SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADDITIONAL TABLE GAME WAGERING

Abstract

Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for additional table game wagering. Certain embodiments provide a method for table game wagering including allowing a player place a wager on an outcome of a table game, monitoring the performance of the play of said table game and awarding a prize based on said wager upon occurrence of the outcome. Certain embodiments provide a system including a terminal allowing a player to place a wager on a table game outcome, a device for determining an outcome of the table game and a processor for resolving the table game wager.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to, and claims the benefit of, Provisional Application No. 60/865,543, filed on Nov. 13, 2006, and entitled “Crappy Blackjack.” The foregoing application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to table games, and more particularly relates to systems and methods for an improved electronic table games.

Gaming machines, including electronic table games, such as electronic blackjack, poker, or roulette, offer popular, exciting, and sophisticated wagering activities at casinos and other gambling locations. At the same time, gaming machines have also become a source of greater revenue for gaming establishments. Thus, competition between manufacturers of gaming machines has intensified as competitors vie for business from gaming establishments. Gaming machine manufacturers and gaming establishments continually seek new ways to attract patrons, provide entertainment and generate revenue through gaming opportunities.

Table games, such as blackjack provide interaction among players, as well as tests of strategy. While blackjack and other table games include wagering opportunities for their players, additional wagering opportunities, missing in today's casinos, would provide the players with more excitement in playing table games as well as the opportunity to increase their winnings.

Gaming wagers are typically made in relation to an outcome of a particular play or event. In current slot machine gaming systems, for example, a standard bet per line is defined and resolved within the course of one game play. That is, a winner and/or a loser are determined in one game play, and the outcome hinges on the outcome of the game during that game play. Bets per way are similarly defined and resolved within the course of one game play. Bets on a sporting event are resolved by the outcome of that sporting event. Casinos and other establishments may be able to capitalize on other wagering opportunities outside of traditional bets. Thus, systems and methods for providing alternative wagering opportunities would be highly desirable and not currently found in the industry.

Furthermore, with additional wagering opportunities, more players are likely to play blackjack and other table games, thus potentially resulting in increased revenue for the operators of the improved table game. However, manual tracking makes it difficult to provide additional wagering opportunities.

Thus an unmet need exists for providing additional wagering opportunities for players of table games, such as blackjack. Meeting such a need can increase the draw or attraction of playing blackjack to players who previously did not play. In addition, meeting such a need can increase the revenue for the operators of the improved blackjack or other table game. Currently efforts in this area are lacking.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for additional table game wagering. Certain embodiments provide a method for table game wagering including allowing a player place a wager on an outcome of a table game, monitoring the performance of the play of the table game and awarding a prize based on the wager upon occurrence of the outcome. Certain embodiments provide a system including a terminal allowing a player to place a wager on a table game outcome, a device for determining an outcome of the table game and a processor for resolving the table game wager.

Certain embodiments provide a method for wagering on a table game outcome. The method includes allowing a player to place a side bet wager on an outcome of a table game via an associated wagering device. The side bet wager is distinct from a main game wager placed for main game play by a player at the table game. The method also includes electronically monitoring activity at the table game. The electronic monitoring includes tracking of player activity at the table game. The method further includes comparing characteristics of the side bet wager outcome to characteristics of the monitored activity to determine satisfaction of the side bet wager outcome by the monitored activity. Additionally, the method includes awarding a prize based on the wager upon satisfaction of the side bet wager outcome by the monitored activity.

In certain embodiments, the side bet wager may include at least one of a fixed bet, a selection from among a series of options, and a user-definable bet defined within certain set parameters, for example.

In certain embodiments, the outcome associated with the side bet wager may include at least one of a) whether a specific player will win or lose a given hand; b) whether a next card dealt will be a certain card or a certain suit; c) betting a constituency of the outcome; d) betting on multiple outcomes; and e) betting on a total score with which a player will bust, for example.

