LUCKY NUMBERS ROULETTE
A gaming apparatus includes a roulette ball; a roulette wheel a basic conventional roulette betting area; and an additional betting area comprised of ten positions, each designating numbers ending in 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. In alternate embodiments, the additional betting area includes a first block, second block, and third block designating numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3; 4, 5, or 6; and 7, 8, or 9 respectively. The additional betting area may further include a black-even space, a red-even space, a black-odd space; and a red-odd space. A method of playing roulette comprises providing a roulette gaming apparatus of the present invention, allowing each player to place at least one bet on the basic roulette betting area and at least one extra bet on the additional betting area, wherein the at least one extra bet may be any multiple of a minimum wager; and resolving bets according to the number spun on the roulette wheel.
The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for playing a casino game. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modified roulette game that may be played as a casino table game or as a video, computer, or Internet game.
BACKGROUNDRoulette is a popular gambling game offered in many casinos around the world. American Roulette is a table game played with a dealer, or croupier, and a wheel with 38 equal-sized slots. Each of the 38 slots has a number and a color associated with it which are printed in each slot. Two slots are given the numbers “0” and “00” and are colored green; these slots are at opposite ends of the wheel. In between the green numbers are 36 other slots (numbered 1 through 36), which alternate between 18 red slots and 18 black slots. In a common variation, the numbers 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31, 33, and 35 are colored black; and the numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 30, 32, 34, and 36 are colored red. European Roulette is similar to American Roulette except the main difference is that the European Roulette wheel has 37 slots (“0” and 1 through 36) since there is no “00” on the European Roulette wheel and corresponding betting layout.
Upon play, the dealer spins the wheel in one direction and rolls a small metal ball in the other direction. When the wheel slows down, the ball settles into one of the numbered and colored slots. This number/color combination is the winner.
There are a variety of bets that may be made in a traditional roulette game. Players may place wagering chips on a table/betting layout. The values on this betting layout correspond with the values imprinted in the 38 slots (or in European Roulette, 37 slots) of the roulette wheel. The conventional roulette betting layout customarily includes a grid comprised of three columns of 12 numbers each, numbered from one through 36. Thus, the numbers 1, 2, and 3 are in the first row, numbers 4, 5, and 6 are in the second row, and so on. Each number on the betting layout is colored the same color that it is on the roulette wheel. Above these numbers are usually betting positions designated for the “0” and “00” green numbers.
There are a variety of “inside bets” that may be played on the number grid (which includes numbers “0,” “00,” and 1-36). A player may bet on any one individual number coming up on the spin of the wheel by placing a wagering chip on that particular number on the betting layout; this often pays 35:1. By placing the chips in between two numbers, on a row of three numbers, on a diagonal corner in between four numbers, or between two rows, players can also bet on two, three, four, or six adjacent numbers at once. A bet on two numbers (known as a “split bet”) usually pays 17:1. A bet on one row of three numbers (known as a “street bet” or “three number bet”) usually pays 11:1. A bet on a cluster of four numbers (known as a “corner bet” or “square bet”) usually pays 8:1. A bet on two rows of six numbers total (known as a “six-line bet”) customarily pays 6:1.
A conventional roulette betting layout also include “outside bets” to the side and bottom of the grid of numbers. These outside bets often include betting positions where players may place chips in order to bet on red or black numbers, even or odd numbers, one column of numbers (e.g., 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34), a group of numbers (1-12, 13-24, 25-36, 1-18, or 19-36), and other possible variations permitted by the betting layout. Each of these outside bets offers a payout related to the odds against it hitting (for example, the red or black bets usually pay 1:1, the even or odd bets usually pay 1:1; the column bets pay 2:1, and the groups of numbers pay either 2:1 on groups of 12 numbers or 1:1 on groups of 18 numbers).
