Combination craps and roulette game

Abstract

An electronic combination craps and roulette game including a display for displaying a game surface having bet indicia thereon for displaying bets for both craps and roulette, wherein the crap bets comprise two or more of pass bets; don't pass bets; hardways bets; any craps bets; 2 craps, 3 craps, and 12 craps bets; 7 and 11 bets, win bets, buy bets, and lay bets and wherein the roulette bets comprise a numeral corresponding to a face of at least one die. Preferably, the display further displays a wheel having a plurality of slots, each of the plurality of slots corresponding to a face of at least one die or a pair of dice.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/724,243 filed Nov. 28, 2000, which is a conversion of U.S. Provisional Application Serial Nos. 60/221,904 filed Jul. 31, 2000, 60/230,254 filed Sep. 6, 2000 and 60/238,149 filed Oct. 6, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to games, more particularly, to a combination craps and roulette game.

[0004] 2. Prior Art

[0005] Craps and roulette have been known as forms of gambling for centuries. All major casinos as well as smaller gambling venues have some form of these two gambling games, generally played on large gaming tables. The basic rules for craps and roulette are well known to even non-gamblers. Roulette uses a rotating gaming wheel having numbered and colored slots. If a player picks (bets) a number/color of a slot that a rolled ball falls into, that player wins. The player wins differing amounts depending upon the statistical odds the casino pays for such a bet. Craps involves the throwing of dice and betting on the outcome of the dice.

[0006] Typically, the types of gamblers who frequent the craps and roulette tables in casinos are very different. Craps players are typically the more sophisticated gamblers and typically bet larger amounts while roulette is generally favored by the less sophisticated gamblers for its simplicity. Very often a married couple will be split between the craps and roulette table in a casino, one being intimidated by the perceived complexity of craps, the other being turned off by the perceived lack of excitement of roulette. Therefore, the two gamblers spend most of their time at a casino separate and neither gambler is introduced to the game of the other.

[0007] Lastly, casinos are always looking for ways to make the most efficient use of their floor space and to introduce new games that will entice the public into their casinos.

[0008] In view of the prior art, there is a need for gaming tables in which both craps and/or roulette can be played simultaneously and which introduces a type of gambling that the participants would not ordinarily be interested in. There is also a need in the art for gaming tables that minimize the amount of casino floor space needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide a combination craps and roulette game in which craps and/or roulette can be played simultaneously.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a combination craps and roulette game in which participants on one of the two games are introduced to the other game.

[0011] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a combination craps and roulette game that allows groups of people playing both craps and roulette play on the same gaming table.

[0012] It is still yet a further object of the present invention to provide a combination craps and roulette game as well as a mini-roulette game that makes for efficient usage of casino floor space.

[0013] Accordingly, a combination craps and roulette game is provided. The combination craps and roulette game comprises a game surface, the game surface having indicia thereon for displaying bets for both craps and roulette, wherein the crap bets comprise two or more of pass bets; don't pass bets; hardways bets; any craps bets; 2 craps, 3 craps, and 12 craps bets; 7 and 11 bets, win bets, buy bets, and lay bets, and wherein the roulette bets comprise at least one of a numeral corresponding to the face of the at least one die and a color corresponding to the face of the at least one die. Preferably, the game is a casino gaming table.

[0014] Also provided is an electronic combination craps and roulette game comprising a display for displaying a game surface having bet indicia thereon for displaying bets for both craps and roulette, wherein the crap bets comprise two or more of pass bets; don't pass bets; hardways bets; any craps bets; 2 craps, 3 craps, and 12 craps bets; 7 and 11 bets, win bets, buy bets, and lay bets and wherein the roulette bets comprise a numeral corresponding to a face of at least one die.

[0015] Preferably, the display further displays a wheel having a plurality of slots, each of the plurality of slots corresponding to a face of at least one die. Alternatively, the display further displays a pair of dice.

[0016] Still yet provided is a method for playing an electronic combination craps and roulette game. The method comprising: displaying a game surface having bet indicia thereon for displaying bets for both craps and roulette, wherein the crap bets comprise two or more of pass bets; don't pass bets; hardways bets; any craps bets; 2 craps, 3 craps, and 12 craps bets; 7 and 11 bets, win bets, buy bets, and lay bets and wherein the roulette bets comprise a numeral corresponding to a face of at least one die; allowing a user to choose a type of bet displayed on the indicia and an amount of bet; displaying a means for determining an outcome of the bet; if the outcome of the bet corresponds to the type of bet chosen, paying a corresponding odds to the user based on the amount of the bet chosen.

