heart) 10 (Spade) 5 (Diamond) (“Four Ten” or “Quad Ten”) is 6 (Diamond) 6 (Heart) 6 (Spade) 6 (Club) K (Spade) ) (“Four Six” or “Quad Six”) 10 (Club) 10 (Diamond) 10 (Heart) 10 (Spade) Q (Spade) (“Four Ten” Queen Kicker) is 10 (Club) 10 (Diamond) ) Beat 10 (Hearts) 10 (Spades) 5 (Diamonds) (“Forten and Five”)

Full House A full house, also known as a boat or a full boat, is a 3 (club) 3 (spade) 3 (diamond) 6 (club) 6 (heart) poker hand with three matching cards of one rank and the other. Contains two cards of matching rank. A full house ranks below four of a kind and above a flush. Between two sets of full houses, the highest ranked set of three cards wins. If two sets have three-card sets of the same rank (as can occur in wild card and community card games), the higher ranked of the pair wins. A full house is formed by three cards of the same type (e.g. Q-Q-Q) and a pair (e.g. 9-9), forming "Queens over nines" (also used to represent a two-pair). , "Queens full of nines" or simply "Queen full".
Example 10 (Spade) 10 (Heart) 10 (Diamond) 4 (Spade) 4 (Diamond) (Tensful) beats 9 (Heart) 9 (Club) 9 (Spade) A (Heart) A (Club) (Ninethful) K (Spade) K (Club) K (Heart) 3 (Diamond) 3 (Spade) (King's Full) beats 3 (Spade) 3 (Heart) 3 (Diamond) K (Spade) K (Diamond) (Three's Full) Q (Heart) Q (Diamond) Q (Club) 8 (Heart) 8 (Club) (Queen's Full of Eights) is Q (Heart) Q (Diamond) Q (Club) 5 (Spade) 5 (Heart) (Queen's Full of Eights) of fives)

Flush A flush is a poker hand such as Q (clubs) 10 (clubs) 7 (clubs) 6 (clubs) 4 (clubs), which are five cards of the same foundation, not consecutive ranks. A flush ranks above a straight and below a full house. The two sets of flushes are compared as if they were hands of high-rank cards. In other words, each highest ranked card is compared to determine the winner, and if both have cards of the same rank, the second highest ranked card is compared, and so on. The type of foundation pile has no value, and a flush with five cards of the same rank results in a draw. A flush is represented by the highest ranked card, such as a "queen-high flush."
Example A (Heart) Q (Heart) 10 (Heart) 5 (Heart) 3 (Heart) (“Ace High Flash”) is K (Heart) Q (Heart) J (Heart) 9 (Heart) 6 (Heart) ( Defeat “King High Flash”) A (Diamond) K (Diamond) 7 (Diamond) 6 (Diamond) 2 (Diamond) (“Flash, Ace King Flash”) is A (Heart) Q (Heart) 10 (Heart) Defeat 5 (Heart) 3 (Heart) (“Flash, Ace Queen Flash”) Q (Heart) 10 (Heart) 9 (Heart) 5 (Heart) 2 (Heart) (“Heart Flash”) is Q (Spade) Draw with 10 (spade) 9 (spade) 5 (spade) 2 (spade) (“spade flush”)

Straight A straight is a poker hand such as Q (Club) J (Spade) 10 (Spade) 9 (Heart) 8 (Heart) that contains five consecutive cards of different ranks from different foundations. Straight ranks above three of a kind and below flush. The two sets of straights are ranked by comparing their high ranking cards. Two sets of straights with the same high-ranking cards are of equal value and separate wins in all cases (straights most often lead to ties in poker, especially in community card games). The highest ranking card is expressed as a "queen-high straight" or "straight to the queen."
Example 8 (club) 7 (club) 6 (heart) 5 (heart) 4 (spade) (“eight-high straight”) is 6 (diamond) 5 (spade) 4 (diamond) 3 (heart) ) beat 2 (club) (“six-high straight”) 8 (club) 7 (club) 6 (heart) 5 (heart) 4 (spade) is 8 (heart) 7 (diamond) 6 (Club) 5 (Club) Draw with 4 (Heart) A hand like A (Club) K (Club) Q (Diamond) J (Spade) 10 (Spade) is an ace high straight, K (Heart) Q (Spade) ) Ranks higher than a king-high straight such as J (Heart) 10 (Heart) 9 (Diamond). Ace is used as occupying the 1 position in a hand such as 5 (spade), 4 (heart), 3 (heart), 2 (spade), A (club), called the wheel or five-high straight, and the six-high straight. (Spade) Ranks lower than 5 (Club) 4 (Club) 3 (Heart) 2 (Heart). Ace cannot be in the middle or occupy both high and low ranks in the same hand: 3 (club) 2 (diamond) A (spade) K (spade) Q (club) is straight Instead, it's just an ace-high no pair.

Three-of-a-kind A three-of-a-kind, also called trips, set or prile, is a poker hand that consists of three cards, such as 2 (diamond), 2 (club), 2 (heart), K (club), and 6 (club). Contains cards of the same rank and two non-matching cards. Three of a kind ranks above two pair and below straight. A higher ranked three of a kind defeats a lower ranked three of a kind. If two hands have three-of-a-kind cards of the same rank (which can occur in games with wild or community cards), the kickers are compared to determine the outcome.
Example 8 (Spade) 8 (Heart) 8 (Diamond) 5 (Spade) 3 (Club) (“Three Eights”) is 5 (Club) 5 (Heart) 5 (Diamond) Q (Diamond) 10 (Club) (“Three Eights”) 8 (Spade) 8 (Heart) 8 (Diamond) A (Club) 2 (Diamond) (“Three Eights, Ace Kicker”) is 8 (Spade) 8 (Heart) 8 (Diamond) 5 (Spade) ) Defeat 3 (Club) (“Three Eights, Five Kicker”)

Two Pair A poker hand such as J (Hearts) J (Clubs) 4 (Clubs) 4 (Spades) 9 (Spades) with two cards of the same rank plus another rank (matching each other but the first It contains two cards (not of the rank of a pair) and is called a two-pair. Two pair ranks above one pair and below three of a kind. For two hands involving two pairs, their respective higher ranked pairs are compared first, and the higher ranked pair wins. If both have the same top pair, then their respective second pairs are compared. Finally, if both hands have the same two pair, the kicker decides the winner. Two pairs are divided into "kings over nines", "kings "Kings and Nines" or simply Kings up.
Example K (Heart) K (Diamond) 2 (Club) 2 (Diamond) J (Heart) (“King’s Up”) is J (Diamond) J (Spade) 10 (Spade) 10 (Club) 9 (Spade) (“ 9 (Clubs) 9 (Diamonds) 7 (Diamonds) 7 (Spades) 6 (Hearts) (“Nines and Sevens”) is 9 (Hearts) 9 (Spades) 5 (Hearts) 5 (Diamonds) Beat K (Club) (“Nine’s and Fives”) 4 (Spade) 4 (Club) 3 (Spade) 3 (Heart) K (Diamond) (“Fours and Threes, King Kicker”) is 4 (Heart) Beat 4 (Diamond) 3 (Diamond) 3 10 (Spade) (“fours and threes with ten”)

One Pair A pair is a poker hand that contains two cards of the same rank and three cards that do not match, such as 4 (Hearts), 4 (Spades), K (Spades), 10 (Diamonds), and 5 (Spades). One pair ranks above any high card, but below any other poker hand. If two hands have pairs of the same rank, the unpaired cards (kickers) of each hand are compared to determine the winner.
Example 10 (Club) 10 (Spade) 6 (Spade) 4 (Heart) 2 (Heart) (“pair of 10”) is 9 (Heart) 9 (Club) A (Heart) Q (Diamond) 10 (Diamond) ( 10 (Heart) 10 (Diamond) J (Diamond) 3 (Heart) 2 (Club) (“10 and Jack Kicker”) is 10 (Club) 10 (Spade) 6 (Spade) 4 (Hearts) 2 (Hearts) (“10 and Six Kicker”) Beat 2 (Diamonds) 2 (Hearts) 8 (Spades) 5 (Clubs) 4 (Clubs) (Juice, 8-5-4) is 2 (Clubs) ) 2 (spade) 8 (club) 5 (heart) 3 (heart) (juice, 8-5-3)

High card A high card or an unpaired hand means that no two cards have the same rank, such as K (Heart), J (Club), 8 (Club), 7 (Diamond), and 3 (Spade). A poker hand in which the five cards are not consecutive and all cards do not belong to the same foundation. High cards can also be used as "nothing" or "garbage" and many other derogatory terms. High cards rank below all other poker hands. If there are two such hands, they are ranked by comparing the highest ranked card, if they are the same, the next highest ranked card is compared, and if they are the same, the third highest ranked card is compared. are compared, and so on. An unpaired hand is represented by a "king high" or "ace-queen high", or as many cards as necessary to settle, using one or two high-ranking cards.
Example A (Diamond) 10 (Diamond) 9 (Spade) 5 (Club) 4 (Club) (“Ace High”) is K (Club) Q (Diamond) J (Club) 8 (Heart) 7 (Heart) (“King”) A (Club) Q (Club) 7 (Diamond) 5 (Heart) 2 (Club) (“Ace-Queen”) is A (Diamond) 10 (Diamond) 9 (Spade) 5 (Club) 4 Beat (Club) (“Ace-Ten”) 7 (Spade) 6 (Club) 5 (Club) 4 (Diamond) 2 (Heart) (“7-6-5-4”) is 7 (Club) 6 ( Defeat Diamond) 5 (Diamond) 3 (Heart) 2 (Club) (“7-6-5-3”)

Deck used as a bug Using the Joker as a bug adds a small amount of variation to the gameplay. When a joker is introduced into a standard poker game, it can function as a fifth ace, or be used as a flush or straight card (although it can also be used as a wild card). Jokers are usually used in casino draw poker variants, and the strongest possible hand is a five-of-a-kind hand, such as A (Hearts), A (Diamonds), A (Clubs), and A (Spades) Joker. .

Caribbean stud rules.
Caribbean Stud (trademark) may be played as follows. The player and the dealer are dealt five cards. If the dealer has a poker hand less than Ace/King, the player automatically wins. If the dealer has a poker hand of an Ace/King combination or higher, the player's or dealer's hand that is higher wins. If a player wins, he may receive additional bonuses based on the poker rank of his hand. Playing commercial games usually requires side bets to enable the chance of a progressive jackpot. In Caribbean Stud (trademark), it is the dealer's hand that decides the outcome. Before a player places a bet, the dealer's hand is partially hidden while the game (usually at most one card) is displayed to the player, so the player can see the player's hand. You must always be aware that with tied ranks you lose to the dealer's hand, and that unless you place a side bet there is no bonus payout, and this usually only applies to hands with a rank of flush or better.

Blackjack rules.
Here we will discuss several versions of blackjack. A blackjack hand is calculated by the total score of the cards in the hand. The hand with the highest total score of 21 or less wins. If the total exceeds 21, it is called a "bust." Cards numbered 2 through 10 have points equal to the number on their face, and face cards (ie, jacks, queens, and kings) are worth 10 points. If the hand is not a bust, an ace is worth 11, but if it is a bust, it is worth 1 point. The player battles the dealer and wins by having a higher total score without exceeding 21. If a player busts, the player loses even if the dealer also busts. If the player and the dealer have a hand with the same score, it is called a "push" and neither party's hand is a win.

When the first bet is placed, the dealer selects a player from a hand-held stack of cards or from a "shoe" that generally includes at least four decks of cards, but typically more. Deal either one or more cards, but usually two. Games in which a deck or decks of cards are handheld are known as "pitch" games. Pitch games are generally not played in casinos. When a game is played with more than one deck, the decks are shuffled simultaneously to make it difficult to remember what has been dealt and what has not been dealt. The dealer deals two cards to the player and to himself. Typically, one of the dealer's two cards is dealt face up for all players to see, and the other is face down. The face-down cards are called "hole cards." In the European variant, after all players have been dealt cards and their hands are formed, the "hole cards" are dealt. The player's cards are dealt face up from the shoe, or face down if it is a pitch game.

A two-card hand with 21 points (eg, an ace and a face card or a 10) automatically wins when a "blackjack" or "natural" is called. In 2003, a casino in Las Vegas began paying out 6:5 on games that typically involve only a single deck, but "natural" players are customarily paid 3:2 of their bets.

The first two cards are dealt to each player and the dealer, and if the dealer is a "natural" and the player is not, the dealer automatically wins. If the player is a "natural" and the dealer is not, the player automatically wins. If both the dealer and the player have a "natural", neither player can win with that hand.

If no one is a "natural", each player plays entirely with his hand, and the dealer plays with his hand when all players are finished.

Typically, playing with a hand involves four possible combinations: "hitting," "standing," "doubling down," or "splitting." Often, another action called "surrendering" is also added. A "hit" is drawing another card. "Stand" means not drawing any more cards. To "double down" is to double your bet, draw exactly one more card, then "stand". When a player has cards of the same value, such as a pair of 8s, the player may "split" by adding bets and play the game as two new hands, each with the first card. I can do it. "Getting off" means giving up your hand, forfeiting half of your bet. Getting off is not an option in most blackjack casino games. If the player "stands," "busts," or "double down," the game ends. If the player "busts", the dealer loses even if the dealer "busts" after that. This is advantageous for the house.

After all players have played games with their hands, the dealer opens the dealer's hole cards and plays games with his own hands. According to house rules (general casino rules), the dealer must draw cards until the total is at least 17 points, regardless of the player's score. In most casinos, the dealer must also draw a "soft" 17 (eg, an ace and a 6). In some casinos, there is a symbol on the felt of the blackjack table that indicates whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17. If the dealer busts, all remaining players win. Bets are typically paid out at odds of 1:1.

There are four variations of the normal rules: one-card split ace, early fall, last fall, and double down restrictions. In the first variant, one card is dealt on top of each ace and the player's turn ends. In the second, the player has the option to exit before the dealer confirms the blackjack. In the third, the player has the option of exiting after the dealer confirms the blackjack. In the fourth, double down is allowed only for certain card combinations.

Insurance.
Insurance is a common betting option that allows players to forestall their bets by betting that the dealer will win their hand. If the dealer's "face up card" is an ace, the player is presented with the option of purchasing insurance before the dealer examines the "hole card." If a player desires insurance, he or she may bet up to half of the original bet. Insurance bets are placed separately in a special area of the table, usually marked with the words "Insurance Payout 2:1." A player purchasing insurance is betting that the dealer's "hole card" will be one of ten values (ie, 10, Jack, Queen, or King). Since the dealer's face-up card is an ace, the player is betting that the dealer is a "natural."

If the player initially bet $10 and the dealer shows an ace, the player can increase his bet by $5 and purchase insurance. Suppose a player purchases $5 of insurance and the player has two cards totaling 19 in his hand. After the insurance period ends (the dealer checks the "natural" before the player plays his hand), if the dealer's hole card is opened and it is a 10, the player receives the original $10. You lose the bet, but the $5 insurance bet wins at odds of 2:1, which offsets the $10 win. In the same situation, if the dealer's hole card is not a 10 point one, the player simply loses the $5 insurance bet. However, if the player chooses to stand on 19, and the dealer's hand totals less than 19 at the end of the dealer's turn, the player wins the initial $10 and has an overall profit of $5. . In the same situation, if the dealer's hole card does not have a value of 10, the player again immediately loses the $5 insurance bet, and if the dealer's hand exceeds the player's at the end of both turns. For example, if a player stands at 19 and the dealer stands at 20 that turn, the player loses both the original $10 bet and the $5 insurance bet.

Basic strategy.
Blackjack players can increase their expected winnings by several means, one of which is "basic strategy." ``Basic strategy'' simply exists as a general matter and is not officially sanctioned. "Basic Strategy" determines when to hit or stand, as well as when to double down or split to the best hand. The basic strategy is based on the player's point total and the dealer's displayed cards. Under some conditions (such as playing with a single deck according to the Las Vegas Downtown rules), the house advantage over players using basic strategy is only 0.16%. Casinos that offer options such as surrender and double-after-split may give a statistical advantage to players who use basic strategies, but instead allow players to make mistakes that give them an advantage in the house. You can count on that.

A number of optional rules can also provide benefits to advanced players, such as: Double down is allowed for any two cards in your hand other than naturals. Admit a “double down” after a split. Allows early surrender (forfeiting half the bet on a face up card or face up ace before the dealer confirms the blackjack). Allow late surrender. Ace re-splitting (split immediately after the player has two or more cards in hand and the second ace is dealt) is allowed. Allow the split ace to draw one or more cards. Even if there are 5 or more cards in total, if the number does not exceed 21, the player automatically wins (referred to as "Charlies").

There may also be optional rules that may be detrimental to advanced players. For example, in the following case. A "natural" pays out less than 3:2 (for example, a "natural" pays out 6:5 in Las Vegas Strip Single Deck Blackjack). You can only split the cards in your hand once (you can re-split cards other than Aces). Prohibit double down for a certain whole (for example, 9, 11 or 10, 11). Ace cannot be re-split. In the case of "no peek" (or European) blackjack rules, a player who splits his hand or "double down" against the dealer with a "natural" hand loses (if the player makes his own hand). (The dealer does not confirm this automatically winning hand until you play.) In a state where neither the player nor the dealer wins, and the player holds the original bet, the player loses the same amount (tie) with the dealer without making the game a tie (push).

card counting.
Unlike some other casino games, in blackjack, a single play removes a card from the deck with a hand without affecting any subsequent plays. As cards are removed from the deck, the probability of each remaining card being dealt changes (distributing identical cards becomes impossible). If the ratio of remaining cards to cards with a value of 10 and aces increases, the player will be dealt a natural, which will be advantageous to the player (if the dealer is a natural, the dealer wins the entire amount) , on the other hand, when the player is natural, the odds are 3:2). If the proportion of cards with low values such as 4, 5, 6, etc. increases among the remaining cards, it will be easier for the player to bust, and the dealer will have an advantage (if the player busts, the dealer will bust later). (because the dealer also wins).

The house advantage in blackjack is initially relatively low. By keeping track of which cards have been dealt, players can increase their bets by increasing their bets when the proportion of 10-value cards increases, and by placing bets at a fixed amount when the proportion of low-value cards increases. You can use the ratio change of cards. Over time, a deck often becomes more unfavorable than favorable to a player, but by adjusting the bet amount, a player's inherent disadvantages can be overcome. The player can also use the information to refine the basic strategy. For example, if the dealer's face-up card is 10 and the basic strategy is to declare a hit at 16, but if the player knows that the deck is biased toward cards with low values, the odds are may be modified to advantage.

There are many card counting mechanisms, but all depend on the player's ability to remember the short or detailed tally of cards played. The more detailed the tally, the more accurate it will be, but the more difficult it will be to remember. Card counting is not illegal, but if a casino discovers someone who successfully counts cards, they will remove or banish you.

Shuffle tracking is a more subtle and difficult method of attempting to shift the odds to a player's preferences. A player attempts to keep track of a group of cards while playing a multi-deck shoe, follows the group of cards during shuffling, looks for the same group to reappear from a new shoe, and plays and bets accordingly.

Tracking activity at the table.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,181 generally describes a system for "automatically monitoring play and gaming wagers. In one illustrated embodiment, the system detects the first card from a deck. is equipped with a card deck reader that automatically reads the respective symbol on each card before it is removed.The symbol identifies the value of the card in terms of rank and suit and may be a barcode, area or matrix code, stack code, etc. In another aspect, the system does not decode the read symbols until each card is dealt, to ensure security.

“In another aspect, the system can include a chip tray reader that automatically images the contents of the chip tray. The system measures the number and value of chips in the chip tray from the image; Compare changes in the contents of the chip tray to the results of game play to ensure that the proper amount has been paid out and collected.

“In a further aspect, the system can include a table monitor that automatically images actions or events occurring at the gaming table. Periodically compares the appearance, movement, and position of cards and other objects on the gaming table. The table monitoring system can be placed unobtrusively within the chip tray."

U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,181 generally discloses a drop box that "automatically verifies the amount and authenticity of deposits and reconciles deposits with changes in the contents of a tip tray. It is possible to image different parts of the deposited object, selecting appropriate lighting and resolution to identify the asset features in the deposited object.

“In a separate monitoring mode, the system may use some or all of the components to monitor the gaming habits of players and the performance of employees. It is possible to detect betting patterns. The system is also capable of checking the winning/losing percentages of players and dealers, as well as other statistically relevant measurements. Such Measurement can provide casinos or other gaming establishments with strong automated security and automated real-time financial reporting. Additionally, measurement provides the basis for automatically allocating preferential benefits to players. can do."

Various embodiments include devices, methods, and systems that utilize a card dispensing shoe with a scanner and associated software, which preferably allows a computer program to determine the number of participating player seats or the number of participating players for each dealer. from a card dispensing shoe having a scanner placed on the gaming table to identify, including the location of, the play in progress at that gaming table during each round of the game in which cards are dealt from the shoe; Allows the card dealer to use one or more keyboards and/or LCD displays connected to the shoe when the game is dealt and the 21 game evaluated by the software is played. These keyboards and/or LCD displays are also used to enter other data relating to each sheet or player's betting and/or decision strategy for each of the hands played. These data are analyzed in a real-time period by computer software designed to evaluate the strategy decisions and betting abilities of the casino 21 or the players playing the game of blackjack. The evaluation software is connected to a central processing unit (CPU) or to a host computer that is also connected to the shoe's keyboard and LCD display. The dealer shall use one or more keyboards attached to or attached to the shoe, or placed in the vicinity of the dealer, to accurately determine the accuracy of each hand played by each player in the game to be evaluated. You can see and record your bet amount. An optical scanner connected to the CPU reads the value of each card dealt to each player's hand and the dealer's hand as each card is dealt to a particular hand, seat, or location, and reads the value of each card dealt to each player's hand and the dealer's hand from the shoe. The game card value of each card dealt to the player and dealer is converted to a card counting system value for one or more card counting systems programmed into the evaluation software. As hit cards are removed from the shoe, the CPU also records each player's decision to hit a hand and the dealer's decision to hit or draw another card when required by the game rules. The dealer uses one or more keyboards and LCD displays attached to the shoe to record each player's decision as a hand insure, surrender, double down, or split. When the dealer's face-up card is an ace or a 10, the dealer's second card or the face-down dealt hole card is scanned and these game card values are introduced into the computer system's software. Therefore, using one or more keyboards, you can tell whether your game card or hand total is "21" or two cards that make "Blackjack" by one or more shoe LCDs. The computer system software may be prompted to notify the dealer immediately.

In various embodiments, a card gaming system for playing a card game that includes a card dispensing shoe device for dispensing gaming cards to at least one player for playing the card game includes a card dispensing shoe device for distributing gaming cards to at least one player for playing the card game. housing means having a chute for supporting at least one deck of game cards to allow for the movement of one card at a time, the housing means having a chute for supporting at least one deck of game cards during play of the card game; housing means having an exit opening for enabling movement out of the means; and a housing for scanning visual features on each gaming card as each gaming card moves out of a chute of the housing means. card scanning means located within the means and information to each player receiving a gaming card and the value of the received gaming card for identifying each gaming card received by each player from the shoe; means for receiving the output of the card scanning means and coupled to the card feeding shoe device for evaluating the value with information for the playing strategy used by the player and for linking all of this information identifying the playing strategy of each player; , in combination with a gaming table having at least one keypad means thereon for allowing at least one player to select bets on various card gaming options.

In various embodiments, a card gaming system for playing a card game that includes a card dispensing shoe device for use in distributing gaming cards to at least one player is configured to move gaming cards one at a time through a chute. housing means having a chute for supporting at least one deck of gaming cards, the housing means being capable of moving the gaming cards of the deck one by one out of the housing means during playing of the card game; a housing means having an exit opening for displacing the housing means; and a card scanning device located within the housing means for scanning visual features on each gaming card as each gaming card moves out of the chute of the housing means. means and information to each player receiving a gaming card to identify the respective gaming card received by each player from the card shoe device and information for each player who has previously played a card dealt from the card shoe device. means for receiving the output of the card scanning means for evaluating the value with information of the betting strategy used by the player and for linking all of this information identifying the card counting strategy of each player; In combination, it includes a gaming table coupled to the device and having at least one keypad means thereon for allowing at least one player to select bets on at least one of various card gaming options.

In various embodiments, a card gaming system for playing a card game that includes a card dispensing shoe device for dispensing gaming cards to at least one player for playing the card game includes a card dispensing shoe device for distributing gaming cards to at least one player for playing the card game. housing means having a chute for supporting at least one deck of game cards to allow for the movement of one card at a time, the housing means having a chute for supporting at least one deck of game cards during play of the card game; housing means having an exit opening for enabling movement out of the means; and a housing for scanning visual features on each gaming card as each gaming card moves out of a chute of the housing means. Card scanning means located within the means and information for each player receiving a gaming card and the value of the received gaming card for identifying each gaming card received by each player from the shoe device. to combine the use of all the information identifying each player's playing strategy, and to evaluate the value with information on the playing strategy used by the player, and to combine the use of all the information previously dealt from the card distribution shoe to yield information on card counting. means for receiving the output of the card scanning means, coupled to the card supply shoe device, and at least It includes, in combination, a gaming table having at least one keypad means thereon for allowing a single player to select bets on at least one of various card gaming options.

In various embodiments, a security gaming table system is applied to multiple sites under central control, allowing for monitoring of moves in a progressive live card game. A live card game has at least one deck, and each deck has a predetermined number of cards. Each table game in the system has multiple player positions, with or without a player at each position, and with or without a dealer at the dealer position.

In one embodiment, a common identification code is placed on each card of each deck to provide further security. Each deck has a different common identification code. A shuffler is used to shuffle the deck together, and the shuffler has circuitry to count cards from the previous hand into which the shuffler was inserted to shuffle. The shuffler circuit counts each card inserted and reads the common identification code on each card. The shuffler circuit issues a signal corresponding to the count and the read common identification code. A game controller (e.g., computer) located at each table receives this signal from the shuffler circuit and indicates that no cards have been drawn or replaced by new cards from the player's (or dealer's) hand. Make sure that. If the count is incorrect, or if the game card has no identification code or the identification codes do not match, a new deck of cards must be used and a warning signal is generated that a game security breach may have occurred. be done.

In yet another security embodiment, a unique code, such as a barcode, is placed on each card, and as each card is dealt from the shoe by the dealer, a detector reads the code and registers each card dealt into the hand. A signal including at least a value and a suit is issued to the game controller. The detector may also read the common identification deck code and issue it as a signal to the game controller. The shoe may have an optical scanner to generate this image as each card is dealt from the shoe into the hand by the Durer. The game controller may store this information in memory so that a history of each card dealt from the shoe to the hand is recorded.

In yet another security embodiment, an integrated shuffler/shoe captures an optical image of each card dealt into the hand from the shoe and each card inserted into the shuffler after handcrafting. These images are sent to the game controller where the images are counted and compared. A warning is raised when irregular counts or comparisons occur. A shuffler and shoe are integrated to provide security between the two units.

In another embodiment of security for live card games, a game bet sensor is placed near each of a plurality of player positions to detect the presence of a game bet, the game bet sensor counts deposited tokens. give a signal to do so. The game bet sensors at some player positions have no bets, so it is generally not possible for the game controller receiving the signal to identify which player positions have game bets placed. be. This information is stored in memory and becomes part of the game's history.

In another security embodiment, a progressive bet sensor is placed at each of the plurality of player locations to detect the presence of a progressive bet. The progressive bet sensor provides a signal that is received by the game controller, which records in memory the progressive bet being placed at each detected player position. If a progressive bet is detected and there is no game bet, the game controller issues a warning signal indicating an incorrect bet. At this point, the game controller knows the identity of each player position where a game bet was placed and which of the player positions that have a game bet placed also have a progressive bet. ing. This is stored in memory as part of the hand history.

In yet another security embodiment, card sensors are placed near each player and dealer location. The card sensor issues a signal for each card received by the card sensor. The game controller receives this emitted signal and correlates the received card with the player position where the game bet was placed. In the event that a player position with no game bet receives a card, or a player position with a game bet receives a card out of sequence, the game controller issues a warning. This information is added to the game history in memory, which includes the value and suit of each card with a game bet applied to each player position.

Each gaming table may be provided with a progressive jackpot screen that may display one or more progressive jackpot prizes for one or more winning card combinations. In various embodiments, the game controller at each table stores in memory the winning combinations required to win a progressive jackpot. Because the game controller accurately stores the suit and value of each card received from a particular player location, the game controller can automatically detect winning combinations and signal winnings for that player location. is possible. Thus, the dealer can confirm that the player at that position actually has the correct combination of cards. The game controller continuously updates the central controller, which is interconnected to all other game tables, so that if desired, the central controller updates all game tables, including the names of the winners and winning amounts. will be notified of this prize.

The central controller is in continuous communication with each game controller, and the associated progressive jackpot display may receive all or part of the information stored in each game controller through the communication link.

Various embodiments include a card shoe having a device for automatically recognizing and tracking the value of game cards that are withdrawn from the card shoe in a face down position.

Various embodiments include a gaming table having a device that automatically recognizes played or unplayed hands and thus must understand the use of multiple bets and insurance lines for each hand. . Additionally, the gaming table includes equipment that automatically recognizes the value of cards placed in front of each player and the dealer.

Various embodiments include recognizing, tracking, and storing game chips. In various embodiments, an electronic data processing (EDP) program may process all bet values and associated insurance lines for each hand and control the distribution of cards to each player and dealer, respectively. The overall score of the hand and the dealer's hand may be calculated and compared, and the player's winnings may be evaluated.

Therefore, the game data may be processed by the EDP program and displayed simultaneously with the actual game on a special monitor or display. The same data may be recalled again at a later time to monitor the overall results, if necessary.

Various embodiments include:
A game table and a game table cloth placed on the game table, the game table cloth having a designated area for placing betting hands and game chips, and another designated area for placing game cards. and;
A card shoe for storing one or more decks of game cards, the card shoe being placed face down so that the printing of card values on the cards drawn is not visible to players of games of chance. comprising a means for drawing an individual one of the game cards;
card recognition means for recognizing the printing of the card value on the card drawn from the card shoe, the card recognition means being installed in the card shoe;
A possession detection unit comprising means for recognizing a count of game chips placed on a designated area on a tablecloth and a count of game cards placed on another designated area, the possession detection unit comprising: comprising a plurality of single detectors located below and respectively assigned to respective betting boxes for card playing and areas for chips;
a game bet detector for automatic recognition or manual entry of game bets; and
Means for evaluating games of chance according to the rules of games of chance, means for storing playing results of games of chance, progress of games of chance and game bet detectors, ownership detection units and a computer having means for displaying results from electronic signal input from the card recognition means.

According to various embodiments, the card recognition means comprises: an optical window disposed along the travel path of the card image print on the gaming card drawn from the card shoe; a pulsed light source for illuminating the position of the gaming card; a CCD image transducer for the portion of the drawn card located opposite the optical window; and a CCD image transducer for the portion of the drawn card located opposite the optical window; the drawn card being in the correct draw position exactly opposite the optical window. sometimes an optical device for detecting the printing of a card value from a drawn gaming card and transmitting a reflected image from a portion of the drawn card to a CCD image converter; detecting movement of the drawn card; and sensor means for providing the correct timing for operating the pulsed light source to transfer the reflected image to the CCD image converter. The optical device for redirecting the reflected image may also include a mirror arranged to bend the reflected image onto the CCD image converter. Alternatively, the optical device for reorienting and transmitting the reflected image comprises a reflective optical prism comprising two planes arranged at right angles to each other, one surface on the optical window and the other surface facing the CCD image converter. a mirror, and a pulsed light source is placed on the surface of the latter to illuminate the drawn card when it is positioned over the optical window. Preferably, the sensor means for detecting the movement of the drawn card and providing the correct timing detects the tip of the drawn card to determine whether the drawn card is being drawn. , a single sensor, preferably a pressure sensor or a photoelectric threshold device, for activating the CCD image transducer and the pulsed light source when the trailing edge of the drawn card passes the sensor means. include. Alternatively, the sensor means may include two electro-optic sensors, one located remote from the travel path of the card image print on the drawn gaming card and the other located far from the travel path of the card image print on the drawn gaming card. Located within the route. The latter electro-optical sensor may also be provided with means for activating the pulsed light source by detecting a color trigger when the card value print passes over the optical window. In a preferred embodiment of the card shoe, the pulsed light source includes a xenon lamp. In various embodiments of the gaming device, each of the single detectors of the possession detection unit includes a light detection sensor for detecting chips or gaming cards arranged on a tablecloth on each of the single detectors. . Each of the single detectors is an infrared detection photodiode, preferably a silicon photodiode. Preferably, a single detector can be arranged in the ownership detection unit such that the chips or gaming cards placed above them on the tablecloth line up above at least two detectors.

The gaming device includes automatic means for distinguishing between colored marks or areas on the chips and generating a bet output signal that matches the colored marks or areas and the number of chips having the same colored marks or areas. Good too.

The game bet detector includes chips for bets of various values in a game of chance and means for generating bet output signals corresponding to the various values of the chips when the chips are bet by a player. Automatic means for differentiation may be provided. In various embodiments, the game bet detector comprises a radio frequency transmitting/receiving station, and the chips are each provided with a transponder responsive to the transmitting/receiving station, and the transponder transmits the value of the bet chip back to the transmitting/receiving station.

The connection between each unit of gaming equipment and the computer is either a wireless connection or a wired connection.

Bet tracking.
Various embodiments include a miniature card dispensing shoe that reads the suit and rank of each card before it is distributed to the various locations where cards are dealt in the playing of a casino table card game. Next, cards are dealt to required card positions according to the rules of the game. Different games, in various embodiments, have different card distribution positions, numbers of cards, and dispensing sequences that the system expects to recognize as a hand. For example, in blackjack, a highly complex card distribution game, cards are typically dealt one at a time to each player's position and then to the dealer's position in a one-at-a-time sequence around the table. The one-card-at-a-time feeding sequence is repeated again so that each player's position and the dealer's position have exactly two cards in their starting hand. Handcrafting introduces complexity because the player is essentially unlimited in terms of additional cards unless the value of the numbers in the hand exceeds 21. The player may stand with a hand of 2 (two aces), or hit to make 21 if he wants, so knowledge of hand calculation does not guarantee what the player will do. On the other hand, the dealer is required to strictly follow the house rules for playing this game regarding the value of the dealer's hand. There may be slight differences in whether or not a hit on a "soft" 17 (for example, an ace and a 6) is allowed or disallowed, but the rules are nevertheless very precise and allow both the house and the dealer to adjust their strategies. I can't try it.

In other card games, the same number of cards may be dealt separately. For example, in a modified stud poker game played against a dealer, a hand of five cards is typically dealt, five at a time, to each player position and, if the dealer is the opponent, to the dealer position. This hand dealing is quite simple since each sequence of five cards removed from the dealer's shoe is a hand.

Other games may require cards to be dealt to players and other cards discarded or dealt to a common card area. The system may be programmed to incorporate this option if desired.

In the card dealing sequence, baccarat is similar to blackjack, but the rules regarding when a hit is made by the player and the dealer are more rigid, with a maximum of one card that may be taken as a hit at each position. Hand identification systems according to various embodiments can handle the need to identify hands in each of these games, but in particular must be able to identify hands in the most complex situation, blackjack. Must be.

In various embodiments, if a camera is used to read the card, the light receiving system may be any image capture system, digital or analog, capable of identifying the suit and rank of the card.

In various embodiments, the first step of operation is to supply a set of cards to the smart supply shoe, where the cards are those that are to be used in playing a casino table card game. A set of cards (usually one or more decks) is removed from a shuffler or shuffled by hand and is supplied in an already jumbled set. A smart feed shoe is described in U.S. patent application Ser. Some feeding systems or shoes with reading capabilities are described in U.S. Pat. , No. 6039650, and No. 6126166, but are not limited thereto. In various embodiments, cards are read in a smart card supply shoe that sequentially delivers one card at a time. In order to read the cards by means of edge marks or special codes (such as US Pat. No. 6,460,848), special encodings or markings of the cards are required. In this manner, the entire sequence of a set of cards may be measured continuously and stored in memory. The memory may reside at least in part of the smart card dispensing shoe, but communication with the central processing unit is possible. Therefore, the sequences may also be stored within the central processing unit, or only there.

In various embodiments, cards are then dealt from a smart card supply shoe, and the supply shoe registers how many cards are looked at at one time. This may be done in accordance with the above-mentioned US patent application Ser. No. 20/622,321, which supplies one card at a time to the dealer's removal area, so that only one card may be removed by the dealer. As each card is removed, a signal is generated indicating that a particular card (rank and suit) has been dealt. The computer and system only knows that the first card was dealt and assumes that it went to the primary player. The remaining cards are dealt to the player and dealer. In some games (e.g. stud poker), it is known that a certain number of cards are dealt to each position, and the shoe is programmed with the number of players at any given time, so the hand is Even the former can be related to each other. If Shu is playing stud poker and each player and the dealer are drawing three cards (Three Card Poker™), the system will predict in advance what each player and dealer's hand will be. You may know. It is also possible to make the signal available when the dealer receives his first card (e.g. when cards are dealt one at a time, one after the other) or receives his entire hand. . The signal may be utilized to automatically count the number of valid player positions on the table at any given time. For example, if the dealer receives the sixth card in a blackjack hand, the system may immediately know that there are five players at the table. Signals can be generated manually (pressing a button on the dealer position or smart card supply shoe) or automatically (a card presence sensor at the dealer position can generate a signal if there is a card on the sensor). It is also possible. When a signal is automatically generated by a sensor, physical protection of the sensor may be provided, such as a shield to prevent accidental contact with the sensor or obstructions to the sensor. An L-shaped cover may be used to slide the card under an L-shaped arm parallel to the table surface and over the sensor under the L-shaped branch. It is also possible to issue a signal indicating the number of players again after all the cards for handcrafting have been dealt. For example, when the dealer's two cards slide under the L-shaped cover and block or touch the sensor, the system may know the number of cards dealt in the hand (e.g., 10 cards). , we may know that the dealer has 2 cards, so the players have 8 cards, and since each player has 2 cards, there are 4 cards on the table. It may be determined that there are three valid player positions (10-2=8, so there are 8/2=4 players). This automatic determination is an alternative to having the dealer manually enter the number of players at each table, or having to manually change the display of the number of players at the table each time there is a change in the number of players at the table. It may be useful as a.

Once the distribution to all valid positions is complete, the system may know what cards are initially present in each player's hand, the dealer's hand, and any flop or community cards. System operation may be simple when the casino table card supply runs out of cards. That is, all moves are known and all outcomes may be predicted. For a game of blackjack, steps are taken to complete the addition of cards.

After dealing the initial set of two cards to each hand, the system may not immediately know where each of the remaining cards will be dealt. However, the system may know which cards will be dealt. Using this knowledge and the identification of a later discarded hand, matching or verification of the hand and card from the smart card supply shoe is also possible. Each hand is already identified by the presence of two specifically known cards. Therefore, hands are played according to the rules of the game, and when a hand is no longer played, the hand is discarded. The next time you run out of resources. 1) Blackjack was played, payment was made in hand, and the card was cleared. 2) The hand is broken by more than 21, the card is cleared, and/or one round of the game is played to the end, the dealer's hand is finished, all bets are settled, and the card is cleared. . Typically, cards are retrieved from the table in a precise order so that the casino can manually verify hand matching. Typically, cards are cleared from the dealer's right to left, with the cards in each position including the first card on the bottom, the second card on top of the first, and the third card on top of the second card. Contains the order in which the cards are dealt, etc., and the first two cards form the anchor, focus, base, fence, end point or set edge for each hand, so maintaining the order or approximating the order It is important to keep For example, we know that the third player position received the 10 of hearts (10H) and the 9 of spades (9S) as the first two cards, and the fourth player position received the 8 of diamonds (8D) and the club. If we find that we have received a 3 (3C), the two hand edges or anchors are 9S/10H and 8D/3C. At the end of the game, the hands are wiped out, the cards are sent to the smart discard rack (see, e.g., U.S. patent application Ser. /10H has not yet run out of hands (e.g. collapsed or busted) and the swept cards include 9S, 10H, 8S, 8D and 3C (as read by the smart discard rack), the processor The final moves for the 3rd and 4th player positions are 3rd hand with a count of 19 (9S and 10D) and 4th player with a count of 19 (8D and 3C, originally 8S). ). The software analysis specifically identifies a fourth hand with a count of 19, containing the particular card read by the smart discard shoe. The information read from the now exhausted hand is compared to the original information collected from the smart supply shoe. Information from the smart supply shoe can be combined with information from the smart discard rack to confirm hands at each position even if the cards are not distributed evenly (for example, if player 1 hits two cards and Takes 4 cards, player 2 hits 3 cards and takes 5 cards in total, player 3 does not hit and takes 2 cards in total, player 4 hits 1 card. and the dealer hits two cards, taking a total of 4 cards, etc.).

The dealer's cards may be equally subject to analysis in a number of different formats. A signal may be easily and imperceptibly generated that after the last card has been dealt to the last player, the dealer's hand will be immediately valid, including the possibility of a hit. For example, cards are removed from beneath the L-shaped protective bridge using the above-described sensors to detect the presence of the first dealer's card or the completion of the dealer's hand. This type of move is usually made in blackjack when the dealer reveals at most one card and one face down. In this case, the natural movement is to remove the hole card from above the sensor on the underside of the L-shaped cover to display it, and then expose it to the sensor. This allows the dealer's hand to send a signal to the central processor that it will receive all additional cards during that round of the game. At this point, the system knows the original two cards in the dealer's hand, the next sequence of cards, and the rules the dealer must play. The system knows what cards the dealer will receive and what the final total of the dealer's hand will be since there is no freedom in decisions or moves in the game of the dealer's hand. When the dealer's hand is placed into the smart discard rack, the discard rack already has the details of the dealer's hand, even though it is not necessary to use the first two cards as an anchor or base for the dealer's hand. In some embodiments, cards may be handled in this manner.

A smart discard rack occurs when cards are swept from the table, the dealer's hand, and then the player's hand from right to left (as viewed from the dealer's position, or vice versa depending on the style of play at the house). Reading the shoes, identifying the anchors of each hand, and knowing that any wiped hand cannot exceed a count of 21 at the end, the computer identifies each hand and combines this with the original data from the smart supply shoe. Check the match. This allows the system to identify each hand played and provides system assurance that the hand was played fairly and accurately.

A number of events can occur if the system misses a match check. Signals can be sent directly to the dealer's location, pit area, or security zone, and the cards are examined to determine the nature and cause of the error and, if necessary, examine individual cards. Dealer efficiency, dealer win/loss events, player efficiency, player win/loss events, player statistical behavior, unusual playing strategies, or meaningful playing strategies (e.g., card When hand and card data are used for various statistical purposes, such as evaluating hand counting (to show off counting), the system saves particular hands in a "dump" file to It may not be used for statistical analysis, to ensure that the maximum benefit of the analysis is not compromised by erroneous or voluminous data.

Various embodiments may include a data stamp (actual date and time defining sequence, with some concept of identification of the sequence identifier, including the possibility of being unique) on each card dealt. The date stamp may also be replaced with a particular sequence stamp or marking, such as a particular hand number, a particular table, a particular casino, a particular number of players, etc. The records show various indications in the central computer storage memory of Lucky 777 Casino: "Aug. 19, 1995, 8:12:17 a.m., Table 3, position 3, hand 7S/4D/9S" Or, something can be displayed simply by an alphanumeric code such as "L7C-819-95-3-3-073-7S/4D/9S (073 is the 73rd hand dealt)". Such a date stamp on the hand or even on the card in memory can be used to enhance hand identification, as an analytical retrieval tool for security,

FIG. 47 shows a block diagram of components for the hand reading system of Table 4, including a smart card read supply shoe 8 having an output 14 and a smart card read discard rack 12 having an output 18. Player position 6 is illustrated, and dealer hand position sensor 10 without output port 16 is also shown.

The use of a discard rack that is operative to automatically match hands that are returned to the discard rack in a random order (eg, blackjack or bust) is preferred in some embodiments. The software described above can be programmed to recognize hands drawn out of order, based on knowledge of the anchor cards (the first two cards) that are known to have been dealt in a particular hand. I can do it. For example, when a blackjack is dealt in the 3 position, the software confirms this by removing a hand and sending a third hand into the smart card discard tray, and the 3 position is essentially to be ignored in future hand solutions. More importantly, for example, when the anchor card at the secondary player position is 9S/5C and an exhausted move of 8D/9S/5C is placed in the smart discard rack, this move is It will be recognized as a move from the next player's position. If two identical cards happen to be dealt during the same round of play, the software (which knows all the hands) will automatically place cards in the smart discard rack to more carefully position the location of the exhausted hand. It simply changes to specifically check the final card order that is placed in the card. This is simply an implementation of recognition software once the concept is understood.

If the step of removing cards by a sensor or other initialized signal from the dealer identifies that all further cards go to the dealer, demarcation of the game between rounds and the dealer's hand and the end of one round of play. may be useful for identifying When the dealer's cards are cast and read in the smart discard rack, the central computer knows that another round of play will occur, the subsequent sequence is a new round, and the entire analysis cycle is restarted. A symbol or note is established.

The discard rack indicates that a completed hand has been discarded by the absence of additional cards in the supply tray within the discard rack. When the cards are wiped out due to an early exhausted hand (blackjack or break), one card at a time is retrieved and inserted one at a time into the smart discard rack. When the supply tray in the smart dispenser rack is empty, the system understands that a completed hand has been identified and can match that particular hand with information from the smart supply shoe. The system can also interface with supply strategy analysis software programs such as the SMI licensed Bloodhound™ analysis program.

Various embodiments include a casino or cardroom game modified to include a progressive jackpot component. For example, while playing 21 games, in addition to this normal bet, the player has the option of making an additional bet that becomes part of a progressive jackpot and qualifies the player to win. If a player's 21 game hand includes a particular predetermined configuration of cards, the player wins all or a portion of the amount displayed on the progressive jackpot. This progressive jackpot feature also applies to any other casino or cardroom game such as Draw Poker, Stud Poker, Lowball Poker, or Caribbean Stud Poker(TM). Various embodiments include a gaming table with the addition of a coin acceptor electrically connected to a progressive jackpot meter, such as for 21 games or poker games. When a player inserts a coin into the coin acceptor, a light is activated at the player's location to indicate that the player is participating in the progressive jackpot component of the game during the player's hand. At the same time, a signal from the coin acceptor is sent to the progressive meter to increment the amount displayed on the progressive meter. When each hand is played, the coin acceptor is reset for the next hand. If the player wins all or part of the progressive jackpot, the amount displayed on the progressive jackpot meter is reduced by the amount the player won. Any number of gaming tables can be connected to a single progressive jackpot meter.

card shuffler.
Various embodiments include a card shuffler that includes a card mixer for receiving cards for shuffling within first and second trays. Sensors detect the presence of cards in these trays and automatically initiate a shuffling operation in which the cards are transported from the trays to a card mixer, which randomly interleaves the cards to be fed into the mixing mechanism. and place the interleaved cards in the vertically arranged card compartments.

A carriage supporting the ejector is moved vertically back and forth by a reversible linear driver to constantly move the card ejector along the card receiving compartment. The reversible linear drive is preferably activated upon activation of the mixing means and operates simultaneously with, but independently of, the mixing means. Once the shuffle operation is complete, this deactivates the linear drive and randomly positions the card ejector at a vertical location along the card receiving compartment.

A sensor positioned within the card receiving compartment determines that the card stack has reached at least a predetermined vertical position. If, after the card ejector has stopped, the in-compartment sensor determines that the card pile has reached at least the aforementioned predetermined height, a mechanism including a motor drive is activated to eject the cards in the pile. Then, the wedge-shaped ejector is moved into the card-receiving compartment, and the selected group is determined at the vertical position reached by the wedge-shaped card ejector.

In various embodiments, a card ejector pushes a group of cards engaged outside the ejector through the front open end of the compartment, disengaging the group of cards from the remaining stack of cards, although complete ejection from the stack is sufficient. not.

When the end of the ejecting process is detected by the microswitch, the card ejector is withdrawn from the card compartment and immediately returns to its initial position for subsequent shuffling and card selection operations.

In various embodiments, the technique of randomly selecting from a card compartment utilizes semiconductor electronic circuit means, which includes either discrete circuitry or a microprocessor, and either of these techniques preferably selects during a shuffling operation. A high frequency generator is used to step the N-stage counter. When the shuffle operation is completed, the step operation of the counter ends. The counter output is converted to a DC signal and compared to another DC signal representing the vertical position of the card ejector along the card compartment.

In various embodiments, the random selection is performed by incrementing an N-stage counter with a high frequency generator. The high frequency generator is removed from the N-stage counter at the end of the shuffle operation. The N-stage counter is then incremented by a very low frequency generator until the capacitance count is reached and reset. The reciprocating motion of the card ejector is stopped after a time interval of random length, but from the time the high frequency generator is removed from the N stage counter, the N stage counter is advanced and reset by the low frequency generator to the capacitive count. and triggers the energy of the reciprocating drive until the time when the card ejector carriage coasts to a stop.

In various embodiments, the card ejector partially ejects the group of cards from the stack within the compartment. The partially dislodged cards are then manually removed from the compartment. In another preferred embodiment, the ejector fully ejects the group of cards from the compartment and the ejected cards are dropped into a chute that delivers the cards directly to the distribution shoe. The pressure plate of the distribution shoe is initially pulled into a position that allows cards passing through the supply shoe to directly enter the distribution shoe, and then returned to its original position which urges the cards towards the open end of the distribution shoe. Return.

Various embodiments automatically shuffle and cut the game cards and, once the game cards are fed into the shuffling device, automatically feed the shuffled and cut game cards to the distribution shoe without human intervention. including methods and apparatus for. In addition, the shuffling operation may, if desired, be performed immediately after the end of each game and simultaneously with the start of a new game, thus eliminating the need to shuffle all of the playing cards at once. shall be. Preferably, the played cards are collected in a "dead box" and withdrawn from the dead box when the appropriate number of cards has been accumulated for shuffling and cutting using methods according to various embodiments.

Various embodiments provide a computer-controlled shuffle and cut system that includes an enclosure with at least one transparent wall that makes the shuffling and card dispensing mechanisms easily visible to all players and floor management in casino use. Including system. The housing is provided with a reciprocally slidable gaming card pusher, which is located on the outside of the housing in a first position. A motor-driven transparent door selectively blocks and opens an opening in the transparent wall so that the slidably mounted card pusher can be moved from said first position to a second position within the enclosure. The slidably mounted card pusher is then withdrawn from the first position and the gaming card is placed on a motorized platform that selectively moves vertically and upwardly and downwardly.

The motor-driven transparent door is raised in the open position in response to the proper position of the motor-driven platform as detected by suitable sensor means and a foot or hand press on an operating button accessible by the dealer.

A motor-driven platform (or "elevator") lifts the stack of gaming cards therein toward the shuffling mechanism in response to the disengagement of a slidably mounted card pusher and the closing of the transparent door. The gaming cards are then driven away from the stack in opposite directions by a shuffling mechanism into first and second card holding magazines located on opposite sides of the elevator, the shuffling mechanism being driven by a motor rotatable on a reciprocating mounting device. It includes a drive roller, and the reciprocating speed and roller rotation speed are adjustable. Alternatively, however, if desired, the speed of reciprocation and rotation may be fixed using a fixed speed motor in place of the step motion motor used in one preferred embodiment.

At the end of the shuffling operation, the platform is lowered and the piles of cards in the respective receiving compartments mentioned above are successively pushed back into the moving elevator by means of a suitable motor-driven push mechanism. The order of operation of the push mechanism is randomized by a random number generator used within the operating computer to control the system. These operations can be repeated if desired. Typically, a new card undergoes two to four of these operations.

The guide assembly guides card movement onto the platform, prevents shuffled cards from being returned to the elevator platform prematurely, and prevents cards from being dropped into the card receiving area or onto the elevator platform by a motor-driven push mechanism. Align this when you are pushed back.

At the end of the multiple shuffling and cutting operations, the platform is lowered again and the shuffled and cut cards are moved down towards the movable guide plate with the inclined guide surface.

As the motor-driven elevator moves downwardly between the guide plates, the card pile engages the inclined guide surface of the generally U-shaped second block portion which shifts the pile in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. At about the same time, a "drawbridge-like" assembly comprising a pair of pivotable arms pivotally mounted at the lower end pivoted downward about its pivot pin from a vertical orientation to a diagonal orientation, resulting in a diagonal arrangement. It serves as a guide route. The diagonally arranged stack of cards slides downward along the inclined guide surface on the drawn-out drawbridge-like arm, and is moved downward by the U-shaped second block section, dispensing the cards under the control of the step-action motor. Move towards the shoe and finally put it in this.

The first block with the paddle is then moved between the cutouts in the U-shaped second block to apply forward pressure to the card pile. The second block then retracts to its home position. The paddles are generally rectangular in shape and are arranged diagonally. During initial setup of the system, the paddle is positioned over the path of moving cards into the distribution shoe. The second block moves the cut and shuffled cards into the distribution shoe, and the paddle is lowered into the path of travel of the cards toward the distribution shoe, placing the paddle at the rearmost of the deck of cards that is fed into the distribution shoe. Moved to card. When shuffling and cutting operations are performed following initial setup, the paddles stop at the rear of the cards previously fed into the distribution shoe. The shuffled and cut cards sliding along the guide surface of the diagonally arranged arms of the drawbridge-like mechanism serve to separate the game cards previously fed into the distribution shoe, as well as the exit slot of the distribution shoe. By forcing the cards toward the player, they come to a stop on the opposite side of the paddle, which allows shuffling and sending operations to be carried out simultaneously with the distribution of game cards from the distribution shoe.

After the newly shuffled game cards have been sent to the end of the distribution shoe, the paddle sandwiched between the two piles of game cards is lifted upward by the second U-shaped block and the game cards are lifted up by the second U-shaped block. removed from The assembly mounting the movable paddle is then moved rearwardly by a motor to position the paddle behind the rearmost playing card just after it has been fed into the distribution shoe, and the paddle is lowered to its home position while The game card is then distributed from the distribution shoe so as to provide a force that biases the game card forward toward the game card distribution slot of the distribution shoe, so that the motor controlled movement of the paddle assembly is then depowered. The rotationally mounted assembly supporting the paddle is then movable diagonally downward. The force acting on the paddle assembly is a combination of gravity and the force exerted on the paddle assembly by the constant tension spring assembly. The paddles are moved in opposite directions at periodic intervals by jogging means (e.g., "dithering") to ensure proper alignment of the stacking and sliding motion of the pile of game cards toward the card-distributing slot of the dispensing shoe. jog or reciprocate.

At the end of the game, the cards used in the finished game are usually collected by the dealer and placed in a dead box on the table. The collected cards are later placed in a card pusher that can be moved back and forth. The dealer may optionally insert the cards in the reciprocally slidable card pusher into the shuffling mechanism, or, alternatively, may preferably postpone the shuffling operation until a larger number of cards have been retrieved on the reciprocating card pusher. . The shuffling and distribution operations may be more or less frequent at the dealer's or casino management's choice. The shuffling and gaming card distribution operations are fully automated and occur without human intervention as soon as the cards are inserted onto the elevator platform inside the machine. The cards are always within the player's unobstructed view for observation by the player and the dealer, ensuring that shuffling, cutting, and card distribution operations are performed properly without blockages, and that the equipment is also operating properly. It is confirmed that there is. The shuffling and card dealing actions do not contradict or interfere with the dealing from the dealing shoe, which allows these actions to be performed almost simultaneously, thus significantly reducing the time devoted to shuffling, thereby reducing playing time. It provides a highly efficient random shuffle and cut mechanism.

The system is controlled by a microcomputer programmed to control the operation of the card shuffling and cutting system. Control the operating motor. The computer also monitors multiple sensors to ensure proper operation of each mechanism of the system.

Casino counter measurement.
Some methods of hindering card counters include using multiple decks. Shoes containing six or eight decks are common. The more cards there are, the lower the change in proration of remaining cards, and the harder it is to count. Shuffling the cards more frequently may also reduce the player's advantage, but this reduces the time devoted to actual play and thus reduces the casino's profits. Some casinos use shuffle machines, some shuffling one deck of cards while another machine is playing, while others shuffling the cards continuously. The game floor environment is distracting, and the fact that alcoholic beverages are free also acts as a deterrent to card-counters. Some ways to discourage card counters include the use of variable payout structures, such as a 6:5 blackjack payout that is less favorable to the player than the standard 3:2 blackjack payout. .

Video betting games.
Video betting games are table game imitations that use table games and card rule applications.

In one version of video poker, a player is allowed to examine five cards that are randomly selected by a computer. These cards are displayed on a video screen and the player selects which card, if any, he or she will hold. If a player wishes to hold all cards, ie, stand, he or she presses a button labeled STAND. If the player wishes to hold only some cards, he or she selects the cards to hold by pressing the HOLD key directly below each card on the video screen. Pressing the DEAL button after selecting a HOLD card automatically and simultaneously replaces the unselected card with an additional card chosen at random from the rest of the deck. When the STAND button is pressed or a card is replaced, the final hold will be evaluated by the gaming machine's computer and the player will receive either a payout of gaming credits or coins, as determined by the payout table. Given. This payout table is stored in the machine's computer memory and is also displayed on the machine's screen. Hands with higher poker values are awarded more credits or coins. Very rare poker hands are awarded payouts of 800 to 1 or more.

Alternative techniques.
It should be understood that the methods described herein for making, using, or implementing the various embodiments are only a subset of possible techniques that may be used for the same or similar purposes. . The specific techniques described herein are not intended to be limiting. Rather, the various embodiments contemplate alternative techniques for making, using, or implementing the various embodiments.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE The following patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes:
U.S. Patent No. 6,579,181;
U.S. Patent No. 6,299,536;
U.S. Patent No. 6,093,103;
U.S. Patent No. 5,941,769;
U.S. Patent No. 7114718,
U.S. Patent Application No. 20050012269;
U.S. Patent No. 4,515,367;
U.S. Patent No. 5,000,453;
U.S. Patent No. 7137630,
US Pat. No. 7,137,629.

In various embodiments, a secondary player includes someone who places a bet on another person's (primary player) game, but does not directly participate in the game himself. Thus, the secondary player may be far away from the location where the game is actually played. However, a secondary player may view information about the game, such as from a video feed. A secondary player may play his own game using the results that occur in the primary player's game.

In various embodiments, a player, such as a secondary player, may engage in gaming activities using a station, workstation, or terminal with multiple screens. The display may be a monitor. The display may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma screen, a cathode tube display, or any other display. The terminal may also include various other components. The one or more keyboards may include buttons, touch panels, or other devices for accepting input from a secondary player. The keyboard may have dedicated keys with certain functions, such as shortcut functions. The terminal may include an audio communication channel, such as a telephone, an Internet connection that supports voice, or any other communication channel. The terminal may include one or more touch screens. The touch screen may correspond to the display screen. FIG. 61 shows a terminal according to various embodiments.

1. Resize window or stream.
In various embodiments, the terminal's display screen may display a window. A window is a geometric area of a display screen that displays related information within the area. For example, a window may display information about a particular game, such as a game by a particular primary player or a particular slot machine. The window may be rectangular or may have other shapes. The window may be resized to span the entire display screen or more than one display screen. The window may also be resized to be relatively small. The window may be completely closed. A new window may be opened (eg, displaying information about a new type of game). Windows may be stacked on top of each other. Windows may have various other relationships. Each window may display different types of information. Each window may display information from a separate primary player's game. The window may display a game by a particular gaming device. The window may display games from a particular game table. The window may display statistics about the casino (e.g., which gaming device is the best performing, who is the fastest dealer, what is the longest winning streak in a roulette game, etc.). The window may display sports scores. The window may display a video feed, such as a video of a sporting event, a video of a primary player, a video of a gaming table, or any other video. The window may display a game simulation, such as a simulation of a game reenactment.

1.1. Customized window placement.
In various embodiments, the second user may have the opportunity to create or open new windows, resize windows, and move windows around. The secondary player may also have the opportunity to change other characteristics of the window, such as the border color, background color, title bar, or any other characteristics. The secondary player may thus arrive at a window arrangement that he deems convenient, comfortable, or otherwise suitable. The secondary player's preferred window arrangement may be saved, including his or her preferred windows and/or preferred information. A suitable arrangement may be stored on a terminal, a casino server, or a secondary player (eg, a portable flash drive or other medium owned by the secondary player). Thus, a given secondary player may leave a terminal and make it available to other secondary players, and each other secondary player may have a different preference for window placement. are doing. A given secondary player may return to his terminal and automatically recall his preferred window arrangement to the terminal's display screen.

A suitable window arrangement may include details of the windows that the secondary player would like to view. For example, a secondary player may display a window displaying video feeds from a particular craps table, another window displaying results from a particular slot machine bank, and a window displaying the secondary player's own credit balance and winning history. Another window to display, another window to display the top 50 primary players currently playing in the casino (by sum of the last hour's worth), and another window to display the movie. There may be cases where you wish to do so. Suitable window placement may include details of the location the window will take within one or more display screens of the terminal. For example, a first window and a second window operate within a first display, a third window takes up the entire second display screen, and a fourth window occupies another two display screens; The fifth, sixth and seventh windows may share separate display screens. Suitable window placement may also include details of the window's location within a particular display screen. For example, a first window is located in the top half of the display screen, a second window is located in the bottom left quarter of the display screen, and a third window is located in the bottom right quarter of the display screen. may be located.

In various embodiments, the terminal may include buttons, keys, or other input devices that allow the secondary player to save his or her preferred window arrangement. The secondary player may press a button to save the placement. The secondary player may also give a name for the arrangement. In this manner, a secondary player may be able to save multiple placements, each under a different name. The secondary player may first sit at the terminal and provide identifying information by presenting a player tracking card or the like (eg, by inserting the player tracking card into a card reader of the terminal). The terminal may then display a message to the secondary player asking if the secondary player wishes to load the preferred window arrangement. The secondary player may be displayed a list of saved window configurations. The secondary player may then select one placement from the list, and that placement may be regenerated for the secondary player.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may identify preferred window placements using a device other than a terminal. For example, a secondary player may configure a suitable window arrangement on his or her home computer. The home computer may display a simulation of the terminal, for example. The player may then generate a simulated window and place the simulated window in a suitable arrangement. A player may store such preferred configurations using, for example, a casino server. When the secondary player subsequently visits the terminal (eg, at a casino), the secondary player may load his preferred window arrangement onto the terminal.

2. hardware.
A terminal may include one or more displays. The display may be mounted on a movable arm. For example, each display may be mounted on its own adjustable arm. In this way, the display may be repositioned by the secondary player to suit his preferred viewing field. The secondary player may position the multiple displays to take up his preferred arrangement. For example, a secondary player may arrange four displays stacked vertically, in rows of horizontal displays, or in a 2x2 grid, for example. In various embodiments, the displays may be mounted in fixed relation to each other. For example, six displays may be secured to a rigid concave metal structure forming a general "C" shape around the secondary player. A terminal may include one or more keyboards. The keyboard may have a "qwerty" arrangement of keys or some other arrangement of keys. The keyboard may have keys with specific functions related to the game. The terminal may also include other buttons or input devices. The terminal may include a computer processor, computer memory, a communication port for communication using a network, an antenna or other transceiver for wireless communication, a card reader (e.g. magnetic strip card reader, RFID reader, etc.), an audio output device (e.g. speaker , headphones, etc.), audio input devices (e.g., microphones, telephone handsets, etc.), chairs or benches, desks, radios (e.g., radios for listening to sporting event broadcasts), and any other related equipment. The terminal may further include components for gaming directly on the terminal. The terminal may include a built-in gaming device or may function as a gaming device. For example, the terminal may include a coin and banknote acceptor, a random number generator, a bet placement button, a coin dispenser, a coin tray, a printer, a ticket-in ticket-out (TITO) printer, a TITO reader, mechanical reels, and/or a bonus game. It may also be equipped with guiding hardware (eg, the terminal may be equipped with a physical spinning wheel to guide the bonus rounds of the Wheel-of-Fortune game). A terminal may include software with various functions. The gaming software may allow an individual to play as a primary player, such as playing a game directly at a terminal. Some software may provide an interface for a secondary player to place a bet on a game being played elsewhere, such as a game being played by a primary player. The software may further include software for displaying video broadcasts, such as broadcasts from sporting events or primary player games. The software may further include software for displaying the generated results within a game played at another location. The software may further include software that enables communication between the terminal and a network, such as the Internet, a mobile phone network, and/or a telephone network. The software may further include any other software for operating a terminal or ancillary devices according to various embodiments.

2.1. The display is stackable. The displays can be moved relative to each other.
In some embodiments, the displays are all mounted in a single rigid housing. The enclosure may include a desk, stand, or housing surrounding the computer hardware used to operate the terminal. The display may be attached to the housing via a joint or flexible arm. For example, the display may be attached to the housing via a metal arm containing a joint. A metal arm holding the display may be bent or retracted by a human push or pull to allow adjustment of the position of the display. The display may be mounted on a rotatable joint to face up or down, one or the other, or any combination of the above. In some embodiments, the displays may be attached to each other. For example, two square displays may be connected at their sides by a hinge. Thus, the displays may be folded front-to-front and spaced further apart from each other. In various embodiments, the display may be attached to a backboard or other rigid enclosure. Each of these positions may be fixed, but the orientation may be adjustable. In various embodiments, the display may be flexible. Therefore, the secondary player may bend the display. For example, a large flexible may be bent in a semicircle around the secondary player. In some embodiments, the display may be transparent or transmissive. One display may be placed in front of another display. In this way, a player may be able to see some of both displays within the same field of view.

2.2. Display positions can be saved.
In various embodiments, a player at a terminal may save or record a particular arrangement of the display, keyboard, or other hardware. This arrangement may be stored, for example, on the terminal or on the casino server. When a player returns to a terminal after an absence, or if he or she comes to a new terminal, the player's saved settings may be restored. The terminal hardware may then automatically reposition itself. For example, the arm holding the display may be motorized and computer-controlled. Thus, the display may be operated electrically in a manner that allows the player to position it as desired.

2.3. A display that functions as one.
In some embodiments, two or more displays may function as a single display. A graphic, window, or other image may begin on one display and continue on another display. A player may be able to move from one display screen to another in a seamless motion. For example, a player may be able to drag windows from one display screen to another. In some embodiments, the screen or screen support mechanism may include a position sensor. For example, an arm-shaped joint that points to the screen may include a sensor for detecting the angle within the joint. Software may be used that calculates the screen position based on the joint angles. Based on the positions of the displays, it is determined which displays are near or adjacent to each other, thus determining how a single image should be displayed on multiple displays. For example, parts of images that are adjacent to each other must be displayed on adjacent screens.

2.4. special keyboard.
A terminal may include one or more keyboards, keypads, buttons or other input devices. A certain key may have a special function.

2.4.1. Key functions.
Keys can be used to open communications on a specific line (e.g. to another player, casino representative, etc.), to invoke a video feed for viewing, or to provide information about the game for viewing (e.g. what the current results are). , what were the last five results, etc.), to call up broadcasts for viewing or listening, or for any other function. In various embodiments, keys may be pre-programmed or have default functions. In various embodiments, keys may be configured or programmed to perform certain functions. For example, a secondary player may be configured to open a communication line with a particular friend of the secondary player.

2.4.2. communication line.
A key (eg, a button) may open a communication line. Communication lines may be unidirectional, bidirectional, or multidirectional. The communication line may be audio, text, video, or a combination of audio, text, and video. The key may open a line of communication between the secondary player and another person, such as a friend of the secondary player or a casino representative. In some embodiments, a secondary player may configure a key to open a line of communication with a particular person. The secondary player may provide the particular person's name, an identifier from the particular person (eg, a player tracking card number), or any other information about the other person. The secondary player may access a special window in which he is provided with a list of keys or buttons, and the player is given the opportunity to press the button and enter the names of the people he wishes to contact. Good too. A key or button may have a small display associated with it. On the display may appear the name of the person or party to whom the communication line will be opened when the button is pressed. For example, if a secondary player enters the name of a friend, "Joe Smith," the name "Joe Smith" may be displayed on or near the button. This may remind the secondary player that the particular button opens a line of communication with Joe Smith.

In various embodiments. A key or button may open a line of communication with a casino representative. A secondary player may press such a button to order a drink, order a meal, request service to a terminal, request payment for a jackpot, or for any other purpose. A secondary player may also initiate contact with a casino representative for information not related to a particular game. For example, a secondary player may wish to make a reservation at a restaurant, may wish to find out when a restaurant closes, may wish to purchase tickets to a show, and may wish to search for any other information. or any other task performance may be desired.

For example, in one-way communication, a secondary player may receive video distributions, audio distributions, and may receive information in some other format. The information received may include information about the game the secondary player is betting on (for example, a slot machine game of the primary player playing in another part of the casino), general weather information, and general information about the casino. information (eg, when swimming pools close, etc.), general news (eg, world news), or any other activity or event. In various embodiments, a secondary player may be a person communicating on a one-way communication line. A secondary player may open a voice line to order a drink, for example. The player's request may be recorded at the other end of the line and then communicated to the waiter or waitress at the secondary player's location.

In two-way communication, a player (eg, a secondary player) may communicate with another person (eg, a friend of the player, a casino representative, etc.). Video and/or audio from both parties may be sent back and forth over a network such as the casino Internet or the Internet.

In some embodiments, a player may have multiple communication lines open at the same time. For example, a secondary player may communicate two-way audio and video to his friend Joe over one line of the two-way audio line and to his friend Sam over another line of the two-way audio line. You may also talk to your friend Bill via the communication line. Secondary players may be able to customize their communication lines on the fly. For example, a secondary player may be able to mute two communication lines so that he can talk to his friend Bill without being overheard by other connected friends. Similarly, a secondary player may be able to change the communication line from audio only to audio and video, from video to audio, from two-way to multi-way, and in any other manner. good. For example, a secondary player may be talking to three friends, each over a different communication line. In addition to simply talking and listening to the secondary player, the secondary player may also be able to connect communication lines so that friends can in turn talk and listen to each other.

