Gaming apparatus and method

Abstract

A gaming apparatus and method provides, in various embodiments, novel poker, baccarat, blackjack, and roulette games, including combinations of two or more of such games. In one embodiment, the apparatus and method utilizes 52 balls, divided into 11 groups, and a specialized roulette wheel having 52 pockets with assigned card values. The results of a spin of such a roulette wheel with these balls creates a plurality of five-card poker hands, as well as a two card hand utilizable for a blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and/or seven card poker game. Seven and two ball variations, utilizing the same type of roulette wheel, may also be utilized. In another embodiment, 52 playing cards are dealt into 11 groups, to create a plurality of five-card poker hands as well as a two card hand utilizable for other games. In still another embodiment, 52 playing cards are dealt into a plurality of two card groups, one or more of which may be utilizable for a blackjack, baccarat or roulette game.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to games of chance, including poker, roulette, blackjack, and baccarat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Commonly played games of chance include poker, roulette, blackjack and baccarat. As the gaming industry continues to grow, there is continued interest in new variations on the basic table and video games with which all experienced players are familiar. The current invention is concerned with providing novel versions of these games, including in some embodiments novel combinations of two or more of them.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a top view of a gaming table, showing a layout that may be used in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a top view of a portion of a gaming table, showing a layout that may be used in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a portion of a gaming table, showing a layout that may be used in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a gaming table, showing a layout that may be used in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a roulette wagering area portion of a gaming table, showing a layout that may be used in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a blackjack wagering area portion of a gaming table, showing a layout that may be used in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a portion of a baccarat wagering area portion of a gaming table, showing a layout that may be used in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a pay table that may be utilized in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a pay table that may be utilized in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a pay table that may be utilized in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a pay table that may be utilized in-connection with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a poker wagering area portion a gaming table, showing a layout that may be used in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a top view of a poker wagering area portion a gaming table, showing a layout that may be used in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a top view of a poker wagering area portion a gaming table, showing a layout that may be used in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a gaming table, showing a layout that may be used in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view of a gaming table, showing a layout that may be used in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a roulette wheel that may be utilized in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13A is a table of balls that may be utilized in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13B is a table of balls that may be utilized in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13C is a table of balls that may be utilized in connection with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The games of the present invention relate to one or more of the following: poker, roulette, black jack and baccarat. In some embodiments, two or more of these games are combined. In other embodiments, only one of these games is played. In still others, all may be played simultaneously. The different variations will be apparent from the following detailed description.

1. Equipment.

For the sake of clarity, the discussion will begin with a description of the equipment that may be utilized in connection with the different game versions. Here, as well, some variation is possible.

Referring first to FIG. 13A, in one embodiment, the game equipment consists of 52 balls. The balls are preferably divided into 11 sets based on colors and/or other designated markings, consisting often sets of five balls, each having a dedicated color/marking (e.g., 5 white, 5 black, 5 yellow, 5 gray, 5 orange, 5 blue, 5 purple, 5 green, 5 brown, and 5 red), and two balls that are identically colored/marked (e.g., gold). The precise colors or other markings chosen may be a matter of preference, and the exemplary colors listed in FIG. 13A are by no means intended to be exclusive.

In this embodiment, a specialized roulette wheel 10 is also provided, having 52 pockets 12. Each pocket 12 corresponds to one of the 52 cards in a typical deck of playing cards. (See FIG. 12). It is preferred to equip the roulette wheel 10 with sensors, which can recognize ball color and presence on a pocket 12 by pocket 12 basis. This information should be transmitted to display screens, located on or near the table.

FIG. 3 discloses an embodiment of a gaming table 14 that may be utilized in connection with a 52 ball game, as hereinafter described.

Referring now to FIG. 13B, in another embodiment, the game equipment includes seven colored balls, as well as a roulette wheel as shown in FIG. 12 and as described above. Five of the balls should designated with a first color or other distinguishing marking (e.g., white), and two balls should be designated with a second color/marking (e.g., gold).

Referring now to FIG. 13C, in another embodiment, the game equipment consists of two balls, as well as the roulette wheel as shown in FIG. 12 and as described above.

In still another embodiment, the game equipment consists of at least one standard 52 card deck of playing cards, as well as a specialized gaming table like that shown in FIG. 1A hereof.

2. Game Variations

Utilizing the equipment as described above, various possible game combinations may now be described.

