Abstract: A casino game incorporates at least a first compulsory playing mode and one or more optional playing modes without a house advantage. Preferably, the first playing mode is a three-, five- or seven-card poker game against a payout scale based on the respective hand poker rank or against both a payout scale and the dealer. Optional modes without a house advantage include head-to-head poker games against the dealer only and poker games against other players. Side wager options are also available for high hands, thereby increasing player interest by providing a chance for a high payout.

Abstract: A card game combines the play of Blackjack (“21”) with a 5-card Poker wager or side bet (“21+5”). Each player places a basic Blackjack wager for each of two hands and an optional side wager before the cards are dealt. Each player is then dealt a card for each hand with the dealer receiving a face-up card. Each player is dealt a second card for each hand. At this point, the outcome of each 5-card hand is determined, where a 5-card hand consists of the two 2-card hands dealt to that player and the dealer's face-up card. After settling the 5-card wagers, the game of Blackjack continues in a typical fashion. The invention advantageously retains all the features and advantages of Blackjack as well as provides the dynamics of a proposition game, without interfering with the card sequence, for enhanced player anticipation and enjoyment.

Abstract: Card games that combine the play of Blackjack (“21”) with a 3-card Poker wager or side bet (“21+3”). Each player places a basic Blackjack wager and an optional 3-card Poker wager before the cards are dealt. Each player is then dealt a card with the dealer receiving a face-up card. Each player is dealt a second card. At this point, the outcome of each 3-card Poker hand is determined, where a 3-card Poker hand consists of the 2-card hand dealt to that player and the dealer's face-up card. After settling the Poker wagers, the game of Blackjack continues in a typical fashion. The invention advantageously retains all the features and advantages of Blackjack as well as provides the dynamics of 3-card Poker, without interfering with the card sequence, for enhanced player anticipation and enjoyment.

Abstract: A casino game of chance incorporates a pattern of a plurality of symbols such as a matrix of dice or playing card images or the like. From this matrix, numerous single line and multi-line game versions having varying payoffs and volatility can be played, thereby offering a wide variety of games that would thus be desirable to players and casino operators.

Abstract: A method of playing a side game is provided in combination with a game of chance such as Pai Gow Poker where a dealer hand of playing cards is dealt to a dealer and a player hand of playing cards is dealt to a player. The method includes receiving a side game wager from the player, wherein after dealing the dealer hand and the player hand, all playing cards from the dealer hand and player hand are combined into a combined hand. The side game wager is resolved according to the playing cards in the combined hand. Typically, the side game wager is resolved according to non-poker combinations, such as characteristics of the playing cards including card color, picture cards or the like.

Abstract: A method of playing a side game is provided in combination with a game of chance where a dealer hand of playing cards is dealt to a dealer and a player hand of playing cards is dealt to a player. The method includes receiving a side game wager from the player, wherein after dealing the dealer hand and the player hand, all playing cards from the dealer hand and player hand are combined into a combined hand. The side game wager is resolved according to the playing cards in the combined hand. Typically, the side game wager is resolved according to non-poker combinations, such as characteristics of the playing cards including card color, picture cards or the like.

Abstract: Gaming apparatus relating to a card game provides a screen image showing dealer cards 42 and players' cards 40. Player cards may be dealt face down, according to the game being played. Player controls 56 allow the player to control how the cards are revealed at the appropriate stage of the game. Thus, they may be revealed individually, allowing the player to adopt a strategy in which bets are placed as soon as a hand is found to meet a minimum strength, but without knowing the full strength of the hand. This adds to the excitement of play. The controls 56 also allow a player to instruct wagers to be made automatically when a hand meets a minimum requirement, thus speeding up game play.

Abstract: A card game combines the play of Blackjack (“21”) with a side wager. Each player places a basic Blackjack wager and an optional side wager before the cards are dealt. Each player is dealt at least one hand of two cards with the dealer receiving a face-up card. A side wager hand consists of the at least one 2-card hand dealt to that player and the dealer's face-up card. The side wager hand is resolved according to a numerical total of the hand and in some embodiments also a Poker rank. Subsequently, the game of Blackjack continues in a typical fashion. The invention advantageously retains all the features and advantages of Blackjack as well as provides the dynamics of novel side wager, without interfering with the card sequence, for enhanced player anticipation and enjoyment.

Abstract: A method of enabling competitive wagering in a casino game provides a vehicle for a casino to offer payoff amounts for winning wagers in a casino game that are higher than conventional casino game payoff amounts while maintaining a satisfactory casino advantage. With this method, payoff amounts result in non-denominated fractional payouts, which can be processed according to a casino preference. In one embodiment, the non-denominated fractional payouts are accumulated during repeated game play and settled after game play is completed. Alternatively, rules can be established for rounding fractional amounts to a nearest denominated payout, converting the accumulated non-denominated fractional payouts into casino promotional awards, and the like. The methodology can be suited for any game format including casino table games, electronic games, internet casinos, etc.

Abstract: Game playing apparatus has a playing structure 12 onto which cards may be dealt by a dealer standing at 14. The table 12 incorporates a plurality of imaging devices 16, such as one for each player. Each device 16 has a player terminal 18 to which it is connected at 20. Each imaging device 16 creates an image signal representative of a card dealt onto to the table 12. The image signal is sent to the corresponding terminal 18 to display an image viewable by the corresponding player. User controls allow the player to interact with the terminal 18 in order to take part in the game.