Although the standard game of roulette is popular, the game could be improved. Roulette could utilize additional betting opportunities and provide more chances to win. Additionally, since players may have difficulty quickly placing bets on all their favorite numbers and favorite combinations due to limited betting opportunities, Roulette generally has fewer rounds of play in a given hour than other casino games. Thus, Roulette could be made more interesting and even accelerate the flow of play by including additional and varied types of new bets that are easy to implement without changing or complicating the basic rules of play and without changing the number of slots on the roulette wheel and fundamental betting layout. Additionally, it would be ideal to add additional betting opportunities that would not affect the house edge. Additional betting opportunities would likely make roulette more fun and exciting for players by adding variety and increasing potential payouts that a player may receive by providing more ways to win.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a modified roulette game that provides additional betting opportunities for the player and that increases the rate of play in a given time period Variations such as those conceived by the inventors as described in the following discussion are therefore likely to increase the popularity of roulette even further. Roulette games utilizing such variations and advantages are likely to be more popular than standard roulette games, attract more and higher wagers from bettors, be more enjoyed by players, and be more profitable for both players and casinos. Other advantages of the present invention will be apparent in light of the ensuing description of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for playing a modified roulette game that generates additional excitement and more revenue for both players and casinos than conventional roulette. The present invention includes additional betting opportunities that are easy to implement and easy for players to learn and play since it does not change or complicate the basic rules of traditional roulette and utilizes the same basic betting layout and roulette wheel (without modifying the number of slots and/or changing the values on the wheel). Additionally, the new betting opportunities of the present invention do not affect the house edge nor does it slow down the flow of play. In fact, the betting opportunities offered by the present invention can actually speed up the flow of play so a casino can conduct more rounds of play in a given time period. By providing more betting opportunities, the present invention provides more opportunities to win than conventional roulette games. Providing players with more opportunities to win and the opportunity for high payouts would certainly bring excitement and interest to players and will likely attract new players to the game.
To achieve the foregoing and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention, the present invention is directed to a roulette gaming apparatus that generally comprises a basic or conventional roulette betting layout plus a new betting area that offers players a variety of new betting opportunities. In one embodiment of the present invention, a roulette gaming apparatus comprises: (a) a roulette ball; (b) a roulette wheel comprised of a plurality of slots wherein each of the plurality of slots is adapted to receive the roulette ball after the roulette ball is spun on the roulette wheel, the plurality of slots comprised of (i) thirty-six slots wherein each of the thirty-six slots is designated with one of thirty-six numbers from 1 through 36, and wherein a first half of the thirty-six numbers are associated with red and a second half of the thirty-six numbers are associated with black, and (ii) a thirty-seventh slot designated with a number 0 wherein the number 0 is associated with green; (c) a basic (or conventional) roulette betting area (comprised of (i) a grid of thirty-six boxes corresponding with the thirty-six slots of the roulette wheel, (ii) a zero space corresponding with the thirty-seventh slot of the roulette wheel, (iii) a first column space designating the first column of the grid, a second column space designating the second column of the grid, a third column space designating the third column of the grid; (iv) a first dozen space designating numbers 1 through 12 of the grid, a second dozen space designating numbers 12 through 24 of the grid, a third dozen space designating numbers 25 through 36; (v) a first eighteen space designating numbers 1 through 18 of the grid, a second eighteen space designating numbers 19 through 26 of the grid; (vi) an even space designating even numbers of the grid, an odd space designating odd numbers of the grid, (vii) a black space designating numbers associated with black, and a red space designating numbers associated with red); and (d) an additional betting area comprised of: a first position designating numbers ending in 1, a second position designating numbers ending in 2, a third position designating numbers ending in 3, a fourth position designating numbers ending in 4, a fifth position designating numbers ending in 5, a sixth position designating numbers ending in 6, a seventh position designating numbers ending in 7, an eighth position designating numbers ending in 8, a ninth position designating numbers ending in 9, and a tenth position designating numbers ending in 0.