[0017] Preferably, the means for determining an outcome comprises displaying a wheel having a plurality of slots, each of the plurality of slots corresponding to a face of at least one die. The wheel can be displayed with the indicia, subsequent to the allowing, and with or without the indicia. Preferably, the indicia comprises two or more panels, and the displaying a means for determining an outcome of the bet comprises separating the panels to reveal the wheel.

[0018] Alternatively, the means for determining an outcome comprises displaying a pair of dice. The dice can be displayed with the indicia, subsequent to the allowing, and with or without the indicia.

[0019] Preferably, the indicia comprises two or more panels, the displaying a means for determining an outcome of the bet comprises separating the panels to reveal the dice.

[0020] Still yet provided is a program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps for playing an electronic combination craps and roulette game. The method comprising: displaying a game surface having bet indicia thereon for displaying bets for both craps and roulette, wherein the crap bets comprise two or more of pass bets; don't pass bets; hardways bets; any craps bets; 2 craps, 3 craps, and 12 craps bets; 7 and 11 bets, win bets, buy bets, and lay bets and wherein the roulette bets comprise a numeral corresponding to a face of at least one die; allowing a user to choose a type and amount of bet displayed on the indicia; displaying a means for determining an outcome of the bet; if the outcome of the bet corresponds to the type of bet chosen, paying a corresponding odds to the user based on the amount of the bet chosen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus and methods of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates the combination craps and roulette game of the present invention in the form of a casino gaming table.

[0023] FIG. 2A illustrates a first preferred layout of a game surface and wheel of the combination craps and roulette game of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 2B illustrates a second preferred layout of a game surface and wheel of the combination craps and roulette game of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2C illustrates a preferred layout of a game surface and wheel of a mini-roulette game utilizing the wheel of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred layout for the slots of the wheel of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates the possible combinations of a pair of dice.

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates the combination craps and roulette game in the form of a gaming table without the wheel.

[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates a first configuration of the combination craps and roulette game in the form of an electronic display.

[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates a second configuration of the combination craps and roulette game in the form of an electronic display.

[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates a third configuration of the combination craps and roulette game in the form of an electronic display.

[0032] FIG. 9 illustrates a first version of the electronic display of FIG. 8 in which the display of FIG. 8 opens to reveal a wheel.

[0033] FIG. 10 illustrates a second version of the electronic display of FIG. 8 in which the display of FIG. 8 opens to reveal dice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0034] Although this invention is applicable to numerous and various types of gaming devices, it has been found particularly useful in the environment of a gaming table for use in a casino. Therefore, without limiting the applicability of the invention to a gaming table for use in a casino, the invention will be described in such environment.

[0035] Referring now in detail to FIG. 1, a combination craps and roulette game in the form of a casino gaming table is shown therein, the game being referred to generally by reference numeral 100. The combination craps and roulette game 100 has a game surface 102. The game surface 102 is fabricated from conventional materials known in the art, such as felt. The game surface 102 also has indicia 104 printed, silk-screened or the like thereon. The indicia displays bets for both craps and roulette as will be discussed below. The game 100 also has a wheel 106, similar to wheels known in the art for use in roulette games. However, unlike conventional roulette wheels, the wheel 106 of the combination craps and roulette table 100 of the present invention replaces the numbers usually found thereon with the 36 possible combinations of a pair of dice.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 2A, the wheel 106 of the combination craps and roulette game of the present invention is shown in more detail. Generally, the wheel 106 includes a base 108 and a rotatable upper portion 110 that rotates relative to the base 108. The upper rotatable portion 110 has a plurality of slots 112. Each of the plurality of slots 112 corresponds to a face of at least one die, and preferably to all possible combinations of faces of a pair of dice. All such possible 36 combinations are illustrated in FIG. 4. The wheel 106 also has means for retaining and directing a rolled ball such that the rolled ball comes to rest in one of the plurality of slots 112. The means for retaining and directing the rolled ball are well known in the art and only a brief description is therefore presented. Generally, the wheel includes an open annular slot in which the ball is rolled. Upon losing velocity, the ball falls into the region of the wheel 106 containing the slots 112, eventually coming to rest in one of the plurality of slots 112. The wheel 106 is shown centered on the game surface 102 in FIGS. 1 and 2A. However, it is shown in such configuration by way of example only and not to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will realize that the wheel 106 can be positioned anywhere on the game surface 102 or on a separate surface independent from the game surface without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a dice section 114 of the wheel 106 which is adjacent the slots 112. The dice section 114 has indicia corresponding to the dice combinations for each of the slots 112. Preferably, in addition to all of the possible combinations of faces for a pair of dice, the wheel 106 also has a slot 112 corresponding to a zero (or double zero as is used in some countries). A zero slot is used to provide another bet for the players and in some instances for manufacturing economy, since a 37 slot wheel is more commercially available than a 36 slot wheel. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a zero slot can be omitted without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

