Gaming system and method featuring dynamic graphical wagering

Abstract

A system featuring the dynamic graphical display of a wager comprises: A computer; A player console comprising responsive displaying means; said computer being capable of responding to the activation of said responsive displaying means; And common displaying means being capable of responding to said computer; Wherein said computer is capable of causing said common displaying means to progressively display at least one column of chips in response to the activation of said player console responsive displaying means. According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, said common displaying means progressively displays at least one column of chips in response to stationary activation within a stationary defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a Gaming System And Method Featuring Dynamic Graphical Wagering and in particular to a poker playing system and method featuring dynamic graphical ALL-IN betting.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Poker in general and poker tournaments in particular have experienced an increase in popularity over the past several years. Popular poker games are: Limit Texas Hold-em; Pot Limit Texas Hold-em; No Limit Texas Hold-em; Limit Omaha High; Pot Limit Omaha High; Limit Omaha Hi-Lo Split; Limit Seven Card Stud; and Limit Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo Split. One of the most dramatic wagers and effective plays in a No-Limit Texas Hold-em poker game or a No Limit Texas Hold-em poker tournament is the All-In bet when a player pushes his whole chip stack towards the middle of the poker table.

As a result of the increase in poker's popularity, several companies have designed and begun to market electronic or computerized poker tables. In the past, many casinos did not offer poker games or poker tournaments because: Poker games and tournaments are too labor intensive; Poker games and tournaments take up too much casino space; and Poker games and tournaments make too little money for the casino. With the introduction of the electronic or computerized poker table many casinos are now offering poker games and poker tournaments because such dis-advantages are now overcome.

Pokertek and Pokermatic now offer such electronic or computerized poker tables. For example, Pokermatic's table features a 10-Player Furniture Grade Poker Table with ten 12.1″ XVGA Player Touch Screens and a 45″ High Definition LCD Center Screen. Other manufacturers include Poker Automation and Fat Diamond.

It would be a desirable feature if commercially available electronic or computerized poker tables afforded the player the ability to make an All-In bet by allowing the player to push his virtual stack of chips towards the middle of the poker table for dramatic effect.

An object of the present invention is to allow a player to place a wager and especially an All-In bet on his player console display by allowing the player to push his virtual stack of chips towards the middle of the poker table” (being the central or main display on an electronic or computerized poker table).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system featuring the dynamic graphical display of a wager comprises: A computer; A player console comprising responsive displaying means; said computer being capable of responding to the activation of said responsive displaying means; And common displaying means being capable of responding to said computer; Wherein said computer is capable of causing said common displaying means to progressively display at least one column of chips in response to the activation of said player console responsive displaying means. According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, said common displaying means progressively displays at least one column of chips in response to stationary activation within a stationary defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will be further appreciated from a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawing in which:

FIG. 1 shows system 10 according to the present invention.

FIG. 2A shows top views of main chip columns; and FIG. 2B shows a side view of a graphically displayed main chip stack according to the present invention.

FIG. 3A shows top views of other main chip columns; and FIG. 3B shows a side view of another graphically displayed main chip stack according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows segment 670A of player display 670; and shows display configurations 500A through 500D of main display 500 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows segment 670A of player display 670; and shows display configurations 500A through 500D of main display 500 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows segment 670A of player display 670; and shows display configurations 500A through 500D of main display 500 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of a graphically displayed player chip stack according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows segment 670A of player display 670; and shows display configurations 500A through 500D of main display 500 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows segment 670A of player display 670; and shows display configurations 500E through 500H of main display 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows segment 670A of player display 670; and shows display configurations 500A through 500D of main display 500 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

No-Limit Texas Hold-em is an example of a very popular poker room game (side game) and poker tournament game. Holdem is played by up to 10 players on an oval-shaped poker table. The betting limits are set by the casino. The most popular No-Limit Texas Holdem limits are: $1/$2 No-Limit, $2/$5 No-Limit, $5/$10 No-Limit; $10/$25 No-Limit; and others. The first $ amount is the “little blind” amount and the second $ amount is the “big blind amount”. In $10/$25 No-Limit Texas Holdem, for example, the “big blind” amount is $25 and the “little blind” amount is $10. During the betting rounds of a No-Limit Texas Hold-em poker hand, the defined minimum bet is $25, being the big blind amount, plus up to 3 possible raises there being no maximum amount being placed on any bet at any time, i.e. up to the All-In bet.

There are two ways by which the casino (“the house”) makes money from a poker game. In a high limit poker game, the casino usually charges each player at the table a monetary amount (“time”) during each ½ hour. For example, in a $10/$25 No-Limit Texas Holdem game, the time amount charged each player each 30 minutes may be $25. In a low limit poker game, the casino usually charges an amount (“the rake”) being a certain maximum percentage from each pot at the end of each poker hand. For example, in $1/$2 No-Limit Texas Hold-em game, the rake may be up to 10% of the pot or a maximum of $4.

FIG. 1

FIG. 1 shows system 10 according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, system 10 comprises computer 100, main console 200, secondary or auxiliary computer 300, poker table 400, central or common or main display 500, and player console displays 610 through 700. Transmitting means 1020 may allow computer 100 and main console 200 to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other. Transmitting means 1030 may allow computer 100 and secondary or auxiliary computer 300 to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other. Transmitting means 1050 may allow computer 100 and central or common or main display 500 to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other. Transmitting means 1060 may allow computer 100 and respective player console displays 610 through 700 to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other.