Certain embodiments provide a gaming system facilitating side bet wagering on a table game outcome in addition to main game wagering by players of the table game. The system includes an interface allowing a user to place a side bet wager on an outcome of a table game. The side bet wager is distinct from a main game wager placed for main game play by a player at the table game. The system also includes a processor electronically monitoring activity at the table game in conjunction with a tracking device. The electronic monitoring includes tracking of player activity at the table game. The processor compares characteristics of the side bet wager outcome to characteristics of the monitored activity to determine satisfaction of the side bet wager outcome by the monitored activity and awards a prize based on the wager upon satisfaction of the side bet wager outcome by the monitored activity.

Certain embodiments provide a gaming system facilitating side bet wagering on a table card game outcome in addition to main game wagering by players of the table card game. The system includes a gaming table involving card play. The gaming table is adapted to electronically monitor gaming and player activity at the gaming table. The system also includes a touchscreen interface allowing a user to place a side bet wager on an outcome of a card game at the gaming table. The side bet wager is distinct from a main game wager placed for main card game play by a player at the gaming table. The system further includes a processor electronically monitoring activity at the gaming table in conjunction with a tracking device. The electronic monitoring includes tracking of player and gaming activity at the gaming table. The processor compares characteristics of the side bet wager outcome to characteristics of the monitored activity to determine satisfaction of the side bet wager outcome by the monitored.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view representing a prior art system for tracking players at a gaming table.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting a layout view of a table game system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system for placing additional table game wagers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram for a method for placing additional table game wagers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In certain embodiments, in a gaming environment, such as a casino, a player and/or spectator may place a bet on an outcome of a live table game, such as blackjack, poker, roulette, pai gow, baccarat, etc. A person may place a bet on an outcome of a live card game participant's (player or dealer) play, for example. In certain embodiments, bets may be placed remotely as well.

In certain embodiments, bets include betting whether a specific participant will win or lose a given hand, betting whether a next card dealt will be a certain card (or certain suit), betting a constituency of an outcome, betting on multiple outcomes (e.g., a player will get two consecutive blackjacks), a total score with which a player will bust, etc. Thus, a player and/or spectator may place one or more side bets separate from a primary bet involved in the table game. The side bet is related but not equal to a single play at the table game, for example. In certain embodiments, electronic tracking systems on gaming tables as well as electronic gaming tables enables additional betting on a game in progress. In certain embodiments, electronic tracking systems, such as radio frequency identification (RFID), near field effect systems, electromagnetic field detection systems, and the like, allow side bet wagering remotely via a computer terminal, kiosk, wireless device, etc.

Certain embodiments may function in conjunction with a player monitoring system, such as the prior art player monitoring system 1 implemented on a blackjack table 10 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,589. Prior art system 1, shown in FIG. 1, is described as being configured for tracking play of players at the blackjack table 10, as well as providing information pertaining to the players, and includes a card reader 12 located adjacent a dealer position 13. The card reader 12 is coupled to a central computer 14 via a communication channel 15. The central computer 14 keeps track of the various players' accounts. Each player's account may include player information, such as, for example, the player's account number. System 1 includes a display monitor 20 that displays a representation of the blackjack table 10, including all player positions 11 (11a-11g) while a game is being played. In operation, when a player sits down at the table, the player presents his or her player card to the dealer, who then enters or “swipes” the card into the card reader 12. After a card is read by the card reader 12, the dealer touches the respective player position on the display monitor 20 where the player whose card has just been read is seated, thus associating the table position of the new player with the new player.

Alternatively or in addition, certain embodiments operate in conjunction with a player monitoring system, such as the system show in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting a top view of a gaming table system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the gaming table system 200 may be used for any card game, including blackjack. The table as shown includes seven positions 208(1)-208(7). Alternative embodiments may provide for tables with any number of seating positions, or systems cable of tracking player activity at multiple tables.