In some embodiments, the additional betting area further includes: a first block designating numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3; a second block designating numbers ending in 4, 5, or 6; and a third block designating numbers ending in 7, 8, or 9. Yet, in alternate embodiments, the additional betting area further comprises: a black-even space designating black even numbers, a red-even space designating red even numbers, a black-odd space designating black odd numbers, and a red-odd space designating red odd numbers. The present invention covers both American and European roulette layout variations.
Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of playing a modified roulette game comprising: (a) providing a roulette gaming apparatus of the present invention as summarized above, (b) allowing each player to place at least one bet on the basic roulette betting area; (c) allowing each player to place at least one extra bet on the additional betting area, wherein the at least one extra bet may be any multiple of a minimum wager; (d) spinning the roulette wheel and spinning the roulette ball into the roulette wheel whereby the roulette ball is received within a winning slot of the plurality of slots, wherein the winning slot is associated with a winning number; and (e) resolving the at least one bet and the at least one extra bet of each player according to the winning number. In some embodiments, bets placed in the basic conventional roulette betting area are required before a player may place a bet on the additional betting area. In such variations of the invention, bets on the additional betting area are like side bets. While in other variations, the player may place a bet on either the basic roulette betting area and/or the additional betting area as there are no mandatory bets that must be made on a specific betting area to participate in the game or before a certain type of bet can be made.
The above description sets forth a summary of embodiments of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There may be, of course, other features of the invention that will be described below and may form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in further detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, various features of embodiments of the invention.
In the following description of embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Gaming LayoutThe gaming layout includes a wagering area comprised of a plurality of betting positions representing various bets that a player can make. The wagering area is comprised of a plurality of betting positions which are distinct from each other and are separated and distinguished by lines which are configured to define certain betting positions. In alternate embodiments of the invention, various colors, designs, shapes, borders, and/or spacing between the positions may be used to define each betting position. Near the wagering area is where the dealer may store gaming chips and is where a roulette wheel and ball thereon is located. The wagering area is situated within the gaming layout in an area of the gaming table accessible to both the dealer and players.
Referring generally to
The roulette wheel is comprised of a plurality of slots wherein each of the plurality of slots is adapted to receive the roulette ball after the roulette ball is spun on the roulette wheel. The plurality of slots are comprised of (i) thirty-six slots wherein each of the thirty-six slots is designated with one of thirty-six numbers from 1 through 36, and wherein a first half of the thirty-six numbers are associated with red and a second half of the thirty-six numbers are associated with black, and (ii) a thirty-seventh slot designated with a number 0 wherein the number 0 is associated with green. In American variations of the invention, the plurality of slots further comprises a thirty-eighth slot designated with a number 00 wherein the number 00 is associated with green.
In alternate embodiments of the invention, the colors used in the game layout are not limited to red, black, and green as any other colors may be used. For instance, a first color, a second color, and a third color may associated respectively with the first half of the thirty-six numbers, the second half of the thirty-six numbers, and the number 0. The third color may also be associated with the “00” number in the American variations of the game layout. For instance, promotional events may use corporate, sporting teams, school colors, any theme, or holiday colors in special promotional game layouts.
Additionally, the roulette wheel and ball may be replaced by computer-generated representations thereof in various embodiments. The computer-generated representations need not resemble or depict a roulette wheel and ball, but may provide a functional equivalent thereof. For example, instead of spinning a roulette wheel, the value (or winning number) may be selected randomly by computer and displayed as a virtual representation on a computer or television screen, transmitted across the Internet, or replicated as a series of lights or colors on some type of monitor. Those of ordinary skill in the art will be easily able to adapt the present invention to various electronic and Internet-enabled forms.