• • a. 52 Ball Games—A set of 52 balls, as described above, may be used to play a poker game, or a combination of poker and one or more of blackjack, roulette and baccarat.

Treating first the poker only version, reference is initially made to FIG. 3, and gaming table 14 therein. (FIGS. 10 and 11 show an examples of an electronic gaming table 14b, having multiple player areas 18 and not having a dealer area, since the dealing function is electronic. This is intended to show, by way of example, that any of the games described herein may be configured in an electronic version, including for example a multi-player electronic version.) The gaming table 14 preferably has located thereon a roulette wheel 10 (like that shown in FIG. 12). Also located on the table 14 are a plurality of player areas 18 and a dealer area 19. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, there are 10 player areas 18; however, any desired number may be provided. The configuration of the player areas 18 can be varied, as desired, consistent with the spirit of the present invention. Exemplary player areas 18 are shown in FIGS. 9 and 9B.

Before the commencement of play, players may place their wagers on a desired space in the player area 18. Referring first to FIG. 9, which would be utilized for a five card poker game, it can be seen that there are 11 circles 20 into which bets may be placed. Numbers 1-10 correspond to the ten five ball combinations created by the use of colors/markings for the balls, as described above. The eleventh circle 20 may be thought of as a rainbow space, and is intended to refer to all or any five ball combination.

A player wagering, for example, on the circle 20 corresponding to five ball combination number “8” will have the outcome of his/her wager determined by the poker value of that combination. The return on the wager, if any, is determined by reference to a pay table. In this regard, FIG. 7 discloses an embodiment of a pay table that may be utilized in connection with the present invention, where a player wagers on a specific one of the 10 five-ball combinations. For example, if a player wagers on combination “8,” and that combination produces a flush, a player in this embodiment will receive 12 times the original wager. (Of course, the precise return on wagers, as well as the particular hands that will earn a return, may be varied as desired.)

FIG. 8 discloses an embodiment of a pay table that may be utilized in connection with the present invention, where a player makes the rainbow wager; i.e., a wager that is for the best value of any of the 10 hands. For example, if a player makes the rainbow wager, and one hand produces a flush, a player in this embodiment will receive 3 times the original wager. (Of course, the precise return on wagers, as well as the particular hands that will earn a return, may be varied as desired.)

Referring now to FIG. 9B, this embodiment of a player area 18 would be utilized for a game in which players may wager on five and/or seven card poker hands. It can be seen that there are 22 circles 20 into which bets may be placed, with the circles 20 marked with the number “5” being the location for a wager on a five card hand, and the circles 20 marked with the number “7” being the location for a wager on a seven card hand. Numbers 1-10 correspond to the ten five ball combinations created by the use of colors/markings for the balls, as described above. The eleventh circle 20 may be thought of as a rainbow space, and is intended to refer to all or any five or seven ball combination.

A player wagering, for example, on the circle 20 corresponding to seven ball combination number “8” will have the outcome of his/her wager determined by the poker value of that combination (consisting of the five balls comprising set “8,” and the two balls comprising set “11”.). The return on the wager, if any, is determined by reference to a pay table, for example like that shown in FIG. 7A. A player making the seven card rainbow wager will have the outcome of his/her wager determined by a rainbow pay table, for example like that shown in FIG. 7B.

After bets have been placed, the 52 colored balls are placed-in the roulette wheel 10 and the wheel is spun. When all of the balls have landed in pockets 12, it can be seen that a plurality of poker hands are formed, based on the designations on the individual pockets 12 of the wheel 10, and the colors/designations on the balls (see, e.g., FIG. 13A). Individual wager outcomes are determined and paid, based on the wagers placed, as discussed above, according to the applicable pay table, as discussed above.

In another embodiment, poker and other games are played simultaneously. For a combination game, the poker portion can proceed as described above. Still referring to FIG. 3, for each additional game (e.g., roulette, blackjack and baccarat) that may be played, a corresponding gaming area is preferably placed on the table 14. FIG. 4 is an example of a roulette wagering area 30, which would preferably be located in a center portion of table 14. FIG. 5 is an example of a blackjack wagering area 40, which would preferably also be located on the table 14. FIG. 6 is an example of a baccarat wagering area 50, which would preferably also be located on the table 14.