System 200 can include or be linked to a processor 202 that is linked by appropriate communication link to a display 204. System 200 can also be operatively linked to a data structure 206, database, or other suitable computing or storage functionality (e.g., a slot accounting system, or “SAS” computer). The data structure 206 may be used to store player account information. System 200 may include an account access device 214.

Account access device 214 may be used to access information related to a player's account. For example, the account access device 214 may be a card reader, wherein a player's identification card is inserted into the card reader. The card reader and/or a processor may determine a player's account number and provide it to the system 200. The account access device 214 may also be used to authenticate a player's identity. Other embodiments may include an account access device 214 that utilizes a keypad, or a biometric identification device such as a fingerprint scanner. The player's identification information may be provided to the processor 202. Access device 214 may be configured to accept an ID card input, e.g., as a card reader configured to read stored information on an ID card when a dealer “swipes” a player's ID card. A suitable card reader may be any type that is capable of reading or obtaining information from cards issued by the casino, such as, for example, a magnetic reader for reading magnetic stripes on cards, an electronic card reader for reading electronic cards, an RFID card reader, “smart card” reader and a data input device such as a keypad, touch screen or the like. While system 200 is described in relation to a typical blackjack table, one of skill in the art will appreciate that system 200 may be used in other gaming table applications, e.g., for poker, baccarat, roulette, etc.

Display 204 can any device enabled to display graphics supplied by a processor. For example, a computer monitor such as a CRT, plasma, LCD or other electronic display device. Display 204 can include a pointer 210 indicating a player location, e.g., 208(4) and a portion configured as data input device 212. The data input device 212 portion of display 204 may be enabled to accept input from a user and provide the input to other components of the system 200. The data input device 212 may be operative in tandem with pointer 210 to input a location on the display 204 that corresponds to a physical player position at the table. In an example embodiment, the data input device 212 may be a touch-screen based icon or display figure that is movable as shown in FIG. 2. More specifically, a user may touch the portion of display 204 identified as data input device 212 to provide input. A user may drag or slide their fingers along the data input device in order to move the pointer 210. Alternatively, the data input device 212 may take the form of touch sensitive keys or icons.

In operation of system 200, when a player having an identification/information (ID) card sits down or gains access to a particular gaming table, the table dealer can log the player into system 200. Using the slider 212 the dealer locates the seat position of the player by touching the slider 212 in a corresponding position. For this purpose the slider 212 may include along its length number icons corresponding to player positions, e.g. numbers 1-7 spaced along the length of the slider 212 as shown in FIG. 4A. When a position is touched on the slider 212 the pointer 210 pivots to point toward the corresponding player position 208(1)-(7) which may also be highlighted, change color or brightness to indicate the correspondence. After position the player, the player's ID card data can be entered (e.g., read into, or swiped) at access device 214, which can include a suitable card reader. Alternative embodiments may provide for other identification techniques, such as the use of biometric scanners or keypads.

In an additional embodiment, the pointer 210 may be dispensed with and the slider 212 may be directly used to highlight and designate player positions 208(1)-208(7). Further, other embodiments of the system 200 may provide for multiple betting positions corresponding to a single seating position. For example, a single player at a blackjack table may play 2 or more hands simultaneously. The system 200 provides for tracking information of multiple hands related to a single player.

The player's account information can be accessed by processor 202, which can control the display of an indication of desired player account information, e.g., a particular color indicating one of inactive status, status or player credit history, elite player status, on the display 204. The player's account information and/or the player's identification may also be tied to a player's bank accounts. An icon may be presented on the display 204 which, when touched, calls up the player information on the display 204 or in a window in the display 204. If the player position is mistakenly entered, suitable correction can be taken, e.g., the process can be repeated or the dealer can “drag and drop” the player's indicated information to the correct seat on the display 204. Slider 212 can thus allow a dealer to quickly locate a player to a seat position without needing to touch various seat positions on a seat layout, simplifying and speeding up play at the table.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system 300 for placing additional table game wagers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system 300 includes a terminal 310 for placing a wager, a device 320 for determining an outcome of a game upon which a wager is placed, and a processor 330 for resolving the wager. The components of the system 300 may be implemented separately and/or integrated in one or more combinations in hardware, software and/or firmware, for example.