According to the present invention, the term “computer” includes but is not limited to: a general computer; a general server; a network computer; a network server, a micro-processor; a server-computer; a device that is capable of receiving data, storing data, processing data, and transmitting data; a programmed device with stored algorithms for receiving data or commands, for processing data or commands, and for transmitting data or commands; or any combination of the aforementioned. Computer 100 may be located in the poker room generally or under poker table 400. Main console 200 may be utilized by the poker room manager to: generally program computer 100, choose the game to be played at poker table 400, choose the limit of the game to be played, choose a side game mode or a tournament mode, and other specific choices. Secondary or auxiliary computer 300 may be used to continuously backup computer 100 and may be located in the poker room generally. Poker table 400 may be similar to the PokerTek table, the Pokermatic table or any similar electronic or computerized poker table. Central or common or main display 500 may be a 45″ High-Definition LCD Center Screen. Each player console display 610 through 700 may be a touch-responsive display, pressure-responsive display, or 12.1″ XVGA Player Touch Screen as provided by PokerMatic. Each transmitting means 1020, 1030, 1050 and 1060 may be wired or wireless transmitting means.

The following explanatory descriptions relate to player console display 670. Such explanatory descriptions may similarly apply to all other player console displays of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 2A and 2B

FIG. 2A shows top views of main chip columns; and FIG. 2B shows a side view of a graphically displayed main chip stack according to the present invention. In FIG. 2A, circles 710 are top views of three chip columns each comprising up to C chips of at least one chip denomination. Circles 720 are top views of two chip columns each comprising up to C chips of at least one chip denomination. Circle 730 is a top view of one chip column comprising up to C chips of at least one chip denomination. The number C may be chosen to be 20 chips or any other desired number.

In FIG. 2B, chip columns 710 are three columns of chips being linearly arranged at the bottom level of chip stack 700. Chip columns 720 are two columns of chips being linearly arranged at the middle level of chip stack 700. Chip column 730 is one column of chips being at the upper level of chip stack 700. According to the present invention, a chip stack comprises at least one level of chip columns and each level in turn comprises at least one chip column. Chip stack 700 comprises three levels wherein level 1 comprises three chip columns, level 2 comprises two chip columns, and level 3 comprises one chip column.

Also shown in FIG. 2B is display envelope 1740 on main display 500 for defining the outer boundaries of displayed main chip stack 700. Display envelope 1740 comprises right lateral boundary 1740A, left lateral boundary 1740B, and upper boundary 1740C. By definition, computer 100 causes main chip stack 700 to be displayed within the boundaries display envelope 1740. In other words, computer 100 (in response to player display 670) causes main chip stack 700 to be displayed on main display 500 within the boundaries of display envelope.

According to the present invention, the denominations of the individual chips at each chip column located at each chip column level may be chosen by computer 100 to preferably maximize the size of displayed main stack 700 within display envelope 1740. For example, chip columns 710 comprising the bottom level of main chip stack 700 may be chosen by computer 100 to include chips being equal in value to the “little blind” amount or to the smallest denomination chips being used in the particular game plus other larger denominations of chips. For example, in a 1-2 No Limit Texas Holdem game, the denominations of the chips may be: one dollar, five dollars, twenty five dollars, and one-hundred dollars. Accordingly, computer 100 may be programmed to choose those denominations of chips and those numbers of chips for each chip column and for each chip column level to maximize the size of displayed main stack 700 to fit within display envelope 1740.

EXAMPLE 1

In FIG. 2B, if a player in such 1-2 no limit game has $120 in his account and if such player desires to make an ALL-In bet of $120, then computer 100 may be programmed to construct displayed main chip stack 700 as follows:

Top level chip column: one column of 20 chips at $1 each chip for $20.

Middle level chip columns: two columns each of 20 chips at $1 each chip for $40.

Lower level chip columns: three columns each of 20 chips at $1 each chip for $60.

EXAMPLE 2

In FIG. 2B, if a player in such 1-2 no limit game has $600 in his account and if such player desires to make an ALL-In bet of $600, then computer 100 may be programmed to construct displayed main chip stack 700 as follows:

Top level chip column: one column of 20 chips at $5 each chip for $100.

Middle level chip columns: two columns each of 20 chips at $5 each chip for $200.

Lower level chip columns: three columns each of 20 chips at $5 each chip for $300.

EXAMPLE 3

In FIG. 2B for example, if a player in such 1-2 no limit game has $3,000 in his account and if such player desires to make an ALL-In bet of $3,000, then computer 100 may be programmed to construct displayed main chip stack 700 as follows:

Top level chip column: one column of 20 chips at $25 each chip for $500.

Middle level chip columns: two columns each of 20 chips at $25 each chip for $1,000.

Lower level chip columns: three columns each of 20 chips at $25 each chip for $1,500.

EXAMPLE 4

In FIG. 2B for example, if a player in such 1-2 no limit game has $12,000 in his account and if such player desires to make an ALL-In bet of $12,000, then computer 100 may be programmed to construct displayed main chip stack 700 as follows:

Top level chip column: one column of 20 chips at $100 each chip for $2000.

Middle level chip columns: two columns each of 20 chips at $100 each chip for $4,000.

Lower level chip columns: three columns each of 20 chips at $100 each chip for $6,000.

EXAMPLE 5

In FIG. 2B for example, if a player in such 1-2 no limit game has $360 in his account and if such player desires to make an ALL-In bet of $360, then computer 100 may be programmed to construct displayed main chip stack 700 as follows:

Top level chip column: one column of 20 chips comprising 10 chips at $25 each chip for $250 plus 10 chips at $1 each chip for $10 for a total of $260. Computer 100 would be programmed to solve the equation for all combinations of $1, $5, and $25 chips that satisfy the equations: 25X+SY+1Z=$260 and X+Y+Z=20, where X is the number of $25 chips, Y is the number of $5 chips, and Z is the number of $1 chips.

Middle level chip columns: two columns each of 20 chips at $1 each chip for $40.

Lower level chip columns: three columns each of 20 chips at $1 each chip for $60.

