GAMING TABLE
A method and apparatus for verifying players' bets on a gaming table is comprised of a system that can detect the monetary value of a wager that is placed by a particular player at a gaming table. Once all betting is finalized, the detected monetary value of the players' bets is locked and/or recorded thereby preventing that value from being changed by the addition or removal of betting chip(s) from a player's respective bet. If after the results of the gaming round, there is a discrepancy or mismatch between a player's wager and the locked monetary value of a player's bet, casino personnel will be alerted of the player's possible cheating practices thereby enabling them to investigate the matter. 36
This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/373,634, filed Mar. 9, 2006, and applicant claims the benefit of the earlier filing date thereof for purposes of this continuation application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to methods and apparatuses for verifying the monetary value of bets and more particularly to a method and apparatus for verifying the monetary value of bets placed on a gaming table.
Gaming casinos have played a major role in society and continues to do so today. Although most people gamble according to the rules of the casino without incident, some have worked ardently at devising cheating techniques in order to “beat the casino” and illegitimately earn profits. Despite the various cheating methods devised, some of the more costly for the casino have been the adding or removal of betting chips from a bet after the player has learned whether they have won or lost. Many cheaters using such tactics repeatedly work at improving their technique so that it is unnoticed by either the dealer or casino personnel. As has been the case, many of these players have become exceedingly tactical in their approach and as a result, have been able to cheat the casino for large amounts of money. It is mentionable that although many of these players work outside the prelude of the casino or their personnel, in some circumstances, casino dealers have been in on the “scam” and thus, have worked in partnership with the players in order to cheat the casino. Given this problem, a method and apparatus of verifying players' bets on a gaming table is required in order to curtail cheating as well as generate an accurate record of how much money a casino has taken in or paid out on its gaming tables.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe following invention is for a method and apparatus for verifying the monetary value of players' bets on a gaming table. A detector is capable of detecting the monetary value of one or more betting chip(s) which is bet on a gaming table. The total value of the betting chip(s) bet by a player is determined by the detector and locked by the dealer once all betting is closed for any one gaming round. This will effectively prevent a player from cheating the casino by either increasing or decreasing their wager after the betting results are disclosed. Additionally, a computer system can be used to record and process the players' bets in order to allow the casino to generate an exact accounting as to how much money was won and lost from each of the respective gaming tables.
FIG. 1′ is a perspective view of one embodiment of a betting chip used on gaming tables.
As shown in
Detectors 16-20 can comprise of any device that is capable of detecting the monetary value of a given betting chip(s) 9, as is shown in FIG. 1′, that is placed within their range of detection. As used in the specifications and claims, the term “betting chip” 9 refers to any object, regardless of its composition that has a determined monetary value and which is used for placing wagers on a gaming table. The term is further meant to include legal currency in both paper and coin form. As typically seen in most gaming casinos, a betting chip 9 is rendered in the form of a circular coin-like object that is composed of plastic material and has a set monetary value. The betting chip detector(s) include both electronic as well as non-electronic devices, the determination of which is best know to those skilled in the art. In this sense, each of the detectors 16-20 will be able to distinguish between individual betting chips, regardless if their stated monetary value is the same or different. This can be done by configuring the detectors 16-20 to recognize the distinctive characteristic(s) of each betting chip that is placed within its range of detection. For example, betting chips of a particular monetary value may have within them a particular kind of metallic element which is detectable by each of the detectors 16-20. Thus, if a $5.00 betting chip has copper imbedded within it, while a $100.00 betting chip has silver embedded within it, a detector that is able to distinguish between both will be able to ascertain the presence of a $5.00 as well as $100.00 betting chip when they are placed within its detection range.