To place a wager, a casino patron and/or casino employee (as appropriate) may access a wagering menu at the terminal 310, such as at a gaming terminal, gaming table, wireless device, system workstation, kiosk, and/or external system, for example. The player, such as the casino patron or employee, may select from a list or other presentation of available table game wagers, for example. In certain embodiments, an interface is presented to the player and/or other user in the form of a menu or other listing of options, one or more buttons, a touchscreen or touchpad with options, etc. Wagers may be presented in the form of a fixed bet, a series of options, and/or a user-definable bet (e.g., a wager defined within certain parameters set by the system and/or subject to approval by authorized personnel and/or automated system). The player then pays via any available method at the wagering device.

The device 320 may be an electronic table game, traditional table game, electronically-enabled traditional table game, and the like. Game play, player activity, wagering, and/or other activity may be monitored at or by device 320.

The processor 330 queues the wager, for example. In an embodiment, a printed and/or electronic receipt may be generated for the transaction. The processor 330 may receive monitored information from the device 320 and compare the information to the queued wager to determine whether a bet has been won, lost, and/or is still ongoing.

FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram for a method for table game wagering used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At step 410, in order to place a wager, a player accesses a wagering interface or other interface at an appropriate location, such as the SCI of a gaming terminal or other similar gaming machine, a kiosk, a wireless portable interface, and/or an external computer via an Internet connection or other connection. In certain embodiments, a casino employee or other personnel may operate a wagering interface for the player.

At step 420, the player selects and/or otherwise defines a desired scope of wager. In certain embodiments, a player and/or other user may select and/or define a wager at the time of the bet and/or may configure one or more wagers ahead of time and later place the bet. The player may select from various categories of propositions offered. At step 430, the player selects and/or otherwise defines events and/or propositions characterizing the wager from a set of offered propositions. In certain embodiments, the player is only presented with options that would construct valid wagers. In certain embodiments, the player is allowed to create a new proposition and request approval to place a bet with respect to that proposition with certain odds. Once the wager is defined, a wagering manager and/or other system determines odds, at step 440, for the proposed wager. At step 450, the odds are displayed and/or otherwise presented to the player.

In certain embodiments, odds for one or more wagers and/or potential wagers may be calculated in advance and/or dynamically by an electronic system and/or authorized personnel. Odds may be calculated on a historical basis, for example. Historical data may be tracked and analyzed to determine reasonable odds for a wager and/or group of wagers. Odds may vary based on bet, for example. Odds may be mathematically calculated based on known odds of a gaming machine and/or group of gaming machines and/or mathematically calculated based on historical statistics and/or other related data, for example. As stated above, odds may vary in a fashion to induce wagers on one side of the proposition or another much like sports wagering in Nevada sports wager booking establishments.

At step 460, the player completes the wager transaction by accepting the proposed odds and funding the wager by any system and/or method available to the player. In certain embodiments, the wager may be funded in a variety of ways including cash, voucher, ticket, credit card, and/or other payment vehicle, for example. The player may also pay from an online player's account, such as a Personal Banker account, or other account, from credits on the player's gaming machine or other device, and/or from other funded and/or credit account, for example. An example of a player account is found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,377, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In certain embodiments, a player may fund a wager with promotional credits, loyalty points, and the like. A wager may be made directly (e.g., after a period of time, a predetermined wager is awarded to the player) or indirectly (the player may apply accrued loyalty points towards the purchase of a table game wager). The player may also enter, if the system so provides, an email address or other contact information for notification to the player on a remote basis, for example.

At step 470, a wager record is created in response to the player placing a wager, and a transaction number, such as a unique or reusable identification number, is assigned to the wager record. At step 480, a ticket and/or other verification may be printed and/or otherwise generated to serve as a record for the transaction. At step 490, the wager record is stored, such as in a slot system wagering database and/or other database. At step 500, table game events related to the wager are monitored. For example, a wagering manager notifies a accounting system and/or tracking system of its interest in events related to the wager, such as by subscribing to related accounting system events.