EXAMPLE 6

In FIG. 2B for example, if a player in such 1-2 no limit game has $1,800 in his account and if such player desires to make an ALL-In bet of $1,800, then computer 100 may be programmed to construct displayed main chip stack 700 as follows:

Top level chip column: one column of 20 chips at $25 each chip for $500.

Middle level chip columns: two columns each of 20 chips at $25 each chip for $1,000.

Lower level chip columns: three columns each of 20 chips at $5 each chip for $300.

EXAMPLE 7

In FIG. 2B for example, if a player in such 1-2 no limit game has $7,500 in his account and if such player desires to make an ALL-In bet of $7,500, then computer 100 may be programmed to construct displayed main chip stack 700 as follows:

Top level chip column: one column of 20 chips at $100 each chip for $2,000.

Middle level chip columns: two columns each of 20 chips at $100 each chip for $4,000.

Lower level chip columns: three columns each of 20 chips at $25 each chip for $1,500.

A similar explanation and analysis would apply to displayed main chip stack 800 of FIG. 3B.

FIGS. 3A and 3B

FIG. 3A shows top views of other main chip columns; and FIG. 3B shows a side view of another graphically displayed main chip stack according to the present invention. In FIG. 3A, circles 810 are top views of seven chip columns each comprising up to C chips of at least one chip denomination. Circles 820 are top views of three chip columns each comprising up to C chips of at least one chip denomination. Circle 830 is a top view of one chip column comprising-up to C chips of at least one chip denomination. The number C may be chosen to be 20 chips or any other desired number.

In FIG. 3B, chip columns 810 are seven columns of chips being arranged at the bottom level of chip stack 800. Chip columns 820 are three columns of chips being arranged at the middle level of chip stack 800. Chip column 830 is one column of chips being at the upper level of chip stack 800. According to the present invention, a chip stack comprises at least one level of chip columns and each level in turn comprises at least one chip column. In FIG. 3B, chip stack 800 comprises three levels wherein level 1 comprises seven chip columns, level 2 comprises three chip columns, and level 3 comprises one chip column.

Also shown in FIG. 3B is display envelope 1840 on main display 500 for defining the outer boundaries of displayed main chip stack 800. Display envelope 1840 comprises right lateral boundary 1840A, left lateral boundary 1840B, and boundary 1840C. By definition, computer 100 causes main chip stack 800 to be displayed within the boundaries of display envelope 1840. In other words, computer 100 (in response to player display 670) causes main chip stack 800 to be displayed on main display 500 within display envelope 1840.

FIG. 4

FIG. 4 shows a portion or segment 670A of player display 670; and shows chip-stack display configurations 500A through 500D on main display. 500 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Segment 670A shows stationary responsive touch-screen displayed button area 671A on the right side. The betting sequence is as follows. The player assigned to player display 670 desires to make a wager of a certain amount. The player first enters such amount onto responsive touch-screen player display 670 by touching or pressing the appropriate area designated for such function. That entered amount is then transmitted to and stored by computer 100. According to the present invention, “activation” of button area 671A may mean touching, pressing or causing any action upon or to said area 671A that creates or generates a signal or command to computer 100.

The player then continuously touches or presses button area 671A. Computer 100 then responds to the signal generated by such touching or pressing of button area 671A to gradually or sequentially cause the display of main chip stack 700 over a pre-defined period of time from the a partial display to a full display.

In display configuration 500A, only the upper one-half of chip column 730 is seen at time T1. In display configuration 500B, the whole of chip column 730 and the upper-halves of chip columns 720 are seen at time T2. In display configuration 500C, the whole of chip column 730, the whole of chip columns 720, and the upper-halves of chip columns 710 are seen at time T3. Finally, in display configuration 500D, the whole of chip column 730, the whole of chip columns 720, and the whole of chip columns 710 are seen at time T4. Display configuration 500D also shows display envelope 1740. Display envelope 1740 may also be shown in display configurations 500A through 500C if desired. According to the present invention, the upward or vertical direction is defined relative to the position of player display 670 at table 400. Similarly, the lateral direction is defined relative to the position of player display 670 at table 400.

Display configurations 500A through 500D are merely four snapshots at four given times. The actual process under the control of computer 100 is a continuous or progressive display process from the time that button area 671A is first touched or pressed and no portion of any chip column is displayed until the time that all chip columns defining main chip stack 700 are fully displayed. Once the player touches or presses button area 671A, the display process under the control of computer 100 begins and the process cannot be reversed or stopped by the player even if the player stops touching or pressing button area 671A. The display process begins and ends under the exclusive control of computer 100.

Segment 670A also shows responsive touch-screen displayed button area 671B on the left side. As a safety feature, computer 100 may be programmed to require that right button area 671A and left button area 671B both be simultaneously touched or pressed by the player in order for the main chip stack display process to begin and continue over the period of time from ZERO time to time T4. In FIG. 4, both right button area 671A and left button area 671B display the letters “AI”. The present invention is most suitable for the making of a dramatic ALL-IN wager by the player in a No-Limit Hold-Em poker game thereby giving the player making the wager and the other players at table 400 the feel of a poker game with actual or real chips.

FIG. 5

FIG. 5 shows segment 670A of player display 670; and shows display configurations 500A through 500D of main display 500 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Segment 670A shows stationary responsive touch-screen displayed extended button area 672A on the right side. The betting sequence is as follows. The player assigned to player display 670 desires to make a wager of a certain amount. The player first enters such amount onto responsive touch-screen player display 670 by touching or pressing the appropriate area designated for such function. That entered amount is then transmitted to and stored by computer 100. According to the present invention, “activation” of button area 672A may mean touching, pressing or causing any action upon or to said area 672A that creates or generates a signal or command to computer 100.