Basic Roulette Betting AreaAs depicted in
In American variations of the game layout, the basic roulette betting area further comprises a double zero space corresponding with the thirty-eighth slot of the roulette wheel. American gaming layouts are shown in
As seen in
In alternate embodiments of the invention, first position 201, second position 202, third position 203, fourth position 204, fifth position 205, sixth position 206, seventh position 207, eighth position 208, ninth position 209, and tenth position 210 are each individually distinguished from one another by being spaced apart. In such embodiments, the player cannot bet on numbers ending in two different numbers (as exemplified above) without placing separate wagers on each position. For instance, in such embodiments of the invention, if the player desires to bet on numbers ending in four or five, then the player must place a separate wager on fourth position 204 and place a separate wager on fifth position 205. Yet, in some embodiments of the invention, casino rules may preclude the player from betting on more than one of the positions of additional betting area 200 regardless of the configuration and layout of first position 201, second position 202, third position 203, fourth position 204, fifth position 205, sixth position 206, seventh position 207, eighth position 208, ninth position 209, and tenth position 210.
First position 201, second position 202, third position 203, fourth position 204, fifth position 205, sixth position 206, seventh position 207, eighth position 208, ninth position 209, and tenth position 210 may be arranged and configured in alternate configurations and/or positions; or they may be grouped together into blocks to designate additional betting opportunities. For example, as seen in the embodiments depicted in
However, in alternate embodiments of the invention, first block 250, second block 260, and third block 270 may be separate from first position 201, second position 202, third position 203, fourth position 204, fifth position 205, sixth position 206, seventh position 207, eighth position 208, ninth position 209; and in such embodiments, the player may place a bet on either: first block 250, second block 260, or third block 270 and place another bet on either: first position 201, second position 202, third position 203, fourth position 204, fifth position 205, sixth position 206, seventh position 207, eighth position 208, ninth position 209, and tenth position 210. In such embodiments, the player is not limited to placing a bet only on either first block 250, second block 260, or third block 270. For example, a player may place a bet on first block 250 for numbers ending in one, two, or three and place another bet on ninth position 209 for numbers ending in nine. Of course, the rules on placing bets may vary according to house rules and according to the game layout.
Yet, in other embodiments of the invention, first position 201, second position 202, third position 203, fourth position 204, fifth position 205, sixth position 206, seventh position 207, eighth position 208, ninth position 209, and tenth position 210 may be grouped in any other desired configuration. For instance, first position 201, second position 202, third position 203, fourth position 204, and fifth position 205 may be grouped into a block designating numbers ending in one, two, three, four, or five; and sixth position 206, seventh position 207, eighth position 208, ninth position 209, and tenth position 210 may be grouped together into another block designating numbers ending in six, seven, eight, nine, and zero. Alternatively, instead of grouping first position 201, second position 202, third position 203, fourth position 204, fifth position 205, sixth position 206, seventh position 207, eighth position 208, ninth position 209, and tenth position 210 into blocks, additional betting area 200 may further include one or more separate blocks designating numbers ending in any combination of numbers.
The above-described features and variations of the invention may be configured and combined in various ways as depicted in
In alternate embodiments of the invention, a different game layout may be used that still allows for various betting opportunities according to the present invention (for example, various betting positions or boxes may be larger, smaller, or placed in different positions relative to each other, betting positions may include different shapes such as circles or ovals, etc.,). Also, in electronic embodiments, the gaming layout may be projected on a screen or monitor. Of course, the number, locations, and designs of the additional betting positions may be adjusted as desired so long as they remain within reasonable access and visibility for the players and the dealer. As such, the arrangement of the additional betting layout may be arranged in various positions and/or configurations. For instance, in other embodiments, additional betting area 200 may be adjacent or connected to basic roulette betting area 100, or additional betting area 200 may be separate from basic roulette betting area 100 but betting positions 201-210 of additional betting area 200 may be configured, grouped, and/or positioned in a variety of ways. Additional betting area 200 and/or betting area 300 or components thereof may be positioned above, below, within, or to the sides of basic roulette betting area 100. Also, any suitable label, symbols, characters, and/or logos may be included within the betting positions so long as the meaning of the designation is clear to the players and dealer. Other features may be included within the gaming layout such as payout schedules/tables, rules of play, logos, trademarks, casino name, and/or design or artistic elements. Thus, the gaming layout is not limited to the arrangement depicted in the figures herein and could vary without departing from the scope of the invention.