For the play of one or more of these additional games, it is preferred to utilize the results of a spin of the roulette wheel 10, with respect to the two ball set. A player playing a roulette game can wager on card type (e.g, Ace, King, Four, etc.), suit (i.e., Hearts, Clubs, Spades, or Diamonds), colors (i.e, red or black), odds (e.g., Three, Five, Seven, Nine, Jack, or King) or evens (e.g., Two, Four, Six, Eight, Ten, or Queen), by placing one or more betting chips in a desired section of the roulette wagering area 30, shown in FIG. 4.

Still referring to FIG. 4, it can be seen that there can be provided numerous additional betting options with respect to the play of the roulette game. For example, in addition to wagering on card type (e.g., “9”), a player can wager on both balls having that value by placing betting chips in the desired two ball wager area 32a. It can be seen that it is preferred, though of course not required, that for certain wager types permitted (e.g., card type or Suit) that a suitable two ball wager area 32a should be provided, so that a player can wager on both balls/cards having the same value. In addition, preferably, single ball wager areas 32b can also be provided, so that a player can wager on the value of only one of the two balls/cards—i.e., the wager will succeed if one or both balls have the selected value. Of course, preferably, a higher return is provided for a successful two ball wager, as compared to a successful wager based on the value of only one of the two balls.

Yet further wagering possibilities may be provided. For example, a player may wager on one (or both) balls/cards having one of two optional values—e.g., 2 or 3, 3 or 4, etc. by placing a wager in the suitable wagering area 32a or 32b located along a top portion of the roulette wagering area 30. Additionally, a player may wager on one ball having one selected suit (e.g., spade), and a second ball having a second selected suit (e.g., heart), by placing a wager in the suitable wagering area 32c along a left or right portion of the roulette wagering area 30.

With respect to the blackjack portion of this game version, players are permitted to wager before the spinning of the wheel 10 on the outcome of the spin. FIG. 5 provides an example of a blackjack wagering area 40, where player bets on the outcome of such a blackjack game can be made. It can be seen that players may wager, in this embodiment, on the two card total, on whether there will be a blackjack, and/or on whether or not the two cards are of the same suit (i.e., flush) or a specified suit (i.e., spades, hearts, diamonds or clubs), by placing one or more betting chips in a desired section 42 of the blackjack wagering area 40. The payout amount should be related, as shown in FIG. 5, to the odds against correctly predicting a particular outcome.

With respect to the baccarat portion of this game version, players are permitted to wager before the spinning of the wheel 10 on the outcome of the spin. FIG. 6 provides an example of a baccarat wagering area 50, where player bets on the outcome of such a baccarat game can be made. It can be seen that players can wager, in this embodiment, on the two card total, on whether there will be a nine (the best baccarat hand), and/or on whether or not the two cards are of the same suit (i.e., flush) or a specified suit (i.e., spades, hearts, diamonds or clubs), by placing one or more betting chips in the desired section 52 of the baccarat wagering area 50. The payout amount should be related, as shown in FIG. 6, to the odds against correctly selecting a particular outcome.

With respect to the roulette, blackjack and/or baccarat games, preferably, each player is assigned one number and one color. Preferably, each player further receives betting chips that are color-matched to that player's player spot. The color coordination between betting chips and player spot will make it easier for the dealer to identify bets, when placed in the roulette playing area 30, blackjack wagering area 40, or baccarat wagering area 50.

It should be evident that it would be possible to play poker alone; poker in combination with blackjack; poker in combination with baccarat; poker in combination with roulette; poker combined with blackjack, baccarat and roulette; or poker combined with any two of blackjack, baccarat and roulette.

• • b. Seven Ball Games—Referring now to FIG. 13B, a set of seven balls may be used to play a poker game, or a combination of poker and one or more of black jack, roulette and baccarat.

Treating first the poker only version, the seven colored balls are placed in the roulette wheel 10, located on a table like table 14 in FIG. 3, and the wheel 10 is spun. When all of the balls have landed in pockets 12, it can be seen that a five or seven card poker hand is formed, based on the designations on the individual pockets 12 of the wheel 10, in which the balls are positioned after spinning, as well as the colors/markings assigned to the balls. For example, if the game being played is five card poker, the five identically colored balls form a single five card poker hand. If the game being played is seven card poker, the two remaining balls can be added to the basic five card combination to form a seven card hand.

With respect to the seven ball version, FIG. 9A provides an example of a player area 18. A player may wager on the outcome of a five card hand or a seven card hand, by placing a wager in the desired circle 20.