2.4.3. Keys to specific games.
In various embodiments, a distribution containing information about the game may be available to a secondary player. Broadcasts for games may include video broadcasts of particular games. For example, video distribution of a high limit baccarat game may be available. Distribution regarding the game may include distribution that simulates the reproduction of the game. For example, a delivery may include the rotation of animated slot reels to reveal the actual outcome occurring at a certain slot machine. Broadcasts about games may include summary information. Information may be presented in the form of text, graphics, or video. Summary information may include, for example, the display of the bet amount, the outcome reached, the amount won, the number of paylines being played, the winning payline, whether the bonus round was reached, the decisions made during the bonus round, and at any decision breakpoint. It may also include what decisions were made within the game and any other related information. The distribution may include video of the primary player. For example, a secondary player may be able to view footage of a primary player playing a game. The distribution may include footage of the game being played. For example, video footage may switch between calls from a variety of different players depending on who is currently in the game, who is currently making decisions in the game, whether the game is close to resolution, and so on. Good too.

The key may be configured or programmed to always invoke distribution to a particular gaming device. The key is to always call a stream to a specific game table, to always call a stream to a specific set of tables (for example, to have the stream display information about the results of each game at that set of tables). the casino's particular (e.g., the distribution may display information about the results of each game for a particular area of the casino) or any other gaming devices or gaming tables. may be configured or programmed to invoke delivery to.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may want to quickly access information about a favorite game or games. Thus, a single key or button may be configured to recall information about a favorite game or games when pressed.

In various embodiments, the information is displayed on one of the terminal's display screens when invoked. Such information may occupy the entire screen, or may occupy a part of the screen using a window within the screen.

2.4.4. Key for latest update.
In various embodiments, pressing a key or button by a secondary player causes the game, the primary player, the gaming device, the dealer, or other object, physical object, or An event may also be called. For example, a secondary player may press a key to cause the most recent results at a particular blackjack table to be displayed on the screen. As another example, a secondary player may press a key to cause the most recent results of payouts of $200 or more to be displayed on the screen throughout the casino. As another example, the player may press a key to cause the last 10 games on the crap table to be displayed. In various embodiments, updates may be provided by a secondary player pressing a key. The update may appear, for example, in a single window on the terminal's display screen. The update may disappear after some period of time, such as after 30 seconds. In some embodiments, the update may remain until the player again presses the key that updated the first location. The window or screen that displays updates may be updated continuously or may be fixed. Accordingly, in various embodiments, a secondary player may press a key to obtain updated information about the table, players, and the like. However, the information may represent a small snapshot of recent information and may not represent ongoing or new information as it occurs.

2.4.4.1. The keyboard has different channels.
In various embodiments, a keyboard may have keys, buttons, or spacebar combinations that correspond to channels. A channel may be a broadcast or a one-way communication line. A channel may present information related to a particular topic, such as a particular type of game, a type of player (e.g., high scorers), or some other subject or topic, such as video distribution, statistics, etc. Game commentary, strategy information, or any other information may be presented.

2.4.4.1.1. Video poker channel.
In various embodiments, a video poker channel may exist. This channel may broadcast information about one or more video poker games. This channel may present a list of final results as they occur throughout the casino. For example, a video poker channel may present a scrolling list with results: "3d, 4c, Ac, Js; 9h, 9d, 3s, 3c, Ks; Ks, Qh, Jd, 10c...". Such results may be the most recent results occurring in a video poker game within a casino. A channel may include a scrolling list with items of cards dealt, winning payouts, decisions made, or any other information. A channel may include video footage. Video footage may switch from one game to another. For example, the announcer could say, "Okay, let's go over to John's game. He's dealt three cards and goes for a royal flush..." The video footage may then become a display of John's game. There may be many games that can be displayed on a channel at any given time. Some games may be displayed in one format or another, such as in the form of a video distribution, in the form of a text description, or in any other format, while some games may not be displayed. . Games displayed may meet one or more criteria. Such criteria include: (a) games with high bets; (b) games played by advanced players (e.g., players who use optimal strategies more than 80% of the time); (c) games with a certain amount or more in the last hour. (d) a game that is likely to result in a high payout final outcome (e.g., an intermediate result dealt a four-of-a-kind versus a royal flush); (e) popularity; (f) a game played by a certain primary player (e.g., ranked highly in a survey of secondary players); (f) a game played by a predetermined number of secondary players; (g) games in which the bet by the secondary player is greater than or equal to a certain amount, and any other criteria.

More special channels may also exist. For example, even if there is a dedicated channel for $1 Video Poker, Multi-Hand Video Poker, Video Poker Games Played in Las Vegas, Video Poker Games Played in the Last Hour, or Jacks or Better Video Poker. good.

The channel may display live information. Channels may also display historical information. For example, a video poker channel may display the best games played in the last week and last year.

2.4.4.1.2. Sportsbook Channel.
A sportsbook channel may display information about various sporting events, such as baseball games, basketball games, horse races, car races, golf tournaments, or any other sporting event or contest. This information may be presented as a textual description of the score. For example, the latest scores for various games may be scrolled across the screen. The sportsbook channel may display video feeds of various games or highlights of various games. A sportsbook channel may selectively display footage of one game over another for various reasons. Video of a particular game may be displayed in the following cases: (a) the bets on the game by the secondary player are very large (e.g., the tally exceeds a certain amount, more money is bet than on another game not shown, etc.); ( b) the bet on the game by the secondary player is greater than or equal to a certain amount; (c) the game is close (e.g., the opponents in the game are close in score; the horses in the race are close in score; (d) the game is nearing resolution, or any other reason.

2.4.4.1.3. personal channel.
In various embodiments, a channel may be a one-way communication line to a secondary player. However, channels may be customized to particular players. Thus, for example, two different secondary players watching a blackjack channel may receive different sets of information. The channel displays information about games that are deemed relevant to the secondary player based on information about the secondary player, such as displaying information about the games that a particular secondary player is betting on. (e.g., a sports game may be displayed to the secondary player if the secondary player's home team is playing), accompanied by a demo image similar to that of the secondary player. displaying information to a secondary player about games played by a primary player in the vicinity of the player's hometown; If the secondary player is from Mississippi, you may display games from casinos in Mississippi), and display information to the secondary player about games in which he or she has previously expressed an interest. (For example, if a secondary player has previously bet on a game played on a particular gaming device, games played on the same gaming device may be displayed to the secondary player on a customized channel. ) and may be customized.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may be asked what they would like to see or hear on a particular channel. The secondary player then plays a particular type of game (e.g., video poker, Monopoly slots, etc.), a particular table, a particular dealer, a particular area within the casino, a particular type of strategy (e.g., secondary Secondary players may want a channel to display only primary players who use a particular type of strategy, such as basic strategy), or at a particular stage within a game (for example, secondary players may A secondary player may select a channel that only displays games after an intermediate result has occurred, such as after the first two cards have been dealt in blackjack, etc. ), games with certain outcomes (e.g., a secondary player selects a channel that only displays outcomes with a payout of more than $100, a secondary player selects a channel that only displays outcomes where the Ace of Spades is displayed), a secondary player selects a channel that displays only games in which the primary player selects a channel that displays only games in which the primary player is three-of-a-kind vs. a royal flush, etc.), games played by a team (e.g. The secondary player may select a channel that displays only National League baseball games, the secondary player may select a channel that displays only college basketball games, etc.), or the secondary player may select a channel that displays only college basketball games, or The next player may select or specify any other type of content within the customized channel. The player may select from a menu (e.g., the player may select one type of game from a menu containing different types of games), and the player may use text to specify the desired content. or the player may use any other format to specify the desired content. The secondary player may have the opportunity to name the channel. For example, a player may name the channel "Bonus Round," "Top Primary Player," "Craps Game," "High Payout Game," or any other name.

2.4.4.2 Specific tables (I like Blackjack Table X).
In various embodiments, a channel may present games or information from a particular gaming table. For example, a channel may present games from a particular blackjack table. The channel may display video footage of the game. Video footage may be displayed from above the table. Video footage may be displayed that focuses on individual players at the table (eg, the video may focus on the face of one of the primary players). A video image focusing on the dealer may be displayed. Video may be displayed that focuses on a particular hand, a particular card, the chip stacks of various players, or any other aspect of the table. Channels for a table may include the percentage of hands won by a player in the last hour, the net performance of the primary player, the percentage of blackjacks won at that table in the last hour, or any other statistic. , may display statistics about that table. A channel to a table can be a die roll, a roulette wheel result (for example, a statistic may indicate the percentage of "black" results that have occurred in the last 100 roulette wheels), or any other event. Or statistics about events at the gaming table may be displayed.

2.4.5. Key to specific players.
In some embodiments, a secondary player may press a key or button to receive information about a particular primary player. Pressing such a key or button may cause video footage of the primary player's game to be viewed by the secondary player, and may cause video footage of the primary player himself to be viewed. (e.g., video footage of the primary player's face), representations simulating the primary player's game may be viewed, and statistics about the primary player may be viewed. (e.g., the primary player's net lifetime performance) and any other information related to the primary player. In various embodiments, a secondary player may press a key to open a communication line, such as a voice communication line, with the primary player.

2.4.6. Keys for specific gaming devices.
In some embodiments, a secondary player may receive information about a particular gaming device by pressing a key. Pressing such a key or button may enable the secondary player to view a video of the gaming device, may enable the secondary player to view the results occurring on the gaming device, and may cause the secondary player to A replay of the game being played on the device may be viewed, and any other information about the gaming device may be viewed. The key may be labeled with an identifier for the gaming device, such as "VideoPoker12345." The keys may also be custom named by the secondary player. In various embodiments, pressing a key or button may cause the secondary player to open a communication channel with the gaming device. For example, a secondary player may be able to enter into voice communication with a primary player at a gaming device.

2.4.7. Keys to specific gaming tables.
In various embodiments, pressing a key or button may enable a secondary player to receive information about a particular gaming table. For example, secondary players can receive video feeds from the gaming table, an indication of who the dealer is, an indication of who the primary player is, information about the cards that have been dealt, statistics about the outcomes that have occurred, and information about the primary game. Information about the percentage of time the player won versus the percentage of time the dealer won, information about the strategies used at the table, or any other information at the table may be received. A key may enable a secondary player to open a line of communication with the table, such as a line of communication with one or more primary players at the table or a line of communication with a dealer at the table. good.

2.4.8. Key to specific sporting events.
In various embodiments, a button or key may allow a secondary player to access information about a particular sporting event. For example, a secondary player may press a key to watch a video feed of a baseball game between the Yankees and Red Sox. When the sports game goes to commercial, the secondary player may press another button to call another sports event. In various embodiments, a secondary player may select a viewing angle for a sporting event. For example, a sporting event may have multiple cameras capturing the scene. The secondary player may press a first button to view the video feed from a first camera, press a second button to view the video feed from a second camera, and so on. The same is true. For example, in a tennis match, one button may correspond to a view from the center of the court, while another button may correspond to a view from the back on one side of the court. In some embodiments, a key may allow a secondary player to switch commentators for a video, broadcast, or channel. For example, a secondary player may be viewing video footage from a sporting event. The secondary player may press a key to switch the audio from one sports commentator to another. A secondary player may change commentators for other types of events as well. For example, a commentator may comment on a primary player's strategy from a blackjack game table. The secondary player may switch to a new commentator because he does not like that commentator. Switching may occur by pressing a button or key, through a menu, or by some other means.

2.4.9. Function keys for video distribution.
In some embodiments, keys may have special functions for video control. Various keys may allow the secondary player to zoom in or out. Various keys may allow a player to pan, tilt, increase or decrease the viewing angle, hide one or more objects within the video feed, increase or decrease contrast, and increase or decrease brightness. If audio is present, keys may allow the secondary player to filter out certain sound sources (e.g., the secondary player may select a certain basketball player's voice to focus on the voice of a favorite basketball player). players may wish to mute their voices). Various keys may allow the secondary player to stop the video, play the video in slow motion, play the video in reverse, or play the video in fast forward. There may be various keys for video or audio manipulation.

2.4.10. programmable keys. shortcut key.
The buttons or keys may be programmable or configurable to recall any type of information or perform any other functions. For example, a secondary player may program a button to retrieve information about a favorite game table, a favorite primary player, a favorite outcome, or anything else. A secondary player may configure a button to open a line of communication with a particular other person, a particular gaming device, a particular gaming table, or any other particular competing party. The secondary player may configure the button to make certain requests. For example, a button may be configured such that when pressed, a martini is ordered for the secondary player.

2.4.11. A key that provides a message or reminder.
In various embodiments, a button or key may change color, flash, or something else that calls attention. The secondary player may use buttons or keys to open a communication line, call up specific information, view a specific channel (e.g. a video poker channel), or perform any other function. You can also press . The button may flash or alert when some event of potential interest, importance, or meaning has occurred that merits the secondary player's attention. For example, the button may be configured to call up a bonus channel in a screen-like manner. The button may flash when the primary player reaches the first bonus round anywhere within the casino. A secondary player may press the button when it flashes to see the first of the bonus rounds occurring. The secondary player may also be willing to press the button several times when it is not blinking to see information about bonus rounds at the casino. However, the secondary player may be specifically motivated to press the button when it flashes.

2.4.12. Specialized keys for various games.
The terminal may be equipped with specialized or dedicated keys or buttons that are specialized for a particular game, a particular type of bet, or any other special function. There may be a set of keys for placing bets on a game of video poker. There may be a set of keys for placing bets on a game of blackjack. Other sets of keys include keys for placing bets on games of roulette, keys for placing bets on games of poker (e.g. Texas Hold'em Poker), and keys for placing bets on craps. key for placing a bet on a slot machine game, a key for placing a bet on a keno game, a key for placing a bet on a baccarat game, or a key for placing a bet on any other game. Specialized keys may be used by a player at a terminal when acting as a secondary player. Specialized keys may be used when a player at a terminal acts as a primary player.

A set of keys specialized for roulette includes a key for placing a bet on "red", a key for placing a bet on "black", a key for placing a bet on an odd number, and a key for placing a bet on an even number. , keys for placing bets on respective numbers on the roulette wheel, and keys for any other roulette related bets. Accordingly, a player at a terminal who wishes to participate in a game or a game of roulette may conveniently use a dedicated key at the terminal for placing bets on roulette. A complete roulette bet is specialized using, for example, two keys, the first key specifying the bet amount (e.g. 5 credits) and the second key specifying the type of bet (e.g. "red"). may be specified. A single dedicated key may be used to specify a complete bet. Pressing that key may result in the same amount as betting 5 on red. In various embodiments, the bet amount may be understood by default, for example. For example, the bet amount may not be specified and the same bet amount from the previous game may be used. Thus, for example, a player may press a dedicated "red" key to bet 5 credits on red if his previous bet was also 5 credits.

A dedicated key for a video poker game may include five different "hold" keys, each key corresponding to a different hand location. A dedicated key may correspond to a strategy in any game. For example, in video poker, there may be a key that directs the execution of a strategy that is expected to have the highest winning potential. By pressing such a key, the player is instructed by software (e.g., software belonging to the terminal, or software belonging to the server). In a game of blackjack, a dedicated key may be pressed to execute a basic strategy.

In a game of craps, a dedicated key may allow a player to bet on "pass" or "don't pass," or any other craps-specific bet.

A key may be configured to perform a single task. For example, a key may be configured to always place a certain type of bet when pressed. However, in various embodiments, the key may be reprogrammed to perform another specialized task. For example, a key that is always used to place a 5 bet on black may then be used to place a 10 bet on red.

2.4.13. Keys dedicated to different types of bets.
Customizable keys for different types of bets, for example, customizing the key "7 lines, bet 10 cents on each line" or the key "Joe, the primary player, goes bankrupt" customization, etc. In various embodiments, keys may be customized for particular types of bets. A player may prefer certain bets that are generally not easy to select or write. For example, a secondary player may place bets on seven paylines on a slot machine game, five of the paylines with a bet of 25 cents on each payline, and the remaining two with a bet of 25 cents per payline. You may wish to place a dollar bet. The secondary player may program the key to make just this desired bet, or any other desired bet. Thus, the player may avoid the problem of entering into complicated instructions every time he wants to place a bet. In various embodiments, at an initial point in time, a player may enter into detailed instructions to place a complex bet. The player may then have the opportunity to save the bet. For example, the terminal may display a message asking if the player would like to save a bet that he or she has placed or entered. The player may indicate his intentions. The terminal may give the secondary player the option of saving a bet on a particular button. For example, a terminal may give a player the option of associating a particular button with a bet on the terminal, so that the player may then simply press the button once to place that bet. (In some embodiments, bets do not stand until the player confirms or actually starts the game following bet placement.) In some embodiments, the terminal You may also save a list of recent bets placed on your terminal. For example, a terminal may store the last 10 or 50 bets placed by a player. The player may have the opportunity to view a list of recent bets and select one from the list. For example, the player may move back and forth through the list of recent bets using the mouse or arrow keys. , you may select one of them. The player may then re-enter the bet without having to re-enter the bet.

2.4.14. Keys specific to display screens.
In various embodiments, a key may correspond to a particular display screen. Pressing a key may somehow activate a corresponding display screen. For example, pressing a key may display a mouse pointer within a corresponding display screen from which the player may select or click an item displayed on that display screen. In some embodiments, a player may play multiple games simultaneously, with different display screens displaying different games. A player may desire to start a new game displayed on a particular screen. The player may then press a button that activates the screen. The player may then place bets within the game using a common set of bet keys and begin playing the game. The player may then press another key that corresponds to another display screen. A new display screen may be activated. The player may then use the same general set of bet keys to place bets on the game displayed on the new display screen.

2.5. image.
In various embodiments, a player may load a photo of himself or herself onto the terminal. For example, the terminal's six screens may display a photo of each of the secondary player's grandchildren. A secondary player may bring photos to the terminal using a portable device such as an MP3 player. Players may also download photos from photo sharing sites such as Flickr.

2.6. Other special input devices.
joystick. A terminal may have a variety of input devices. These include joysticks, touchpads, trackballs, touch screens, microphones, cameras (e.g., players may use hand signals to direct commands to the terminal, and such hand signals are captured by the camera and used by the software). ), a foot pedal, an electronic pad for handwriting recognition, or any other input device. The terminal may include input devices similar to the types found on some gaming devices. For example, the terminal may include a handle that can be pulled, such as a handle on a slot machine. Pulling such a handle may cause the secondary player to place a bet on the primary player's game.

2.7. How to ensure that human impact and destruction are ineffective.
In various embodiments, a terminal may include expensive or fragile equipment. For example, a terminal may include multiple buttons and a display screen. In various embodiments, a sensor may detect behavior that is dangerous to the equipment, such as a strike or slam. For example, vibration or pressure sensors may sense sudden impacts to the equipment. In various embodiments, a camera may monitor the area around the terminal. For example, a camera may monitor an area where a secondary player normally sits or stands. Alarms may be triggered when hazardous activities are detected or perceived by cameras or various sensors. Casino employees may be alerted to go to the terminal upon detection of potentially dangerous or harmful activity. A casino employee may be able to ask the secondary player what happened. If necessary, casino employees may ask the secondary player not to perform certain actions. In some embodiments, if potentially harmful activity at the terminal is detected, a line of communication may be opened between the terminal and a casino employee, such as a security guard. The casino employee may then have the opportunity to speak with the secondary player, ask him what is going on, and perhaps ask him to stop any potentially damaging behavior.

2.8. Ticker. Interest statistics ticker. All casino red/black. House vs player for all casinos.
Many other displays can be displayed in ticker format. In various embodiments, a ticker display may be displayed on one or more display screens. A ticker may include a band on one or more display screens across which information moves. The strip may have a particular color, such as green, a particular pattern, or any other pattern to distinguish it from surrounding graphics or to give it the appearance of a ticker tape. A ticker may contain various information. A ticker may include statistics about games at one casino or multiple casinos. For example, the ticker may include the number of red outcomes that have occurred on roulette wheels throughout the casino in the last five minutes, the number of red and black outcomes that have occurred in the last five minutes, the number of sevens that have been rolled on craps in the last hour, and Number of times a player busts at blackjack in one hour, number of jackpots paid out on any slot machine in the last 20 minutes, names of the five players who won the most in the last hour, progressive jackpot size, sports game scores, or any other statistics. The ticker may vary or be customized in many ways. A ticker may span one display screen or may continue across two or more display screens. A ticker may span less than one display screen. Tickers can be wide or narrow. The ticker may run horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The ticker may advance quickly (eg, information may go quickly from one side to the other) or slowly. The ticker may appear red, blue, or any other color. The ticker may have a yellow, green, or any other color font. There may be more than one ticker. For example, tickers may run parallel across the display screen, or there may be two different tickers on two different display screens.

Tickers may be customized in a variety of ways. The secondary player may change the size, background color, font color, font size or any other aspect of the ticker, and the secondary player may change the statistics or other features that the secondary player desires to be on the ticker. Information may be specified. For example, a secondary player may only want to view statistics regarding slot machines and craps. Another secondary player may wish to view statistics listing the top 50 players in points for the most recent hour. Another player may desire to see a score display from a sports game currently in progress.

In some embodiments, some ticker distribution may be present and available to one or more secondary players within the casino. There may be a blackjack ticker, crap sticker, sports ticker, high scorer ticker, or any other specific ticker. Accordingly, the secondary player may select one or more tickers that he would like to see scroll across the display screen.

In various embodiments, the ticker is displayed using a matrix of light emitted from diodes, such as a rectangular array of diodes.

2.9. Setting the configuration to suit the human body.
For example, all screens are placed within arm's reach. The chair moves up and down for the person to get closer to the screen. The terminal may include a sensor such as a range finder, laser, sonar, or camera to measure the player's physical size (eg, tall, short, etc.). Components of the terminal may automatically adapt to the player's physical size. For example, the display screen may be moved to reach the player (eg, if the display screen is a touch screen). The terminal chair may move up and down to match the player's height.

2.10. audio.
The terminal may have various audio output means. Output audio may include audio communications from a player's friends, audio communications from a casino representative, audio associated with a television broadcast, audio associated with a radio broadcast, movies, TV shows, or other media formats. associated audio, audio associated with a game (eg, audio output associated with winning a prize), or any other type of audio.

2.10.1. Providing headphones.
Headphones may be made available to players at the terminal. By using such headphones, the player can ensure that the audio to him or her does not reach the ears of others around him and allows him to concentrate on the audio to himself without being bothered by environmental noise. A switch, button, or other input device may allow a player at a terminal to switch audio from one type of output to another. For example, the audio may be initiated by being emitted from the terminal's speakers. When the player puts on the headphones, he or she may flip a switch so that the sound comes from the headphones. In some embodiments, the headphones or terminal may sense when the player puts on the headphones. Audio for the player may then be sent to the headphones rather than being emitted from the speakers. In various embodiments, there may be more than one set of headphones. Each pair of headphones may broadcast audio distribution separately. For example, one set of headphones may correspond to a broadcast from a sporting event, while a second set of headphones may provide an audio track for a slot machine game in which a player is participating.

2.10.2. Display mount speaker.
In various embodiments, a terminal may include one or more speakers. The speaker may be mounted on the terminal housing or on another structure attached to the terminal. The speaker may form part of the display. The speakers may be mounted on the display.

2.10.3. Mute button.
In various embodiments, a terminal may include one or more mute buttons. The audio delivery may be muted by pressing the mute button once. Audio distribution may be restored by pressing the mute button again.

2.10.4. Campus speakers.
In various embodiments, open-line communication lines may exist between three, four, five, six, or more groups. This communication may be of voice type. The terminal may have a speaker adapted to transmit voice or other messages from any person in communication. Additionally, a microphone or other audio input device may allow players to exchange voice messages for participatory communication. Any spoken message may be sent to all groups on the communication means. If several people speak at once, all speech communications may be transmitted at once. Therefore, participatory communication can result in harsh, cluttered audio. Communication lines are between groups of friends, between groups of terminals, between all terminals, between all secondary players, between all secondary players who have open communication lines, and between gaming devices within a casino. It may be held between all players at different casinos, between players and casino representatives, between players at multiple different casinos, or between any other group of people.

2.11. phone.
A terminal may include one or more telephones and/or telephone lines. A player may be able to call another group.

2.11.1. A phone that can only make local calls.
In some embodiments, the terminal's phone may only be capable of local calls. In some embodiments, the terminal's phone may only be capable of calling certain areas, certain people, certain devices, or certain other restricted destinations. In some embodiments, restrictions on phone calls may be placed only when a player is placing a bet on a sport. For example, when a player is betting on a sporting event, they may only be able to make local phone calls. This may help limit players from finding out information about the outcome of a sporting event sooner than those competing for bets. In various embodiments, a player may not place any sports bets during a predetermined period of time during which he or she is on the phone, which is not subject to various restrictions. For example, a player may be prohibited from placing bets on a sporting event within 10 minutes of ending a long distance call.

2.11.2. Call other nodes on the network.
In various embodiments, telephone calls may be restricted to certain groups. Telephone calls to other terminals may be restricted. Telephone calls may be restricted to those calling from within the inter-casino network.

2.11.3. Call record. Subject to sportsbook restrictions.
In various embodiments, telephone calls made from the terminal may be recorded. The call record may be checked to ensure that no sports-related information was communicated or that no information was communicated that could provide special knowledge about the bets placed. Call records may be checked randomly. The call record may be checked after a player wins a bet. The call record may be checked after a player wins a bet that exceeds what is statistically expected. Call records may be checked by humans, machines or computers (eg, voice recognition software). Call records may be analyzed based on the location of competitors on the call. For example, if the call was directed to a phone near a racetrack, the call record may be reviewed.

2.11.4. Telephone with direct dial to radio show.
In various embodiments, the terminal telephone or telephone set may include various direct dial capabilities. A player may be able to press a button to dial a radio show. Thus, a player may listen to a radio show by telephone and may also pose questions to the radio show host. In various embodiments, a direct dial feature may allow a player to call up a radio sports broadcast. For example, a player may pick up the phone and listen to a radio broadcast of a game being played by his or her favorite team. Various buttons may allow a player to dial different sports broadcasts. In various embodiments, direct dialing may allow a player to dial in preference to any other phone number or competitor.

3. Different information on different displays.
In various embodiments, different displays may display different information or different types of information. The display screens may complement each other. For example, some displays may display broad types of information, while others may display specific types of information or more detailed information regarding what is being shown on another display. Some displays may cover one game or one area of a casino, while other displays may cover other games or other areas of a casino.

3.1. different perspective.
3.1.1. One display shows a reproduction of the results.
A reproduction of the game results may be displayed on one display. The display may display images of actual results, such as results that actually occur. The result may be a result for a game in which the player is participating at the terminal as a primary player or a secondary player.

3.1.2. One display only shows data about the results.
In various embodiments, the display may display data about the results. The display may indicate that the result has occurred. The display may display statistics indicating multiple results. For example, the display may display statistics showing which results have occurred most frequently at the casino within the last five minutes. The display may display statistics indicating a sequence of results (eg, rolling 7's ten times in a row in a craps game).

3.1.3. One display may display an upward view of the game floor area.
In various embodiments, the display may display an upward view of the casino area. The area may be the same area as a particular game displayed in more detail on another display screen of the terminal.

3.1.4. One display may display the entire gaming table.
In various embodiments, one display screen of the terminal may display the entire gaming table. For example, another display screen may display more details about the table, such as focusing on one player at the table or showing statistics for that table.

3.1.5. Video magnification to display important events on many screens at the same time.
In various embodiments, important or significant events may receive attention. The display area used for such events may be expanded. The area may expand from one display screen to two or more display screens. The area may be expanded from a portion of the display screen to cover the entire display screen. A significant event may include the occurrence of a significant outcome in a game in which the secondary player participates, the occurrence of a jackpot, or any other unusual high payout or other significant event.

3.1.6. Picture-in-picture.
There is a speed dial switch to go from video to video. In various embodiments, a window, frame, or image may be displayed without a larger window, frame, or image. A small window may contain one video delivery, while a large window may contain another video delivery. The small and large windows may also contain other types of supplies or images, such as animations that reproduce game results. The player may switch the windows so that the image displayed in the large window is immediately displayed in the small window, and the image displayed in the small window is immediately displayed in the large window. Good too. A special key or button may act on the switch immediately. In various embodiments, there may be multiple small windows within one large window. There may be special keys or buttons corresponding to each small window and/or corresponding to the images within the window. Thus, a player may monitor numerous games, sporting events, or other activities simultaneously. When a player is interested in one particular game (or sporting event or other activity), the player may press a button corresponding to the game of interest (eg, an overconfidence game window). In this way, the video of interest within the window of interest may expand to become a larger window, while the video within that large window may then contract and occupy a smaller window. In various embodiments, certain events, sporting events, or other activities occurring within a game may cause a corresponding window (eg, the window displaying the game) to become a larger window. For example, if a game displayed in a smaller window results in a high payout, the image of the game may be enlarged and displayed in a larger window.

3.1.7. Exclusive distribution from different services.
For example, distribution from one casino. Or there is a distribution from one type of game that is played only in one location. There may be a payment arrangement with the casino to receive this distribution. The information displayed on the terminal may originate from a variety of locations. The information may be shared between different casinos, vendors specializing in generating and selling game results, sports franchises, racetracks, media companies (for example, a movie displayed on a terminal may come from a media company), or any other May be derived from the source. Various information sources may charge a fee for providing this information. For example, a sports franchise may charge for blanket use of sports footage within a casino, or for use of sports footage on a particular terminal. In various embodiments, different information sources may charge at different rates and in different ways. Information sources may charge according to one or more of the following: (a) the number of devices that use information from the source; (b) the number of views of the information from the source; and (c) the size of the window in which the information from the source is displayed (e.g. (a casino may pay more for footage displayed in a large window than for footage displayed in a small window); (d) other sources of information displayed with a given source of information; For example, a casino may consider that for the display of footage or information from a given source, if that information is displayed on the same terminal along with many other types of information, the information itself (e) the length of time the footage from the source is viewed; (f) the celebrity status of the person in the footage (e.g., if the celebrity A video showing a poker game being played may be more expensive than a video showing a poker game being played by an anonymous person). The casino may periodically pay for the information. For example, a casino may pay a booking fee to the information source.

3.2. For example, what standard default data is always displayed, such as standard games, standard headings, etc.?
In various embodiments, a terminal may have a default set of video or informational pieces to display. For example, there may be video footage displayed from a Wheel of Fortune slot machine game, a video poker game, a blackjack game, and a phrase laps game. In various embodiments, the default video is selected based on what the most popular games are within the casino. For example, if the most popular game among primary players is the Monopoly slot machine, it may be assumed that secondary players at the terminal will wish to participate in such games. Accordingly, footage from the Monopoly slot machine game may be displayed. In various embodiments, there may be different default configurations of keys, buttons, or switches on the terminal to match the display of the default video. For example, a set of keys may be configured to be used by default to place bets on a game of video poker.

3.3. Video distribution.
Multiple full motion video distribution. High definition video signal. In various embodiments, high bandwidth connections are used to relay multiple high definition video deliveries to the terminal. Thus, a player may be able to enjoy a pleasant gaming and entertainment experience while at the terminal.

3.4. caveat.
For example, if something has happened, it is displayed in red. The terminal may include a number of windows, a number of videos, information about a number of games, or other various information. When a noteworthy event or occurrence occurs within a video, the video may be highlighted or made more noticeable. For example, a window with a particular image may be enlarged or made brighter. The audio from a particular video may be increased, and competing audio may be decreased. The video may be blinked, or other indicators may be blinked. A button that can call up a particular video or information source may flash when a noteworthy event occurs for that video.

3.4.1. alarm.
In various embodiments, an audible alert may be generated about the occurrence of a notable event. Special audio may be broadcast for various events. For example, different types of events may have different corresponding sounds. However, in some embodiments there is a generic audio for any notable event. In some embodiments, the arrival of a jackpot occurrence may be heralded by one type of audio, and the arrival of a stream of one length may be heralded by another type of audio (e.g., the first play a chime sound when the next player wins 10 times in a row at Blackjack), played by a preferred primary player (e.g., a primary player preferred by the terminal's secondary player) The arrival of the start may be announced by a third type of sound (eg, the sound of a rooster crowing).

3.4.2. Customize the alert sound.
In various embodiments, a player may customize which sounds are used to provide reminders or announcements regarding certain event occurrences. A player may select from a list of special events. The player may similarly select from an audio menu. The player may match the event to the audio. A player may provide his own audio, for example via a portable MP3 player.

3.5. Entertainment work.
A secondary player may use the terminal for entertainment purposes. The secondary player may watch movies, TV shows, casino-related events, or other forms of entertainment. The secondary player may watch news programs, science programs, documentaries or other videos. A player can listen to music, books on tape, speeches, or other sounds. A terminal may have multiple display screens available. In this way, a secondary player can watch the entertainment on one screen while watching the game progress on the other screen.

3.5.1. On-demand movies.
The secondary player may watch a movie on the terminal. The secondary player may request a particular movie, such as from a list of movies that the casino has licensed for showing. The secondary player may select a movie channel, such as a cable or satellite TV channel, on which the movie will be shown. A player may receive the channel's broadcast on a terminal.

3.5.2. TV show.
The secondary player may select a list of pre-recorded TV shows while viewing the TV show at the terminal. The secondary player may also watch regular TV channels that may be delivered to the terminal.

3.5.3. Casino related events.
The secondary player may watch video feeds of casino-related events. For example, a player may watch a video of a concert, comedy act, animal performance, or any other casino-related event performed the night before.

3.5.4. music.
In various embodiments, the secondary player may listen to music on the terminal. Music may be played through speakers built into the device. A player may be provided with a headset with earphones for listening to music or other audio communications. A secondary player may select one or more channels. A channel may correspond to a radio station or a broadcast that occurs exclusively within a casino. For example, there may be a casino's own disc jockey who selects the music or melodies to broadcast to players within the casino. A player may select the music or audio channel to listen to using a menu. Certain buttons or keys may be configured to correspond to certain audio or music channels. For example, there may be a "rock and roll" button, a "jazz" button, and a "classical music" button. In various embodiments, a secondary player may be able to individually select music to play. The casino or third party may offer a number of songs for selection by the secondary player. Accordingly, in various embodiments, a terminal may function as a jukebox in conjunction with a network, with or without payment required. In various embodiments, when a secondary player selects a song to play, the secondary player may create a list of favorite songs. That is, a secondary player may have the option to play songs on his list (eg, previously selected songs). The terminal may systematically progress one song at a time from the secondary player's list of preferred songs (e.g., play one at a time and start from the beginning), and may randomly select a song to play at any given time. may be selected.

3.5.4.1. Song selection corresponding to game results.
In various embodiments, the terminal may play songs or melodies that are selected based on outcomes that occur in games in which the secondary player participates. For example, if a secondary player obtains a winning bet in a game, a song with a fun theme may be played. If the player loses the bet, a song with a sad theme may be played. Songs may be selected based on symbols, graphics, or lyrics that correspond to events within the game. For example, when a "grape" symbol occurs in a game, the song "I Heard It through the Grapevine" may be played.

3.5.4.2. Bringing in songs by secondary players.
In various embodiments, secondary players may bring their own melodies or songs to listen to at the casino. A player may bring an MP3 player, such as an iPod (registered trademark), to the casino. A secondary player may dock an MP3 player to the terminal. That is, the speaker of the terminal may be used to play songs stored in the MP3 player. Additionally, information about songs on the MP3 player may be downloaded to the terminal. Various buttons, dials, or other input devices on the terminal may then be used to navigate the secondary player's song list and select songs to play. In various embodiments, a secondary player may also store songs on a network, such as the Internet. A secondary player may store songs on his or her home computer, which is accessible via the Internet via, for example, file sharing software. The terminal may access the secondary player's songs and play them upon the secondary player's request. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bring movies or other entertainment to the terminal. The movie may be carried on a portable movie player, MP3 player, storage medium (eg, flash drive, DVD, etc.), or any other object or device. Movies or other entertainment products may be loaded onto the terminal and played.

3.5.5. Requirements for viewing entertainment works: Must be a game to a certain extent.
In various embodiments, the secondary player is allowed to watch the entertainment or other videos unrelated to the gaming activity so long as the secondary player is somewhat involved in the gaming activity. Good too. The secondary player must bet a certain amount per unit of time, participate in a certain number of games per unit of time, suspend participation in a game for no more than X minutes, or meet any other gaming criteria. You may be asked to do something. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the ability to view entertainment content may be a reward for a player for a game in which he or she is involved.

3.5.6. Interruption of entertainment works for game results.
In various embodiments, video or audio distribution, such as a video distribution displaying a movie or other entertainment work, may be interrupted for various reasons. Distribution may be interrupted when a certain event occurs in the game. If the game in which the secondary player participates has reached a resolution or is nearing its conclusion, the broadcast may be interrupted.If the game in which the secondary player participates results in a certain criterion may interrupt the distribution. Results meeting such criteria may include results corresponding to a payout above a certain threshold, results corresponding to a jackpot result, results corresponding to a winning result, results below a predetermined probability of occurrence, or any other specified result. results that meet a set of criteria. Interrupting the entertainment production may allow the secondary player to focus on the game outcome or game event without losing the movie, TV show, or other portion of the entertainment production. A break in the entertainment production may also provide a player with an opportunity to place a new bet or set of bets.

3.6. advertisement.
In various embodiments, one or more displays may include advertisements or other promotions. Advertisements may be for third party vendor products, casino shows, casino restaurants, casino shop sales and consumption, casino hotel rooms, other casino events, or other goods or services. In various embodiments, the terminal screen may be dedicated only to advertisements. In various embodiments, advertisements may be displayed in a window within a display screen. A secondary player may be able to make purchases using a terminal. For example, a secondary player may respond to an advertisement and purchase a product displayed in the advertisement. In various embodiments, various buttons or keys on the terminal may be temporarily or permanently associated with goods, services, or advertisements. For example, a message may be displayed in conjunction with an advertisement. The message may read, "If you would like to learn more about this product or if you would like to purchase it, please press the flashing button." The buttons on the terminal may flash. In this way, the player at the terminal presses a button, views additional screens for that product, opens a line of communication (e.g., telephone call or video conference) with a sales representative for the advertised product, and the player enters the purchase screen, where he or she may pay a certain price, confirm his/her desire to receive the advertised product, and/or purchase the product immediately. For example, in some embodiments, a player may press a button to immediately purchase an item. The purchase price of the item may be deducted from the player's game credits. In some embodiments, a button or other device may be associated with a product or service without a promotion or advertisement. A button or other device may be permanently associated with a product or service. A player may press the button to purchase a product or service. One or more receipt or confirmation steps may be required after pressing the button. For example, by providing a signature, thumbprint, credit card number, shipping address, or other player's wishes to make a purchase, or providing other details necessary to complete a purchase, It may be requested of the player.

4. Games with multiple opponents. See people on each monitor.
In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in a game in which there are multiple primary players. For example, a secondary player may participate in a game of Texas Hold'em Poker. The terminal may display images or videos of two or more secondary players participating in the game. Images or videos may be displayed simultaneously. Images or videos may be displayed on different screens simultaneously. For example, there may be six primary players in a game of Texas Hold'em Poker. The terminal may have six display screens. Each screen may display video footage of a different one of six players. In various embodiments, the displays may be configured side-by-side horizontally to mimic the view of a secondary player as if he were actually sitting in a live game of poker. In various embodiments, the display screen may be placed closer or further away from the secondary player to simulate a greater depth of field than reality. For example, video footage of all players at the poker table may be captured from the vantage point of one seat at the poker table. The video of the primary player furthest from this seat may be displayed on a display screen located furthest from the secondary player (eg, farther than any display screen on the terminal). Similarly, the video of the primary player closest to the seat where the video is taken may be displayed on the display closest to the secondary player (eg, closer than any display on the terminal).

In various embodiments, a player at a terminal may play a game as a primary player. For example, a player may play a game of Texas Hold'em Poker or a game of Blackjack. Videos or images of his opponents may appear on various screens of the terminal. In some embodiments, each screen may include images or videos of a different one of the player's opponents.

In various embodiments, a player who has taken a turn in a game (eg, a primary player) may be prominently displayed on the terminal. When a player takes a turn in the game, an image may be placed in the center of the screen of the terminal. If videos or images of multiple players are displayed, the images of the players in the sequence may be enlarged, highlighted, brighter than the images of other players, or otherwise emphasized.

In various embodiments, an avatar of a player (eg, a primary player) may be displayed on the terminal's display screen. For example, the primary player's video or images may not be available, and the primary player may wish not to have his or her video displayed. Accordingly, an avatar or other representation of the primary player may be displayed on the display screen of the terminal. When a player acts as a primary player at a terminal, his opponent's avatar may be displayed on the terminal's display screen.

5. Application to server games. It is not possible to play games on multiple game devices at the same time without any reason.
In various embodiments, a terminal may function as a gaming device. A terminal may also function as two or more gaming devices. The terminal may, for example, allow a player to play two or more games simultaneously. In various embodiments, a first screen of the terminal may display a first game. A second screen of the terminal may display a second game. For example, the first screen may display a video poker game. The second screen may display a slot machine game.

5.1. gaming equipment.
In some embodiments, game guidance functionality may be implemented in several steps. Random numbers may also be generated. Random numbers may be reflected in the results. A game scenario may appear or be displayed that ultimately leads to the display of the outcome. For example, the reels may be displayed to rotate and then stop at the time of the outcome. Additionally, the steps include determining an intermediate result (e.g., based on the same or random numbers), receiving a determination from the player, determining a payout based on the result, and crediting the player account. It may also include making a payout. A terminal may implement one or more game guidance functions. The terminal may display the results of the game to the player. Functions of the game that are not performed by the terminal may be performed by another device, such as a casino server or a separate gaming device. For example, a casino server may determine random numbers or outcomes for a game. That is, the terminal may display game results to the player. When a terminal and another device jointly guide a game, the terminal may communicate with the other device, for example, to request and receive game-related information from the other device. . In various embodiments, the terminal may download software to guide the game in whole or in part. The software may be downloaded from a casino server, for example. The software may operate to cause the terminal to draw images and generate sounds associated with the game. The terminal may be operative to download software for a plurality of different games, and thus the terminal may be operative to guide portions of a plurality of different games. For example, the terminal may be operative to guide portions of a slot machine game and portions of a video poker game.

5.2. Two or more gaming devices.
In some embodiments, a terminal may function as more than one gaming device at the same time. For example, one screen of the terminal may display images of a video poker game and other information. Another screen on the terminal may display images of slot machine games and other information. In some embodiments, a player at the terminal may start a new game for both types of games, one or the other, if desired. The terminal may have separate keys or controls for the two types of games. For example, one set of keys may be operative to place bets on a slot machine game, while another set of keys may be operative to place and determine bets on a video poker game. Both sets of keys may be part of the same terminal. Additionally, other key sets may be available, such as keys for craps, roulette, or other games. In some embodiments, a terminal may simultaneously guide two or more games of the same type. For example, a first screen may display a first slot machine game and a second screen may display a second slot machine game. There may be separate sets of keys for two or more of the same type of game.

5.3. A player plays as a primary player and as a secondary player.
In various embodiments, a terminal may enable a player to play a first game as a primary player and participate in a second game as a secondary player. For example, a player of a slot machine game may initiate a slot machine game and receive a payout based on the outcome of the slot machine game. A player at a terminal may also place bets on slot machine games initiated and played by different players. A first display screen of the terminal may display information about a first game in which a player of the terminal is acting as a primary player. A second display screen of the terminal may be operated by a set of keys or buttons or other input device that may display information about a second game in which a player of the terminal is acting as a secondary player. The player at the terminal may be able to play the first game as a primary player (eg, placing bets, placing bets, starting games, etc.). A second set of keys or buttons or other input devices allows a player at the terminal to play a second game as a secondary player (e.g., selecting a player to bet, placing a bet, etc.) Good too.

6. Screen with control panel.
In various embodiments, a terminal may include a screen with information about a player using the terminal. Such information may include credit balance, amount bet or bet on the first game, amount bet or bet on the second game, amount bet or bet on any number of other games, secondary player. The primary player in which the player is betting, the game in which the secondary player is participating, the gaming table for the game in which the player (e.g., the secondary player) is participating, and the secondary game. Any other information about the person's behavior may be included. Information about a player on a device typically includes what he is doing (for example, how much he has won or lost), how much money he has left, how much he has won in a particular game, and whether he has participated. It may also give the player what game he is playing and any other useful or other information relevant to the secondary player. In some embodiments, a terminal may determine how many comp points it has overall and/or how many comp points it has earned in a particular gaming session (e.g., in a gaming session with the terminal). The number may be shown to the player. The screen of the terminal may further include an interaction area that the player can touch or otherwise interact with to receive further information. The screen may be a touch screen, for example. In various embodiments, a player may touch the screen to open the game rules. For example, a player may touch a "Rules" button on the screen. In some embodiments, the player may touch the screen to open the game's payout table. In some embodiments, a player may touch the screen to display paylines on the game.

7. Various screens displaying layers of information.
In various embodiments, a first display screen of the terminal may display a first set of information. However, the player at the terminal may desire to dig deeper into the information. Accordingly, the player may indicate any location for which he would like more information. Further information may then be displayed on another display screen of the terminal. Therefore, the screens may have a hierarchical relationship. The first screen may generally display broad or top-level information. The second screen may generally display more detailed information regarding a particular item from the first screen. The first screen may be located in the center of the player's field of view, while the second screen may be located to the side, above, or in a location that is not as readily visible as the first screen. It may be in In one embodiment, the first screen may display video footage of the primary player. A secondary player at the terminal may click on the image of the primary player within the video to learn more about the primary player. Further information about the primary player may then appear on the second screen. Such information may include the primary player's name, age, occupation, the types of strategies typically used by the primary player, the results of the primary player's last 10 games, the last 20 minutes of the primary player's Information may include the player's total winnings, the number of lifetime jackpot wins of the primary player, or any other information about the primary player. In another embodiment, a player at a terminal may be watching a sporting event. The player may click on a horse and the current statistics for that horse may pop up on another screen. In another embodiment, a player may watch a game stream from a blackjack table. Players can see the percentage of winning hands by the dealer, the percentage of winning hands by the primary player at the table, the number of blackjacks dealt in the last 100 hands, and any other information about that table. You can also click on the table to In various embodiments, there may be various levels between hierarchical screens of the terminal. Each layer of more detailed information may appear on a new screen on the terminal, allowing repeated requests for more detailed information on a topic.

The following are embodiments rather than claims.

A. receiving information identifying a casino player;
associating a player with a button;
determining that the button has been pressed;
identifying footage related to the player;
A method comprising: and presenting an image.

B. The method of embodiment A further comprising displaying the player's name on the button.

C. Identifying footage related to the player further includes:
sending a request to a casino server for footage related to a player;
The method of embodiment A comprising: receiving video from a casino server.

D. The method of embodiment A, wherein presenting the video includes displaying the video on a display screen.

E. The method of embodiment A, wherein identifying the footage includes identifying a video showing the player's face.

F. The method of embodiment A, wherein identifying the footage includes identifying a video representative of a player engaged in play of the game.

G. The method of embodiment A, wherein identifying the footage includes identifying a video representative of a display of a game outcome reached by a player.

H. receiving a request for a telephone call from a player at the gaming device;
confirming the destination of a telephone call; and
Checking the bets available on the electronic gaming device;
Checking the rule set related to electronic betting and ensuring that the telephone call to the destination complies with the rule set;
Connecting an electronic player to a call destination.

I. The method of embodiment H, wherein receiving a request from a player includes receiving an indication of a set of dialed digits from a player at a gaming device.

J. The method of embodiment H, wherein identifying bets available on the gaming device includes identifying bets on a sporting event available on the gaming device.

K. The method of embodiment J, wherein confirming a rule set associated with the bet includes confirming that telephone calls to the local area of the gaming device are not allowed when a bat is being placed in a sporting event.

L. The method of embodiment H further comprising recording the telephone call.

M. confirming that the player has placed a bet;
confirming that the electronic player has won the bet;
replaying the recorded telephone call if the electronic player wins the bet.

N. receiving a first bet instruction from a primary player; and deducting the first bet amount from a credit balance associated with the primary player;
receiving a game start signal from a primary player;
confirming the first result of the first game;
displaying an image associated with the first game on the first display screen;
confirming a first game payout based on the first outcome and based on the first bet;
increasing the credit balance associated with the primary player by a first payout amount;
receiving a second bet instruction from a primary player;
deducting the second bet amount from the credit balance associated with the primary player;
receiving from a primary player second game instructions to be played by a secondary player;
confirming a second result of a second game;
displaying an image associated with the second game on a second display screen where the image associated with the second game is displayed simultaneously with the display of the image associated with the first game;
confirming a second result of a second game;
confirming a second payout based on the second outcome and based on the second bet;
increasing the credit balance associated with the primary player by a second payout amount.

For example, a secondary player may be a primary player, and a primary player may participate in a first game as a secondary player. At the same time, the primary player may play a first game as a primary player. Thus, a primary player may act as both a primary player and a secondary player simultaneously.

O. The method of embodiment N, wherein the second game is played remotely from the primary player's location.

P. The method of embodiment N, wherein the image associated with the first game includes displaying a representation of spinning slot machine reels.

Q. The method of embodiment N, wherein the image associated with the second game includes displaying video footage of a secondary player playing the second game.

Sort games.
In some embodiments, a primary player may directly participate in a game of chance. The primary player makes bets, makes game decisions, rolls dice (e.g., in the case of a game of craps), wins and loses based on his bets, his decisions, and events that occur during the game (e.g., random events). You may also receive the In some embodiments, a secondary player may place a bet on a game played by a primary player. The secondary player is responsible for a certain outcome occurring, a certain decision being made, a certain card being dealt, a certain number appearing on a game die, or any other event. You may bet on what will happen. The secondary player may be away from the physical location of the game. The secondary player may not be involved in any decisions made during the game. A secondary player may participate in the game via a remote terminal, mobile gaming device, or other gaming device. For example, a secondary player may use a terminal with buttons and a monitor to enter bets and view game progress.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may view data or information about games in which the secondary player may participate (e.g., about games in which the secondary player may bet). good. A secondary player may view different types of data, may view data in different ways or display formats, may search through data in different ways, and may view data in different ways or display formats. Data may be filtered, viewed in other ways, and interacted with data about the game in various ways.

1. Data about gaming activity.
Various data may be associated with a game, a player, a game table, a gaming device, or any entity or event related to the game, including: (a) the time of the day (e.g., the time of day the game will be played), (b) the type of game (e.g., video poker, slots, craps, table games, "Double Diamond 2005 Video Slots(TM)", etc.) ), (c) the platform of the game (e.g., Game King), (d) the highest payout or prize of the game, (e) the payout of the game result, (f) the probability of the game result, (g) the game result (e.g., the game (h) decisions made within the game (e.g., hits, hits, etc.); (i) bets made within the game (e.g., a bet on "red" in roulette, a bet on "don't pass" in craps, etc.); ), (j) the nature of the decisions made in the game (e.g., whether they were optimal decisions, how far the strategy deviated from the optimal strategy, whether the strategy selected the maximum expected player win; (k) the player (e.g., the player who played a particular game); (l) the location (e.g., the city in which the game was played); , the area of the casino where the game was played, the store where the game was played, the gaming table where the game was played, etc.); (m) the location in the flow (e.g., the game after three wins, the fifth loss); (n) the probability or odds associated with a particular outcome that occurs within a game (e.g., a game that occurs after three wins followed by six more wins, etc.); /Bell/Bell''), (o) the amount won in the game, (p) the amount bet in the game, (q) one or more cards dealt in the game (e.g., the Ace of Spades (r) one or more visual features that occur in the game (e.g., "cherry", "cherry" and "bell", wild symbol, " (s) the demographic of players who played the game (e.g., the primary player in the game was from Wisconsin, the player in the game was a nurse, etc.), (t) (u) popularity of the player (e.g., the player is a state legislator, etc.), (u) popularity of the game (e.g., the game is among the five most played games at the casino in the past week, etc.); , (v) the popularity of the game from the perspective of secondary players (e.g., the game was most frequently bet on by secondary players of any type of game, etc.); (w) similarities between one game and another (e.g., game A has similar rules to game B, players who played game A almost always played game B, etc.), (x) games, players; (y) Recommendations of players, game results, dealers, game tables, etc. (e.g., Slotomania received positive recommendations from 90% of players, etc.); For example, an indicator may describe the average amount won by a player at a particular gaming table, it may describe the average amount won per game in the past hour for a particular type of game, etc.) , (z) game manufacturer (e.g., the game manufacturer associated with a particular game), (aa) game ratings or reviews (e.g., by other players), (bb) number of comps associated with play of the game. or any other data about the game-related device, physical, (cc) whether the game is a table game, (dd) whether the game is played without player input, (ee) how much the player won. (ff) the ratio of how much the pair of players won to how much the dealer won, or any other data.

1.1. Sorting of any of the above attributes.
In various embodiments, a secondary player may view data associated with multiple games, gaming devices, players (e.g., primary players), gaming tables, or other physical devices or events. Good too. For example, a secondary player may view a list of games that includes each game, an indication of the time the game was played, the player who played the game, the amount bet, and the amount won. The secondary player may sort the list of games by the time the game was played, the player who played the game, the amount bet, or the amount won. For example, a secondary player may rearrange the list of games so that they are chronologically played. Similarly, the secondary player may reorder the games so that the most winning games are at the top of the list and the least winning games are at the bottom of the list. In some embodiments, secondary players may be sorted by one or more types of data. For example, a secondary player may sort first by winning amount and then by bet amount.

1.2. Search for any of the above attributes.
In some embodiments, a player may search for games using particular values or particular instances of any relevant type of data. For example, a player may be responsible for the games played at a particular time, the games played by a particular player, a gaming table with a highly rated dealer, a gaming device located in a particular area of the casino, and/or any Other specific characteristics may also be used to search for games played. A secondary player may search from multiple characteristics simultaneously. For example, a secondary player may search for gaming devices located in a particular area of a casino that have had six or more payouts of 100 coins in the past hour.

In various embodiments, data about games may be stored in a database located with the casino server. Various database search techniques may be used to find games with particular attributes. For example, structured query language (SQL) may be used to find games with particular attributes.

1.3. Searching for any of the above attributes regarding a game, player, table, dealer, or other object or group of entities.
In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for a set of games, a set of tables, a set of dealers, a set of gaming devices, a set of locations, or any other object or physical set. . For example, a secondary player may search for: (a) A set of tables where players have won 60% or more of the games in the past 5 minutes, (b) A set of gaming devices where there have been four or more payouts of more than $100 in the past 10 minutes, (c) ) a set of primary players, each of whom uses a basic strategy, (d) a set of dealers, each of whom deals 20 or more hands per hour, or any other set that satisfies some criterion or several criteria. . In various embodiments, there may be constraints on the set of objects or entities that are searched. For example, a constraint may be that everything must be within the same area, such as a casino room. Otherwise, for example, by picking up individual primary players from across the casino, which is allowed in some embodiments, the set of primary players to use that ties the basic strategy is immediately found. You can. In some embodiments, a player, table, dealer, gaming device, or other object or entity is defined or assumed to exist prior to the search. For example, gaming devices in a particular bank are considered to be members of a set of gaming devices. Thus, for example, a secondary player may search for a bank of gaming devices that meet certain criteria, such as a bank of gaming devices that is 70% or more occupied.

1.4. Exploration of flow.
In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for players, games, dealers, gaming devices, gaming tables, or other objects or entities associated with the flow. The flow may be subject to some pattern of wins, losses, or other outcomes. The flow may include consecutive games that all win, consecutive games that all lose, consecutive games that always have a win followed by a loss and always a win after a loss, or any other pattern. A flow may incorporate only one thing, such as only one game. For example, the winning sequence for the primary player may be the length of one game. The flow does not have to cover consecutive games. For example, a primary player may ride a winning streak every other time over a period of a total of 20 games. Streams may also include overlapping games. For example, a primary player at a gaming table may ride the tide of the primary player at the table winning 15 games without losing. However, many of the games may occur at the same time (eg, many of the games may be against the same dealer cards).

In various embodiments, the secondary player searches for a player, game, dealer, gaming device, gaming table, or other object or entity associated with a length of flow, such as a seven-game flow. Good too. In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for primary players, games, dealers, etc. that are associated with a run of at least some length, such as a losing run of at least 10 games. . For example, a secondary player may trust that the primary player will quickly win a game in which the primary player has lost at least 10 games in a row; You may wish to participate.

2. Display type.
2.1. Tabular display.
In various embodiments, a secondary player views data related to a game, a gaming device, a primary player, a gaming table, a dealer, or other objects or devices associated with a game using a tabular format. Good too. Each line of the table may include related data, such as all data for the same game or the same gaming device. For example, one line of the table may contain data related to the game. The line may include data noting the time the game was played, the gaming device the game was played on, the amount bet on the game, and the highest jackpot in the game. The next line of the table may contain the same type of data, but for a different game. Accordingly, each column of the table may contain similar types of data, such as the period during which the game was played. The secondary player may be able to sort the data using any column. For example, a secondary player may be able to sort games by time played so that all games are in chronological order. A secondary player may be able to sort games by game type, such as video poker or slot machines. After such reordering, for example, all video poker games will be near the line in the table. In various embodiments, the list of games, gaming devices, or other physical objects or devices may be downloaded to the secondary player only after the secondary player uses some filtering or sorting criteria to limit the number of games. A tabular display may be used for display to the next player. Otherwise, the list may be large or overwhelming to the secondary player. FIG. 57 shows some embodiments of tabular displays. Column 1020 may indicate the time the game was played, such as the game start time. Column 1030 may indicate the name of the game or gaming device. Column 1040 may indicate the amount bet on the game by the primary player. Column 1050 may indicate the outcome of the game. Column 1060 may indicate the amount won by the primary player in the game.

2.2. Map (floor display).
In some embodiments, a secondary player may view a casino floor display or other model of a casino venue. The location of various rooms, game tables, gaming devices, people, etc. may be shown on a map. For example, the floor plan may represent a scale model of the configuration of the casino and/or objects within the casino. In some embodiments, the floor representation may not follow scale. For example, the size of one room may be emphasized relative to other rooms. A secondary player may use the floor map to locate players, gaming tables, dealers, etc. based on various criteria, such as scoping for certain data searches. Various visual cues, such as different colors, different shading patterns, different gradations, etc., may be used to indicate different data types or different ranges of data. For example, the color red may indicate a game table where the player is beating the dealer on average. The color green may indicate game tables where players are losing on average to the dealer.

2.2.1. The player chooses a color and chooses what that color represents.
In various embodiments, a secondary player may select and use colors, shading patterns, gradations, or other visual cues in an overview of a map of a casino floor or other gaming venue. For example, a player may choose red to represent a gaming device with a jackpot of $2,000 or more, orange to represent a gaming device with a jackpot of between $1,000 and $2,000, and yellow to represent a gaming device with a jackpot of less than $1,000. You may choose. However, the player may simply select other color sequences to represent data on the floor display. The interface for the secondary player may provide a fixed range of data, such as a range of jackpot levels. Therefore, the player may select a color corresponding to that range using a menu or the like.

2.2.2. A winning device or player.
In some embodiments, the floor display may represent a shading, color, or other pattern of a primary player, gaming device, gaming table, or other object or real thing with different outcomes. For example, game devices that have paid out $100 or more within the past five minutes may be shown in a first shaded color. Gaming devices that have paid out $200 or more within the past five minutes may be shown in a second shade of color. As another example, the positions of game tables where players have won a certain amount or more in the past five minutes (or the past X minutes) may be indicated by color, shading, or the like. FIG. 58 illustrates a floor display according to some embodiments. Reference numeral 1105 corresponds to a game device. Reference numeral 1110 corresponds to the game tables, each game table including a player position and a dealer position. Game devices 1115, 1120, 1125, and 1130 are shown in shading. The shading may represent that the gaming device has paid out an amount equal to or greater than a threshold within a recent period, for example within 20 minutes. Differences in shading levels (for example, game device 1120 has darker shading than game device 1130) may represent different thresholds exceeded by different game devices. For example, gaming device 1120 may have paid out $500 in the past 10 minutes, while gaming device 1125 may have paid out $250 in the past 10 minutes. The difference in density level may mean something other than the payout amount. For example, the gray level may represent the number of games played on the gaming device, the number of bonus rounds reached, the size of the jackpot, the percentage of time the gaming device was occupied, the number of losing streaks, or any other information. . Reference numerals 1135, 1140 and 1145 indicate the positions of players at the gaming table. Various information may be conveyed by displaying shading or other colors at the player's position. Such information may include the amount won over a period of time, the amount lost over a period of time, the number of consecutive winning hands, the number of times a particular hand is reached (e.g., blackjack), skill level, player age, or any number of consecutive winning hands. Other information may be mentioned. The shading of a player position may represent information about the player currently occupying that position (e.g., how much the player has won in any given game in the past day), and the position itself may (eg, the amount won at this position in the past hour, regardless of the primary player). Reference numeral 1150 indicates the dealer position. Depending on the shade of dealer position, the dealer itself (e.g., how fast this dealer dealt), the dealer position (e.g., how many blackjacks the dealer received in the last two hours, regardless of who was dealing), or the table itself. (eg, the percentage of games won by primary players at this table in the past hour). In various embodiments, other portions of the floor display may be shaded or have other patterns. For example, the entire game table may be shaded. The shading of a gaming table may represent that a player at that gaming table has won a higher percentage than a player at any other gaming table.

2.2.3. hotspot.
The floor view may indicate areas within the casino where significant amounts are occurring, or where significant amounts of some type are occurring. For example, a floor plan may show areas of the casino where 80% or more of the gaming devices are occupied. In another embodiment, the floor display may show areas of the casino where three or more jackpots have been won in the past hour. As another example, a floor display may show areas of a casino where players have net wins of $10 or more per player on average. Areas of significant activity may be indicated and communicated using a color, shading, border (eg, a border around the area of significant activity), or any other cue. Additionally, a player may select the colors, shading, or other visual cues used to convey information about an activity. In various embodiments, a "hotness meter" may be displayed on the casino floor, gaming table, gaming device, or other area. An "intensity meter" may include, for example, a series of colors or shades used to convey information about how well a gaming device, a player, or a game is going. For example, game devices that rank in the top 5% of items that are beneficial to players among all game devices may be displayed in red, while game devices that rank in the bottom 5% of items that are beneficial to players may be displayed in blue. It may also be expressed as

2.2.4. Player's location.
The floor display may indicate the location of players or other casino patrons. Areas with a relatively high density of players may be shown in one color, while areas with a relatively low density of players may be shown in another color. In various embodiments, a secondary player may be able to identify a primary player in certain categories. For example, the categories are: Primary Players Who Won $100 or More in the Past Hour, Primary Players from Minnesota, Primary Players Who Play Video Poker with Basic Strategy, and Primary Players Who Won $10 or More per Game. It may be the primary player making the bet, or any other category. Accordingly, the floor map may indicate the location of primary players who fall into a particular category. For example, areas with a high density of primary players with pets may be shown in one color, while areas with a low density of such players may be shown in another color. A secondary player may, for example, peruse a list of available categories to find and display primary players or other casino customers that fall into a particular category. A secondary player may select one or more categories. The secondary player may then select a color or visual cue that corresponds to one or more selected categories. The secondary player may select a visual cue for each category (eg, each different category of the primary player is indicated using a different visual cue). The selected visual cue is then used to indicate to the secondary player the category (or group of categories, e.g., the logical intersection of various different categories) that the secondary player has selected for viewing. It's okay. In various embodiments, a floor display may show a player (eg, a primary player) according to some personal identifying information, either by name or by pseudonym. For example, a secondary player may see a dot moving on a casino floor map. A text box may be floated above the dot to display the name of the player represented by the dot.

2.2.5. Interactive floor display diagram.
In various embodiments, a secondary player may select a playing area on the floor, and may select an object, person, or other real thing displayed on the floor display. For example, a secondary player may drag a mouse pointer over a gaming table shown on a casino floor plan. Dragging the mouse pointer over a game table may bring up a bubble or text box containing the top for that game table. For example, the bubble may display the name of the dealer, the percentage of times the player has won in the last 10 games, the bet limit, the game, or any other information about the table. The secondary player may interact with the floor display in various ways, such as by touching various parts of the touch screen on which the floor display is displayed.

2.2.6. Display the entire floor as a roulette game or other game.
In various embodiments, a casino floor or other location within a casino may be presented as one large game. For example, different areas within a casino floor may be shown within separate boundaries. The bounded area may have an identifier. For example, the numbers 1 to 30 may be assigned to 30 bounded areas. A secondary player may select an area. For example, a secondary player may place a bet on a particular area. A winning region may then be determined based on events that actually occur within that region. For example, the winning area may be the first area where the jackpot is won. For example, a winning area may be the first place ten primary players become flush in video poker. A region may be selected based on any other event or set of events that occur within that region. In some embodiments, one or more areas within a casino may be used to determine graphics or visual features. For example, a casino may be divided into five areas. The most frequently dealt cards in each area may be determined. For example, among ten games of video poker and four tables of blackjack, the two of hearts may be the most frequently dealt card in the first area. Using the five regions, a video poker hand may then be determined. Video poker hands may be used in games played by a secondary player.

2.2.7. Data search using filters.
In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for games, dealers, game tables, or primary players based on various types of data. A secondary player may specify a range of values for a particular type of data, and find all games, dealers, or primary players associated with the specified data that fall within the range. You can. For example, a secondary player may specify a range of total winnings paid out from gaming devices in the past hour, such as from $500 to $2000. In this way, all gaming devices that have been paid between $500 and $2000 in the past hour are found. Such gaming devices may be highlighted on a casino floor display. In some embodiments, all other gaming devices other than those whose winning totals fall within a specified range may be hidden or dimmed on the casino floor display. By specifying a range of data in this manner, the filter may highlight or emphasize devices (or games, players, game tables, etc.) that fall within the specified range. In some embodiments, a secondary player may specify multiple filters. The filter may successively eliminate other entities such as games, gaming devices, gaming tables, or ranges that identify more types of data. For example, a secondary player may identify a particular gaming manufacturer (eg, IGT) so that all gaming devices not manufactured by that gaming manufacturer disappear from the casino floor display. The player may also specify a maximum jackpot amount range (eg, $1000 to $2000, etc.). The remaining gaming devices whose maximum jackpot amount falls outside this range may disappear from display. In this manner, the secondary player may successively narrow down the list or list of gaming devices (or players, physical objects, gaming tables, etc.). This may help the secondary player go straight to the gaming device where he or she wishes to place a bet.

2.3. Virtual tour display (allows you to virtually move around the casino and see overlaid statistics).
In some embodiments, a secondary player may view the casino as if walking through the casino. For example, the view of the casino may be from a camera located somewhere within the casino. The view may unfold as if the camera were moving. In some embodiments, the secondary player may view the casino as if he were flying through the casino, passing through walls, or performing other feats. A player may view actual footage from a casino, or a player may view a presentation that imitates a casino. The player may manipulate the game by operating a joystick in the direction he or she wants to go, for example, from the casino-like presentation. While taking a "virtual tour" of the casino, the secondary player may look at things that a person would normally see while walking around the casino. That is, a secondary player may look at gaming devices, gaming tables, people, artwork, and the like. In some embodiments, a secondary player may see additional overlays of information that are not visible to a person walking through a physical casino. The player may view the information superimposed on the gaming device. The information may indicate the flow of games won by the primary player with the gaming device, the final result reached by the gaming device, the time of the most recent jackpot payout, or any other information. Similarly, information may be displayed superimposed on the image of the game table. The information may indicate the current players at the gaming table, the ratio of the player's winnings to the dealer's winnings in the past hour, the dealer's popularity, or any other information related to the gaming table. Thus, in various embodiments, a secondary player may take a virtual tour of a casino or any other location with various features, objects, or people that are not present or visible in the real world. . Thus, a secondary player taking a virtual tour may be able to quickly locate games, primary players, dealers, gaming tables, or other games or physical objects that match his or her preferences.

2.4. Ladder display (can be a bar graph or just a graph with cards).
A ladder display may include a first axis representing a number of sets of units. The unit may be, for example, the winning amount of the gaming device in the past hour. In another embodiment, the unit may be a game that is currently in a winning streak. Various points on the axis may have numbers, bars, pictures, or other descriptions representing the amount of things that match the points on that axis. For example, a point 5 units above the origin of the axis may be set as the number "30" to indicate that there are 30 game devices for which payment of $5 has been completed. A point 8 units above the origin of the axis may be set as the number 31 to indicate that the number of game devices for which the payment of $8 has been completed is 31. In some embodiments, a ladder display may display the ratio of the amount the player bought to the amount the house won. The axis location is 0.8 (the player wins 80 cents for every $1 the house wins). It may correspond to ratios such as 1.0 (the player and the house win equal amounts), and 1.2 (the player wins $1.20 for every $1 the house wins). There may be bars at various points on the axis, the length of such bars corresponding to the number of game tables that fall at that point on the axis. For example, a 1-inch long bar extending horizontally from a point on the vertical axis corresponding to a ratio of 0.9 may indicate that there are three gaming tables where the player wins 90 cents for every $1 the dealer wins. . A two inch long bar extending horizontally from a point on the vertical axis corresponding to a ratio of 1.0 may indicate that there are six gaming tables where the player wins $1 for every $1 the house wins.

In various embodiments, the ladder display may indicate the average amount a player is winning or losing at a table. For example, for each $25 range (e.g., -$25 to 0, 0 to $25, $25 to $50, etc.), players at these tables will have an average number of dollars that fall within that range. For example, the ladder display may show that there are 4 gaming tables where players are winning by an average of anywhere from $25 to $50. Good too.

In some embodiments, a secondary player may further drill down into the data that makes up the ladder display. For example, a secondary player may see from a ladder display that there are four gaming devices on which the player has won in a row over the past five minutes. The secondary player may then wish to further ask which of the four gaming devices they are. A player may indicate such a desire in a variety of ways. For example, a player may click on the number "4" on a ladder display indicating the number of winning gaming devices in a horizontal row in the past five minutes. A text window may then appear and display details about the gaming device, such as location, game type, and name of the primary player at the gaming device.

In various embodiments, the ladder display may indicate the number of times a particular indicia has appeared, or the number of gaming devices in which a particular indicia has appeared, or the number of gaming tables in which a particular card has appeared, or a particular combination of cards. The number of games played may also be displayed. For example, each position on the axis may represent a different card. Thus, for example, there may be 52 positions on the axis. The first position may correspond to the ace of spades, the second position to the king of spades, and so on. A number such as "12" may be written in each position. "12" may indicate that there were 12 game devices that were dealt the Ace of Spades in the past 30 minutes. Since more than one card may be dealt at a gaming device, a single gaming device may be counted twice in a ladder display.