The player first touches or presses button area 672A starting at the letters “AI” on the bottom of button area 672A and then upwardly touches or presses button area 672A at location 1, then location 2, then location 3 and finally location 4. Computer 100 responds to the signal generated by such dynamic touching or pressing of button area 672A to gradually or progressively or sequentially cause the display of main chip stack 700 from a partial display to a full display. Should the player touch or press for too long a period of time P at any given location 1 through 4, then computer 100 overrides the player at that location and continues to display more and more of main chip stack 700 as in display configurations 500A through 500D. In FIG. 5, a space 675A is displayed in between the letters “AI” and location 1 of button area 672A as a safety feature to allow the player to change his mind and not effect the intended bet. But once the player touches or presses upwardly to location 1 then the betting process begins and continues under the control of computer 100.

In display configuration 500A, only the upper one-half of chip column 730 is seen at time P or less. In display configuration 50B, the whole of chip column 730 and the upper-halves of chip columns 720 are seen at time 2P or less. In display configuration 500C the whole of chip column 730, the whole of chip columns 720, and the upper-halves of chip columns 710 are seen at time 3P or less. Finally, in display configuration 500D, the whole of chip column 730, the whole of chip columns 720, and the whole of chip columns 710 are seen at time 4P or less. Display configuration 500D shows display envelope 1740. Display configurations 500A through 500C may also show display envelope 1740 if desired.

Again, it must be stressed that display configurations 500A through 500D are merely four snapshots at four given times. The actual process under the control of computer 100 is a continuous display process from the time that button area 671A is first touched or pressed when no portion of chip column 730 is displayed until the time that all chip columns defining main chip stack 700 are fully displayed. Once the player touches or presses button area 672A at location 1, the display process under the control of computer 100 begins and the process cannot be reversed or stopped by the player even if the player stops touching or pressing button area 672A. The display process begins and ends under the control of computer 100.

Segment 670A also shows stationary responsive touch-screen displayed extended button area 672B on the left side. As a safety feature, computer 100 may be programmed to require that right button area 672A and left button area 672B both be simultaneously touched or pressed by the player in order for the main chip stack display process to begin and continue over the period of time from ZERO time up to time 4P. In FIG. 5, both right button area 672A and left button area 672B display the letters “AI”. The present invention is most suitable for the making of a dramatic ALL-IN wager by the player in a No-Limit Hold-Em poker game thereby giving the player making the wager and the other players at table 400 the feel of a poker game with actual or real chips. In FIG. 5, right button area 672A and left button area 672B are displayed vertically on player display segment 670A. If so desired, right button area 672A and left button area 672B may be displayed laterally on player display segment 670A.

FIG. 6

FIG. 6 shows segment 670A of player display 670; and shows display configurations 500A through 500D of main display 500 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Segment 670A shows movable responsive touch-screen displayed button area 673A on the right side. The betting sequence is as follows. The player assigned to player display 670 desires to make a wager of a certain amount. The player first enters such amount onto responsive touch-screen player display 670 by touching or pressing the appropriate area designated for such function. That entered amount is then transmitted to and stored by computer 100. According to the present invention, “activation” of button area 673A may mean touching, pressing, moving or causing any action upon or to said area 673A that creates or generates a signal or command to computer 100.

The player then touches or presses movable button area 673A at the letters “AI” and effects upward motion of button area 673A to location 1, then to location 2, then to location 3 and finally to location 4. Computer 100 responds to the signal generated by such upward motion of button area 673A to gradually or sequentially or progressively cause the display of main chip stack 700 from a partial display to a full display. Should the player touch or press for too long a period of time P at any given location 1 through 4, then computer 100 overrides the player at that location and continues to display more and more of main chip stack 700 as displayed in display configurations 500A through 500D. In FIG. 6, a space 676A is displayed in between position “AI” and location 1 as a safety feature to allow the player to change his mind and not effect the intended bet. But once the player moves button 673A upward to location 1 then the betting process begins and continues under the control of computer 100.

In display configuration 500A, only the upper one-half of chip column 730 is seen at time P or less. In display configuration 500B, the whole of chip column 730 and the upper-halves of chip columns 720 are seen at time 2P or less. In display configuration 500C, the whole of chip column 730, the whole of chip columns 720, and the upper-halves of chip columns 710 are seen at time 3P or less. Finally, in display configuration 500D, the whole of chip column 730, the whole of chip columns 720, and the whole of chip columns 710 are seen at time 4P or less. Display configuration 500D shows display envelope 1740. Display configurations 500A through 500C may also show display envelope 1740 if desired.

Again, it must be stressed that display configurations 500A through 500D are merely four snapshots at four given times. The actual process under the control of computer 100 is a continuous display process from the time that button area 673A is first moved to location 1 when a portion of chip column 730 is displayed until the time that all chip columns defining main chip stack 700 are fully displayed. Once the player moves button area 673A to location 1, the display process under the control of computer 100 begins and the process cannot be reversed or stopped by the player even if the player stops moving button area 673A. The display process begins and ends under the exclusive control of computer 100.

Segment 670A also shows responsive touch-screen displayed button area 673B on the left side. As a safety feature, computer 100 may be programmed to require that right button area 673A and left button area 673B both be simultaneously moved by the player in order for the main chip stack display process to begin and continue over the period of time from ZERO time up to time 4P. In FIG. 6, both right button area 673A and left button area 673B display the letters “AI”. The present invention is most suitable for the making of a dramatic ALL-IN wager by the player in a No-Limit Hold-Em poker game thereby giving the player making the wager and the other players at table 400 the feel of a poker game with actual or real chips. Segment 670A also shows display envelopes 1750A and 1750B which respectively define the lateral and vertical boundaries for the upward motion of right button area 673A and left button area 673A. In FIG. 6, right button area 672A and left button area 672B are moved vertically on player display segment 670A. If so desired, right button area 672A and left button area 672B may be displayed laterally on player display segment 670A.