Gaming MethodThe order in which the actions are presented below is not limited to any particular order and does not necessarily imply that they have to be performed in the order presented. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the order of these actions can be rearranged and performed in any suitable manner. It further will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that some actions may be omitted or added and still fall within the spirit of the invention.
The present invention comprises a gaming method and an apparatus (as described hereinabove) that may be used to implement the gaming method. In general, the gaming method is designed to reward players (by allowing them to win and get paid for various bets) if they correctly select the outcome of a spin of the roulette wheel (or correctly select the winning number randomly selected in computer/electronic embodiments). Generally, the method of the present invention comprises: (a) providing a roulette game apparatus as described hereinabove, (b) allowing each player to place at least one bet on the basic roulette betting area; (c) allowing each player to place at least one extra bet on the additional betting area, wherein the at least one extra bet may be any multiple of a minimum wager; (d) spinning the roulette wheel and spinning the roulette ball into the roulette wheel whereby the roulette ball is received within a winning slot of the plurality of slots, wherein the winning slot is associated with a winning number; and (e) resolving the at least one bet and the at least one extra bet of each player according to the winning number.
In some embodiments, bets placed in the basic conventional roulette betting area are required before a player may place a bet on the additional betting area. In such variations of the invention, bets on the additional betting area are like side bets. While in other variations, the player may place a bet on either the basic roulette betting area and/or the additional betting area as there are no mandatory bets that must be made on a specific betting area to participate in the game or before a certain type of bet can be made.
Providing Roulette Game ApparatusA roulette gaming apparatus (as more described above and in the ensuing discussion) is provided that comprises a roulette ball, a roulette wheel, a basic (or conventional) roulette betting layout, and an additional betting area that offers a player a variety of new betting opportunities. Either an American or European roulette game apparatus is provided.
The roulette wheel is comprised of a plurality of slots wherein each of the plurality of slots is adapted to receive the roulette ball after the roulette ball is spun on the roulette wheel. The plurality of slots are comprised of: thirty-six slots wherein each of the thirty-six slots is designated with one of thirty-six numbers from 1 through 36, and wherein a first half of the thirty-six numbers are associated with red and a second half of the thirty-six numbers are associated with black, and a thirty-seventh slot designated with a number 0 wherein the number 0 is associated with green. For American variations, the plurality of slots of the roulette game apparatus further comprises a thirty-eighth slot designated with a number 00.
Of course, in alternate embodiments, the roulette wheel and ball may be replaced by computer-generated representations thereof which need not resemble or depict a roulette wheel and ball, but may provide a functional equivalent thereof. For example, instead of spinning a roulette wheel, the value (or winning number) may be selected randomly by computer and displayed as a virtual representation on a computer or television screen, transmitted across the Internet, or replicated as a series of lights or colors on some type of screen or monitor. Those of ordinary skill in the art will be easily able to adapt the present invention to various electronic and Internet-enabled forms.
Placing Bets on the Basic Roulette Betting AreaEach player is allowed to place at least one bet on the basic roulette betting area 100 (see
As known in the art, the player can place a variety of bets on the basic roulette betting area. The player may place a bet on any of the above-listed spaces (or betting positions) of the basic roulette betting area. For instance, a variety of “inside bets” may be played on the number grid (which includes numbers “0,” “00,” and 1-36). A player may bet on any one individual number coming up on the spin of the wheel by placing a wagering chip on that particular number on the betting layout; this often pays 35:1. By placing the chips in between two numbers, on a row of three numbers, on a diagonal corner in between four numbers, or between two rows, players can also bet on two, three, four, or six adjacent numbers at once. A bet on two numbers (known as a “split bet”) usually pays 17:1. A bet on one row of three numbers (known as a “street bet” or “three number bet”) usually pays 11:1. A bet on a cluster of four numbers (known as a “corner bet” or “square bet”) usually pays 8:1. A bet on two rows of six numbers total (known as a “six-line bet”) customarily pays 6:1.