In another embodiment of a seven ball game, poker and other games are played simultaneously, on a table like table 14 shown in FIG. 3. For this version, the roulette, blackjack and/or baccarat games may be played as described above, utilizing the results of a spinning of the roulette wheel 10 for the two ball set. In addition, as discussed above, the particular combinations of games that may be played may also be varied, as desired.

• • c. Two Ball Games—Referring now to FIG. 13C, a set of two balls, as described above, may be used to play one or more of black jack, roulette and baccarat.

Treating first the roulette game, the 2 balls are placed in the roulette wheel 10 and the wheel is spun. The outcome of the spin may be used to determine the winner of a roulette game, with players wagering on the identity of the pockets 12 into which these balls will land. The two balls may also, or alternatively, be used to determine a blackjack hand and/or a baccarat hand, as described above with respect to the 52 ball version.

• • d. 52 playing cards

The 52 playing card embodiment of the present invention may be utilized as an alternative to one or more of the ball versions described above. With a suitable playing table, as hereinafter described, it may be possible to replicate many of the features of the 52, 7 or 2 ball versions described above.

Treating first the poker only version, reference is initially made to FIGS. 1A and 2. The gaming table 64 preferably has located thereon a plurality of player areas 18. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, there are 10 player areas 18; however, any desired number may be provided. The configuration of the player areas 18 can be varied, as desired, consistent with the spirit of the present invention. For the poker only version, it will not be necessary to provide blackjack, roulette or baccarat play areas.

Before the commencement of play, players nay place their wagers on a desired space in the player area 18. Exemplary player areas 18 are shown in FIGS. 9 and 9B, which are described above with respect to the 52 ball version and which may be utilized in the same manner with respect to the 52 card version of the present invention. Pay tables like those shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, described above, may also be utilized in connection with the 52 card version of the present invention.

After bets have been placed, the cards are dealt so as to form ten five card hands, and one two card hand. Referring now to FIG. 2, this may be accomplished by placing each card set into one of the numbered card areas 70—for example, the card areas 70 numbered 1-10 may each contain one five card set, and the card area 70 numbered 11 may contain the two card set. (In FIG. 1A, the eleven numbered card areas 70 are positioned in front of the dealer and behind the roulette, blackjack and baccarat wagering areas.) Each of the five card sets may be identified by the number of the card area 70 in which it is placed. For example, the five card set located in the card area 70 that has the number “4” will be set 4, and a player seeking to wager on that hand should wager on set 4 in the player area 18, as described above.

When all of the cards have been dealt, hand values may be determined. Individual wager outcomes may then be determined and paid, based on the wagers placed, as discussed above, according to the applicable pay table, as discussed above.

In another embodiment, poker and other games are played simultaneously. For a combination game, the poker portion can proceed as described above. Referring again to the gaming table 64 of FIG. 1A, for each additional game (e.g., roulette, blackjack and baccarat) that may be played, a corresponding gaming area is preferably placed on the table 64. As discussed above, FIG. 4 is an example of a roulette wagering area 30, which would preferably be located in a center portion of table 64. FIG. 5 is an example of a blackjack wagering area 40, which would preferably also be located on the table 64. FIG. 6 is an example of a baccarat wagering area 50, which would preferably also be located on the table 64.

For the play of one or more of these additional games, it is preferred to utilize the results of the two card set dealt into the card area 70 identified by the number 11. A player playing a roulette game can wager on card type (e.g, Ace, King, Four, etc.), suit (i.e., Hearts, Clubs, Spades, or Diamonds), colors (i.e, red or black), odds (e.g., Three, Five, Seven, Nine, Jack, or King) or evens (e.g., Two, Four, Six, Eight, Ten, or Queen), by placing one or more betting chips in a desired section 32 of the roulette wagering area 30. Preferably, a player is also permitted to make any of the other wagers, described above, by placing one or more betting chips in the appropriate section 32a, b or c of roulette wagering area 30.

With respect to the blackjack portion of this game version, players are permitted to wager before the dealing of the two card set on the outcome of that deal. FIG. 5 provides an example of a blackjack wagering area 40, where player bets on the outcome of such a blackjack game can be made. It can be seen that players may wager, in this embodiment, on the two card total, on whether there will be a blackjack, and/or on whether or not the two cards are of the same suit (i.e., flush) or a specified suit (i.e., spades, hearts, diamonds or clubs), by placing one or more betting chips in a desired section 42 of the blackjack wagering area 40. The payout amount should be related, as shown in FIG. 5, to the odds against correctly predicting a particular outcome.