[0038] As clearly seen in FIG. 3, all 36 combinations of faces of a pair of dice are displayed on the dice section 114 along with a zero position 116. Preferably, the plurality of slots 112 are also color-coded based on the combination of faces of the pair of dice to which it corresponds. The color-coding of the slots and corresponding dice section adds yet another bet for players.

[0039] Preferably, any combination of faces of the pair of dice which is less than seven (2-6) are color coded in a first color, such as red. Any combination of faces of the pair of dice which is greater than seven (8-12) are color-coded in a second color, such as black. Any combination of faces of the pair of dice which equal seven are color coded in a third color, such as white. Lastly, zero is color coded in a fourth color, such as green.

[0040] Referring back to FIG. 2A, a preferred game surface 102 of FIG. 1 is shown in more detail. The game surface 102 is supplied with indicia 104 displaying both bets for craps and roulette. Once players place their bets by placing chips (or having casino personnel place their chips) on an appropriate indicia 104, the wheel is spun and generally no further bets are allowed. Each spin determines the winners and losers of the roulette portion of the game, while several spins may be necessary to determine the winners and losers of the crap portion of the game.

[0041] In the craps portion of the game, any bet that is available in a conventional craps table is available in the combination craps and roulette game 100 and all odds are the same. For instance, a craps player can play Pass 118 or Don't pass 120, back of the Pass line, Boxes, Any Craps 122 (designated by AC), Horn 124, individual craps numbers, Hardways 126, or individual (7) or (11). A roulette player can play any one or multiples of (0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12) with the odds of that number being spun being displayed over the number that is being played. For instance, a bet of “2” has odds of 30-1. All indicia 104 which is available for a roulette bet is indicated with the word “Roulette”. An “Any Craps” bet is also a roulette bet (one bet will cover the three numbers 2, 3, and 12 and will receive odds of 7-1). In addition, a roulette player can bet either red or black.

[0042] If a zero is spun, color bets lose. A zero bet is said to have “action” in the roulette portion of the game that means that all bets besides colors (red/black) have a free pass. Thus, spinning a zero has bearing only on those who bet zero and those who bet red or black. All plays of roulette are one-time spins of the wheel 106. Since there are more than one combination of the numbers for roulette (except 2 and 12), the odds are lower on the combination craps and roulette game 100 than on a conventional roulette table. However, a player has more opportunity to win on the combination craps and roulette game 100 of the present invention than on a conventional roulette game. An alternative game surface 102a is shown in FIG. 2B. The alternative game surface 102a has only one set of indicia 104 whereas game surface 102 has a set of indicia 104 on both sides of the wheel 106. While game surface 102 allows more participants in the game, game surface 102a can be made smaller, thereby minimizing the need for casino floor space.