In some embodiments, each point on the axis of the ladder display may correspond to a combination of visual features. For example, a certain position may correspond to "bell/bell/bell". The number entered in that position may indicate the number of game devices for which the result "Bell/Bell/Bell" has occurred in the past 10 minutes (or in the past X period). In another embodiment, the position on the axis of the ladder display may correspond to "As Ks Js 10h 10d." The corresponding number may indicate how many video poker games in the past hour the above-mentioned card combinations occurred.

Various embodiments envision ladder displays in which the axes are oriented vertically, horizontally, or in any other direction.

2.5. Time-varying attributes (that evolve over time), such as winning as a function of time.
In various embodiments, the display includes changes in data, changes in the game, changes in context, or other changes that occur over time. A casino floor plan may show a time evolution in some situations. For example, a floor plan of a casino may show a first gaming table where players are generally winning at an initial point in time. The casino floor view may show a second gaming table at which players are generally winning at a second point in time. An arrow may be drawn from a first game table to a second game to indicate that a condition that meets a certain criterion (in this case, a table where players generally win) has changed over time. Multiple points in time may be shown, allowing a secondary player to see how the "winner's crown", which is the table at which the player generally wins, has moved over time. . A secondary player may try to discern a pattern as to which next table the primary player will generally win at. For example, a secondary player might say, ``These three arrows appear to move to the west of the casino. Therefore, I think the next table that would be best for the player is the other table to the west of this casino.'' ” you might say to yourself.

FIG. 59 shows a floor representation according to some embodiments. A large number of game devices are displayed. Some gaming devices are shaded to indicate that the gaming device had the most total winning payouts in a particular five minute interval of all gaming devices. Gaming device 1210 paid out the most during the first five minute interval. Gaming device 1220 paid out the most during the second, later five minute interval. Gaming device 1230 paid out the most during the third and later five minute interval. Arrows 1250 and 1260 show the progression of the gaming device's highest payout over time. Gaming device 1240 is shaded differently than gaming devices 1210, 1220, and 1230 to indicate the predicted gaming device that will pay the most in the next five minutes. Gaming devices 1240 may be selected to complete some rectangular pattern formed between gaming devices 1210, 1220, 1230, and 1240, for example.

In various embodiments, the time propulsion of a situation is a single game, a single table, a single player, a single gaming device, a single dealer, or any other single object or entity. may be indicated with respect to For example, the display may show trends in a player's net winnings over time. The display may show a chart such that at each point in time, the player's accumulation of net wins from the start of the player's gaming session is shown. In another embodiment, the display may show the time between game starts at a particular game table as a function of time. For example, the display shows that between 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. the average time between games starting at a table is 2 minutes, but between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. the time between games starting at that table is 2 minutes. It may also be shown that the average interval is 2 minutes and 30 lines.

In various embodiments, for example, a display may display a temporal progression of situations with respect to a game, a table, a player, a dealer, a group or set of gaming devices, or any other object or set of real things. It may also display how many payouts of more than $20 have been made to a bank of gaming devices in each five minute interval over the past three hours.

In various embodiments, the time progression of the situation may be displayed in a tabular format. For example, each row of the table may correspond to a particular point in time. The data associated with each point in time may include payouts made at that point in time, decisions made in the game at that point in time, outcomes occurring at that point in time, etc. .

In various embodiments, the ability to view data or situations as they evolve over time may provide a secondary player with the opportunity to try to predict where trends will lead. For example, if a group of gaming devices has been paying out higher amounts on average during each 5-minute interval over the past hour, the secondary player may assume that this trend will continue and therefore may wish to participate in a game played on one of the group's gaming devices.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may be given access to a predictive tool or collection of tools. A predictive tool may allow a secondary player to use a set of known data and estimate possible future events based on the known data. For example, the prediction tool may be capable of performing predictions using linear regression, predictions using neural networks, predictions using rulesets, or any other method. The secondary player may use the predictive tool in combination with various data (eg, various data about the games, gaming devices, etc.) to determine which games to participate in. In various embodiments, a secondary player may allow automatic betting to be placed on his or her behalf based on the output of the prediction tool. In various embodiments, the prediction tool may be a software program that resides on a casino server. In various embodiments, predictions may be made by a person such as a "resident expert" as to which games are likely to be suitable for participation by a secondary player. The resident expert may provide predictions to one or more secondary players. A secondary player may pay to receive the services of a person and/or a prediction tool that makes predictions. The resident expert may be a casino employee. In some embodiments, it may be determined which of the secondary players will be the most successful (eg, win the most during a certain amount of time). A secondary player may be selected or selected to be a "resident expert." Other secondary players may therefore have the opportunity to use the selected secondary player's predictions. In various embodiments, data about a secondary player's success may be made available to other secondary players. For example, data may be available to a second secondary player as to what percentage of winning bets were made to the first secondary player. The secondary player may then decide whether to participate in the same game as the original secondary player based on a self-evaluation of that data.

2.6. Network diagram (one game is related to another game, which is related to another game).
A network with associations ties together games played by the same player. In various embodiments, the display may include gaming devices, players, dealers, gaming tables, or other objects or entities on the network. Nodes may be connected to each other based on some similarity between the players (or games, game tables, etc.) represented by the nodes. For example, two gaming devices, both video slots with five reels, may be displayed as being close to each other in a network, perhaps with a direct connection between them. In another embodiment, two games with the same jackpot size may be displayed as being close to each other in the network. In one embodiment, a first gaming device that operates a particular game and receives a $1 tip is connected and displayed in a network with a second gaming device that operates the same game and receives 25 cents. You can. The second gaming device may similarly be connected to and displayed on a third gaming device that receives 5 cents for running a particular game. The first and third game devices may not be displayed as being directly connected.

In various embodiments, the network display may display a primary player. Primary players may be displayed as being connected to or in close proximity to each other based on the following: The strategy used by the primary player (e.g., the primary player using the basic strategy), the game played by the primary player (e.g., all primary players in the vicinity on the diagram are blackjack primary players' active times (e.g., primary players who are near each other on the diagram may be playing at similar times); demographics (for example, primary players who are near each other on the diagram may be in a similar age group, and primary players who are near each other on the diagram may be in similar industries) ).

In various embodiments, the network diagram may display dealers' relationships with each other. When a dealer deals based on how quickly that dealer deals, based on how full the table is when that dealer deals, based on how many mistakes that dealer makes may be located near each other based on how much the player typically wins and/or based on any other factor.

A display depicting a gaming device, player, dealer, or other object or entity as connected does not necessarily imply that there is any physical connection between the objects or entities. Rather, the display may seek to illustrate similarities between objects or entities by displaying the objects or entities as being in close proximity to each other or connected to each other in a representation of a network display. A secondary player may find the network display useful, for example, when he or she participates in a game on one type of gaming device and wants to find other gaming devices with similar characteristics. In doing so, other gaming devices connected to the already preferred gaming device may be found within the network display.

Network displays may be developed or constructed in a variety of ways. Object data about gaming devices, players, dealers, or other objects or entities may also be used. For example, a casino server may have data about a gaming device's jackpot, manufacturer, whether it uses video reels or mechanical reels, or any other characteristics of the gaming device. The object data may be used to place a device (or player, dealer, etc.) in proximity to other gaming devices that have similar object data (eg, similar manufacturer, similar jackpot). A network display may be constructed based on secondary player activity. If two different gaming devices tend to be played by many of the same secondary players, then such gaming devices are likely to be similar, at least as far as the preferences of the secondary players are concerned. may be considered. Accordingly, such gaming devices may be placed close to each other in a network display. In this way, network displays tend to place gaming devices, primary players, dealers, gaming tables, games, etc. near each other or connected to each other, which tend to be preferred by secondary players. There may be.

FIG. 60 shows a network display according to some embodiments. Each node, such as nodes 1310 and 1320, represents a gaming device. Some information about each gaming device is displayed in the node, including the type of game, the size of the jackpot, the amount won or lost in the last 20 minutes, and the age and gender of the primary player on that gaming device. included. Gaming devices that have one or more common or similar characteristics tend to be connected to each other in a network display.

2.7. Combination display and betting interface.
To place a bet, drag chips to a certain game on the display. In various embodiments, a display may display a representation of a game, a player, a game table, or a game. A secondary player may use the display to gather information in some embodiments. In some embodiments, a display may be used as a betting interface. A player may place a bet using a gaming device, for example, by selecting or designating a gaming device on a display. For example, a secondary player may drag a display of gaming chips onto a display of a gaming device using a computer mouse. By doing so, the secondary player may indicate that he or she will place a bet of the same amount, represented by game chips, on the next game played on the gaming device. A player may specify a gaming device in a variety of ways, such as by double-clicking on the gaming device's display, for example, by rotating the gaming device with a mouse pointer. In various embodiments, a secondary player may use a display to designate a primary player. For example, the display may show representations of various primary players. The secondary player may drag a representation of game chips onto the selected primary player's representation. The secondary player may then place a bet on the next game displayed by the selected primary player. In various embodiments, a secondary player may view a display of game chips, a display of a game table (e.g., to place a bet on the next game to be played at that game table), a display of a dealer (e.g. , to place a bet on the next game played by that dealer), on the game display (e.g., to place a bet on the next time that game is played elsewhere in the casino), etc. You can also drag it.

2.8. Different windows to put out different games.
Things that are in progress come to the front. Or there are different criteria for coming to the fore. In some embodiments, a secondary player may participate in two or more different games. A secondary player may participate in a game on two or more different gaming devices. A secondary player may participate in a game of representation of two or more primary players. A secondary player may participate in a game with two or more dealers. Secondary players may participate in games at more than one table. In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in two or more separate games at approximately the same time. For example, a secondary player may place a first bet on a first game at a first gaming table. While the first game is still in progress, a secondary player may place a second bet on a second game at a second gaming table. The first game may be resolved while the second game is still in progress. At this time, the secondary player may place a bet on the third game at the first gaming table. The second game may be resolved while the third game is still in progress. At this time, the secondary player may place a bet on the fourth game at the second gaming table. In this way, for example, a secondary player may participate in games at two or more gaming tables simultaneously.

In various embodiments, if a secondary player is participating in multiple different games at the same time, games that fall into different categories may be displayed in different windows. For example, games at different game tables may be displayed in different windows. For example, games on different game devices may be displayed in different windows. For example, games for different primary players may be displayed in different windows. In various embodiments, games with common characteristics may be displayed in the same window. For example, games at the same game table may be displayed in the same window. A secondary player may, for example, place a bet on the games of two different primary players, both sitting at the same gaming table.

In various embodiments, the display may bring a window to the front based on events that occur in the game displayed in the window. For example, when a game displayed in a window reaches a resolution, the window displaying the game may come to the foreground. This may allow the secondary player to see what the outcome of the game was and how much he won. Similarly, a new game that follows the game that just ended (e.g., a game played on the same gaming device as the game that just ended, a game that is played by the same primary player as the game that just ended, a game that follows the game that just ended, A secondary player may also be given the opportunity to bet on games (games played at the same gaming table). In various embodiments, the window may come to the foreground when the displayed game is nearing a resolution. This may allow the secondary player a moment of anticipation before seeing the solution. In various embodiments, a window may be brought to the front when there is a possibility of winning a large payout. For example, a video poker game may be displayed in the window. If an intermediate result of four cards that results in a royal flush is dealt, the window may be brought to the front because there is a high possibility that the player will win by paying the royal flush. In various embodiments, a window may be brought to the foreground if a decision is made within the game. For example, if a window displays Blackjack, the window may come to the foreground if a decision is made or about to be made in the game. This allows the secondary player to see the decisions and have the opportunity to evaluate the skill of the primary player making the decisions. In various embodiments, a window may be brought to the foreground when an unusual event occurs in the displayed game. Unusual events include decisions that are contrary to the basic or optimal strategy, occurrences that result in large payouts (e.g., jackpots in slot machines), situations where all players at the table receive the same outcome, and situations where all players at the table receive the same result. These include situations where all players win, all players at the table lose, or any other event that is considered rare or uncommon.

In various embodiments, a window may be removed from the foreground if gaming activity ceases in the game or games displayed within the window. For example, if a gaming table is closed, the window displaying games from that gaming table may be removed from the front or removed entirely.

A window may include a bounded area, such as a rectangular area, on the display screen. A region may have sharp boundaries. The region may display images, text, or other visual cues to distinguish it from what is in the external region of the window. When a window is brought to the front, the area of the window may be completely visible. Parts of the other window areas may be covered by the front window. When the new window comes to the foreground, the portion of the window that was previously in the foreground may be covered.

2.9. Display of a person's or avatar's face (type of state of mind or other facial features).
In various embodiments, the display may show the primary player's facial expression. The facial expression may be a real facial expression or an animated facial expression that does not necessarily reflect the physical appearance of the actual primary player. The expression of the primary player may be displayed from a previously taken photograph of the primary player. The facial expression of the primary player may be displayed live based on, for example, an image captured by a camera of the primary player while playing a game device. By looking at the facial expressions of the primary player, the secondary player may have more information available to him in deciding which games to participate in. For example, a secondary player may think to himself, "That guy seems to know what he's going to do, so I'll bet on him." As another example, a secondary player may think, "She seems very lucky today, so I'll bet on her."

In various embodiments, to participate in the primary player's game, the secondary player may click on the primary player's facial expression on the display that the secondary player views. The secondary player may select the primary player's expression in other ways as well. The secondary player may also look at the primary player's facial expressions, but actually select the primary player in a different manner, such as by typing a name or identifier associated with the primary player. You may.

In various embodiments, software tools may be available for identifying information about a primary player based on the primary player's facial expressions. For example, software may be used to determine a primary player's state of mind (e.g., using some probabilities). In various embodiments, a secondary player may sort the primary players based on the primary player's state of mind. For example, a secondary player may look for "happy" primary players because such a primary player may feel like they are likely to be on a winning streak. Software may be used to analyze images of the primary player to infer other information such as age, ethnicity, gender, or health. In various embodiments, a secondary player may search or sort primary players based on any information discernible from images of the primary players.

In various embodiments, the display may display an image of the dealer, such as the dealer's facial expression. The display may also display an avatar of the dealer's facial expression. A secondary player may select a game based on the appearance of the dealer dealing in that game. For example, a secondary player may wish to participate in a game with a dealer who is in a bad state of mind, since poor state of mind may be an indication to the secondary player that the house will lose. be. In various embodiments, a software tool may be used to determine information about a dealer from an image of the dealer. In various embodiments, software tools may be used to search or sort dealers based on information determined from dealer images.

2.10. Virtual world display. That is, the game is organized into a virtual world.
In various embodiments, the display may include scenes from the virtual world. The virtual world may look like a fantasy landscape, a desert, a countryside, or the inside of a building. There may be a display of a gaming table or gaming device within the virtual world. Such a display may have an appearance similar to an actual gaming table or gaming device. In some embodiments, the appearance of the gaming table or gaming device may have an entirely different appearance. For example, a gaming table may be represented as a large mushroom, while a gaming device may be represented as a rose bush. A secondary player may select a mushroom to participate in a game at the gaming table represented by the mushroom. In some embodiments, a virtual world may organize gaming devices and gaming tables differently than they are organized within a real casino. For example, instead of mixing different types of games, a virtual world could present all gaming devices of a first type in one area, all gaming devices of a second type in another area, etc. good. Therefore, it may be easier for the secondary player to find the game he/she wants to find in the virtual world. In various embodiments, a secondary player may advance through the virtual world as if from the vantage point of someone walking inside. For example, a secondary player may move a joystick forward to attract objects that appear far away on the screen. Similarly, the secondary player may move the joystick backwards to move further away from objects that appear far away on the screen.

2.11. A method of placing information across multiple display screens (e.g., different floors of a casino on each display).
In various embodiments, a terminal, computer, or other device used by a secondary player may include multiple display screens. On multiple display screens, the secondary player can view the games he is participating in, the games he is available to participate in, his current credit balance, options for betting on games, and/or any other related information. You can also view information about the topic. There may be various ways to divide the information shown to the secondary player across the various screens.

2.11.1. different games.
In various embodiments, different displays may be used to display information about different games. For example, on a first screen, a secondary player may view the progress of a video poker game, while on a second screen, the secondary player may view the progress of a slot machine game. As another example, a secondary player may view game progress on a first gaming device on one screen while watching game progress on a second gaming device on another screen. I see.

2.11.2. different types of games.
In various embodiments, information about a first type of game may be displayed on a first screen, while information about a second type of game may be displayed on a second screen. . For example, information about table games may be displayed on the first screen, while information about gaming devices may be displayed on the second screen. As another example, a roulette game may be displayed on one screen while a video poker game is displayed on another screen.

2.11.3. Different views of the game. (From above, as if you were playing the game).
In various embodiments, different screens may be used to display views of the same game from different perspectives. For example, a secondary player may be participating in a table game of blackjack. One view may display the game playing out as if the secondary player were seated in the shoes of the primary player. That is, a secondary player may be able to see the cards that have been dealt, but may not be able to see the primary player. Another view may display the game unfolding as if the secondary player were floating overhead. That is, in the second view, the secondary player may see the primary player's head and the cards that have been dealt. Other views are possible as well, such as a view from the dealer's point of view, a view from the underside of the table, etc.

2.11.4. Control panel vs. game information.
In various embodiments, a single screen may display the progress of a game in which a secondary player is participating. A separate screen may display controls or interfaces that may be used by a secondary player. The controls or interfaces include a control for selecting a game to participate in, a control for selecting a bet amount, and a control for inputting search criteria (e.g., search criteria for finding games of interest for a secondary player). , controls for making any other game-related decisions or other decisions. The screen displaying the controls may be a touch screen in some embodiments.

2.11.5. Game view versus statistical view (eg, for players, gaming devices, dealers, etc.).
In various embodiments, the first screen may display the progress of a game in which a secondary player is participating. Statistics or other information may be displayed on the second screen. The statistics or other information may be of some relevance to the game being displayed on the first screen. Statistics include the probability of one or more outcomes occurring, the number of times similar cards have already been dealt yesterday, the position in the flow that a game occupies (for example, this is the 8th game in a losing flow), or other information. The statistics may relate to the primary player of the game. For example, statistics may include the primary player's net winnings over the past two hours, the usual strategy used by the primary player, the number of jackpots the primary player has won in his lifetime, and the primary player's total winnings over the past two hours. the city of origin of the player, or any other information about the primary player. The second screen may also display statistics about the dealer, game, or game table.

2.11.6. One screen is common to several secondary players.
For example, all secondary players are participating in a game at one table. In various embodiments, two or more secondary players may be in close proximity to each other. The screen may be visible to both secondary players. The screen may display information related to both secondary players. For example, both secondary players may be participating at the same gaming table. The screen visible to both secondary players may display the dealer's cards and may display an elevated view of the game table so that all games at the table are visible. Each of the secondary players may have their own individual screen as well. Individual screens may display information that is more relevant to the individual secondary player. For example, a separate screen may display the primary player's guard from a game in which the secondary player is participating. Another secondary player may be participating in a different game than the primary player and thus may be uninterested in such cards.

2.12. You can have an actual physical machine that reproduces what is happening on the spot.
For example, a wheel of fortune spins on your machine. However, this is simply a "reproduction". In various embodiments, a game played on a first gaming device may be reproduced on a second gaming device. For example, a primary player may play a first game on a first gaming device. A second gaming device located near the secondary player may receive information about the first game. That is, for example, by displaying visual features similar to those that were displayed in the first game, by making sounds similar to those that were present in the first game, or by displaying similar sounds that were present in the first game. The second gaming device may reproduce the first game by flashing lights and/or otherwise imitating the first gaming device. The second gaming device may then function as a three-dimensional display and may play or reenact the game played on the first gaming device. In some embodiments, a gaming device proximate to a secondary player may include a spinning disk, such as in a Wheel of Fortune game. The second gaming device may rotate the disk in the same manner that the disk was rotated at the first gaming device. Thus, the secondary player may have the experience of watching the spinning discs up close. In various embodiments, a device that is not a complete gaming device may nevertheless be used to reproduce portions of a game that occurred on a first gaming device, for example, in a game played by a primary player. For example, the device may include a spinning wheel like the Wheel of Fortune game, but may not include a video screen or spinning reels. In various embodiments, when the device is used to recreate or play a game, the device may assume that the game is only a reproduction of the original, that the game does not pay out real wins, and that the game does not pay out any real winnings or The presentation of the display may be clearly indicated. If the device presents that the game is only a reenactment, problems such as people claiming jackpots displayed on the device may be avoided.

3. Zoom in.
In some embodiments, a secondary player may wish to watch the game progress. For example, a secondary player may wish to view the progress of a game as it is being played. In another embodiment, a secondary player may wish to view the progress of a game played in the past as if the game were currently being played (e.g., the player may or want to see a reenactment). A secondary player may, for example, peruse a floor plan of a casino. A secondary player may find a game table where players have won 80% of the 40 hands that have been dealt in the past. Accordingly, a secondary player may wish to view the game at the table where the game is being played. The secondary player may indicate a desire to view the game in progress in various ways that he or she desires. A secondary player may click on a gaming device or gaming table from a floor plan of the casino. A secondary player may click on a line or record corresponding to a gaming device in the tabular diagram to view a game in progress on the gaming device. The secondary player may key in the game type name, location within the casino, gaming device, or any other criteria that narrows the field of players. Once the area has been narrowed down to one or a small number of games, you may watch the game in progress. For example, a secondary player may be able to see at or near the actual time that bets are placed and cards are dealt.

In some embodiments, a player may view the progress of the game along with other information. Other information may be information that did not exist in the original video. For example, a casino server may display text that indicates the probability that a certain final outcome will occur, text that indicates the player's name, text that indicates what happened the last time a similar intermediate outcome occurred (e.g., if the primary player Text indicating what happened the last time a Royal Flush was drawn) or any other text overlay may be added to the game footage.

3.1. video.
In some embodiments, a secondary player may view the game progress via video. The video may represent actual footage, such as from a camera overlooking a gaming table or gaming device. The video may be live, delayed, or may represent saved footage from previously played games.

3.2. simulation.
In some embodiments, a secondary player may view the progress of the game via a simulation. A simulation may mimic the reproduction of a game. The reenactment may display an animated card distribution and an animated hand holding an animated chip placing a bet. The simulation may display actual visual features that have occurred or are occurring in the game. The simulation may display, for example, an animated rotation of a slot machine wheel, an animated roll of a dice, or an animated rotation of a roulette wheel.

3.3. Blackjack battle.
In various embodiments, a game may be metaphorically simulated or recreated. For example, rather than displaying the cards dealt in a game of blackjack, the reenactment may display two people arm wrestling. When the advantage in the game moves to one side (for example, the player has an advantageous hand, such as a 20 in blackjack to the dealer's 16), the arm wrestler representing the advantaged player It may be shown that an arm wrestling match is being won (for example, an arm wrestler representing a player may be shown pushing his opponent's arm to within an inch of the table). Similarly, if a player's opponent (e.g., the dealer or another game player) gains an advantage, the arm-wrestler representing the opponent may be displayed as having gained an advantage in the arm-wrestling match. Good too. Many other metaphors may be used to recreate the game, including various sporting contests, competitions, wars, and other contrasts or activities. The dominance of one player or another in a game may be determined by probability. For example, advantage may be determined based on a player's chance of winning a game. A player's advantage may be determined using speculation of a particular strategy, such as a basic or optimal strategy.

3.4. Explanation: Good or bad decisions.
In various embodiments, a game reenactment or live game may be displayed along with game commentary. Commentary may indicate whether or not the in-game decision was a good one. For example, comments may indicate that the player made a good decision, such as a decision that followed a basic strategy. In another embodiment, the comment may indicate that the player has made a decision to forgo $2 at the expected value. Comments may indicate other things. For example, comments may indicate what the player may be thinking. For example, "John is currently considering whether to hit or stand. Both decisions would be reasonable, but under normal conditions, hitting would be slightly better."

3.5. A simple text description of the game.
In various embodiments, the reenactment of the game or the live display of the game progress may be text-based. For example, the text may be "Player Henry M was dealt an A, 7...". In this way, the secondary player may have enough information to reconstruct the game, but without necessarily seeing the visual features or other game events in the form they originally or actually occurred. Good too. In various embodiments, a secondary player may hear an audio description of the game. The secondary player may also listen to audio commentary.

4. Players want to be in a game that has certain standards.
When the criteria changes, the player is automatically switched to a new table. For example, you want to be at the table with the best winning flow. Then it switches to that. Therefore, you may select a table this time. Next, check the box that says stay at the table with the best winning flow. In some embodiments, a secondary player may indicate criteria for participating in a game. The criteria may identify the primary player of the game, the type of game, the amount bet, the location within the casino, or any other data related to the game. The casino server may find games that match criteria desired by the secondary player (eg, criteria specified by the secondary player). The casino may then allow the secondary player to participate in one or more such games. For example, a casino server may allow a player to place a bet on one or more such games and receive a win based on the outcome of one or more such games. In some embodiments, a secondary player is a player who is played consecutively at a particular gaming device, at a particular gaming table, who is played by a particular primary player, or otherwise common to a particular gaming device. You may continue to participate in a game where there is. For example, a secondary player may continue to participate in consecutive games played on a particular slot machine. The particular slot machine may be a slot machine that matches criteria specified by the secondary player. For example, the slot machine may be the slot machine that has paid out the most among the slot machines in the casino within the past half hour. However, it may happen that over time a game, player, gaming table, gaming device, other device or entity no longer satisfies the criteria that it originally met. For example, for several minutes, a particular slot machine may hold the distinction of having paid out the largest amount in the last half hour among all slot machines. However, during those few minutes, other slot machines pay out large sums of money, so that the first slot machine is no longer the one that paid out the most in the last half-hour. Thus, in some embodiments, a secondary player may want to switch gaming devices, want to switch primary players, want to switch gaming tables, or if a secondary player matches his or her desired criteria. You may wish to make some kind of switch that will allow you to continue participating in the game for the time being. Thus, for example, a secondary player may begin playing at the first slot machine on which he has paid the most in the past half hour. When the new slot machine becomes the slot machine that has paid the most to the player in the last half hour, the secondary player may stop participating in the game on the first slot machine and switch to playing the game on the new slot machine. .

In some embodiments, a secondary player may specify criteria for a game in which he or she wishes to participate. The casino server may find a primary player who meets the criteria and allow the secondary player to participate in the game. In this way, the secondary player can play a game played by the same primary player as the first game, a game played on the same gaming device as the first game, or a game played at the same gaming table as the first game. You may continue to participate in games that have something in common, such as games where the player has a 100% discount, games played by the same dealer as the first game, etc. In some respects, the casino server determines whether the games a secondary player would participate in (e.g., if they continue to participate in the same primary player's games, if they continue to participate in games at the same gaming table, etc.), a determination may be made that the bet no longer matches the original criteria cast by the secondary player. At this point, the secondary player may be switched to participating in a game that matches his or her original criteria. In various embodiments, the secondary player goes from participating in a first set of games (e.g., from participating in a first primary player's game) to participating in a second set of games (e.g., , to a second primary player's participation in the game). The secondary player may indicate whether he or she desires to switch when initially specifying criteria for game participation. For example, a secondary player specifies that he wishes to participate in the game of the first primary player who has had the highest net winnings over the past hour among all primary players. You may. The secondary player further determines that at the moment a different primary player surpasses the first primary player in having the highest net winnings over the past hour, the secondary player may specify that the player stops participating in the game with the original primary player and begins participating in the game with a new, different primary player.

In various embodiments, if a game in which a secondary player is participating no longer meets the game participation criteria specified by the secondary player, the secondary player is automatically may be switched to. For example, a secondary player may be automatically switched from participating in a game at a first table to participating in a game at a second table. In some embodiments, the secondary player is notified of this switch. For example, a message may pop up on the screen of a secondary player's display. The message may say, "You are currently participating in a game at Blackjack Table 6, where the player's net winnings over the past hour are the highest of all tables." good. In some embodiments, the secondary player may not be notified of the switch. Rather, the secondary player may continue to watch a replay of the game without realizing that the game originates from a different gaming table. In some embodiments, the secondary player may not be explicitly told of the switch (e.g., by a pop-up message), but methods are available to the secondary player to infer that a switch has occurred. It may be possible. For example, the table identifier may be included in the lower right corner of the display screen on which a secondary player watches a simulated reenactment of a blackjack game. If a secondary player is switched from participating in a game at a first table to participating in a game at a second table, the table number in the lower right corner may change.

In some embodiments, a secondary player may be prompted for input regarding a possible switch. For example, a message may be displayed to the secondary player indicating that the secondary player is being switched from participating in a first set of games to participating in a second set of games. The secondary player may be asked if he really wants to be switched or if he wants to remain a participant in the first set of games. The secondary player may be notified of the reason for the switch. For example, a secondary player may be notified that the second set of games is being switched because it better matches his game participation criteria than the first set of games.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may not provide an indication of a desire to switch from a first set of games to a second set of games. The secondary player need only specify criteria for selecting games to participate in. In various embodiments, the casino server determines that the second set of games is more consistent with the secondary player's game participation criteria than the set of games in which the secondary player is currently participating. , may be determined at some point in time. Accordingly, the casino server may ask the secondary player whether he wishes to switch to and participate in the second set of games. The question may be asked even if the secondary player has previously shown no interest in switching. The secondary player may then have the opportunity to accept or not.

In various embodiments, secondary players may be rotated from game to game according to some algorithm. For example, a secondary player may return to a second gaming device of the same type (e.g., featuring the same game) after every 50 games of a first gaming device in which the secondary player participates. , may be moved automatically. In various embodiments, after a certain pattern of wins and losses, the secondary player may be replaced by another gaming device, gaming table, or primary player. For example, if a secondary player loses five games in a row while participating in a first primary player's game, the secondary player may lose five consecutive games while participating in a game of a first primary player. A player's game may be automatically replaced. In some embodiments, the secondary player may be asked to confirm his/her permission before being switched to a new game.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may desire to participate in a game that has certain characteristics. Secondary players may play games with certain primary players, games at certain gaming tables, games on certain gaming devices, games with certain wagering limits, games with certain jackpots, games with certain One may wish to participate in a game manufactured by a manufacturer, a game after X consecutive wins, a game after X consecutive losses, or a game with any other characteristics. However, games that match the secondary player's requests may not be immediately available for participation by the secondary player. For example, there may be no primary player operating a particular gaming device with which a secondary player would like to participate in a game. Accordingly, in various embodiments, a secondary player may be notified when a game that meets certain criteria becomes available. The criteria may include criteria previously used by the secondary player to find games to participate in. For example, if there is no primary player currently playing a game in which a secondary player wishes to participate, then when the primary player takes a seat at the gaming device, the secondary player may be notified.

The following are embodiments, not claims.

A. A method,
receiving from a secondary player at least one criterion for selecting a game;
determining at a first time a first game that matches the at least one criterion, the first game being played by a first primary player;
receiving a first bet from the secondary player;
determining a first result of the first game;
determining a first payment based on the first bet and the first result;
adding credit to an account associated with the secondary player based on the first payment;
determining at a second time after the first time that a second game played by the first primary player does not meet the at least one criteria;
communicating an indication to the secondary player that the second game does not match the at least one criteria.

B. The method of embodiment A, wherein the at least one criterion is that the game is played by a primary player who has the highest net winnings among all primary players over a specified period of time. ,Method.

C. Embodiment A. The method of embodiment A, wherein the at least one criterion is that the game is played at a gaming table where a majority of prizes have been won among all gaming tables over a specified period of time.

D. The method of embodiment A, wherein the at least one criterion is that the game is played by a primary player who has won the last five games played.

E. The method of Embodiment A, comprising:
receiving from said secondary player a second wager for a third game played by said first primary player, said third game occurring after said first game; A process performed before the second game,
determining a second result of the third game;
determining a second payment based on the second bet and the second result;
and adding credit to an account associated with the secondary player based on the second payment.

F. The method of Embodiment A, comprising:
after communicating the instructions, receiving instructions from the secondary player to find another game matching the at least one criteria;
determining a third game that matches at least one criterion;
receiving a second bet from the secondary player;
determining a second result of the third game;
determining a second payment based on the second bet and the second result;
and adding credit to an account associated with the secondary player based on the second payment.

G. The method of embodiment F, wherein the third game is not played by the first primary player.

H. The method of Embodiment A, comprising:
determining a third game that matches the at least one criterion, the third game being not played by the first primary player;
receiving a second bet from the secondary player;
determining a second result of the third game;
determining a second payment based on the second bet and the second result;
and adding credit to an account associated with the secondary player based on the second payment.

I. A method,
receiving from a secondary player at least one criterion for selecting a game;
determining at a first time a first game that matches the at least one criterion, the first game being played at a first game table;
receiving a first bet from the secondary player;
determining a first result of the first game;
determining a first payment based on the first bet and the first result;
adding credit to an account associated with the secondary player based on the first payment;
determining at a second point in time after said first point in time that a second game played at said first game table does not match said at least one criterion;
communicating an indication to the secondary player that the second game does not match the at least one criteria.

J. A method,
determining at least one criterion for the gaming device;
determining at a first point in time a first game device that satisfies the at least one criterion;
determining a second game device that satisfies the at least one criterion at a second point in time after the first point in time;
determining a third game device that satisfies the at least one criterion at a third point in time after the second point in time;
presenting an image including a visual representation of the first gaming device, the second gaming device, and the third gaming device, the image including a first gaming device pointing from the first gaming device to the second gaming device; and a second arrow pointing from the second gaming device to the third gaming device.

K. Embodiment J. The method of embodiment J, wherein the at least one criterion can be met by only a single gaming device at any time.

L. The method of Embodiment J, comprising:
(a) a result that occurred in the first game device;
(b) a result that occurred in the second game device;
(c) the result that occurred in the third game device;
(d) a payment made at the first gaming device;
(e) a payment made at the second gaming device;
(f) receiving an instruction of at least one of: (f) a payment made at the third gaming device;

M. The method of Embodiment J, wherein determining the at least one criterion for the gaming device includes determining whether the gaming device has made the highest payout among all gaming devices in a casino in the last hour. A method comprising the step of determining that there is a difference.

N. The method of Embodiment J, wherein the step of determining the at least one criterion for the gaming device includes determining whether the gaming device has the longest winning streak among all gaming devices at a casino in the last hour. the method, comprising the step of determining that the method must have had a negative result.

O. The method of Embodiment J, wherein presenting the image includes presenting a visual representation of a casino floor, wherein the image includes the first gaming device, the second gaming device, and the third gaming device. including a visual representation of a device, the image further including a first arrow pointing from the first gaming device to the second gaming device, and a second arrow pointing from the second gaming device to the third gaming device. ,Method.

P. The method of Embodiment J, further comprising the step of generating a prediction for a fourth gaming device that satisfies the at least one criterion based on the first gaming device, the second gaming device, and the third gaming device. , instructions of the fourth gaming device are included in the image.

Q. The method of embodiment J, wherein the method generates a prediction of a location of a fourth gaming device that satisfies the at least one criterion based on locations of the first gaming device, the second gaming device, and the third gaming device. The method further comprises the step of: instructions of the fourth gaming device being included in the image.

Automatic Play of Games In various embodiments, a gaming device may automatically initiate and/or execute a series of games for a player. No player input may be required during a series of games. Before a series of games, a player may write the rules or parameters that the game will follow. The player may then configure the gaming device to use these rules or parameters. The parameters are (a) the number of games to be played, (b) the time to play each game, (c) the time to play the entire series of games, (d) the amount to bet on each game, and (e) the amount used in each game. strategy; (f) criteria(s) regarding when the game should automatically stop; (g) criteria(s) regarding when input should be requested from the player; (h) criteria(s) regarding the time the game should be automatically stopped; (i) the gaming device or devices used to run the game (e.g., to generate game results); (j) the method of communicating the results to the player (e.g., whether the results are displayed or not); (for example, the results may be printed on paper for the player), or any other parameters.

In various embodiments, a gaming device may be configured to use a particular strategy for a particular period of time. The particular strategy may be an optimal strategy. In various embodiments, the strategy may be optimal in the sense of maximizing the player's expected winnings in the game once the game has begun. The particular strategy may be the one that allows for the highest possible payout. For example, in a game of video poker, one strategy may be to always pursue a royal flush. In various embodiments, a player may configure a gaming device to play an optimal strategy over the next ten minutes. In various embodiments, a player may configure a gaming device to play blackjack using a basic strategy over the next 20 minutes.

In various embodiments, a gaming device may be configured by frequency of play. For example, a gaming device may be configured to play 10 games per minute. The gaming device may also be configured to have specific time periods between games. For example, a gaming device may be configured to start each new game 10 seconds after the most recent game started. The gaming device may be configured to play games of a fixed length. For example, a slot machine may be configured such that the reels take 10 seconds to stop spinning. In various embodiments, a gaming device may be configured to play for a length of time. For example, a gaming device may be configured to run a game for the next 45 minutes. In various embodiments, a gaming device may be configured to play a game until a certain amount of prize money is won or lost. For example, a gaming device may start with a player bankroll of $50. The gaming device may be configured to continue playing until the bankroll reaches $75 (ie, $25 is won) or until the bankroll reaches $25 (ie, $25 is lost). In various embodiments, a gaming device may stop playing even if the amount of money won or lost (or bankroll) does not reach a precise threshold. For example, in a dollar denomination machine, the cash on hand may start at $50 and reach $25.50. The machine may stop playing because one more bet risks the remaining bankroll being $24.50 below the lower limit configured on the gaming device.

In various embodiments, a gaming device may be configured to perform an optimal strategy for a certain percentage of the games played. For example, a gaming device may be configured to play an optimal strategy in 80% of the games played. Therefore, for example, the game device may randomly determine whether to use the optimal strategy for each game. If a random decision can be made such that there is an 80% chance that the optimal strategy will be used, for example, there is a biased lottery created to determine whether the optimal strategy will be used. In various embodiments, a gaming device may be configured to play an optimal strategy for a percentage of the time. For example, the optimal strategy may be used for the first 60% of the time that the gaming device is automatically playing. For the remaining 40% of the time, a non-optimal strategy may be used. In various embodiments, using a non-optimal strategy does not necessarily mean that the gaming device will not make the same decisions as it would have made using the optimal strategy. In various embodiments, two different strategies may result in the same decision. For example, a strategy that maximizes expected winnings may yield the same decisions as a strategy that always aims for the highest possible payout.

In various embodiments, a gaming device may be configured to pursue a first strategy (eg, an optimal strategy) for a percentage of the time or for a percentage of the game played. Other strategies may be used during times or games when the optimal strategy is not used. Other strategies may be those that attempt to obtain the highest possible payout (whether there is a very low probability of obtaining such payout or not). Other strategies may be those that always seek to obtain payouts above a certain level. For example, one strategy in video poker may be to maximize the likelihood of receiving a flush or better.

In various embodiments, the gaming device is configured to automatically play a series of games. Automatically playing the game may include making strategic decisions. However, in various embodiments, the gaming device may stop automatic play of the game and wait to accept player input to the game. The player may then provide input. The input may indicate a strategy to pursue in the game. For example, an input may indicate which cards to hold in a game of video poker, or whether to hit or stand in blackjack. A gaming device may stop automatic play and allow player input for various reasons. A gaming device may stop automatic play when (a) two possible decisions are equally valid according to a strategy (e.g., two possible decisions both have the same expectation for the player); (b) the possible payouts in the game exceed a predetermined threshold (e.g., if the possible payouts in the game exceed 500 times the stake); (c) the probability of a high payout is , exceeds a predetermined probability of occurrence (e.g., the probability of a royal flush occurring is greater than 1%), or (d) a prize payout is certain (e.g., the first five cards dealt in a game of video poker). (e) if the player receives three cards of the same rank, the player can manually complete the game and experience the joy of victory); (e) the gaming device: If the game is configured to stop on any particular or intermediate result (for example, if the game is configured to stop automatic play when two aces are dealt to the player in a game of blackjack) If the device is configured, the gaming device may actually stop automatic play when two aces are dealt to a player in a game of blackjack), or in any other situation. or the standards provide for the gaming device to stop automatic play. In various embodiments, automatic play may be stopped so that the gaming device can accept the player's decision. However, in various embodiments, automatic play may resume once the player makes the decision. In various embodiments, after autoplay stops, the player must explicitly indicate that he or she desires autoplay to resume. For example, the player may press a button that says "Resume automatic play." Otherwise, the player may continue to enter the game and make decisions manually.

In various embodiments, automatic play may be stopped at any event or series of events. A series of events may include a series of outcomes. For example, if a player wins five games in a row, if a player loses five games in a row, or if a player wins more than a predetermined amount in a certain number of games (e.g. (if a player wins $50 or more in 10 wins), a particular card occurs in a predetermined number of consecutive games, or a predetermined number of consecutive games, or any other series of events. or a pattern of events that results in a particular outcome. Additional patterns are described herein, and various embodiments contemplate that automatic play may be stopped upon the occurrence of any particular or specified pattern or series of events.

In various embodiments, automatic play may be suspended for a period of time to allow player input. However, if the player does not provide an input after a certain amount of time, the gaming device may automatically determine the input. For example, the gaming device may determine inputs according to an optimal strategy. In various embodiments, stopping or pausing automatic play may be accentuated by a beep, vibration, or other alert. For example, beeps can alert players that they have to make certain decisions in a game or that they cannot just stand by and watch the game progress automatically. May be shown. Similarly, vibration of the mobile gaming device may notify the player to remove the mobile gaming device from his pocket because player input is required. In various embodiments, a player may set preferences regarding the types of alerts provided to him. In various embodiments, the gaming device may display or communicate a message to the player when automatic play is stopped. The message may indicate that input from the player is requested. The message may further indicate the amount of time the player must provide input (eg, before autoplay is resumed). In various embodiments, when a player is asked for manual input, the player may have the option of instructing the gaming device to make its own decisions. For example, the button may read "Continue Playing." Pressing such a button may cause the gaming device to make a decision. The decision may be made according to any particular strategy (eg, according to an optimal strategy).

In various embodiments, the gaming device may stop automatic play. However, the gaming device may stop automatic play just to allow the player to view the current game state. The gaming device may resume automatic play after a certain period of time. In various embodiments, a player may have the opportunity to intervene and make his or her own decisions when automatic play is stopped or suspended. For example, a player may press a button that typically points to the player's strategy. For example, a player may press a button below cards that are dealt in a game of video poker (indicating a request for the player to keep the cards). By pressing such a button, the player may override the gaming device's decision-making process and register his own decision with the game. In various embodiments, a player may override the gaming device's decisions at any time, not just when the gaming device is suspended. For example, a player may press a "stop" button at any time during automatic play. The player may then have the opportunity to enter his or her own decisions. The player may later press a button labeled "Resume" or the like. As a result, automatic play may resume.

In various embodiments, the gaming device may automatically make the determination. However, the gaming device may ask the player for confirmation. As soon as the player learns that a decision has been made (e.g., by having the decision instructions displayed on the screen of the gaming device), the player may, by pressing a button (or providing some other input), There may be an opportunity to stop the gaming device and have the gaming device make a different decision on its behalf. In various embodiments, the gaming device may make automatic decisions. The gaming device may allow the player to override the decision after a certain amount of time (eg, 3 seconds). However, in the absence of input from the player, the gaming device may continue to generate the remainder of the game resulting from the decision.

In various embodiments, when automatic play is stopped or suspended, a player may have the opportunity to specify a new strategy to be used. If automatic play is subsequently resumed, a new strategy may be used.

In various embodiments, when a player chooses to bet on a certain number of games, such game may be the first time the player has created and played the game. In various embodiments, when a player chooses to bet on a certain number of games, such games may include games that have already been played by other players (eg, by a primary player). Thus, for example, a player may choose to bet on 100 games. The casino server may then select the 100 previously played games. The selection may be random. For such games, if the first player to play them wins, the current player may win as well. For such games, if the first player to play them loses, the current player may lose as well. In various embodiments, a player may choose to play a certain number of games. The casino server may then use the game that is currently being played or about to be played. For example, a casino may use games played on video poker machines throughout the casino. A player may participate in such games and may win if those games result in a win for the player, and may win if such games result in a loss for the player. It's okay to lose. In various embodiments, a player may bet that a primary player will lose, e.g., win if the primary player loses and lose if the primary player wins. You can do it like this. Thus, if a player selects some game to participate in, the game may be the first to be generated for that player, or the game may have been played or played by another player. It is understood that the game may be any game that is possible.

In various embodiments, more than one player may desire to participate in automatic play. For example, both players may want their respective gaming devices to automatically play 50 games. In various embodiments, these players may participate in the same game. Common games played may, for example, originate from other players around the casino. In various embodiments, a casino may have a data feed of game results from around the casino. The data feed may be sent to the gaming device of the player desiring automatic play, thereby allowing such player to participate in the game from across the casino. In various embodiments, if players participate in a common set of games, the players may participate in such games out of order. For example, player A may first participate in game X and then participate in game Y. Player B may first participate in game Y and then participate in game X.

In various embodiments, multiple interfaces may be associated with autoplay. The input buttons allow the player to disable strategies, command the gaming device to stop automatic play, command the gaming device to resume automatic play, indicate the particular strategy to be used, and It may indicate the parameters that the device uses to initiate an autoplay session and perform any other functions. In various embodiments, a player may be required to press two buttons to override the strategy suggested by the gaming device. Pressing two buttons may include pressing each of two different buttons, or may include pressing the same button twice (eg, double-clicking). In this manner, the likelihood that a player will automatically override a desirable decision by a gaming device may be reduced. In various embodiments, a rotating wheel (eg, a thumbwheel) may allow a player to vary the speed of automatic play. For example, a player may increase the speed of play by moving the rotating disk in one direction, and may decrease the speed of play by moving the rotating disk in the opposite direction. In various embodiments, a button may be used to indicate that the gaming device should begin automatic play, such as after the gaming device has been suspended.

In various embodiments, every game played may be an entry into a drawing. The faster the game is played (eg, in automatic play mode), the more entries the player may receive. The lottery may be held at a fixed time (eg, 4:00 o'clock every day) or at irregular intervals. Therefore, a player may play the game at a faster pace (e.g., have the game automatically play at a faster pace) in order to accumulate more entries by the time any random drawing occurs. may be encouraged. In various embodiments, cards received in a game may constitute an entry into a drawing. A player may win if the cards received in the game match the cards drawn in the drawing. As will be appreciated, other game marks may serve as entries into the drawing, and the marks drawn may be compared to marks received from players entering the drawing. In various embodiments, a game played, a card received, or other mark received may serve as an entry into a drawing. In various embodiments, the meter may indicate to the player the number of games the player has played, the number of cards the player has received, and/or the number of other types of marks the player has received. good. The meter may thereby indicate to the player the number of entries the player has in the upcoming drawing. Players may be encouraged to play faster to see the meter go up.

In various embodiments, a jackpot (eg, a progressive jackpot) may receive a portion of the wager resulting from automatic play as a contribution. Accordingly, automatic play may increase the size of the jackpot. Players who participate in automatic play may also have the opportunity to win a jackpot (eg, a progressive jackpot). Thus, a player may have an additional incentive to participate in automatic play.

In various embodiments, specific areas of a casino allow a secondary player to monitor a primary player in one or more games throughout the casino or in one or more games across the casino. Includes equipment for An area of a casino may include one or more monitors. Such monitors may be small or large. A large monitor, for example, may be visible to multiple secondary players. Small monitors may be visible to individual secondary players. Additionally, individual players may customize their miniature monitors to view associated primary players, associated statistics, associated games, or anything else associated with them. The monitor may display various information. The monitor may display video images from the game. For example, a monitor may show a video image of a blackjack game in progress. The monitor may reproduce the game results. For example, a monitor may show a display of a slot machine game played or being played by a primary player. The monitor may also show statistics. For example, a monitor may show the total amount of winnings won by a primary player in the last hour, the number of times a particular dealer has busted in the last 30 minutes, and the number of consecutive times a red has appeared on the roulette wheel. good. In various embodiments, the monitor may indicate betting rules, probabilities, payout percentages, and other information that may apply to bets placed by the secondary player. For example, the monitor may determine that for a bet that a primary player wins a red on roulette, the secondary player has a 1:1 chance of winning a payout, and that the primary player wins four in a row on roulette. It may be shown that for a bet to win the red, the secondary player has a 16:1 chance of winning the payout.

In various embodiments, an area of a casino may include facilities for betting on one or more games that are monitored. For example, a terminal may allow a secondary player to bet on a game (eg, a supervised game). The terminal may be configured to accept keys, acceptors for charge cards (e.g. credit or debit cards), acceptors for currency or game chips, acceptors for cashless gaming tickets, input of betting information (for example input of bet amount, e.g. It may also include keys or buttons for selecting which games to bet on) and any other facilities or interfaces that allow betting. The terminal may include a monitor. The monitor displays betting information to the secondary player, indicates to the secondary player the games the secondary player is betting on, displays amounts won by the secondary player on the and any other information related to the secondary player's bets or himself/herself to the secondary player.

In various embodiments, a betting area for a secondary player who bets on and monitors a primary player's games may have the appearance of a sportsbook.

Embodiment.
term.
As used herein, the term "viewing window" includes an area of a gaming device that can display symbols or results. The area may include, for example, a glass plate or other transparent material placed over the reels of the gaming device. Therefore, only the portion of the reels that is inside the transparent material may be visible to the player. In some embodiments, the viewing window may include a display screen. The symbols or results displayable in the viewing window may include symbols or results that determine a player's winnings.

encryption.
The term "encryption" as used herein refers to the process of masking or making information secret so that it cannot be easily understood without special knowledge. The process of encryption may convert raw information, called plaintext, into encrypted information. The encrypted information may be referred to as ciphertext, and the algorithm for converting plaintext to ciphertext may be referred to as a cipher. Ciphers may be used to perform the opposite operation of converting ciphertext back to plaintext. Examples of ciphers include substitution ciphers, transposition ciphers, and ciphers performed using rota machines.

In various cryptographic schemes, the cipher may require an auxiliary piece of information called a key. A key may, for example, consist of a string of bits. The key may be used in conjunction with a cipher to encrypt plaintext. The key may also be used with the cipher to decrypt the ciphertext. In a category of cryptography called symmetric-key algorithms (eg, secret-key cryptography), the same key is used for both encryption and decryption. Thus, the inviolability of encrypted information may depend on the key being kept secret. Examples of common key algorithms include DES and AES. In a category of cryptography called asymmetric key algorithms (eg, public key cryptography), different keys are used for encryption and decryption. Any ordinary person may use the first key (eg, the public key) to encrypt plaintext to ciphertext by an asymmetric key algorithm. However, only the owner of the second key (eg, private key) can decrypt the ciphertext back into plaintext. An example of an asymmetric key algorithm is the RSA algorithm.

It is understood that other methods than encryption (eg, encoding or steganography) may be used to keep or obscure information. Such methods may also be used in conjunction with cryptography.

Encryption may be used to:

Sending messages that can only be read by specific recipients. For example, both Alice and Bob may possess the same private key. Alice may encrypt the plaintext message with her private key. Alice may convey the resulting ciphertext to Bob. Bob may then use the private key to decrypt the ciphertext in order to view the plaintext version of the message.

Allowing messages to be encrypted by many and decrypted by only one (eg PGP). For example, Alice may own a public key and a private key. Bob may wish to send a message to Alice that only Alice can read. Bob may create a plaintext message and encrypt it using Alice's public key. Bob may send the resulting ciphertext to Alice. Alice may then use her private key to decrypt the ciphertext and thereby view the plaintext message. Even if Cindy intercepts the ciphertext message from Bob to Alice along the way, she cannot decrypt the message because Cindy does not have access to Alice's private key. Alice's public key, even if available to Cindy, is insufficient to decrypt the ciphertext message in a practicable time.

Authenticating the sender of a message. This method of using encryption may include having the sender create a digital signature. For example, Alice may want to send a message to Bob so that Bob can be sure that the message came from Alice. Alice may create a plaintext message and use her private key to encrypt the plaintext into ciphertext. Alice may then send a ciphertext message to Bob. Bob may then use Alice's public key to decrypt the ciphertext to plaintext. Alice's public key is only valid for decrypting the ciphertext message created using Alice's private key, and perhaps only Alice has access to her own private key, so Bob knows that You can be sure the message came from Alice.

Enable non-repudiation. If a sender applies a digital signature to a message or portion of a message, the sender cannot later claim that he or she did not send the message.

Guarantee the time/data sent. Please refer to hashing below.

To ensure receipt by the recipient. Please refer to hashing below.

To verify that a message has not been modified after being sent by the sender. Please refer to hashing below.

Hashing is the process of converting input data, typically of arbitrary length, to output data, typically of shorter length and/or fixed length. A hash function is a function that performs a transformation. Often useful hash functions are one-way functions. That is, the output can be easily calculated for a given input. However, for a given output, it is difficult to calculate the input that generated that output. Also, useful hash functions often have the property that two different inputs rarely produce the same output. Hashing can be used for the following purposes:

Performing a data redundancy check. For example, a database may contain a large number of names. The name can be of any length. A hash value may be created for the name to match redundant names. The hash values may be smaller in size than the names, and may all be the same length. Therefore, it may be easier to compare hash values of names than to compare the names themselves.

Verify that the message has not been modified. For example, Alice can send a plaintext message to Bob, along with a hash value of the message. Alice can apply a digital signature to the hash value to assure Bob that the hash value was sent by Alice. When Bob receives the plaintext message from Alice, he can calculate the hash value of the message. If the hash value that Bob calculates is the same as the hash value that Alice sent to Bob, then Bob can be very confident that the message was not modified on its way from Alice to Bob.

Establishing ownership of a message without having to reveal the message. For example, Alice can send a message to Bob. Bob can take the hash of the message and send it back to Alice. Thus, Alice can be confident that Bob will receive the message without the risk that the message will be intercepted on its way from Bob to Alice.

Establishing ownership of a message at a given time without having to reveal the message. For example, Alice may have a great idea and wish to prove that she had the idea at a certain time without having to reveal the idea. Therefore, Alice may write out the idea in the form of text and take a hash value of the text. Alice can then publish the hash of the text to the newspaper. It is readily apparent that Alice had ownership of the idea at least on the date the newspaper was published.

Time-stamping documents. For example, the document may be sent to a timestamp service. The service may then determine the hash value of the document. The service may then add the current date and time to the document's hash value and apply a digital signature to the result. The digitally signed hash value and date and time may then be published. As long as a timestamp service can be trusted to provide an accurate date and time (e.g., not using an outdated date and time), the published timestamp will serve as proof that the document existed at the date and time provided by the timestamp service. May play a role. Further precautions can ensure that it becomes very difficult for even timestamp services to provide false dates and times. For example, the timestamp service may add a sequence number (eg, 1, 2, 3, etc.) to each document that it timestamps. If a service wants to provide an older date, it must find an older sequence number. The older sequence number must fit between the two sequence numbers used immediately before and after the desired fake date. However, such a sequence number is not available if, for example, there is no skipped number in the first place.

FIG. 48 illustrates a system according to some embodiments. According to some embodiments, Casino A and Casino B may represent facilities where participation in games of chance or other competitions is possible. In various embodiments, at Casinos A and B, players may bet on games or competitions and/or win or lose prizes based on games or competitions. The system of FIG. 48 may allow a secondary player at Casino A and a secondary player at Casino B to participate in the game of the primary player at Casino A. Additionally, the system of FIG. 48 may allow a secondary player outside of Casino A or B to participate in a primary player's game at Casino A. Additionally, the system of FIG. The regulator may enable the regulator to track various data related to participation in games and participation in games by secondary players who are not at either Casino A or Casino B. According to some embodiments, casino A may include a server 110. The server may communicate with gaming device 130, monitor device 160, and secondary player X's terminal 140, each of which may be located within Casino A's building. Server 110 may further communicate with Casino B's server 120, Regulator 170's server, and Secondary Player Z's device 190, where Secondary Player's device 190 is connected to either Casino A or Casino B. It is not placed in any building. Communication between server 110 and device 190 may occur through external network 180 (eg, through the Internet). Casino B may include a server 120 that communicates with the server 110, the regulator 170 server, and the secondary player Y's terminal 150, which may be located within the Casino B building.

In some embodiments, Casino A's server 110 may receive data regarding the game from gaming device 130 or monitoring device 160. The monitoring device may include a device such as a camera or a microphone that can monitor games at Casino A and transmit data regarding the games to Casino A's servers. Casino A's server enables terminal 140 to reproduce the game, accept bets on the game from secondary player X, and pay winnings to secondary player X based on the game. For this purpose, data received from gaming device 130 or monitor device 160 may be transmitted to secondary player X's terminal 140.

Casino A's server 110 may further transmit the received data regarding the game to Casino B's server 120. Casino B's server enables terminal 150 to reproduce the game, accept bets on the game from secondary player Y, and pay winnings to secondary player Y based on the game. Such data may then be transmitted to secondary player Y's terminal 150 in order to do so.

Casino A's server 110 may further transmit the received data regarding the game to secondary player Z's device 190, eg, via the Internet. Secondary player Z's device 190 then reproduces the game for secondary player Z, receives bets on the game from secondary player Z, and/or makes bets based on the game. may also credit the winnings to secondary player Z.

Casino A's server 110 may further transmit the received data regarding the game to the regulator's 170 server. Such data may also enable the regulator to monitor the fairness of games, track casino taxable income, note illegal gaming, or perform any other desired functions. good.

In various embodiments, secondary player X's terminal 140 may transmit data regarding secondary player X's activities at the terminal to casino A's server 110. Additionally, secondary player Y's terminal 150 may transmit data regarding secondary player Y's activities at the terminal to casino B's server 120. Casino B's server 120 may send such data to Casino A's server 110. Additionally, secondary player Z's device 150 may transmit data regarding secondary player Z's activities at the device to casino A's server 110. The data received by Casino A's server 110 from terminals 140 and 150 and device 190 indicates that Casino A's server may track the wins and losses of secondary players X, Y, and Z; It may be possible to determine whether to send data (regarding a game) to a terminal or device, to determine how much casino B owes casino A for the use of data from casino A, and so on. Additionally, data received by Casino A's server 110 from terminals 140 and 150 and device 190 may be transferred to the regulator 170 server. The regulator may use such data to track secondary player bets, check for illegal gambling, monitor game fairness, etc.

It should be understood that the system of FIG. 48 represents a system according to some embodiments, and that other servers, devices, terminals, networks and communication links may be present in various embodiments.

FIG. 49 illustrates a server at Casino A according to some embodiments. In various embodiments, similar servers may constitute Casino B's servers, or any other casino's servers. Storage device 230 may store program data. Program data may be used to instruct processor 210 to execute algorithms in accordance with various embodiments. Storage device 230 may also store other types of data. Such data may include data received from the play of a game, data that can be used to recreate a game, data describing bets and wins and losses of primary and secondary players, It may include data describing the current location or activity of the player or secondary player, data describing the amount owed to the casino, and so on. Communication port 220 may be used for transmitting and/or receiving data. Communication port 220 may include an antenna, wireless transmitter, signal generator, router, or any other communication device. Any data sent or received may be stored in storage device 230, at least at some point.

FIG. 50 illustrates a gaming device 130 according to some embodiments. Storage device 330 may store program data. Program data may be used to instruct processor 310 to execute algorithms in accordance with various embodiments. Program data may include data used to generate graphics, determine game outcomes, calculate prizes, etc. Storage device 330 may also store other types of data. Such data may include data describing bets and wins and losses by a primary player at gaming device 130. Input devices 340 include sensors, buttons, touch screens, microphones, bill validators, coin acceptors, card readers, and any other means by which a primary player or other party may interact with gaming device 130. But that's fine. For example, input device 340 may include a "bet" button.

Output devices 350 may include display screens, microphones, lights, coin dispensers, buzzers, and any other means by which the gaming device may provide signals to a secondary player. Communication port 320 may be used for sending and/or receiving data.

FIG. 51 illustrates a terminal 140 used by a secondary player, according to some embodiments. Storage device 430 may store program data. Program data may be used to instruct processor 410 to execute algorithms in accordance with various embodiments. The program data may include data used to recreate the game or depiction of the game based on data received regarding the original game. Program data may include data used to generate graphics, display game results, calculate prizes, etc. Storage device 430 may also store other types of data. Such data may include data describing bets and wins and losses by secondary players at gaming device 140. Input devices 340 may include sensors, buttons, touch screens, microphones, bill validators, coin acceptors, card readers, and any other means by which a secondary player or other party may interact with terminal 130. good. For example, input device 340 may include a "bet" button.

Output devices 350 may include display screens, microphones, lights, coin dispensers, buzzers, and any other means by which terminal 140 may provide signals to a secondary player. Communication port 320 may be used for sending and/or receiving data.

FIG. 52 illustrates a monitoring device 160 according to some embodiments. The monitoring device may receive data regarding the game via input device 530. Input devices 530 may include cameras, microphones, pressure sensors, barcode scanners, sensors, buttons, and the like. For example, the input device may include a camera aimed at a table where a game of blackjack is being played. For example, the input device may include a camera directed at a viewing window of a slot machine. Communications port 520 may be used to transmit data that is received by an input device (eg, a casino server). In various embodiments, a monitoring device may serve multiple purposes, and some of the purposes may not include receiving data regarding the game. For example, the monitoring device may include a camera that also serves for security purposes at the casino.

FIG. 53 shows a database entry 600 containing various information about the game. The database entries may store various aspects of the game played by the primary player (eg, Jane Smith). Such data may be used later to enable a secondary player to participate in the game.

FIG. 54 shows a database entry 700 containing various games played by players. A player may be a primary player. The data in database entry 700 includes data about the primary player's games (e.g., about the Sam Hunter game), including statistics about the games (e.g., profits made in the last 100 games) by the secondary player. ) may allow you to examine historical data.

FIG. 55 illustrates a display screen for entering betting information and tracking game progress, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the display screen may be sensitive and/or responsive to touch, thereby functioning as a touch screen. One area of the display screen lists the preferred primary players of the secondary player currently viewing the display. Presumably, the secondary player is logged in or identifying himself or herself at the terminal or device to which the display belongs. A secondary player may have previously indicated his preferred primary player. Accordingly, the casino may track the location of the preferred primary player and notify the secondary player when the preferred primary player begins playing.

Another area of the display screen includes a presentation area. The casino may create an announcement to the secondary player. Such announcements may include promotional announcements. For example, such announcements may include announcements of casino or other restaurant discounts, announcements of discounts on shows, announcements about upcoming concerts or boxing matches, announcements about discounts on hotel rooms, and the like. Announcements may include promotions for other products, such as cars, toothpaste, or flights to the Caribbean. The announcements may further include announcements regarding primary players that may be of interest to secondary players. For example, the announcement may indicate that the secondary player's preferred primary player has just begun playing.

Another area of the display screen includes a list of primary players that are available in the sense that secondary players may participate in the games of the primary players. This display area may identify the primary player by real name or alias (eg, "TeeBone"). The alias may allow the primary player to maintain anonymity or privacy. This display area displays the games that the primary player is playing (and therefore the games that the secondary player may participate in), the minimum wager required for the secondary player to participate in the game, , and one or more statistics associated with the primary player. For example, a statistic may indicate the number of consecutive games a primary player has won. The display area may further include an area that the secondary player can contact to begin participating in the primary player's game. For example, a secondary player may begin participating in Robert Clements' game by touching an area labeled "Select" next to a primary player named Robert Clements.

Another area of the display screen includes a window in which a secondary player may track the progress of a game in which he or she is participating. FIG. 55 shows a first window in which a secondary player can track a primary player's game called "TeeBone" (a game in which the secondary player is participating). The game is blackjack and the secondary player has bet $5 on the game. The game is currently in progress. FIG. 55 shows a second window in which a secondary player can track the games of a primary player named Sue Baker. The game is a slot machine game. The game has just ended with the outcome "Cherry Bar Cherry". The secondary player has just won $6 in a game. Currently, the secondary player has the opportunity to bet on the next game, as indicated by the "Available to Bet" status.

Another area of the display screen includes a display of the secondary player's credit balance. These credits may be used to bet on games in which the secondary player is participating. Each credit may, for example, be worth $0.25 in value. The secondary player can view a display that includes a "Bet 25 Cents" area, a "Bet $1" area, a "Bet $5" area, a "Repeat Last Bet" area, and an "Auto Bet" area. You may place bets using the betting area on the screen. Upon contact, such an area may only apply to games with a status of "Available to Participate in Betting". For example, touching "Bet $1" may result in betting $1 on the Sue Baker game. This is because it is the game that has the state of "able to participate in betting." In this way, there is no need for a separate set of betting buttons for every game in which a secondary player is participating. A "repeat previous bet" area may allow a secondary player to easily repeat a previous bet that may take the extra effort of entering using other betting areas. For example, to enter a $4 bet, a secondary player may enter a $4 bet by simply touching the "Repeat last bet" area, instead of touching the "Bet $1" area four times. You may repeat the $4 bet. An "automatic bet" area may, for example, allow a secondary player to continue making the same bet on each new game without having to constantly enter a bet amount. In some embodiments, a secondary player can program a particular betting strategy and then automatically transfer that strategy to the secondary player's terminal by touching an "autobet" area. You may also have it executed. The "Lock Game" area may prevent other secondary players from accessing the terminal while the secondary player is away for a break. The "Order a Drink" area may allow a secondary player to order a drink or other item and have it delivered to their terminal without ever leaving their seat.

As will be appreciated, the various areas of the touch screen that enable touch interaction may also be implemented using conventional buttons or any other interactive technique.

It is to be understood that the drawings do not necessarily depict everything that may be included in a system, object, machine, device, etc. For example, although not shown in FIG. 50, game device 130 may include a coin hopper.

1. One player bets on the outcome of another player's game. For example, one player bets on whether a winning outcome will be achieved in another player's game. For example, one player bets on whether another player will win. In various embodiments, one player may place a bet and win or lose based on the outcome of a game played by another player. As used herein, "primary player", "primary players", etc. refer to the player or players who most directly participate in a game (e.g., a casino game). Good too. The primary player may be physically present at the slot machine, for example, and participates in the slot machine game by inserting coins, directing bets, and pulling the slot machine handle. Good too. The primary player may also be physically present at a table game (eg, a game of blackjack with an actual dealer). In various embodiments, the primary player makes his or her own bet, such as by pulling the handle on a slot machine or physically placing a bet on a table game and signaling to a dealer that he or she is interested in playing. Directly start the game you want to participate in. In various embodiments, a particular game will not be played without primary player activity.

As used herein, "a secondary player," "secondary players," etc. refers to a person who participates in a game played by a primary player or other secondary players, or It may refer to one or more players who may participate. For example, a secondary player bets on a game in which a primary player participates. The secondary player wins if the primary player wins, and the secondary player loses if the primary player loses. In another example, a secondary player bets on a game that has already been played. The secondary player does not know the outcome of the game when making a bet. Once the secondary player places a bet, the outcome of the game may be revealed to the secondary player, and if the outcome is a winning outcome, the secondary player may be paid out. In another embodiment, secondary player A bets that secondary player B will win and bets secondary player B $10. Secondary player B is now betting $20 on the game. If secondary player B wins the $20 bet, secondary player A wins the $10 bet. In various embodiments, the secondary player does not initiate the game in which he participates. In various embodiments, games in which the secondary player participates are played regardless of whether the secondary player chooses to bet on the game. A game in which a secondary player participates may be initiated by the primary player or may be initiated automatically (eg, by a computer program).

It should be understood that wherever data is used herein, such data may be stored in, for example, a database, or any other suitable medium, format, or data structure. Data may be stored across fixed or distributed locations. Data may be stored in a single location or in multiple locations (eg, multiple redundant locations). Data may be retrieved from its storage location as needed. If data is generated but not immediately needed, such data may be stored for later retrieval. The data may be accessible by reference to any portion of the data, including any tags or labels associated with the data. For example, if some data items of the set of data items are known, the remaining data items of the set of data items may be searched based on the known data items. For example, a known data item may serve as a search key to find the remaining data items of a set of data items.

In all applicable embodiments described herein, any data generated, transmitted, stored, retrieved, or used may also be stored for auditing purposes. Such data may be made available to regulators for casinos (eg, to casinos that generate the data, or to casinos that use the data, for example), or to any other relevant parties. Data that may be stored may include the size of the bet that the primary player placed on the game, the type of bet that the primary player placed on the game, and intermediate events that took place during the game (e.g., a game of craps). the date of the game, the decision options that were available in the game (e.g. hit, stand in blackjack), the decisions made in the game, the outcome of the game, and the amount paid to the winner of the game. It may also include data describing the amount, etc.

In various embodiments, data may be collected and stored in connection with any search for a game to which the data is associated. For example, suppose a secondary player searches for all games in which a payout of more than 100 coins was won. Accordingly, data indicating search criteria may be stored so that it is possible to determine in the future that a secondary player has searched for all games in which a payout of more than 100 coins was won. There may be. Further data may be stored describing the results of the search. For example, if the secondary player's search results were 1218 games, this fact may be stored. Additional identifiers may be stored for each game identified by the search.

(1.1.) One player bets on a game in which another player participates. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the outcome of the game itself. For example, a secondary player may bet on the outcome of a slot machine game. If a "bar-bar-bar" outcome occurs in the game, the secondary player may receive ten times his wager. In various embodiments, a secondary player is not required to place the same types of bets as a primary player. For example, a primary player may begin a craps game with a "pass" bet. A secondary player may bet on the same craps game, but may place a "no pass" bet. Thus, even if a secondary player and a primary player bet on the same game, the primary player may lose and the secondary player may win.

(1.2.) One player bets on the method another player plays. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on what will happen to a primary player in a game. In various embodiments, the secondary player does not bet on the outcome of the game itself, but rather bets on how the outcome of the game will affect the primary player, taking into account the bets placed on the game by the primary player. Bet only on whether it will have a positive impact. For example, a secondary player may bet that a primary player will win a game. If the primary player wins, the secondary player's bet may be a winning bet and the secondary player may receive a payout. However, if the primary player loses, the secondary player may lose.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that the primary player will lose. Therefore, if the primary player loses, the secondary player may receive payment for the winning bet, but if the primary player wins, the secondary player may lose his bet. Good too.