With respect to the baccarat portion of this game version, players are permitted to wager before the dealing of the two card set on the outcome of that deal. FIG. 6 provides an example of a baccarat wagering area 50, where player bets on the outcome of such a baccarat game can be made. It can be seen that players can wager, in this embodiment, on the two card total, on whether there will be a nine (the best baccarat hand), and/or on whether or not the two cards are of the same suit (i.e., flush)) or a specified suit (i.e., spades, hearts, diamonds or clubs), by placing one or more betting chips in the desired section 52 of the baccarat wagering area 50. The payout amount should be related, as shown in FIG. 6, to the odds against correctly selecting a particular outcome.<

As discussed above with respect to the 52 ball version, with respect to the roulette, blackjack and/or baccarat games, preferably, each player is assigned one number and one color. Preferably, each player further receives betting chips that are color-matched to that player's player spot. The color coordination between betting chips and player spot will make it easier for the dealer to identify bets, when placed in the roulette playing area 30, blackjack wagering area 40, or baccarat wagering area 50.

It should be evident that it would be possible, for the 52 card version, to play poker alone; poker in combination with blackjack; poker in combination with baccarat; poker in combination with roulette; poker combined with blackjack, baccarat and roulette; or poker combined with any two of blackjack, baccarat and roulette.

The 52 card version of the present invention may also be utilized in connection with a combination of two or more two card games, and excluding poker. Referring now to FIG. 1B, in this version, it is preferred that six numbered dealing/drawing areas 72 are provided on a gaining table (not shown). The dealer may deal six pairs of cards, two into each numbered dealing/drawing area 72. Preferably, the dealer will then ask one player to roll a single dice or select a number (or, alternatively, the dealer may roll a dice or otherwise trigger a random selection of one of the six numbered dealing/drawing areas 72 in some other manner). The pair of cards located at the selected number (as determined by dice roll or player selection) will be the cards used to play the game. This process is intended to increase player confidence in the selection of the two cards that will be used to play the game.

The two selected cards may be used in the play of a blackjack, roulette, or baccarat game in the manner described above with respect to the 52 card version—including any combination of two or all three of these games.

It should be noted that the games as herein described can be played as live games on a table such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 3. Optionally, they may also be embodied in an electronic version, video terminal version, on a disk to be played on a personal computer or the like, in a version playable over the Internet or other network to be played on a personal computer, or otherwise as desired.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A gaming apparatus comprising, in combination:

at least two balls; and

a roulette-type wheel having at least 52 pockets, including at least one pocket corresponding to each card in a standard deck of 52 playing cards;

wherein a single one of said at least two balls is adapted to be received in any one of said at least 52 pockets.

2. The gaming apparatus of claim 1 comprising seven balls.

3. The gaming apparatus of claim 2 wherein said seven balls are divided into two groups, wherein a first group comprises five balls have a first designated marking and wherein a second group comprises two balls having a second designated marking.

4. The gaming apparatus of claim 1 comprising 52 balls, wherein said 52 balls are divided into 11 groups, as follows:

a first group comprising five balls having a first designated marking;

a second group comprising five balls having a second designated marking;

a third group comprising five balls having a third designated marking;

a fourth group comprising five balls having a fourth designated marking;

a fifth group comprising five balls having a fifth designated marking;

a sixth group comprising five balls having a sixth designated marking;

a seventh group comprising five balls having a seventh designated marking;

an eighth group comprising five balls having an eighth designated marking;

a ninth group comprising five balls having a ninth designated marking;

a tenth group comprising five balls having a tenth designated marking; and

an eleventh group comprising two balls having an eleventh designated marking.

5. The gaming apparatus of claim 1 comprising two balls.

6. The gaming apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a gaming table.

7. The gaming apparatus of claim 6 wherein said gaming table has located thereon at least one player area.

8. The gaming apparatus of claim 7 wherein said at least one player area has displayed thereon wagering options for the play of poker.

9. The gaming apparatus of claim 8 wherein said wagering options include an option to wager on a five card poker hand and a seven card poker hand.

10. The gaming apparatus of claim 7 wherein said wagering options include an option to wager on one of a plurality of poker hands.