One or more of the steps of the method 400 may be implemented alone or in combination in hardware, firmware, and/or as a set of instructions in software, for example. Certain embodiments may be provided as a set of instructions residing on a computer-readable medium, such as a memory, hard disk, DVD, or CD, for execution on a general purpose computer or other processing device.

Certain embodiments of the present invention may omit one or more of these steps and/or perform the steps in a different order than the order listed. For example, some steps may not be performed in certain embodiments of the present invention. As a further example, certain steps may be performed in a different temporal order, including simultaneously, than listed above.

Game accounting and player tracking systems, such as an Aristocrat® OASIS™ system, an IGT® SAS system and/or a separate add-on monitoring system, interface with gaming terminals in a gaming property to track statistics related to play on the gaming terminals, notify personnel of system events, such as large jackpots, and/or track play of players that have enrolled in a loyalty program, for example. In certain embodiments, statistics and/or notifications may serve as a basis for additional betting opportunities at a system level. Certain embodiments leverage existing gaming system hardware and/or software to offer a wide array of betting opportunities to players. Certain embodiments may provide increased and alternative betting opportunities with little or no increase in staffing or floor space in a gaming property, for example.

Table game wagers and other related betting opportunities may be resolved during one gaming play or may be contingent upon one or more events driven by game play and/or occurring during multiple game plays, for example. In certain embodiments, players define two or more events, for example, and define a condition linking the events together. The system calculates probabilities and offers appropriate player incentive based on a theoretical return to the player. Alternatively, a gaming system and/or personnel may define event(s) and condition(s), as well as associated probabilities and awards for selection by a player.

When a wager is made at a gaming terminal or other gaming device, payment for the wager may be made via any method available a the gaming terminal, such as transferring from the gaming terminal's credit meter, coin in, bill in, voucher in, promotional coupon in, and/or from a system account, such as a PersonalBanker account or player loyalty/rewards account. A receipt may then be generated for the bet showing the wager made along with a timestamp, parameters related to the bet, and an identifier associating the receipt with the wager in a database or other record.

Winnings from table game wagers may be paid directly to a player's account (e.g., a personal banker account, casino account, bank account, credit card account, player loyalty account, etc.). Alternatively, winning may be stored in a system database and hand paid by personnel upon surrender or presentation of the associated wager receipt. If the player is actively playing at a gaming terminal when a win occurs, the player may be notified of the win via that machine's player tracking system interface, a secondary display, and/or a message on a primary machine display, for example. A player may also be notified via a gaming floor notification, a wireless device, text page, email, in person by personnel, and/or other message, for example.

Wagers may also be made on progressive and/or mystery jackpot events. For example, a player may bet that the next MegaBucks® jackpot will occur on a particular machine, in a bank of machines, and/or in a particular casino or other gaming property. For wide area progressives, wagers may be made within a given property and/or within a jurisdiction of a player club if the club spans multiple properties, for example. Wagers extending to other jurisdictions served by a progressive may be possible through cooperation with a wide area progressive provider, for example.

The above features, as appropriate, may also be made available through an interface such as a kiosk (e.g., a workstation, terminal, interactive display, etc.) located on the gaming floor or in another location, a wireless device 180 (such as a cellular phone, personal digital assistance, handheld and/or pocket computer, etc.), and/or a web-based interface external to the casino or other gaming location (e.g., a web browser on a home computer or television, an interface on a hotel computer or television, etc.). Players may be able to access applicable information and/or place bets while away from the casino floor (for example, in a hotel room or home). Using any of a variety of interfaces, a player may view a menu or other listing of options, select an option, place a wager, and generate a record, for example. An interface may also allow a player to learn about new wagers available at the casino or read reviews and information related to wagers prior to going to the casino, for example. The player may add interesting wagers, games, and/or other feature(s) to his or her list of “favorites” in a player profile for easy access while on the casino floor. Additionally, the kiosk, wireless device, or other interface device may provide players with a site map or other casino information. The kiosk, wireless device, or web-based interface may enable players to find out where games are on a gaming floor, jackpot information, and the like.