Note that in many cases, bets placed by the primary player provide a profit to the house or casino. On average, the house may make a profit in this way. Thus, if the secondary player is allowed to bet on the loss of the primary player, the secondary player may enjoy the same benefits as the house. In various embodiments, a secondary player may be charged a fee for betting on a loss of a primary player. The commission may provide the house with a profit on a bet that may otherwise be advantageous to the secondary player. The fee may be a flat fee. The commission may be a percentage of the secondary player's wager. The commission may be taken only from the payment of winnings received by the secondary player. For example, if a secondary player wins a payout of $10 based on a $10 wager, 50 cents may be deducted from the payout and received by the house.

In various embodiments, the fee charged to the secondary player may be set at an amount that provides the house with the same profit as the house receives from the loss of the primary player. As used herein, "house profit" or "house advantage" may be defined as the ratio of the expected amount won by the casino to the amount originally wagered by the player. Assume that the house profit in the game is 1.41%. Therefore, a primary player who bets $1 can expect to receive $0.98.59 on average. Further assume that the primary player initially bets $1 and may receive $0 (for a $1 net loss) or $2 (for a $1 net gain). . Such an exemplary bet is a $1 pass bet on a game of craps. In this example, the secondary player may bet $1 that the primary player loses. A secondary player may expect to receive, on average, $1.01.41. In order to give the house the same profit if the secondary player loses as the house would get if the primary player loses, the secondary player pays $0.02.82. A fee may be charged. This fee may be rounded up to $0.03 or may vary over a number of bets by the secondary player to reach an average of $0.02.82. Taking into account commissions, the secondary player may expect to receive $0.98.59 per $1 wagered, the same amount that the house would receive if the primary player lost. Profit is provided to the house if the secondary player loses.

In various embodiments, the secondary player takes a position that is diametrically opposed to the primary player (e.g., every win for the primary player is a loss for the secondary player, and vice versa). Sometimes you can't take it. In various embodiments, even if a secondary player bets on a loss of a primary player, an outcome that results in a loss for the primary player may not result in a win for the secondary player. . For example, a result of "Plum-Orange-Cherry" may cause the primary player to lose and the secondary player to lose as well. In various embodiments, a loss for a primary player may result in a push or tie for a secondary player. In this way, the house may maintain an advantage over the secondary player even if it has an advantage over the primary player. In various embodiments, a loss to a primary player is a win to a secondary player such that the house has the same advantage over a secondary player as it has over a primary player. A result other than that may be selected. For example, assume that a particular game offers a primary player the possibility of either winning a net $1 or losing a net $1. Assume further that the game has a 2% house advantage. Assume further that outcomes X and Y in the game are both losing outcomes for the primary player. Outcome X will occur with a probability of 0.03 and outcome Y will occur with a probability of 0.01. By betting $1 that the primary player loses, the secondary player can typically expect to win $1.02, with an average net profit of $0.02. However, in various embodiments, outcomes X and Y may also count as a tie for the secondary player. The secondary player's expected payout is X times the probability that the amount would have been won (in excess of the wagered amount) on the occurrence of X, and would have been won (in excess of the wagered amount) on the occurrence of Y The amount will be reduced by a probability of Y times the amount of. This reduction is equal to 0.03 x $1 + 0.01 x $1 = $0.04. Therefore, the secondary player's expected winnings are reduced from $1.02 to $0.98. This reduction provides the same 2% advantage to the house if the secondary player loses that the house had in the first game if the primary player loses.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet against an outcome that would normally be a win in a game. For example, in a game of blackjack, a secondary player may bet that the dealer will win. In various embodiments, the house may change the probabilities of various outcomes in the game to regain advantage to the house. For example, when a secondary player bets on the dealer in a game of blackjack, the house may remove cards from the deck that have low scoring values. This may reduce the probability that the dealer will win, and thus reduce the probability that a secondary player would win if they bet on the dealer. In various embodiments, the game that the secondary player bets against the house may not be the game actually played by the primary player. On the contrary, the game may be a house-simulated or simulated game, with probabilities of various outcomes modified from the standard probabilities of the game.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may take a house position, or approximately a house position, and bet that the primary player loses. This allows a secondary player to lose no matter which primary player wins and win no matter which primary player loses. For example, if a primary player loses a $1 bet, a secondary player may win $1. However, if the primary player wins $10, the secondary player loses $10. To ensure that the house can recover $10 from the secondary player if the primary player wins $10, the house covers the possibility that the secondary player will lose. The secondary player may be required to deposit a sufficient deposit with the house in order to do so. The deposit is in the form of a credit balance accumulated by the secondary player (e.g. as a result of inserting banknotes or as a result of winning a bet) and is free to be claimed by the House for collection as an obligation of the secondary player. The amount received may be in the form of a financial account that can be received (e.g., the Secondary Player may provide a credit card number), in the form of a check provided by the Secondary Player to the House, or in any other suitable form. You can. In various embodiments, the house may require a deposit or other commitment from the secondary player equal to the maximum possible payout that the primary player may receive. For example, suppose a primary player participates in a game in which the primary player may win up to $100. If the secondary player bets that the primary player loses, the secondary player may risk losing up to $100 in the game. Thus, the house may require the secondary player to have a $100 credit balance in order to bet on the loss of the primary player. In various embodiments, the house may ask the secondary player to confirm (e.g., by pressing a button) that he knows that he has a chance of losing up to an amount of X; X is the maximum amount that a secondary player can lose by participating in the game.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a primary player's loss without reflecting the primary player's payout. For example, a secondary player may bet $1 on a game in which the secondary player bets that the primary player will lose. If the primary player loses the game, the secondary player may receive $1.25, with a net gain of $0.25. If the primary player wins, the secondary player may lose $1 of his bet, with a net loss of $1. Regardless of the amount that the primary player wins, the secondary player may lose $1. For example, a primary player may win $1, or a primary player may win $100, but a secondary player may lose $1.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that a primary player will win a certain multiple of the primary player's bet in a given game. For example, a secondary player may bet $5 that a primary player will win at least three times the primary player's $2 wager in a game. If the primary player wins at least $6, the secondary player may win $20. If not, the secondary player may lose his $5 wager.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may be paid according to a table or function that maps all possible outcomes of a primary player to payouts for a secondary player. For example, if the primary player wins $0, the secondary player may receive $3, and if the primary player wins $1, the secondary player may receive $5. If the primary player wins $2, the secondary player may receive $0, and if the primary player wins $3, the secondary player If the primary player wins $4, the secondary player may receive $1, and so on. As will be appreciated, the functionality need not perform a linear or continuous mapping.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may be prohibited and/or prevented from making bets that may provide an advantage to the secondary player. For example, a secondary player may be prevented from betting on a loss of a primary player, in which case the house has an advantage over the primary player.

(1.3.) A player bets on past games. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on games played in the past. With respect to the game: (a) the commencement of the game; (b) the termination of the game; (c) the collection of bets from the primary player who played the game; At least one of the prize payments may have occurred in the past (eg, before the secondary player bet on the game).

A record of the game may be created when the game is first played. The recording may include sufficient data to reproduce all or part of the game. Such data includes (a) one or more seeds or random numbers used to generate the outcome of the game, (b) one or more outcomes of the game (e.g., "Cherry Belle Lemon", e.g., a series of A set of five cards (such as the cards that make up a poker hand), such as a set of card hands (such as the player's hand and the dealer's hand, or the player's hand and the player's opponent's hand) etc.), e.g. the number or numbers represented by one or more dice (as in a game of craps), e.g. a series of numbers represented by a series of dice rolls, e.g. a set of numbers in a game of Keno, e.g. achieved in a bonus round. (c) one or more symbols constituting the outcome of a game; (d) one or more cards; (e) one or more reels of a slot machine; (f) the number of decks used; (g) decisions made by the primary player in the game; (h) one or more algorithms used to generate the outcome of the game; (i) (j) the payout table used for the game; (k) the make, model, or year of manufacture of the gaming device used in the game; (l) the game; (m) the location at which the game was played; (n) the dealers involved in the game; (o) the position of the primary player at the table used to play the game; (p) the position of the primary player at the table used to play the game; (q) the identification of another player in the game (e.g. another player at the blackjack table at which the game was played); (r) the number of players in the game; (s) winnings received by the primary player in the game; (t) video recordings of the game; (u) audio recordings of the game; and (v) from decks of cards. It may also include the order of the cards dealt. The video recording of the game may include video recordings from various perspectives. In some embodiments, the video recording may show or focus on cards, dice, reels, or other items that determine and/or reveal the outcome of the game. Video recordings may include recordings of actions in a game (eg, recordings of players placing bets, making decisions, and/or collecting winnings). Such a video recording may focus on a player's hand, for example. In some embodiments, the video recording may show or focus on a dealer or other casino representative in charge of the game. In some embodiments, the video recording may show or focus on the player's face or body. For example, a video recording may show a player's facial expressions or body language during a game. In some embodiments, the video recording may focus on the audience. In some embodiments, the video recording is recorded from an actual game. In some embodiments, a video recording is generated. A video recording may be generated based on stored data regarding the game.

Video recordings may be generated in a number of ways. In some embodiments, a video recording may be generated by combining stock video clips. For example, one stock video clip may show a primary player (eg, an actor playing the role of the primary player) placing a bet. Another stock video clip may show a primary player rolling dice. There may be stock video clips of all possible outcomes in the game. For example, there may be a stock video clip showing all the possibilities in rolling two dice. In order to create a combined video recording of a complete game, the casino uses, for example, a video clip in which a bet is made, corresponding to the outcome actually played in the first game in which the secondary player is betting. Video clips of the results unfolding and of players collecting winnings may be combined. In some embodiments, the stock video recording may include a video recording of the entire game. If a similar game is played later, the same video recording may be used for the similar game when the secondary player participates in the similar game.

In some embodiments, the video recording is generated using a computer algorithm. For example, a computer algorithm may generate records showing a simulated primary player placing bets and rolling dice, dice bouncing and landing, simulated game progression assistants paying winnings, etc. good. In various embodiments, the video may be generated to be as realistically faithful as possible to the data of the game. For example, the video may be generated to show a video or animated depiction of the actual results of the primary player's game.

In various embodiments, the video may be generated based on data regarding the game. Data indicative of a primary player's wager amount may be used to generate a video of a primary player (eg, a simulated primary player) placing a bet of the same wager amount. Data showing the outcome of the game may be used to generate a video showing the same outcome being produced. Data depicting intermediate symbols or marks that appear during a game may be used to generate videos depicting these same intermediate symbols or marks. For example, data indicating that a 7 of hearts was dealt to a particular position at a blackjack table could be used to generate a video showing a simulation of dealing a 7 of hearts at a simulated blackjack table. good. Data indicating the primary player's identification may be used to generate the video. For example, based on a stored photo of a primary player, a casino may generate an animation of the primary player playing a game. Data indicating the primary player's age or other demographics may be used to generate the video. For example, if the primary player is a 60-year-old woman, the casino may generate an animation of a 60-year-old woman playing a game. In some embodiments, demographic data about a player may be used to search stock records for players with similar characteristics. For example, the stock records of a 60 year old female player may be searched.

Game records may be stored by the gaming device, casino server, third party server, or other device. The secondary player may then bet on the game, or some aspect of the game. Once the secondary player places a bet, the data stored in the record may be used to reproduce the game, or to reproduce some aspects of the game. For example, a video recording of the game may be shown to a secondary player. In some embodiments, the results of the game may simply be displayed for the secondary player.

Based on the outcome of the game and based on the bets made by the secondary player, the secondary player may lose the bet, lose a portion of the bet, go even, or win any winnings. may be paid. For example, if the outcome of the game is a winning outcome, the secondary player may be paid based on the standard rules of the game. For example, if a secondary player bets $10 on a game of blackjack and the primary player in the game receives 20 points to the dealer's 19 points, the secondary player must In addition to keeping, you may also earn $10.

If the secondary player bets on what could happen to the primary player, the primary player's wins and losses may be revealed to the secondary player. For example, if a secondary player bets that a primary player loses, and the primary player loses, the secondary player may win. If the secondary player makes a bet that causes the secondary player to win twice as much as the primary player and the primary player wins $20, then the secondary player wins $40. You may accept dollars.

(1.4.) The primary player that the secondary player was betting on is no longer available. In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in one or more games played by a primary player. For example, a secondary player may bet on a game played by a primary player. At some point, the primary player may end his or her play session. The secondary player, on the other hand, may wish to continue participating in the primary player's games and may therefore find himself deprived of the opportunity to bet on the primary player's games.

(1.4.1.) The primary player is asked to stay (stay with the bet). In various embodiments, the primary player may indicate his or her intent to end the play session. For example, a primary player may stand up, cash out, or refrain from placing a bet, such as when at a table game. The secondary player may indicate a desire to continue participating. For example, a secondary player may press a button labeled "Continue Session" on the betting interface. The Secondary Player may communicate his or her request verbally (e.g., to the Casino Agent), via text (e.g., via a text message sent to the Casino Agent), or in any other manner. may be communicated. The primary player may be contacted regardless of whether the secondary player actually indicates a desire to continue participating. For example, a casino agent may contact a primary player. Such agents may include waitresses, pit bosses, dealers, etc. The primary player may be asked to stay and continue playing. The primary player may be offered cash, goods or services, free meals, show tickets, improved odds, giveaway points, etc. as benefits for staying. The primary player may be notified that there are secondary players who understand the results of the primary player and wish to remain with the primary player.

In some embodiments, a primary player who has indicated an intention to quit may be asked to stay only if one or more criteria are met. For example, a primary player may be asked to stay only if at least three secondary players are participating in the primary player's game. Other criteria are: (a) there are at least X secondary players watching the primary player's games; (b) there are at least there are at least , during a particular play session, etc., the total amount wagered by the secondary player on the primary player's game was at least $X; (e) participated in the primary player's game; (f) the casino's theoretical profits or profits from secondary players who participated in the primary player's games were at least $X; It may also include, for example, that the amount was $X. It is understood that the casino may require that any combination of the above criteria be met in order to ask the primary player to stay. There may be multiple ways to meet the above criteria, including partially meeting more than one of the criteria. It is further understood that there may be other criteria that the casino may use based on being met in order for the casino to be able to ask the primary player to continue the play session.

In various embodiments, if the primary player continues to play (i.e., if the primary player's expected winnings, which account for the cost of the bet, are exactly zero), the casino may It may provide an opportunity to play a fair game.

(1.4.2.) Casino plays automatically. In some embodiments, the casino or house may play on behalf of the primary player if the primary player ends the play session. For example, a dealer at a blackjack table may continue to deal hands to the position the primary player was in. The dealer may make decisions regarding the hand (eg, hit or stand decisions). The decision may be made according to an optimal strategy. The determination may also be made based on input from the secondary player. Another representative of the casino may also act as a stand-in for the primary player. For example, the other agent may take a seat at the table or slot machine where the primary player was and resume play.

In some embodiments, game results may be automatically generated once the primary player leaves. For example, a slot machine that a primary player leaves may continue to produce results. Therefore, the secondary player may continue to bet on the outcome.

In some embodiments, computer algorithms may make decisions in the game. Because the computer algorithm may represent a primary player in a game, a secondary player may participate in a game where no primary human player is present. In some embodiments, the computer algorithm may act as a primary player even if the secondary player did not participate in a previous human primary player's game. good. In other words, the computer algorithm does not necessarily have to represent the primary player, but may act as a simulated or artificial primary player from the beginning. A computer algorithm may make decisions in the game. Computer algorithms make decisions about how much to bet, what kind of bets to make (for example, a computer algorithm might decide whether to take insurance on a game of blackjack), and checks. decisions to make, bet, raise, call, or fold (e.g., in a game of poker); decisions whether to accept more cards (e.g., in a game of blackjack or video poker); and decisions to make in a game. Any other decisions that may be made may be made. A computer algorithm may refer to a stored set of rules that make game decisions. For example, a computer algorithm may refer to a table that lists one or more possible situations that may occur in a game and lists the corresponding decisions that should be made if the situation occurs. Computer algorithms may also include procedures, logic, or other computational methods for calculating decisions taking into account certain game states. For example, in a game of video poker, a computer algorithm may calculate an expected winnings taking into account each of several possible decisions. The computer may determine which decision yields the highest expected prize and execute that decision.

In various embodiments, a computer algorithm may be programmed to make decisions that result in the highest expected winnings, payouts, and/or profits in a game. In various embodiments, computer algorithms may be programmed to approximate the play of human players. The computer algorithm may be programmed to, at least some of the time, favor strategies that have emotional or intuitive appeal over the optimal strategy. For example, computer algorithms are programmed to pursue higher paying hands in a game of video poker even when expected winnings could be optimized by pursuing more certain hands with lower payouts. You can. In various embodiments, computer algorithms may be programmed by different individuals. Some computer algorithms may be programmed to take greater risks in the strategies they use. Some computer algorithms may be programmed to play conservatively. Some computer algorithms may be programmed to bet frequently (eg, in a game of poker). Some computer algorithms may be programmed to bet only occasionally and with highly desirable hands (eg, in a game of poker).

(1.4.3.) A primary player's interrupted session will be resumed upon the primary player's return. In some embodiments, the secondary player's session may be placed on hold when the primary player leaves. That is, for some time, the secondary player may not have the opportunity to participate in and bet on the games played by the primary player. However, when the primary player returns and starts a new game, the secondary player may have the opportunity to resume play.

(1.4.3.1.) When the primary player returns, an alert is given to the secondary player. In some embodiments, an alert is sent to the secondary player when the primary player returns, or when the primary player returns soon, or when the primary player is about to return. may be done. Alerts may take the form of phone calls, emails, text messages, verbal alerts from casino representatives, and the like.

(1.4.4.) In some embodiments, a secondary player may indicate a primary player that the secondary player may be interested in participating in the game. This allows the secondary player to "tag" or "bookmark" the primary player as a player with whom the secondary player may wish to participate in the game. In various embodiments, the casino determines when the bookmarked primary player plays (e.g., when seated at a gaming device or gaming table, e.g., when inserting a player tracking card into the gaming device or gaming table, e.g. A secondary player may be able to easily determine when a secondary player played one or more games in the recent past. For example, a secondary player may review a list of bookmarked primary players. The secondary player may select one of the primary players from the list and then determines whether the primary player is currently playing and how the primary player plays. It may also indicate whether the game is being played, where the primary player is playing, or any other relevant information. In some embodiments, the casino may notify a secondary player whenever a bookmarked primary player begins playing. In some embodiments, the casino may keep track of various statistics associated with the primary player that the secondary player has bookmarked. When a secondary player contacts the casino (e.g., takes a seat at a terminal at which the secondary player may participate in the primary player's game) or at any other time, the casino may Such statistics may be reported to the secondary player. The statistics may include statistics regarding recently played games, recent wins, recent losses, recent high payouts, recent profits, etc. The statistics may not necessarily be recent, but may be if the secondary player already knows older statistics regarding the primary player. In various embodiments, if the secondary player is ready to begin participating in the primary player's game, the secondary player participates in the bookmarked primary player's game. The opportunity may be provided (eg, by default). The secondary player participates in the game of a first bookmarked primary player (e.g., the first primary player in the secondary player's list of preferred primary players). You may be offered an opportunity. If the Secondary Player declines, the Secondary Player may be the second bookmarked Primary Player (e.g., the second player in the Secondary Player's list of preferred Primary Players). The player may be offered the opportunity to participate in the game of the primary player (the primary player). In various embodiments, multiple secondary players may share a primary player's tags or bookmarks among themselves. For example, a secondary player may publish a list of people he considers to be "lucky" primary players. Other secondary players may view the list and decide to participate in the listed primary player's games.

(1.4.5.) The predicted amount is paid to the secondary player. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the outcome of a primary player across multiple games. For example, a secondary player could bet that a primary player would have won financially after one hour of play. However, if the primary player leaves before the end of the hour of play, the secondary player's bets may remain unresolved. In various embodiments, the secondary player's bet is resolved by the expected value (EV) of the secondary player's winnings. For example, if the secondary player's expected winnings are $8 based on the current time, the primary player's current winnings, and the odds of the game the primary player was playing, then the When the next player ends the session, the secondary player may be paid $8. Bets may also be settled by various features of the EV (eg, EV minus processing fees, 50% of EV, etc.).

(1.4.6.) The wager will be returned to the secondary player. In some embodiments, when a primary player ends a session, wagers made by secondary players who were subordinate to the primary player ending the session are transferred to the secondary player. It may be returned to the player.

(1.4.7.) The option to participate in other primary players' games is presented to the secondary player. In some embodiments, when a primary player ends a session, the secondary player may not be able to make any bets on that person or the game. may be presented. By selecting one or more new primary players, the secondary player may continue to participate in the game. For bets that require a session to be completed by the original Primary Player, the new Primary Player may be treated as if they were continuing from where the original Primary Player left off. good. For example, a new primary player may be treated as if he lost $6 in the past 30 minutes, just as the original primary player actually did. by the secondary player that if the new primary player subsequently won $10 in the next 30 minutes, the original primary player would have won after an hour of play. A bet can be a winning bet.

When a new primary player selection is presented to a secondary player, the presented primary player is selected by the casino based on similarities to the original primary player. may be done. For example, assume the first primary player was from Texas. When the original primary player ends the session, a new primary player, also from Texas, may be presented. Other characteristics that the original primary player and the new primary player may share are: (a) they may play the same type of game (e.g., they both play IGT's Wheel of (b) both may be of the same gender; (c) both may be of the same age; (d) both may be of the same age. (e) both may have addresses or hometowns in the same geographical location; (f) both may have common occupations (e.g. in music, food, sports, etc.); and (g) they may share a common date of birth.

(1.4.8.) A secondary player is given the opportunity to become a primary player. The secondary player is told where to take a seat and begin playing. In some embodiments, when a primary player ends a session, a secondary player is provided with the possibility of becoming a primary player. For example, a secondary player is shown the location of a slot machine or table game that a primary player was playing. A secondary player may be offered the opportunity to take the seat of the primary player and/or to take the place of the primary player.

(1.4.9.) In some embodiments where a primary player's historical games are found, when the primary player ends a session of play, the secondary player: An opportunity may be provided to participate in the primary player's historical games. In various embodiments, historical games may include games in which a secondary player has not yet participated. Thereby, the secondary player may have the opportunity to continue to benefit from the skill, luck, or other value that he associates with the primary player.

(1.5.) Maintaining Player Privacy. In various embodiments, the identity of the primary player may be hidden from the secondary player. This prevents the secondary player from learning sensitive financial information about the primary player, and prevents the secondary player from blaming the primary player for unfavorable outcomes. or otherwise cause harm or discomfort to the primary player.

(1.5.1.) The secondary player does not see the person he is betting on. In various embodiments, facial features or any other discernible features of the primary player are hidden from the secondary player. For example, in a video recording of a primary player's game, the face may be blurred, covered, or completely removed from view. Audio may be removed or masked.

(1.5.2.) The secondary player does not know the location of the person he is betting on. In various embodiments, the location of the primary player remains disguised or hidden. In other cases, especially in an actual game, it is conceivable that a secondary player may get to know a primary player simply by going to the primary player's location. Accordingly, in various embodiments, identifying characteristics of the primary player's location may be removed from video recordings of the primary player's games. Such features may include identifiable features of the casino, such as photographs, sculptures, fountains, restaurant names, restroom signs, poker room or other casino department signs, and the like. Identifying features of table games may also be disguised or removed. For example, the table's unique design or color may be removed. In various embodiments, games or locations that have easily distinguishable and/or unique characteristics may be unsuitable for participation by secondary players.

(1.5.3.) Limitation on the Number of Bets a Secondary Player May Make on One Particular Person. In various embodiments, there may be a limit as to the number of primary player games in which a secondary player may participate. This may reduce the likelihood that the secondary player will develop strong feelings towards the primary player in some way. In various embodiments, there is a limit to the amount of time a secondary player can participate in a given primary player's game.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may be switched from participating in a game of a first primary player to participating in a game of a second primary player. A secondary player may be switched without knowing that the secondary player has been switched. For example, a secondary player may receive data regarding a game including symbols, marks, and/or results generated during the game. However, the secondary player may not necessarily receive identifying information regarding the primary player of the game. Thus, when a secondary player is switched from participating in a game of a first primary player to participating in a game of a second primary player, the secondary player: The switch may not be noticed since the player may not have access to identifying information regarding the first or second primary player. In various embodiments, the secondary player transitions from participating in the game of a first primary player to participating in the game of a second primary player after a predetermined number of games. It may be switched. For example, a secondary player may participate in 25 games of a first primary player before being switched to participating in a second primary player's game. In various embodiments, switching may occur randomly. For example, a casino may randomly generate a number between 1 and 100 each time a game is played by a first primary player. If that number is greater than 80, the casino may switch the secondary player from participating in the game of the first primary player to participating in the game of the second primary player. Good too. In some embodiments, the switch may occur after a random number of games with an upper limit. For example, if a secondary player is not switched after 20 games of a first primary player, the secondary player may be automatically switched. In some embodiments, a secondary player may be switched at his or her own request. In various embodiments, if a secondary player is switched between different primary player's games with a reasonable frequency, the likelihood that a primary player's privacy will be compromised may be reduced. In some embodiments, a secondary player may be notified when switched from a first primary player's game to a second primary player's game. In some embodiments, the secondary player is not notified of the switch.

(1.5.4.) A period of time to ensure that the primary player is not at the location by which the secondary player begins participating in the primary player's game. Introducing delays. In various embodiments, a secondary player is limited to betting on games that have been played for a predetermined amount of time in the past (eg, one or more days in the past). In this way, the secondary player has no hope of contacting the primary player since the primary player may no longer be in the vicinity. In various embodiments, a secondary player is limited to betting on games played by a primary player who has already left the location where the game was originally played.

(1.6.) The secondary player or spectator is provided with knowledge as to what the next card will be or what the primary player's opponent will hold. The secondary player may watch the primary player struggle with a decision, already knowing the correct decision. In various embodiments, the secondary player may be notified of information about the game that the primary player does not know about, or at least did not know about when the primary player was participating in the game. good. For example, a primary player may participate in a game of video poker. A secondary player may monitor the progress of the game from a remote terminal. The secondary player may be informed that the next four cards in the deck are all aces. However, this information is not known to the primary player. Thus, the secondary player may experience the excitement of hoping the primary player draws a four of a kind.

(1.6.1.) The secondary player knows the next card, the symbols that will appear on the reels, the unique doors that will open in the bonus game, etc. In various embodiments, the secondary player may, at some point in the game, know (or have known) the outcome of the game (e.g., "Cherry Cherry Cherry (b) payments received by the primary player based on the game; (c) the outcome of the game (e.g., win or loss); (d) reel positions; (e) symbols appearing on the reels (e.g., second The next player completes the winning result of ``Bar-Bar-Bar'' by showing the symbol ``Bar'' on the third reel of the slot machine before the first player knows it. (f) a card received by a primary player; (g) a card received by a dealer; (h) at or near the top of a deck used in a card game; cards, (i) the hand of cards achieved by the primary player when he makes a particular decision (e.g., deciding to hit in blackjack); (j) the cards in a deck of cards; (k) the payout, result, or outcome that results from a particular selection in the bonus game of the gaming device (e.g., the primary player wins 200 by choosing door number 3 in the bonus game); (l) cards received by the primary player's opponents; (m) cards held by the primary player's opponents (e.g., in a poker hand); (n) One or more of the following may be notified: (o) numbers that appear on dice in a game (eg in craps), (o) numbers that occur in a game of roulette, etc.

(1.6.2.) If the primary player is unlikely to make a decision that will cause the secondary player to win, the secondary player may place a new bet at clearly desirable odds. good. In various embodiments, a secondary player may be able to bet on a game being played by a primary player after learning information about the game. Bets may be placed at odds that are clearly favorable to the primary player. For example, assume that a primary player holds an initial hand of video poker consisting of a King of Spades, a King of Clubs, a Ten of Hearts, a Three of Clubs, and a Seven of Diamonds. What is unknown to the primary player, but known to the secondary player, is that the next four cards in the deck are the Ace of Hearts, King of Hearts, Queen of Hearts, and He is the Jack of Hearts. Thus, in various embodiments, if a primary player discards a King of Spades, a King of Clubs, a Three of Clubs, and a Seven of Diamonds, the primary player receives a Royal Flush (the highest paying outcome). It can be achieved. A secondary player may be able to bet four coins on the game. The secondary player may win 1 coin for a pair of jacks or better, 2 coins for a pair of two, 3 coins for a three of a kind, and 800 coins for a royal flush. Therefore, the secondary player may bet 4 coins with a distinct chance of winning 800 coins. In fact, the second player has the potential to win 800 coins. However, the likelihood of a primary player discarding a pair of kings to draw a four-of-a-kind to ten of hearts may be extremely low. Therefore, it is more likely that the primary player will provide a payout of 3 coins to the secondary player by holding a pair of kings, drawing a three-of-a-kind, and ending up with a three-of-a-kind king. expensive. Thus, in various embodiments, a primary player's strategy may be predicted by, for example, a casino server. The predicted strategy may be, for example, an optimal strategy, given the lack of information about future outcomes or outcomes (eg, future cards in a deck). Based on the prediction of the primary player's strategy, the casino server may provide betting opportunities to the secondary player such that the house maintains a profit taking into account the predicted strategy. . If the primary player had access to knowledge of future outcomes or outcomes (e.g. future cards in a deck), the same betting opportunity offered to the secondary player would be at a disadvantage to the house. I might have done it. Thus, a secondary player may place a certain bet on a game in the hope that the primary player will deviate from an optimal or conventional strategy.

(1.6.3.) The secondary player may provide hints. In various embodiments, a secondary player may have an opportunity to communicate tips to a primary player. Hints may take the form of decision suggestions. For example, a hint may indicate that a primary player should discard the first and third cards in a video poker hand. Hints can also take the form of denials. For example, a primary player may initially indicate a particular choice of strategy (such as a particular combination of cards to discard in a game of video poker). A secondary player may provide an indication that such a strategy should not be followed. The secondary player may be able to deny only once, or a predetermined number of times. Hints may take the form of information regarding symbols or game results or achievements. For example, in a bonus round of a slot machine game, the secondary player may inform the primary player of the number of coins behind the door 2. In some embodiments, it may occur that there are more coins behind door 3, but the secondary player may only be able to give hints regarding door 2.

(1.6.4.) A secondary player may watch a primary player for entertainment purposes. The secondary player may watch facial expressions during a desired outcome or during a near miss. In various embodiments, a secondary player may derive entertainment or other satisfaction from watching the experiences of a primary player. The secondary player may, for example, watch the primary player play a game in which the primary player wins a large payout. The secondary player can watch (eg, from a video recording) the expression on the primary player's face and observe the expression change from neutrality to expressions of surprise and excitement. A secondary player may choose to participate in a game that has or may have had an emotional impact on the primary player. Thus, even if a secondary player selects a game, a payout over a predetermined amount is earned, a certain outcome (e.g., a winning outcome) is achieved, a jackpot is achieved, a bonus round is played, etc. good. The secondary player may also select games in which the primary player approaches or is likely to achieve a high payout. For example, a secondary player may select a game in which a primary player has four cards leading to a royal flush in video poker and then draws a fifth card. . The secondary player may also select a game in which two of the three reels of the slot machine line line up with jackpot symbols.

(1.6.5.) A search is performed to find games that include near misses with high payout results or any other characteristics. In various embodiments, a secondary player may receive information regarding upcoming games, games in progress, or games that have already been played. Based on the information, the secondary player may select a game to participate in or watch. A secondary player may have a favorite game that he or she would like to play, a favorite primary player that he or she would like to bet on, a favorite dealer that he or she would like to participate in the game, and so on. A secondary player may also desire to participate in a game knowing something about the outcomes, results, or other information regarding the game. For example, a secondary player may desire to participate in a game in which the first two reels of a slot machine show jackpot symbols.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may indicate one or more desired criteria for the game. Various games that meet one or more criteria may be made available to participating secondary players. The secondary player may then select one or more games to participate in. In various embodiments, once the secondary player indicates the criteria(s), the secondary player may automatically begin participating in games that match the criteria(s). The criteria indicated by a secondary player for a game are: (a) the game has a particular dealer; (b) the game has a particular number of players; and (c) the game has a particular gaming device. (d) the game is played on a particular type of gaming device; (e) the game is played by a particular primary player; (f) the game is played by a particular characteristic (e.g., age, race, (g) the game has a payout potential above a certain level (for example, the game has a payout potential of 1000 times the stake); (h) the game has an expected payout above a certain level (e.g. an expected payout of more than 95% of the initial stake); (i) the game has a bonus round; (j) the game has a (k) the game is played at a fixed time or date; (l) the game is or is a winnable game (e.g., the game is played at a fixed location); (k) the game is played at a fixed time or date; (m) the game is characterized by an outcome that has almost all the necessary symbols needed for a high payout (e.g., a game of video poker is characterized by an outcome that has almost all the necessary symbols needed for a high payout (e.g., a game of video poker has a payoff of at least 3x leading up to a royal flush); card), etc.

(1.6.6.) Prevent collaboration. In various embodiments, measures may be taken to prevent collaboration between primary and secondary players. In particular, if the secondary player knows information about the game (e.g., cards hidden in the deck), the secondary player may be able to communicate with the primary player by interacting with the primary player. It may be possible to provide benefits to the player and to oneself. As mentioned above, the identity of the primary player may be hidden from the secondary player. Similarly, the identity of the secondary player may be hidden from the primary player. One or both of the primary and secondary players may be confined to an enclosed space (eg, a soundproof room or Faraday cage) that reduces the possibility of communication. A signal detector (eg, an antenna) may be placed near the primary or secondary player to detect possible communication between the two. Cell phones, pagers, Blackberries, and other communication devices may be temporarily confiscated from one or both of the primary and secondary players. A secondary player may participate in a game only after one or more game decisions (including all game decisions) have been made in the game.

(1.7.) What happens if repairs are needed while the machine is running? What happens if the primary player takes too long to finish the game? In various embodiments, completion of the game may be delayed or prevented. For example, a gaming device may malfunction in the middle of a game. The primary player may start a discussion with a friend in the middle of a video poker game, thus delaying the game decision for several minutes. A secondary player participating in a game that delays may find the delay frustrating and may desire to complete the game in some other manner.

(1.7.1.) The game is automatically completed. In various embodiments, games may be automatically completed, for example by a casino. The automatically completed game may actually be a copy of the first game, so that the primary player can complete the first game on his own. However, a secondary player may receive payments based on automatically completed games. A game may be completed using a predetermined strategy (eg, an optimal strategy). The game may be completed using a random strategy, eg, one of several possible strategies is randomly selected.

(1.7.2.) The secondary player makes game decisions. In some embodiments, a secondary player may have the opportunity to complete the game by making his or her own decisions. For example, if the game is blackjack, the secondary player may indicate a decision such as "hit" or "stand" to complete the game. In various embodiments, the secondary player may complete a copy of the first game, so that the primary player may complete the first game himself. The copy of the first game may include a second game that has one or more parameters or aspects similar to the first game. For example, in a copy of the game, one or more of the following: the player's hand, the dealer's hand, the order of cards in the deck, the prizes available behind certain doors in a bonus game, etc. may be the same as

(1.7.3.) The wager will be returned to the secondary player. In various embodiments, if the game is delayed, bets placed on the game by the secondary player may be returned to the secondary player.

(1.7.4.) The secondary player is provided with an estimated amount of his winnings at that point in the game. In various embodiments, if the game is delayed, a predicted payout or prize to be paid to the secondary player may be provided to the secondary player. In some embodiments, expected payment functionality is provided (eg, expected payment minus fees).

(1.8.) Communication between Secondary Player and Primary Player. In some embodiments, a primary player and a secondary player may be given the opportunity to contact. Contact may occur via text, voice, or any other means. Communication may occur through the casino server. Communications may be monitored by the casino (eg, by a computer program or a casino agent). A communication may be edited or blocked if there is inappropriate or threatening language and/or if the communication provides an unfair advantage in any way to either the primary player or the secondary player. good.

(1.8.1.) Secondary Player Sends Help to Primary Player. For example, "You should hit here." In some embodiments, a secondary player may send help to a primary player. A secondary player may assist a primary player with strategy in a game (eg, blackjack, video poker, or real poker). In video poker, a secondary player may make suggestions as to which cards the primary player should discard. In blackjack, a secondary player may make suggestions as to whether to hit, stand, double down, split, etc. In an actual game of poker, a secondary player may advise a primary player on whether to check, bet, raise, fold, or call. The secondary player may also suggest an amount to bet or raise. The secondary player may provide other suggestions or opinions (eg, suggesting that another player is probably calling a bluff). The secondary player may provide additional information (eg, the probabilities of various events occurring taking into account a particular strategy). For example, a secondary player may indicate that the odds of making a flush may be approximately 1 in 2 if the primary player continues to play a game of poker.

(1.8.2.) The secondary player takes over the game. In various embodiments, a secondary player may represent a primary player in making game decisions. For example, a secondary player may transmit a signal that causes a game decision to be made without further input by the primary player. For example, a primary player may press a button labeled "Follow Secondary Player" on a gaming device. The secondary player may then select, for example, a card to discard from a remote terminal. The remote terminal may then send an indication to the gaming device of which cards the secondary player has chosen to discard. The selected card may then be removed from the primary player's hand and replaced with a new card. The primary player may win or lose, and may receive a payout, based on decisions made by the secondary player.

(1.8.3.) Sending Chips to the Primary Player. In various embodiments, the secondary player may send chips, other consideration, or other tokens of appreciation to the primary player. For example, if a primary player just wins a large payout, which causes a secondary player to also win a large payout, the secondary player may gratefully tip the primary player. You may wish to give. The secondary player may provide an indication that he wishes to award chips to the primary player, such as by pressing a button on a remote terminal. The casino server may then deduct the amount of the chip from the account associated with the secondary player and add the amount to the account associated with the primary player. The casino server may also cause the chip amount to be paid out to the primary player's gaming device or table, for example in the form of coins or cashless gaming receipts. In some embodiments, a primary player may make a payment to have something delivered to the primary player. For example, a secondary player may pay for a bottle of wine. A casino agent (eg, a waitress) may then deliver the bottle of wine to the primary player at the primary player's location.

(1.9.) Betting Interface. A secondary player may participate in a primary player's game using a variety of interfaces. The interface may allow a secondary player to select a game to participate in and select various aspects of the game, such as the device on which the game is played, the primary player playing the game, the time, etc. Including. The interface may allow the secondary player to select a bet type. For example, a secondary player may bet on a primary player winning or a primary player losing. The interface may allow the secondary player to select an amount to bet. The interface allows the secondary player to deposit cash or other consideration, verify his or her identity (e.g., to receive freebie points), and redeem winnings or remaining balances. You may also do so.

(1.9.1.) Internet. Secondary players may participate using a network (eg, the Internet or a casino intranet). The secondary player may use a computer (eg, a personal computer) for this purpose. The secondary player may use the computer monitor to view selections of games to participate in, current game progress, and credit balance. The secondary player may enter decisions using a mouse, computer keyboard, or any other computer input device. For example, a secondary player may enter a wager amount using a numeric keypad on a computer keyboard. The secondary player may also use a device such as a telephone, cell phone, personal digital assistant, or Blackberry. The contents of the following United States patent applications (listed by application number, title, and case number in parentheses) are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. (a) No. 10/835,995 ``System and Method for Convenience Gaming'' (075234.0121); (b) No. 11/063,311 ``System and Method for Convenience Gaming'' (075234.0121); e Gaming” (075234.0136), (c) No. 11/199,835 “System and Method for Wireless Gaming System with User Profiles” (075234.0173), (d) No. 11/199,831 “System for W ireless Gaming System with Alerts” (075234. 0174), (e) No. 11/201,812 “System and Method for Wireless Gaming with Location Determination” (075234.0176), (f) No. 11/199,964 “Sys tem and Method for Providing Wireless Gaming as a Service Application” (075234.0177), (g) No. 11/256,568 “System and Method for Wireless Lottery” (075234.0178), (h) No. 11/210,482 “Sy stem and method for peer- 60/697,861 ``Enhanced Wireless Gaming System'' (075234.0183). As is known in the art, devices used by a secondary player to participate in a game may communicate with a casino server via a network. Messages may be exchanged back and forth between the equipment used by the secondary player and the casino, where the messages may be of bits, represented by electronic pulses, light pulses, or any other practical representation. It takes the form of a stream.

(1.9.2.) A felt table with an actual dealer. In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in a game by sitting at a table and interacting with a casino representative. The table at which the secondary player is seated may be different from the table at which the primary player is seated. Thus, the primary player's gaming activities may take place at a location separate from the secondary player's location. However, a secondary player may store cash or chips at his table, and may indicate a wager by placing chips on a certain portion of the table. The secondary player may watch the primary player's gaming activities from this table, for example using a closed circuit television. Based on the results of the games played by the primary player, the secondary player may receive a payout at his table. Thus, for example, a casino agent at a secondary player's table may collect a wager from the secondary player, and the result of the primary player's game is a win for the primary player. In some cases, winnings may be paid to the secondary player. The secondary player's table may have a similar appearance to the primary player's table. For example, the tables may have the same shape and surface markings. In response to a primary player being seated at the primary player's table, a secondary player may be seated at the same position at his or her table. The secondary player will enjoy a similar experience to the primary player, except that the secondary player will not use the cards, dice, or other gaming devices used at the primary player's table. Good too. In various embodiments, the secondary player's table serves as a means for the secondary player to place bets, receive winnings, and possibly view the primary player's games. It's okay to do it.

In some embodiments, the secondary player uses the same table or gaming device as the primary player. For example, a secondary player may bet in addition to the primary player's hand. The secondary player may then receive a payment based on the results of the primary player's game.

(1.9.3.) Machines in casinos. In some embodiments, a secondary player may participate in a game using a machine or terminal configured to allow participation in another game. The terminal may include a coin slot, a bill validator, a credit card reader, and/or other means for accepting consideration. The terminal may include buttons, keys, rollerballs, and/or other input devices that may be used by the secondary player to select games to participate in, select bet amounts, select bet types, etc. May include. The terminal may communicate with a device that runs the actual game. For example, a secondary player's terminal may communicate with a gaming device on which a primary player is playing. Accordingly, the terminal may receive instructions from the primary player's device regarding the games played by the primary player, the amount wagered, the results received, and other related information. The secondary player's terminal may communicate directly with the primary player's device or with a casino server that communicates with the primary player's device. The secondary player's terminal may also communicate with sensors, detectors, and/or other monitoring devices in games played by the primary player, such as in a blackjack game. For example, a secondary player's terminal may receive feeds from a camera located at a blackjack game being played by a primary player. In various embodiments, a dealer or other casino representative may report information regarding the primary player's games. For example, a dealer may enter into a keypad connected to a casino server that a primary player was dealt an ace and a ten in a game of blackjack. Such information may subsequently be received at the secondary player's terminal and used in determining the secondary player's payout. The secondary player's terminal may be a mobile device (eg, a mobile device as described in Nevada Bill AB471).

In some embodiments, the secondary player's terminal may be configured or configured to look like a gaming device. The terminal's betting interface may be designed to look similar to the gaming device's betting interface. Graphics shown on the housing or screen may also be similar. However, the terminal may simply reproduce and redisplay the games and results generated by the gaming device. In various embodiments, a terminal may not generate its own games or results, eg, using its own processor or locally stored algorithms. In various embodiments, the terminal may include a kiosk.

(1.9.4.) Casino Desk. In various embodiments, a secondary player may visit a casino desk, casino cage, or other casino venue, where he or she may place bets in person. The secondary player may then select a game to participate in. The secondary player may place a bet. The secondary player may receive a record of his bets. For example, the record may be a paper receipt. The records include the name of the secondary player, the name of the primary player, the type of game, the time of the game, the machine or location on which the game was played, the amount of the bet, and the terms of the bet (e.g. what the outcome was). (constitutes a winning result), and any other relevant information. Once the game is decided, the secondary player may return to the desk to receive payment of any winnings.

(1.9.5.) How to enter bets. In various embodiments, bet amounts and bet selections may be entered using buttons, a keyboard, a microphone, a computer mouse, a joystick, or any other input device. The secondary player may also place bets and indicate the amount bet according to the rules. Rules include instructions that a computer algorithm may follow, where the instructions indicate rules or conditions that specify when to bet and the amount to bet. By betting according to the rules, the secondary player may save the effort of repeatedly indicating an intention to bet. The rules are: (a) continue to bet $1 on each new game until the secondary player provides an instruction to stop; (b) bet $1 on each new game for the next 20 games. (c) bet $1 on the game after each win and double the previous bet after each loss; (d) continue betting until the credit balance reaches 0 or $100; But that's fine. In some embodiments, rules may be entered explicitly by a secondary player. In some embodiments, different rule sets may be predefined. The secondary player may simply select one of the predetermined rule sets to have his bet automatically executed according to the selected rule set. In some embodiments, the ruleset indicates that previous bets should be repeated. The secondary player simply needs to confirm before placing each new bet. For example, for a first game, a secondary player may bet five coins on each of the seven paylines of the slot machine game. For the second game, the secondary player may simply press the "Repeat Previous Bet" button to re-bet 5 coins on each of the 7 paylines. The process of re-entering a bet without pressing such a button can be time-consuming. Furthermore, the primary player may have continued playing subsequent games until the secondary player has had time to enter a bet a second time. In various embodiments, a secondary player may specify a wager amount for a previous bet. For example, a secondary player may indicate a request to make a previous bet twice, or to make the same bet made two games ago.

(1.9.5.1.) Betting Screen and Graphical User Interface Layout. In various embodiments, the secondary player selects the bet type, selects the bet amount, tracks the progress of the game, tracks the progress of the primary player, selects the bet type, selects the bet amount, tracks the progress of the primary player, and selects the bet type, selects the bet amount, tracks the progress of the primary player, and selects the bet type, selects the bet amount, tracks the progress of the primary player, selects the bet type, selects the bet amount, tracks the progress of the , primary players, casinos, etc., all using the betting interface on the display screen. The display screen may also function as a touch screen, such that a secondary player may interact with the screen by touching certain locations on the touch screen. The first location of the screen may include a selection area. Any number of attributes related to the game may be shown in the selection area. For example, the selection area may list a number of primary players. A secondary player may select one of the primary players to indicate a desire to participate in the selected primary player's game. The selection areas include (a) primary player, (b) gaming device, (c) time, (d) date, (e) casino, (f) game type (e.g. video poker, slots, etc.), ( g) Dealer; (h) Opponent; (i) Game results (e.g., games that paid 0-2 coins, games that paid 3-4 coins, games that paid 5-6 coins) etc., a range of payouts provided by the game), etc. may be presented. Possible selections may be presented as a menu, list, scroll bar, or any other presentation. A secondary player may go through various layers of selections before fully specifying the game in which he or she will participate. For example, a secondary player may first select a primary player, then select a gaming device, and then select a game time. Each selection set may be presented as a new menu.

The second location of the screen may include a betting area. In the betting area, the secondary player may indicate an amount to bet on the game. The secondary player may specify the outcomes to bet on, such as the number of paylines to bet on or the number of video poker hands to bet on; the secondary player may also specify the amount to bet on each payline or each outcome. You may. If different types of bets can be placed (e.g. main bet and insurance bet in blackjack, pass line and hard eight in craps, etc.), which bet does the secondary player wish to place? may also be specified. A secondary player may specify that a bet be placed against a primary player. For example, a secondary player may specify a bet that the primary player will lose or win, or a bet that the primary player will win more than a certain amount. good.

The third location of the screen may include an area where information regarding the game is displayed. The area may allow the secondary player to track progress in the game. In this area, the secondary player is aware that new symbols appear (e.g., cards in a card game, or symbols on slot reels), new bets are placed by the primary player and/or his opponents, etc. a decision made by the primary player, a decision made by the dealer, a hidden symbol revealed (e.g., the dealer's down card being turned face up in a game of blackjack) ), wagers may be collected (eg, from the primary player), and winnings may be paid (eg, to the primary player). The third location of the screen may be a live video, an animation showing a recreation of the game, a pre-recorded video of the game, a pre-recorded video showing a game similar to the game in which the secondary player is participating, or other may include any video display of. The third location may include a textual description of an event in the game. For example, a text description may indicate, "Joe Smith has just been dealt a pair of kings."

The fourth position of the screen may allow the secondary player to view statistics related to the gaming device, table, dealer, primary player, casino, etc. For example, the fourth position may include the number of times a primary player has won or lost in the last 100 games, a graph showing the primary player's bankroll over the last two hours, a graph showing the primary player's bankroll over the last two hours, and a graph showing the amount of money a particular gaming device has won or lost in the last 100 games. It may also indicate the number of times more than 20 coins were paid. Statistics may be presented in any conceivable format using tables, graphs, bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, etc.

The fifth position of the screen may allow the secondary player to communicate with the primary player, the casino agent, other secondary players, or others. The fifth location may, for example, include a chat area, where text conversations are tracked and different utterances are labeled with the name of the originator of the utterance.

A sixth position on the screen may allow the secondary player to track his or her own progress. For example, a secondary player may view statistics regarding his account balance and his wins and losses.

The seventh position of the screen may allow the secondary player to redeem a portion of his winnings and/or account balance.

The eighth position on the screen may allow the secondary player to call a casino agent, for example, to order food.

As will be appreciated, the above positions may be overlapping. All positions need not have the same function at the same time and may be alternated. For example, initially the screen may be completely occupied by a video recording of the game. When the game ends, the video recording may be replaced with statistics regarding the player. It is further understood that there may be additional locations on the screen.

(1.9.6.) To participate in a primary player's game, a secondary player may provide identifying information about himself or herself. Identification information may include name, age, residence status, nationality, driver's license number, social security number, and/or any other identifying information. The casino may use such identification information to verify that the secondary player is authorized to place bets and/or participate in games as a secondary player. For example, a casino may use identifying information to verify that a secondary player is over 21 years of age. A casino may permit a secondary player to participate in a primary player's games only if the secondary player is over 21 years of age.

In various embodiments, the secondary player may be automatically identified by the casino. For example, a secondary player may seek to participate in a game while at a remote terminal or device. The remote terminal or device may be configured to verify the identity of the secondary player before communicating with the casino. In some embodiments, a terminal or device may communicate with a casino only if the secondary player is a particular player. Accordingly, the casino may automatically identify the secondary player by the terminal or device on which the secondary player is located. If a terminal or device is configured to communicate with the casino only if a particular secondary player is identified to the terminal or device, the casino may Please confirm that you would like to participate. The particular secondary player may be, for example, a particular secondary player authorized to participate in the game. In some embodiments, the remote device or terminal may constitute a mobile device (eg, a mobile device as described in Nevada Bill AB471). A mobile device may be programmed to be used only by a particular secondary player. Therefore, if a secondary player is authorized to place bets and the mobile device is configured to communicate with the casino only when the particular secondary player is using it. , the casino can verify that the person placing the bet via the mobile device is an authorized secondary player.

(1.10.) The secondary player bets on outcomes that the primary player did not bet on. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on an outcome or outcome that was not bet by a primary player. As will be appreciated, for a given game there may be many possible outcomes, and many types of bets may be placed on various outcomes. For example, in craps, many different bets can be made on the same game, among them "pass" and "don't pass."

(1.10.1.) The secondary player bets on paylines that the primary player did not bet on. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a slot machine payline that was not bet by a primary player. For example, a slot machine may include three paylines (eg, lines 1, 2, and 3). The primary player may bet on payline 1. A secondary player may bet on payline two and/or payline three. In various embodiments, the secondary player may also bet on payline 1. In some embodiments, a secondary player is only allowed to bet on paylines that a primary player has not yet bet on. Such embodiments may help a secondary player avoid determining a game in which a primary player achieved a winning payline and then betting on the same payline. . In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on paylines that were not available to the primary player at the time of play. For example, a secondary player may bet on a custom payline consisting of the top two symbols on a first reel and the lowest symbol on a second reel in a slot machine. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a payline that was not even displayed to the primary player during play of the game. For example, a slot machine may only show one symbol on each reel in the viewing window. The symbols on each reel located one position above the viewing window may not be displayed. Nevertheless, a secondary player may have the opportunity to bet on a payline that includes a sequence of symbols one position above the viewing window. Similarly, a secondary player may bet on a payline that includes a sequence of symbols one position below the viewing window. In various embodiments, any other payline or outcome may be constructed using displayable and non-displayable symbols. For example, a payline may be constructed using some symbols that were displayable to the primary player and some symbols that were not displayable to the primary player.

(1.10.2.) In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on symbols that were never even shown to the primary player. Such a picture may, for example, appear well above the viewing window. In some embodiments, such symbols may be shown to a secondary player.

(1.10.3.) Play a card game using unused cards. For example, in video poker, only the top ten cards may be used during the game. The secondary player may play another game using cards from the lower part of the deck. In various embodiments, a secondary player may play a game using cards, symbols, or other markings that were not revealed to the primary player. For example, a primary player may participate in a game of video poker. The primary player may use the top 9 cards from a shuffled deck during the game (e.g., the primary player receives the first 5 cards dealt, then the 4 draw an additional card). However, in a standard 52 card deck, 43 cards remain in the deck. The secondary player may play a new game using the 43 remaining cards. Thus, a secondary player may participate in a game whose outcome is not yet known to anyone. This may help avoid situations where a secondary player could choose to participate in a game that he or she knows would have an advantageous outcome. In various embodiments, after a blackjack game, after a poker game, after a casino wargame, or after any other game, the secondary player utilizes remaining cards to create a new You may participate in the game. In various embodiments, a secondary player may make his or her own decisions in a game, for example, rather than based on the decisions of a primary player. In various embodiments, a secondary player may use cards remaining in the deck for games other than the game in which the deck was originally used. For example, after a deck is used for a primary player's video poker game, a secondary player may use the cards remaining in the deck for a blackjack game.

(1.10.4.) The secondary player bets on a function of data from the game. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a function or transformation of an outcome, outcome, or other data used in a game played by a primary player. As used herein, the term "function" may refer to a process or procedure for relating any permissible input to an output such that there is only one output for each unique input. Outputs and inputs may be numerical or non-numeric. As used herein, a "function" of an input may refer to the resulting output when the function is used to relate an input to an output. As used herein, the term "transformation" may refer to a process or procedure for relating any acceptable input to an output.

(1.10.4.1.) The result is generated using the random number function used in generating the result in the first game. Assume that random number 10232 was used to generate the outcome in the primary player's game. By adding 1 to this random number, the number 10233 can be used. This can lead to completely different results. Various games played at casinos utilize random number generators. For example, a slot machine may utilize a random number generator to select a random number for each reel of the slot machine. Each random number is then used to determine the symbol to be shown by the corresponding reel. In various embodiments, the game played by the secondary player may use a new set of random numbers that are generated based on a function of the random numbers used in the game played by the primary player. For example, the random numbers used in the games played by the secondary players may consist of each of the random numbers used in the games played by the primary players plus one. Therefore, "10245, 31189, 19320" may be converted to "10246, 31190, 19321". This new set of random numbers is then applied to an algorithm (e.g., the same algorithm used in the game played by the primary player) to generate symbols or outcomes for the game played by the secondary player. May be used as input. As will be appreciated, any random number function in the primary player's game may be used to generate random numbers in the secondary player's game. For example, one may be subtracted from each random number, the order of the random numbers may be changed (eg, so that each random number corresponds to a different reel), each random number may be multiplied by a coefficient, and so on.

In various embodiments, a seed number may be used in random number generation. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the number of seeds used in a game played by a primary player is transformed according to a function to generate seeds used in a game played by a secondary player. (for example, 1 may be added).

In various embodiments, a game played by a primary player may result in a first outcome having a first associated payout. The game may be disguised by changing the first outcome to a second outcome with the same payout. Thus, while a primary player may view a first outcome when playing a game, a secondary player may view a second outcome when participating in a game. Monetarily, it may be the case that the primary player and the secondary player have had the same experience. In other words, in various embodiments, both the primary player and the secondary player will have the same payout for the same bet. However, the primary and secondary players will observe different representations of the game. For example, suppose a slot machine game includes several possible outcomes. Of these possible outcomes, "Bar Bar Bar" has an associated payout of 10 coins, and "Cherry Cherry Cherry" also has an associated payout of 10 coins. The primary player may play a game and achieve the outcome "Bar-Bar-Bar." Secondary players may also participate in the game. When the game is presented to a secondary player, the secondary player may be shown the outcome "Cherry Cherry Cherry." Accordingly, in various embodiments, a first outcome of a game may be generated for a primary player. The casino may determine what other outcomes have the same payout as the first outcome. The casino may select an outcome from among other outcomes to present to a secondary player who participates in the game.

In various embodiments, the results presented to the secondary player may differ both with respect to the symbols that constitute them and the payouts due to the results observed by the primary player. However, over two or more games, the secondary player may receive results of related payouts that total the same amount as payouts related to outcomes presented to the primary player over the same two or more games. may be presented. For example, a primary player and a secondary player may participate in the same two games. In the first game, the primary player may be presented with outcome A and receive an associated payout of four coins. For the first game, the secondary player may be presented with outcome C and receive an associated payout of three coins. In the second game, the primary player may be presented with outcome B and receive an associated payout of six coins. For the second game, the secondary player may be presented with outcome D and receive an associated payout of 7 coins. Therefore, neither the primary player nor the secondary player was presented with different outcomes over the two games. However, after two games, each has received a total of 10 coins, and both have received the same total payout.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may view essentially the same game as the primary player is playing. However, the game may be disguised by replacing the symbols from the presentation to the primary player with new symbols for presentation to the secondary player. For example, a "cherry" when viewed by a primary player becomes a "dog" when viewed by a secondary player. However, in terms of the underlying logic, the games may remain the same. For example, a "cherry" may always map to a "dog," and similarly, there is a consistent function that maps symbols shown to a primary player to symbols shown to a secondary player. Good too. The pay tables on the display for the primary and secondary players may exhibit similar functional relationships. For example, assume that the primary player's paytable includes a line showing a payout of 15 for "Cherry Cherry Cherry". Corresponding lines in the paytable for the secondary player may include a line showing a payout of 15 for "Dog Dog Dog." Other graphics may be changed in various embodiments. For example, the background color of a game viewed by a primary player may be blue, and the background color of the same game viewed by a secondary player may be green. In various embodiments, the second game presented to the secondary player may be of a different type than the game presented to the primary player. However, an outcome that has the same payout as the outcome that appeared in the game played by the primary player may be selected to be presented to the secondary player. For example, a primary player may participate in a game of Casino War. The secondary player may view the results of the primary player's game, which may be disguised as a game of craps. For example, if a primary player wins a game of Casino War (e.g., by being dealt a card with a higher rank than the card dealt to the dealer), the secondary player must win the first roll of the game. An animated sequence of dice rolling a 7 may be shown (ie, a winning outcome in craps). However, if the primary player loses the game in Casino War, the secondary player may be shown an animated sequence of dice rolling a 2 on the first roll of the game (i.e., the outcome of losing in craps). ).

The various methods of game forgery described herein provide the advantage that, in certain embodiments, they make it difficult for a secondary player to determine details about the original game in which he or she is participating. You may. For example, this may make it difficult for a secondary player to change a bet based on prior knowledge of the outcome of the first game.

(1.10.4.2.) The same random numbers may be used, but the reel configurations are different. In various embodiments, a gaming device may store an internal table or function that maps random numbers to symbols or outcomes. For example, the random number 1293 may be mapped to the "cherry" symbol on reel 1 of a slot machine. In various embodiments, a game played by a secondary player may utilize the same random numbers used in a game played by a primary player. However, the secondary player's game may include a different table or matching function between the random numbers and the symbols. Thus, for example, in a game played by a secondary player, the number 1293 may be mapped to a "bell" symbol rather than a "cherry" symbol. Thus, while using the same random numbers, the secondary player's game may arrive at a different symbol or outcome than the symbol or outcome that appeared in the primary player's game.

In various embodiments, a gaming device may store an internal table or function that maps random numbers to reel positions. For example, random number 2451 may instruct the gaming device to stop reel 1 with position 12 displayed in the gaming device's viewing window. Each position on the reels may be provided with a symbol. For example, a reel may have ten positions, each position approximately corresponding to 36 degrees of circular reel arc. Thus, by instructing the gaming device to stop the reels at a certain position, the random number also instructs the reels to display the symbol provided at that certain position. In various embodiments, a game played by a secondary player may utilize the same random numbers utilized by a game played by a primary player. However, the position and/or order of one or more symbols may be changed. Thus, the same reel position in a secondary player's game may correspond to a different symbol than the corresponding symbol in the primary player's game. Thus, despite using the same set of random numbers, the secondary player's game may have different symbols or outcomes than the primary player's game.

(1.10.4.3.) What happens if all cherries are converted to bars? The secondary player may bet on the actual outcome, but one aspect is changed to another. In some embodiments, one or more symbols earned in a game played by a primary player may be mapped to other symbols in a game played by a secondary player. For example, any "cherry" symbol in a primary player's game may be converted to a "bar" symbol in a secondary player's game. Thus, if the primary player receives a "Cherry Bell Cherry" result, the secondary player receives a "Bar Bell Bar" result. The paytable between the two games may remain the same. In embodiments where the paytable remains the same, winning outcomes may be mapped to losing outcomes, and losing outcomes may be mapped to winning outcomes. In some embodiments, a first card in one game is converted to a second card in another game. For example, the 2 of hearts becomes the king of diamonds. In some embodiments, the overall outcome of a primary player's game may be mapped to a different outcome in a secondary player's game. For example, a result of "Bell Lemon Plum" may be mapped to "Cherry Cherry Cherry". In various embodiments, when one symbol in a game played by a primary player is mapped to another symbol in a game presented to a secondary player, the same mapping is performed in the pay table. Good too. For example, assume that a "lemon" symbol in a game played by a primary player maps to a "tree" symbol in a game presented to a secondary player. If a line showing a payout of 100 associated with the result "Lemon Lemon Lemon" is in the paytable of the primary player reading, then the payout of 100 associated with the result "Tree Tree Tree" is A corresponding line shown may be in the pay table of the secondary player reading.

(1.10.4.4.) The secondary player may bet on the first distribution of cards, where a 7 is wild. In some embodiments, symbols in a game played by a primary player may have new meaning in a secondary player's game. For example, in the case of a card game, any 7 dealt in a primary player's game may count as a wild card in a secondary player's game. Thus, for example, a primary player may receive a final poker hand of Queen of Spades, Queen of Hearts, Jack of Diamonds, Three of Hearts, and Seven of Spades. At this time, the primary player may be paid based on having a hand of one pair (Jack or Better). Since a 7 may count as a queen, the secondary player may be paid based on having a three-of-a-kind hand.

(1.10.4.5.) A secondary player may bet on a blackjack hand that appears in poker, and vice versa. In various embodiments, a secondary player may play a different game by using the same symbols or results obtained by the primary player. For example, a primary player may participate in a game of blackjack. A secondary player may form a poker hand using cards received by a primary player. Therefore, if the primary player receives a 2 of spades, a 7 of spades, a 3 of spades, an ace of spades, and a 6 of spades (resulting in 19 points in a game of blackjack), the secondary player: You may receive flushes (all spades) in a game of poker.

(1.10.4.6.) The secondary player may bet on the shifted data. For example, the result consists of the last two reels from one slot pull and the first reel from the next slot pull. Alternatively, a poker hand consists of the last three cards of one hand and the first two cards of the next hand. In various embodiments, a single game for a primary player may be created by combining data, symbols, or results from two or more games of the primary player. For example, by combining the three cards used in the primary player's first game with the two cards used in the primary player's second game, the secondary player's single may constitute a single hand of cards for a game of. The data used in a primary player's successive games may be treated as a stream of data frames, each frame containing all data from one game. For example, each frame may include three symbols that appear on a payline of a slot machine. A new stream of data frames may be created by shifting (eg, left or right) the frame limit by a certain number of data points (eg, a certain number of symbols). Thus, for example, each frame in the new stream of data frames may include symbols from reels two and three followed by symbols from reel one. In other words, a new game was created using the last two symbols in the primary player's first game and the first symbol in the primary player's second game. Thus, by shifting the data frames used in the primary player's game sequence, a new game sequence may be generated for the secondary player.

(1.10.4.7.) A secondary player may bet on outcomes that are the same except for a different pay structure. For example, a secondary player may lose a royal flush. In some embodiments, a secondary player may receive the same results as a primary player. However, the paytable that applies to secondary players may be different than the paytable that applies to primary players. For example, in a game of video poker, a primary player may win five coins on a flush, but a secondary player may only win two coins.

(1.11.) A secondary player may bet on a primary player's tally. For example, a secondary player may bet that a primary player will win or lose in one hour. In some embodiments, a secondary player may place a bet that depends on multiple games or outcomes of the primary player. For example, a secondary player may decide that the primary player wins the next three games in a row, or that the primary player wins the next game but loses the subsequent game. You can bet. A secondary player may bet that a primary player wins or loses after a specified period of time meets one or more conditions. The secondary player may bet that the total winnings of the primary player will exceed a certain amount in the next hour. The secondary player may bet that the primary player will lose more than $1000 over the next six hours. The secondary player may bet that the primary player will lose more than $100 or win more than $200 in the next 15 minutes. Wins and losses may be net of each other (e.g., a $20 win and a $10 loss may result in a net gain of $10), or they may be calculated separately (e.g., relative to lost stakes). (the total prize is the sum of all amounts won). The secondary player may bet on any statistic related to the outcome received by the primary player. For example, a secondary player may bet that a primary player will receive more than 10 payouts of more than 20 coins each in the next 25 minutes. The secondary player may bet that the primary player will achieve four full houses in the next 50 games. In various embodiments, a secondary player may track a primary player's net winnings or losses. Thus, for example, if the primary player loses $200 after one hour, the secondary player will also have lost $200. If the primary player won $734, the secondary player also won $734.

(1.11.1.) The secondary player may take the upside rather than the primary player's downside. In some embodiments, the secondary player entitles the secondary player to an amount equal to the primary player's winnings, if any, over a period of time, but A payment or bet may be made that imposes no obligation on the secondary player if the player has a net loss. For example, if the primary player achieves a $50 winnings over the next hour, the secondary player may also receive $50. However, if the primary player loses in the next hour, the secondary player is not obligated to pay more than his or her original bet or payout. In various embodiments, the secondary player may receive or be obligated to pay money based on a more complex function of the wins and losses of the primary player. For example, a secondary player may receive three times the primary player's winnings in the next hour, if any, but a loss, if any, of the primary player's winnings. There may be an obligation to pay 1.5 times as much.

(1.11.2.) In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet that a primary player will receive five payouts of more than 20 coins.

(1.12.) A secondary player may bet on the difference between what the primary player bet and what the primary player could have bet. The secondary player may finish a partial bet, thereby earning only the extra payout caused by the extra bet amount. In some embodiments, a secondary player may make a bet that the primary player could have made but did not actually make. This includes ending bets made by the primary player. In this way, the secondary player may earn a payout that is more than the primary player would have actually earned if the primary player had made the bet. good.

(1.12.1.) For example, many machines require a wager of 3 coins to win the jackpot. If the primary player bets only 2 coins, the secondary player bets a third coin and then wins by betting 3 coins for a 2 coin bet. You may obtain the difference. Various gaming devices include pay tables based on the number of coins to bet. For example, if a player bets one coin and receives the result "Bell-Bell-Bell," the player will earn 100 coins. However, if the player bets 2 coins and receives the same result, the player wins 200 coins. Many gaming devices offer better payout odds for each additional coin wagered. Thus, in the example above, if the player bets 3 coins and receives the result "Bell-Bell-Bell," the player would earn 400 coins. Therefore, at least for "Bell-Bell-Bell", the incremental payout odds of the third betted coin are better than those of the second betted coin. Thus, for example, if a primary player bets only two coins in a game, the secondary player may be provided with the third bet by betting the third coin himself. may take advantage of better incremental payout odds. If a "Bell Bell Bell" result occurs, the secondary player receives the difference between the payout for the 3 coins wagered and the payout for the 2 coins wagered, i.e. 400 coins. You may receive 200 coins, which is the difference between the coin and 200 coins.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may add to or terminate a bet on a game made by a primary player, so that the primary player and the secondary player The total bet of both players can result in a higher payout. The secondary player may receive any extra payouts associated with his wager. Therefore, if the payout associated only with the primary player's wager is X, and the payout associated with the sum of the primary player's wager and the secondary player's wager is Y, then The primary player may receive X and the secondary player may receive Y−X.

(1.12.2.) In craps, placing a bet after another person has placed a bet. In various embodiments, a primary player in a game of craps is given the opportunity to make additional bets during the game. For example, if a primary player places points on a pass line bet, he will have the opportunity to place a bet after his pass line bet, which is referred to as an "odds bet." Odds bets often do not have a house advantage and are therefore generally more favorable to the player than nearly any bet in a casino. However, players at craps tables often do not place odds bets or do not make the full odds bets that they are capable of making. In various embodiments, a secondary player is able to place odds bets that a primary player could make. If the odds bet wins, the secondary player may be paid for the odds bet. Thus, a secondary player may enjoy the opportunity to place bets at true odds without having to first place a disadvantageous pass line bet.

(1.12.3.) In various embodiments, a secondary player may place an odds bet even if the primary player has already placed such a bet; or Partial bets may also be made, such as placing a third coin on a slot machine. Nevertheless, the secondary player may receive incremental payouts associated with such bets. For example, a secondary player may wager one coin that counts as the third coin wagered at the slot machine. Accordingly, the secondary player may be entitled to earn the payout difference between the payout for the 3 coins wagered and the payout for the 2 coins wagered.

(1.13.) The primary player may see who or how many people are betting on him. In various embodiments, the primary player does not know of secondary players who are participating in the primary player's game or secondary players who subsequently participate in the primary player's game. may be done. The primary player may receive a description of the secondary player's name, image, and various attributes (eg, age, occupation, region of residence, etc.). The primary player may also receive an indication of the secondary player's performance while participating in the primary player's game. For example, the primary player may determine the amount of money won or lost by the secondary player, the types of bets the secondary player has made, the number of games the secondary player has participated in, the amount of money the secondary player has won or lost, The length of time the primary player has been participating in the game, etc. may also be confirmed. The primary player may infer satisfaction or fulfillment from the secondary player's participation. For example, a primary player may feel proud that a large number of secondary players participated in his game. The primary player may feel proud of winning the prize for the secondary player. In various embodiments, a primary player may have an opportunity to contact a secondary player. For example, a casino server may provide contact information for a secondary player to a primary player.