11. A gaming apparatus comprising, in combination: 52 balls;

wherein said 52 balls are divided into 11 groups, as follows: a first group comprising five balls having a first designated marking; a second group comprising five balls having a second designated marking; a third group comprising five balls having a third designated marking; a fourth group comprising five balls having a fourth designated marking; a fifth group comprising five balls having a fifth designated marking; a sixth group comprising five balls having a sixth designated marking; a seventh group comprising five balls having a seventh designated marking; an eighth group comprising five balls having an eighth designated marking; a ninth group comprising five balls having a ninth designated marking; a tenth group comprising five balls having a tenth designated marking; and an eleventh group comprising two balls having an eleventh designated marking;

a gaming table;

a roulette-type wheel located on said gaming table and having at least 52 pockets; including at least one pocket corresponding to each card in a standard deck of 52 playing cards;

wherein a single one of said 52 balls is adapted to be received in any one of said at least 52 pockets.

12. The gaming apparatus of claim 11 further comprising at least one player area located on said gaming table.

13. The gaining apparatus of claim 12 wherein said at least one player area has displayed thereon wagering options for the play of poker.

14. The gaining apparatus of claim 13 wherein said wagering options include an option to wager on one of a plurality of five card poker hands, based on selection of one said first through tenth designated markings.

15. The gaming apparatus of claim 13 wherein said wagering options include an option to wager on one of a plurality of seven card poker hands, based on selection of one said first through tenth designated markings in combination with said eleventh designated marking.

16. The gaining apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a roulette game.

17. The gaining apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a blackjack game.

18. The gaming apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a baccarat game.

19. The gaming apparatus of claim 11 further comprising wagering areas for two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

20. The gaming apparatus of claim 11 further comprising wagering areas for each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

21. The gaming apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a roulette game.

22. The gaining apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a blackjack game.

23. The gaming apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a baccarat game.

24. The gaming apparatus of claim 13 further comprising wagering areas for two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

25. The gaining apparatus of claim 13 further comprising wagering areas for each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

26. A gaming apparatus comprising, in combination:

seven balls;

wherein said seven balls are divided into two groups, as follows: a first group comprising five balls having a first designated marking; a second group comprising two balls having a second designated marking;

a gaining table;

a roulette-type wheel located on said gaming table and having at least 52 pockets, including at least one pocket corresponding to each card in a standard deck of 52 playing cards;

wherein a single one of said seven balls is adapted to be received in any one of said at least 52 pockets.

27. The gaming apparatus of claim 26 further comprising at least one player area located on said gaming table.

28. The gaming apparatus of claim 27 wherein said at least one player area has displayed thereon wagering options for the play of poker.

29. The gaming apparatus of claim 28 wherein said wagering options include an option to wager on one of a five card poker hand comprising balls having said first group of designated markings and a seven card poker hand based on each of said seven balls.

30. The gaining apparatus of claim 26 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a roulette game.

31. The gaining apparatus of claim 26 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a blackjack game.

32. The gaming apparatus of claim 26 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a baccarat game.

33. The gaining apparatus of claim 26 further comprising wagering areas for two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

34. The gaming apparatus of claim 26 further comprising wagering areas for each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

35. The gaining apparatus of claim 28 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a roulette game.

36. The gaming apparatus of claim 28 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a blackjack game.

37. The gaming apparatus of claim 28 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a baccarat game.

38. The gaming apparatus of claim 28 further comprising wagering areas for two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

39. The gaming apparatus of claim 28 further comprising wagering areas for each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

40. A gaming apparatus comprising, in combination:

two balls;

a gaming table;

a roulette-type wheel located on said gaming table and having at least 52 pockets, including at least one pocket corresponding to each card in a standard deck of 52 playing cards;

wherein a single one of said two balls is adapted to be received in any one of said at least 52 pockets.

41. The gaining apparatus of claim 40 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a roulette game.

42. The gaining apparatus of claim 40 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a blackjack game.

43. The gaining apparatus of claim 40 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a baccarat game.

44. The gaming apparatus of claim 40 further comprising wagering areas for two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

45. The gaming apparatus of claim 40 further comprising wagering areas for each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

46. A gaming apparatus comprising, in combination:

52 playing cards;

a gaming table;

ten dealing areas, each of which is adapted to have dealt therein five cards;

wherein said ten dealing areas are individually designated with a designation; and

an eleventh dealing area, which is adapted to have dealt therein two cards;

47. The gaming apparatus of claim 46 further comprising at least one player area located on said gaming table.

48. The gaming apparatus of claim 47 wherein said at least one player area has displayed thereon wagering options for the play of poker.