Preferably, the detector 16-20 will likewise be able to recognize repetitive occurrences wherein two or more betting chips of the same monetary value are placed within its detection range. Thus, for example, when two $5.00 betting chips are placed within the detection range of one of the five detectors 16-20 the respective detector will be able to ascertain the presence of both $5.00 betting chips. One way of accomplishing this is to configure the detector to be sensitive to quantity measurements (for detecting repetitive occurrences) as well as characteristic qualities (for distinguishing between the value of different betting chips). For example, distinctions based on quantity measurements can be based on simply detecting each separate occurrence of a particular event (such as the addition of another chip of the same kind and value). This can include recognition of same value betting chips on account of weight measurements wherein only similar betting chips weigh the same. Thus, if a $5.00 betting chip weighs 2.3 ounces, while a $25.00 betting chip weighs 3.4 ounces, a weight measurement of 4.6 ounces (which would be the total weight of 2 $5.00 betting chips) would indicate a presence of 2 $5.00 betting chips. Of course, such a scheme would require the use of a weight measuring device that is a part of or separate from the detector 16-20. Furthermore, distinctions based on quantity measurements can also be done by configuring each betting chip with a unique identification element (such as a code), and identifying it on a separate basis. It is noteworthy that despite the methods mentioned herein, several other methods of distinguishing between repetitive occurrences of the same betting chip may exist which are best known to those skilled in the arts and thus, need not be elaborated upon herein.
It is noteworthy that the betting chips themselves may contain any element/material that will allow them to be detected and recognized by the detector (e.g. 16). Possible elements/materials can include, but are not limited to metals, chemicals, plastics, printed matter, magnetic field, optics, etc. This furthermore includes any electronic mechanism within the betting chips that will allow them to be detected and recognized by the detector (e.g. 16). For example, each betting chip can have within it, an embedded transmitter (such as a radio frequency transmitter) which will emit a unique signal to the detector (e.g. 16), thereby allowing it to ascertain the presence and value of the particular betting chip within its detection range. Additionally, distinguishing characteristics may further include printed matter on the betting chip such as a particular code or color scheme (as is often located on the face and around the edges of many betting chips). It is further contemplated that betting chips may be placed inside the detector in order for their value and presence to be acknowledged. This scenario, of course, would require that the detector (e.g. 16-20) be situated in a vicinity (such as on top of the gaming table) which allows a player ready access to it. Despite the mentioned methods of allowing the betting chip to be identified and distinguished by the detector (e.g. 16-20), other methods which are best known to those skilled in the art may likewise exist, and thus, need not be elaborated upon herein.
It should furthermore be mentioned that where more then one detector is utilized per gaming table, it is preferred that each such detector (e.g. 16-20) have a limited detection range that will limit its detection abilities to a predetermined vicinity. This will ensure that a detector designated to detect betting chips in a particular betting spot will not detect betting chips in adjacent betting spots. In other words, with reference to
Prior to the beginning of a gaming round for any game of chance, the respective players are allocated a certain amount of time in which to place their desired monetary bets, hereinafter referred to as, “betting time”. Once this is done, the betting time is closed and players are no longer allowed to change their bets. At this point, the casino game handler or dealer will lock the monetary value of the bets for each respective player, as detected by the respective detectors. Locking of a player's wager will freeze the locked monetary value and constitute that amount as the player's bet for the gaming round. This means that once a bet is locked, the detector will not change the monetary value of the bet in the player's betting spot regardless if betting chips are removed from or added to that betting spot. Once locked, the value of the players' bets will be made known to the dealer 26 by any method known to those skilled in the art which may include a computer kept in the possession of the dealer 26, LCDs on the gaming table, or a combination of the two. A computer kept in the possession of the dealer 26, for example, may be a stationary computer, ref. character 53,
With regards to
It should further be mentioned that in addition to being displayed to the dealer, the locked value of each of the player's wagers can be processed and/or stored in one or more computer system(s), as exemplified by the computer reference character 53,
Referring to
In using
With regards to the game of Blackjack and other similar type gaming, a player may sometimes be allowed to increase or decrease their wagers during the commencement of the game and prior to the win loss outcome becoming known. In Blackjack, for example, such a scenario may occur when the player decides to double down, split, or take insurance on their hand. Since the players' wagers will be locked at this point in the game, the dealer 26 may initiate an override function which will allow the detected monetary value of the particular player's bet to be adjusted accordingly. This can be done in a number of ways which include the use and/or initiation of a program sequence as well as simply releasing/unlocking of the monetary value of a particular player's bet.