In various embodiments, a primary player may be compensated based on the secondary player's participation in the primary player's game. The primary player may be paid per secondary player and per game. For example, a primary player may receive 0.5 cents per secondary player per game. Therefore, if 3 secondary players each participate in the primary player's 2 games, the primary player will receive 0.5 cents x 3 secondary players x 2 games = 3 You may receive cents. Thus, the primary player benefits by having more secondary players and by increasing the number of games in which each secondary player participates. A primary player may be compensated by a percentage of bets placed by secondary players who participate in his games. The primary player may be compensated by a percentage of expected winnings derived from the wagers of secondary players who participate in the primary player's games.

Accordingly, the primary player may be encouraged to convey some value to the secondary player in order to attract the secondary player to participate in his game. A primary player may convey value, for example, by using good strategy. The primary player may also attempt to provide entertainment, for example by telling jokes or providing commentary on his game.

In various embodiments, the primary player's game and/or data from the primary player's game is made available for participation and/or viewing by interested secondary players. You can. Data from the primary player's games may be made available on a continuous, continuous, and/or real-time basis. The secondary player may view or participate in the game at his leisure or at any time. As such, data from the primary player's games may be broadcast or transmitted in a manner similar to a television or radio program, or in a manner similar to a regularly updated web page. The secondary player may tune in or change to another channel at will. Each primary player may constitute a "channel" or "station." A secondary player may, for example, view a list of primary players, just as one would view a list of television stations. The secondary player may then decide which primary player or "station" he or she wishes to participate in. In selecting a primary player, the secondary player may also have the opportunity to review data regarding historical games played by the primary player. For example, a secondary player may be able to review a primary player's wins and losses over 20 previous games.

In various embodiments, the casino may select from a subset of available primary players the primary players whose game data will be made available to the secondary players. In some embodiments, a casino may act as a "disc jockey" by selecting which primary player's data is made available to others. The disc jockey may be a human (eg, a casino employee) or a computer algorithm that automatically selects certain primary players based on, for example, a defined set of rules. The disc jockey or jockey may select the primary player based on any number of factors. The primary player may (a) be based on recent results (e.g., recent wins or high payouts), (b) be based on long-term results (e.g., long-term profits), and (c) be skilled at playing the game. (d) based on prestige status (e.g., based on whether the name was published in a newspaper in the last year); (e) preferred by secondary players; The selection may be made based on the history etc. The disc jockey, at any given point in time, makes data from certain primary players unavailable and/or begins to make available data from other primary players; may be determined. For example, the disc jockey may determine that there will be no interest in any secondary players because the primary players have lost consecutively. Accordingly, data from the primary player may not be available to the disc jockey. For example, a disc jockey may determine that a given primary player may be of interest to a secondary player because he just won a large payout. Accordingly, the disc jockey may begin making available data from the primary player.

In various embodiments, data regarding a primary player's games may be made available across one or more casinos. The first casino may broadcast or transmit data from the games of one or more primary players to the second casino. Broadcasting may take place via the radio or television frequency range, via mobile radio frequencies, via microwave frequencies, via metal or optical cables, or via any other means. One or more secondary players at the casino may view the data (eg, view games that are reproduced based on the data). The data may be made available on the Internet, one or more radio stations, television, interactive television, and the like. For example, a secondary player may visit a web page that lists the names or identifiers of one or more primary players. A secondary player may view data regarding the corresponding primary player's game by clicking on an identification name. In some embodiments, the secondary player may set the television channel to a particular channel so that the identification names of the various primary players are listed in the menu. The secondary player may call up further data related to the primary player's game on the television screen by selecting an identifier from a menu (eg, using a remote control).

In various embodiments, data regarding the primary player's games may originate from the first casino. For example, a primary player may play a game at a first casino. Data regarding the game may be transmitted to the second casino. A secondary player may participate in a game from a second casino (eg, from a terminal located at the second casino). Thereby, the second casino may earn revenue from the secondary player by using data originating from the first casino. In various embodiments, the first casino and the second casino may split any revenue, wins, profits, theoretical wins, or any other financial benefit derived from the use of the data at the second casino. It's okay. For example, 50% of a theoretical win from a secondary player's bet (i.e., the casino profit on the wager multiplied by the secondary player's wager amount) is given by the second casino to the first casino. It's okay. The financial benefit may be divided into a commission allocated to the first casino and another commission allocated to the second casino. In some embodiments, the second casino pays a flat fee to the first casino for the use of the data. The flat fee may cover all possible uses of the data (i.e. the use of the data in as many games as the second casino requests) or it may cover a single (i.e. in one game) use of the data. May be covered. In some embodiments, the second casino retains certain financial benefits from the use of the data and pays any remaining financial benefits to the first casino. For example, the second casino may keep 2 cents of the theoretical win for each game in which the data is used and give the remaining portion of the theoretical win to the first casino. As will be appreciated, financial benefits may be divided between the first casino and the second casino in many other ways.

(1.14.) The secondary player watches the game in progress. A secondary player may have various ways to monitor or track the game or games in which he or she participates. Tracking a game includes receiving information regarding the performance or results of the game, receiving information regarding symbols or marks that occur in the game (e.g. cards dealt), receiving information regarding the performance or results received by the dealer or competing players. receiving information about decisions available or made in the game (e.g. a hit or stand decision by a primary player); or the facial expressions of its opponents); receiving information regarding amounts wagered on a game (e.g., amounts wagered by a primary player or a secondary player); amounts won in a game; (e.g., amounts won by a primary player or a secondary player), and the like.

(1.14.1.) Split screen allows the secondary player to view all the roulette wheels in the casino at the same time. In various embodiments, a secondary player may use one or more display screens to track the progress of one or more games in which he or she participates. Display screens include cathode ray tubes, flat panel displays, plasma displays, liquid crystal displays, diode displays, light emitting diode displays, organic light emitting diode displays, projection displays, rear projection displays, front projection displays, digital light processing (DLP) displays, and surface electric field ( SED) displays, electronic ink displays (e.g., E Ink's display technology), holographic displays, and the like. The secondary player uses a device such as a Blackberry (registered trademark), an iPod (registered trademark), a personal digital assistant, a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a camera, a personal computer, a television, an electronic book (eBook), etc. You may also track the progress of the game. A single screen may include information regarding a single game in which a secondary player participates. A single screen may also include information regarding multiple games in which the secondary player participates. The display screen may display information regarding one game on one portion of the screen and information regarding another game on another portion of the screen. For example, the screen may be divided into four quadrants, with each quadrant showing information about a different game in which the secondary player is participating. A secondary player participating in two games may view the first of the two games on one display screen and the second of the two games on another display screen. . A secondary player may thus use multiple display screens to watch or track the progress of a game.

(1.14.2.) Display is provided from an overhead camera. In various embodiments, a secondary player may track the progress of a game in which he or she participates using video images and/or audio sounds from the vicinity of the game. For example, a camera may capture the progress of a blackjack game played by a primary player. By watching the video images, the secondary player can monitor the cards that are dealt in the game, the decisions made by the primary player, the decisions made by the dealer, and the outcome of the game (e.g., the winnings of the primary player). , dealer wins, primary player blackjack, ties). In various embodiments, the video images or audio sounds may be live, delayed, or stored for a secondary player and played at a later time.

(1.14.3.) Data is electronically transmitted by wire from the slot machine. In various embodiments, data is captured from a gaming device or an actual table game, encoded into electronic form, and then transmitted to a display device (used to present the data to a secondary player), speakers, or may be sent to other output devices. The output device may decode the electronic data and present it in a form perceivable by human viewing. The presentation may include a textual description of events in the game. For example, the text may read, "At 9:02 p.m., slot machine number 1423 achieved a result of Bar-Bar-Bar. Congratulations, you won 20 coins." You can leave it there. The presentation may include a reconfiguration of the game. For example, a game may be reproduced using an animated display of the game. For example, an animated slot machine may indicate the results achieved by the actual slot machine that produced the game in which the secondary player participated by showing the animated reels spinning and stopping. In another example, an animated dealer using animated cards may be used to recreate an actual table game of blackjack. In various embodiments, the computer-synthesized voice may report to the secondary player events in a game in which the secondary player participates.

(1.14.4.) Only machines that are running are shown to the secondary player. For example, a machine is shown that is currently arriving at a certain result. In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in several games at the same time. Not all games necessarily progress at the same pace. For example, one game may end while another game is in progress. In some embodiments, a game or game aspect may be presented to a secondary player only when important or relevant events occur in the game. For example, when a first game ends, all or a portion of the game may be presented to a secondary player. For example, when a first game ends, a depiction or image of the final outcome (e.g., the final card in a primary player's hand) may flash on a display screen viewed by a secondary player. good. Once the second game ends, the images associated with the first game may be deleted. When the second game ends, a depiction or image of the final result of the second game may flash on the display screen. In this way, the secondary player need only view the aspects of the game that are most relevant, most important, or of most interest to him. When the game is at an uninteresting stage (eg, while the reels of a slot machine are spinning), the secondary player may view information about other games. Information that may be considered valuable to show to a secondary player includes information about the decisions to be made in the game (e.g., a primary player receives an initial hand in blackjack and decides to hit or stand). information about decisions made in the game (e.g., the primary player decided to hit); information about new cards, symbols, or other marks obtained in the game; (e.g., a new reel on a slot machine has stopped and shown a new symbol for a payline), information about the final outcome of the game, information about entry into a bonus round or bonus game (e.g., when a primary player has just won the opportunity to play a bonus round), information about symbols, cards or other markings obtained by the dealer or by the primary player's opponents, information about the amount wagered (e.g. or an amount wagered by a secondary player), and an amount won (eg, an amount won by a primary player or a secondary player).

(1.15.) A secondary player is notified when his or her preferred primary player is seated. In various embodiments, a secondary player participates in a particular primary player's game, a particular gaming device's game, a particular game table, a particular dealer's game, etc. You may like it. A secondary player may explicitly record his preferences, for example by notifying the casino. In some embodiments, a secondary player may be considered to have certain preferences based on, for example, a particular primary player's history of participation in games. For example, if a secondary player participates in 300 games of a particular primary player, the secondary player may prefer or enjoy participating in the primary player's games. may be done. In some embodiments, the casino may notify the secondary player if a game is in progress or will be in progress that the secondary player may be interested in participating in. For example, suppose a secondary player indicates that he wishes to participate in a game played by a primary player named Joe Smith. Once Joe Smith is seated at the gaming device and begins playing, the casino detects Joe Smith's presence (e.g., by a player tracking card inserted by Joe Smith) and determines that Joe Smith has begun playing. The secondary player may be notified. The secondary player may then bet on the Joe Smith game. The casino may notify the secondary player using any number of communication means. The Casino Agent may call the Secondary Player, send text or email messages to the Secondary Player, call the Secondary Player, locate the Secondary Player directly, etc. good.

(1.15.1.) The secondary player is notified of the existence of a successful primary player for him. If a secondary player has had good results when the secondary player has previously participated in the primary player's games, the secondary player may The player may be notified. What a good past result could mean is that the secondary player is winning in terms of winnings based on all previous participation in the game by the primary player; The secondary player has won in the most recent period in which he or she participated in the primary player's game, and the secondary player has won more than a predetermined amount (for example, the Secondary Player wins a jackpot or other high payout result when participating in the Primary Player's game; Winning the most recent X games while participating in the primary player's game, or any other performance determination while participating in the primary player's game.

(1.15.2.) The secondary player is notified of the existence of a primary player with good statistics. If a primary player has certain historical records or certain statistics that may be of interest to a secondary player, the secondary player will be notified when the primary player begins playing. You can. A historical record may include a record of winning one or more jackpots or other high payout outcomes, a record of winning prizes for other secondary players, a record of winning one or more jackpots or other high payout outcomes, a record of winning prizes for other secondary players, a record of winning a prize for a most recent gaming session or any previous It may include a record of achieving a profitable session in a gaming session, a record of achieving a profit during some previous period (eg, in the past six months), etc. Secondary players may also be notified when a primary player with a certain degree of popularity begins playing. For example, a primary player may be rated, eg, by one or more secondary players, based on the secondary player's level of satisfaction or other emotion with the primary player. A primary player may be highly valued, for example, if he has won prizes for many secondary players in the past. Thus, for example, if a highly rated primary player begins playing, a secondary player may be notified and given the opportunity to participate in the primary player's game.

(1.15.3.) The secondary player will be notified when a good machine is used. In various embodiments, a secondary player may be notified when play begins at a gaming device or table that is or may be of interest to the secondary player. A number of factors that may make a gaming device interesting include: the secondary player winning a jackpot or other high payout outcome when participating in a game on the gaming device; that the secondary player had a profitable session at the gaming device; that the secondary player had a recent profitable session at the gaming device; that the secondary player had a profitable session at the gaming device; having had a profitable session on a gaming device (e.g., gaming device of the same type or manufacturer); one or more recent games on the gaming device resulting in a jackpot or high payout outcome; that recent games on the gaming device have resulted in benefits for the player or players on the gaming device; that the gaming device is highly regarded (e.g., by secondary players); can be given.

(1.16.) The secondary player pays a fee to participate in the game. In various embodiments, a secondary player may be required to pay to participate in the primary player's game. The payout amount may be based on the primary player's status, ratings, historical results, or requests. For example, if the primary player is a well-known celebrity, the commission required of the secondary player may be higher than if the primary player is a lesser-known celebrity. good. If the primary player has very good historical results (e.g. has produced high profits in the past), then the player will be more likely to receive , the fees required of the secondary player may be high. In various embodiments, the primary player may also declare the fees required of the secondary player to participate in his game. A portion of such fees paid by the secondary player may be paid to the primary player.

(1.17.) Rules for using old data in games that use ready-to-use cash. Since the player and/or the casino may already know the data, there is an opportunity for cheating. Using historical games, results, and other data related to games provides an opportunity to benefit any party with knowledge of the data. For example, a casino may offer a secondary player the opportunity to participate only in games for which the casino knows the outcome (and thus winnings for the casino). In another example, a secondary player may have already participated in a particular game (eg, as a primary player) and thus may know the outcome of the game in advance. Therefore, if a secondary player knows that a game will result in a winning outcome for him, he will place a large bet on a game, and if he knows that a game will result in a losing outcome for him, he will place a large bet on a game. It is possible to place a small bet or no bet.

(1.17.1.) Before the initial data is generated, it may be tagged for reuse at a specific date and time in the future. In that way, the casino does not have to be given discretion as to whether or not to use the data. In various embodiments, before a particular game is played for the first time, the casino specifies the time, date, location, and/or any other circumstances or circumstances under which the game will be made available for participation by others. The circumstances in which a game is made available may be randomly selected according to some algorithm or in any other manner. Once the situation or environment for future participation in the game is established, the game may only begin. In this way, the casino has established a future environment in which games may be made available for participation by others (eg, by secondary players) before the casino knows the outcome of the game. Therefore, even if the game is known to result in a jackpot for the player, the casino cannot make the decision to prevent the player from participating in the game. In various embodiments, it is binding on the casino to establish a future environment in which the game will be available for participation by others. The regulator may always know when a game must be made available for future participation, and may verify that the game was actually available. In various embodiments, the player or other party is not necessarily aware of the circumstances in which the game will have to be made available in the future. In this manner, a player cannot selectively choose which games to participate in based on prior knowledge of the outcome. In various embodiments, a record is stored that includes information about the game and the environment in which the game will be made available in the future for participation by others.

(1.17.2.) Data may be placed in a queue. Data must be used when it reaches the head of the queue. In various embodiments, data or information about the game is placed in a queue when the game is played or generated for the first time. Games from the queue are then made available for participation by secondary players based on a first-in-first-out model. Accordingly, games are made available for participation based on a relatively simple scheduling algorithm, and there is little discretion on the part of the casino as to when a game is available for participation. Other scheduling algorithms may be used in various embodiments. For example, games are made available according to a last-in-first-out scheduling algorithm. Any other scheduling algorithm may be used, especially if the casino has little control over the schedule once the outcome of the game is known.

(1.17.3.) One data set may be used only after another data set. In various embodiments, data regarding the second game may be associated with data regarding the first game. This association means that data regarding the second game may be used to enable participation in the second game by a secondary player only after the data regarding the first game has been used. may be specified. Similarly, data regarding the third game may be associated with data regarding the second game such that it may be used only after the data regarding the second game is used. In this way, the chain of associations makes data about different games available in turn, allowing a secondary player to participate in a series of games. Data regarding different games may be related in many ways. For example, data regarding a first game and a second game may be stored in semiconductor memory at locations with sequential addresses. The casino may sequentially access locations in memory by address, thereby making available data regarding the first game and data regarding the second game sequentially. In some embodiments, data regarding a given game may be associated with an index. The index may be, for example, a numeric index using integers. Using such an indexing scheme, for example, data regarding games associated with index 235 may be made available after data regarding games associated with index 234 is made available. In some embodiments, the index may be time. The time may represent, for example, the time when the relevant data was first generated, or the time when the data should be made available again. For example, if the time associated with a particular data set actually matches the current time, that particular data set may be made available so that a secondary player can use that data to generate You may participate in the games provided.

(1.17.4.) The time, date, and/or machine that generated the data may be randomly selected. In various embodiments, the games made available for participation by secondary players are randomly selected using one or more randomly selected variables or parameters. For example, the time and/or date may be randomly selected. Once a date and time is selected, games played at that date and time may be made available for participation by the secondary player. Gaming devices, players, dealers, casinos, locations, and game types may also constitute randomly selected parameters. In various embodiments, several parameters must be selected at the same time to narrow the scope of the game to one particular game. For example, time, date, and machine number may be requested to determine a unique game. In various embodiments, the parameters may be selected by a secondary player, a casino, or a third party (eg, a regulator). In various embodiments, the parameters may be selected after the game is played for the first time.

(1.17.5.) The secondary player may select the time and/or machine. In various embodiments, the secondary player may select the time, date, machine, or other parameters used to select the game. The selection does not necessarily have to be random.

(1.17.6.) The regulator may select time and/or machine. In various embodiments, a third party (eg, a game regulator) may select the games that are made available for participation by a secondary player. The third party may not particularly have a vested interest in the outcome of the game. Accordingly, the third party may not be biased toward selecting games that result in a win for the secondary player or games that result in a win for the casino. The regulator or other third party does not necessarily have to select the games directly. Rather, a third party may select one or more parameters (eg, time, date, machine number) that may be used to select games that meet the selection parameters.

(1.17.7.) A player who had a player tracking card at the gaming device when the data was originally generated may be prevented from playing a game based on that data. In various embodiments, the casino determines that the secondary player was not present at the game when the game was first played and/or that the secondary player did not have knowledge of the outcome of the game. You can verify that. The casino may verify that the player was not staying at the casino's hotel on the date or time the game was played. For example, a casino may check records of who checked into a hotel on the date of the game. The casino may check to see if the player placed a bet at the casino on the date of the game. For example, the casino may check to see if the player has inserted a player tracking card into the gaming device or is recorded as to the date of the game. It is understood that the casino may verify the presence of a player not only on a particular date, but also for a longer or shorter period of time. For example, the casino may verify that there is no record of the player's presence for an entire five-day period that includes the date of the game. The casino may verify that no player was in the same city where the game was played at the time the game was played. For example, a casino may verify that the player does not have a record of the player at any other casino that is affiliated with the casino (e.g., under the same ownership as the casino) between the dates of the game. It's okay. The casino may use any practical means to verify that the player did not have knowledge of the game or the outcome of the game.

(1.17.8.) Not approving changes in bet size. In various embodiments, a secondary player may be prevented from changing betting rules during a gaming session. In particular, a secondary player may be prevented from changing the betting rules if he or she has participated in a game that was originally played in the past. This may prevent the secondary player from being able to change the betting criteria based on prior knowledge of the outcome of the game. For example, a secondary player may place larger bets when he knows the outcome of the game will be in his favor, or may place lower bets when he knows the outcome of the game will be unfavorable. You may be made unable to do so.

(1.17.9.) Betting Restrictions on Games. In various embodiments, limits may be placed on wagering regulations placed on games that have already been generated or played. For example, a secondary player may be allowed to bet only $1 on games played in the past. In this way, the casino's losses are limited even if the secondary player has knowledge of the outcome of the game. In some embodiments, the total amount wagered on a game may be limited. For example, bets placed by all secondary players participating in a particular game may be limited to a total of less than $5.

(1.17.10.) Limitations on Prizes. In various embodiments, possible winnings or payouts for a game may be capped. For example, if the payout for the "Bell Bell Bell" result in the first game was 2000 coins, the possible payouts for the same game when a secondary player is participating in this game are: may be reduced to 500 coins. This may limit the casino's possible losses to secondary players who have knowledge of the outcome of the game.

(1.17.11.) Spoofing the Game. In various embodiments, one or more aspects of a game may be disguised before a secondary player is allowed to participate in the game. Thus, a secondary player who previously participated in a game may not be able to recognize the game and bet accordingly. Games may be disguised in a number of ways. One or more graphics of the game may be modified to appear differently. For example, a "cherry" pattern may be displayed in different brightnesses of red, or may be displayed as having three cherries on a stem instead of two. In some embodiments, the new symbol replaces the old symbol. For example, the game may use a "blueberry" symbol instead of a "cherry" symbol. However, an outcome involving a blueberry may yield the same prize as the outcome with a cherry symbol in the first game. In some embodiments, the sound effects are altered or disguised. For example, the background music of the disguised game may be different than the background music of the original game. In some embodiments, the animation or video sequence may be modified. For example, the reels of the gaming device may appear to spin faster or slower, or appear more jerky, or smoother, etc., than in the original game. In an actual game, characteristics of one or more players may be hidden or disguised. For example, a dealer's face in an actual game may be blurred in the video recording of the game. In some embodiments, a new face may be superimposed over the dealer's or player's old face to enhance the effectiveness of the disguise. As will be appreciated, there are many other possible ways to disguise the game, so even a player with knowledge of the original game cannot predict its outcome. As described elsewhere herein, games may be disguised using different game skins while maintaining the same underlying events, outcomes, logic, etc. In some embodiments, a game may be generated and displayed using at least two steps. In the first step, the outcome of one or more random events is determined, leading to the determination of the final outcome and final payout for the game. In a second step, data regarding the outcome of the random event, the final outcome, and the final payout is used to create a graphical display for the player. For example, once it is determined that the player will receive an outcome consisting of three similar symbols with an associated payout of 20 coins, such data may be fed into the second step. In a second step, a graphical rendering of the slot machine reels may be created, such rendering showing the reels spinning before finally settling on an outcome having three similar symbols. Additionally, the graphical rendering may include a flashing message that reads, "Congratulations, you earned 20 coins!" The first step may be performed by a first device, processor, algorithm, or set of algorithms, and the second step may be performed by a second device, processor, algorithm, or set of algorithms. is understood. Accordingly, a second device, processor, algorithm, or set of algorithms may be removed and replaced by a third device, processor, algorithm, or set of algorithms. This third device, processor, algorithm, or set of algorithms may receive the same data set from the first step as the second device, processor, algorithm, or set of algorithms received. However, a third device, processor, algorithm, or set of algorithms may perform the second step in a different manner. This may cause the third device, processor, algorithm, or set of algorithms to produce a different set of graphics, graphics rendering, or other A display format may also be generated. Therefore, the fundamental structure of the game remained the same, but was presented using different skins.

(1.18.) To select a game position. In various embodiments, a secondary player may select a game to participate in based on one or more attributes of the game or one or more attributes associated with the game. A secondary player may select a game indirectly by first selecting an attribute and then having the opportunity to participate in one or more games with the selected attribute. Various attributes may be particularly meaningful to the secondary player, so the secondary player may prefer playing games that have those attributes. In various embodiments, a casino may select games for a secondary player that have attributes that are expected to be meaningful to the secondary player. In various embodiments, a casino may provide a secondary player with the ability to search for games based on one or more attributes of the games.

(1.18.1.) Choosing a special date. In various embodiments, a secondary player may know that certain dates have meaning. Thus, the secondary player may select games played on that date. If the casino knows a date that is meaningful to the secondary player, the casino may select for the player a game that was played on that date.

(1.18.1.1.) Selecting the Secondary Player's Birthday. A date that is meaningful to the secondary player may be a birthday. The birthday may be the birthday of the secondary player, a relative of the secondary player, a pet of the secondary player, a friend of the secondary player, etc. The secondary player may indicate to the casino that such dates are meaningful to the secondary player. Accordingly, the casino may select for the secondary player the games played on that date. The casino may also have a record of the secondary player's birthday based on information already provided to the casino by the secondary player. For example, a secondary player may have provided his or her date of birth to a casino when signing up for a player tracking card or obtaining a loan from the casino. The casino may then select the game that was first played on the secondary player's birthday without a request from the secondary player.

(1.18.1.2.) Select the date on which the large jackpot was won. In various embodiments, a secondary player may desire to play a game that was first played on the date the high payout (eg, jackpot) was won. This may provide the secondary player with an opportunity to participate in a game in which a jackpot has been won. The secondary player may indicate to the casino a request to play the first game played on the day of the high jackpot. The casino may then allow the secondary player to participate in one or more games played on the day of the jackpot. The secondary player himself may not know the date on which the large jackpot was won. Accordingly, a secondary player may request to be allowed to participate in the game from the same date as the most recent large jackpot was won.

(1.18.1.3.) Select a date when progressives were still expensive. A secondary player may have a shot in a high-stakes progressive. In various embodiments, a secondary player may desire to have the opportunity to win a large progressive jackpot. As is well known, the size of a progressive jackpot may change over time. Generally, the progressive jackpot becomes larger as more time passes without it being won. The current size of the progressive jackpot may not be large enough to meet the demands of secondary players. Accordingly, a secondary player may wish to participate in a historical game when the progressive jackpot was higher. Accordingly, a secondary player may request to participate in the first game played at the time the progressive jackpot exceeds a certain threshold. Accordingly, the casino may allow secondary players to participate in such games.

(1.18.2.) Selecting a gaming device. In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for gaming devices that have desired attributes or characteristics. Upon finding a gaming device with desired attributes or characteristics, the secondary player may elect to participate in a game played on the gaming device. A secondary player may search for a gaming device using a search form. In the search form, the player may select from various features of the gaming device. Some of them are listed below.

(1.18.2.1.) A secondary player may search for a gaming device based on the gaming device's historical results. For example, a secondary player may search for a gaming device that has one or more of the following characteristics: (a) The gaming device paid out a prize that exceeded the amount X in the most recent amount of time Y. (b) the gaming devices collectively paid out prizes in excess of amount X; (c) The gaming device paid an amount X in excess of the amount received in the most recent amount of time Y. (d) The gaming device has collectively produced an amount of money X that exceeds the amount received. (e) The gaming device produced winning games for the player in X% of the games during the most recent period Y. (f) The gaming device generated winning games for the player in X% of the last Y games. (g) The gaming device has produced a winning game for the player in the most recent X games. (h) The game device paid out X in excess of Y in the most recent Z games. (i) The game device paid out X in excess of Y. (j) the gaming device has paid a jackpot in the last X days (or other period); (k) The gaming device collectively paid a jackpot of X. (l) The gaming device has entered X bonus rounds in the most recent Y games. (m) The gaming device has entered X bonus rounds so far.

(1.18.2.2.) A secondary player may search for a gaming device based on the type of game played on the gaming device or the characteristics of the game. A secondary player may search for gaming devices that have one or more of the following attributes: (a) The gaming device uses mechanical reels. (b) The gaming device uses video reels. (c) The gaming device has three reels. (c) The gaming device has five reels. (e) The gaming device has X reels. (f) The gaming device accepts bets in specific monetary units (eg, pennies, nickels, quarters, dollars). (g) The gaming device has X paylines. (h) The gaming device has one payline. (i) The gaming device has three paylines. (j) The gaming device has multiple paylines. (k) The gaming device allows multiple bets per payline. (l) The gaming device was manufactured by a particular manufacturer. (m) The gaming device, or the game on the gaming device, was introduced within the last X years (eg, the game is a new game). (n) The gaming device has a specific theme (eg, I Love Lucy, Regis Philbin). (o) The game device includes a slot game. (p) The gaming device includes a video poker game. (q) The game device includes video blackjack. (r) the gaming device is part of a particular cluster of gaming devices (e.g., in a cluster of gaming devices, the outcome of one gaming device may affect the outcome of another gaming device in the cluster), etc. It is.

(1.18.2.3.) A secondary player may search for a gaming device based on one or more payouts that may be provided by the gaming device. Such payout may be conditional on the primary player of the gaming device obtaining a particular result at the gaming device. The secondary player may search for a gaming device that has a maximum payout of more than X times the wager, a payout of more than X amount, and/or a payout of at least X more than Y amount. The secondary player may search for gaming devices that have more than X winning outcomes and/or gaming devices that have more than X outcomes that have made more than Y payouts. A secondary player may search for gaming devices that have a particular payout frequency or range of payout frequencies. For example, a secondary player may search for a gaming device that pays on average once every five to seven games.

(1.18.3.) The simulated game matches the search criteria. In various embodiments, a secondary player may specify search criteria to find games to participate in. The casino may then offer the secondary player an opportunity to participate in a simulated game that matches the search criteria. For example, a secondary player may search for a game of blackjack in which the dealer's upcard is a six. The casino may then offer the secondary player the opportunity to participate in a simulated game of blackjack in which the dealer's upcard is a six. The simulated game may be one that has been simulated in the past. For example, a casino may simulate many games in the past and store data regarding those games. The casino may then find one game from the set of stored games such that the game found matches the secondary player's search criteria. The casino server may then provide the secondary player with an opportunity to participate in the discovered game. In the above example, the casino server may provide the secondary player with the opportunity to participate in a simulated game where the dealer's upcard is a six. In various embodiments, a simulated game may include a game in which player decisions are made by a computer routine. In various embodiments, a simulated game may include a game in which random events are generated using computer routines. In various embodiments, a secondary player may perform a search for games of a primary player that match certain criteria. Once search criteria are specified by the secondary player, the casino may generate one or more simulated games that match the search criteria. For example, a secondary player may search for a series of games in which a primary player won 10 games in a row. The casino may simulate a series of games there. The casino may continue to simulate the games until the simulated primary player wins ten games in a row. The casino may then provide the secondary player with an opportunity to participate in a subsequent simulated game, for example. In various embodiments, the casino may configure one or more games that match the secondary player's search criteria. For example, if a secondary player is interested in participating in a game of craps where the first roll of the dice is an 8, the casino may start a simulated game and cause the first roll to be an 8. It's okay. The next roll in the game may be randomly generated. In embodiments described herein, any search performed by a secondary player for a particular type of game is satisfied by a simulated game and/or a game configured by the casino server. It's okay. In various embodiments, the odds, payouts, rules, and/or wager amounts required for a game may be changed if the secondary player specifies criteria that the game must meet. For example, if a secondary player specifies a game of blackjack in which the primary player has a good starting hand (eg, 11 points total), the payout for the winning hand may be reduced.

(1.18.4.) Searching for trends. In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for particular trends or patterns among one or more games. For example, a secondary player may search for any 10 consecutive series of games played by the same primary player who won all 10 games. good. Once a secondary player discovers a trend, he or she may participate in a game that immediately follows that trend. For example, a secondary player may discover a trend of spins on a spinning roulette wheel where three consecutive spins resulted in the number 13. The secondary player may then participate in the spin of the roulette wheel immediately following the three spins in which the number 13 occurred. The secondary player may not know the outcome of the spin immediately following the three spins in which 13 occurred. A secondary player may search for various trends, including: (a) A series of consecutive games played by the same primary player who lost all games. (b) A series of consecutive games played by the same primary player who won all the games. (c) A series of consecutive games played by the same primary player who tied in all games. (d) A series of consecutive games played by the same Primary Player that resulted in at least a predetermined net winnings. (d) A series of consecutive games played by the same Primary Player that resulted in at least the predetermined total winnings. (f) A series of consecutive games played by the same primary player who made a particular symbol (e.g., "bell") appear in all games. (g) A series of consecutive games played by the same primary player who alternately wins and loses in all games. (h) A series of consecutive spins on a rotating roulette wheel that resulted in the same result (e.g. the number 4). (i) A series of consecutive spins on a rotating roulette wheel that resulted in the same type of result (e.g. a red result). (j) A period of time (e.g., 5 minutes) during which 80% of the blackjack games played by any primary player were winning. (k) A period of time (e.g., one hour) during which three jackpot results were won on a particular casino's slot machine. (l) a series of games (e.g., games played at a particular table in a casino) in which a particular starting hand appears at least 20% of the time (e.g., a primary player appears at least 20% of the time); received a blackjack), etc. In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for a primary player who is the biggest loser in a given population in a given time period. For example, a secondary player may search for the most losing primary player in an hour at a reel slot machine. In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for a primary player who is the biggest winner in a given population in a given time period. In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for a primary player who had the highest payout result of more than $50 in a given population in a given time period. In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for a primary player who is the biggest loser throughout the session compared to any other primary players. In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for primary players who are the biggest losers throughout their playing history, at least at a particular casino. In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for trends based on the area of the casino. For example, a secondary player may search for areas of a casino where games played in the last hour resulted in a net winnings of $3000 for all players. In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for trends based on game type. For example, a secondary player may search for game types that have yielded an average winnings to a primary player of more than $20 in the last X minutes. In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for trends based on primary players having certain characteristics. For example, a secondary player may search for a trend that primary players from Arkansas won an average of more than $50 per player in the last hour.

(1.18.5.) Selecting a Primary Player. In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for a primary player with desired attributes or characteristics. Upon finding a primary player with the desired attributes or characteristics, the secondary player may elect to participate in the primary player's game. A secondary player may search for a primary player using a search form. In the search form, the player may select from various characteristics of the primary player. Some of them are listed below. For example, a secondary player may enter a desired age or age range for a primary player. The secondary player may also select characteristics of the primary player from a menu. For example, a secondary player may select one of 50 states from a menu indicating a desired residence for the primary player. As will be appreciated, a secondary player may search for a primary player in many other ways. For example, a secondary player may communicate a description of the primary player (eg, via text message) to a casino agent. The casino agent may then check the records of people currently checking in at the hotel or currently playing at the gaming device (e.g., by an inserted tracking card), and may check the records of those currently checking in at the hotel or currently playing at the gaming device (e.g., by an inserted tracking card), may attempt to find a person matching the description provided by. In some embodiments, a secondary player may seek a specific and unique individual. That is, a secondary player may submit a description that can only be fulfilled by one person in the world. For example, a secondary player may submit a name. In some embodiments, a secondary player may submit a description that can be filled out by any one or more primary players. The secondary player need not have a particular individual in mind.

(1.18.5.1.) A secondary player may search for a primary player based on the primary player's historical results. For example, a secondary player may search for a primary player who has one or more of the following characteristics: (a) The primary player won a prize of more than X amount in the most recent Y amount of time. (b) the primary player has collectively won prizes in excess of amount X; (c) The primary player made a profit of amount X in the most recent amount of time Y. (d) The primary player collectively generated a profit of amount X. (e) The primary player won X% of the games in the most recent period Y. (f) The primary player won X% of the games in the last Y games. (g) The primary player won X of the most recent games. (h) The primary player has won a payout of X over Y in the most recent Z games. (i) The primary player wins a payout of X in excess of Y. (j) The primary player won the jackpot during the most recent X days (or other time period). (k) The primary player collectively won a jackpot of X. (l) The primary player used the optimal strategy in the last X games. (m) The primary player used a good or expert-level strategy in the last X games. (n) The primary player has entered X bonus rounds in the last Y games. (o) The primary player has entered X bonus rounds so far.

(1.18.5.2.) A secondary player may search for a primary player based on the historical relationship between the primary player and the secondary player. good. The secondary player may search for the primary player of the game or games in which the secondary player previously participated. When a secondary player participates in a game of a primary player, (a) the secondary player wins the jackpot; (b) the secondary player obtains a profit; (c) ) the secondary player entered X bonus rounds; (d) the secondary player won X of the last Y games; (e) the secondary player entered the last Y games. (f) the secondary player won a payout of X over an amount Y, and so on. The secondary player may also search for a primary player when the secondary player participated in the primary player's games more than X times.

(1.18.5.3.) A secondary player may search for a primary player based on demographic characteristics of the primary player. For example, the secondary player may determine the primary player's (a) age, (b) race, (c) marital status, (d) number of children, (e) number of grandchildren, (f) Religion, (g) place of birth, (h) address, (i) gender, (j) occupation, (k) income, (l) disability status, (m) education level, (n) high school, (o) hometown The primary player may be searched based on one or more of the following: university, etc. For example, a secondary player may desire to participate in a game of a primary player who shares one or more demographic characteristics with the secondary player.

(1.18.5.4.) A secondary player may search for a primary player based on hobbies that the primary player enjoys. For example, a secondary player may search for a primary player who enjoys a particular game or sport, or who is a fan of a particular sports team.

(1.18.5.5.) A secondary player may search for primary players with whom the secondary player has interacted or had a relationship in the past. The secondary player may search for primary players in games in which the secondary player has previously participated. A secondary player plays a primary game in a game where the secondary player has previously won a prize, won a jackpot, won a high payout, or had other outcomes of interest to the secondary player. You may also search for players.

(1.18.6.) In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for a particular game based on attributes of the game. The search may be specific to individual games. For example, a search may distinguish between two games played by the same primary player on the same gaming device. In some embodiments, a secondary player may search for games in which a certain amount of money has been wagered. For example, a secondary player may search for a game in which three coins were wagered. A three coin bet may entitle the primary player of the game to win the jackpot. A secondary player may search for a game in which X paylines are active, or a game in which X hands of video poker are being played simultaneously. A secondary player may search for games based on the time or date the game was played.

(1.18.6.1.) In some embodiments, a secondary player may search for a game based on events that come to light during the game. For example, the game may have already been played, or the game may be in progress at the time of the secondary player's search. A secondary player may (a) be dealt a particular set of cards (e.g., a game of video poker where a pair is dealt in the starting hand; a game of blackjack where a card totaling 11 is dealt as a starting hand; (b) a particular symbol or symbols of a certain outcome are determined (e.g., two bar symbols are displayed on the reels of the gaming device from an outcome of three symbols), (c ) a bonus round has been reached; and/or (d) a bonus round of a certain level has been reached.

(1.18.7.) Providing games for participation by secondary players. At some point, a secondary player may be ready to participate in a game with certain attributes. The attributes may be attributes specified by the secondary player. For example, a secondary player may have searched for games that have certain attributes, or may have provided an indication of a desire to participate in games that have certain attributes. In some embodiments, a casino may desire to have a secondary player participate in a game with certain attributes for other reasons.

(1.18.7.1.) An actual historical game is provided. Given a set of attributes or characteristics, a casino may search for data about historical games that have this set of attributes or characteristics. Historical games may be games that were actually played by real human players. For example, if a secondary player indicates a request to play in a game of video poker played by a 60-year-old primary player, the casino may Data regarding games played on video poker machines may be retrieved. The retrieved data can be used to display information about the game to a secondary player (e.g., showing a screenshot of the cards dealt in the game) and to determine what the outcome of the game was. , may determine whether the secondary player is a winner based on the bets the secondary player has placed on the game and determine the amount to be paid to the secondary player. Data regarding historical games may be stored in a database or any other storage means. Data regarding historical games may be indexed by different attributes (eg, player age or game type). Accordingly, games may be searched by attribute, and data regarding games having the attributes requested by the secondary player may be searched.

(1.18.7.2.) Historical simulated games are provided. Given a set of attributes or characteristics, a casino may search for data regarding simulated historical games. The game may be one that has never been played by a real person. In some embodiments, the outcome of the game may be determined prior to play by a real person. However, humans (eg, secondary players) could participate in the game after the results were generated. Data regarding simulated historical games, as well as historical games originally played by real players, may be stored in a database and indexed by attributes. Data regarding historical games may then be searched according to desired attributes. The data may then be used to recreate the game for the secondary player and determine the outcome and amount paid to the secondary player.

(1.18.7.3.) A current actual game is provided. Given a set of attributes or characteristics, the casino may determine which games are currently in progress that have this set of attributes or characteristics. For example, a 60-year-old primary player from Wisconsin may currently be participating in a game at a video poker machine where he was dealt an initial hand with one pair. A secondary player may be allowed to participate in the game while it is in progress. For example, a secondary player may be allowed to bet on what the final outcome of the game will be. In various embodiments, the secondary player is placing bets during the game and has more information than the primary player had at the beginning of the game, so the secondary player does not have to earn the same profits from the paytable as the primary player.

(1.18.7.4.) A current simulated game is provided. Given a set of attributes or characteristics, a casino may simulate a game that has these attributes or characteristics. A casino may, for example, use computer algorithms to determine the cards dealt in a card game (eg, video poker) or to determine the symbols shown in a simulated reel slot machine. For example, if a secondary player desires to participate in a game of video poker, the casino may simulate the game of video poker. If a secondary player desires to participate in a video slot machine game, the casino may simulate the video slot machine game. In various embodiments, casinos may use algorithms to simulate table games as well as games commonly played on gaming devices. For example, a casino server may simulate craps, blackjack, or poker. If other players are normally present in the game, the casino may use computer algorithms to simulate decisions that would be made by humans. For example, to simulate a game of poker, a casino may use algorithms designed to bet, call, fold, raise, or check according to certain preprogrammed rules. In some embodiments, a secondary player may desire to participate in a game that has certain symbols or outcomes. In some embodiments, a casino may simulate multiple games until a desired symbol or outcome occurs. A secondary player may have the opportunity to participate in only those games among the plurality of games in which a desired symbol or outcome occurs. For example, a secondary player may indicate a desire to participate in a game of video poker where the initial hand is dealt a three-of-a-kind. A casino may deal out multiple simulated hands of video poker. Only if the casino ultimately deals out an initial hand with a three-of-a-kind (e.g. by random probability), the casino allows the secondary player to place a bet and receive a winnings for the final outcome of the game. enable. In some embodiments, the casino first accepts bets from secondary players, simulates multiple games until a game with the desired characteristics is simulated, and then simulates a game with the desired characteristics. Players may be paid based on the results. In some embodiments, the simulation may begin with a game of desired attributes. For example, if a secondary player wishes to play in a game of video poker where he is dealt a three-of-a-kind in the starting hand, the simulation may begin with immediately dealing a three-of-a-kind. The simulation may also randomize the remaining cards (e.g., after three cards of the same rank are dealt, the remaining cards are shuffled to complete a standard deck of 52 cards remaining). ). The game continues with two further cards dealt from a randomized deck, completing the initial hand, then discarding one or two cards, then randomizing the discarded cards. may be replaced with a new card from the deck. In various embodiments, a secondary player may or may not have the opportunity to make simulated game decisions. For example, in some embodiments, a secondary player may choose which cards to discard in a game of video poker. In some embodiments, the cards to be discarded may be automatically selected (eg, by a computer algorithm using an optimal poker strategy).

(1.18.7.5.) Alerts are provided when games with desired characteristics are played. Given a set of attributes or characteristics, the casino may determine when such games are played or are likely to be played. For example, a secondary player may wish to participate in a game played on a three-reel slot machine by a primary player who has three children and has a birthday in April. The casino may determine that a primary player who has three children and a birthday in April is actually seated at the three-reel slot machine. The primary player may have already been playing for 20 minutes and will likely continue playing. Accordingly, the secondary player may be allowed to participate in the primary player's game from that point forward. The casino notifies the secondary player that a primary player with the desired characteristics has been found and that the secondary player may begin betting on the primary player's games. Good too. Additionally, the casino may begin sending information regarding the primary player's games to the secondary player.

(1.19.) A secondary player participates in a game in which a progressive jackpot is won. In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in a game in which a primary player is eligible to win a progressive jackpot. However, in various embodiments, the progressive jackpot constitutes a single pool of prizes and therefore cannot be paid out to multiple different players as a whole.

(1.19.1.) The secondary player obtains a fixed substitute good. In various embodiments, if a primary player wins a progressive jackpot, a secondary player participating in the same game receives a fixed payout. The fixed payment may be a predetermined amount (eg, $10,000).

(1.19.2.) The secondary player earns a fixed commission. In various embodiments, if a primary player wins a progressive jackpot, a secondary player participating in the same game receives a percentage of the progressive jackpot.

(1.19.2.1.) Since the primary player wins the full amount or less, the secondary player can be paid. In various embodiments, if a secondary player receives a percentage of a progressive jackpot won by a primary player, the amount that the primary player receives from the jackpot may be reduced accordingly. good. For example, if a secondary player receives X% of the progressive jackpot, the primary player may receive 100% minus X% of the progressive jackpot. In various embodiments, for each bet placed on a game with a progressive jackpot, a portion of the wager is contributed to increase the size of the progressive jackpot. Thus, if a primary player and a secondary player each make separate bets on a game, a portion of the primary player's wager may be added to the size of the progressive jackpot; A portion of the secondary player's wager may contribute to the size of the progressive jackpot. A fixed contribution to the progressive jackpot may be required for each game. Therefore, if both a primary player and a secondary player participate in a game, the primary player's contribution to the progressive jackpot will be used only by the primary player for that game. At least better than if you had attended. In various embodiments, the primary player may receive the full amount of the progressive jackpot. The amount received by the secondary player may be higher than the amount paid out to the primary player. Even then, the secondary player may receive an amount equal to a predetermined percentage of the progressive jackpot (eg, 10% of the progressive jackpot).

(1.19.3.) A portion of the progressive amount is set aside for the secondary player before being paid out. In various embodiments, the progressive jackpot is split into two or more parts. The first portion is available to be won by the primary player. The second portion is available to be won by a secondary player. If a progressive jackpot is won in a game, the primary player participating in the game will win the portion of the progressive jackpot available to the primary player and the portion of the progressive jackpot available to the secondary player participating in the game. The subsequent player wins a portion of the progressive jackpot available to the secondary player. If there is no secondary player in the game, the portion of the progressive jackpot available to the secondary player may remain unclaimed.

(1.19.4) There are progressives only for secondary players. In various embodiments, a progressive jackpot (other similar terms used herein may include "progressive prize," "progressive prize pool," "progressive pool," "progressive payout") The amount may increase from the contribution of the secondary player only. A progressive jackpot may be available to be won only by a secondary player. For example, for each bet a secondary player places on a particular type of game, a portion of that bet may be set aside and added to a progressive jackpot. If a secondary player who participates in a particular type of game later wins a progressive jackpot, that jackpot may pass to the secondary player. The size of the total stake for a progressive prize may be zero. In some embodiments, once a progressive prize stake is claimed, the next stake is a portion of the money, such as $10,000, by the casino to collect profits from the secondary player. It may be provided using In various embodiments, a display visible to a secondary player may track a progressive magnitude. For example, a secondary player may participate in a game using a mobile device (eg, a mobile device such as those described in Nevada bill AB 471). The mobile device may maintain a running account of the amount of the progressive stake on its display screen.

In various embodiments, two or more separate progressive jackpots may be available to a secondary player. In various embodiments, a secondary player may be eligible to win a progressive prize based on the location or geographic area in which the secondary player participates in the game. For example, a secondary player sitting and participating at Casino A may be eligible for a first progressive prize stake of $10,000. Another secondary player seated and participating in Casino B may be eligible for a second progressive prize stake of $20,000. The total stake for a progressive prize may be available to be won by a particular secondary player based on one or more characteristics or circumstances of the secondary player, and such characteristics or circumstances (a) age, date of birth, place of birth, marital status, educational background, etc. (e.g., total primary progressive stakes for secondary players who are 60 years of age or older and secondary players who are 59 years of age or younger); (b) the demographics of the secondary player; (b) the particular type of game in which the secondary player is participating (e.g., slot machine games and video games); (c) there may be separate progressive awards for a game of poker), (c) different progressive awards for the location or geographic area in which the secondary player is participating (e.g., different casinos, different cities, different states, etc.); (There may be a total stake), a time or period of time during which the secondary player is participating (e.g., there may be a different progressive prize offered during every six hours of the day), ( e) the identity of the primary player (e.g., the amount of stake of the first progressive prize associated with the primary player's first set of games and the total stake of the first progressive prize associated with the primary player's second set of games); (f) characteristics or circumstances of the primary player (e.g., demographics, location, etc. of the primary player); (g) secondary play; For example, a secondary player may be eligible for a first progressive prize if the bet is greater than $3, and a second progressive prize if the bet is less than $4. (may be eligible for a Progressive Award), and others. In various embodiments, the total stake for a progressive prize may be associated with a predetermined time period. For example, the total stake for a progressive prize may be tied to a particular date. The total stake for a progressive prize may be associated with a guarantee that it will be won on its associated date (or its associated time period). That guarantee provides that a first secondary player achieves outcome A, a first secondary player achieves outcome B if there is no secondary player that achieves outcome A, outcome A or A progressive prize may be claimed, such as by a first secondary player achieving outcome C when no secondary player achieves B. In various embodiments, a progressive prize stake may have a probability of occurrence set such that the stake is likely to be won during the relevant period. For example, if a secondary player is expected to play 10,000 games during a given period in which the secondary player has a progressive opportunity to win, the probability of winning for each game is 1/5,000. May be set. The likelihood of a progressive being elected during that period may therefore be approximately 86%. In some embodiments, the casino may be aware in advance of the outcome of the games played by the secondary player, such that the casino plays at least one game that results in a progressive prize being won. You may intentionally offer to play. Such a single game may be offered for any period of time that guarantees that a progressive prize will be won. In various embodiments, stakes for two or more progressive prizes may be simultaneously available to be won by a secondary player. One progressive contribution amount may be associated with a relatively short period of time, while another progressive contribution amount may be associated with a relatively long period of time. For example, the first progressive prize stake may be won on average once a year. In fact, the total stake for the first progressive prize may be guaranteed to have a winner each year. The second progressive prize stake amount may be won on average once a day. The secondary player may be eligible to win any of the progressive prizes in the same game. In some embodiments, a secondary player may only win the first progressive prize amount while participating in the first game. In some embodiments, the secondary player may only be eligible to win the second progressive prize amount while participating in the second game.

(1.19.5) Secondary Players May Not Play Games with Progressives. In various embodiments, a secondary player may not be able to participate in a game with progressive payouts.

(1.19.6) The secondary player wins the full amount of the progressive. In various embodiments, if a progressive payout is won in a game, the secondary player may receive the full amount of the progressive. For example, assume that a primary player wins the progressive jackpot in a game where the progressive jackpot is $100,000. This primary player may receive $100,000. The secondary player may also receive $100,000.

(1.19.7) Compensation by Additional Funds Payable to Secondary Player. In various embodiments, a progressive payout (eg, a progressive jackpot) may include funds that are set aside when the jackpot must be paid. If a progressive jackpot is won in a game in which a secondary player is participating, the progressive jackpot may be passed to the primary player and any additional funds will be paid to the casino to the secondary player. It needs to be obtained by In various embodiments, the casino may pay the secondary player out of funds for separate wagers, such as account deposits used by the casino for general business expenses. In some embodiments, the secondary player may receive a promise to pay. The secondary player may receive a share of future progressive payouts. For example, a secondary player may receive 50% of all bets drawn against the next progressive jackpot until the next progressive jackpot is won.

(1.20) Anti-hyena culture provisions. A secondary player may be prevented from playing the game with positively expected values. Various situations may arise with respect to a gaming machine or with respect to a table game where the betting situation is favorable to the player. Favorable situations may include betting situations in which a player can expect to receive, on average, more than 100% of his bets from winnings in a game. For example, if a progressive jackpot or other payout in a slot machine reaches a predetermined level, the slot machine may return more than 100% of the total bet on average. In some slot machines, certain symbols, tokens, or other objects may be accumulated over a series of games. For example, in Double Diamond Mine®, manufactured by IGT, a player can accumulate diamond symbols through a series of games. Once ten diamond symbols are accumulated from a particular reel, the player wins a payout. A slot machine with multiple such objects stored may return more than 100% of the bet amount on average. In a game of blackjack, for example, in a blackjack table game in progress, if the remaining cards in a deck are one type of dominant card (e.g. a card with a high number), then In some cases, more than 100% of the amount will be returned.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may be able to search for historical games where the expected payout is 100% or more of the bet. For example, a secondary player may search for a game in a Double Diamond Mine® slot machine where nine diamond symbols are accumulated for each reel. In another example, a secondary player may be able to search for gaming machines whose progressive jackpot exceeds a predetermined threshold. A secondary player may be able to participate in such games. However, in some embodiments, a secondary player may be prevented from participating in games where the expected payout is 100% or more of the bet. In some embodiments, a player may be allowed to participate in games that return 100% or more of the bet amount if such games occur during a longer playing period or session. . For example, a secondary player may play a Double with nine diamond symbols accumulated on each reel only if the secondary player has already participated in a previous game occurring on the same slot machine. It may be possible to participate in the Diamond Mine® slot game.

Tracking game data usage. In some embodiments, a game originally played at a first casino or other establishment may then be reproduced at a second casino or establishment. For example, a secondary player at a second casino may participate in a game originally played at a first casino. The second casino may derive income, revenue, or other economic gain from the reproduction of the game at the second casino. For example, if a secondary player bets on a game at a second casino, the second casino may, on average, expect to win a portion of the bet. In some embodiments, the second casino may compensate the first casino for the benefit of using or reproducing a game originally originated or played at the first casino. good. In various embodiments, usage of games in which secondary players participate may be tracked. Tracking of such usage allows a first casino (e.g., the casino that originally originated the game) to track how much is paid, and a second facility (e.g., the casino that originated the game) to track how much is paid out. The casino that reproduced the game may be able to track how much it pays out. Game usage in a casino may be tracked in many ways. Data related to the game, such as a game identifier, may be stored in the database. The time at which the game is played may be saved. Other saved items include (a) the ID of the secondary player who played the game, (b) the amount bet on the game, (c) the amount won or lost by the casino reproducing the game, and (d (e) the number of secondary players participating in the game; (f) the location of secondary players placing bets on the game; and (g) payments made to the casino that originally originated the game. It may also include the amount, etc. Data about individual games may not be saved in some embodiments. Data about groups of blocks or games may be saved. For example, a casino may keep records showing that a group of 1,000 games was reproduced during the afternoon of August 17, 2010, with a total of $40,000 bet on the games.

In various embodiments, a casino that used or reproduced one or more games may send a report about the use of the game to the casino that originally originated the game. For example, the casino that reproduced the game will receive a printed report with each item of report detail, such as the specific time, the specific time the game was reproduced, the amount bet, and the amount paid to the casino that originally generated the game. You may also send The report may be a paper or electronic report. The report may be sent by mail, email, fax, download from the Internet, or any other means. Reports may be for a single game or a group of games. Reports may be generated in real time (e.g., a report on game usage may be sent to the casino that originated the game as soon as or immediately after the game is used), or periodically (e.g., once in a while). (hourly) or only once (e.g., at the end of a period in which the casino using the game was authorized to use the game by the casino that originally originated the game).

Data stored by the casino related to the use or reproduction of games within the casino may be obtained from the device used by the secondary player to play. For example, a terminal on which a secondary player participates in a game may send various data to the casino's server, such as the amount bet by the secondary player on the game played by the secondary player. It may be stored and/or transmitted.

In various embodiments, a casino using data about a game that originally occurred at another casino may track or record the use of various images associated with that game. Royalties may be paid to the image copyright holder based on the use of the image. Also, the casino that originally originated the game may track the use of images from the game.

(1.21) Bucket shop paradigm. Under this paradigm, establishments wish to invest the minimum amount possible in casino infrastructure, including gaming and casino operator licenses. On the contrary, the establishment plans to reuse data from real casinos, put together a nice looking façade, and start doing business. In various embodiments, an operator may set up a gaming facility that solely or preferentially uses games or results that have already occurred. Operators may thereby potentially reduce various costs, including the cost of purchasing gaming equipment, accounting software and other infrastructure, and costs associated with complying with various regulations. For example, by reusing results that have already been generated, the operator does not need to purchase expensive gaming machines to generate the original results. Additionally, operators are not required to submit such gaming machines for regulatory approval or inspection. In some embodiments, an operator of a facility that only reuses games and results that have already occurred is not required to obtain the same type of regulatory approval as the facility that generates the original games and results. You don't have to. Operators of facilities that only reuse games and results that have already occurred may, in some embodiments, receive a secondary There is no need to submit the equipment used by the person. Rather, the regulatory approval process may be simpler for devices used solely by secondary players. In some embodiments, an entire facility that only reuses games or results may not be subject to the same regulatory approvals as a facility that generates the original results. Rather, regulatory approvals may be simpler for facilities that only reuse games or results.

In some embodiments, by using results that have already occurred, the Operator uses already-occurred accounting data to account for amounts received, won, and lost based on the results. Good too. In this way, operators may reduce the cost of accounting software and other accounting infrastructure such as networks or intranets that carry accounting-related information.

(1.21.1) Use of a shell machine to simply display results from other machines. In various embodiments, an operator may install a machine or device with simplified functionality. The machine may include a money acceptor, a credit card acceptor, or other acceptors, such as for rewards used for betting purposes. The machine may include output devices such as a microphone for audio output and a display screen for video or graphic output. The machine may further include a dispenser for cash, coins, currency, tokens, chips, cashless game receipts, or other items. A player may be compensated while participating in a game based on the amount won or based on the amount remaining from the initial deposit made by the player. good. The machine may further include a media media playback machine and/or storage device. For example, the machine may include a DVD player or a VHS player. The machine may include a VHS tape, DVD, CD, flash memory, or other media storage device. The machine may further include buttons, a handle, and a touch screen that the user uses to enter information, such as the amount to bet. The machine may further include a network interface to send and receive information over a network, such as an intranet or the Internet. The network interface may include a wireless network interface such as an antenna. In operation, a machine according to various embodiments may receive recordings of past games stored on media media devices such as DVDs and the like. The machine may accept money from the player. The machine may then receive instructions for the amount to bet. The machine may receive an initial signal for the game from the player. A player may, for example, convey an initial signal by pressing a button labeled "Spin" on the machine. The machine may then play a video or other depiction of the game saved from the DVD to the player. For example, a machine may play a 10 second video clip from a DVD. The video clip depicts a past game that occurred at an actual slot machine. Machines may determine the outcome of the game. For example, the DVD may store information associated with each game about the payouts or payout rates associated with the game. Based on the information about the payment, the machine may pay the player. The player may be paid, for example, by dispensing money through the machine's dispenser or by adding money to the player's balance of credits stored in the machine. In various embodiments, the machine does not itself generate an outcome or game. The machine simply plays the previously generated game. In various embodiments, the machine may reproduce the game based on a limited amount of information about the game. For example, a machine may receive information about the outcome of a game. The machine may then display an animated sequence representing the slot machine's reels spinning and stopping to indicate the outcome. In some embodiments, the machine does not need to store information about previous games locally on the machine. Rather, the machine may receive information about past games via the network. Once information about past games is received, the machine may reproduce the past games for the benefit of a secondary player at the machine.

(1.21.2) Simplified Regulatory License. Operators simply reuse data that has already been authenticated. There is no need to modify the data. In various embodiments, operators using past results may operate without one or more licenses required for regular gaming operators. Special licenses may be granted to operators who only use past results coming from licensed gaming establishments.

(1.21.3) Reuse of accounting data. There is no need for operators to generate their own accounting data. In various embodiments, a casino operator may generate multiple original games or outcomes. Based on the results, the casino may generate a record of winnings, losses, recoveries, amounts paid in taxes, etc. Such data may constitute accounting data. The casino operator may then share such accounting data with a second operator that reuses the results generated by the first casino operator. Since the results used are the same, the required accounting data may be the same or similar. Therefore, in some embodiments, the second operator may receive accounting data from the first casino operator and reuse the accounting data for its own records.

(1.21.4) Pre-inspection of the data is not permitted, as the bucket shop would be condemned to knowing the results in advance. In various embodiments, an operator using past games or results may be required by law, regulation, custom, or other policy to require a secondary player to have knowledge of the games or results before participating in the game. prohibited by In this way, the operator may be advised not to selectively play available games or outcomes that are disadvantageous to the operator.

(1.22) Multi-tier poker game. A poker game occurs in various embodiments. A poker game may involve a large number of players playing at a casino table. A poker game situation is sometimes referred to as a first stage game. Based on the first stage game, a second stage game may be played. The second stage game may include a different set of players. In some embodiments, the second tier game includes one player for each player in the first tier game. Each person in the second stage game may be associated with or compete with a person in the first stage game. In various embodiments, a person in a second tier game may bet on what a player associated with him in a first tier game will do. For example, a player in a second tier game may bet that a player associated with him in a first tier game will check, bet, raise, call, or fold. Furthermore, a person in the second stage may bet the amount bet by the associated person in the game in the first stage. For example, if Joe in the second tier game is associated with Sue in the first tier game, Joe may bet that Sue will raise at least 30 chips. In various embodiments, a person in the second tier game cannot communicate with his associated person in the first tier game. In various embodiments, people in the second tier game cannot communicate with people in the first tier game, and vice versa. In various embodiments, a person in the second tier game knows the cards of an associated person in the first tier, but does not know the cards of any other players in the first tier game.

In various embodiments, a person in a second tier game may check, bet, raise, fold, or call another person in a second tier game. He can bluff or hope that others in the second stage game will fold. Once the first stage game reaches its conclusion and two or more players remain in the second stage game, the pot in the second stage game is determined based on the results of the first stage game. Prizes may be given to those in the second stage. That is, if a person in the second tier game is associated with a person in the tier 1 game who won the tier 1 game, then that person in the tier 2 game also wins the tier 1 game. win. In some embodiments, the outcome or outcome of the second tier game is determined as each person in the second tier game holds the cards of his associated person in the first tier game. be done. In various embodiments, if a player in a first tier game folds, an associated player in a second tier game automatically folds, resulting in a loss in the second tier game.

In various embodiments, higher stages may be present. For example, the third tier may include the same number of players as in the second tier (or equivalently as the first tier). Each player in the third tier may be associated with a player in the second tier. In this way, a player in the third tier may be automatically associated with a person in the first tier who is associated with a player in the second tier who is associated with a player in the third tier. . That is, one player at each stage may be associated with a particular hand, and all such players may be associated with each other. A player in the third stage may bet on bets made by associated players in the second or first stage. Additionally, a player in the third tier may bet against what is determined by the outcome of the lower tier. A player in the third stage does not fold, his associated players in the second stage do not fold, his associated players in the first stage do not fold, and the first stage If his associated player at the end of the first stage game has the best poker hand, he may win the pot. However, if the associated player in the first or second stage folds, the player in the third stage is automatically folded. Note, however, that a player in the second stage will not automatically fold even if the associated player in the third stage folds. For example, there may be any number of stages, such as a fourth, fifth, sixth, etc., which stages are performed in a manner similar to that described in relation to the first, second, and third stages. Please understand that it works. In some embodiments, a person in a higher tier than the first tier may view the cards of all players in the first tier.

(1.22.1) Those at higher levels may have time limits, so they cannot rest to see what happens in the actual game. In some embodiments, players in the second tier or higher may have time limits on bets or other game decisions. Due to time constraints, a player in the second stage or higher can play the game before the game progresses in the first stage, so the player in the second stage or higher can be of assistance in his game decisions. By looking at people, you can make them take action before discovering important information.

(1.22.2) Higher-level games do not have to occur in an in-game environment. Therefore, higher tier players may bet after that fact. In various embodiments, a third tier, and higher tier games, may occur after a single game of that tier has occurred. Accordingly, playback of actions in a single game at that stage may be stopped until all appropriate actions have been taken in a higher stage game.

(1.22.3) Multiple stages can be formed among people in the pool using handheld devices. In various embodiments, second tier, third tier, or higher tier games may be formed among people away from the poker table. For example, a player poolside at a casino may engage in a second stage game using a handheld device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). Thus, second-tier players may benefit from the dealer's work and from the use of physical cards, but are not required to be physically present at the poker table.

(1.23) In various embodiments, a first secondary player may receive alerts regarding the activities of the primary player and/or the activities of the second secondary player. Activities that may trigger an alert include: (a) a primary player inserts a tracking card into a gaming machine; (b) a primary player inserts money or other rewards into a gaming machine; (c) a primary player inserts money or other rewards into a gaming machine; ) the primary player presents a tracking card or other ID at a table game (e.g., in a blackjack game); (d) the primary player purchases chips at the table game; (e) the primary player (f) a primary player places a bet on a game; (g) a primary player participates in a game; (h) a primary player places a bet on a game; (i) the primary player checks into a hotel; (j) the primary player pays for the meal at a restaurant (thereby verifying his identity, e.g., by credit card); ), etc. Similar activity by a second secondary player may trigger an alert for the first secondary player. If the primary player signals or does so for any reason, such as being of interest to the first secondary player, an alert may be sent to the secondary player. For example, a first secondary player may indicate that the primary player is the secondary player's favorite player. In this way, a first secondary player may have an opportunity to participate in the first secondary player's game, such that the first secondary player may have an opportunity to participate in the first Players may wish to be alerted whenever they are playing or begin playing. The alert may be sent to the second secondary player's device (including, for example, a cell phone, PDA, Blackberry, laptop computer, personal computer, television, etc.).

The alert may be sent to the first secondary player under other triggering conditions. The primary player (a) is playing a particular game (e.g., a second secondary player's favorite game); (b) is experiencing a winning or losing streak (e.g., (c) the primary player has won a predetermined amount (e.g., the primary player has won 10 games in a row, the primary player has lost 10 games in a row), has won $100 or more), an alert may be sent to the first secondary player.

(1.24) Embodiments disclosed herein need not apply only to casino games. Rather, the disclosed embodiments may apply to a broader range of games, content, sporting events, random events, unknowns, etc., where applicable. Where applicable, the disclosed embodiments may be applied to anything that may be bet on. The disclosed embodiments may be used to monitor table games, video games, boxing matches, sporting events, stock price changes, corporate bond price changes, other market debt changes, election results, weather, temperature, student exams, etc. It may also be applied to the average score, etc. For example, a secondary player may bet whether a stock price will go up or down in the next ten minutes. In various embodiments, a primary player need not explicitly exist. For example, a secondary player may bet on the temperature of a future day, even though there is no primary player per se who influences the temperature.

(1.25) Embodiments described herein need not apply only to complete games. Where applicable, embodiments described herein may be applied to in-game events. For example, a secondary player may bet on the next card that a primary player receives in a game. The secondary player bets on the next roll of the dice, the number of hits the player will make in a game of blackjack, the dealer's total points in a game of blackjack, the flop in a Texas Hold'em poker game, etc. Good too. A secondary player may be alerted when a predetermined sequence of events occurs. For example, a secondary player may be alerted if the last ten cards dealt in the game were red colored cards (eg, hearts or diamonds). A secondary player may view historical data for events within a single game or multiple games. For example, a secondary player may look up historical data about how many times the number 12 card appeared in craps in the last 10 minutes.

(1.26) The secondary player only watches the primary player. In various embodiments, the secondary player may watch the primary player's play, watch the primary player's game, watch the primary player's facial expressions, or watch the primary player play the primary game. The player may wish to track a player's strategy, examine a primary player's past results, or track a primary player. A secondary player may wish to follow the primary player without betting or risking money on the primary player's games. For example, a secondary player may wish to watch the games of a primary player who is a celebrity. Simply watching celebrity players may provide secondary player entertainment.

A secondary player may search for a primary player based on any number of criteria, as described above. A secondary player may, for example, have a name (e.g. Ben Affleck), demographics, celebrity status (e.g. a name with 1000 or more hits in a Google search), a regular bet amount (e.g. Players may search for any player who bets $100 or more on a single game), past wins and losses, strategies employed, and facial expressions (e.g., computer algorithms may search for the primary player's facial expressions). A secondary player may be able to search for the most expressive face), and/or any other criteria.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may pay a fee to watch a primary player's game. The area paid by the secondary player may allow the casino to profit from the secondary player even if the secondary player does not bet. The secondary player may pay a fee for the games he watches, a fee for the period of time he watches, or a fee based on any other metric. In various embodiments, a primary player may receive a portion of the fees paid by a secondary player.

In various embodiments, the primary player's permission must be obtained before the secondary player can track the primary player's play.

(2) Bets on small aspects of someone else's game. For example, betting on what the next card will be or what the next roll of a die will be. In various embodiments, even those who do not directly participate in a casino game may bet on various events within the game. Events may include rolling a die, drawing a card, spinning a roulette wheel, spinning a slot machine reel, and the like. Events can be determined by the form of a number appearing on the face of a die, the form of a rank or set of cards drawn, the form of a number rolled on a rotating roulette wheel, the form of a symbol appearing on a payline on the reels, etc. It's okay. An event may include a decision or action taken by a player that is directly related to the game. For example, an event could be a player deciding to hit or stand in blackjack, a player deciding to bet or fold in poker, a player deciding which prize door to pick in a bonus round of a slot machine game, etc. May include. Such an event may be a decision in the form of a decision actually made. For example, the decisions may include decisions actually made by the player, such as "hit," "draw," or "fold." An event may include a dealer making decisions in a game. For example, in a game of Pai Gow Poker, events may include placing the dealer's seven cards into a two card hand and a five card hand. The determination of this event may take the form of an actual five card hand and an actual two card hand placed by the dealer.

As used herein, "payout odds" may refer to a message of the amount a player will receive for each amount bet in a winning event. For example, if a player bet and won, odds of 3:2 mean that the player would receive 3 units for a 2 unit bet (in addition to his original bet continuing). do. The payout rate may be easily determined from the payout odds and vice versa through mathematical operations. Therefore, embodiments described herein using payout rates may be easily implemented using payout odds, and vice versa.

In a given event, an appropriate payout rate may be determined. For example, if a secondary player is betting on a 2 to determine the outcome of a roll of a six-sided die, the secondary player will bet on a 2 on his initial bet if a 2 actually appears. You may be in a position to win by 5x (payout ratio of 5). Assuming that the player initially gives up his bet, his net profit is four times his initial stake if a 2 appears. The payout rate may be determined based on the inherent probabilities of various possible determinations of events. In the example above, the inherent probability of rolling a 2 is 1/6. Thus, a payout rate of 5 attempts to provide the player with a payout that is commensurate with the odds of the player's winning decision, while also allowing, on average, a profit for the casino.

Once the event is determined, it may be determined whether the secondary player won. For example, suppose a secondary player bets that the next card dealt in a poker game will be the Ace of Spades. Once the next card is dealt, it may be determined whether the card is actually the Ace of Spades, and therefore whether the secondary player has won. If the secondary player wins, the secondary player may be paid according to the payout odds.