FIG. 7

FIG. 7 shows a side view of a graphically displayed player chip stack according to the present invention. FIG. 7 shows displayed player chip stack 6700 comprising chip columns 6701 though 6706 being all on one level. Displayed player chip stack 6700 may be touched or pressed by the player at locations 6707 and 6708 and pushed upwardly to simulate the pushing of a real stack of player chips when making a wager (especially an ALL-IN wager) as will be explained in relation to FIG. 8.

According to the present invention, the denominations of the individual chips at each chip column may be chosen to preferably maximize the size of displayed player stack 7700 to fit display envelope borders 1760A and 1760B of FIG. 8. Displayed player stack 7700 may comprise a single level of columns 6701 through 6706 and may include chips being equal in value to the “little blind” amount or to the smallest denomination chips being used in a particular game plus other larger denomination chips. For example, in a 1-2 No Limit Texas Holdem game the denominations of the chips may be: one, dollar, five dollars, twenty five dollars, and one-hundred dollars. Accordingly, computer 100 may be programmed to choose those denominations of chips and those numbers of chips for each chip column that preferably maximize the size of displayed player stack 700 to fit display envelope borders 1760A and 1760B.

EXAMPLE 1

In FIG. 8, if a player in such 1-2 no limit game has $120 in his account and if such player desires to make an ALL-In bet of $120, then computer 100 may be programmed to construct the displayed player chip stack as follows: Six columns each of 20 chips at $1 each chip for $120.

EXAMPLE 2

In FIG. 8, if a player in such 1-2 no limit game has $600 in his account and if such player desires to make an ALL-In bet of $600, then computer 100 may be programmed to construct the displayed player chip stack as follows: Six columns each of 20 chips at $5 each chip for $600.

EXAMPLE 3

In FIG. 8 for example, if a player in such 1-2 no limit game has $3,000 in his account and if such player desires to make an ALL-In bet of $3,000, then computer 100 may be programmed to construct the displayed player chip stack as follows: Six columns each of 20 chips at $25 each chip for $3,000.

EXAMPLE 4

In FIG. 8 for example, if a player in such 1-2 no limit game has $12,000 in his account and if such player desires to make an ALL-In bet of $12,000, then computer 100 may be programmed to construct the displayed player chip stack as follows: Six columns each of 20 chips at $100 each chip for $12,000.

EXAMPLE 5

In FIG. 8 for example, if a player in such 1-2 no limit game has $360 in his account and if such player desires to make an ALL-In bet of $360, then computer 100 may be programmed to construct the displayed player chip stack as follows:

One column of 20 chips comprising 10 chips at $25 each chip for $250 plus 10 chips at $1 each chip for $10 for a total of $260. Computer 100 would be programmed to solve the equation for all combinations of $1, $5, and $25 chips that satisfy the equations: 25X+5Y+1Z=$260 and X+Y+Z=20, where X is the number of $25 chips, Y is the number of $5 chips, and Z is the number of $1 chips.

Five columns each of 20 chips at $1 each chip $100.

EXAMPLE 6

In FIG. 8 for example, if a player in such 1-2 no limit game has $1,800 in his account and if such player desires to make an ALL-In bet of $1,800, then computer 100 may be programmed to construct the displayed player chip stack as follows:

Three columns each of 20 chips at $25 each chip for $1,500.

Three columns each of 20 chips at $5 each chip for $300.

EXAMPLE 7

In FIG. 8 for example, if a player in such 1-2 no limit game has $7,500 in his account and if such player desires to make an ALL-In bet of $7,500, then computer 100 may be programmed to construct the displayed player chip stack as follows:

Three columns each of 20 chips each at $100 each chip for $6,000.

Three columns each of 20 chips each at $25 each chip for $1,500.

FIG. 8

FIG. 8 shows segment 670A of player display 670; and shows display configurations 500A through 500D of main display 500 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Segment 670A shows movable responsive touch-screen displayed player chip stack 674. The betting sequence is as follows. The player assigned to player display 670 desires to make a wager of a certain amount. The player first enters such amount onto responsive touch-screen player display 670 by touching or pressing the appropriate area designated for such function. That entered amount is then transmitted to and stored by computer 100. According to the present invention, “activation” of player chip stack 674 may mean touching, pressing, moving or causing any action upon or to said chip stack 674 that creates or generates a signal or command to computer 100.

The player then touches or presses player chip stack 674 at locations 6707 and 6708 and effects upward motion of player chip stack 674 starting at player chip stack 674 labeled “AI” located at the bottom of display envelope borders 1760A and 1760B up to location 1, then to location 2, then to location 3 and finally to location 4. Computer 100 responds to the signal generated by such upward motion of player chip stack 674 to gradually or sequentially or progressively cause the display of main chip stack 700 from the a partial display to a full display. Should the player touch or press for too long a period P at any given location 1 through 4, then computer 100 overrides the player at that location and continues to display more and more of main chip stack 700 as in display configurations 500A through 500D.

In FIG. 8, a space 677 is displayed in between displayed player chip stack 674 at location AI and displayed player chip stack 674 at location 1 as a safety feature to allow the player to change his mind and not effect the intended bet. But once the player touches or presses and effects upward motion of displayed player chip stack 674 upward to location 1 then the betting process begins and continues under the control of computer 100.