For example, one or more kiosks may be used to facilitate operations such as gaming, ticket redemption, player card point redemption, change and/or currency dispensation, promotion redemption and/or issuance, advertising, information, event and/or dining reservations and/or ticketing, etc. For example, one or more kiosks and/or external systems may used to purchase and/or view sports scores, news, game announcements, weather, flight information, show times, specials, reward tickets, prize tickets, coupons, airline or show tickets, reservation confirmation, or other information, for example. Additionally a player may be able to locate his or her favorite games, restaurants or other facilities and/or services at a kiosk. The kiosk may also provide a venue for players to make wagers on gaming system propositions according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

In certain embodiments, a wireless device, such as a cellular phone, personal digital assistant, handheld or pocket computer, etc., may be used to interact with systems in a gaming environment. For example, the wireless device may be used to retrieve game and/or sports scores, reservation information, weather information, travel information, entertainment information, etc. The wireless device may also be used to place bets, make reservations, redeem rewards/prizes, etc.

In certain embodiments, to place a supplemental table game wager, a casino patron and/or casino employee (as appropriate) accesses a wagering menu at a gaming table, a gaming terminal, wireless device, system workstation, kiosk, and/or other gaming device, for example. The player, such as the casino patron or employee, selects from a list or other presentation of available wagers. In certain embodiments, an interface is presented to the player and/or other user in the form of a menu or other listing of options, one or more buttons, a touchscreen or touchpad with options, etc. Wagers may be presented in the form of a fixed bet, a series of options, and/or a user-definable bet (e.g., a wager defined within certain parameters set by the system and/or subject to approval by authorized personnel and/or automated system). The player then pays via any available method at the wagering device. A wagering manager queues the wager in a database, for example. In an embodiment, a printed and/or electronic receipt may be generated for the transaction. Alternatively and/or in addition, active wagers may be displayed for the betting player and/or for public viewing in the gaming area, for example.

Table game wagers and other related betting opportunities may be resolved during one gaming play or may be contingent upon one or more events driven by game play and/or occurring during multiple game plays, for example. In certain embodiments, players define two or more events, for example, and define a condition linking the events together. The system calculates probabilities and offers appropriate player incentive based on a theoretical return to the player. Alternatively, a gaming system and/or personnel may define event(s) and condition(s), as well as associated probabilities and awards for selection by a player.

Thus, certain embodiments provide systems and methods allowing wagers to be placed based on one or more events and/or event combinations related to gaming system play and/or other activity. Certain embodiments allow wagers based on events occurring during game play, apart from game play, and/or in relation to performance and/or activity related to one or more table games, for example. System dependent or “side” bets may be placed at a table game and/or via a separate interface, for example. Thus, both table game players and non-players may participate. The examples given above are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments. Certain embodiments are implemented as wagers “against the house”, but, in certain embodiments, pari-mutuel wagering may be used.

Certain embodiments may be implemented in software, firmware, and/or hardware, for example. For example, certain embodiments may be implemented as a set of instructions or routines stored on a machine-readable medium, such as a CD, DVD, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, hard disk, floppy disk, RAM, ROM, flash memory, and/or other medium, for execution on a computer and/or other processing device. Certain embodiments may be implemented on a standalone gaming terminal, a bank of gaming terminals, a network of gaming terminals, and/or a client-server system communicating with one or more gaming terminals and/or other devices, for example.

Thus, certain embodiments provide systems and methods for additional table game wagering.