[0043] In summary, as is evident to those skilled in the art, the combination craps and roulette game of the present invention allows users to play craps, to play roulette, or to play both simultaneously, on the same table. The main difference between craps on a conventional craps table and on the combination craps and roulette game 100 of the present invention is that the rolling of dice is eliminated. However, a craps player will have the same choices of bets as he or she has on a conventional craps table. The combination craps and roulette game of the present invention replaces the dice of craps with a wheel from roulette. However, the numbers on a conventional roulette wheel are replaced with the 36 possible combinations of a pair of dice. As discussed above, a zero is also preferably included on the wheel. Both the craps and roulette bets are designated on the game surface 102 along with their corresponding odds.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 2C, where like numerals refer to like features, there is illustrated yet another game surface 102b for a gaming table, referred to as mini-roulette. The mini-roulette game also makes use of the wheel 106 described above. Game surface 102b includes only indicia 104 for roulette. Thus, it can be used to play roulette according to the ordinary rules of roulette but with the numbers of the dice being the numbers that can be bet upon. Those skilled in the art will realize that because the possible numbers on a pair of dice are much less than the amount of numbers on a conventional roulette wheel, the game surface 102b and therefore, the gaming table, can be made much smaller than conventional roulette games.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown an alternative combination craps/roulette game, generally referred to by reference numeral 101. The combination craps/roulette game 101 of FIG. 5 has a surface 102c substantially similar to the previously described game surface 102. However, surface 102c does not include wheel 106. The combination craps/roulette game 101 is played substantially as described above, however, conventional dice are substituted. for the wheel 106.

[0046] The wheel and game surfaces discussed above are illustrated and described herein as being a physical embodiment by way of illustration only. Those of skill in the art will realize that “wheel” and “game surface” as used in the present invention also contemplates electronic representations thereof that can be generated on a display screen, such as in an electronic game. Of course, in such an embodiment, the “slots” and “rolled ball” are not physical embodiments but electronic representations thereof. Several embodiments of electronic games and displays will now be described with regard to FIGS. 6-10.

[0047] Referring first to FIG. 6, there is shown a first version of a combination craps/roulette electronic game 200. The electronic craps/roulette game 200 has a display 202 substantially similar to the game surface described and shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. The display 202 includes electronically reproduced indicia 204 having the bets described above with regard to FIG. 1 and an electronically reproduced wheel 206 having 36 combinations of dice as well as “0” displayed thereon. The indicia also includes a bet for red 207 and black 209. The wheel further has a display of a base 208, upper rotatable portion 210, slots 212, a dice section 214, and a ball 216. The display 202 of the wheel preferably 206 reproduces an actual rotation of a physical wheel 106 and a ball landing in a slot 212. The indicia 204, in addition to the bets described above, can also include an indication of the jackpot payouts 218. The combination craps/roulette game 200 is played by indicating a type and amount of bet, as is well known in the electronic gaming arts, such as by touching a portion of the screen corresponding to the bet or pressing a button (not shown) near the display 202 and/or depositing a certain number of coins in the game 200. After the type and amount of bet is entered, the wheel 206 is electronically spun and the ball. 216 electronically lands in a slot 212 corresponding to one of the combinations of dice or zero in the dice section 214. If the ball 216 lands in a slot corresponding to the bet, a payout is made, as is known in that gaming arts, such as delivering coins or crediting a magnetic strip card.

[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates another version of a combination craps/roulette electronic game 200a having an alternatively designed indicia 204a and a wheel 206. In the indicia 204a of the display 202a of FIG. 7, the craps and roulette bets are separated into two different panels 218, 220. The indicia 204 further includes a spin panel 222 and a credits/bet panel 224. As discussed above, the bet amount and type can be entered by pressing the display screen corresponding to a particular bet displayed on the indicia 204 or by pressing button corresponding to the same, or by any other means known in the electronic gaming arts. After entering the amount and type of bet, the spin portion of the indicia 204 or corresponding button is pressed to electronically spin the wheel 206, after which, a payout is made, if the correct type of bet was entered. As with the electronic game of FIG. 6, the electronic game 200a of FIG. 7 displays both the wheel 206 and the indicia 204a simultaneously.

[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, two versions of a combination craps/roulette electronic game 200b having a changing display will now be described. In both versions, a first display 202b substantially corresponds to the indicia 204a shown and described with regard to FIG. 7. The display 204 comprises craps and roulette bet panels 218, 220, respectively, as well as a spin panel 222 and a credits/bet panel 224. At the first display 201 the user (gambler) enters the type and amount of bet. as described above and when finishing entering the bet presses the spin portion of the screen or a button corresponding thereto.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 9, in a first version of the electronic craps/roulette game 200b, after indicating the spin, the first display 202b changes to a second display 202c, 202d as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively. The change may be gradual or sudden. Preferably, the panels 218, 220, 222, and 224 gradually shift apart to reveal either a wheel 206 as shown in FIG. 9, or an electronic reproduction of rolling dice 226 as shown in FIG. 10. After spinning of the wheel 206 or rolling of the dice 226, a payout is made, if necessary, the panels 218, 220, 222, 224 close as shown in FIG. 8 and the process is repeated by the same or a different gambler. Alternatively, the first display 202b can change to a display of only the wheel 206 or dice 226 without also displaying the indicia.