In display configuration 500A, only the upper one-half of chip column 730 is seen at time P or less. In display configuration 500B, the whole of chip column 730 and the upper-halves of chip columns 720 are seen at time 2P or less. In display configuration 500C, the whole of chip column 730, the whole of chip columns 720, and the upper-halves of chip columns 710 are seen at time 3P or less. Finally, in display configuration 500D, the whole of chip column 730, the whole of chip columns 720, and the whole of chip columns 710 are seen at time 4P or less. In FIG. 8, displayed player chip column 674 is moved vertically on player display segment 670A. If so desired, displayed player chip column 674 may be moved laterally on player display segment 670A. Display configuration 500D shows display envelope 1740. Display configurations 500A through 500C may also show display envelope 1740 if desired.

Again, it must be stressed that display configurations 500A through 500D are merely four snapshots at four given times. The actual process under the control of computer 100 is a continuous display process from the time that displayed player chip stack 674 is first moved to location 1 when a portion of chip column 730 is displayed until the time that all chip columns defining main chip stack 700 are fully displayed. Once the player moves displayed player chip stack 674 to location 1, the display process under the control of computer 100 begins and the process cannot be reversed or stopped by the player even if the player stops moving chip stack 674. The display process begins and ends under the control of computer 100.

The present invention is most suitable for the making of a dramatic ALL-IN wager by the player in a No-Limit Texas Hold-Em poker game thereby giving the player making the wager and the other players at table 400 the drama that otherwise exists in a poker game with actual or real chips. Display segment 670A shows display envelope borders 1760A and 1760B which respectively define the right lateral, left lateral, and vertical boundaries for the motion of displayed player chip stack 674.

FIG. 9

FIG. 9 shows segment 670A of player display 670; and shows display configurations 500E through 500H of main display 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Segment 670A shows movable responsive touch-screen displayed player chip stack 674. The betting sequence is as follows. The player assigned to player display 670 desires to make a wager of a certain amount. The player first enters such amount onto responsive touch-screen player display 670 by touching or pressing the appropriate area designated for such function. That entered amount is then transmitted to and stored by computer 100. According to the present invention, “activation” of player chip stack 674 may mean touching, pressing, moving or causing any action upon or to said chip stack 674 that creates or generates a signal or command to computer 100.

The player then touches or presses displayed player chip stack 674 at locations 6707 and 6708 and effects upward motion of displayed player chip stack 674 to location 1, then to location 2, then to location 3 and finally to location 4 along display envelope boundaries 1760A and 1760B. Computer 100 responds to the signal generated by such upward motion of displayed chip stack 674 to gradually or sequentially or progressively cause the display of main chip stack 700 from the a partial display to a full display in a lateral direction from left to right all within display envelope 1740. Should the player touch or press for too long a period P at any given location 1 through 4, then computer 100 overrides the player at that location and continues to gradually display more and more of main chip stack 700 as shown on display configurations 500E through 500H. In FIG. 9, a space 677 is displayed in between displayed player chip stack at bottom location AI and displayed player chip stack at location 1 as a safety feature to allow the player to change his mind and not effect the intended bet. But once the player moves displayed player chip stack 674 upward to location 1 then the betting process begins and continues under the control of computer 100.

In display configuration 500E, only the right one-half of one chip column 710 is seen at time P or less. In display configuration 500F, one and one-half of chip columns 710, one of chip columns 720, and one-half of chip column 730 are seen at time 2P or less. In display configuration 500G, two and one-half of chip columns 710, two of chip columns 720, and one of chip column 730 are seen at time 3P or less. In display configuration 500H, three of chip columns 710, two of chip columns 720, and one of chip column 730 are seen at time 4P or less. In FIG. 9, displayed player chip column 674 is moved vertically on player display segment 670A. If so desired, displayed player chip column 674 may be moved laterally on player display segment 670A.

Again, it must be stressed that display configurations 500E through 500H are merely four snapshots at four given times. The actual process under the control of computer 100 is a continuous display process from the time that displayed player chip stack 674 is first moved to location 1 when a portion of chip column 710 is displayed until the time that all chip columns defining main chip stack 700 are fully displayed. Once the player moves displayed player chip stack 674 to location 1, the display process under the control of computer 100 begins and the process cannot be reversed or stopped by the player even if the player stops moving displayed player chip stack 674. The display process begins and ends under the control of computer 100.

The present invention is most suitable for the making of a dramatic ALL-IN wager by the player in a No-Limit Texas Hold-Em poker game thereby giving the player making the wager and the other players at table 400 the drama of a poker game with actual or real chips. Segment 670A also shows display envelope boundaries 1760A and 1760B which define the lateral, vertical and upper boundaries for the motion of displayed player chip stack 674.

FIG. 10

FIG. 10 shows segment 670A of player display 670; and shows display configurations 500A through 500D of main display 500 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Segment 670A shows movable responsive touch-screen displayed player chip stack 7001 comprising a bottom level of three chip columns 7101, a middle level of two chip columns 7201, and an upper level of one chip column 7301. The betting sequence is as follows. The player assigned to player display 670 desires to make a wager of a certain amount. The player first enters such amount onto responsive touch-screen player display 670 by touching or pressing the appropriate area designated for such function. That entered amount is then transmitted to and stored by computer 100. According to the present invention, “activation” of player chip stack 7001 may mean touching, pressing, moving or causing any action upon or to said chip stack 7001 that creates or generates a signal or command to computer 100.

The player then touches or presses displayed player chip stack 7001 at corners 7102 and 7103 being located at the bottom of player display envelope boundaries 1741A and 1741B and effects motion of displayed player chip stack 7001 in an upward direction to the top of player display envelope borders 1741A and 1741B. Computer 100 responds to such upward motion of displayed player chip stack 7001 to gradually or sequentially or progressively cause the display of main chip stack 700 from a partial display to a full display. Should the player touch or press for too long a period P at any given location, then computer 100 overrides the player at that location and continues to gradually display more and more of main chip stack 700 as displayed in display configurations 500A through 500D. In FIG. 10, a space 677 may be provided above chip column 7301 as a safety feature to allow the player to change his mind and not effect the intended bet. But once the player upwardly moves displayed player chip stack 7001 -above space 677 then the betting process begins and continues under the control of computer 100.