While the invention has been described with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular step, structure, or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for wagering on a table game outcome, said method comprising:

allowing a player to place a side bet wager on an outcome of a table game via an associated wagering device, said side bet wager distinct from a main game wager placed for main game play by a player at the table game;

electronically monitoring activity at said table game, said electronic monitoring including tracking of player activity at said table game;

comparing characteristics of said side bet wager outcome to characteristics of the monitored activity to determine satisfaction of said side bet wager outcome by the monitored activity; and

awarding a prize based on said wager upon satisfaction of said side bet wager outcome by the monitored activity.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said side bet wager comprises at least one of a fixed bet, a selection from among a series of options, and a user-definable bet defined within certain set parameters.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the outcome associated with the side bet wager comprises at least one of a) whether a specific player will win or lose a given hand; b) whether a next card dealt will be a certain card or a certain suit; c) betting a constituency of the outcome; d) betting on multiple outcomes; and e) betting on a total score with which a player will bust.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein a spectator is allowed to place a side bet wager on an outcome of a table game.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein activity at said table game is tracked using at least one of a radio frequency identification system and an electromagnetic tracking system to determine activity at said table game.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein player activity at said table game is monitored using a player tracking system.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said side bet wager is placed using a kiosk.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said side bet wager is placed via an electronic gaming machine.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said side bet wager is placed at a location remote from said table game and wherein a better placing the side bet wager views activity at said table game via a remote display.

10. A gaming system facilitating side bet wagering on a table game outcome in addition to main game wagering by players of the table game, said system comprising:

an interface allowing a user to place a side bet wager on an outcome of a table game, said side bet wager distinct from a main game wager placed for main game play by a player at the table game;

a processor electronically monitoring activity at said table game in conjunction with a tracking device, said electronic monitoring including tracking of player activity at said table game,

wherein said processor compares characteristics of said side bet wager outcome to characteristics of the monitored activity to determine satisfaction of said side bet wager outcome by the monitored activity and awards a prize based on said wager upon satisfaction of said side bet wager outcome by the monitored activity.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein said side bet wager comprises at least one of a fixed bet, a selection from among a series of options, and a user-definable bet defined within certain set parameters.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the outcome associated with the side bet wager comprises at least one of a) whether a specific player will win or lose a given hand; b) whether a next card dealt will be a certain card or a certain suit; c) betting a constituency of the outcome; d) betting on multiple outcomes; and e) betting on a total score with which a player will bust.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein said interface enables both players and spectator to place a side bet wager on an outcome of a table game.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein said interface is used by a dealer at said table game to coordinate entry of said side bet wagers for said table game.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein said tracking device use to track activity at said table game comprises at least one of a radio frequency identification system and an electromagnetic tracking system to determine activity at said table game.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein said processor interacts with at least one of a player tracking system and a game accounting system to monitor player activity at said table game.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein said interface is provided in at least one of said table game, a gaming service kiosk, an electronic gaming machine, and a wireless device.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein said side bet wager is placed at a location remote from said table game and wherein a better placing the side bet wager views activity at said table game via a remote display.

19. A gaming system facilitating side bet wagering on a table card game outcome in addition to main game wagering by players of the table card game, said system comprising:

a gaming table involving card play, said gaming table adapted to electronically monitor gaming and player activity at said gaming table;

a touchscreen interface allowing a user to place a side bet wager on an outcome of a card game at said gaming table, said side bet wager distinct from a main game wager placed for main card game play by a player at the gaming table;

a processor electronically monitoring activity at said gaming table in conjunction with a tracking device, said electronic monitoring including tracking of player and gaming activity at said gaming table, wherein said processor compares characteristics of said side bet wager outcome to characteristics of the monitored activity to determine satisfaction of said side bet wager outcome by the monitored.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein said tracking device use to track activity at said gaming table comprises at least one of a radio frequency identification system, an electromagnetic tracking system, and a player tracking system to determine activity at said gaming table.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein said side bet wager comprises at least one of a fixed bet, a selection from among a series of options, and a user-definable bet defined within certain set parameters.