The first method which involves input of program sequence would allow the dealer 26 to activate a program command(s) that would direct the respective LCD 21-25 or dealer's computer 53, 80 to operate in a particular sequence. The particular type of program sequence as well as the functions it will perform will vary from depending on the game table and required functionality and thus, may best be determined by those skilled in the art or casino personnel. For example, if the particular player wanted to double down on their hand, the dealer 26 may activate a “double down” program sequence for that particular player which would unlock the monetary value indicated on the player's betting spot LCD (or on the dealer's 26 computer 53, 80) and allow for the recognization and/or recording of additional betting chips 9 which would be added to the original wager. According to one embodiment, and as shown in
According to another embodiment, the dealer 26 may override the lock on a particular player's wager (without activating a program sequence) simply by releasing/unlocking the particular wager. This likewise may be initiated in circumstances where the game allows the player to increase or decrease their bet during the commencement of the gamming round (e.g. during an action to double down, split, or take insurance on the hand). Overriding the lock on a particular player's wager may be accomplished by pressing a release button similar to button 28 in
Referring now to
As previously mentioned, in addition to aiding the table dealer run the gaming rounds and monitor players' attempts to cheat the casino (at a particular gaming table), one or more computers such as computer 53 can likewise be used to compile statistics about the betting activity of the respective players' at a particular gaming table. These computer(s) 53 may be set up to receive data from the gaming table(s) in reference to the bets made by players at a particular gaming table, casino winnings and losses at a particular gaming table, and cumulative casino winnings and losses at two or more gaming tables. It is noteworthy that computer(s) 53 set up to compile statistics about the betting activity of in the casino may be located at a central monitoring station either within or outside of the casino. Furthermore, this computer(s) 53 may be separate and distinct or one and the same from the computer 53, 80 used by the dealer to monitor player betting activity. Assuming that the dealer's computer 53, 80 is separate from the casino central computer(s) 53, it is likewise contemplated that both may be networked to one another so as to enable communication and data sharing between them. Statistical data received from the gaming table(s) can include, but is not limited to the following: 1) the monetary value of each wager made at a particular gaming table, 2) frequency of wagering at the particular gaming table, 3) winnings realized at a particular gaming table, losses realized by a particular gaming table, 4) frequency of attempts to cheat at a particular gaming table (as would be noted if there was a discrepancy or mismatch between the total monetary value of all betting chips in a particular betting spot and the locked monetary value of a player's bet during a gaming round), 5) operation/functionality of the game table system 1, etc. Received data can thereafter be compiled to generate any of the desired information as noted above.
For example, if the casino wanted to compile a real time or dated record of the day's winnings and losses of all of the bets made at a given gaming table, they may utilize computer 53 in the following manner. First, the computer(s) 53 would collect data from a particular gaming table which would relate to the wagering activity taking place during each gaming round at that table. Data derived from a gaming round can consist of, but is not limited to total monetary value of each bet placed in a particular betting spot per gaming round, total monetary value of all bets placed on the gaming table per gaming round, breakup of the betting chips associated with each particular betting spot, time of bet, date of bet, name and identification information of a particular player at a particular betting spot, gaming table identification number, total revenue or loss that was due to or won from the casino from all bets made on a particular or all gaming tables that utilize the invention disclosed herein, etc. Such data could be tallied up at predetermined time intervals (whether in real time, periodically, or in accordance with a set schedule) in order to give the casino an accounting of how much money was won or lost at a particular gaming table. Most of the data pertaining to the value of wagers made at a particular betting spot 11-20 could be manually or automatically inputted into the casino computer 53 (as will be further discussed later on). With regards to whether a particular player won or lost on a particular gaming round (e.g. the blackjack hand), such data can likewise be manually inputted into the casino computer 53 (e.g. via the dealer's computer 53, 80) or automatically inputted into the casino computer 53 via electronic methods best known to those skilled in the art. Such electronic methods may consist of the use of sensors, card readers, video equipment, imagery technology, etc.
After such statistical information is collected and inputted into the casino central computer 53, the casino can thereafter process the data in order to attain a complete and correct accounting as to the cumulative profits or losses at any one, few, or all gaming tables (that utilize the method and system disclosed herein) within a particular time period. The ability to accurately account for the winnings and losses of any particular gaming table will further enable the casino to monitor the performance of their table runner (e.g. dealer 26) and whether they may be involved in a scheme to cheat the casino.