In display configuration 500A, only the upper one-half of chip column 730 is seen at time P or less. In display configuration 500B, the whole of chip column 730 and the upper-halves of chip columns 720 are seen at time 2P or less. In display configuration 500C, the whole of chip column 730, the whole of chip columns 720, and the upper-halves of chip columns 710 are seen at time 3P or less. Finally, in display configuration 500D, the whole of chip column 730, the whole of chip columns 720, and the whole of chip columns 710 are seen at time 4P or less. The dimensions of displayed main chip stack 700 as defined by main display envelope 1740 in display configuration 500D may be greater than the dimensions of displayed player chip stack 7001 as defined by display envelope boundaries 1741A and 1741B in displayed player segment 670A. In other words, main chip stack 700 as displayed on main display 500 may be a magnified version of player chip stack 7001 as displayed on segment 670A of player display 670. Display configuration 500D shows display envelope 1740. Display configurations 500A through 500C may also show display envelope 1740 if desired. In FIG. 10, displayed player chip stack 7001 is moved vertically on player display segment 670A. If so desired, displayed player chip stack 7001 may be moved laterally on player display segment 670A.

Again, it must be stressed that display configurations 500A through 500D are merely four snapshots at four given times. The actual main stack display process under the control of computer 100 is a continuous display process from the time that player chip stack 7001 is moved above safety space 677 when a portion of chip column 730 is displayed until the time that all chip columns defining main chip stack 700 are fully displayed. Once the player moves displayed player chip stack 7001 above safety space 677, then the display process under the control of computer 100 begins and the process cannot be reversed or stopped by the player even if the player stops upwardly moving displayed player chip stack 7001. The main chip stack display process begins and ends under the control of computer 100.

The present invention is most suitable for the making of a dramatic ALL-IN wager by the player in a No-Limit Texas Hold-Em poker game thereby giving the player making the wager and the other players at table 400 the drama of a poker game with actual or real chips. Segment 670A shows player display envelope borders 1741A and 1741B which define the lateral and vertical boundaries for the motion of displayed player chip stack 7001. Display configuration 500D shows main display envelope 1740 which defines the lateral and vertical boundaries for the motion of displayed main chip stack 700.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the touching or pressing of stationary displayed button 671A of FIG. 4 may be utilized to effect the sequential or progressive lateral display of main chip stack 700 as in display configurations 500E through 500H of FIG. 9.

According to a still further embodiment of the present invention, the touching or pressing of stationary extended button 672A of FIG. 5 may be utilized to effect the sequential or progressive lateral display of main chip stack 700 as in display configurations 500E through 500H of FIG. 9.

According to a still further embodiment of the present invention, the touching or pressing of movable button 673A of FIG. 6 may be utilized to effect the sequential or progressive lateral display of main chip stack 700 as in display configurations 500E through 500H of FIG. 9.

According to a still further embodiment of the present invention, the motion of displayed player chip stack 7001 of FIG. 10 may be utilized to effect the sequential or progressive lateral display of main chip stack 700 as in display configurations 500E through 500H of FIG. 9.

While the present invention has been described in terms of specific illustrative embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many other embodiments and modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the disclosed principle.

Claims

1) A system featuring the dynamic graphical display of a wager, said system comprising: A computer; A player console comprising responsive displaying means; said computer being capable of responding to the activation of said responsive displaying means; And common displaying means being capable of responding to said computer; Wherein said computer is capable of causing said common displaying means to progressively display at least one column of chips in response to the activation of said player console responsive displaying means.

2) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying at least one column of chips in response to stationary activation within a stationary defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

3) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying at least one column of chips in response to moving activation within a stationary extended defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

4) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying at least one column of chips in response to moving activation of a movable defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

5) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying at least one column of chips in response to moving activation of a movable stack of chips being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

6) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying a stack of chips in response to stationary activation within a stationary defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; said stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips.

7) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying a stack of chips in response to moving activation within a stationary extended defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; said stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips.

8) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying a stack of chips in response to moving activation of a movable defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; said stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips.

9) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying a second stack of chips in response to moving activation of a movable first stack of chips being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

10) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying a second stack of chips in response to moving activation of a movable first stack of chips being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; and said first stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips.

11) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying a second stack of chips in response to moving activation of a movable first stack of chips being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; and said second stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips.

12) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying a second stack of chips in response to moving activation of a movable first stack of chips being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; said second stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips; said first stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips; and said second stack of chips being a magnified version of said first stack of chips.

13) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a vertical direction at least one column of chips in response to stationary activation within a stationary defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

14) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a vertical direction at least one column of chips in response to moving activation within a stationary extended defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

15) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a vertical direction at least one column of chips in response to moving activation of a movable defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

16) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a vertical direction at least one column of chips in response to moving activation of a movable stack of chips being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

17) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a vertical direction a stack of chips in response to stationary activation within a stationary defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; and said stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips.

18) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a vertical direction a stack of chips in response to moving activation within a stationary extended defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; and said stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips.

19) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a vertical direction a stack of chips in response to moving activation of a movable defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; and said stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips.

20) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a vertical direction a second stack of chips in response to moving activation of a movable first stack of chips being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; and said stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips.

21) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a vertical direction a second stack of chips in response to moving activation of a movable first stack of chips being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; said second stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips; and said first stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips.

22) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a vertical direction a second stack of chips in response to moving activation of a movable first stack of chips being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; said second stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips; said first stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips; and said second stack of chips being a magnified version of said first stack of chips.

23) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a lateral direction at least one column of chips in response to stationary activation within a stationary defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

24) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a lateral direction at least one column of chips in response to moving activation within a stationary extended defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

25) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a lateral direction at least one column of chips in response to moving activation of a movable defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

26) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a lateral direction at least one column of chips in response to moving activation of a movable stack of chips being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

27) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a lateral direction a stack of chips in response to stationary activation within a stationary defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; and said stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips.

28) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a lateral direction a stack of chips in response to moving activation within a stationary extended defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; and said stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips.

29) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a lateral direction a stack of chips in response to moving activation of a movable defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; and said stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips.

30) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a lateral direction a second stack of chips in response to moving activation of a movable first stack of chips being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; and said stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips.

31) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a lateral direction a second stack of chips in response to moving activation of a movable first stack of chips being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; said second stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips; and said first stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips.

32) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying in a lateral direction a second stack of chips in response to moving activation of a movable first stack of chips being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; said second stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips; said first stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips; and said second stack of chips being a magnified version of said first stack of chips.

33) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying at least one column of chips in response to stationary activation within a stationary defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; and said computer assigning the lowest chip denomination to the most possible number of columns of chips to reflect the pending bet amount.

34) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying at least one column of chips in response to moving activation within a stationary extended defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; and said computer assigning the lowest chip denomination to the most possible number of columns of chips to reflect the pending bet amount.

35) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying at least one column of chips in response to moving activation of a movable defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; and said computer assigning the lowest chip denomination to the most possible number of columns of chips to reflect the pending bet amount.

36) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying at least one column of chips in response to moving activation of a movable stack of chips being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; and said computer assigning the lowest chip denomination to the most possible number of columns of chips to reflect the pending bet amount.

37) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying a stack of chips in response to stationary activation within a stationary defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; said stack of chips comprising a plurality of levels and each level comprising at least one column of chips; and said computer assigning the lowest chip denomination to the most possible number of columns of chips to reflect the pending bet amount.

38) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying a stack of chips in response to moving activation within a stationary extended defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; said stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips; and said computer assigning the lowest chip denomination to the most possible number of columns of chips-to reflect the pending bet amount.

39) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying a stack of chips in response to moving activation of a movable defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; said stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips; and said computer assigning the lowest chip denomination to the most possible number of columns of chips to reflect the pending bet amount.

40) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying a second stack of chips in response to moving activation of a movable first stack of chips being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; said second stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips; and said computer assigning the lowest chip denomination to the most possible number of columns of chips of said second stack of chips to reflect the pending bet amount.

41) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying a second stack of chips in response to moving activation of a movable first stack of chips being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; said second stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips; said first stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips; and said computer assigning the lowest chip denomination to the most possible number of columns of chips on said second stack of chips to reflect the pending bet amount.

42) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying a second stack of chips in response to moving activation of a movable first stack of chips being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means; said second stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips; said first stack of chips comprising at least one level and each level comprising at least one column of chips; said second stack of chips being a magnified version of said first stack of chips; and said computer assigning the lowest chip denomination to the most possible number of columns of chips on said second stack of chips to reflect the pending bet amount.

43) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying within a pre-defined display envelope at least one column of chips in response to stationary activation within a stationary defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

44) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying within a pre-defined display envelope at least one column of chips in response to moving activation within a stationary extended defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

45) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying within a pre-defined display envelope at least one column of chips in response to moving activation of a movable defined area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

46) In the system of claim 1, said common displaying means progressively displaying within a pre-defined display envelope at least one column of chips in response to moving activation of a movable stack of chips being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

47) In the system of claim 1, said player console responsive displaying means comprising a touch-sensitive screen.

48) A system featuring the dynamic graphical display of an ALL-IN wager in a poker game, said system comprising: a computer; a player console comprising responsive displaying means; said computer being capable of responding to the activation of said responsive displaying means to effect said ALL-In wager; and common displaying means being capable of responding to said computer; wherein said computer is capable of causing said common displaying means to progressively display at least one column of chips representing the total value of the player's account in response to the activation of said player console responsive displaying means.

49) In the system of claim 48, said common displaying means progressively displaying at least one column of chips in response to stationary activation within a stationary defined wagering area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

50) In the system of claim 48, said common displaying means progressively displaying at least one column of chips in response to moving activation within a stationary extended defined wagering area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

51) In the system of claim 48, said common displaying means progressively displaying at least one column of chips in response to moving activation of a movable defined wagering area being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

52) In the system of claim 48, said common displaying means progressively displaying at least one column of chips in response to moving activation of a movable stack of chips being displayed on said player console responsive displaying means.

53) A system featuring the dynamic graphical display of an ALL-IN wager in a poker game, said system comprising: a computer; a player console comprising touch-screen responsive displaying means; said computer being capable of responding to the activation of said touch-screen responsive displaying means to effect said ALL-In wager; and common displaying means being capable of responding to said computer; wherein said computer is capable of causing said common displaying means to progressively display a stack of chips comprising a plurality of levels of at least one column of chips in each level and representing the total value of the player's account in response to the activation of said player console touch-screen responsive displaying means.

54) In the system of claim 53, said common displaying means progressively displaying said stack of chips in response to stationary activation within a stationary defined wagering area being displayed on said player console touch-screen responsive displaying means.

55) In the system of claim 53, said common displaying means progressively displaying said stack of chips in response to moving activation within a stationary extended defined wagering area being displayed on said player console touch-screen responsive displaying means.

56) In the system of claim 53, said common displaying means progressively displaying said stack of chips in response to moving activation of a movable defined wagering area being displayed on said player console touch-screen responsive displaying means.

57) In the system of claim 53, said common displaying means progressively displaying said stack of chips in response to moving activation of a movable stack of chips being displayed on said player console touch-screen responsive displaying means.