“Outside bets” may also be placed to the side and bottom of the grid of numbers. These outside bets often include betting positions where players may place chips in order to bet on red or black numbers, even or odd numbers, one column of numbers (e.g., 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34), a group of numbers (1-12, 13-24, 25-36, 1-18, or 19-36), and other possible variations permitted by the betting layout. Each of these outside bets offers a payout related to the odds against it hitting (for example, the red or black bets usually pay 1:1, the even or odd bets usually pay 1:1; the column bets pay 2:1, and the groups of numbers pay either 2:1 on groups of 12 numbers or 1:1 on groups of 18 numbers).
In some embodiments of the invention, players may optionally place at least one bet as described above on the basic roulette betting area or optionally place at least one bet in the additional betting positions of the present invention. In such embodiments, to participate in the game, the player can make at least one bet on the basic roulette betting area and/or additional betting positions. There is no requirement that the player must make a bet on a particular betting area so long as at least one bet is made to participate in the game. However, in alternate embodiments, it is mandatory that players place at least one bet on the basic roulette betting area to be able to place a bet on the additional betting positions of the present invention. In such embodiments, the additional betting positions are like side bets.
Placing Bets on the Additional Betting AreaEach player is allowed to place at least one extra bet on the additional betting area 200 (see
Lucky Number Bets
The player may place at least one bet on the additional betting area 200 which includes: a first position 201 designating numbers ending in one, a second position 202 designating numbers ending in two, a third position 203 designating numbers ending in three, a fourth position 204 designating numbers ending in four, a fifth position 205 designating numbers ending in five, a sixth position 206 designating numbers ending in six, a seventh position 207 designating numbers ending in seven, an eighth position 208 designating numbers ending in eight, a ninth position 209 designating numbers ending in nine, and a tenth position 210 designating numbers ending in zero (see
In the embodiments of the invention depicted in
Lucky Three Bets & Other Block Bets
The player may also place bets on one or more blocks included in additional betting area 200. For example, as seen in the embodiments depicted in
Still referring to
In alternate embodiments of the invention first position 201, second position 202, third position 203, fourth position 204, fifth position 205, sixth position 206, seventh position 207, eighth position 208, and ninth position 209 may be separate from (as opposed to being grouped into) first block 250, second block 260, and third block 270. In such embodiments, the player may place a bet on one or more of the following blocks: first block 250, second block 260, or third block 270 and/or place another bet on one or more of the following betting positions: first position 201, second position 202, third position 203, fourth position 204, fifth position 205, sixth position 206, seventh position 207, eighth position 208, ninth position 209, and tenth position 210. In such embodiments, the player is not limited to placing a bet only on either first block 250, second block 260, or third block 270. For example, a player may place a bet on first block 250 for numbers ending in one, two, or three and may also place another bet on ninth position 209 for numbers ending in nine.
Of course, first position 201, second position 202, third position 203, fourth position 204, fifth position 205, sixth position 206, seventh position 207, eighth position 208, ninth position 209, and tenth position 210 may be grouped in any desired configuration wherein each group may have any desired number of betting positions. For example, a first block may include five positions comprised of tenth position 210, first position 201, second position 202, third position 203, fourth position 204 designating numbers ending in zero, one, two, three, and four. In such embodiments, the player may place one bet on the first block and wins on his/her bet if a 0, 00 (American roulette), 20, 30, 1, 11, 21, 31, 2, 12, 22, 32, 3, 13, 23, 33, 4, 14, 24, or 34 is spun. Alternatively, each block may include only two positions each wherein a first block includes tenth position 210 and first position 201, a second block includes second position 202 and third position 203, and so on. In another embodiment, a first block includes first position 201 and second position 202, a second block includes third position 203 and fourth position 204, and so on. Nonetheless, the rules on placing bets may vary according to a casino's preference or house rules and according to the game layout used.