[0051] While there has been shown and described what is considered to be preferred embodiments of the invention, it will, of course, be understood that various modifications and changes in form or detail could readily be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be not limited to the exact forms described and illustrated, but should be constructed to cover all modifications that may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A combination craps and roulette game comprising a game surface, the game surface having indicia thereon for displaying bets for both craps and roulette, wherein the crap bets comprise two or more of pass bets; don't pass bets; hardways bets; any craps bets; 2 craps, 3 craps, and 12 craps bets; 7 and 11 bets, win bets, buy bets, and lay bets, and wherein the roulette bets comprise at least one of a numeral corresponding to the face of the at least one die and a color corresponding to the face of the at least one die.

2. The combination craps and roulette game of claim 1, wherein the game is a casino gaming table.

3. An electronic combination craps and roulette game comprising a display for displaying a game surface having bet indicia thereon for displaying bets for both craps and roulette, wherein the crap bets comprise two or more of pass bets; don't pass bets; hardways bets; any craps bets; 2 craps, 3 craps, and 12 craps bets; 7 and 11 bets, win bets, buy bets, and lay bets and wherein the roulette bets comprise a numeral corresponding to a face of at least one die.

4. The electronic combination craps and roulette game of claim 3, wherein the display further displays a wheel having a plurality of slots, each of the plurality of slots corresponding to a face of at least one die.

5. The electronic combination craps and roulette game of claim 3, wherein the display further displays a pair of dice.

6. A method for playing an electronic combination craps and roulette game, the method comprising:

displaying a game surface having bet indicia thereon for displaying bets for both craps and roulette, wherein the crap bets comprise two or more of pass bets; don't pass bets; hardways bets; any craps bets; 2 craps, 3 craps, and 12 craps bets; 7 and 11 bets, win bets, buy bets, and lay bets and wherein the roulette bets comprise a numeral corresponding to a face of at least one die;

allowing a user to choose a type of bet displayed on the indicia and an amount of bet;

displaying a means for determining an outcome of the bet;

if the outcome of the bet corresponds to the type of bet chosen, paying a corresponding odds to the user based on the amount of the bet chosen.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the means for determining an outcome comprises displaying a wheel having a plurality of slots, each of the plurality of slots corresponding to a face of at least one die.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the wheel is displayed with the indicia.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the wheel is displayed subsequent to the allowing and with the indicia.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the wheel is displayed subsequent to the allowing and without the indicia.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the indicia comprises two or more panels, the displaying a means for determining an outcome of the bet comprising separating the panels to reveal the wheel.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the indicia comprises two or more panels, the displaying a means for determining an outcome of the bet comprising separating the panels to reveal the wheel.

13. The method of claim 6, wherein the means for determining an outcome comprises displaying a pair of dice.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the dice is displayed with the indicia.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the dice is displayed subsequent to the allowing and with the indicia.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the dice is displayed subsequent to the allowing and without the indicia.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the indicia comprises two or more panels, the displaying a means for determining an outcome of the bet comprising separating the panels to reveal the dice.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the indicia comprises two or more panels, the displaying a means for determining an outcome of the bet comprising separating the panels to reveal the dice.

19. A program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps for playing an electronic combination craps and roulette game, the method comprising:

displaying a game surface having bet indicia thereon for displaying bets for both craps and roulette, wherein the crap bets comprise two or more of pass bets; don't pass bets; hardways bets; any craps bets; 2 craps, 3 craps, and 12 craps bets; 7 and 11 bets, win bets, buy bets, and lay bets and wherein the roulette bets comprise a numeral corresponding to a face of at least one die;

allowing a user to choose a type and amount of bet displayed on the indicia;

displaying a means for determining an outcome of the bet;

if the outcome of the bet corresponds to the type of bet chosen, paying a corresponding odds to the user based on the amount of the bet chosen.