In various embodiments, the events on which the secondary player bets do not constitute a complete game for the primary player of the game. For example, a secondary player may bet on what the next card will be in a game of video poker. However, the outcome of a video poker game is not only based on the next card, but also on at least the other four cards that make up a complete poker hand. Thus, the primary player may bet and be paid out based on his bet and the determination of the first and second events in the game. A secondary player may bet on the same game and be paid out solely based on his bet as well as the determination of a second event in the game.

In various embodiments, the secondary player may be away from the game. For example, a primary player may participate in a slot machine, video poker machine, table game, or other game while being physically present at the game location. However, the secondary player may be separated from the primary player, for example, 50 feet away, in a different room, in a different building, in a different city, and so on.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on events within a game after the game ends. For example, a secondary player may bet on an event in a game that ended in the previous week. The events of the game may be unknown to the secondary player because the secondary player did not observe or participate in the game in which the game was originally played.

(2.1) Betting interface. In various embodiments, a secondary player may use a betting interface to place bets on events within a game. The betting interface may be a graphical user interface and may include interactive features such as buttons, microphones, touch areas, mice, keyboards, and other features for receiving betting instructions from a secondary player. An exemplary betting interface is shown in FIG. The betting interface shown in FIG. 56 includes an area in which the names of available primary players are listed. Secondary players may select and bet on events of games played by these primary players. Next to each primary player is listed an indication of the final event decision. For example, the J of Spades (Jack) is listed next to the primary player, Robert Clemens. This means that in the most recent event (distribution of cards) of Robert Clemens' game, the decision for the event was that the Jack of Spades was dealt. "Bar" is listed next to Sue Becker. This means that in the most recent event of Sue Becker's game (the random determination of the symbols shown in the viewing window of the slot machine game), the determination for that event is that the bar appeared. In T-Bone's case, the most recent card dealt was the 2 of Hearts. The betting interface shown in FIG. 56 includes two game windows in which a secondary player may bet on events within the game. In a game of T-Bone, a secondary player bet $5 that the next card dealt in the game would be a club. In Sue Becker's game, two symbols have already appeared in the viewing window of the slot machine game in which Sue Becker is participating. The state of the game is such that the secondary player may bet on a third symbol that has not yet appeared in the same game of Sue Becker. The secondary player may use the "Bet Menu" area on the screen to select the symbols on which he wishes to bet. Currently, a "cherry" symbol appears in the bet menu area. However, the secondary player may scroll through additional symbols in the menu and select (eg, by touching three times in quick succession) the symbol on which he wishes to bet.

(2.2) Determine the payment table. In various embodiments, payout rates may be determined for events within the game. The payout rate may be based on the probability that a bet on the event will result in a winning bet. Payment rates may be determined based on a number of other factors. The payout rate may be displayed or otherwise presented to the secondary player. In some embodiments, payout rates are displayed in the form of a payout table. The payout table may include a first column showing the various possible decisions of the event, and a second column showing the amount paid for each amount bet on each of the possible decisions.

(2.2.1) Determine appropriate odds. In various embodiments, the payout rate is based on the desired average amount that the casino wins for each bet received by the casino (e.g., based on the desired house advantage) of the game in which the event is occurring. , and/or based on authority regulations related to acceptable house advantage.

(2.2.1.1) Desired House Advantage. In various embodiments, a casino may determine a desired house advantage to bet on events within a game. The casino may determine a desired measure of any number of conversion values, and such conversion value measure may be determined through an algorithmically deterministic mathematical transformation of the house advantage. For example, the casino may determine in terms the desired average amount that a player will win for each unit wagered. Exemplary house advantages may be 15%, 10%, and 5%. The desired house advantage may be determined based on any number of factors, including a perception of how much house advantage will attract players while still providing a sufficient profit to the casino.

(2.2.1.2) Same as game console. In various embodiments, house advantage for events within a game is determined based on house advantage for the game itself. For example, the house advantage for bets on events within a game may be the same as the house advantage for bets on games. In various embodiments, the house advantage for events within a game may be similar, but may not be identical to the house advantage of the game. For example, the house advantage for an event may differ from the house advantage for a game by 2 percentage points. Achieving the same house advantage may be impractical, for example, for requiring whole number payments, or for a limited number of possible decisions in an event (e.g. there are only 6 decisions for a roll of a die). It may not be the case.

(2.2.1.3) Bet amount. In various embodiments, house advantage for an event within a game may be determined based on the amount bet on the event. In some embodiments, the larger the bet, the smaller the house advantage. This provides an incentive for players to bet further.

(2.2.1.4) Minimization of privileges. In various embodiments, laws, regulations, policies, or other conventions, etc. may determine the maximum allowable house advantage for a gaming machine. Accordingly, the house advantage for the event may be determined to be less than or equal to the maximum allowable house advantage.

(2.2.2) Player preferences influence the payout table. In various embodiments, events in the game may have more than two possible decisions. For example, a roll from a die roll may have six possible decisions. On the other hand, drawing a card from a deck of playing cards may have 52 possible decisions. A payout rate may be associated with each possible decision. Thus, a payout table may be created for the event, where the payout table details payout rates for one or more possible decisions. In various embodiments, it may also be possible to create multiple different payment tables for the same event. Furthermore, many different pay tables may result in the same or similar house advantage. For example, a first payout table for a roll of a die may provide a payout rate of 5 for a roll of 6 and a payout rate of 0 for a roll of any other roll. The second payout table for dice rolls has a payout rate of 3 for a roll of 6, a payout rate of 2 for a roll of 5, and 0 for any other roll. may offer a payment rate of At the first payout table, a player may expect to win 5x on his bet with a probability of 1/6, resulting in a payout of 5/6x on his bet. , resulting in a house advantage of (1-5/6)/1=16.67%. At the second pay table, the player may expect to win 3x on his bet with a probability of 1/6, or on his bet with a probability of 1/6. You may also expect to win twice as much, resulting in a payout rate of 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6 times. Thus, the second pay table has the same house advantage of 16.67%.

(2.2.2.1) The player selects a payout table from a range of player tables. In various embodiments, a secondary player may select among various possible payout tables to use for the event. For example, when betting on the draw of a card, a secondary player may choose a pay table that pays 48 times the initial stake only if the Ace of Spades is drawn. Alternatively, the secondary player may choose a pay table that pays 12 times the initial stake if any aces are drawn. In one embodiment, a secondary player can choose between a payout table that offers a relatively high payout with a relatively low probability and a payout table that has a higher probability but a lower payout or multiple payouts. You may choose. In a series of repeated games, the former pay table tends to provide less frequent but larger rewards, while the latter pay table provides more frequent but smaller rewards. There is a tendency. The secondary player may therefore decide his preferred method of receiving rewards. The secondary player may be given a machine from a range or series of possible payout tables, each with approximately the same house advantage, but each with a have different maximum payouts and/or different frequencies. A player may select a payout table by selecting a maximum payout. Typically, but not necessarily always, a payout table with a relatively higher maximum payout rate will tend to pay less frequently than a payout table with a relatively lower maximum payout rate. A player may select a payout table based specifically on the payout frequency associated with the payout table. In some embodiments, a player may adjust a dial, one limit of which is a payout that has one or more relatively high payouts and a relatively low frequency of payouts. The opposite limit of the dial is associated with a pay table having one or more relatively low payouts and relatively high frequency payouts.

(2.2.3)
Determining the odds of a particular symbol on the reels of a slot machine. In some embodiments, a player may bet on the occurrence of a particular symbol or mark during a game. In some embodiments, the probability of occurrence of a symbol may have been determined. In some embodiments, the probability of occurring at a particular position in a first position across a payline of a slot machine may be determined. Determining the probability that a symbol will occur in a particular location may enable determining a payout rate that is commensurate with that probability. For example, if the probability is determined to be low, the payout rate may be set relatively high, and vice versa.

(2.2.3.1) Monte Carlo. In some embodiments, the probability of a particular symbol occurring may be determined through extensive trials, and each trial may include playing a game or a simulated game. The game may be played on an actual gaming machine at a table game or in gaming software executed by a computer. Games may be played or played with or without actual money at stake (in the form of a bet). For example, a game on a slot machine may be played 10,000 times. Players may also track such statistics from the game, such as, for example, how many times a "cherry" symbol occurs in the first position of a payline, and in general, how many times a "bar" symbol occurs. good. The probability of a symbol occurring at a particular location on a payline may be determined as the number of trials in which the symbol occurred at a particular location divided by the number of trials. Similarly, the probability of any event that led to a particular decision can be determined or estimated through the number of trials over which the event occurred and through calculating the proportion of trials in which the particular decision occurred. can be done.

(2.2.3.2) Via the virtual payment table. In some embodiments, the probability of occurrence of a particular symbol at a particular location on a payline may be estimated with reference to an internal algorithm used by the gaming machine to generate the outcome of the game. In some embodiments, the algorithm used may employ one or more "virtual reels." The virtual reels may include a table having one column of outcomes (eg, a set of symbols) and one column of ranges of numbers, with each range of numbers corresponding to an outcome. The random number generator may generate random numbers. The random number may be matched to results from the virtual reels based on the range of numbers that the random number falls into. Each outcome may then be assumed to have a probability of occurrence proportional to the size of the corresponding range of numbers. For example, an outcome with a corresponding range of numbers from 100 to 299 is twice as likely to occur as an outcome with a corresponding range of numbers from 300 to 399. This is because the first range includes 200 numbers that can be generated by the random number generator, and the second range includes only 100 numbers that can be generated by the random number generator. With reference to the virtual reels, the probability of occurrence of each possible outcome may have been determined. The probabilities of all outcomes involving a particular symbol may then be added, resulting in the probability of occurrence of the symbol in the game. The probabilities of all outcomes involving a symbol at a particular location may similarly be summed to determine the probability of occurrence of that symbol at a particular location. For example, to determine the probability that a "Bell" symbol occurs in position 3 in an outcome, the probabilities of occurrence of all outcomes that include a "Bell" symbol in position 3 may be added.

(2.2.4) Odds for a particular card. In various embodiments, the probability that a particular card constitutes a determination of a particular event may be determined as follows. First, the number of unknown or unopened cards may be determined. Unknown cards may include cards that are not always shown face up in the game. If the card is always uncovered, the probability may be determined as equal to the number divided by the number of unknown cards.

(2.3) Distinguish between two dice. In various embodiments, a secondary player may wish to place bets with ambiguous decisions during play of a traditional game. For example, a secondary player may wish to bet that a particular die in a game of craps will show a six. However, traditionally, the way craps is often played makes it difficult or impossible to distinguish between the two dice used in the game. Therefore, once the two dice have fallen and rolled, it has traditionally been ambiguous as to which dice the player has bet on.

(2.3.1) Distinguish between two other similar objects. In various embodiments, two or more similar objects used during play of a game may appear differently. In a game of craps, the two dice may be of different colors. For example, one die may be green and the other red. In this way, the secondary player can bet on either the red or green dice without worrying about ambiguous results. In a game using three dice, for example, there may be dice of three different colors, such as large and small. In a game of roulette that involves using two balls at a time, the two balls may include different patterns of markings. A player may bet thereby (eg, a striped ball or a polka dot ball). In some embodiments, two or more similar objects may be detectably distinguished even if the distinction is not visually possible. For example, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag may be placed in or on the object. Two dice with different RFID tags in the target are distinguishable by the RFID tag reader with different signals from the tags.

(2.3.2) Bet that the lowest die roll will be higher than two. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the determination of one of several events, where one event is only distinguishable after all events have been determined. Become. For example, a secondary player bets that the higher value of two rolled dice will show a 6 in a game of craps. In this example, two events may occur, each of which results in a die being rolled. However, the actual dice on which the player is betting is revealed only after both events have been determined. That is, only after both dice have spun and come to rest can it be determined which die has the higher roll. In some embodiments, the secondary player may choose the lower of the two dice, the middle die (e.g., in a game with three dice), the roulette ball that shows the highest number, etc. You may bet on In various embodiments, a secondary player's bet may include at least two parts. The first part may be a method of distinguishing between two or more events to determine which of the two or more events a secondary player is betting on. The second portion may indicate what constitutes a winning or losing decision for the secondary player. For example, suppose a secondary player bets that the higher of two dice will show a five. The first part of the bet is in a manner that distinguishes between the roll of one die and the roll of the other die to indicate which of the currently distinguished events the secondary player is betting on. be. The second part of the bet indicates that the winning decision is the die that the player bet on to show a five.

(2.3.3) Identify the position of the card. For example, let's say the third card drawn is the Ace of Spades. In some embodiments, a location, position, sequence number, or other clarifying thing may be identified to reveal the particular event that the secondary player is betting on. For example, instead of betting that the "a" card is the Ace of Spades, a secondary player may bet that the "third card drawn" is the Ace of Spades. . In a game of video poker, a secondary player may bet that a particular position in a video poker hand (eg, the fourth card in the final hand) will be of a predetermined rank and type. In a game of blackjack, a secondary player bets on, for example, the first card dealt to the player, the second card dealt to the player, the third card dealt to the player, etc. You may. A secondary player may, for example, bet on a first card dealt to a dealer, a second card dealt to a dealer, and so on. A player may specify an event by orientation. For example, in a game of blackjack, a secondary player may bet on the dealer's card face down or the dealer's card face up.

(2.4) Receive player prediction assistance. In various embodiments, a secondary player may be provided with data, tips, or assistance in betting on events in a game. The data may include past data related to the game at hand. For example, if a player bets on a decision made by a primary player, data about the primary player's decisions in a previous game may assist the secondary player in his bet. .

(2.4.1) Sequence of things that happened in the past. In various embodiments, the secondary player is shown data from games played or events within games that include the event on which the secondary player is betting, or otherwise may be provided in a method. That data may assist the secondary player in selecting event decisions that constitute a winning decision. A secondary player who bets on a particular event in a particular game played by a particular primary player may be shown data about other events occurring. Other events may occur (a) in a game played by the same particular primary player, (b) in a game under similar circumstances that exist in a particular game (e.g., have in that particular game). (e.g., the first two cards that occurred in the preceding game of Blackjack, and that particular event deals the third card in that particular game); (c) that particular game is played; (d) in the recent past (e.g., an event that occurred five minutes before the time the secondary player placed a bet on a particular event); ), (e) immediately before a particular event originally occurred (e.g., an event that occurred within a game that was being played 5 minutes before a particular game), (f) the same game in which that particular game was played. In games played on a machine (where those games constitute a sequence of games immediately preceding that particular game) (e.g., such games constitute a sequence of five games played before that particular game) and (g) games played by the same particular primary player, where such game is a game played immediately before the particular game. may include events that occurred (constituting a sequence of events).

(2.4.2) What is the complete strategy here? In various embodiments, a secondary player may be provided with instructions for decisions made in accordance with some strategy. For example, if a secondary player is betting on a decision made by a primary player in a game of blackjack, the secondary player is betting on a decision made by a primary player in a game of blackjack. The decisions made using the strategies used to maximize expected wins may be shown without special knowledge. For example, a secondary player may be informed that the correct decision according to the basic strategy is one for the primary player to hit. As another example, if a secondary player is betting on cards that are removed by a primary player in a game of video poker, the secondary player may decide which combinations to remove and The primary player may be informed of how to maximize his or her expected wins. In various embodiments, a secondary player may be informed of decisions made in accordance with a strategy that is not a complete or optimal strategy. For example, a secondary player may be informed that decisions in a game are made according to a strategy aimed at the highest payout.

(2.4.3) What would this player have done in a similar situation? In various embodiments, the secondary player may be provided with an indication of the primary player's decisions made in situations similar to those of the game in which the secondary player is participating. A game with a primary player in a similar situation is one in which the primary player (a) has the same cards, (b) has the same total score (e.g., in a game of blackjack), (c) (d) have the same sequence of initial events (e.g. in a game of craps), (e.g. in a game of poker), (d) have the same sequence of initial events (e.g. in a game of craps). , has the same three initial rolls (rolls) as he does, (e) the same seating position (e.g., the primary player was just to the left of the dealer), (f) the same opponent or the same plurality. (g) at the same gaming machine; (h) facing the same bet or bet from an opponent (for example, in a game of poker, the primary player Games in which the primary player was in a similar situation may include games in which the dealer has similar hands (for example, in a game of blackjack, the player may face the same bet). , the dealer has cards showing the same thing), or a game in which the primary player's opponents have cards similar to those the primary player's opponents have in the game under consideration. In some embodiments, the secondary player may be asked what the primary player did in the game using similar external circumstances, e.g., played at the same time of the day. Indications may be provided, such as games, games played at the same table, games played at the same casino, games played immediately after the primary player made a large loss, etc.

(2.4.4) What cards have already been dealt? In various embodiments, the secondary player may be provided with an indication of what cards have already been dealt in the game. For example, in a game of blackjack, a secondary player may be informed of what cards were dealt from a deck of playing cards in previous games in which that deck was used. For example, if a secondary player thinks that a primary player is counting cards, the secondary player will predict his reaction based on the primary player's counting of cards. For this purpose, information about previously dealt cards may be used. In a game of poker, a secondary player may have the opportunity to view the cards that are being dealt, for example, as part of an initial hand. Looking at the cards of the initial hand may help the secondary player better predict the decisions of the primary player.

(2.4.5) The secondary player is provided with probabilities. In various embodiments, a secondary player may be provided with probabilities for a particular decision on an event. For example, if a secondary player is betting on the roll of a die, the secondary player is informed that the probability that the roll of the die is 6 is 1/6. It's okay.

(2.4.6) Regulatory requirements for hints. In various embodiments, regulations may dictate whether tips need to be provided. In some embodiments, regulations may dictate that a probability of one decision should be provided. In some embodiments, regulations may require that the probability that an event results in a particular decision be given if the secondary player has no way of knowing such probability. For example, while a secondary player can know the probability that a die rolling a 6 will fall in a predetermined manner, how can a secondary player know that the reels of a slot machine will display a predetermined symbol? do not have. This is because the reels may be controlled by a secret algorithm. In some embodiments, the regulations may dictate that the hints not mislead the secondary player. For example, in a game of video poker, hints inform a secondary player of the decisions made by a primary player to use a particular strategy. However, the strategy may not be one commonly used by any player, and therefore the hint may not provide proper direction to the secondary player. In some embodiments, regulations may dictate the form in which hints must be provided. Regulations may require that hints be given in multiple languages. Regulations may require the player to have a choice of which language to use to view the tips.

(2.4.7) Form of hints (e.g., the secondary player is not only able to make a given bet). In some embodiments, the hint may be in the form of preventing a secondary player from making a predetermined bet. Such bets may be against the secondary player or the casino. For example, the graphical user interface may display selections for decisions that a secondary player can bet on. In the game of blackjack, such selections include a "hit" option to bet that the primary player will hit, a "stand" option to bet that the primary player will stand, and may include a "double down" option for the primary player to bet to double the bet. If the primary player is dealt an initial hand with a total point total of 10, then the option to "stand" may be grayed out, so that the secondary player can You cannot bet on someone standing. This is because there is no point in the primary player standing when there is no risk of him hitting, increasing his point total, and busting.

(2.5) Setting event odds. In some embodiments, a casino may set payout odds for an event by referencing historical data. Historical data may be used to arrive at a determined probability of an event. For example, historical data may be used to determine the probability that a primary player will make a particular decision in a game. This probability, in turn, may be used to provide payout odds to a secondary player who wishes to bet that the primary player will make a particular decision.

(2.5.1) Data that does not include the current game. In some embodiments, a casino may use data from a primary player's past games to determine the probability that the primary player will make a particular decision. For example, a casino may look at a series of past games in which various primary players had hands of 16 points versus dealer hands showing 10 points. The casino calculates the number of primary players who made a hit and the number of primary players who stood in order to arrive at an estimated probability for what the primary player did in the particular game under consideration. may be determined. For example, a casino may look at 100 past games and find the 45 times the primary player hit and the 55 times the primary player stood. Thus, the casino may determine that under similar circumstances there is a 45% chance that the primary player will hit and a 55% chance that the primary player will stand. Once a casino has estimates of the probabilities of various outcomes, the casino may set payout odds to generate a positive house advantage. For example, in the example above, the casino would pay out odds of 1:1 if the secondary player bet on "Hit" and 3:4 if the secondary player bet on Stand. You may also set the odds. In various embodiments, the historical data may include data about the primary player's past games that are included in the particular game in question. For example, to determine the probability that a particular primary player will make a decision, a casino may look at historical data for that primary player.

(2.5.2) Data containing the current game. In some embodiments, payout odds may be set for a game based on a series of games that includes that game. For example, a casino may use a series of games in a game of blackjack that includes X games (eg, 1000) in which a player has a pair of 9s and the dealer shows an 8. The casino may determine the number of times a player with nines and nines has split and the number of times a player has stood. Therefore, even if the casino knows with certainty the probability that the 9 and 9 will be split, and the probability that the primary player will stand on a randomly selected game out of good. Accordingly, the casino can then set payout odds for bets to stand and bets to split. The casino may set such payout odds to generate a positive house advantage. The casino may also allow a secondary player to bet on a primary player's decisions in a game from a series of 1000 games, such as from a randomly selected game from a series of 1000 games. good.

(2.6) Bet on random actions in the game. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the determination of any desired event. For example, in a craps table game, a secondary player may bet that one die will bounce off the table. In a game of poker, a secondary player is responsible for one of the primary players throwing his cards, for the primary player to be kicked out of the game, for the primary player to bet incorrectly. , or any other decision that an event will occur, etc. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on any decision outside of the normal play of the game. For example, a secondary player may bet that a player will spill a drink on the gaming table.

(2.7) Betting on a specific sub-outcome. There are many events on which a secondary player may bet. For each event, there may be one or more decisions on which a secondary player may bet.

(2.7.1) Blackjack. In a game of blackjack, a secondary player (a) plays a particular card, such as a first, second, third player's card, or a first, second, third dealer's card; (b) decisions made by the primary player (e.g., hit, stand); (c) decisions made by the dealer; (d) whether the primary player busts; (e) (f) whether the primary player receives two identical cards; (g) whether the primary player receives two or more cards of the same type; h) whether the two primary players in the game receive the same cards; (i) the starting total points for the primary player; (j) the starting total points for the dealer; (k) A bet may be placed on whether the primary player's ending point total is within a certain range, and so on.

(2.7.2) Roulette. In the game of roulette, the secondary player selects (a) red, (b) black, (c) a particular number, (d) a range of numbers, (e) a number in a particular sector of a rotating wheel. Bets may be placed on occurrences, (f) the amount the primary player bets, (g) the number the primary player bets, (h) the green, and so on.

(2.7.3) Slot machine. In a slot machine, a secondary player is responsible for (a) the occurrence of a symbol on a reel, (b) the occurrence of a set of symbols on a set of reels (e.g., a secondary player assumes that a first reel is (c) whether the bonus round is achieved; (d) the level of the bonus round achieved; (d) the primary player decisions made in the bonus round; (e) bonus round decisions (e.g., how much money does the primary player win from the bonus round); (f) the amount the primary player bets; g) the number of paylines that the primary player will bet on; (h) the number of paylines that will win; and so on.

(2.7.4) Card games. In a card game, such as a game of poker, a secondary player is responsible for (a) the occurrence of a particular card in a hand of cards, (b) the occurrence of a particular combination of cards (e.g., a pair of cards) in a hand of cards. (c) the order in which the cards are dealt (e.g., a secondary player may bet that each card dealt has a higher rank than the last card dealt); (d) Bets may be placed on where cards are dealt (eg, an ace is dealt as the first card in the player's hand), etc.

(2.7.4.1) Poker. In a game of poker, a secondary player may bet on what bets will be made by a primary player in the game. The secondary player determines whether the bet is a check, call, bet, raise, or fold, how much the primary player bets, and how many players call on a bet or raise. You can bet on whether there will be a player, how many times the pot will be raised, how many rounds there will be to bet, how many players will go all-in, etc. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the total size of the pot. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on whether there is a tie. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the size of a side pot.

(2.7.5) A game of dice. In a game of dice, a secondary player may bet on a single roll of the dice. For example, a secondary player may bet that the sum of two dice rolled will be twelve. In a game of large or small, a player may bet that one of the three dice rolled will show a four.

(2.8) Bet on the length of the game. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the length of the game.

(2.8.1) Time. A secondary player may bet on the amount of time the game will last. The game begins when the primary player makes a bet, when a first random event occurs in the game, when a first card is dealt, when a first roll of the dice is made, and when a first random event occurs in the game. Time may be counted starting when the next player determination is made, and so on. The game ends when a payment is made, when a player's bet is collected, when the last random outcome occurs, and when objects used in the game are collected (e.g. when cards are collected). , time counting may be terminated when a payout is announced or when the next game begins.

(2.8.2) Multiple cards required. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on multiple cards that are dealt within a game. A secondary player may be dealt a number of cards that result in a particular hand (e.g., a player's hand in blackjack, a dealer's hand in blackjack), or a number of cards that result in a particular combination of hands. (eg, the hands of three players in a game of blackjack, which are the hands of both the player and the dealer). The secondary player may bet on the number of cards that will be dealt as regular cards. For example, with respect to Texas Hold'em, a secondary player may bet that all five common cards will be dealt. That is, the secondary player may bet that at least two people will remain in the game until the fifth common card is dealt.

(2.8.3) The number of dice rolls is required. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the number of dice rolls that will occur within the game. For example, a secondary player may bet that a die will roll a 7 in a game of craps. That is, the secondary player sets points and then receives 6 additional rolls, either because the primary player rotates the number of points again or to achieve 7. You may bet on winning.

(2.8.4) The number of levels in the bonus round is achieved. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the number of levels that a primary player achieves in a bonus round, eg, a bonus round of a slot machine game. A bonus round may have multiple distinct levels. If a primary player plays well at an early level, for example, by accurately choosing the location of hidden treasure, that primary player may advance to a later level. However, if a primary player plays poorly at an earlier level, that primary player may not reach later levels. In this way, the number of levels achieved in the bonus round may be effectively random. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the number of spaces a character advances on the game board in a bonus round. For example, regarding a bonus round in a game of Monopoly, a secondary player may bet on the number of spaces that a game character will traverse on the game board. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the space or spaces that a game character will land in the game. For example, a secondary player may bet that a game character will land on the boardwalk in a game of Monopoly.

(2.9) Betting on different games within a game. For example, bet on poker in blackjack. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the occurrence of an outcome from a first game, but in the context of a second game. For example, a secondary player may bet that a primary player involved in a game of blackjack will receive a plurality of cards that will produce a three-card poker hand. In a game of large or small, a secondary player may bet that two of three dice will form a winning roll in a game of craps.

(2.10) Bet on the order in which people remain in the game. In some multi-player games, players may be removed or dropped from the game. For example, in a game of poker, players may exit the game when they fold. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that a primary player will be eliminated.

(2.1.0.1) Who goes out first? In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that a primary player is the first primary player to be eliminated. The secondary player is the second canceled primary player, who is the third canceled primary player, or the second canceled primary player at any other spot. You may bet on the primary player.

(2.10.2) Who are the last two people left? In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on which primary player will be the last one standing. A secondary player may bet on being the second to last primary player remaining, being the third to last remaining primary player, and so on. A secondary player may bet on who will be the last two primary players remaining. In various embodiments, the secondary player may be removed from any combination of primary players and any combination of locations (e.g., last, penultimate) from which the primary player is removed. You may bet on If the primary player's designated combination is eliminated in the designated location combination, the secondary player may bet and win. A secondary player may bet that a particular three primary players will be the last three players left, regardless of the order in which they are eliminated after the last three players are eliminated. In some embodiments, a secondary player may determine that a particular group of primary players is not only the last three players remaining, but also the order in which the last three players are eliminated (e.g., You may also bet that Players A, B, and C are the last three players, Player A is the last player, Player B is the second to last remaining player, etc.).

(2.10.3) Who are the three after the flop? In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the number of primary players remaining in the game at a predetermined point in the game. For example, a secondary player bets on how many primary players remain by the flop in a game of Texas Hold'em poker or by the 5th street in a game of Seven Card Stud poker. You can. A secondary player may bet on how many primary players will remain after the Xth card is dealt in the game, regardless of to whom the cards were dealt. A secondary player may bet whether a particular primary player will remain in the game at a predetermined point in the game. For example, a secondary player may bet that primary player Joe Smith will remain in the game after the flop.

(2.10.4) Which three people will not bust? In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a combination of players to bust in a game of blackjack. For example, a secondary player may bet that all players in a particular group of three players in a game of blackjack will bust. A secondary player may bet that one player will not bust. A secondary player may bet that no one among a group of primary players will bust during the game.

(2.11) Bet on what the primary player himself will do. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on decisions made by a primary player in a game.

(2.11.1) The primary player hits here. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a decision that a primary player makes in a game of blackjack. The secondary player may perform one or more of the following when the primary player: (a) hit, (b) stand, (c) surrender, (d) split, (e) double down, or (f) insurance. You may bet that this will happen.

(2.11.2) The primary player draws and becomes flush. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a strategy that a primary player uses in a game of video poker. The strategy may be specified using a specification of which cards the primary player discards. For example, the secondary player may specify that the primary player discards the first, third, and fourth cards from the starting hand. In some embodiments, the secondary player may identify one or more cards that will be discarded while not eliminating the probability that additional cards will not be discarded. For example, a secondary player may specify that a primary player discards the second card of his hand. The secondary player may then bet on whether the primary player will discard the second card, regardless of other cards the primary player may discard. The secondary player may identify the primary player's strategy with respect to the objectives attributed to that strategy. For example, a secondary player may specify whether a primary player "draws for a flush" or "draws for a straight."

(2.11.3) How much does the primary player bet? In some embodiments, the secondary player may bet the amount that the primary player bets. For example, a secondary player may bet $5 on a slot machine game. For example, a secondary player may bet that a primary player will raise $25 in a game of poker.

(2.11.4) What bet does the primary player make? In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a particular bet that a primary player makes in a game. For example, in a game of craps, there are many possibilities that a primary player can make, such as a pass line bet, a don't pass bet, an "any seven" bet, an "any eleven" bet, and a "horn bet." There are bets. The secondary player may bet on one of these or other possible bets made by the primary player.

(2.11.5) Which payline does the primary player activate? In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on whether a primary player will bet on a particular payline at a gaming machine. For example, a gaming machine may have three paylines. The secondary player may bet that the primary player will bet on the third payline.

(2.11.6) Primary Player's Heart Rate, Breathing, and Other Biological Signs. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a primary player's biometric signature. The secondary player may bet on heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, skin conductance, body temperature, pupil dilation, muscle tone, or any other indicator regarding the primary player. For example, a secondary player may bet that a primary player's peak heart rate is 120 during a game of poker. For example, a secondary player may bet that a primary player will take five breaths in the next minute. The secondary player may indirectly bet on the stress level of the game and/or the primary player's reaction to stressful stimuli by betting on the primary player's biological signature. Good too.

(2.11.7) When does the primary player stop playing? Now? After 5 games? In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the length of a primary player's gaming session. The length may be measured in terms of time, number of games played, number of bets made, number of cards dealt during the session, number of times dice are rolled, or any other metric. For example, a secondary player may bet that the primary player will play five more games before stopping. For example, a secondary player may bet that the primary player will play for an additional 40 minutes before stopping. A session consists of: (a) the primary player has stopped playing for X amount of time; (b) the primary player has left the gaming location; (c) the primary player has made a refund. , (d) the primary player has exchanged chips for money, (e) the primary player is out of money, etc.

(2.11.8) What drink does the primary player order? In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a service that a primary player will receive. The secondary player is responsible for the drinks that the primary player orders, the food that the primary player orders, the price of the food or drink that the primary player pays, and the payment that the primary player pays to the casino staff. You can also bet on the amount of chips, etc.

(2.11.9) How many games does the primary player play in an hour? In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the speed at which a primary player will play. The secondary player is responsible for (a) the number of games played by the primary player in an hour or any period of time; (b) the time between two games; Bets may be placed on the time between the start of the game, (d) the time between the bet on the game and the time of the offer of a payout, and the like.

(2.11.10) Any combination of actions performed by the primary player. For example, five primary players split. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on any combination of decisions made by a primary player in a game. For example, a secondary player may bet that at least three primary players will split in a game of blackjack, and a secondary player may bet that at least three primary players A specific group of players may bet that a particular group of players will split in a game of blackjack, and a secondary player may bet that exactly three primary players will hit and You may bet that one player will split.
For a game of poker, a secondary player may bet that exactly two primary players will call a particular bet. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that a given decision will or will not be made, regardless of who makes the decision. For example, with respect to a game of poker, a secondary player may place a bet and three primary players without specifying which primary player is the one who bets and calls. You may also bet on the next player to call. A secondary player may bet and win whether any primary player will bet and whether any three players will call.

(2.12) Bet on the third payline only. Unlike the primary player, the secondary player does not need to bet on paylines 1 and 2 before betting on payline 3. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on isolated events where the primary player is not allowed to bet in isolation. For example, a secondary player may only bet on the third payline of a slot machine. However, the primary player may be required to bet on the first and second paylines at the slot machine before he can bet on the third payline. In a game of craps, a secondary player may be allowed to place an odds bet without making a pass line bet. Often, the primary player must first place a pass line bet before placing an odds bet.

(2.13) Bet on what advertisements will appear on the gaming machine. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on advertisements displayed on a gaming machine. In various embodiments, a gaming machine may display advertisements. In various embodiments, a gaming device may display advertisements occasionally or periodically. Advertisements may be displayed randomly or according to a schedule unknown to the secondary player. Accordingly, a secondary player may bet on what advertisements will be shown on the gaming machine. For example, a secondary player may bet that a vitamin water advertisement will be displayed on a gaming machine. Advertisements may take the form of text, still images, video, or any other output adapted to directly or indirectly promote a product or service. A secondary player may specify a bet on an advertisement by specifying the product being advertised. For example, a secondary player may specify that Triscuit crackers are being advertised. The secondary player may specify bets related to general product categories, such as crackers or snack foods. A secondary player may specify a bet on an advertisement by specifying the brand of the product or the name of the manufacturer of the product. In some embodiments, a secondary player may specify a bet on an advertisement via multiple selection selections, where the secondary player has multiple possible different bets to bet on. It may be specified from within the product. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the time until the next advertisement. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on when the next advertisement for a particular product will be.

(2.14) Combining auxiliary results from several games to form a larger result. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the outcome of a game that is generated using events from one or more games collectively. For example, an integrated game may include a first set of cards dealt in a first game to a primary player, and a second set of cards dealt in a second game to a primary player. may be generated for a secondary player using As another example, an integrated game is generated using a first roll of two dice from a first craps game and a second roll of two dice from a second craps game. It's okay. In another example, an integrated slot machine game may include symbols appearing on reel 1 in a first game, symbols appearing on reel 2 in a second game, and symbols appearing on reel 3 in a third game. It may be generated using the symbols that appear. For example, if all three symbols are "Cherry", then the secondary player will be paid out as all three cherries occur on the same spin on adjacent reels. Good too.

(2.15) Bet on machine breakdown or coin replenishment. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the occurrence of a machine failure. For example, a secondary player may bet that a machine will break down within the next hour. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that a gaming machine requires replenishment of coins. For example, a secondary player may bet that a gaming machine will need to be refilled with coins within the next ten minutes.

Embodiments described herein with respect to a complete game or outcome may apply to events within a game as well. For example, just as a secondary player searches for games with particular characteristics, a secondary player may search for events within a game that have particular characteristics, or A secondary player may search for games with particular characteristics so as to bet on events within such games. A secondary player may search for a particular primary player and bet on events within the game of such primary player.

In some embodiments, a secondary player may attempt to view past or current games. A secondary player may desire to participate in the game. A secondary player may, in some embodiments, perform a search for games that meet the first set of criteria. For example, a secondary player may search for games played by a particular primary player. The search may result in multiple games. The games may then be sorted using a second set of criteria. A plurality of games may be categorized by (a) the time the game was played (e.g., the games may be sorted from most recently played to oldest game), (b) wins within the game. (c) the amount bet on the game; (d) the rank of hands dealt in the game (e.g., games may be sorted from highest to lowest payout); (e) the outcome of the game (e.g., the first (f) the initial number of rolls on the dice in each of the plurality of games; (g) the location where the game was played (e.g. (h) the name of the gaming machine on which the game was played (e.g., the games may be sorted alphabetically by the gaming machine on which the game was played); (h) the name of the gaming machine on which the game was played; ), (i) the name of the primary player who first played the game, (j) the number of secondary players who participated in each of the plurality of games, etc. Good too.

Any physical game described herein may be implemented electronically in various embodiments. For example, embodiments that relate to the game of blackjack at a physical card table may equally relate to a game of blackjack that is played over an electrical network. For example, a primary player may play blackjack using a video blackjack device. As another example, a primary player may play blackjack via an event. The secondary player may bet on the outcome of the primary player's game and/or on events within the primary player's game.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in the primary player's game, but may play the game in a different direction than the direction in which the primary player plays the game. For example, a primary player may be involved in a game that requires decisions on the part of the primary player. The primary player may make the first decision in the game. A secondary player, on the other hand, may participate in the game, but may prefer a different decision than the decision made by the primary player. Thus, a secondary player may have an opportunity to complete a game in a different manner than a primary player does. For example, the outcome based on a secondary player being paid may be different than the outcome based on a primary player being paid. Note that a secondary player may participate in a game after the primary player has participated in that game. In this manner, a secondary player may participate in past games. However, the secondary player may choose to take a different direction in the game than what occurred in the original game.

The following are examples of some embodiments. The primary player begins playing a game of blackjack. The primary player is dealt a 9 and a 3 as his first hand. The dealer shows the two heads up. The primary player decides to hit. The primary player is dealt a 10, resulting in a bust. Because his total points are now 22. The secondary player made a stunt rather than a hit prior to seeing the 10 that was distributed to the primary player. At this point, the casino's server determines that what happened is that the primary player took a stand. The casino's server may then play the dealer's hand, or at least a simulated version of the dealer's hand. The casino server may reveal that the dealer's face down card is a 10 and provides the dealer with the starting point total of 12. The casino server may then make a hit determination as an act of the dealer. The casino's server may then deal 10 to that dealer (the same 10 that went to the primary player earlier). The dealer then busts and the secondary player wins. Thus, the primary player and secondary player started with the same game. However, the primary and secondary players advance the game in different directions by making different decisions at crossroads in the game. As a result, the primary player loses and the secondary player wins.

(3) In various embodiments, a secondary player may replay and/or replay some aspects of a primary player's game.

(3.1) The secondary player knows different information than the primary player knows and may restart the game. When faced with a decision in a game, a primary player may have a certain amount of information available to him. For example, in a game of blackjack, a primary player facing a decision to "hit," "stand," "double down," "split," or "surrender" has two cards of his own and the dealer's You may know one card. However, the primary player does not know other potentially valuable information, such as the dealer's face-down card or the next card to be dealt at the top of a deck of playing cards. There are cases. In various embodiments, a secondary player who participates in a game of a primary player may play the game at the time the primary player is or was playing the game. may have access to additional information that the person does not know or did not know about.

(3.1.1) Know which cards have yet to arrive. In various embodiments, a secondary player who participates in a game of a primary player may be provided with information about cards that were unknown to the primary player at the same crossroads in the game. . For example, a secondary player participating in a game of video poker may be presented with information about the next card to be dealt in a deck of playing cards. In various embodiments, the secondary player may play a game (a) in a dealer's hand, (b) in an opponent's hand (e.g., in an opponent's hand in a game of Texas Hold'em), (c) in another player's hand. in a primary player's hand (e.g., in an embodiment where the primary player's hands are not dealt completely face up, in the hand of another primary player in a game of blackjack) ), (d) a busted hand, (e) an undealt hand (e.g., the card at the bottom of a deck of playing cards may not have a chance of being dealt in the game), (f) Information may be presented about cards, such as hands that are less likely to be dealt (eg, a card in the middle of a deck of playing cards may be more likely not to be dealt in the game). The information about the card may include information about the type of the card and information about the rank of the card. For example, the secondary player may be informed that the card is a heart, or that the card is not a spade, and so on. For example, a secondary player may be notified that a card is a ten point value card (eg, in a game of blackjack). For example, the secondary player may be informed that the rank of the card is between 2 and 6, or that the card is not 7. In various embodiments, the secondary player may be informed of the exact rank and type of the card, such as a queen of diamonds.

(3.1.2) Learning that the primary player has made a losing decision. In various embodiments, a secondary player may be provided with information about the outcome of a primary player's decisions in a game. For example, a secondary player may be notified that the primary player's decision results in the primary player losing the game. For example, if a primary player in a game of blackjack decides to hit and bust, the secondary player must recognize that the primary player's decision led to the primary player's bust. You may be notified of this. The secondary player may be notified that the primary player's decisions did not reach the best possible outcome of the game. Even if the primary player's decisions led to a winning outcome, the secondary player may be notified that the primary player's decisions did not lead to the best possible outcome. For example, in a game of video poker, if a primary player draws three cards and forms a three-of-a-kind player, the primary player has the possibility of drawing three cards in different ways and forming a straight flush. It may have. Thus, the primary player may have obtained the best result he could, but may not have obtained. Of course, the primary player may have made the correct decision from his perspective. Because he doesn't know that he can successfully draw a straight flush. In various embodiments, a secondary player may be informed of the relative merits of a primary player's decision or strategy in relation to other possible decisions or strategies. For example, with respect to a game of video poker, a secondary player is informed that the primary player has made the second best possible decision to be achieved regarding the primary player's outcome. Good too. In various embodiments, the secondary player is responsible for the decisions or strategies of the primary player, assuming that the primary player has complete information about what resulted in the various decisions or strategies. The benefits of the strategy may be communicated. In some embodiments, the primary player does not have, or did not have, complete information about the outcome of his decision, and therefore has no knowledge of the merits of the primary player's decision. The announcement does not necessarily have to indicate that the primary player made a bad or incorrect decision. In some embodiments, a secondary player may be provided with an indication of the merits of a strategy or decision, such as whether the primary player selected such decision or strategy. For example, in some embodiments, a secondary player may be informed that a particular strategy is a good strategy, but that it is not the best possible strategy. For example, a secondary player may be notified that a particular strategy is a losing strategy. In various embodiments, the casino may have information about cards that are unknown to the secondary player in the game. In this way, the casino may be able to notify the secondary player based on such knowledge, thereby making the casino aware that the information is valid against the secondary player without explicitly sharing the knowledge. may be able to provide recommendations for strategies.

(3.2) The secondary player may replay the game using the same order of cards in the deck or using a different order. In various embodiments, the outcomes of all possible primary player decisions are determined in advance, such as at the beginning of the game or prior to the primary player's decision. For example, in a game of video poker, the shuffling and ordering of the cards in a deck of playing cards before the game helps determine the outcome of any decision the primary player may make in the game. For example, so that any new card a primary player may decide to draw can be definitively determined by dealing cards from the top of a deck of playing cards, Shuffle leads to a specific order of playing cards in that deck. In various embodiments, the outcomes of all combinations of the primary player's decisions in the game may be predetermined. For example, in a game of blackjack, shuffling a deck of playing cards before the game may place the dealt cards in a deterministic order to the primary player. Thus, for a given set of decisions of the primary player (and for a given rule that determines what decisions need to be made by the dealer), The outcome of the game for each set may be deterministically determined from the order of the cards in the deck of playing cards. In various embodiments, the symbols that appear on each reel of a slot machine are determined in advance and prior to the display of a single symbol. For example, the symbols appearing on the third reel of a slot machine may be determined before the symbols appearing on the first reel of the slot machine. In various embodiments, a predetermined determination of all possible outcomes of a primary player's decision may or may not apply to other possible decisions by a secondary player. In various embodiments, a predetermined determination of one or more symbols in a game may be applied to a secondary player prior to display of the symbol to the primary player or the secondary player. You don't have to.

(3.2.1) Same order. In various embodiments, a previously made determination of all possible outcomes of a primary player's decision may be applied in the same manner as possible outcomes of a secondary player's decision. That is, assume that a primary player is participating or has been playing a game, and that a secondary player is participating in a game. At a given juncture in the game, a particular decision (e.g., a "hit") by the secondary player is treated as the same particular decision made by the primary player for the secondary player. have the same consequences for both. For example, a decision by a secondary player to "hit" results in the secondary player being dealt a four of diamonds. Similarly, a decision by the primary player to hit results in the primary player being dealt a four of diamonds. For a primary player and a secondary player, experiencing the same outcome under the same decision means that the primary and secondary players experience the same outcome, or the same symbol or It can also mean receiving a mark. The actual payouts received by the primary and secondary players may be different in some embodiments due to different bets by the primary and secondary players.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may decide to continue a game that has already started. A secondary player may decide to participate in a game, for example, after events within the game have been determined. For example, a secondary player may enter a game after a first symbol on a reel of a slot machine is revealed but before symbols on a second or third reel are revealed. You may decide to participate. Once a secondary player decides to participate in a game, the game is played exactly as it was for the primary player who originally played the game (or may be processed (in exactly the same way as for the primary player involved). That is, once a secondary player participates in a game, the secondary player may receive the same outcome of the game that the primary player plays or has. This may occur, for example, due to the outcome of the game being predetermined before the display of the first symbol.

(3.2.2) Different order. In some embodiments, a secondary player may participate in a primary player's game and make all of the same decisions as the primary player, achieving different outcomes. The outcome of the secondary player's decision may not be the same as the outcome of the primary player's decision. In some embodiments, the outcome of the secondary player's decision is determined after the beginning of the game. For example, the outcome of a secondary player's decision may be determined at a crossroads in the game when the secondary player makes the decision, immediately before the secondary player makes the decision, or after the secondary player makes the decision. Ru. The outcome of the possible decisions made by the secondary player is determined by shuffling the remaining cards in the deck, which cards are dealt in the game in which the secondary player participates. may be done. For example, assume a primary player is involved in a game of blackjack and receives the first two card hand. The primary player may decide to hit, thereby receiving the King of Clubs being dealt from the top of the deck. Secondary players may participate in the same game. A secondary player may decide to hit after the first two cards are dealt. However, prior to the secondary player receiving a new card into his hand, the remainder of the cards in the deck may be shuffled again. In this way, the secondary player may receive a different card than the primary player received. Thus, the result of a secondary player's decision to hit is that the secondary player is unable to confirm his decision (which decision was made after the deck of playing cards had been reshuffled). will be determined only after.

In embodiments where the secondary player does not make the same decisions as the primary player, the outcome of the secondary player's decisions need not necessarily be determined at the beginning of the game. For example, in a game of video poker, a primary player may decide to discard the fourth and fifth cards from his starting hand. A secondary player who participates in the same game as the primary player and therefore has the same starting hand may decide to discard the first and second cards from his starting hand. good. The primary player may be dealt a Ten of Diamonds and a Queen of Clubs. The secondary player may be dealt a jack of hearts and a nine of hearts. A secondary player may receive different cards than those received by a primary player. This is because the cards dealt to secondary players after the first hand are processed in a separate randomization process from those used to determine the cards dealt to the primary players after the first hand. This is because it may be determined using . For example, after the first card in a game of video poker, the remaining cards in the deck are reshuffled from the order they had in the deck used in the primary player's game. Good too. In some embodiments, the remaining cards in the deck may be reshuffled in both the primary player's game and the secondary player's game. The two shuffles may be different from each other, so that the order of the remaining cards in the deck for the primary player is the same as the order of the remaining cards in the deck for the secondary player. It is different from.

In various embodiments, a copy of a game, deck of cards, or other game element may be used in completing a secondary player's game. For example, when a primary player begins a game, the deck of playing cards used in the primary player's game may be copied. The deck of playing cards may be copied and the order of the cards within the deck may be copied in the same way. The first and second players may then play the remainder of the game from two separate copies of the deck of cards without interfering with each other. In one embodiment, both the primary player and the secondary player use the same deck of cards, eg, to make an initial hand. The remaining portions of the deck (eg, the portions of the deck that have not yet been distributed) are then copied. This portion of the deck of cards may or may not be reshuffled. The secondary player may play the remainder of the game using the copied portion of the deck. In this manner, the secondary player may play the remainder of the game separately from the primary player without interference with the primary player's game.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in a slot machine game. A first symbol from a slot machine game may appear. The secondary player may desire to continue the game from a point after the first symbol appears. However, the secondary player may wish to continue playing the game in a different manner than the primary player continues playing the game. That is, the secondary player uses a different randomization process to generate the remaining symbols of his result randomly than that used to generate the remaining symbols for the primary player. You may wish for it to be done. Thus, in some embodiments, a casino (or a gaming machine acting on behalf of a casino) may randomly determine additional symbols to generate and display to a secondary player. , where such symbols need not be the same as those generated and displayed to the primary player. In various embodiments, a casino may randomly determine how to generate additional symbols, as follows. The casino may determine all outcomes that include one or more symbols that have already been generated. It is understood that such outcomes may be weighted probabilities, eg, some will occur with a higher probability than others. The casino may then select from randomly weighted outcomes with probabilities proportional to those weightings. Thus, for example, an outcome that is twice as likely to be weighted as another outcome is twice as likely to be selected.

(3.3) The secondary player may replay the game after the fact. In various embodiments, a secondary player may restart the game from a predetermined crossroads after the game has already been completed. For example, at the end of the hour after a game of video poker, a secondary player may play the game after the first hand has been dealt but before any decision has been made as to which cards to discard. You may replay the start of. As mentioned above, even if a secondary player and a primary player make the same decision in a game, the secondary player may experience a different outcome or decision than the outcome or decision experienced by the primary player. The game may be replayed with the decision made. This is because the replayed game may be replayed with a different randomization process than was used for the original game.

(3.3.1) Replaying Live Games. In various embodiments, a secondary player may replay a game originally played with multiple primary players. For example, a secondary player may replay a game of Texas Hold'em in which there were originally nine primary players. A secondary player may wish to play a hand of one of the nine players.

(3.3.1.1) Casinos use AI. In various embodiments, in order for a secondary player to have the opportunity to replay multiple players' games, the other entity is the primary player rather than the player the secondary player replaces. It may be changed to Thus, in some embodiments, the casino may change to other primary players using computer algorithms. A computer algorithm may be programmed to make decisions in a game such as a game of poker. For example, a computer algorithm may include a set of rules detailing the actions to take for any given game situation. When replaying a game, a secondary player may play against one or more computer algorithms. In some embodiments, a casino may reveal to a secondary player one or more attributes of a computer algorithm used in a plurality of players' games. Casinos may disclose the rules used by computer algorithms. Casinos may disclose the nature of their algorithms, such as "aggressive" or "tight." In various embodiments, the casino may request that one or more attributes of the computer's algorithm be disclosed. The request may, for example, come from a casino regulator.

(3.3.1.2) Secondary players play against other secondary players. In various embodiments, when a primary player replays a game involving multiple primary players, the other primary players' places are filled with other secondary players. Good too. Thus, in some embodiments, a first secondary player may compete in a game against other secondary players. In some embodiments, a first secondary player may play a game against one or more other secondary players and against one or more computer algorithms.

(3.3.1.3) Other players are not opponents. In some embodiments, a secondary player may replay a game that includes multiple primary players. However, the primary players may not be in opponent events with each other. For example, a secondary player may replay a game of blackjack from a live table game that originally included six primary players. The primary player is competing with the casino, not an opponent. When a secondary player replays a game, the secondary player may desire the places of other primary players in the occupied game. Thus, in some embodiments, the computer algorithm may fill in the places of other primary players. In some embodiments, other secondary players may fill the places of other primary players.

(3.4) The secondary player may make different decisions in real time and may branch to different games. In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in a game that is currently being played by a primary player. In this manner, the secondary player may participate in the primary player's game in real time. However, at certain points in the game, the secondary player may wish to diverge from the direction of the primary player. For example, a secondary player may desire to make different decisions in a game than a primary player would make. In some embodiments, the secondary player may not know which decision the primary player makes. However, the secondary player may wish to make his own decision anyway, even if the secondary player's decision turns out to be the same as the primary player's decision. Once both the primary player and the secondary player have finished their games, the secondary player may rejoin the primary player for the next game. That is, a secondary player and a primary player in a subsequent game may receive the same symbol, mark, or other event determination. If the primary player finishes his game before the secondary player does, the primary player will not be allowed to play by the casino until the secondary player has an opportunity to bet on the next game. May be delayed.

(3.5) Search for games with predetermined characteristics. In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for games with particular characteristics. As described herein, a secondary player may represent a particular primary player's games, games played on a particular gaming machine, games played at a particular time of day, a particular You may also search for games played at casinos, games played immediately before a jackpot, etc. However, the secondary player may, in an advantageous manner, search for games that provide the secondary player with a machine to operate from a predetermined starting point. Once the secondary player finds a game in the search, the secondary player may play the game from a predetermined point in the game, such as from the point of a decision in the game.

(3.5.1) An incorrect decision was made. In some embodiments, a secondary player may search for games in which a primary player has made a decision that meets or fails one or more criteria. The secondary player determines that the primary player (a) did not make a decision that would produce the highest expected win over the primary player, (b) that the primary player (c) did not make a decision in accordance with a commonly recommended strategy (e.g., You may search for games in which the secondary player did not make a decision in blackjack according to the basic strategy), (d) the secondary player did not make a decision in accordance with the strategy, etc. . For example, a secondary player may assume that the primary player has a total point of 13 with no aces, the dealer shows three cards up, and the primary player chooses to stand. You can also search for games to play. The reason a secondary player may choose to search for such a game is because, under various rules, the basic strategy recommendation is to hit. In this way, the secondary player searches for games in which the primary player did not make the correct decision according to the basic strategy recommendations.

(3.5.2) There is a predetermined starting move. In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for a primary player's games in which a particular starting move exists or a particular category of starting moves exists. . For example, a secondary player may search for a primary player's game that is a game of video poker and includes an opening hand with four hearts. The secondary player may search for a game of video poker in which the primary player had an opening hand with a pair of jacks. A secondary player may search for a game of video poker in which the primary player has an opening hand that includes an Ace of Spades, a King of Spades, a Jack of Spades, and a Four of Hearts. The secondary player may search for a game of blackjack in which the primary player has a particular point total, such as 11, for example. The secondary player may search for a game of blackjack in which the primary player had a first point total and a first card combination and the dealer showed a second card. For example, the primary player has a total point of 14 and the dealer shows 4. The secondary player may search for a game of blackjack in which the primary player has already had two hits, but still has less than 14 total points. In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for games in which one or more symbols occurred in a slot machine. In replaying a game, a secondary player may have the opportunity to obtain additional symbols, where the symbols are different from the symbols obtained by the primary player in that same game. .

(3.5.3) The primary player made an unfortunate mistake. In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for a game in which a primary player badly failed. The secondary player determines that (a) the result obtained by the primary player differed from the higher paying result by X symbols or several symbols; (b) the primary player (c) The result obtained by the primary player who had four cards to a royal flush in video poker but could not get the fifth card is 1 from the jackpot result. You may search for games in which the symbols required for a jackpot result were shifted from the reel payline to an adjacent position. The secondary player may keep the resulting symbols from the primary player's game that contribute to the high paying result, and in order to obtain all the symbols needed to obtain that high paying result. may have any additional symbols that are regenerated in the attempt.

(3.6) Adjusting the odds of the game based on the situation in which the secondary player is starting. In various embodiments, a secondary player who begins playing in the middle of a game, or who begins playing in a game after discovering any information about the final possible outcome of the game, Any player may have a different probability of achieving a given final outcome from what he had at the beginning of the game. For example, if a secondary player starts a game of video poker halfway after an initial hand with four cards to a royal flush has been dealt, the secondary player will not be able to play the game from the beginning. You have a higher chance of achieving a royal flush than if you started. As described herein, the house advantage may be derived from the product of the payout rate and the probability corresponding to the outcome. Thus, in some embodiments, as the probability of a payout outcome increases, the payout rate associated with that outcome increases to maintain a constant house advantage or to maintain any house advantage. , need to go down. Thus, in some embodiments, the payout rate associated with the outcome may change if the secondary player begins the game after some information is revealed in the game. good. For example, the payout rate for a royal flush may be 500 for a game of video poker where the player starts from the beginning. However, if a player begins a game with an opening hand that includes an Ace of Spades, a King of Spades, a Queen of Spades, a Jack of Spades, and a Three of Hearts, the payout rate for that Royal Flush is not 500. It may be set to 25. In various embodiments, the payout rate for outcomes may be adjusted for games that start in the middle, such that the house advantage for games that start in the middle is no more than the same game started from the beginning. They may be similarly (or nearly similarly) the same. For example, assume that the house edge in a game of video poker is 2% for a complete game. If it is possible for a secondary player to start in the middle of a game (e.g. after the initial poker hand has been dealt), then the payout rate for one or more outcomes is The house advantage for the player may be adjusted to be approximately 2% (eg, between 1% and 3%, etc.). As will be appreciated, the payout rate for a game may be adjusted in a number of ways, any of which are contemplated in various embodiments. In various embodiments, the payout rate may be varied by changing the bet required from the secondary player while maintaining a constant payout on the outcome. In various embodiments, the payout rate may be changed by changes to one or more outcomes while maintaining the same required bet amount. In various embodiments, the payout rate may be varied by changing both the payout for one or more outcomes and the amount of the bet required.

(3.6.1) Adjustment of odds in Hold'em games. In various embodiments, a secondary player may desire to participate in a game involving multiple primary players. A secondary player may desire to make one or more decisions in a game that is proceeding from a particular point in time on behalf of a first primary player in the game. However, the probabilities for possible outcomes of a game for multiple players may not be easily quantified. This is because their results may depend on human actions, and each has an independent will of the player. Therefore, it may be difficult for a casino to set a payout rate for a secondary player who is participating in the middle of a game of multiple players. Additionally, a secondary player is not necessarily interactive with a primary player in a game (e.g., a primary player in a game other than the primary player who is present at the location of the secondary player). There is no need to exchange. This is because the game may have been played in the past, or the primary player may be present at the location where the secondary player was during the actual game. . In this way, a secondary player may complete the remainder of the game against a computer algorithm that exists on behalf of other primary players. The secondary player may complete the remainder of the game against other secondary players who are present in place of other primary players.

(3.6.1.1) Assume that all players stay and then decide. In some embodiments, the probability that a secondary player wins the game is greater than the probability that all other players in the game (e.g., all algorithms that exist on behalf of the primary player, may be derived or estimated based on the assumption that all secondary players present in place of (e.g., all secondary players present in place of) remain in the game. That is, there may be an assumption that no player will fold after the time the secondary player joins the game. Based on the assumption that no additional players fold in the game, the probability that the secondary player wins can be derived in a straightforward manner. In one embodiment, all possible combinations of additional cards that are distributed may be tested. For example, in a game of Texas Hold'em where the flop has already been dealt, all possible combinations of turn and river cards may be tested. The proportion of combinations that lead to a win for the secondary player may then be used to determine the probability that the secondary player will win. In some embodiments, the distribution of a large number of additional cards in a game may be simulated to determine the proportion of simulations in which a secondary player wins. Such a ratio may be used to estimate the probability that a secondary player will win. It should be appreciated that the probability of a secondary player drawing may be determined in a manner similar to the way the probability of winning may be determined. For example, any additional possible combinations that are distributed may be tested, and the proportion of such combinations that lead to a draw may be used to estimate the probability that the secondary player will draw.

(3.6.1.2) Simulate with good AI players. In some embodiments, the probability of a secondary player winning in a multi-player game is determined using a simulation in which a computer algorithm stands in for each of the primary players in the original game. may be done. For example, 1000 simulated games may be calculated using a computer algorithm that exists on behalf of each of the primary players. The proportion of points at which the computer algorithm wins is used to determine the probability that the secondary player will win while instead being at the location where it is desired to be played by the secondary player. Good too. In some embodiments, the average amount won or lost by a computer algorithm that resides on behalf of a location desired to be played by a secondary player is the amount won or lost by a secondary player in a game. or may be used to estimate the expected amount to lose. In various embodiments, once the probability of a secondary player winning and/or drawing in a game is determined, a payout rate for the game may be determined. In various embodiments, once the expected amount that the secondary player will win or lose is determined, the amount of bet required of the secondary player may be determined. The payout rate or required bet amount may be determined for any method of completing the game from the point at which the secondary player joins or from the crossroads. For example, the payout rate or required bet amount depends on whether a secondary player completes a game against other secondary players, or whether a secondary player completes a game against a computer algorithm. or whether the secondary player completes the game for any combination of the two.

(3.7) There may be a catch-up if the secondary player eventually drifts away, or the secondary player may skip to the current outcome. For example, a secondary player may be working on a bonus round while a primary player does not play any further games. In various embodiments, a secondary player may complete a game in a different manner than a primary player completes a game. For example, a secondary player may participate in a primary player's game in real time. At a given point in the game, the primary player may make a first decision and the secondary player may make a second decision. As a result of different decisions or for any other reason, the secondary player's game may differ and last longer than the primary player's game. For example, in a game of blackjack, a decision to "hit" by a primary player may result in the primary player busting, thereby causing the primary player's game to end quickly. It may end in On the other hand, a decision to "stand" by a secondary player may cause the dealer to make one or more decisions in the secondary player's game, thereby causing the dealer to Some players may survive the game longer. If the secondary player's game lasts longer than the primary player's game in the game in which the secondary player is participating, then the primary player A primary player may start a new game before completing the old game.

(3.7.1) The secondary player does not participate in the next game, but in a future game. In some embodiments, if a primary player starts a new game before the secondary player completes a previous game that the secondary player started with the primary player; The secondary player may then not participate in the new game. The secondary player may not participate in any number of new games until the secondary player's old games have finished. The secondary player may then participate in the next game initiated by the primary player.

(3.7.2) A secondary player is involved in two games simultaneously. In some embodiments, a secondary player may participate in a new game of a primary player even if the secondary player has not completed a previous game. For example, a secondary player may follow the progress of his old and new games using separate screens on his terminal. As will be appreciated, a secondary player may be involved in two or more old games even as a new game is being started. A secondary player may potentially view the progress of two or more old games along with the new game.

(3.7.3) Old games are quickly closed. In various embodiments, once the primary player finishes the first game and/or starts the second game, the secondary player's older games (e.g., the primary player's (such as derivatives from the first game) may be sped up. For example, rather than a casino showing an effect in which cards are dealt, the house may show cards that temporarily appear in a secondary player's hand. In various embodiments, the house may automatically make the decision for the secondary player. For example, the house may make decisions for the secondary player according to one or more strategies, such as an optimal strategy or a basic strategy.

(3.7.4) The primary player's game may be saved and the secondary player may later participate in the game. In various embodiments, a secondary player involved in an older game may not be immediately available to participate in the primary player's new game. However, data about new games may be saved by the casino. The secondary player may then choose to participate in the game at a later time. The casino may keep a record of the primary player's games that the secondary player missed and then give the secondary player the option of participating in such games.

(3.7.5) The secondary player gains the EV of the game. In various embodiments, the secondary player may not complete the game in a standard manner and may receive a settlement payment. The settlement payment may be based on the average amount the secondary player would have won had he completed the game. In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in a bonus round (eg, a bonus round of a slot machine game, etc.). The secondary player may receive the payment amount for the bonus round rather than play the bonus round. Thereby, the secondary player saves time playing through the entire bonus round, and therefore, the primary player can start a new game otherwise without the participation of the secondary player. A secondary player may also be able to participate.

(3.8) A secondary player may bet on different paylines. In various embodiments, a secondary player may choose to bet on a different payline than the payline on which the primary player places the bet or bets. For example, a primary player may bet on a first payline and a second payline at a slot machine while a secondary player bets only on the first payline. For example, a primary player may bet on a first payline at a slot machine while a secondary player bets on a first payline and a second payline. For example, a primary player may bet on a first and third payline while a secondary player bets on a second and third payline. For example, a primary player may bet on a first payline while a secondary player bets on a second payline at a slot machine.

(3.9) A secondary player may bet a different amount than a primary player bets. For example, a secondary player may bet three full coins instead of one coin. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet a different amount than a primary player. For example, in a game of poker, such as a multi-player game of Texas Hold'em, a secondary player makes a $20 raise instead of a $10 raise made by a primary player. You may decide that. Thus, the secondary player may take the place of the primary player and play the remainder of the game against a computer algorithm that takes the place of the primary player. In various embodiments, a primary player may bet a first amount at the beginning of a game while a secondary player bets a second amount in that same game. Good too.

Embodiments described herein are based on games played electronically, as applicable, as well as games played with physical tokens, devices, equipment, tables, etc. It may also be executed. In various embodiments, a primary player may play a game using physical tokens (e.g., physical cards and chips), while a secondary player plays a game using physical tokens (e.g., physical cards and chips). You may also participate and view electronic versions of the game. In some embodiments, a primary player may play an electronic version of the game, while a secondary player may participate in the game via the electronic version of the game. . In some embodiments, a primary player may play a physical version of the game, and a secondary player may participate in the game using physical tokens. For example, if a secondary player makes a decision in a game that is different from the decision made by the primary player, the deck of playing cards used in the primary player's game may be may be replicated by using a deck of playing cards and inserting cards in the same order as the cards in the deck used in the primary player's game.

(4) Collect and display all data across the entire casino. That allows people to place bets. For example, show all reds and blacks across all roulette games. This may influence how people bet on red and black in the future. You can view your accumulated wins and losses in blackjack. For example, a player has won 500 moves and lost 510 moves. In various embodiments, data may be collected for more than one game at a casino. Data for more than one game may be combined and collected. In some embodiments, a single statistic may be used to describe data for more than one game. In some embodiments, more than one statistic may be used to describe data for more than one game. In some embodiments, statistics used to describe data for more than one game may represent a summary and compression of that data. Statistics may represent a method that allows humans, such as secondary players, to increase their understanding of large amounts of data about a game. Exemplary statistics may indicate the average amount won in a series of games, the number of particular outcomes in a series of games, the occurrence of an excess of a first outcome over a second outcome in a series of games, etc. good. Statistics may be presented to the player. For example, an eye-catching display screen at a casino may show the total number of roulette "red" occurrences throughout the casino during the last 10 minutes. Data about a game may be presented to a player in many different forms. The data may also be presented to casino personnel, such as casino employees. The data may be presented to a regulator, such as a gaming regulator. The data may be presented in graphical form. For example, a bar graph may show the number of "red" results, the number of "black" results, and the number of "green" results in roulette, each as a separate bar on the graph. The data may be presented in the form of highlights or quick replays of the action. For example, the resulting video capture may be shown sped up to ten times its original speed. Data about the game may assist the player in determining which bets will be made in the future. For example, a player may believe that a "red" outcome is likely to follow a long string of "black" outcomes. Accordingly, a player may be interested in viewing data and general statistics about a game of roulette.

(4.1) Type of data. In various embodiments, many types of data may be collected, generated, recorded, displayed, presented, and/or stored. Data about different games may be collected. Data about different players may be collected. Data may be collected about the gaming device. Data may be collected about the casino.

Number of wins/losses by the primary player. Winning, losing, and tied dealers may be pooled for individual games. If the primary player receives any positive payout and/or receives a payout that is greater than the amount the primary player bet on the game, then the game is It can also be thought of as a victory for the player. A game may be considered a win if the primary player receives an amount greater than the average amount normally paid in the game. Other criteria may also be used in considering whether a game is won or not. For example, if the particular rules of the game indicate that the primary player is the winner, then the game may be considered a win for the primary player. For example, in a game of blackjack, if the primary player's hand is 21 total points or less and the dealer busts or has less total points than the primary player's hand, the The primary player may be considered the winner. If the primary player receives a payout equal to the amount he bet on the game, the game may be considered a draw. If the primary player neither wins nor loses a game, the game may be considered a draw. A game may be considered a draw if the rules of the game indicate that the game is a draw. If the primary player does not receive payment for a game, the game may be considered a loss. If the primary player receives a payout less than the amount he bet on the game, the game may be considered a loss. If the primary player receives less than the average amount paid in a regular game, the game may be considered a loss. If a game does not count as a win or a tie, the game may be considered a loss.

In some embodiments, each payline within a game may be considered separately. For example, a primary player may bet on one coin on a first payline and win three coins. The primary player may bet one coin on the second payline and win no coins. In this example, the outcome of a bet on the first payline may be considered a winning game, while the outcome of a bet on the second payline may be considered a losing game. Thus, in some embodiments, placing bets, producing results, and stacking wins on a given payline may be difficult, even if multiple paylines are possible for a given spin of a slot machine. It may be considered a completely separate game. In some embodiments, each hand of video poker may be considered a separate game. For example, if a primary player plays three hands of video poker at one time, the three hands of video poker may be considered separate games. In some embodiments, even if three hands in video poker include the same starting hand (e.g., the first five cards are the same for each hand), the hands are It can be thought of as a game. In some embodiments, each bet made is considered a separate game. For example, a bet on a first payline of a slot machine may define a different game than a bet on a second payline of a slot machine. In some embodiments, two bets are considered to constitute separate games if the payouts from the bets are not completely correlated. For example, the two bets may be considered to define different games if the payout resulting from the second bet cannot be determined with precision even if the payout resulting from the first bet is known. . In some embodiments, two bets made at a craps table may be considered to define separate games, even if the payouts for both bets depend on the same roll or rolls of the dice. good. For example, a pass (line) bet may be considered to define a different game than a hard bet.

Win, loss, and tie data may be collected over two or more games. The collected data may be stored and/or presented statistically, graphically, or in any other manner. In some embodiments, a statistic may indicate the number of games won by one or more primary players over the last X games (eg, over the last 100 games). In some embodiments, a statistic may indicate the number of games lost by one or more primary players over the last X games (eg, over the last 100 games). In some embodiments, the statistics may indicate the number of tied games. In some embodiments, the statistic may indicate the difference between the number of winning games and the number of losing games by one or more players over the last X games. For example, a statistic value of -7 may indicate that in the last 100 games, a set of players has lost 7 more times than they have won. As will be appreciated, data may be collected over a number of games, such as the last 100, the last 1000, total games in a day, total games in a year, etc., as will be appreciated. As used herein, the term "last" does not necessarily refer to the present. For example, a statistic that states that a given number of primary players won over the "last" 100 games is a statistic that states that a given number of primary players won over the "last" 100 games. You may also write that you win. Thus, the term "last" may be used with reference to a point in the past. For example, a certain point in the past may be a period during which statistics were created. In various embodiments, data may be collected for a single primary player. For example, a statistic may indicate the number of games won by a particular primary player over the past three days. In some embodiments, data may be aggregated across multiple primary players. For example, a statistic may indicate the number of games won in the last hour by all primary players at a particular blackjack table. In various embodiments, data may be collected for games that meet one or more criteria. For example, win/loss/tie data may be collected for games that meet one or more criteria. Such criteria are: (a) the game was played during a particular time period; (b) the game was most recently played; and (c) the game was played by a particular primary player. , (d) the game was played by one of a set of particular players; (e) the game was played by any primary player with particular characteristics (e.g. (f) the game was played on a particular gaming machine; (g) the game was played at a casino; (h) the game was played in a particular casino; (i) the game was of a particular type (e.g., slot machine, video poker, etc.); (j) the game has a predetermined required minimum bet (e.g., a game requiring a minimum bet of $1); (k) the game may include, for example, each game having a particular amount of bets placed on them (e.g., all games have a bet of $0.25), and so on.