As previously mentioned, recorded accounting data derived from each table (e.g. identification and accounting of the locked value of the betting chips wagered on the game table or whether a particular player won or lost on a particular gaming round) can be inputted into computer 53 in a number of different ways, which are not limited to, but include the following methods. A first method would require that the data be compiled and collected from each gaming table and thereafter, manually inputted by casino personnel into computer 53. Compilation and collection of the data can be done at any desired time interval during the gaming process and manual input of the data into casino computer 53 can likewise be done at any time interval, such as at the end of each work day. A second method would allow the data derived from each gaming table to be automatically uploaded/inputted into computer 53. Automatic input would allow data that is determined by the system 1 and/or any other electronic devices (such as the value of the betting chips which is detected and recorded by the system 1 or data indicating whether a particular player won or lost on a particular gaming round) to be communicated by the system 1 to the casino computer 53. An increase or decrease in a player's wager during the commencement of the game (as per initiation of a program sequence mentioned above) would likewise result in data that could automatically be detected by the system 1 and communicated to casino computer 53. Uploading of data to computer 53 can likewise occur at any predetermined time interval, but would preferably occur on a real time basis. This way, casino personnel would be able to monitor intake and payouts of respective gaming tables in the casino and immediately investigate any suspect situation. It is noteworthy that casino computer 53 can receive data from the gaming tables by either having it manually inputted into it (by authorized personnel), or automatically uploaded to it via a direct connection to the gaming tables which utilizes either a wired or wireless connection.
One embodiment of the data that can be displayed on the computer 53 of
Although most of the discussion thus far has focused on the game of blackjack (as per
With specific regard to gaming tables, such as roulette and craps that simultaneously allow for a multiplicity of distinct bets during a single gaming round, either one or a multitude of independent detectors may be used. Whichever is the case, it is preferred that the detector(s) be able to pinpoint the exact positioning of the bets placed on the gaming table and more particularly, the location of the betting spots, along with the total monetary value of each bet. For example as shown in
To this effect,
Of course, it is further contemplated that detector 66 can be designed to detect the exact positioning of the betting chips placed on top of the roulette table without the use of position grid linings 67 or other type of sectioning mechanism. As a further example to this, detector 66 can be designed to utilize a unique coordinate layout throughout its surface, as shown in
Similar to the roulette table of
It is noteworthy that with gaming tables, such as roulette and craps, which allow for simultaneous multi-position betting, (as well as a multitude of different players who may be positioned in various locations around the table), use of an LCD screen for each betting spot may not be feasible. In such a situation, the detectors may transmit the total value of each of the locked and/or recorded bets on the gaming table to a computer, such as computer 53 in
Similar to the operation of the blackjack table, in a simultaneous multi-position betting game (e.g. roulette, craps), the exact monetary value of each of the bets made on the table (per gaming round) will be locked and/or recorded once final bets are made. Since the monetary value of all bets made per gaming round will be known by the casino personnel running the game (e.g. by way of being displayed on their computer 53), discrepancies in the value of a player's bet (in terms of actual betting chips 9) and the locked and/or recorded value of their bet will automatically indicate a possible attempt to cheat the casino. Thus, similar to the above discussion referencing the game of blackjack, dubious players in simultaneous multi-position betting games will likewise, be deterred from illicitly increasing or decreasing their bets (by secretly adding or removing chips 9) after the gaming round results are in or at any time after their bets are locked and cannot be changed.
It is further noteworthy that although this disclosure has mainly focused on gaming tables located in casinos, it is wholly contemplated the invention may be utilized with any gaming table that is situated in any location, regardless if that location is a casino or not.
Finally, a flowchart shown in
The present embodiments of this invention are thus to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive; the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.