Abstract: A modern version of an old gambling game enables players to wager on a particular card or hand being dealt into a first position or a second position. Wagers matching the first card or hand in the first position and wagers matching the second card or hand in the second position are paid. Wagers for matching ranks in the incorrect position are taken. If that particular card or hand does not appear, the wager stays in play for a next round. When the first card or hand is equivalent to the second card or hand, matching wagers win, and unmatching wagers are resolved according to characteristics of the first card or hand and the second card or hand, such as card suit, card color, whether the cards are odd or even or high or low, using a hand rank such as according to poker combinations, by a numerical computation of the hand with reference to prescribed rankings of high/low or odd/even or the like.

Abstract: A competitive auction incorporates a quiz format to determine allocation of auctioned items. Participants each pay a participation fee each time an auction is entered for each item. The participants then each guess an average price estimate for the item among the participants. The closest estimate wins the auction for that item. Tied winning estimates are processed in subsequent rounds in various ways. In one operating mode, the participation fees are required to cover the cost of the auctioned item sufficiently enough to provide a profit to the auction venue or sponsor. This methodology provides much broader access to high cost items while adding a competitive game element to the auction process.

Abstract: A bonus multiplier provides added excitement and increased player attraction to existing casino games without affecting game play or casino advantage. After establishing at least one winning combination according to rules of an existing casino game and playing the game to arrive at a player result, the player result is compared with the winning combinations to determine if the player result is a winning result. Subsequently, if the player result is also a qualified result, the player can enter a bonus round to determine a bonus multiplier or bonus factor for the player payout.

Abstract: In a casino card game, a player makes a first elective wager and is provided with an opportunity to make a proposition wager. A dealer deals two cards, and the players can then wager whether a third card will fall between (MID) the first two cards or above (HI) or below (LOW) at least one of the first two cards. Preferably, the player betting the HI option or the LOW option will win if the third card is higher or lower, respectively, and of a same suit as at least one of the cards. The subsequent electing wager serves to direct the application of the first elective wager. With the proposition wager, the player wins if at least two of the three cards have a predetermined composite relationship based on suit and/or rank or three-card poker rankings.

Abstract: Card games that combine the play of Blackjack (“21”) with a 3-card Poker wager or side bet (“21+3”). Each player places a basic Blackjack wager and an optional 3-card Poker wager before the cards are dealt. Each player is then dealt a card with the dealer receiving a face-up card. Each player is dealt a second card. At this point, the outcome of each 3-card Poker hand is determined, where a 3-card Poker hand consists of the 2-card hand dealt to that player and the dealer's face-up card. After settling the Poker wagers, the game of Blackjack continues in a typical fashion. The invention advantageously retains all the features and advantages of Blackjack as well as provides the dynamics of 3-card Poker, without interfering with the card sequence, for enhanced player anticipation and enjoyment.

Abstract: Card games that combine the play of Blackjack (“21”) with a 3-card Poker wager or side bet (“21+3/4”). Each player places a basic Blackjack wager and an optional side wager before the cards are dealt. Each player is then dealt a card with the dealer receiving a face-up card. Each player is dealt a second card. At this point, the outcome of each 3-card hand is determined, where a 3-card hand consists of the 2-card hand dealt to that player and the dealer's face-up card. In a 4-card version, each 4-card hand consists of the 2-card hand dealt to the player, the dealer's face-up card, and the dealer's hole card. After settling the 3-card wagers, the game of Blackjack continues in a typical fashion. After exposing the dealer's hole card, 4-card wagers are then settled.

Abstract: A casino game incorporates a first compulsory playing mode and one or more optional playing modes without a house advantage. Preferably, the first playing mode is a three-, five- or seven-card poker game against a payout scale based on the respective hand poker rank. Optional modes without a house advantage include head-to-head poker games against the dealer and poker games against other players. Side wager options are also available for high hands, thereby increasing player interest by providing a chance for a high payout.

Abstract: A payout scheme for a card game is based on a numerical difference between a player's hand and a dealer's hand. The method is suited for card games wherein the numerical value of a player's hand affects the outcome of the game. Preferably, the game is a Blackjack derivative, wherein the payout based on the original wager is determined in accordance with an amount by which the player's hand exceeds the dealer's hand, without exceeding an upper limit. Alternatively, the game may be based on a modified numerical value system where aces count as 1, cards numbered 2-9 count as face value, cards numbered 10 count as either ½ or 0, and picture cards count as ½.

Abstract: A Baccarat derivation incorporates an adjustable house advantage while eliminating confusing card-drawing rules, resulting in a more exciting and playable game. A table layout includes betting areas for a competition wager that one side or the other will win the game as well as a proposition wager area that the sides will tie. As with conventional Baccarat, the players can wager for either side. The methodology is suited for any game where a result is determined according to ranked values such as Baccarat, Blackjack, War or Dice.

Abstract: Card games that combine the play of Blackjack (“21”) with a 3-card Poker wager or side bet (“21+3”). Each player places a basic Blackjack wager and an optional 3-card Poker wager before the cards are dealt. Each player is then dealt a card with the dealer receiving a face-up card. Each player is dealt a second card. At this point, the outcome of each 3-card Poker hand is determined, where a 3-card Poker hand consists of the 2-card hand dealt to that player and the dealer's face-up card. After settling the Poker wagers, the game of Blackjack continues in a typical fashion. The invention advantageously retains all the features and advantages of Blackjack as well as provides the dynamics of 3-card Poker, without interfering with the card sequence, for enhanced player anticipation and enjoyment.