(4.1.2) Amount won/losed. For individual games, data may be collected for amounts won or lost by players. For individual games, data may be collected for amounts won or lost by the house. For example, in a game with multiple primary players against the house, a win for a given player is not necessarily the reverse of a win against the house. Data may be collected in relation to aggregate wins. That is, data may be collected regardless of any amount paid by a player, for example in the form of a bet. For example, if a primary player inserts $1 into a slot machine as a bet and receives a payout of $5, the primary player has a total win of $5. Data may be collected in connection with net profit wins. That is, data may be collected for wins after accounting for the amount paid by the primary player. In the example above, after having bet $1 and receiving a payout of $5, the primary player may have a net win of $4. In a similar situation, data may be collected for a casino's gross wins and net profit wins. Data related to wins and losses may be collected across multiple games. The statistics may describe the aggregate wins of one or more primary players over multiple games. For example, the statistic may take a value of $83, indicating that the primary player has received a total payout of $83 during the last 100 games. The statistics may describe the net winnings of one or more primary players over multiple games. For example, the statistic may take a value of -$17, meaning that over the last 100 games, the primary player bet $17 more than he receives in a win. It shows that The statistics may list wins and losses for multiple primary players. For example, the statistic may take a value of $25, indicating that a group of 20 primary players playing blackjack has, on average, a net profit of $25 in the last hour. In some embodiments, win and loss data may be displayed graphically. For example, the amount of a primary player's funds may be graphed over time. If the primary player wins, the graph may move in an upward direction. If the primary player loses, the graph may move in a downward direction. The primary player's funds may start at an arbitrary value, such as zero or a value equal to the amount the primary player puts into the game.

(4.1.3) Number of hands/games played. In some embodiments, data may be collected to describe the number of games played. For each game played, the statistics may be incremented. A statistic may simply be a counter of the number of games played. In some embodiments, statistics may track the number of games played over a particular period of time. In this way, for every game played, the associated time may be saved, for example in a database of the casino's server. Once a game has been played for more than X hours in the past, the statistic may be decremented by 1, and the statistic may be decremented by 1 if the game has been played for the last X hours (which is the time of interest for the statistics). reflect that it was not done. Data about the number of games played may be collected across multiple players. For example, a statistic may list the number of games played by all roulette players at a casino in the last 20 minutes. In some embodiments, data may be maintained about the number of hands played. In some embodiments, data about the number of paylines may be maintained. In some embodiments, data may be maintained about the number of results generated or received. For example, statistics may track the number of outcomes generated for a player in a slot machine where each payline can be counted as a separate outcome.

(4.1.4) Number of specific results obtained. For example, the number of jackpots, the number of payouts over X, the number of cherry-cherry-cherry outcomes, etc. Data may be recorded for individual games. The result data may include data describing which symbols were generated for the game. The results data may include data describing which symbols were used in determining the payout to the player. The results may include, for example, a series of symbols such as "cherry cherry cherry" or "bar bell lemon." The resulting data may include a payment amount. For example, a payment of $1 may be the outcome. The resulting data may include total points. For example, in a game of blackjack, the outcome may be that the player receives 21 points. The resulting data may include total points for the dealer and/or the competing primary players. In a game of blackjack, the outcome data may include data describing the dealer's point total. In a game of poker, outcome data may include data describing the hands of other primary players with which the primary player is competing. The resulting data may further include data describing one or more common symbols. For example, in a game of Texas Hold'em, outcome data may include data about which cards were dealt on the flop, turn, and/or river. The result data may include the result of a roll (roll) of a die. For example, the result data may include the total number of rolls (rolls) of dice in a game of craps. In a game of roulette, outcome data may include data describing the numbers that appear when a rotating wheel is spun. In various embodiments, outcome data may be collected across multiple games. The game may include games of one or more primary players. In some embodiments, a statistic may describe the number of times a particular outcome occurred. For example, a statistic may describe the number of times a "cherry cherry cherry" outcome has occurred. For example, a statistic may describe the number of times a "black" has occurred on a rotating roulette wheel. Statistics may describe the number of times an outcome occurs per unit of time or per game. For example, the statistic may take a value of 48, indicating that the rotating disc has produced 48 "red" results in the last 100 spins. In some embodiments, the statistic may express the occurrence of an outcome per spin in %. For example, statistics may show that in a game of video poker, 4% of the last 1000 games result in a "flush" or better. In various embodiments, data about outcomes may be aggregated across multiple players. For example, a statistic may be that a group of primary players won 100 blackjacks during the last hour or from the last 2000 hands played by a primary player in the group. may be written. In various embodiments, data about outcomes may be aggregated across multiple tables, multiple gaming machines, or multiple other outcome generators. For example, a statistic may indicate that for a group of gaming machines, three jackpot outcomes occurred in the last month. For example, for a group of five roulette tables in a casino, the statistics may show that the number 12 appeared five times in the last hour. In various embodiments, the statistics may indicate a comparison between the number of occurrences of the first outcome and the number of occurrences of the second outcome. For example, a statistic may indicate the difference between the number of occurrences of straights and the number of flushes in a game of video poker over a predetermined period of time. For example, a value of 10 for a statistic may indicate that straights have occurred 10 more times than flushes in the past hour for a group of video poker machines.

(4.1.5) Number of specific symbols obtained. For individual games, data may be obtained regarding which symbols occur during the game. For example, data may be obtained that the Ace of Spades, Jack of Hearts, King of Diamonds, Queen of Clubs, and Seven of Hearts were obtained as opening hands in a game of video poker. For example, data may be obtained that a "cherry" symbol was obtained in a reel slot machine game. In various embodiments, such data may be collected across multiple games, across multiple primary players, and/or across multiple gaming machines. For example, a statistic may state the number of times an ace of spades has been dealt at a video poker machine in the past hour. For example, a statistic may state the number of times a given player from California obtained a red card in a given card game in the past 20 minutes at a casino. For example, a statistic may describe the number of bell symbols generated at any slot machine in a fleet of slot machines in the last day. For example, a statistic may describe the number of times a six is rolled in a game of craps. In various embodiments, a comparison may be shown between the number of times a first symbol occurs and the number of times a second symbol occurs. For example, the statistics may indicate that the "lemon" symbol occurred X more times than the "plum" symbol during a given time period. In various embodiments, location data may be obtained. Location data may include data describing the location of a symbol within a result, within a display area, or within any other area. In various embodiments, the location data may include, for example, whether a symbol is the leftmost symbol in the results, the middle symbol in the results, or whether the symbol is the leftmost symbol in the results when displayed in a viewing window of a gaming device. It may also include data about whether it is the rightmost symbol. For example, in the result "Lemon Bell Bar", the "lemon" symbol may be in the first position, the "bell" in the second position, and the "bar" in the third position. In various embodiments, data about a symbol may be recorded even if the symbol does not form part of the result. For example, data for a symbol may be recorded even if the symbol does not contribute to determining a payout to a player. For example, a viewing window of a slot machine may show a 3×5 grid of symbols, with each of the five reels having three symbols that are visually visible. The player of the slot machine may only be capable of one payline, such that only the symbols visible in the middle of each reel are applicable to the payout determined for the player. However, data indicating other symbols may also be recorded. For example, the fact that a "Dog" symbol appeared at the top of the first reel would be recorded even though that "Dog" symbol did not contribute to the payout determined for the primary player. You can. In various embodiments, data about symbols that are not visually visible may also be obtained or recorded. For example, data may be recorded for symbols that occur in one location on the viewing window on the reels. Such symbols may be invisible to the primary player at the end of the game. However, such symbols may also be present on the reels, for example in the form of printed symbols or data in the gaming machine's memory, indicating the configuration of virtual or electronic reels. For example, a gaming machine may maintain a data structure that describes all the symbols on the reels, even if the reels do not exist in physical form. In this way, even though not all symbols are displayed on the reels at once (e.g. on the gaming console's display screen), all symbols related to the gaming machine's display screen (e.g. in the viewing window) The location of may be known to the gaming machine. In various embodiments, data about location information may be collected. Data may be collected, for example, over multiple games, multiple primary players, multiple gaming machines, multiple locations, multiple time periods, etc. For example, a statistic may indicate the number of times a cherry symbol has occurred in a second location of an outcome at a particular gaming machine in the past hour. For example, statistics may indicate that the third card in a first hand of video poker was a jack for a group of primary players in the past hour. In various embodiments, the statistic may indicate the number of times "Yosemite Sam" has appeared in the upper right corner of the gaming console's viewing window in the last hour. In various embodiments, the chronological order in which symbols occur may be obtained and/or preserved. In a game of cards, data may be maintained regarding which cards are dealt first, which cards are dealt second, etc. Statistics may describe the number of times a particular symbol appears in a particular chronological order. For example, a statistic may describe the number of times in the last two hours that the tenth card dealt in a blackjack table game was an ace.

(4.1.6) Data about the order of a deck of cards, the order of symbols on the reels. In various embodiments, data may be obtained about the order of cards in a deck of playing cards. A position may be recorded for each card in a deck of playing cards. For example, the position of the Two of Clubs may be recorded as "10", indicating that the tenth card from the top of the deck was the Two of Clubs. Data about the location of a deck of playing cards may be obtained or stored even if such cards do not appear in the game. For example, for a game of video poker, the rank and type of the card at the bottom of a deck of cards may be preserved, even if that card has no chance of being dealt in a game of video poker. In various embodiments, data may be obtained or recorded regarding the order of symbols on the reels of a gaming machine. For example, from anywhere on the reels, each symbol on the reels may originate from a different position. For example, the "lemon" symbol is in the first location. The adjacent "cherry" symbol is the second location. The adjacent "plum" symbol is the third location, etc. In various embodiments, data about symbol order may be collected. For example, statistics may show that the Jack of Hearts has been in the fifth position of a deck of cards in the last 200 games of video poker.

(4.1.7) Players with high rankings. For example, the player who won the most in the last 100 results, the last hour, etc. Data about the primary player's play may be collected for each individual game. Data about games may include data including total amounts, net amounts won, results obtained, strategies used, and the like. Data about gaming may be collected across multiple games, multiple players, multiple gaming machines, etc. In some embodiments, a numerical score may be assigned to the strategy used by the primary player in the game. For example, a primary player who uses an optimal or recommended strategy may receive a high score. A primary player who uses a strategy that is not recommended or optimal may receive a lower score. For example, in a game of video poker, a primary player may receive an integer score from 1 to 32, and each score may be used by the primary player in a game of video poker. Respond to various strategies. In a game of video poker in which the primary player may discard any combination of cards from the initial five-card hand, the primary player may select the cards to discard. Note that there are 32 possible methods. Accordingly, each method selectable by the primary player may be considered a separate strategy and, therefore, may correspond to a different score. The strategies may be ranked according to those strategies that provide the player with the highest expected wins. The strategy that provides the highest expected win may correspond to a score of 32. For example, the strategy that provides the second highest expected win may correspond to a score of 31. As will be appreciated, the score need not be an integer or any other specific number. In various embodiments, data may be collected about strategies used by players across multiple games. In various embodiments, a score may be collected to be assigned to a player based on selections in the game. For example, scores obtained by a primary player during individual games may be added to describe a collective score across multiple games. In some embodiments, scores obtained by primary players during individual games may be averaged. As will be appreciated, in various embodiments, a low score may correspond to a good strategy, while a high score may correspond to a bad strategy. In various embodiments, data may be recorded about a primary player's strategy choices during a game of blackjack. Such a primary player may, for example, be awarded a relatively high score if he follows the basic strategy recommendations, and a relatively low score if he does not. may be given.

In various embodiments, data about other gaming metrics may be collected. In various embodiments, data about amounts won may be collected across multiple games. The strategy may, for example, indicate the amount of money won by the primary player. The strategy may indicate the total number of wins won by the primary player.

In various embodiments, data about the playing of multiple primary players may be collected. The strategy may indicate which primary player or players performed outstandingly among a group of primary players. For example, a statistic may indicate which primary players from a group of primary players played the best according to some metric. For example, statistics may show which primary players won the highest total number of wins in the last hour, or which primary players used the best strategies in the last hour. You can. In various embodiments, the top X primary players may be listed according to some gaming metric. In some embodiments, the bottom Y primary players may be listed according to some gaming metric.

In various embodiments, the top performing primary players may be determined periodically. The top performing primary players may be determined using factors such as total wins, net profit wins, best strategy, or any other metric or combination of metrics. The top performing primary players may be determined, for example, every second, every minute, every hour, etc. In various embodiments, the top performing primary player may be determined after each game played by any primary player. For example, after a primary player completes a game, the casino's server determines whether the primary player has accumulated enough total wins to be the top performing primary player. You may decide what to do. In various embodiments, the top performing primary players are determined at irregular intervals. For example, the primary player who played the first top game may be determined. After five minutes, the primary player who played the second top game may be determined. After nine minutes, the primary player who played the third top game may be determined. As primary players continue to gamble, their relative playing may change, so that a primary player who was an average playing primary player may become a top playing player. It should be understood that there may be times when you are a primary player. For example, a primary player may win a large jackpot, thereby becoming the top performing primary player.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in the game of the current top playing player. The secondary players may be notified on an ongoing or periodic basis who are the top playing primary players. For example, the name or other identifier of the primary player who made the top play may be displayed on the display screen of the secondary player's terminal of the mobile gaming machine. The name of the primary player may remain displayed on the secondary player's display screen until a new top playing primary player is determined. The secondary player may choose or decide to participate in only the games of the current top playing primary players. In various embodiments, a secondary player may elect to automatically participate in the game of the current top playing primary player. For example, a secondary player may place a bet. It is then understood by the casino's server that the bet is applied to the game of the primary player who is currently the top player. Thus, for example, if the primary player who is currently in the top position wins, the secondary player may also win. If the primary player who is currently at the top of the game loses, the secondary player may also lose. In various embodiments, the casino's server may make it easiest or most convenient for a secondary player to participate in a game of a primary player who is currently the top player. . For example, a casino's server may allow a secondary player to press a single button in order to place a bet and join the game of the currently leading primary player. Good too. A secondary player may be able to participate in another primary player's game, but may be required to perform additional steps in order to do so. Thus, in various embodiments, participation in a game for a top performing primary player may be the default option for the primary player.

In various embodiments, identifiers (eg, names, handles, etc.) of the currently active top playing primary players may be displayed. The casino's server may facilitate participation by secondary players in games such as the primary player (e.g., by making participation the default option for secondary players, etc.). ). A currently active primary player may include a primary player currently playing a game. For example, a primary player who is active may include a primary player who played a game within the last 10 seconds, the last minute, the most recent predetermined time period, or the like. In various embodiments, a currently active primary player may include a primary player who has a deposit balance at a gaming machine. In various embodiments, currently active primary players may include primary players who are playing at a predetermined rate (e.g., 30 or more games per minute). good. It is understood that the currently active top playing primary player may change from moment to moment. For example, a first primary player may initiate a game and thereby become the currently active primary player playing the top game. The primary player may then pause for a short time after his game. Another primary player may begin playing the game during that time. Other primary players may therefore be active players currently playing the top games.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may place a bet. The bet may involve a first game initiated among a group of primary players. For example, a secondary player may bet $1. The casino server may determine who are currently the top five playing primary players. A secondary player's bet may be committed to the game of a primary player of the five primary players to start the game. In this way, the secondary player may enjoy a fast paced gaming experience. Rather than following the pace of a single player, a secondary player may participate in the first game to start with any of a group of players. The group of primary players may be defined not only by gaming, but also by other characteristics. For example, a group of primary players may include five players from Mississippi. A secondary player may place a bet involving a first game initiated by any of the five primary players. After the first game is over, the secondary player may place a second bet. The second bet may re-engage with the first game initiated by one of the five primary players from Mississippi following the second bet. However, the second bet may involve a game of a primary player other than the primary player that the first bet involved.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in the game of the second highest playing primary player. For example, a secondary player may participate in the game of the primary player who won the second largest amount during the last hour. In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in the game of the third highest playing primary player. It is understood that a secondary player may participate in a game of a primary player at any position in a ranking according to some metric, such as number of wins. In various embodiments, a secondary player may automatically join the game of a primary player who is second in the ranking (eg, second in total wins). For example, a secondary player may place a bet and then participate in a primary player's game that is second in total winnings during the last 10 minutes. As another example, a secondary player may automatically (e.g., by a casino's server ) may be bet.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in the game of a primary player who is the best player among a subset of all primary players. Some of the primary players are primary players of a particular demographic, primary players who play a given type of game (e.g. video poker), primary players who play a given type of game (e.g. may include primary players located in a particular casino, primary players located in a particular geographic area (e.g., a particular city, a particular suburb), etc. . The best performing primary player among that portion may be identified and displayed to the secondary player. A secondary player may automatically participate in such primary player's games.

In various embodiments, the secondary player automatically enters the game of the primary player who is the top performing primary player among the primary players playing that particular game. You may participate. For example, a secondary player may wish to participate in a game of blackjack. Therefore, the secondary player makes a bet that automatically participates in the primary player's game of blackjack using the best strategy (e.g., compared to the optimal basic strategy) in blackjack. Good too. In various embodiments, top performing primary players playing a particular game may be identified and/or displayed to a secondary player. The secondary player may then decide whether to participate in the primary player's game. In various embodiments, a player may participate in a game of a primary player who is a top performer among primary players playing a particular type (face value) of the game. For example, a secondary player may desire to participate in a game played at a gaming machine with a dollar denomination. The secondary player may thus participate in the games of the higher performing primary players of all primary players at the dollar denomination gaming machine.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in the game of a primary player who was the top performer not only at the current time, but also at a time in the past. For example, a secondary player may participate in a game of a primary player who played the previous day. The primary player may have played the best game during an hour among any primary player during the past week. Thus, the secondary player may participate in the primary player's game. A secondary player may participate in a primary player's game that occurs after an hour of superior play. For example, a secondary player may play a primary game immediately after the hour in which the primary player recorded the best game among any primary player during the past week. You may also participate in games played by other players.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in the game of a primary player who is currently playing and who has been a top performer for any time in the past. For example, a secondary player may play a game of a primary player who is the best performing primary player during any primary player's day within the past week. You may participate. The primary player need not necessarily be the player who played the best game during the most recent day or during the most recent day. However, the secondary player may participate in the primary player's current game.

In various embodiments, the secondary player may automatically join the current game of the primary player who was the best player during some moving window of time in the past. good. For example, assume that the current time is 4:00 p.m. A secondary player may participate in the game of a currently active primary player who was the best player between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM on a past day. At 4:01 p.m., the secondary player enters the game of the currently active primary player who was the best player on the past day, such as from 3:01 p.m. to 4:01 p.m. You may participate.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in the game of the primary player who played the worst. A secondary player may, for example, hope that the luck of the primary player who played the worst will change. A secondary player may, for example, bet that the primary player who played the worst game will lose. In various embodiments, a secondary player may automatically bet that the primary player who is currently playing the worst game will lose. In various embodiments, a casino server may facilitate a secondary player to bet that the primary player who is currently playing the worst will win. For example, a casino's server allows a secondary player to place a bet on which the current worst-playing primary player loses by simply pressing a single button. may be made possible.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may automatically bet on a primary player that meets predetermined criteria. A secondary player may bet without having to take any action prior to the game. For example, at the beginning of an hour, a secondary player may indicate that he wishes to bet every 10 seconds for the next hour. The bet is placed on the game of the primary player who is the primary player with the top play at the time the bet is made. Thus, bets may be placed against the secondary player automatically during the next hour without further input from the secondary player. As will be appreciated, a secondary player may automatically place bets from a portion of the players on the best player, the worst player, and the worst player loses.

In various embodiments, the secondary player may be assigned the best played game, the best played gaming machine, the best played dealer, the best played table, or the best played section of the casino. , etc. For example, a secondary player may bet on the gaming machine that paid the most in the last hour. A secondary player may place bets on different gaming machines at different times. The secondary player may automatically bet on the gaming machine that played the best game. For example, at the start of an hour, a secondary player may indicate that he wants his bet to be automatically placed on the best-played gaming machine game. The secondary player may therefore not be required to make any further input in the next hour. As another example, a casino server may facilitate betting on a gaming machine for the best game at any given time, among other things. However, the secondary player may be required to perform some or even minimal actions, such as pressing a button.

In various embodiments, primary players who meet one or more criteria may be listed. For example, the top ten playing primary players may be listed. A primary player may be listed, for example, on an eye-catching display screen in a casino or on a display screen of a terminal used by a secondary player. The list of primary players may reveal various information about the primary players. For example, the list may include: Primary Player's First Name, Primary Player's Last Name, Primary Player's Full Name, Primary Player's Common Name, Wins By Primary Player. the amount played, and any other information about the primary player.

In various embodiments, a primary player may indicate how much information he intends to reveal about himself. Information that may be displayed or otherwise revealed about the primary player includes: (a) name; (b) first name; (c) nickname; (d) maiden name; e) Last name, (f) Middle name, (g) Full name, (h) Initials, (i) Age, (j) Address, (k) Photograph (e.g., of the primary player), (l) Metrics of the primary player's playing (e.g., total wins, net winnings, number of consecutive wins, largest amount of wins, current bankroll, etc.); (m) primary gaming; (n) primary player's nickname; (o) player's tracking number; (p) date of birth; (q) social security; (r) a handle generated by the casino server for the primary player (such as "Player 1032"); (s) a handle generated by the primary player's gaming device (such as "Slots Player 125") , (t) a gaming device identifier (such as an identifier of the gaming device on which the primary player is playing or has played), (u) the amount of the primary player's profits, and any other information. good.

In various embodiments, a primary player may indicate information that he or she wishes to disclose in various ways. For example, a primary player may check a box next to information that he or she wishes to disclose. In various embodiments, a primary player may fill out a profile, such as a form with blank spots to receive information about the primary player. In various embodiments, the primary player may notify the casino representative of information that he or she wishes to disclose.

Before, during, or after indicating information that the primary player wishes to disclose, the casino verifies whether the primary player indeed wishes to disclose such information. The casino may verify that the primary player is entitled to disclose such information. In various embodiments, a casino may verify that a primary player has reached a minimum age before presenting information about himself to others (such as a secondary player). For example, a casino representative may request verification of a driver's license to verify the primary player's age. In various embodiments, the casino may verify that the primary player is not drinking alcohol. For example, the casino may administer a sobriety test to the primary player. In various embodiments, a casino may disclose information indicated by a primary player only if the primary player is not drinking alcohol. In various embodiments, a casino may disclose information indicated by a primary player only if the primary player's alcohol level is within a certain limit (e.g., below a certain level). good. In various embodiments, the casino may verify that the primary player is not sick. For example, the casino may have a doctor examine the primary player or ask the primary player basic health questions. In various embodiments, the casino may verify that the primary player is in a competent state of mind. For example, a casino may administer a cognitive test to a primary player. The casino may present information about the primary player only if the primary player passes a cognitive test. In various embodiments, the casino may utilize other criteria for determining whether to present information that the primary player has indicated a desire to be disclosed. In various embodiments, a casino may utilize various criteria, such as those described above, to determine whether to disclose or request information from a primary player.

In various embodiments, once the primary player indicates the information he or she wishes to disclose, the primary player may be required to confirm one or more times. For example, a primary player may be presented with a list of information about themselves that will be disclosed. The primary player is required to press a button, sign an area of the touchscreen, apply a thumbprint, or provide any other indication of consent to disclose information. may be done. In various embodiments, a primary player may be presented with a display indicating how his or her information will be displayed to others (e.g., when displayed on a public display screen, a (e.g. when displayed on a player's device). The Primary Player is required to confirm whether he/she really wants his/her information to be displayed and/or whether he/she wishes his/her information to be displayed in such a manner. Good too. Thereafter, the primary player may have an opportunity to confirm.

In various embodiments, once a primary player authorizes the disclosure of information about themselves, this authorization remains in effect for a limited period of time. For example, a permit may remain valid for one day. When the permission expires, the permission is applied and the information currently displayed (eg, on the secondary player's terminal) may be withdrawn. In various embodiments, there may be a default expiration date for permission to disclose information about the primary player. For example, this default period may be one hour.

In various embodiments, a primary player may indicate restrictions on how his or her information may be disclosed. For example, a primary player may allow information to be displayed on a personal terminal or handheld gaming device, but not on a more prominent public display screen. A primary player may allow his information to be displayed in certain areas of the casino, but not elsewhere. For example, a primary player may only give permission for his information to be disclosed in restricted areas of the casino.

In various embodiments, the primary player may indicate the people to whom information is or is not disclosed. For example, a primary player may desire that information be disclosed only to secondary players of a particular gender. For example, a primary player may desire to only disclose information to people from a particular state. For example, a primary player may desire to make certain information about him or her unavailable to people from his or her state of birth.

In various embodiments, a primary player may be paid based on the information he or she discloses. The primary player may receive payment for each item of information that he or she authorizes to be disclosed. The primary player may be paid based on the period of time for which he or she authorizes information about him or her to be presented. The primary player may receive payment based on the forum for which he or she has authorized the submission of information. For example, a primary player may receive additional payment for allowing information to be displayed on a prominent public display screen.

In various embodiments, the primary player may disclose information gradually and/or over time. For example, a primary player may disclose a nickname. The primary player may decide to disclose his or her first name at a later time. The primary player may then authorize disclosure of his first and last names. For example, as a primary player achieves better performance, the primary player may take pride in disclosing his identity as a top performer. In various embodiments, the primary player may be prompted to disclose additional information. For example, if a primary player ranks in the top 10 in terms of performance, the casino may ask if the player would like to disclose more information. In various embodiments, the casino may encourage the primary player to disclose performance metrics such as winnings.

(4.1.8) Top Performance Machine or Dealer. For example, a dealer who is handing out his best hand to players. For each game, data regarding the performance of the gaming machine may be collected. Performance data about gaming machines may include whether the outcome is a win or a loss, the amount paid for the outcome, the amount paid for the game, the number of wins that occurred during the game (e.g., the number of paylines that contained a win, etc.) It may also be written whether the game machine was played or not. Performance data for each game in the game may be aggregated for multiple games in the gaming machine. The statistics may indicate the total amount paid by the gaming machine over a period of time or for a certain number of games. The statistics may indicate gross or net earnings paid over a period of time or for a certain number of games. The statistics may indicate the number of games played on the gaming machine over a period of time. The statistics may indicate the total number of wins or percentage of total wins over a period of time or for a number of games. In some embodiments, data regarding players may be recorded for each game. The aggregated statistics may indicate the number of different players who played the gaming machine over a period of time. The statistic may indicate the average number of games played by a player at a gaming machine over a period of time. For example, the average number of games played by a player on a gaming machine in a recent day may be 60. In various embodiments, data regarding the performance of multiple gaming machines may be aggregated. Top performing game consoles may be listed. For example, the ten gaming machines that paid the most in the last hour may be listed. For example, the ten gaming machines that paid the most as a multiple of the average wager may be listed. For example, the ten gaming machines that have paid the least in the last three hours may be listed. For example, all gaming machines that have refunded an amount of X or more in the last hour may be listed.

In various embodiments, performance data regarding games by a particular dealer may be collected. Performance data includes payouts provided for games by the dealer, the amount of net profit earned by the dealer for one or more primary players in the game, the speed of the game by the dealer, whether there are high paying outcomes in the dealer's games, the dealer's It may also include data describing the amount of tips given. Performance data regarding dealers may be aggregated for multiple games. For example, the statistics may indicate the average total number of games played per unit time for a dealer. The statistic may indicate the total payouts received by primary players who were at the dealer's game in the last hour. The statistics may indicate the total amount of chips awarded to the dealer in the last 30 minutes.

(4.1.9) Top performing sectors of casinos. For example, the slot machine in that row achieved the best performance. In various embodiments, data regarding games appearing in certain sectors or areas of the casino may be aggregated. Data may be aggregated for games played in slot machine groups, such as for slot machine groups in a row of slot machines. Data may be aggregated for a set of gaming tables, such as a set of tables monitored by one pit boss or other casino employee. Data may be aggregated for a room or floor of a casino. For example, data regarding games played in a restricted slot machine room may be aggregated. In some embodiments, data may be aggregated for a given betting unit slot machine. For example, data may be aggregated for all nickel slots. Data may be aggregated for all slot machines with a particular type of payout. For example, data may be compiled for slot machines with top payout rates of 800 or more. In some embodiments, data may be aggregated for particular types of slot machines. For example, data regarding games in mechanical slot machines may be aggregated. For example, data regarding games at video slot machines may be aggregated. Data may be aggregated for slot machines that feature a particular game. For example, data may be aggregated for all slot machines with a Scrabble® theme. Thus, for example, the five video poker machines that paid the most in the last hour may be listed. The five nickel slot machines that provided the highest winning amount to the primary player in the most recent hour may be listed.

(4.1.10) List of current progressive amounts. In some embodiments, data regarding the current amount of progressive prizes may be collected. The size of one or more progressive amounts at a given point in time may be listed. Progressive prizes may be listed by order of size. For example, a Jumbo Bucko progressive prize may be listed as $50,149.75. Super Gold Vein's progressive prize may be listed as $40,984.05.

(4.1.11) Number of people in a particular area of the casino or in the casino. In various embodiments, data may be collected regarding the number of people in a casino or a given area of a casino. (a) the number of people in a row of slot machines; (b) the number of people in a table game; (c) the number of people in a restaurant; (d) the number of people on a particular floor of a casino; (e) the number of people in a hotel lobby of a casino. (f) the number of people in the casino's pool; (g) the number of people in the restricted slot machine room; (h) the number of people in the casino's poker room; (i) the number of people watching the show; (j ) Data may be collected regarding the number of people present at a boxing match in a casino, etc. In various embodiments, data regarding the number of people with particular characteristics may be collected. For example, data may be collected describing the number of people from New Mexico or the number of people between the ages of 40 and 50 in a casino.

(4.1.12) The most popular slot machine, including the most occupied. In various embodiments, data describing the use of gaming machines, such as slot machines and video poker machines, may be collected. The number of games played on the gaming machine may be tracked. The number of games played on a gaming machine within a particular time period may be tracked. Amounts wagered at gaming machines may be tracked. Other items that may be tracked include (a) the number of paylines played, (b) the average number of coins bet per payline, and (c) the number of players playing the gaming machine within a certain period of time. the number of next players; (d) the length of waiting time between the time one player leaves the gaming machine and the time the next player takes a seat; and (e) the presence in the vicinity of the gaming machine. It may also include the number of people, etc. In various embodiments, data regarding gaming machine usage or popularity may be aggregated across multiple gaming machines. This aggregation is calculated for consoles featuring the same game, for consoles featuring the same betting unit, for consoles from the same manufacturer, for consoles with the same broad theme (for example, for consoles featuring games related to Monopoly®). (e.g., about gaming machines that have been installed), about gaming machines that belong to the same broad category (e.g., about video poker machines, mechanical slot machines, video slot machines, video bingo machines, etc.), about gaming machines located in the same area of the casino, etc. . In some embodiments, a statistic may indicate the percentage of time a particular type of slot machine was occupied during the most recent day. For example, the statistics may indicate that the video poker machine was occupied on average 40% of the time within the last hour. In some embodiments, the statistic may indicate the average amount won at all dollar-based gaming machines in the casino over the last three hours. In some embodiments, the statistics may indicate the average amount won by the casino for each machine for all machines based on the Wheel of Fortune® theme. In some embodiments, the statistic may indicate the average amount of time that elapses between the time a player leaves and the time the next player takes a seat at a particular group of progressive slot machines. In various embodiments, information regarding slot machine usage may be transmitted to one or more financial markets for use in evaluating the slot machine manufacturer's performance.

(4.1.13) All ways in which a player interacts with a machine. In some embodiments, data indicating how the primary player interacted with the gaming machine may be collected. Such data may provide insight into the player's mood. For example, a player who is hitting buttons on a gaming machine may be irritated or unable to hold back.

(4.1.13.1) The player presses the button hard. In various embodiments, data may be collected regarding how much pressure the primary player applied to the gaming machine. The primary player may, for example, apply pressure to a "spin" button, other buttons, a handle, or a touch screen. A pressure sensor or other sensor on the gaming machine may detect the pressure applied by the player. Pressure may also be detected when applied to any other surface of the gaming machine. For example, the pressure of a primary player leaning against the surface of a gaming machine or the pressure of a drink may be detected by a pressure sensor. The sensor may also detect strikes or blows to the gaming device. For example, a pressure sensor or a vibration sensor may detect a kick to the base of the gaming machine. Data regarding pressure may be aggregated for multiple games, gaming machines, players, etc. For example, a statistic may show that the average pressure exerted on a button was X pounds per square inch for all gaming machines throughout the casino during the most recent hour.

(4.1.13.2) What is the exact time the player pressed the button? In various embodiments, the time associated with when a button was pressed on the gaming device may be recorded. For example, the data may indicate that a button was pressed at 11:45:02 am. Data regarding times when buttons are pressed may be aggregated for multiple games. For example, data regarding the amount of time a button is pressed may enable the derivation of statistics indicating the average length of time between each game on a gaming device. In some embodiments, the graph may show the number of button presses throughout the casino as a function of time. For example, each bar on a graph may represent the number of button presses at a casino over a certain period of time. The graph may show times of heavy activity and times of light activity in the casino. For example, a die may be rolled near the end of a time when a player in a game interrupts to make a reservation or detects an action starting at that time.

(4.1.13.3) Does the player press a button or pull a handle? In some embodiments, game data may be collected indicating how the primary player began playing the game. The data may indicate whether the primary player pressed a button, pulled a handle, automatically started a game, or started a game. Data regarding how games are started may be aggregated for multiple games. Such data in aggregated form may be described statistically. For example, a statistic may indicate the number of times a particular primary player presses a button to start a game within a certain period of time. For example, a statistic may indicate the number of times any primary player at a casino pulled the handle to begin play at a gaming machine on January 14, 2003.

(4.1.13.4) How fast the player pulls the handle. In various embodiments, data regarding games may be collected that indicates how quickly a primary player begins a series of games at a gaming machine. The data may include when the primary player begins playing the game. The data may include a time difference between the start of the first game and the start of the second game. Data may be aggregated over multiple game intervals. For example, a statistic may indicate the average time between when a primary player starts a first game and when a primary player starts a second game. Data may be aggregated for multiple primary players. For example, a statistic may indicate the average time between each game start time for a group of primary players. In various embodiments, data may be collected for the time a payout is made, the time a result appears on a viewing window or screen, or any other event during the game. This may lead to the time between each game.

(4.2) API. In various embodiments, APIs may be utilized to enable data exchange and system interaction according to various embodiments. Sensors utilized to collect data may communicate the collected data via an API. For example, a software application may utilize a camera-related API to extract image data from the camera. The software application may utilize the pressure sensor API to extract data from the sensor, such as data regarding the weight of a chip placed on the sensor. A software application may utilize an API associated with a card reader to extract data regarding cards that have passed on the reader. For example, a reader may be attached to a card shoe to collect data about cards processed from the card shoe. In various embodiments, the display may have an API. A software application may interact with the display's API to cause the display to display text, graphics, or animation.

(4.3) Bets on Aggregated Data. For example, 200 or more reds on roulette or 100 blackjacks in one day. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that a statistic will take on a certain value or range of values. Statistics may represent aggregate values of data from two or more games. For example, a secondary player may bet that a statistic describing the number of "red" outcomes on any roulette wheel throughout the casino in the next hour has a value in the range of 200 to 250. . That is, a secondary player may bet that between 200 and 250 "red" results will appear on any roulette wheel in the casino in the next hour. If 200-250 actual "red" results occur in the next hour, the player may receive an additional payout in addition to his wager. This additional payout may be a function of the bet size, such as 1x the bet size, 2x the bet size, or some other integer multiple of the bet size.

Embodiments described herein may be applied to statistics regarding subsequent or previous statistics. For example, a secondary player may bet that two payouts of more than $1000 will occur at a casino in the next hour. Such bets may constitute bets on statistics regarding the future. As another example, a secondary player may bet that 200 losing outcomes were generated on a particular machine at a particular casino between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on October 12, 2003. You can. Such bets may constitute bets on statistics relating to the past. A secondary player may make bets about the past, but they may not be based on a random or uncertain set of events because the secondary player may not know what happened in the past regarding statistics. It's okay to be. Embodiments described herein are applicable to current statistics. For example, for a secondary player, for all video poker games currently in progress, there are 20 games in which the initial five-card hand dealt includes three-of-a-kind or more. Embodiments described herein may be applied to statistics that include the past and the present, statistics that include the present and the future, statistics that include the past and the future, and statistics that include the past, present, and future. For example, a secondary player may bet that at some point in the next 30 minutes, 20 bonus rounds have been achieved on a certain row of slot machines in the previous 50 minutes (i.e., from now on). (starting 20 minutes ago and ending 30 minutes later).

(4.3.1) Time and statistics start. In various embodiments, bets may be based on statistics at a particular point in time. In some embodiments, the bet is based on the initial value of the statistic. The statistics may take an initial value of 0, for example. The statistics may take on some initial value at a specified time. The specified time can be, for example, the time the bet is placed, one minute after the bet is placed, the start of the next hour (e.g. 8 o'clock or 2 o'clock), the start of the next day, the next month. It may also be at the start of the process. For example, a statistic may represent the number of times a royal flush has been dealt at any video poker machine in a row of machines. This statistic may be initialized to zero at a specified date and time, such as 12:00 AM on October 1, 2010. The statistic may then be incremented by one for each Royal Flush dealt at a machine in that row. In various embodiments, the bet may be based on the second statistic. This second statistical value may be a statistical value at a specified time. For example, the second statistical value may be a statistical value one hour after the time of the initial value of the statistical value. The second statistic value may be a value taken by the statistic for three hours, two days, or any specified time after initialization of the statistic value. To continue the example above, a statistic initialized to 0 on October 1, 2010 may take on its second value at 12:00 AM on November 1, 2010. Therefore, the secondary player will notice that the statistics that were initialized to a value of 0 at 12:00 a.m. on October 1, 2010 will take on values between 30 and 40 at 12:00 a.m. on November 1, 2010. You can bet.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the value that a statistic will take over a period of time without any initialization point or initial value being specified. This statistic may represent an ongoing statistic that is generally updated, for example, as to whether any bets are being placed on the statistic. For example, a statistic may represent the value of a particular progressive jackpot. The secondary player may bet that the statistic value (and the value of the progressive jackpot) will exceed $1.2 million on October 4, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. In some embodiments, a casino may track the number of "reds" and the number of "blacks" that appear in all of the casino's roulette wheels. For example, at a certain point in time, the statistic indicating the number of times "red" (such as from the beginning of the week) may be "1204", and the statistic indicating the number of "black" may be "1154". The secondary player may place a bet that will win if the statistic indicating the number of "reds" exceeds 1300 in the next hour. A secondary player may place a bet that wins if the difference between the "red" and "black" statistics exceeds 100 one hour after the bet is placed. In some embodiments, ongoing statistics may be converted to statistics with desired initial values, such as through a simple mathematical transformation. For example, the second statistic may be defined as the first statistic value less than 1204. Therefore, the above statistic that shows that 1204 "red" results occurred in a casino in some previous period will indicate the number of "red" results that will occur in a future casino from the time the second statistic is defined. It may be converted into the described second statistics.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that a statistic falls within a discrete range. For example, a secondary player may bet on a statistic indicating the number of times a dealer busts in any of the casino's blackjack games in the next hour. The secondary player may bet that the dealer will bust between 50 and 70 times in total or between 100 and 125 times. Thus, the secondary player may win if the dealer busts on the 60th or 110th time, and loses if the dealer busts on the 90th time.

(4.3.2) Bets on statistics at multiple points in time. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that a statistic will take on different values at different times. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that a statistic will fall into different ranges of values at different times. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the path that a statistic will take. For example, if a statistic is plotted as a function of time, a secondary player may bet that the plot will follow a particular path and/or take a particular shape. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that a statistic falls within a first range at a first time and within a second range at a second time. In various embodiments, the secondary player receives information about the statistic being within a first range at a first time, within a second range at a second time, and within a third range at a third time. You can bet. For example, a secondary player may bet that the number of 7s at a craps table starting at 8 a.m. will be between 15 and 20 at 9 a.m. and between 40 and 50 at 10 a.m. good. Thus, the secondary player would win the bet if there were 18 7s at 9am and 44 7s at 10am. However, the secondary player will lose the bet if there are not 15-20 7s by 9am or 40-50 7s by 10am.

In some embodiments, a secondary player may win a bet if the statistic satisfies a first condition at a first time or satisfies a second condition at a second time. . For example, assume that a statistic indicates the number of times any primary player has received a blackjack at a particular blackjack table since 4:00 p.m. The secondary player may place a bet that will win if the statistic has a value between 10 and 20 at 4:30, or if the statistic has a value between 30 and 40 at 5:00. .

In various embodiments, a secondary player may place a winning bet based on a statistic satisfying any defined condition or combination of conditions. For example, a secondary player may win a bet if the statistics satisfy any three of four defined conditions.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that a particular value will take place within a particular time period. For example, a secondary player may bet that the total number of "bell" symbols appearing in a particular slot machine starting at 7:00 p.m. will reach 40 between 8:00 p.m. and 8:10 p.m. good. If the statistic reaches 40 at 8:01 p.m., for example, the secondary player will win. However, if the statistic reaches 40 at 8:13 p.m., the secondary player loses. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that a statistic will fall within a particular range of values within a particular time period. For example, a particular statistic may indicate the number of times an outcome with a payout of 30 or more coins has appeared in a particular slot machine since 9:00 AM. The secondary player may bet on anything between 5 and 10 between 9:30am and 9:35am. The secondary player would win the bet, for example, if the statistic was 5 at 9:35 a.m. or 10 at 9:30 a.m. However, the secondary player will lose the bet if, for example, the statistic has already reached 11 by 9:30 a.m. or has not yet reached 11 by 9:35 a.m. Will.

(4.3.3) Bets on combinations of statistics. The first statistic takes a first range of values and the second statistic takes a second range of values. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on more than one statistic. For example, a secondary player may bet that a first statistic will reach a first value and that a second statistic will reach a second value at a specified time. For example, a secondary player may assume that a row of video poker machines deals 200 Aces of Spades in the next hour, and that the same row of machines deals 210 Aces of Hearts in the next hour. You can bet. The secondary player will win the bet if the Ace of Spades is dealt 200 times and the Ace of Hearts is dealt 210 times. If the Ace of Spades is not dealt exactly 200 times or the Ace of Hearts is not dealt exactly 210 times, the secondary player may lose the bet. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet that a first statistic will reach a first value or that a second statistic will reach a second value. For example, a secondary player may bet that the number 3 will appear 20 times on the roulette wheel the next day, or that the number 7 will appear 20 times on the roulette wheel. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that any combination of conditions will be satisfied by one or more sets of statistics. For example, a secondary player may place a bet on four statistics, with separate conditions applying to each statistic. The secondary player will win the bet if at least two of these conditions are met. For example, (a) at least 20 outcomes that pay out 20 coins or more occur on the gaming machine between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.; (b) at least 3 bonus rounds occur on the gaming machine between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. (c) between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., the primary player's net gain at the gaming machine is less than five coins; (d) between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. The secondary player wins if at least two of each condition is met, such that there are 20 to 30 payouts of coins.

(4.3.4) Conditional Betting. If there are 200 spins, the player bets that between 95 and 105 red will appear. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet a payout that has a specific range of values, but is conditional on other circumstances. For example, a secondary player may play between 4:00 p.m. You may bet that 250 losing outcomes will occur. If this condition is not met, the bet may be deemed not to have taken place or a tie. If a condition is not met, a different condition may be applied. For example, a secondary player may be subject to 200-250 losing outcomes if at least 300 games are played, and 100-125 losing outcomes if fewer than 300 games are played. You can bet.

(4.3.5) Statistics may pay differently for different values. In various embodiments, the secondary player pays a first amount if the statistic has a first value, pays a second amount if it has a second value, and pays a third amount if the statistic has a first value. A bet may be made that pays a third amount if it has value. For example, a secondary player may bet on a statistic that indicates the number of times a banker has won a baccarat game within a particular hour. If the banker wins 15 to 20 times, the secondary player may receive the wager plus an additional amount equal to the wager. If the banker wins more than 20 times, the secondary player may receive the wager plus an additional amount equal to twice the wager. If the banker wins less than 15 times, the secondary player loses his bet. In some embodiments, a secondary player may win an amount that is a linear or affine function of a statistic over a range of possible statistic values. For example, a secondary player can calculate the number of times a particular primary player's two-card hand in a pai gow poker game beats the banker's two-card hand in a particular hour. You can bet on. The secondary player may win an amount equal to B x 0.1 x (N-15) for any N>15. Here, N represents the number of times a particular primary player's two-card hand has won, and B represents the amount wagered by the secondary player. For example, if N equals 25, the secondary player would win B x 0.1 x (25-15) or B. If N is less than or equal to 15, the secondary player wins nothing, eg, loses his bet. It will be appreciated that it is also possible to define the statistic to be equal to simply B x 0.1 x (N-15) or any other function of simpler statistics. In the former case, the secondary player's payout may be defined by statistics.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may place a bet. This bet may indicate a particular statistic. For example, a statistic may represent the number of times a banker wins at a Pai Gow Poker table within a certain amount of time. The specified statistic value may be twenty. The payout to the secondary player may be increased by an amount for each unit for which the statistic exceeds a specified value. For example, for each number of times beyond 20 that the banker wins, the secondary player's payout may increase by one dollar. In some embodiments, the payout to the secondary player may increase for each unit below a specified statistic. For example, a statistic may represent the number of times a war is started in a casino war game at a certain table during a particular three-hour period. The specified value may be 10. The payout to the secondary player may be increased by $5 for each unit below 10 to which the statistic belongs. For example, if the statistic is 9, the secondary player may win $5. If the statistic is 8, the secondary player may win $10. If the statistic is greater than or equal to 10, there may be no secondary player acquisition. The secondary player may lose his wager.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may lose more than his or her wager depending on the statistics. For example, a secondary player may lose twice his wager if a statistic reaches a predetermined value. Thus, the secondary player may lose his or her original wager and be required to provide an additional amount equal to the original wager. In various embodiments, a secondary player may lose more money as the statistic value deviates from the specified value. For example, the specified statistic value may be 20. The secondary player loses $1 if the actual statistic is 19, loses $2 if the actual statistic is 18, and loses $2 if the actual statistic is 17. You can lose $3, etc.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may place a spread bet based on statistics. A spread bet may include a specified statistic. If the actual statistic is greater than the specified value, the secondary player may be paid in proportion to the greater the actual statistic. If the actual statistic is less than the specified value, the secondary player may lose an amount proportional to the amount by which the actual statistic is less. The secondary player may also lose if the actual statistic is greater than the specified value and win if the actual statistic is less than the specified value. For example, a secondary player may win an amount proportional to the amount by which the actual statistic is less than the specified statistic. The secondary player may lose an amount proportional to the amount by which the actual statistic is greater than the specified statistic.

In various embodiments, the spread bet may include a constant amount that is added to the amount owed or paid out by the secondary player. For example, a secondary player may be paid an amount proportional to the difference between the actual statistic and the specified statistic plus a constant. This constant may be positive or negative. For example, a secondary player may be paid an amount equal to $1 x (AD) + c. where A is the actual statistic, D is the specified statistic, and c is a constant. In various embodiments, the secondary player may be paid an amount equal to $1 x k x (AD) + c. Here, k is a constant. In various embodiments, the secondary player is paid $1 x k x (A-D) + c ₁ if A>D, and $1 x k if A≦D. ×(A−D)+c ₂ may be paid. Here, c1 and c2 are two different constants. In various embodiments, the secondary player is paid $1 x k x (A-D) + c ₁ if A>D, and $1 x k if A<D. ×(A−D)+c ₂ is paid, and if A=D then c ₃ may be paid. Here, c ₁ , c ₂ and c ₃ are three different constants.

(4.3.6) Bets on the total of craps rolls. In various embodiments, a statistic may represent the sum of numbers resulting from two or more games or events. For example, a statistic may represent the sum of total points achieved by a player over three games of blackjack. For example, a player achieves a hand with a total point of 16 in the first game of blackjack, a hand with a total point of 21 in the second game, and a hand with a total point of 14 in the third game. If achieved, the statistic may be 51. A statistic may represent the sum of total points from two or more primary players in one blackjack game. For example, a statistic may represent the sum of total points from each hand of Bob, Joe, and Sam participating in the same game at a gaming table in a casino. In some embodiments, the statistic may represent the sum of total points in hand for both the player and the dealer. In some embodiments, the statistic may represent a sum of total card points. For example, a statistic may represent the sum of points from all cards dealt in a game, or for all cards dealt in multiple games.

In some embodiments, a statistic may represent the sum of numbers revealed on tiles or dominoes in a game. For example, a statistic may represent the sum of numbers revealed on dominoes in a game of Pai Gow.

In some embodiments, a statistic may represent the sum of numbers achieved on two or more die rolls. Such dice rolls may occur in craps, Sic Bo, or any other game. In a craps game, a statistic may represent the sum of two or more dice rolls during the game. For example, a statistic is the sum of all dice rolls made between the time the pass line bet is made and the time the pass line bet is determined (e.g. in favor of the player, in favor of the dealer, etc.) It may also represent As another example, a statistic may represent the sum of the first three rolls made during a game. In some embodiments, a statistic may represent the sum of rolls made in two or more games. For example, a statistic may represent the sum of rolls made in five consecutive craps games.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may place a bet with a payout that depends on a statistic representing the sum of points, dice rolls, or any other numbers. For example, a secondary player may bet that a statistic representing the sum of three dice rolls in craps will have a value greater than 21. The secondary player may win his wager if the statistic exceeds 21, and lose his wager otherwise. To continue the example above, assume that the three dice roll numbers 10, 6, and 8. At this time, the statistical value is 24, which is the sum of 10, 6, and 8. The secondary player will win his wager.

In another example, a secondary player may bet on a statistic representing the sum of the first rolls of dice from each of the next five craps games. The player wins if the statistical value is less than 32, otherwise loses. Assume that for the next five games, the initial rolls are 4, 7, 9, 5, 9. The statistical value would then be 34. In this example, the secondary player loses.

In various embodiments, a statistic may represent a sum of eyes from multiple different craps tables. For example, a statistic may represent the sum of all rolls at all craps tables in a casino during a given five minute period. For example, a statistic may represent the sum of the following rolls in each of five craps tables.

In various embodiments, the statistic may represent the sum of the numbers rolled on each die. For example, a statistic may represent the sum of the smallest dice in each of the following three rolls: For example, the ordered pair (x, y) represents a single roll with x representing the number on one die and y representing the number on the other die. Assume that the next two swings will be (3, 5), (6, 4), and (1, 3). The statistic will be equal to the sum of 3, 4, and 1, which equals 8.

In various embodiments, a statistic may represent a function of points, die rolls, or any other number. For example, a statistic may represent the product of dice rolls. For example, if three dice roll 4, 3, and 10, the statistic may take the value of 120, which is equal to the product of 4, 3, and 10.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may place a bet with a payout dependent on the actual statistical value for a specified value. In some embodiments, a secondary player may place a bet with a payout proportional to the difference between the actual statistic and the specified statistic. Such bets may be referred to as spread bets in some embodiments. For example, a secondary player may bet on a statistic representing the sum of three dice in a craps game. The specified value may be 21. The player may receive $1 for each unit whose actual statistic value exceeds the specified value of 21. For example, if the actual statistic is found to be 24, the player may receive $3. In some embodiments, the secondary player may be owed an amount proportional to the amount by which the actual statistic value is less than the specified value. For example, if the actual statistic is found to be 14, the player may be owed an amount equal to $10. Amounts previously provided by a secondary player may be added to the amount due. For example, a wager previously made by a secondary player may be added to the amount owed.

A mobile device interacts with the approximate game. In various embodiments, a player (primary player, secondary player, etc.) may carry a mobile device. The mobile device may provide an interface for players to participate in the game. The mobile device may receive data from a casino server, gaming machine, gaming table, or any other source. This data may include game data. Based on the data, the mobile device may generate or reconstruct a depiction of the game. For example, data received by a mobile device may include data indicating cards dealt in a game, numbers rolled on a die, numbers determined in a roulette game, and the like. Based on this data, the mobile device may generate or reconstruct a depiction of a slot machine, video poker game, roulette game, or any other game. In some embodiments, the mobile device may indicate events occurring in the game without graphically depicting the game, such as through text on a display screen. A mobile device may have input devices such as buttons, touch pads, trackballs, keys, touch screens, microphones, and the like. A mobile device may accept commands and other input from a player via an input device. The mobile device may receive input from a player indicating an amount to bet for a game, a strategy to be used in the game, decisions to be made in the game, bets to be made in the game, etc. The mobile device may transmit input received from the player to a casino server, a gaming machine (such as a slot machine), a gaming table, a dealer, a host, or any other entity that runs the game. The mobile device may communicate via an intermediary with the entity that performs the game. For example, a mobile device may send and receive data to and from a casino server. The casino server may then send and receive data to and from the table games. In this manner, table games and mobile devices may communicate through the casino server.

Using mobile devices, players may participate in live games. When a player is acting as a primary player, the player may begin playing the game and make decisions in the game. If a player is acting as a secondary player, the player may bet on the primary player's game.

In various embodiments, a mobile device may be configured to select an entity to play a game based on the location of the entity and/or the location of the game. For example, the mobile device may be configured to select a blackjack table game that is within 100 feet of the mobile gaming machine. Accordingly, the mobile device may begin sending and receiving data to and from the table game. The mobile device may transmit to the table game where the player wishes to place a bet and start a new game. A table game dealer may receive instructions from a mobile device. For example, a wireless receiver at a tabletop game may receive commands from a mobile device and display them on a monitor at the tabletop game. Dealers may comply with this order. For example, the dealer may deal cards to new positions on the table. This position may not be physically occupied. Nevertheless, the cards may represent the cards of a player playing via a mobile device. When an event occurs in a table game, data regarding such event may be sent to the mobile device. For example, cards that are dealt to a player's hand may be read by a card shoe reader when they are dealt. Data indicating the card may be transmitted to the mobile device via a wireless transmitter on the table. The mobile device may receive this data and display game information to the player based on the received data. A player may enter a game decision, such as a hit or stand decision, which is then transmitted by the mobile device to the gaming table. This process may continue through one game or an entire series of games.

In various embodiments, the mobile device may initiate communication with a table game, gaming machine, or other entity proximate to the mobile device. For example, a mobile device may determine that a particular slot machine is the closest slot machine to the mobile device. The mobile device may therefore initiate communication with this slot machine. Players with mobile devices may participate in slot machine games. A player may participate as a primary player or a secondary player in various embodiments. When a player participates as a primary player, the mobile gaming machine receives a wager from the player and then sends a signal to the gaming machine, which triggers the gaming machine to generate an outcome. . This may cause the gaming machine to be triggered to spin and produce an outcome without the player being physically present directly in front of the gaming machine. For example, a player may be 10 feet away from a gaming machine, but the gaming machine may initiate games and generate outcomes in response to signals from the mobile device.

In various embodiments, the mobile device may initiate communication with a table, gaming machine, game, or other computing device that relays information to and from the game based on the proximity of the game and the game type. For example, a mobile device may initiate communication with the closest game, which is a video poker game. For example, the mobile device may initiate communication with the closest game, which is blackjack. For example, the mobile device may initiate communication with the closest game, which is a craps game.

In various embodiments, the mobile device may initiate communication with the game based on the presence or absence of a primary player in the game. For example, a player with a mobile device may desire to act as a secondary player in a blackjack game. Thus, a player may desire to find the nearest blackjack game in which a primary player is already participating. A player with a mobile device may act as a secondary player and participate in an existing primary player's game. In various embodiments, if a player with a mobile device desires to act as a primary player, the mobile device initiates communication with a game where there are spots available to the primary player. You may. For example, a player with a mobile device may desire to participate in a blackjack game as a primary player. The mobile device may initiate communication with a blackjack table that does not have at least one seat filled. A player with a mobile device may play as a primary player in a game of blackjack. However, in various embodiments, a player with a mobile device does not need to be physically seated at the table. The dealer may simply deal cards to specific spots that are understood to belong to players with mobile devices. A player with a mobile device may make game decisions and key them into the mobile device. The mobile device may communicate decisions to the blackjack table (eg, to a computing device having a transmitting and receiving antenna located at the blackjack table). The player's decision may then be communicated to a dealer who acts on the decision, for example, by dealing a card or not dealing a card.

In various embodiments, a mobile device may initiate communication with a game, gaming console, gaming device, etc. based on a number of factors. The mobile device determines (a) the type of game (poker, blackjack, slot machine, etc.); (b) the wager required for the game (e.g., only if the required minimum wager is less than $25; , the mobile device may initiate communication with the game, the mobile device may initiate communication with the game only if the minimum wager is greater than $1, etc.), (c) (d) the presence or absence of a particular dealer (e.g., the mobile device may initiate communication with the game if the dealer is Joe Smith); (e) the previous results of the game ( For example, if the last five games played were wins, the mobile device may begin communicating with the game; if the primary player of the game lost more than $100 in the last hour, the mobile device (e.g., the device may initiate communication with the game); (f) the proximity of the game closest to the mobile device; (g) the location of the game; and (h) the location of the mobile device. Good too.

In various embodiments, the mobile device may automatically begin communicating with the game once the trigger condition is met. For example, when a mobile device comes within 10 feet of a blackjack game, communication between the game and the mobile device may be automatically initiated. The communication may be triggered without input from the player with the gaming machine. However, the trigger conditions may have been previously entered or defined by the player with the mobile device.

A mobile device may have various methods for determining its proximity to a game. The mobile device may have a position sensor or detection means. For example, a mobile device may include a GPS reader. For example, a mobile device may receive signals from multiple beacons fixed at known locations and triangulate its location based on the time of arrival of each signal from the fixed beacons. The mobile device may store records of the locations of various games. For example, a mobile device may have an internal map detailing the locations of various games. If the mobile device determines that it is at a particular location and detects that the location happens to be close to the game location (e.g., as determined from an internal map), the mobile device determines that it is close to the game. Good too. The mobile device may then begin communicating with the game.

In various embodiments, games (game consoles, table games, etc.) may have beacons or antennas that distribute signals within a shorter range. For example, a game may have an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. The signal distributed by the game may be detectable within a certain radius of the game. The mobile device may have a receiver capable of detecting signals distributed from the game. If the mobile device detects the signal, the mobile device may begin communicating with the game.

In various embodiments, a game (game console, tabletop game, etc.) may initiate communication with a mobile device. In various embodiments, the game may detect when a mobile device is in close proximity. For example, a mobile device may have an antenna that distributes a signal within a short radius of the mobile device. For example, a mobile device may have an RFID tag. The game may detect the presence or absence of the tag and initiate communication with the mobile device.

In various embodiments, the mobile device may distribute the signal. These signals may be detected at fixed detection means at known locations, such as known locations in a casino. The location of the mobile device may then be triangulated using methods well known to those skilled in the art. For example, based on the time of arrival of the signal to the fixed detection means, a circle may be drawn around the detection means indicating possible positions of the mobile device. If there are multiple detection means, multiple circles may be drawn. The mobile device may be assumed to be located at a location where all of these circles intersect or are close to intersecting. The casino server may be in communication with the detection means. The casino server may thereby derive the location of the mobile device. The casino server may compare the location of the mobile device to the known location of the game. If a mobile device is detected to be near a game, the casino may notify the game and/or the nearby mobile device. In response, the mobile device may initiate communication with the game.

In various embodiments, players may participate in table games via mobile devices. A player may enter a bet on a mobile device. A player may have an account balance at the casino. For example, a player may have $10,000 in a casino account. When a player enters a bet, the stake may be deducted from the player's account balance. When a player wins a prize in a game, the winning amount may be added to the player's account balance. In various embodiments, a player may place bets via a mobile device without such bets being disclosed to other players. For example, a player with a mobile device may enter a bet on the mobile device (eg, by keying in a wager) without actually placing chips on the gaming table. A player with a mobile device avoids situations where other players can see how many chips are being wagered by the player. It may be important to a player to be able to place a bet without the amount being wagered being disclosed to other players (or spectators). A player who is betting a large amount of money, for example, may desire to avoid being alerted to the possibility of theft. Players may also benefit from not having to carry large amounts of money with them away from the table. For example, a player may win $40,000 at a table. Rather than collect $40,000 in chips and walk away, the player may store his winnings in his account at the casino, where they cannot be easily stolen.

Enabling a mobile device to communicate with the game and allow players with mobile devices to participate in the game may provide additional benefits. In some embodiments, the table game may be full. For example, all seats at a blackjack table may be currently occupied by a player. Nevertheless, players with mobile devices may be able to participate in games at the table. For example, a dealer may deal an additional hand to a player with a mobile device and place the hand in a spot with no seats in front of him. (For example, in a spot near the dealer).

In various embodiments, a player may use a mobile device to play a Equipment is available.

In various embodiments, a player participating in a table game using a mobile device may use the mobile device to send chips to a dealer in the game. For example, a player may utilize an input device (keys, touch screen, etc.) on a mobile device to indicate an intention to provide a tip and indicate the amount of the tip. The amount of the chip may be deducted from the player's account balance at the casino. The tip amount may be credited to the dealer's account. The dealer receives a quantity of chips equal to the chips from the table and may be allowed to put the chips in his own pocket, for example. Using a mobile device, a player can determine (a) the amount of chips to be provided, and (b) a message associated with the chip (e.g., "This is a chip from Joe," "This is a chip from Joe," "Recent card in hand." (c) a dealer who gives chips (e.g., a player may be required to participate in a game at two or more tables at the same time and designate a dealer); (d) the chips are pseudonymous. It may also indicate whether the information is provided by In various embodiments, when a chip is sent to a dealer, the dealer is notified of the source of the chip. In this way, the player who sent the chip can receive gratitude from the dealer. A screen at the gaming table may provide a message indicating who has provided the tip. For example, the screen may display a message to the dealer that says, "John Brown just gave you a $5 tip." In some embodiments, the dealer may view a photo of the player who provided the chip. In this way, the dealer may be able to visually see which of the players standing near the table has provided chips. In various embodiments, a dealer may receive a message indicating that a chip has been sent from a mobile device player in the area. For example, a message may indicate that "a player on a mobile device in your area has provided you with a $1 tip."

In various embodiments, a player may participate in a game via a remote device or terminal. A player may participate via a fixed terminal including, for example, a display screen, processor, memory, and communication devices. Players may also participate via mobile devices. In various embodiments, a remote terminal can play a game on behalf of a player. In various embodiments, the remote device may make game decisions on behalf of the player. Such game decisions may include determining whether to hit or stand in blackjack and determining the cards to be drawn in a video poker game. In various embodiments, the remote device may make decisions regarding how much to bet. Decisions regarding stakes include decisions about how much to bet at the start of the game, decisions about whether to add to the bet (such as deciding whether to double down in a game of blackjack), and decisions about how much to bet during the game. (such as during a poker game).

A player at a remote terminal may allow the remote device to make decisions in the game on his or her behalf. For example, a player may type his or her initials to indicate that he or she is authorizing the terminal to make game decisions on his or her behalf. A player may specify constraints or parameters for these decisions. For example, a player may specify a bet to be made on a given game, a maximum bet to be made on a given game, a total number of games to be played, etc. In some embodiments, a player may allow the remote device to bet on a game until the player wins or loses a certain amount. For example, a player may continue playing until his current bankroll is doubled (e.g., the amount the player owns that has been deposited at the casino) or until his bankroll is halved. The device may be allowed to continue placing bets on the person's behalf. In various embodiments, a player may specify the strategy used in the game. For example, if a player has 10 points and the dealer has 3 cards face-up, one may specify which action should be taken in a blackjack game. In some embodiments, a player may choose from two or more predetermined strategies. For example, a player may indicate that he or she desires to use a certain "risky" or "conservative" strategy. In some embodiments, the player may allow the terminal to play according to an optimal strategy and/or to play according to a strategy that maximizes a parameter, such as the expected winnings from the game.

A player at a remote terminal may specify various betting rules. Betting rules are: (a) the terminal bets a fixed amount on every game (e.g., $2 per game), and (b) the terminal depends on the outcome of previous games (win, loss, etc.). (c) the terminal bets double the amount after each loss and $1 after each win; (d) bets until the terminal wins X amount in total; (e) the terminal bets until it has lost a total of It may include one or more of the following. The betting rules may further include the number of games to play at one time (three games played at once, waiting time between each play of a game, etc.). If the player at the remote terminal is a secondary player, the rules for the terminal to follow may include rules detailing how the primary player is selected. Rules for selecting a primary player include rules for selecting a primary player based on demographic information, rules for selecting a primary player based on games played by the primary player, and rules for selecting a primary player based on games played by the primary player. rules that select the primary player based on the past results of the player; rules that select the primary player based on the amount wagered by the primary player; and rules that select the primary player based on the strategy used by the primary player. It may also include rules for selecting the next player.

Randomization generator. In various embodiments, the card shoe may automatically deal cards. In various embodiments, the card shoe may automatically deal face-up cards such that the cards are visible to the camera above. In various embodiments, the cards may be placed face-up on the card shoe. In this manner, cards may be automatically dealt face-up. In various embodiments, the card shoe may display cards without removing the cards from the shoe. For example, a card shoe may maintain two internal card stacks. Cards may be transferred from the first stack to the second stack. Each card is displayed through the shoe's viewing window as it is transferred. When the first stack runs out, a second stack is shuffled to take its place. Cards from the newly shuffled first stack may be transferred back into place in the second stack. In this way, the cards may be repeatedly shuffled and dealt without the need for a person to collect the eliminated cards and place them in the shoe. As will be appreciated, many other card shoes may be utilized. A card shoe capable of automatically dealing cards may be used. Additionally, the card shoe may be utilized with any device that allows cards to be visualized to a camera, for example by flipping the cards once they are dealt. A card shoe may be utilized with a card reader. The card may include special markings, such as a bar code or other pattern that is machine readable and used to identify the rank and type of the card. The card may include an RFID tag that provides a signal identifying the rank and type of the card.

In various embodiments, the card shoe may deal or reveal cards at variable speeds. For example, a card shoe may be capable of dealing cards at a rate between 5 cards per second and 1 card every 3 seconds. The card shoe may have controls that allow a human and/or computer to increase or decrease the speed at which cards are dealt. In various embodiments, the card shoe may be slowed down when producing cards for the game at a relatively slow pace. For example, when a game using cards is a baccarat game with high odds, the speed may be slowed down. The card shoe may be sped up when the game with the cards is a game of blackjack with a large number of skilled players.

In various embodiments, the cards dealt by the card shoe may serve as the basis for playing one or more games. For example, a remote player may engage in a video poker game. Cards used in a video poker game may first be dealt from a card shoe. The rank and type of cards dealt may be captured by an overhead camera, for example. The display of the cards may be reconfigured at the player's remote terminal.

In various embodiments, the card shoe may be manually controlled. For example, a human or computer may indicate to a card shoe when to deal a new card. In this way, new cards may be dealt only when necessary in the game. For example, if a player is using cards from a card shoe for a video poker game, the player's remote terminal will only send cards to the card shoe when the player indicates which cards from his initial hand to discard. may instruct the player to deal a new card. Cards dealt from the shoe may be used as replacement cards for cards that are subsequently discarded. Further, the shoe may be instructed to only deal as many cards as are necessary to replace cards discarded by the player.

In various embodiments, the card shoe may deal cards at a constant rate. In various embodiments, the card shoe may deal out cards according to a set schedule. A card shoe may, for example, deal one card per second. Any player and/or game is allowed access to the cards that are dealt from the card shoe. For example, a player at a remote terminal may request ten cards for a blackjack game. The terminal may then extract data regarding the next ten cards dealt from the card shoe. Data about the cards may be utilized to reconstruct images of the cards, to process the display of the cards, and to determine whether a player wins in a game of blackjack.

In various embodiments, data regarding cards dealt from a card shoe may be stored. The data may be stored on the casino server, on a remote terminal that executes the player's games, or at any other location. When data about cards is needed for a game, that data may be extracted. Data regarding cards dealt in the past, such as ten minutes before the game was played, one day before, or one year ago, may be extracted.

Cards dealt from the card shoe may be read in a variety of ways. Image processing algorithms may recognize characteristic card patterns or images. For example, image processing algorithms may be used to count the number of marks on a card and/or to determine the type of card from the shape of the marks. For example, optical character recognition technology may be used to recognize the rank of a card based on the letters or numbers printed on the card. In various embodiments, the card may have a barcode or other pattern. A laser may be used to read the barcode. The card may have an RFID chip or other signal processing device to communicate the card's identity.

In various embodiments, a live human dealer may deal the cards. Dealers may deal cards for live games at a casino. In various embodiments, the dealer may simply deal the cards. There may be no live players, such as primary players near the dealer. However, the cards dealt by the dealer may also be used as the basis for other games, such as remote games. Thus, in some embodiments, a human dealer may deal cards face up. The card may be read by a camera or other device. In some embodiments, the dealer may key in the identity of the card. The cards may be utilized in a remote player's game.

In some embodiments, multiple card shoes, live human dealers, or other card distribution entities may deal the cards. In some embodiments, a first remote game may use cards from a first card shoe and a second remote game may use cards from a second card shoe. In some embodiments, the first remote game may use cards from more than one card shoe. For example, a remote game may use three cards dealt from a first shoe and two cards dealt from a second shoe to form an initial hand of poker. It will be appreciated that the use of cards from multiple shoes may give rise to different possible outcomes. For example, if cards from one shoe containing only one deck of cards in a poker game are used, a five-card hand may not be possible. However, if cards from two different shoes are used, five-of-a-kind may be possible even though both shoes are dealing with only one card of a deck of playing cards.