49. The gaming apparatus of claim 48 wherein said wagering options include an option to wager on one of a plurality of five card poker hands, based on selection of one group of said five cards located in one of said ten dealing areas.

50. The gaining apparatus of claim 49 wherein said wagering options include an option to wager on one of a plurality of seven card poker hands, based on selection of one said group of said five cards located in one of said ten dealing areas in combination with said two cards located in said eleventh dealing area.

51. The gaming apparatus of claim 47 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a roulette game.

52. The gaming apparatus of claim 47 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a blackjack game.

53. The gaming apparatus of claim 47 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a baccarat game.

54. The gaining apparatus of claim 47 further comprising wagering areas for two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

55. The gaming apparatus of claim 47 further comprising wagering areas for each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

56. The gaming apparatus of claim 49 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a roulette game.

57. The gaming apparatus of claim 49 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a blackjack game.

58. The gaining apparatus of claim 49 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a baccarat game.

59. The gaming apparatus of claim 49 further comprising wagering areas for two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

60. The gaming apparatus of claim 49 further comprising wagering areas for each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

61. A gaining apparatus comprising, in combination:

52 playing cards;

a gaming table;

six dealing areas, each of which is adapted to have dealt therein two cards; and

means for selecting for play one set of two cards located in one of said six dealing areas.

62. The gaming apparatus of claim 61 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a roulette game.

63. The gaming apparatus of claim 61 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a blackjack game.

64. The gaming apparatus of claim 61 further comprising a wagering area for the play of a baccarat game.

65. The gaming apparatus of claim 61 further comprising wagering areas for two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

66. The gaming apparatus of claim 61 further comprising wagering areas for each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

67. A gaining method comprising the steps of:

providing 52 balls;

wherein said 52 balls are divided into 11 groups, as follows: a first group comprising five balls having a first designated marking; a second group comprising five balls having a second designated marking; a third group comprising five balls having a third designated marking; a fourth group comprising five balls having a fourth designated marking; a fifth group comprising five balls having a fifth designated marking; a sixth group comprising five balls having a sixth designated marking; a seventh group comprising five balls having a seventh designated marking; an eighth group comprising five balls having an eighth designated marking; a ninth group comprising five balls having a ninth designated marking; a tenth group comprising five balls having a tenth designated marking; and an eleventh group comprising two balls having an eleventh designated marking;

providing a gaining table;

providing a roulette-type wheel located on said gaming table and having at least 52 pockets, including at least one pocket corresponding to each card in a standard deck of 52 playing cards;

wherein a single one of said 52 balls is adapted to be received in any one of said at least 52 pockets;

spinning said roulette-type wheel;

placing said 52 balls onto said roulette-type wheel;

allowing said roulette-type wheel to spin until each of said 52 balls lands in one said pocket; and

determining, for each said ball, said card to which said pocket into which said ball has landed corresponds.

68. The method of claim 67 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on one of a plurality of five card poker hands, wherein each said five card poker hand is identified based on its particular said designated marking and said five cards corresponding to said pockets into which said balls having said designated markings have landed.

69. The method of claim 67 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on one of a plurality of seven card poker hands, wherein each said seven card poker hand comprises five cards corresponding to said first through tenth group and two cards corresponding to said eleventh group.

70. The method of claim 67 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a roulette game, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said eleventh designated markings have landed.

71. The method of claim 67 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a blackjack game, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said eleventh designated markings have landed.

72. The method of claim 67 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a baccarat game, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said eleventh designated markings have landed.

73. The method of claim 67 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said eleventh designated markings have landed, on two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

74. The method of claim 67 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said eleventh designated markings have landed, on each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

75. The method of claim 68 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said eleventh designated markings have landed, on two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

76. The method of claim 69 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said eleventh designated markings have landed, on each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

77. A gaining method comprising the steps of:

providing seven balls;

wherein said seven balls are divided into two groups, as follows: a first group comprising five balls having a first designated marking; a second group comprising two balls having a second designated marking;

providing a gaining table;

providing a roulette-type wheel located on said gaming table and having at least 52 pockets, including at least one pocket corresponding to each card in a standard deck of 52 playing cards;

wherein a single one of said seven balls is adapted to be received in any one of said at least 52 pockets;

spinning said roulette-type wheel;

placing said seven balls onto said roulette-type wheel;

allowing said roulette-type wheel to spin until each of said seven balls lands in one said pocket; and

determining, for each said ball, said card to which said pocket into which said ball has landed corresponds.