Claims
1. A gaming table having opposing upper and lower surfaces, the gaming table comprising:
- a. a plurality of betting positions designated upon an upper surface of the gaming table;
- b. a series of grid lines formed within the gaming table, said series of grid lines sectioning one betting position from other betting positions adjacent thereto; and
- c. a detector disposed proximate to the lower surface of the gaming table, the detector being responsive to said series of grid lines for detecting the locations of the plurality of betting positions, said detector also being responsive to at least one gaming token for determining the location of said at least one gaming token relative to the locations of the plurality of betting positions.
2. The gaming table of claim 1 wherein said at least one gaming token may be placed upon one or more grid lines to overlap two or more betting positions, and wherein said detector detects that said at least one gaming token overlies one or more grid lines.
3. The gaming table of claim 1 wherein said detector is responsive to at least two gaming tokens deposited upon the upper surface of the gaming table to place a bet, said at least two gaming tokens having first and second monetary values, said detector detecting the location and monetary value of each of said at least two gaming tokens.
4. The gaming table of claim 1 including a video screen associated with said detector, said video screen displaying the location of said at least one gaming token relative to the plurality of betting positions.
5. The gaming table of claim 4 wherein:
- a. said at least one gaming token having a monetary value;
- b. said detector detects the monetary value of said at least one gaming token; and
- c. said video screen displays the location and monetary value of said at least one gaming token.
6. A gaming table having opposing upper and lower surfaces, the gaming table comprising:
- a. a plurality of betting positions designated upon an upper surface of the gaming table;
- b. a plurality of coordinate points formed within the gaming table, the plurality of coordinate points bearing a fixed relationship with the plurality of betting positions; and
- c. a detector disposed proximate to the lower surface of the gaming table, the detector being responsive to said plurality of coordinate points for detecting the locations of the plurality of betting positions, said detector also being responsive to at least one gaming token for determining the location of said at least one gaming token relative to the locations of the plurality of betting positions.
7. The gaming table of claim 6 wherein said at least one gaming token may be placed to overlap two or more betting positions, and wherein said detector detects that said at least one gaming token overlies two or more betting positions.
8. The gaming table of claim 6 wherein said detector is responsive to at least two gaming tokens deposited upon the upper surface of the gaming table to place a bet, said at least two gaming tokens having first and second monetary values, said detector detecting the location and monetary value of each of said at least two gaming tokens.
9. The gaming table of claim 6 including a video screen associated with said detector, said video screen displaying the location of said at least one gaming token relative to the plurality of betting positions.
10. The gaming table of claim 9 wherein:
- a. said at least one gaming token having a monetary value;
- b. said detector detects the monetary value of said at least one gaming token; and
- c. said video screen displays the location and monetary value of said at least one gaming token.
11. A gaming table for allowing a game operator to conduct a game of chance, the gaming table including opposing upper and lower surfaces, the gaming table comprising:
- a. a plurality of betting positions designated upon an upper surface of the gaming table;
- b. a detector disposed proximate to the lower surface of the gaming table, the detector being responsive to at least one gaming token for determining the location of said at least one gaming token relative to the locations of the plurality of betting positions; and
- c. a video screen coupled to said detector and disposed proximate to the gaming table for observation by the game operator, the video screen displaying the location of said at least one gaming token relative to the plurality of betting positions.
12. The gaming table of claim 11 wherein:
- a. said at least one gaming token may be placed to overlap two or more betting positions;
- b. said detector detects that said at least one gaming token overlies two or more betting positions; and
- c. said video screen displays that said at least one gaming token overlies two or more betting positions.
13. The gaming table of claim 11 wherein:
- a. said detector is responsive to at least two gaming tokens deposited upon the upper surface of the gaming table to place a bet, said at least two gaming tokens having first and second monetary values, said detector detecting the location and monetary value of each of said at least two gaming tokens; and
- b. said video screen displays the location and monetary value of each of said at least two gaming tokens.
14. The gaming table of claim 11 wherein:
- a. the at least one gaming token has a monetary value;
- b. said detector detects the monetary value of said at least one gaming token; and
- c. said video screen displays the location and monetary value of said at least one gaming token.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 13, 2009
Publication Date: Nov 5, 2009
Inventor: Reuben Bahar (West Hills, CA)
Application Number: 12/502,201
International Classification: A63F 3/00 (20060101); A63F 9/24 (20060101);