In some embodiments, the game and/or player may alternately utilize cards from two shoes. For example, a game may use first, third, and fifth cards dealt from a first shoe and second and fourth cards dealt from a second shoe. In various embodiments, a game may use cards from any number of shoes, such as five shoes. In various embodiments, the same cards may be used in two different games. For example, cards dealt from one shoe may be used in a remote blackjack game and a remote video poker game. In various embodiments, cards dealt from the shoe may be used in a first blackjack game and a second blackjack game. In various embodiments, historical data regarding cards dealt from a shoe or dealt by a human dealer may be recorded. Historical data may be made available for viewing, searching, analysis, or any other use by the player. The player may select a shoe to use in the game. For example, a player may view data regarding the most recent 100 cards dealt in each of two shoes. The player may decide that the second shoe is the luckier shoe. This is because it dealt cards that led to players winning more often in the blackjack game.

In various embodiments, the card shoe deals up to a certain penetration and no more. For example, a card shoe may contain 312 cards. However, after the shuffle, the cards may be dealt less than the 312 full cards of the shoe. This may prevent players from counting cards. For example, a card shoe with 312 cards may only deal 100 of the cards before reshuffling. In some embodiments, the card shoe may shuffle cards continuously. For example, after dealing a set of cards, each card may be randomly inserted into the rest of the deck of cards. For example, the entire deck of cards may be reshuffled after each deal.

In various embodiments, a card shoe or other card distribution device may have an associated Applications Programming Interface (API). The API may include various commands given to the shuffling means by the remote terminal. Other commands may include a command for dealing new cards, a command for shuffling, a command for increasing the speed of distribution, a command for slowing down the speed of distribution, and the like. In various embodiments, the API may specify how the card shoe communicates to the remote terminal which cards have been dealt. For example, an API may allow a remote terminal to interpret a particular data sequence as an ace of spades.

In various embodiments, one or more APIs may define communication with the Card Shoot Casino server. The casino server may then relay information regarding the cards that are dealt to the terminal running the game for the player. In various embodiments, one or more APIs may define communication between a server and a terminal. The API provides each command that allows the terminal to request a card from the server, request an increase in the distribution speed, request a decrease in the distribution speed, or make any other command or request. may be specified.

Various games use dice. Specific examples include Sic Bo and craps. In various embodiments, a machine for automatically rolling dice may be used. The leader may decide the outcome of the dice roll. For example, an image may capture dice rolls and determine the roll of each die. Data regarding the rolls on the dice may be sent to a remote terminal. The remote terminal may utilize data from the dice to run the game. For example, a remote terminal may utilize data regarding the rolls of three dice to enable determining the outcome of a Sic Bo game played by a remote player.

In various embodiments, the basket may have one or more dice. The basket may be a cylinder, tube, parallelepiped, or any other enclosure containing any enclosed area with two flat opposing surfaces. The basket may be transparent on one or more of its surfaces. In various embodiments, the entire basket may be transparent. In various embodiments, the basket may have two normal rest positions. In the first rest position, one of the two flat opposing surfaces is parallel to the ground and is the closest surface to the ground. In the second rest position, the other of the two flat opposing surfaces is parallel to the ground and is the closest surface to the ground. As will be appreciated, in each of these two resting positions, the dice in the basket are likely to be resting on the lower of two flat opposing surfaces (ie, the surface closest to the ground). When the basket is in one of its normal rest positions, the dice in the basket may be read by the reader. When the die is loaded, the basket may be flipped 180 degrees so that the surface closest to the ground is now closest to the sky, and the surface closest to the sky is now closest to the ground. A flip of the basket drops the dice onto the surface currently closest to the ground. The die falls, possibly in a chaotic or unpredictable manner, thereby generating a new set of random numbers when it lands on a new bottom surface. In various embodiments, the basket may be controlled by a stepper motor. The stepper motor may precisely control the flipping of the basket so that the opposing flat surfaces are parallel to the ground when at rest. It will be appreciated that other basket shapes may be utilized in various embodiments. For example, the basket may have one surface that is substantially parallel to the ground at all times. A basket may be rolled to randomize the dice. In various embodiments, the dice included in the basket may have RFID tags. Each side of the dice has its own RFID tag, e.g. detection means above the basket detects which RFID tag is closest of the six on a given die, thereby determining which You may decide if the number rolled on the die.

In various embodiments, random events may be utilized to provide data for use in one or more games. For example, as described herein, the shuffling and distribution of cards may determine a random event. The outcome of the random event may include which cards are ultimately dealt. In various embodiments, random events may generate results from a limited set of results. For example, the results of a die roll are from the set of integers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. For example, the result of distributing cards from a standard 52-card set is a card with one of the 52 unique identities. In various embodiments, data describing one of the first result sets may be converted to data describing one of the second result sets. In various embodiments, multiple results from a first set may be combined to generate one result from a second set of results. In various embodiments, one result from a first result set may be decomposed into multiple results from a second result set. For example, the first random event may be a distribution of cards. A card may be used to generate the results of two dice. For example, the 2 of clubs corresponds to the rolls of two dice, each die showing the number 1 on its top.

In another example, three dice are thrown. The three dice are used to define the rank and type of cards. For example, a first die is thrown. If the first die shows a 1, the card becomes a club. If the first die shows a 2, the card becomes a heart. If the first die shows a 3, the card becomes a diamond. If the first die shows a 4, the card becomes a spade. If the first die shows a 5 or 6, side dice are thrown until it shows either 1-4. Then a second die is thrown. If the second die shows 1, 2 or 3, a third die is thrown. If the second die shows a 4, 5 or 6, the second die is thrown again. The second die is rolled repeatedly until it shows anything from 1 to 3. If the second die shows a 3 and the third die shows anything from 2 to 6, the second and third dice are thrown again. That is, the second die needs to be rolled again until it shows anything from 1 to 3. The third die is also rolled again under the same circumstances as the first. However, if the second die shows a 3 and the third die shows a 1, the toss is over. Finally, if the second die shows 1, if the third die shows 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, then it will be Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 respectively. Dew. If the second die shows 2, the card rank will be 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen when the third die shows 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 respectively. . If the second die shows a 3 and the third die shows a 1, the card's rank is King. Since the dice are rolled again if the above combination occurs, no other combination of the dice is possible.

It is understood that many other algorithms may exist for converting data indicative of one result set to data indicative of another result set. Any other system may be used. Thus, in various embodiments, cards dealt from the shoe may be utilized to play a craps game. Dice rolled in a basket may be used to play a video poker game. Coin flips may be utilized to play Sic Bo or casino war games. Generally, one result set may be utilized individually or in combination to generate data indicative of any other result set.

Verification of random event generation means. In various embodiments, a player may participate in a game that relies on data from random events. The random event may take place at a location separate from the player's location. For example, a player may play a game on his mobile gaming device in New Jersey, but the game may rely on random events taking place in Nevada. Random events may also occur at different times than when the player is playing. For example, a player may play a video poker game. The cards that the player receives may be based on cards that were dealt three weeks ago from a hard shoe in the casino's warehouse. Random events may also occur in a different type of game than the one being played by the player. For example, a random event may occur in a craps game and a player is playing a blackjack game.

In various embodiments, a player may desire to verify the authenticity of random events that determine the outcome and payouts of the player's games. For example, if a player repeatedly loses games, the player may begin to doubt the results of his games are not fairly generated. As such, players may desire to receive assurance that the results were indeed generated fairly.

In various embodiments, a player may request to confirm the outcome of a random event and/or verification of a payout. A player may request authentication using one or more input keys, buttons, or devices. For example, an area on the touch screen of a player's mobile gaming device may include buttons. This button may be labeled with "Authenticate," "Verify Game Results," "Check Results," "View Results Source," or other label. A player may touch the button to view or receive information regarding the results of his game and/or payouts.

In some embodiments, a video may be generated that shows how random events generated results used in a player's game. For example, when random events are used to generate results, these events may be filmed. For example, the roll of the dice may be filmed. As another example, the distribution of cards may be filmed. The film may be stored as a digital file in a casino's database, or the like. Films may be indexed or labeled in association with particular results or events. For example, the file name of the video file may be "Event 93048200 of December 13, 2010."

In various embodiments, a player may request to see a video showing the random events that generated the results used in the player's game. The video may then be displayed to the player. The video may show cards being dealt, dice being rolled, a roulette wheel being spun, or the source of the outcome resulting in the outcome of the player's game. The video may be transmitted from the casino server to the player's mobile gaming device. A portable gaming machine may display video to a player on its display screen.

Variable inputs to result-generating means. In various embodiments, a machine, device or other entity that generates random outcomes may be controlled by a player. This control may be direct or indirect. For example, a player may have the opportunity to physically spin a roulette wheel to generate random roulette outcomes. For example, a player may have the opportunity to physically move a basket of dice to generate new rolls of the dice. A player may indirectly control a machine that generates random outcomes by sending commands to the machine. Commands may be sent via a terminal such as a mobile device. For example, a player may press a button on a remote terminal that instructs the machine to spin a roulette wheel. The remote terminal may relay the player's request to the casino server. The casino server may then instruct the machine controlling the roulette to spin the roulette.

In various embodiments, a player may not only issue commands to generate results, but also commands regarding how the results should be generated. The player may, for example, specify the degree of physical force to be applied to the result generating device. For example, a player may specify the speed at which the roulette wheel is spun (eg, in terms of revolutions per second, etc.). A player may specify the amount of time a basket containing dice is rolled before the dice come to rest. The player may specify the amount of time the cards must be shuffled before being dealt. Thus, in various embodiments, a player may specify inputs that fall within a range of possible inputs. For example, the speed or force with which the roulette wheel is spun may vary over a continuous range. The player may specify speed or force. A player may specify forces using a dial, mouse, or other input device that can provide a continuous range of input. For example, a player may use a mouse to manipulate the level of a bar on a terminal's display screen. If the bar is at a high level, the roulette will be spun with a high initial speed. If the bar is at a low level, the roulette will be spun with a low initial speed.

In various embodiments, a player's status may determine what control the player is allowed to have over the result-generating device. For example, in various embodiments, if a player is a high roller (e.g., the player places bets greater than a predetermined amount on each visit to a casino), the player may It may be allowed to define variable inputs to the device. However, players who are not high rollers may only be allowed to tell the device whether or not to produce a result.

Game data index. In various embodiments, one or more statistics may be utilized to summarize game sets, outcomes, player winnings, or other occurrences at a casino. These statistics may be called indexes. Thus, for example, there may be a "roulette red index" that summarizes the proportion of times the roulette wheel across the casino turned red in a given period of time. There may be a "Blackjack Index" that summarizes the proportion of times blackjacks are dealt to players across casinos. Other indices include (a) the number of times a certain outcome has occurred (such as the number of times a jackpot has occurred), and (b) the amount of money won by one or more players (the amount won by a slot machine player in the last hour). (c) the number of times a particular symbol has appeared (e.g. the number of times a "cherry" symbol has appeared in a certain row of slot machines); (d) the number of times a certain intermediate result has appeared (e.g. (e) the number of times a player has achieved a certain hand (such as the number of times a Texas Hold'em player has achieved a full house, or a blackjack player has achieved a total point of 20); (f) the number of times a dealer achieved a certain result (such as the number of times a dealer achieved a total point of 20 in a blackjack game); (h) the number of times a certain score was reached in a sports game (such as the number of times a player (i) the number of players who won $100 or more; An index may summarize data from a given time period, such as from the current time. For example, the index may summarize the percentage of times a 7 was rolled on the first roll of craps that day. An index may summarize data by absolute numbers. For example, the index may indicate the total number of roulette spins that resulted in a 12 on the current day. Such an index may be referred to as a "12" index. The index may summarize the data as a ratio. The index may indicate a ratio of occurrences of one result to occurrences of other results. The index may indicate the ratio of the occurrence of a certain outcome to the number of games played. For example, an index value of 2.7% may indicate that the number 12 appeared in 2.7% of the roulette spins during the day.

In various embodiments, the index may summarize data from specific areas of the casino. For example, the index may summarize a player's winnings from slot machines on the first floor or a particular row of a casino. An index may summarize data from a particular type of machine. The index may summarize data from slot machines. The index may summarize data from video poker machines. The index may summarize data from table games. The index may summarize data from progressive slot machines. The index may summarize data from video slot machines.

In various embodiments, the index may have weightings for particular events, games, or outcomes. The outcome may be weighted according to the number of bets placed on it. For example, if the number 17 appears in a roulette wheel played by five players, the index of "17" is the same as the index of "8" when the number "8" appears in another roulette wheel where only one player is betting. may be increased by five times the index of . In various embodiments, a game or outcome may be weighted by an index based on the size of the game or indexed bet. For example, if a person bets $100 and receives a blackjack, the "Blackjack" index may increase ten times as much as when the person bets $10 and receives a blackjack. Games or outcomes may also be weighted according to the size of one or more payouts possible in the game. For example, an outcome in a game with a jackpot of $10,000 may receive twice the weighting as an outcome with a jackpot of $5,000.

In various embodiments, there may be an index for a particular player. For example, a primary player may have an index. The secondary player may decide whether to participate in the primary player's game based on the level of the index.

In some embodiments, an index may exist for a group of players. For example, you can play a certain type of game (such as blackjack) to all players within a certain age range, to all players from a certain geographic location, to all people of a certain gender. There may be an index such as for all people with preferences. In some embodiments, there may be an index of player groups based on wagers. For example, a "large cap" index may summarize statistics regarding players who wager $25 or more per game. A "small cap" index may summarize statistics regarding all other players.

Increased odds and commissions. In various embodiments, a player may be given higher game payout odds in exchange for paying a certain commission. For example, in a roulette game, a player who bets $1 on a winning number may typically receive $35 in addition to his or her $1. In some embodiments, the payout for achieving a winning number in a roulette game may increase to $37. Thus, assuming there are 38 spaces on an American roulette wheel, a player can expect to have a 37/38 chance of losing $1 and a 1/38 chance of winning $37. Therefore, the player will have an expected profit or loss of zero and will be placing a bet with true odds. However, in general, a casino may desire to maintain a house advantage on bets in order to generate a profit for the casino. Thus, the casino may offer a $37 payout if the player wins, but may charge the player a $2 commission whenever the player wins. Thus, a casino may maintain house advantage by charging a commission even if bets are placed at true odds.

In various embodiments, a player may place a bet with true odds. That is, the player may bet so that the expected value from the game is zero. However, for one or more outcomes, the player may owe a commission to the casino. This commission may be deducted from the amount paid on a winning outcome.

In various embodiments, a player may place a bet with a positive expected value. That is, a player may place a bet with an advantage, ie, such that the player can expect to win on average more than his or her wager. However, the house may profit from the game by charging a commission for playing the game. The commission may exceed the amount the player can expect to profit from the game. For example, a player may bet $1 on a game where the player can expect to win $1.05 on average. Therefore, the player has an advantage in the game. However, the casino may charge the player a commission of $0.10 for playing the game. Therefore, taking into account commissions, the casino will still be able to make a profit from the games on average.

In some embodiments, a player may bet on a game that is guaranteed to win more than the amount he or she bets. For example, if a player bets $1, the player is guaranteed to win at least $1.05 and may earn a net profit of $0.05. However, the player may be charged a commission for the game. For example, the commission may be equal to $1.05. Commissions, when taken into account, may help make the game profitable for the casino.

Displaying data. Data generated at the casino or from any other source may be displayed to one or more players. This data may also be displayed for viewing by one or more casino representatives. Data may also be communicated in other ways, such as through announcements over a public address system or over radio waves. As described herein, the displayed data may include data regarding past results, summary statistics, data regarding the performance of one or more players, data regarding the performance of one or more gaming machines, and performance of one or more dealers. data regarding one or more jackpot sizes, data regarding data trends, data regarding one or more outcomes, data regarding one or more past outcomes, and the like.

Data may be displayed in several areas. Data may be transmitted (a) on a game console display screen (e.g., on a game console display screen that is not currently in use), (b) on a wall-mounted monitor, (c) via an electronic signature, and (d) by projection. (e) on the screen of a terminal on which a secondary player is participating in the game; (f) on the screen of a mobile device; (g) in a hotel room; (h) on a display screen in an elevator; and (h) on a display screen in an elevator. The data or representations of data (graphics, tables, etc.) may be printed on paper or other materials and made available for distribution or use. Data regarding the restaurant's menu may also be printed. For example, a restaurant menu may feature the name of the primary player who won the most consecutive blackjack games that day. The data may be presented on a sign above the gaming machine. For example, a sign above a gaming machine may indicate that $2000 or more has been paid to the gaming machine in the past 24 hours. Data may be displayed by a sign above each row of gaming machines. For example, above a row of gaming machines, a sign may indicate the name of the player who had the best winning record at that row of gaming machines within the past 24 hours.

In various embodiments, the collected or recorded data may be made available over a network, such as the Internet. People may access data by going to an address on a network, such as a particular Uniform Resource Locator (URL) address. The address may include data that can be viewed in a particular format, such as HTML format. The data may be accessible by an Internet browser, such as Internet Explorer®. In various embodiments, data may be accessible via various links. Each link leads to a different address on the network. A given link may provide access to a particular type of data. For example, a given link may lead to data regarding each player's performance. Other links may provide access to data regarding the performance of the gaming machine. In various embodiments, a first link may lead to data collected at a first casino (e.g., data regarding games at the first casino) and a second link may lead to data collected at a second casino. .

In various embodiments, a casino attached to a hotel may transmit gaming data via one or more television channels. For example, channels of a cable television system may be used to provide or display casino data. In some embodiments, a first channel may be used for a first type of data, a second channel for a second type of data, and so on. For example, a first channel may display data regarding results collected at a blackjack table set. The second channel may display data regarding the results generated in the roulette table set.

In various embodiments, data may be prominently displayed if the data has a certain level of importance. For example, a casino may have large signs in widely visible locations throughout the casino. Signs may be used to display only the most important data. For example, the sign may display the last 10 people who won $1000 or more. The casino may have additional signs in less obvious locations. For example, a digital sign may be made visible only over the entire area of a particular row of slot machines. The sign may display the names of the last ten players who won $100 or more at the slot machines in that row. Thus, in various embodiments, data may be displayed in a particular location if the data is generated nearby, such as in the vicinity of a gaming machine or table game.

In various embodiments, inferences or conclusions based on the data may be displayed. For example, assume that in the last 15 minutes, blackjack players across the casino won 60% of the blackjack games played. This assumption may be made that blackjack players generally have a winning streak. Accordingly, a message may be displayed (eg, on a sign, on a mobile device screen, on a terminal screen, etc.) that a blackjack player is doing well. Other examples of messages include "Dealer Joe Smith has a big hand tonight," "Sue Baker is having a great night," "Red is the winning color on the roulette wheel," and "Billy Examples include ``Bob won a huge jackpot on the slots'' and ``Sue Smith is going home rich tonight.''

In various embodiments, the data may be printed on a brochure, receipt, or other paper document or material. A player or other party may desire specific types of data. For example, a player may desire to have a record of his results within a certain period of time. For example, a player may desire to have a record of all the video poker hands that were dealt during that day. Accordingly, a player may request such recording. For example, a player may go to a casino cage and provide identifying information (such as in the form of a player tracking card). The casino cage may access data about the player that is stored on the casino server. The casino may then print out data regarding the player's results from that day. The casino may then provide the records to the player. In various embodiments, a first person may desire to have a record of data regarding one or more other people. For example, the person may desire a brochure displaying the results of the top 100 players in the casino that day. This brochure may show the name or pseudonym of each of these 100 people, along with the amount won by each person. In various embodiments, a person may desire records regarding a particular machine, a particular dealer, a particular sector of the casino, a particular gaming table, or a particular group of people. This record may include data about the requested people, devices or entities, including results realized, wins, losses, number of consecutive games won, number of consecutive games lost, strategies used, etc. good.

In various embodiments, notifications may be generated based on events or outcomes occurring in a game or casino. For example, a secondary player may wish to be notified when a secondary player wins more than five games in a row at a slot machine with any primary player. Good too. Thus, the casino server, the secondary player's device (such as a mobile gaming device), or any other device may track the data as it is received (such as from a gaming device). The casino server may process the data and determine whether the notification criteria have been met. For example, the casino server determines whether a primary player's win is the fifth consecutive win by examining the data from the primary player's most recent game and the data from the previous four games. You may decide whether to configure it or not. If all games are winning games for the primary player, the casino server may generate a notification to the secondary player. The notification may take the form of a message sent to the secondary player. For example, a text message may pop up on the screen of a secondary player's mobile gaming device. Notifications may also be displayed or distributed to a wider audience. For example, a notification may be delivered to an electronic sign hanging at a casino. Notifications may also be delivered via wireless or other channels for audio delivery.

trend. In various embodiments, a trend may include a set of games or outcomes that have common characteristics and appear close in time and/or appear sequentially. Properties of common outcomes are: (a) these outcomes are all the same, (b) these outcomes have one or more symbols in common, (c) these outcomes have the same associated payout, ( d) all of these results have a positive associated payout, (d) all of these results have a payout of a given level or higher (e.g. 10 units or more), (e) all of these results have a positive associated payout, (e) all of these results have a payout of at least a given level (f) all of these outcomes are losses; (g) all of these outcomes are wins; (h) all of these outcomes are near misses. Common game characteristics are: (a) these games have the same outcome, (b) these games have the same payout, and (c) these games have a common intermediate outcome (such as video poker). (e) all of these games have payouts for losses; (e) all of these games have payouts for losses. (f) each game has multiple winning outcomes; (g) all of these games reached the bonus round; (h) all of these games were near misses.

In various embodiments, a player may bet that a trend will continue. A player may bet that results generated in the future will share common characteristics with a set of results generated in the past. For example, a player may bet that the same outcome (such as a winning pass line) that occurred in the last five games at the craps table will occur in the sixth game. For example, a player may bet that the total points realized by the dealer in the last five blackjack games (such as a total point total of 18) will be realized by the dealer in the next blackjack game. In various embodiments, a player may bet that a trend will continue over a period of time. For example, a player may bet that a trend will continue for more than three games. The player bets on the exact number of games that the trend will continue. For example, a player may bet that a trend will continue for the next two games before it breaks. A player may bet on the minimum number of games that the trend will continue. For example, a player may bet that a trend will continue for a minimum of the next five games. Players may also bet on the maximum number of games that the trend will last. For example, a player may bet that a trend will not continue for more than three games. In various embodiments, a player may bet that a trend will not continue. A player may bet that subsequently generated results will not share common characteristics with previously generated result sets.

In various embodiments, a player may bet on continuity or discontinuity of trends that have occurred in the past. For example, a secondary player may detect consecutive games of roulette being played by a primary player that resulted in red for ten consecutive games. The secondary player may be notified of the outcome of the game after this ten consecutive red games. However, the result of the eleventh game may be recorded (eg, in the casino server's memory, etc.). The secondary player may then bet that the trend will continue. For example, a secondary player may bet that the eleventh game resulted in a red result. For example, a secondary player may bet that the next five games will also result in a red result. A secondary player may also bet that the trend is discontinuous. For example, a secondary player may bet that the eleventh game will not result in a red result.

In various embodiments, a trend may indicate a consecutive number of wins or a consecutive number of losses. A series of wins or losses may represent a player's, a dealer's, a particular gaming machine, and/or a particular type of game. For example, a statistic may indicate the number of consecutive winning games at a particular slot machine, regardless of who played the game. For example, a statistic may indicate the number of consecutive games won by the dealer at a blackjack table. A player, such as a secondary player, may bet on the continuity or discontinuity of a trend of consecutive wins and losses. For example, a secondary player may bet that a primary player who has lost ten games in a row will lose the eleventh game in a row. For example, a secondary player may bet that a craps game will ultimately end with a losing pass line bet, even though the pass line bet has been winning for the past ten games.

In various embodiments, a trend may indicate a regular pattern of characteristics in a set of results. This characteristic pattern does not require that each result have the same characteristics. Rather, a pattern may exhibit a regularly changing set of characteristics. For example, a trend may consist of a series of roulette results such that every other outcome is red and the outcome between the red outcomes is black. That is, the trend represents a pattern in which each red result is followed by a black result, and each black result is followed by a red result. Players, such as secondary players, may bet on the continuity of such trends. For example, if the most recent outcome was red, the primary player may bet that the next outcome will be black. Players may bet that such trends will continue with multiple outcomes. For example, a player may bet that red and black will alternate for the next ten consecutive outcomes.

In various embodiments, a trend may have any pattern. A player may bet on continuity or discontinuity of any pattern. A player may bet that a pattern will continue for any number of subsequent games, or that the pattern will break at a specified subsequent point. The payout provided to a player who bets correctly may depend on the nature of the pattern and the number of games or outcomes in which the player bet that the pattern will continue. For example, a winning player who bet that a pattern will continue into the relatively distant future may receive a higher payout than a player who bets that a pattern will last only a few games into the future. For example, if each successive outcome of a pattern is a relatively rare outcome (e.g., the player bet that a pattern of green outcomes would continue in roulette), then the player may receive a higher payout than a player who bets on a sequence of patterns that have a common outcome (such as a pattern in a blackjack game where the dealer wins).

In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a winning trend or pattern of a primary player. For example, a secondary player may bet that a primary player will have a positive net profit win in each of the next four five-minute periods. The primary player may have realized a positive net profit win in the previous 10 five minute periods, or the secondary player may simply be betting on the emergence of a new trend. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the trend of a primary player's balance or bankroll. For example, a secondary player may bet that a primary player's bankroll will increase every 10 minutes over the next hour. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a primary player's winnings or trends in the ups and downs of his bankroll. For example, a secondary player may bet that a primary player's bankroll will increase in the next five minutes, decrease in the next five minutes, increase in the next five minutes, and so on. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that the primary player's bankroll (or the bankrolls of other secondary players) will alternately reach a certain point. However, the period during which funds on hand need to reach the point does not have to be specified. For example, a secondary player may assume that a primary player's bankroll reaches 100, then 50, then 150, then 25, then 155. You can bet on. The secondary player may win if the primary player's bankroll reaches the points in sequence. However, the secondary player may lose his bet if the primary player's bankroll reaches the above point order. For example, a secondary player may lose if the primary player's bankroll reaches 155 before reaching 25. The embodiments described herein regarding bankrolls may also be applied to the balance of a gaming machine, the number of chips at a gaming table, the amount of net profit earned, and the like. For example, a secondary player may bet that the primary player's net earnings will first reach a first point, then a second point, then a third point, and so on.

Sports. In various embodiments, data may be collected for sports. For example, data may include sports scores, the number of yards run by a particular player in an American football game, the number of bases advanced by a particular baseball player, the number of aces made by a tennis player, the number of underscored by a golf player, and the number of bases advanced by a particular baseball player. It may also include the number of pars, etc. Data may be aggregated for various games. For example, the total number of bases advanced by any major league player on a certain day may be added to define a statistical value. A secondary player may bet on this statistic. Other example data may include the number of punches thrown in a boxing match, the number of three-point shots made in a basketball game, the number of collisions in a car race, etc.

A secondary player selects game characteristics. In various embodiments, a secondary player may specify a category of the participating primary player's games such that games belonging to that category have particular characteristics. A game may be a game that has a certain starting state. The game may be a game in which certain outcomes occur for the events of the game. In some embodiments, a secondary player may specify a starting hand or a starting hand category in a video poker game. For example, a secondary player may specify a hand that includes three cards of the same rank. Accordingly, the casino server may search for a primary player's game that features a starting hand with three cards of the same rank. In some embodiments, a secondary player may specify a starting point total in a blackjack game. To this end, the casino server may search for games for the primary player that feature a starting hand with that starting point total. For example, a secondary player may specify a particular dealer's upcard in a blackjack game. To this end, the casino server may search for the primary player's games in which the specified dealer's upcard was dealt. In some embodiments, the secondary player may specify the category of the slot machine game in which the "Cherry" symbol appeared on the first reel of the slot machine. Accordingly, the casino server may search for a primary player's game in which a "cherry" symbol appeared on the first reel of the slot machine. In various embodiments, a secondary player may establish constraints regarding the games in which the player desires to participate. The casino server may then detect one or more games of the secondary player that fit such constraints. In some embodiments, the secondary player may place a constraint such that the primary player wins at least an amount of X in the game. In some embodiments, the secondary player may place constraints on the game such that the primary player receives certain cards in the game. As will be appreciated, many other constraints may be placed on the game.

Adjustment of the game rules of selected games for specific characteristics. In various embodiments, the category of games specified by the secondary player may not have a higher probability of ending with a particular outcome than a purely randomly selected game. In various embodiments, the category of game specified by the secondary player may not have a higher probability of ending with a particular outcome than a game started from scratch. For example, if a secondary player indicates an intention to participate in a slot machine game in which the first symbol is a "cherry," the secondary player may win the game better than if he had participated in a game that started from scratch. The probability of ending the process does not have to be high. For example, if a secondary player indicates an intention to participate in a video poker game where the starting hand includes three cards of the same rank, the secondary player may play the game with three of a kind if desired. Guaranteed to end.

Thus, in various embodiments, when a secondary player has an opportunity to participate in a certain category of games specified by that player, the secondary player may, all else being equal, Higher advantages may be derived. For example, a secondary player may ensure that he/she participates in winning games by specifying a category of games in which the player always wins. In various embodiments, the house may modify the selected game according to the secondary player's specifications in a manner that increases the house advantage in the game. The house may modify the game in such a way as to provide the house with an advantage equal or approximately equal to what the house would have if the game started from scratch. For example, if the house normally has a 5% advantage in a slot machine game and a secondary player chooses to play a game in which the "cherry" symbol appears on the first reel, the house will The probabilities of various symbols, payouts for one or more outcomes, or required wagers may be changed to maintain the house advantage for the game near 5%.

In some embodiments, a secondary player may select constraints for the game. For example, a secondary player may apply a constraint to the game such that the game must be a blackjack game with an initial hand of 11 points total. The house may make changes to the game such that the probabilities of various outcomes of the game shift in the house's favor. For example, in the above example of a blackjack game in which the initial primary player's hand has a total point total of 11, the house will collect the total number of cards in a deck of cards by removing all cards with a value of 10. You may change the remaining parts. This may result in a shift in the house's favor (though not necessarily in the house's favor, as it reduces the player's chance of achieving 21 points and also reduces the dealer's chance of busting). ). For this reason, the house may make changes to the game that reduce the likelihood of a player achieving a particular outcome or category of outcomes. At the same time, this modification may increase the likelihood that a player will realize a particular outcome or category of outcomes (such as a hand with less than 21 total points). In various embodiments, the house may make changes to the game to increase or decrease the probability of one or more outcomes. In various embodiments, the house may change the probabilities directly (e.g., by changing the probabilities used in the random number generation means used to generate the game outcome) or the probability of the outcome. (e.g., the house adds or removes cards from a deck of playing cards that has the effect of changing the probability of an outcome).

In some embodiments, the resulting refund may be modified. For example, assume that a secondary player indicates an intention to participate in a game in which the primary player's initial handheld total points were 11. In response, the house may reduce the payout for the player's winnings. Instead of paying $10, for example, a winning result may only pay $10.

In some embodiments, the required wager may be changed. For example, suppose a secondary player desires to participate in a slot machine game in which the first two symbols are "bell" symbols. Instead of requiring the secondary player to bet $1, as may be typical for a game, the house may require the secondary player to bet $5. . On the other hand, the payout may remain unchanged for games in which the secondary player does not set any constraints.

In some embodiments, the rules of the game may be changed. For example, a secondary player desires to participate in a blackjack game where the dealer starts with a total point of 13. The rules may be modified to allow the dealer to make any decision at any time, including hitting by 18 if the player has 19. By changing the rules of the game, the house may effectively change the probability of one or more outcomes.

In some embodiments, the payout rate may be changed. For example, given the constraints imposed by the secondary player, a particular outcome may pay 5 to 1, and typically the same outcome may pay 20 to 1.

In various embodiments, changes made to the rules, probabilities, payouts, and payout rates may be advantageous to the player. For example, a secondary player may apply constraints to a game that are disadvantageous to the secondary player. For example, a secondary player may indicate an intention to participate in a blackjack game starting with a total point of 15 with no aces. Such a starting hand is considered a bad hand and greatly reduces the secondary player's chances of winning. Thus, for example, payouts for a player's wins may be increased to compensate for the secondary player's disadvantageous starting hand.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may indicate desired odds for realizing one or more outcomes in a game. In various embodiments, a secondary player may indicate desired odds for achieving any of a set of outcomes, such as desired odds for achieving any winning outcome. For example, a secondary player may indicate that he desires his odds of achieving a winning outcome to be 1:2. That is, the secondary player desires to achieve an average of one win for every other loss. Thus, the casino may select the primary player's game set such that there is one winning game for every every other losing game in the game set. The casino may then randomly select a game from the set of games and allow the secondary player to participate in the selected game. In various embodiments, the casino may adjust or determine payouts for the outcome of the game in response to a secondary player selecting odds for the outcome of the game. Note that the adjustment of payouts does not necessarily need to be made for the same outcome for which the secondary player selected the odds. For example, a secondary player may indicate desired odds for a first outcome and the casino may adjust the payout for a second outcome. In various embodiments, a casino may adjust payouts for one or more outcomes to counter the advantage a secondary player gains from selecting the odds of an outcome. For example, if a secondary player indicates the desired odds of achieving an outcome that is higher than the standard or typical odds of achieving such an outcome, the casino may issue what would constitute a typical payout. Refunds may be reduced for one or more outcomes. If the secondary player indicates desired odds for an outcome such that the outcome works to the secondary player's detriment (e.g., the secondary player has lower than typical odds for a winning outcome) (e.g., indicating desired odds of an outcome), the casino may alter payouts for one or more outcomes in favor of the secondary player. For example, a casino may change one or more payouts. In some embodiments, the casino may adjust one or more payouts to maintain a constant or nearly constant house advantage. For example, a casino may change payouts to ensure that the house advantage after adjusting the odds and payouts of the outcome is approximately the same as the house advantage before adjusting the odds and payouts. In some embodiments, the casino may decrease the odds of a second outcome if the secondary player indicates an intention to increase the odds of the first outcome. For example, a casino may detect a set of games for a primary player in which a first outcome occurs more often than usual, but a second outcome occurs less often than usual. The casino may then randomly select a game from the game set to allow the secondary player to participate. In the embodiments described herein, instead of indicating desired odds, a secondary player can easily indicate desired probabilities for one or more outcomes. It will be appreciated that simple mathematical operations can convert odds to probabilities and vice versa.

In various embodiments, the secondary player may indicate a desired payout for the outcome. For example, a secondary player may indicate an intention to make a larger payout than would normally be associated with the outcome. Therefore, the casino may adjust the probability of that outcome occurring. For example, the casino may reduce the probability of that outcome occurring. In various embodiments, a casino may reduce the probability of an outcome by selecting a pool of one or more primary player games in which that outcome occurred less frequently than would normally be expected. The casino may then randomly select a game from this pool of games and allow the secondary player to participate in the selected game. In various embodiments, the casino may adjust the probability of an outcome different from the outcome of the payout for which the secondary player requested an adjustment. For example, a secondary player may indicate a desire to increase the payout for the first outcome. The casino may then adjust the probability of the second outcome. The second outcome may be a win. In various embodiments, a casino may adjust the probability of one or more outcomes to counter adjustments made to payouts to favor a secondary player. In various embodiments, the casino seeks to maintain the same or nearly the same house advantage before and after adjustments are made by the secondary player and the house. For example, if the house advantage is normally 5% for a game, the house may seek to counter adjustments to payouts by secondary players to maintain the house advantage for the game at 5%.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may utilize a dial to set payouts, probabilities, and/or odds. The dial may allow the secondary player to adjust the settings continuously or nearly continuously by turning the dial to the appropriate angle. The secondary player may also utilize a scroll bar, mouse, arrow keys, or any other input device to specify settings. In response to the secondary player adjusting the first setting, the house may adjust the second setting, for example, to maintain a constant house advantage. The house may adjust the probability settings by selecting an appropriate game pool of primary players such that the frequency of occurrence of one or more outcomes is equal to the desired frequency. The house may adjust the payout simply by providing a different payout than typical when a particular outcome occurs.

In various embodiments, the house may change the odds of one or more outcomes by changing the configuration of the cards in a deck of cards. For example, a house may add or remove cards from a deck of cards. In some embodiments, a secondary player may specify a starting hand for a particular category of games. For example, in a game of blackjack, a secondary player may indicate an intention to start with a total point of 18. The house may adjust the configuration of the unused portions of the deck in response. For example, the house may add a rank 3 card to the deck to reduce the dealer's chance of busting.

In some embodiments, the secondary player may indicate the desired starting holdings of both the secondary player and the dealer. For example, the secondary player may indicate the secondary player's starting point total, and the secondary player may indicate the dealer's particular upcard. In some embodiments, the secondary player may indicate the secondary player's starting hand and the dealer's completed starting hand. In some embodiments, the secondary player may indicate the secondary player's starting hand and additional cards. For example, a secondary player may show a starting hand that has two 9s plus an additional 10 (e.g., if the secondary player splits the first two cards) etc.) In some embodiments, the secondary player may indicate the dealer's starting hand and additional cards. In some embodiments, the secondary player may indicate any sequence of the primary player's first cards and/or any sequence of the dealer's first cards. The secondary player may specify point totals, number of cards, ranks of cards, specific cards (such as both rank and type), etc. In response to an indication provided by a secondary player, the casino may search for games of the primary player that match the indication. For example, if a secondary player indicates an intention to participate in a game in which the primary player has a starting point total of 10, the house may You can also search for games.

Performance records. In various embodiments, a viewable record may be generated for the primary player. This record may include an indication of the primary player's past performance. The record may consist of a description of the profits and losses of the primary player. The record may include an indication of the amount of money won by the primary player over a period of time. This record may include an indication of the amount of money lost by the primary player over a period of time. The record may include an indication of the total amount wagered by the primary player over a period of time. The periods covered by the records are: (a) hours, (b) days, (c) weeks, (d) weekends, (e) length of stay of the primary player at the casino, (f) first time at the casino. (g) the duration of a primary player's session at a gaming machine; The record may include a division of performance indicators into various categories. The records may indicate performance metrics by time, amount wagered, gaming machine, dealer, casino, gaming machine type (such as reel slot machine vs. video slot machine), or any other category. For example, the record may include a first set of data indicating the primary player's wins at blackjack during the most recent day, and a second set of data indicating the primary player's wins at video poker during the most recent day. and a third set of data indicating the primary player's wins at roulette during the most recent day. In some embodiments, the record may include a list of each game played by the primary player (such as all games played by the primary player). This list includes the amount wagered, the amount won, the amount lost, the results accepted, the time of the game, the decisions made, the first hand accepted in the game, the last hand accepted in the game, actions by the dealer, the hands of the opponent, the opponents The data may include data regarding each game, including the determination of the amount of money, the amount of money increased, and the like. This list may divide the games into different categories. For example, data regarding all games played at slot machines may be listed, and data regarding all games played at table games may be listed.

The primary player's record may be viewable by the primary player. For example, a primary player may be able to call up a display of a recording on the screen of any gaming console, any terminal, any mobile device, any Internet-connected device, etc. It's okay. This record may be printable, for example, on a cashless game ticket. In some embodiments, a primary player's records may be viewable to a secondary player. For example, a secondary player may search for a primary player's name and view that primary player's records.

In various embodiments, the primary player may specify a limit. These limits may be visible in the primary player's record. The limits may include stop limits. This limit may cause or prompt the primary player to stop playing if certain criteria are met. For example, a limit may prompt a primary player to stop playing if he loses $100. In various embodiments, a notification may be sent to the primary player when the primary player's performance metrics meet certain criteria. For example, a notification may be sent to the primary player when the primary player accumulates a winnings of $500. The notification may notify the primary player that he wishes to stop playing once his winnings reach $500.

In some embodiments, a secondary player may receive notifications based on the performance of the primary player. For example, a secondary player will be able to claim that when a primary player wins 10 games in a row, when a primary player loses 10 games in a row, the primary player's funds are A notification may be received when there is a swing of 3 or more between a loss and a loss, and/or when any other condition is met. In various embodiments, a secondary player may specify notification conditions. The secondary player may be notified if the notification conditions are met. For example, if a primary player satisfies a notification condition, a secondary player may be notified that the primary player has satisfied a secondary player's notification condition. The secondary player may then be given the opportunity to participate in the primary player's next game. The secondary player is eligible for the You may be notified when you have earned more than a certain amount of money in a certain amount of time. A secondary player is eligible to lose if the primary player has lost more than a certain amount in the last 1 hour; It may be notified when the next player makes a near miss.

Data from one game used by other games. Various embodiments describe the use of data in gaming contexts such as casino gaming, mobile gaming, charity bingo, online gaming, and the like. In various embodiments, data generated in a first game may be utilized in a second game. For example, a data set may be generated in the first game. This data set may be used to determine the outcome of the first game. The same data set may also be used to determine the outcome of the second game. For example, 14 cards may be dealt in a blackjack game. Data indicating the ranks and types of these 14 cards may be recorded. Such data may later be utilized to run a video poker game. In a video poker game run, data regarding the first five of the fourteen cards may be shown to the player, and the remaining nine cards may be left alone. The player may select three cards to discard, and then data regarding the three replaced cards is provided to the player from the data regarding the remaining nine cards. In various embodiments, the first game data may be generated via physical means. Generating data via physical means may include generating data via processes that are not solely based on electrical and optical operations. Generation of data via physical means may include the generation of a roulette result, the distribution of one or more cards from a deck of playing cards, the roll of a die, or any other physical or partially physical may also include processing. Generating data via physical means may include generating roulette results via manual spinning of the roulette wheel, such as by a casino employee. Generating data via physical means may include generating roulette results via automatic rotation of a roulette wheel, such as by a computer-controlled motor. Generating data via physical means may include rolling dice by a human, such as a craps player. Generation of data via physical means may include automatic rolling of the dice, such as via motorized rotation of a transparent enclosure containing the dice.

In various embodiments, event outcomes and/or decisions in a first game may be utilized as input for generating event outcomes and/or decisions in a second game. For example, the outcome of an event and/or decision in a first game may be utilized as a random number for use in an algorithm to generate an outcome and/or decision in a second game. In some embodiments, the outcome of an event and/or decision in a first game may be utilized directly as an outcome or decision in a second game (eg, without further transformation). In various embodiments, the first game may include an automatically executed game or a player's game (eg, without participation by the player). In various embodiments, the first game may include a game in which outcomes or decisions are generated via physical processing (eg, as opposed to electronic processing). For example, the first game may include an outcome or decision generated through a roll of a die, a spin of a roulette wheel, a deal of cards, or any other physical process.

leader. Data may be recorded from the first game in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, a human may manually enter data from the game. For example, a casino employee may use a keyboard to enter the numbers 4 and 3, which represent the numbers rolled on two dice in a craps game. In some embodiments, sensors or readers may detect and record data from the game. The roulette reader may detect and record the spaces where the roulette ball stopped after a spin of the roulette wheel. An exemplary roulette sensing device is described in US Pat. No. 4,396,193, "Roulette wheel directional sensing apparatus," by Reinhardt et al. US Pat. No. 4,396,193 is incorporated herein by reference. The card shoe may be equipped with sensors and/or algorithms for reading the cards dealt from the shoe and determining data about the cards, such as rank and type. An exemplary card shoe is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,029,009, "Playing card dealing shoe with automated internal vard feeding and card reading," by Grauzer et al. US Pat. No. 7,029,009 is incorporated herein by reference. In various embodiments, a camera may capture images of the game being played. Data such as data regarding cards dealt, data regarding dice rolls, and data regarding numbers generated on a roulette wheel may be extracted from such images. Such data. For example, it may be extracted using an image processing algorithm. US Pat. No. 4,531,187 to Uhland, "Game monitoring apparatus," describes "means for optically monitoring cards being played" in a game. US Pat. No. 4,531,187 is incorporated herein by reference.

camera. In various embodiments, a camera may record footage of the first game being played. For example, a camera may record footage of dice being thrown, cards being dealt, a roulette wheel being spun, etc. In various embodiments, the video may be stored. In various embodiments, the footage includes the date and time the filmed game was played, a game identifier, an identifier of a player in the game (such as the player's name), an identifier of a dealer in the game, the location of the game, the game may be associated with and stored with one or more tags or other data, including an indication of the casino in which the game was played, the type of game being played (blackjack, craps, etc.), etc. After the video footage is recorded, a player involved in the second game may indicate an intention to review the video footage. A player in the second game may be involved in a game that utilizes data from the game shown in the video footage. For example, the players involved in the second game may be involved in a video poker game that utilizes the same cards that were originally dealt in the blackjack game. Players may wish to review film footage to verify that the same cards that were dealt in a blackjack game and are currently being used in their own game were fairly dealt. . A stored tag associated with the video footage may assist the house or casino in retrieving the video footage in response to a player's request. For example, data used for a second game may be tagged with the first game's identifier. A player in the second game may request to see video footage of how the data was generated in the first game. To this end, the casino may search for video footage stored in association with the identifier. Such video footage may then be extracted and displayed to the player in the second game.

skin. In various embodiments, data generated in the first game may be used in the second game. One or more algorithms may be utilized to convert data from the first game into data suitable for use in the second game. For example, data from a first game may include a first range of numbers. Data suitable for use in the second game may be mapped to the second range using mathematical transformations such as multiplication or division by a constant. For example, the data from the first game may include data regarding cards dealt in the first game (eg, the first game is a blackjack game, etc.). Such data may be in the form of numbers, with each number from 1 to 52 representing a different data in a standard deck of 52 cards. The data required for the second game may include numerical data within the range of 1 to 6, since the second game may be a dice game (such as craps). Thus, data from the range 1-52 may be mapped to data from the range 1-6. This mapping may be performed as follows. It will be appreciated that many other mappings are possible. Numbers 1-52 are completely discarded if the number is 49, 50, 51 or 52. If a number is discarded, a second number is subsequently used (eg, a number representing a different card dealt in the first game). If the number is not discarded, the number is divided by 8 and the result is rounded to the nearest integer. Thus, digit 1 is mapped to digit 1, digit 2 is mapped to digit 1, digit 8 is mapped to digit 1, digit 9 is mapped to digit 2, digit 17 is mapped to digit 3, and digit 48 is mapped to digit 1. is mapped to the number 6. Therefore, mapping from a card game to a dice game is realized. To perform the dice throw of a craps game, more than one card may be utilized from a card game (if more than two cards are represented by a number greater than 48, then may be required).

Once data suitable for use in the second game is obtained, a suitable skin may be used in the second game. The skin may include graphics and play patterns that make the second game more familiar to players of the second game. For example, when data containing numbers between 1 and 6 is generated, a casino (or a casino device such as a gaming machine) may be utilized to graphically generate a result corresponding to the data. For example, if the numbers 3 and 6 were generated as data suitable for the second game, the casino may show a graphical display of the numbers 3 and 6 rolled on a pair of dice. Thereby, the player may participate in the craps game.

In various embodiments, the data used for the second game may be based on data derived from a previously played first game. Therefore, the result of the second game may be predetermined in a sense. However, because the player of the second game may not be familiar with the first game, or because the player is used to convert data from the first game into data used in the second game. Prior knowledge regarding the outcome of the second game may not be available to the player, as he may not be familiar with the algorithm.

In various embodiments, data generated in a first game may be utilized in a second game being played on a gaming machine. The gaming machine may be a slot machine, a video poker machine, a video bingo machine, a portable gaming machine (such as a portable gaming machine as defined by Nevada bill AB471), or the like. In various embodiments, data generated in a first game may be used in a second game played over the network. The data generated in the first game may be used in an Internet game, such as running a second game in an online casino. Similarly, video footage from a first game may be available to players participating in a second game at an online casino. By viewing the video footage, the player may be confident that the data being used in the second game was fairly generated.

Audit of data generated in the first game. In various embodiments, data generated in the first game or series of games may be tested or audited to verify the fairness of the data. In various embodiments, tests may be performed to verify that the data follows a certain statistical distribution. A statistical distribution may be a distribution that is generally thought to control one or more random processes used to generate the data. For example, a data set may include data regarding 10,000 outcomes generated in one of the roulette groups. Here, each roulette has 38 spaces. The applicable statistical distribution may predict that each possible outcome of roulette will occur approximately 1 out of 38 times, or approximately 263 times out of a data set of 10,000 outcomes. . Thus, testing the data for 10,000 outcomes may test that each of the 30 possible outcomes of roulette appeared approximately 263 times out of the 10,000 outcomes. This test may allow some deviation. For example, a result appearing 213 to 313 times may be considered within an acceptable range. However, if a result appears a number of times that are not within the range of 213-313, the data may be considered suspect. The data may be required to pass one or more tests, such as statistical distribution tests, before it is allowed to be used in the second game.

Hands as entry into the jackpot (everyone bets on one side or the other)
In various embodiments, a single game may allow participation by more than one secondary player. In various embodiments, one game may allow participation by players from across the casino. A game may be prominently featured or published. For example, game progress may be displayed on each monitor or prominent display screen throughout the casino. The game may be played on an elevated stage or platform that is visible to many people. In various embodiments, the game may allow real-time participation by a secondary player. For example, a secondary player may place a bet on a game, the game is played, and then a payment is made to the secondary player based on the outcome of the game and the secondary player's bet. In various embodiments, the game may be played by a primary player. In various embodiments, games may be played by a primary dealer and a representative of the house or casino. For example, a game may include a primary player and a dealer. In various embodiments, games may be generated electronically. The game may be a game played on a gaming machine by a primary player. The game may be played entirely electronically.

In various embodiments, a given secondary player may bet that the primary player will win. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that the house will win. Of all the secondary players betting on the game, some may bet against the primary player and some may bet against the house. In various embodiments, the secondary player may also bet on other events. For example, a secondary player may bet that a particular card will be dealt, a particular point total will be realized, a particular roll of a die will appear, etc. The featured game may be any suitable game, such as blackjack, craps, baccarat, roulette, video poker, or any other suitable game.

In various embodiments, the game may allow participation of small groups of players. For example, a game may allow participation of eight secondary players. The secondary players may all be players at one gaming table, in one area of the casino, in one restaurant, or grouped together in some other manner. . One of a group of players may play the featured game. Other players may act as secondary players and participate in the featured games. In various embodiments, players playing featured games may be rotated within a group of players.

(Bet on a specific card)
In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on events that occur in a game. A secondary player may bet that a certain number on a die will appear or that the dealer will bust in a blackjack game.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on specific cards that will appear in a featured game. For example, a secondary player may bet that the Ace of Spades and King of Hearts will be dealt in a game featuring the Ace of Spades and King of Hearts. When the Ace of Spades and King of Hearts appear in the game, the secondary player may win a large multiple, such as 10 times his wager. The amount that a secondary player wins may be based on the probability that the outcome of the event that the player is betting on is likely to occur. For example, if a secondary player bets on an event outcome with a small probability of occurrence, the secondary player may stand to win relatively more. In various embodiments, the amount of money a secondary player stands to win may depend on the specificity of specifying the outcome of an event in a game in which that player is featured. For example, if a secondary player correctly specifies the rank and type of a card set in a featured game, he may stand to gain more than if he simply specifies the rank.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that a particular card will be dealt in a featured game. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a particular combination of cards that will be dealt in a featured game. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the order in which cards will be dealt. For example, a secondary player may bet that an ace will be dealt first, then a ten, then a queen. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on cards that appear in the player's hand. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on cards that appear in a dealer's hand. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a first set of cards that will appear in the player's hand and a second set of cards that will appear in the dealer's hand. For example, a secondary player may bet that the player will receive a Jack of Diamonds and a Nine of Cart, a Seven of Clubs, a Two of Hearts, and a Queen of Clubs.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may specify each card that is dealt in a featured game. The secondary player may only win if each specified card is dealt.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in his or her game as a primary player. At the same time, the secondary player may bet on the featured game as a secondary player. One or more events occurring in the secondary player's game may serve to specify the secondary player's bet on the featured game. For example, a secondary player may play a game of blackjack in which he receives an ace of spades and a ten of hearts. By receiving such a card, the secondary player may automatically bet that the primary player in the featured game will receive the Ace of Spades and Ten of Hearts. Thus, the secondary player's own holdings may serve as a breakdown of bets made on games played by different players (ie, the primary player). A hand, a set of cards, a die roll, or any other event in which a secondary player participates (as a primary player) is not an entry, ticket, or bet on another game (such as a featured game). It may serve as a

(Pari-mutuel betting)
In various embodiments, betting on featured games may be pari-mutuel. The house may receive a percentage of all bets placed. A betting pool may be provided to players who correctly specify the outcome of an event in a featured game. For example, the entire betting pool may be passed to the player who correctly specifies the most cards to be dealt in the featured game. For tied players, the pool may be divided proportionally and/or equally to bets made by tied players.

(progressive bet)
In various embodiments, bets on featured games may be progressive. All or a portion of the bets made by the secondary player may be transferred to the pool. The pool may be won by a secondary player who correctly specifies the outcome of one or more events in the featured game. For example, a secondary player may win the pool by correctly specifying each card dealt to a primary player and each card dealt to a dealer in a game of blackjack. If there is no winner of the pool, the pool may be carried over to the next game.

In various embodiments, the secondary player may change the pool when he or she correctly specifies the outcome of some events but not others, or when he or she is only a short distance from the correct specification of the event outcome. You may earn some. For example, if a secondary player correctly names all but one of the cards dealt in a game, the secondary player may win 10% of all bets in the game. As another example, if a secondary player correctly specifies all types of cards dealt, but fails to specify all ranks correctly, the secondary player receives 5% of the pool. Good too. As another example, if a secondary player correctly names all but one card, guesses the rank of the remaining cards, but misses the type, the player wins 20% of the pool. Good too.

In various embodiments, if there is a progressive pool, a secondary player's own game (such as a game in which the secondary player acts as a primary player) is a secondary player to the featured game. May help determine player entry.

(fixed odds game)
In various embodiments, bets made by a secondary player on a featured game may be made according to fixed odds. For example, a secondary player may bet that certain events will occur in the primary game and receive a fixed payout based on these events. Depending on the secondary player and how closely the secondary player specifies the events occurring in the featured game, they receive different levels of fixed payouts.

(Spotlight player)
The featured game may be a game played by regular casino patrons. A particular primary player may play a game featuring several games. Other primary players may then play in the featured game. In various embodiments, the primary player does not have to make any special effort to be in the featured game. Instead, for example, a cameraman roams the casino and takes turns photographing different primary players participating in a game. The primary player's game currently being photographed may be a featured game.

(Featured games on mobile devices)
In various embodiments, the featured game may be provided on a mobile gaming device. For example, a secondary player may view the progress and events of a game featured on his or her mobile gaming device. A secondary player may also bet on featured games using his or her mobile gaming device. In various embodiments, the featured games may be provided on any device, including gaming consoles. For example, a secondary player may view a featured game on a slot machine's display screen. A secondary player may utilize the slot machine interface to bet on featured games.

(bet on any game)
In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on events within any game, including bets on the outcome of any game. Secondary players need not be limited to betting only on prominently featured games. A secondary player may, for example, determine that he desires to bet against a primary player of blackjack who is currently playing at a blackjack table within a casino. The secondary player may then, for example, specify one or more cards to be dealt in the game. If the secondary player is correct, the secondary player may earn a payout.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on events (including outcomes) within an event or multiple games. The secondary player may stand to win any of the multiple games if the secondary player has the event outcome correctly specified by the secondary player. For example, a secondary player may bet that any player at the blackjack table will obtain two aces as the first two cards in the next blackjack game. The secondary player may then win a prize if any of the players in the blackjack game actually obtain two aces as the first two cards in the next blackjack game. . In various embodiments, a secondary player may earn a payout based on the number of games in which the outcome specified by the secondary player actually occurs. In the example described above, the secondary player would win the first amount if the specified event outcome occurred in one game, and the second amount if the specified event outcome occurred in two games. You may earn an amount of The second amount may be greater than the first amount. The secondary player may win a special jackpot if the specified event outcome occurs in all games. In various embodiments, the payout received by a secondary player for specifying an event outcome in multiple games may depend on the number of games played. If the event specified by the secondary player occurs in one of the 5 games, the secondary player wins a larger amount than if the event occurred in one of the 25 games. It's okay.

(Specifying event results that apply to multiple games)
In various embodiments, a secondary player may specify one or more event outcomes. The secondary player may specify, for example, the set of cards that may be dealt, the set of numbers that may appear on a die, the numbers that will appear on a roulette wheel, etc. Event outcomes specified by a secondary player may subsequently be applied to multiple featured games. For example, event results may be applied to a series of consecutive featured games.

For example, a secondary player may specify to receive 2 of hearts, 10 of clubs, and 9 of diamonds. The secondary player may further specify that the dealer receive the Ace of Spades and the King of Spades. Thereafter, if the specified card is dealt to the specified party (player and dealer) in any of the next 100 featured games of Blackjack, the secondary player wins the prize. Good too.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on all featured games in which he or she participates as a secondary player (e.g., all games for which he or she is eligible to win a payout or a jackpot). may be required. In various embodiments, the secondary player is free to participate in the featured game as a secondary player for as long as he or she is playing in the game (e.g., in the capacity of the primary player). Entries may be accepted. If a secondary player accepts free entries, a portion of the secondary player's wagers on his or her games may be used to fund prize pools or payouts in the featured games. . For example, one cent may be contributed from every secondary player's bet on their game and provided to the featured game's prize pool. The prize pool may be accumulated as a progressive prize until it is won by one of the secondary players.

(Specification of event results)
A secondary player may specify event outcomes in a variety of ways. In various embodiments, a secondary player may select a particular outcome himself. For example, a secondary player may select cards that he believes will be dealt in the game in which he is featured. For example, a secondary player may select a number that he or she thinks will roll in a featured craps game. In various embodiments, the secondary player does not select the event outcome himself. Rather, event outcomes in a secondary player's own games (such as games in which the secondary player serves as a primary player) do not affect which event outcomes in the featured game affect the secondary player. You may decide whether In various embodiments, event outcomes in the featured game must match event outcomes in the secondary player's own game in order for the secondary player to earn a payout or win from the featured game. There is. For example, a secondary player may be playing a blackjack game (as a primary player). At the same time, the secondary player may bet $1 on the featured blackjack game. If all cards dealt in the featured game match all cards dealt in the secondary player's game in rank and type, the secondary player will earn a $10,000 refund. You may.

In various embodiments, a secondary player describes a game setting (such as handholding). The description by the secondary player may include a description of what the primary player comes to have and what the dealer comes to have. There may be a number of plays or a period of time over which the game is monitored according to the description of the secondary player's settings. The monitored game may be any suitable game or featured game within the casino or outside the casino. The secondary player may win if any of the monitored games match the description originally provided by the secondary player. If the secondary player wins, the secondary player may win a progressive prize.

The following is a list of embodiments, not claims. Various embodiments include the following.
A. receiving a first bet;
receiving a first description of a first set of cards;
receiving a second description of a second set of cards;
determining a third description of a third set of cards distributed to the first player in the first game;
determining a fourth description of a fourth set of cards distributed to the first dealer in the first game;
The third description of the cards in the third set matches the first description of the cards in the first set, and the fourth description of the cards in the fourth set matches the first description of the cards in the second set. and providing a payout based on the first bet if the method is consistent with the description in item 2 above.

B. Embodiment A. The method of embodiment A, wherein the first description includes a description of the rank and type of each of the cards in the first set.

The method of embodiment B, wherein the step of providing a payment comprises: the third description of the cards in the third set includes a description of the rank and type of each of the cards in the first set; providing a payout based on the first bet if a fourth description of a card in the set matches a second description of a card in the second set.

The method of Embodiment A, wherein the first game is a game of blackjack.

E. The method of Embodiment A, further comprising: receiving a second bet;
receiving a fifth description of a fifth set of cards;
receiving a sixth description of a sixth set of cards;
The third description of the cards in the third set matches the fifth description of the cards in the fifth set, and the fourth description of the cards in the fourth set matches the fifth description of the cards in the sixth set. and providing a payout based on the second bet if it matches the sixth statement.

F. The method of embodiment A, wherein the first set of cards is distributed to a second player in a second game, and the second set of cards is distributed to a dealer in the second game. ,Method.

G. The method of Embodiment A, further comprising:
receiving a second set;
determining a fifth description of a fifth set of cards to be distributed to a second player in a second game;
determining a sixth description of a sixth set of cards to be distributed to a second dealer in the second game;
The fifth description of the card in the fifth set matches the first description of the card in the first set, and the sixth description of the card in the sixth set matches the first description of the card in the second set. and providing a payout based on said second bet if it matches a second description.

H. The method of Embodiment A, comprising:
said bet, said first entry, and said second entry are all received from a second player;
The step of providing includes the third description of the cards in the third set matching the first description of the cards in the first set, and the fourth description of the cards in the fourth set matching the first description of the cards in the first set. providing a payment if the second description of the two sets of cards matches.

I. Initializing a progressive prize pool with a first value;
receiving a first bet from a first player;
setting the progressive prize pool at the first value and a second value based on the first bet;
receiving a first description of a first set of cards from the first player;
receiving a second bet from a second player;
setting the progressive prize pool at the second value and a third value based on the second bet;
receiving a second description of a second set of cards from the second player;
determining a third description of a third set of cards distributed in the first game;
providing the first progressive with the progressive prize pool if the third description of the third set of cards matches the first description of the first set of cards;
providing the second player with the progressive prize pool if the third description of the third set of cards matches the second description of the second set of cards; Method.

J. The method of Embodiment I, further comprising:
receiving a third bet from a third player;
setting the progressive prize pool at the third value and a fourth value based on the third bet;
receiving a fourth description of a fourth set of cards from the third player;
determining a fifth description of a fifth set of cards to be distributed in the second game;
providing the third player with the progressive prize pool if the fourth description of the fourth set of cards matches the fifth description of the fifth set of cards; Method.

K. receiving a first description of a first set of cards from a first player;
determining a second description of a second set of cards to be dealt in a first game played by a second player;
determining a third description of a third set of cards to be distributed in a second game played by a third player;
If the first description of a card in the first set matches either the second description of a card in the second set or the third description of a card in the third set, then A method comprising: providing a payment to a player.

L. The method of embodiment K, wherein the second game is played after the first game.

M. The method of embodiment K, wherein the third player is the same as the second player.

N. The method of Embodiment K, further comprising:
the first player receiving instructions to participate in a third game at about the same time that the first game is played;
the first player receiving instructions to participate in a fourth game at about the same time that the second game is played.

O. Embodiment K. The method of embodiment K, wherein the third game is different from the first game and the fourth game is different from the second game.

Applicant's Claims (Embodiments).
P. 6 display screens and
a raised horizontal surface (e.g. a desktop);
a microphone and
speaker and
keyboard and
telephone and
computer mouse,
computer memory,
a computer processor, the computer processor comprising:
receiving first information from a server (e.g., information describing a game event, a random number, etc.);
generating second information based on the first information (e.g., generating an image representing the information, translating a random number received from the server, such as a drawn card, into a game result, etc.);
presenting the second information via the speaker and at least one of the six display screens;
receiving third information from at least one of the microphone, the keyboard, the telephone, and the computer mouse (e.g., the third information is an instruction of a strategy selected by a player to be used in a game; ),
presenting said third information (e.g., indicating which cards the player has selected to hold or discard in a game of video poker);
generating fourth information based on the second information and the third information (e.g., generating instructions to a server requesting the server to determine a replacement card);
An apparatus operable to transmit the fourth information to the server.

Q. a physical event generating means;
an information acquisition device operable to record a physical event generated by the physical event generating means;
multiple devices and
A system comprising: a server;
receiving first information about a recorded physical event from the information acquisition device;
determining second information based on the first information;
transmitting second information to at least one of the plurality of terminals;
receiving third information from at least one of the plurality of terminals;
A system operable to update records based on said third information.

The following applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. U.S. Patent Application No. 11/467,078, filed August 24, 2006; U.S. Patent Application No. 11/468,809, filed August 31, 2006; Patent Application No. 11/470,250; U.S. Patent Application No. 11/618,426, filed December 29, 2006; U.S. Patent Application No. 11/674,232, filed February 13, 2007; U.S. Patent Application No. 11/680,764, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/697,024, filed April 5, 2007, and U.S. Patent Application No. 11/733,902, filed April 11, 2007. .

(Additional note)
The apparatus of Appendix 1 is an apparatus comprising six display screens, a raised, flat horizontal surface, a microphone, a speaker, a keyboard, a telephone, a telephone keypad, a computer mouse, and a computer memory. , a computer processor, the computer processor receiving first information from a server, generating second information based on the first information, and generating at least one of the speaker and six display screens. providing the second information via a computer; receiving third information from at least one of the microphone, keyboard, telephone, and computer mouse; providing the third information; The fourth information may be generated based on the information of No. 3, and the fourth information may be transmitted to the server.
The system according to appendix 2 includes a substantial event generator, an information acquisition device operable to record the substantial event generated by the substantial event generator, a plurality of terminals, and a server, and The server receives first information about a substantive event recorded from the information acquisition device, determines second information based on the first information, and transmits the second information to at least one of the plurality of terminals. 2, receive third information from at least one of the plurality of terminals, and update records based on the third information.
The apparatus of Appendix 3 includes a computing device, the computing device receiving information identifying a player at the casino, associating the player with a button, determining that the button has been pressed, and determining information relating to the player. An apparatus operable to identify footage and present said footage.
The apparatus of appendix 4 is the apparatus of appendix 3, wherein the computing device is further operable to display the player's name on the button.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein identifying the footage includes transmitting a request for footage regarding the player to a casino server and receiving the footage from the casino server.
The apparatus of appendix 6 is the apparatus of appendix 3, wherein presenting the footage includes displaying the footage on a display screen.
The apparatus of appendix 7 is the apparatus of appendix 3, wherein identifying the footage includes identifying a video showing the player's face.
The apparatus of Clause 8 is the apparatus of Clause 3, wherein identifying the footage includes identifying a video showing the player participating in game play.
The apparatus of Clause 9 is the apparatus of Clause 3, wherein identifying the footage includes identifying a video showing an indication of a game result obtained by the player.
The device of Appendix 10 is a device that receives a request from a player making a telephone call on a gaming device, determines the destination of the telephone call, determines a bet available on the gaming device, and makes a call related to the bet. a computing device operable to determine a set of rules for determining that a telephone call to the destination matches the set of rules, and to connect the player to the player's destination.
The apparatus of Appendix 11 is the apparatus of Appendix 10, wherein receiving a request from a player includes receiving an indication of a set of dialed Arabic numerals from a player of the gaming device.
The apparatus of appendix 12 is the apparatus of appendix 10, wherein determining bets available on the gaming device includes determining bets on a sporting event available on the gaming device.
The apparatus of Clause 13 is the apparatus of Clause 12, wherein determining the set of rules determines that if the bet on the sporting event is placed, telephone calls are not allowed outside the local area of the gaming device. including.
The device of note 14 is further operable in the device of note 10 to record said telephone call.
The apparatus of appendix 15 is the apparatus of appendix 14 which determines that the player has made the bet, determines whether the player has won the bet, and if the player has won the bet, records the record. It can further operate to play back telephone calls made.
The device of appendix 16 is a device that receives a first bet instruction from a first player, deducts the first bet amount from the credit balance regarding the first player, and deducts the first bet amount from the credit balance related to the first player. receiving a game start signal from a computer, determining a first outcome of a first game, displaying graphics associated with the first game on a first display screen, and determining the first outcome and the first bet; determining a first payout for the first game based on the first payout amount, increasing the credit balance associated with the first player by the first payout amount, and receiving a second bet instruction from the first player. receive instructions for a second game to be played by a second player from the first player, and deduct the second bet amount from the credit balance for the first player; 2, and the graphics associated with the second game are displayed on a second display screen where the graphics associated with the second game are displayed simultaneously with the display of the graphics associated with the first game. displaying a second outcome of the second game, determining a second payout based on the second outcome and the second bet, and determining a credit balance associated with the first player. and a computing device operable to increase the second payout amount.
In the apparatus according to appendix 17, in the apparatus according to appendix 16, receiving instructions for a second game played by a second player from the first player is performed at a second game played away from the first player's location. The method includes receiving instructions for two games from the first player.
19. The apparatus according to claim 18, in the apparatus according to claim 16, wherein displaying the graphics related to the first game includes displaying an effect of rotating slot machine reels.
The apparatus of appendix 19 is the apparatus of appendix 16, wherein displaying graphics related to the second game includes displaying video footage of the second player playing the second game.

Claims (18)

a display device;
at least one processor,
displaying a graphical user interface on the display device;
receiving information identifying a second player at the casino;
in response to receiving the information identifying the second player, associating the information identifying the second player with a control unit on the graphical user interface;
determining that the control unit is activated;
displaying information regarding the second player on the display device in response to determining that the control unit is activated;
receiving data representing a bet on a game played by the second player;
displaying real-time information regarding the game played by the second player on the display device;
the at least one processor;
A device comprising: 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to display each player's name on the control. the at least one processor is further configured to send the request for information regarding the second player to a casino server and receive the information regarding the second player from the casino server; The device according to claim 1. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the real-time information includes a video showing the second player's face. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the real-time information includes a video showing the second player playing the game. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the real-time information includes a video showing the results of the game played by the second player. a second display device;
The at least one processor is further configured to receive information indicative of a second bet for a second game and display information related to the second game on the second display device. , the apparatus of claim 1. The at least one processor includes:
receive a request to make a call,
in response to receiving the request to make the call, determining the destination of the call;
determining a set of rules related to the betting, the set of rules including a rule restricting making phone calls;
determining that placing a call to the destination matches the set of rules;
calling the destination in response to determining that calling the destination matches the set of rules;
The apparatus of claim 1, further configured to. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bet includes a bet on a sports game played by the second player. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the game is played remotely. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the real-time information includes information regarding the game played by the second player. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the real-time information includes graphics related to the game. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the real-time information includes video footage of the second player playing the game. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the real-time information includes a presentation of rotating slot machine reels. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the real-time information includes graphics related to the second game. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the control includes a button. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the control includes at least one of a button, a key, a sensor, and a touch area. The control unit includes a button,
The at least one processor includes:
detecting actuation of the button and displaying an identifier of the second player on a display device proximate the control to determine that the control is activated;
The apparatus of claim 1, further configured to.

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