78. The method of claim 77 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on one of a five card poker hand that is identified based on said cards corresponding to five balls in said first group and a seven card poker hand that is identified based on said corresponding to said five balls in said first group and said two balls in said second group.

79. The method of claim 77 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a roulette game, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said second designated markings have landed.

80. The method of claim 77 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a blackjack game, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said second designated markings have landed.

81. The method of claim 77 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a baccarat game, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said second designated markings have landed.

82. The method of claim 77 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said second designated markings have landed, on two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

83. The method of claim 77 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said second designated markings have landed, on each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

84. The method of claim 78 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said second designated markings have landed, on two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

85. The method of claim 78 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls having said second designated markings have landed, on each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

86. A gaming method comprising the steps of:

providing two balls;

providing a gaming table;

providing a roulette-type wheel located on said gaming table and having at least 52 pockets, including at least one pocket corresponding to each card in a standard deck of 52 playing cards;

wherein a single one of said two balls is adapted to be received in any one of said at least 52 pockets;

spinning said roulette-type wheel;

placing said two balls onto said roulette-type wheel;

allowing said roulette-type wheel to spin until both of said two balls lands in one said pocket; and

determining, for each said ball, said card to which said pocket into which said ball has landed corresponds.

87. The method of claim 86 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a roulette game, based on at least one said card corresponding to at least one said pocket into which said two balls have landed.

88. The method of claim 86 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a blackjack game, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls have landed.

89. The method of claim 86 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a baccarat game, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls have landed.

90. The method of claim 86 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls have landed, on two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

91. The method of claim 86 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on said cards corresponding to said pockets into which said two balls have landed, on each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

92. A gaining method comprising the steps of:

providing 52 playing cards; and

dealing said 52 playing cards into 11 groups, as follows: a first group comprising five cards within a first designated card area; a second group comprising five cards within a second designated card area; a third group comprising five cards within a third designated card area; a fourth group comprising five cards within a fourth designated card area; a fifth group comprising five cards within a fifth designated card area; a sixth group comprising five cards within a sixth designated card area; a seventh group comprising five cards within a seventh designated card area; an eighth group comprising five cards within an eighth designated card area; a ninth group comprising five cards within a ninth designated card area; a tenth group comprising five cards within a tenth designated card area; and an eleventh group comprising two cards within an eleventh designated card area.

93. The method of claim 92 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on one of a plurality of five card poker hands, wherein each said five card poker hand is identified based on its particular said designated card area.

94. The method of claim 92 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on one of a plurality of seven card poker hands, wherein said seven card poker hand is identified based on a combination of five cards in one of said first through tenth groups, and said two cards in said eleventh group.

95. The method of claim 92 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a roulette game, based on values of said two cards within said eleventh designated card area.

96. The method of claim 92 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a blackjack game, based on values of said two cards within said eleventh designated card area.

97. The method of claim 92 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a baccarat game, based on values of said two cards within said eleventh designated card area.

98. The method of claim 92 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on values of said two cards within said eleventh designated card area, on two of the following three games:.blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

99. The method of claim 92 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on values of said two cards within said eleventh designated card area, on each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

100. The method of claim 93 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on values of said two cards within said eleventh designated card area, on two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

101. The method of claim 93 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on values of said two cards within said eleventh designated card area, on each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

102. A gaining method comprising the steps of:

providing 52 playing cards; and

dealing 12 of said 52 playing cards into six groups, as follows: a first group comprising two cards within a first designated card area; a second group comprising two cards within a second designated card area; a third group comprising two cards within a third designated card area; a fourth group comprising two cards within a fourth designated card area; a fifth group comprising two cards within a fifth designated card area; and a sixth group comprising two cards within a sixth designated card area; and

selecting one of said six groups of two cards as a playing hand for wagering purposes.

103. The method of claim 102 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a roulette game, based on values of said two cards comprising said playing hand.

104. The method of claim 102 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a blackjack game, based on values of said two cards comprising said playing hand.

105. The method of claim 102 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager on the play of a baccarat game, based on values of said two cards comprising said playing hand.

106. The method of claim 102 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on values of said two cards comprising said playing hand, on two of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

107. The method of claim 102 further comprising the step of permitting players to wager, based on values of said two cards comprising said playing hand, on each of the following three games: blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.