Colorbets
In the embodiments of the invention depicted in
In alternate embodiments of the invention, betting area 300 may be considered a separate betting area from additional betting area 200. In such embodiments, a player is allowed to place bets on both additional betting area 200 and betting area 300, but there may be different rules with respect to each of the betting areas. For instance, in one embodiment, additional betting area 200 may be considered a side bet and at least one bet must be placed on basic roulette betting area 100 before the player is permitted to place bets on additional betting area 200. In another example, betting area 300 may be considered a side bet and at least one bet must be placed on basic roulette betting area 100 before the player is permitted to place bets on betting area 300. Yet, in another embodiment, betting area 300 may be incorporated into basic roulette betting area 100, and in other embodiments, basic roulette betting area 100, additional betting area 200, and betting area 300 are each considered separate and optional betting areas, and a player must place at least one bet on either basic roulette betting area 100, additional betting area 200, or betting area 300 to participate in the game.
Selecting Winning ValueAfter each player has placed at least one bet on the basic roulette betting area and/or at least one extra bet on the additional betting area, a winning value is selected which determines the outcome of each player's bets. The winning value is selected by the dealer spinning the roulette wheel and spinning the roulette ball into the roulette wheel whereby the roulette ball is received within a winning slot of the plurality of slots, and the winning slot is associated with the winning number. Usually, the roulette wheel is spun in one direction and the roulette ball is spun in the other direction until the ball settles into one of the slots; the number marking on that slot determines the winning value selected.
The roulette wheel and ball (as well as the betting areas and overall game layout) may be replaced by computer-generated representations thereof. However, the computer-generated representations need not resemble or depict a roulette wheel and ball, but may provide a functional equivalent thereof. For example, instead of spinning a roulette wheel and ball, the value (or winning number) may be randomly selected by a computer and displayed as a virtual representation on a computer or television screen, transmitted across the Internet, or replicated as a series of lights or colors on some type of monitor or display. Those of ordinary skill in the art will be easily able to adapt the present invention to various electronic and Internet-enabled forms.
Resolving BetsAfter the roulette wheel is spun (or the winning number is randomly selected via computer), the dealer resolves each player's bets according to the winning number randomly selected. Each player's bets include at least one bet made on the basic roulette betting area and/or at least one extra bet made on the additional betting area of the present invention. Bets made on the basic roulette betting area are resolved according to payout schedules well known in the art and which are discussed above in the section entitled “Placing Bets on the Basic Roulette Betting Area.” Each player's bets are then paid out, often in some multiple according to the rarity of the event predicted by the wager, and the dealer resolves all bets according to a payout schedule roughly corresponding to the odds of each event happening.
As for bets made on the additional betting area, the payout schedules below may be used to resolve such bets. For “Lucky Number Bets” placed on the additional betting area described above, the payout schedule in TABLE 1 may be used to resolve bets made on American game layouts, and the payout schedule in TABLE 2 may be used to resolve bets made on European game layouts. A Lucky Number Bet pays if the last digit of any number that is spun matches the lucky number the player picks. The player picks his/her lucky number by placing a wager on additional betting area 200 (i.e., the player places a bet on one or more of the following positions: first position 201 designating numbers ending in one, second position 202 designating numbers ending in two, third position 203 designating numbers ending in three, fourth position 204 designating numbers ending in four, fifth position 205 designating numbers ending in five, sixth position 206 designating numbers ending in six, seventh position 207 designating numbers ending in seven, eighth position 208 designating numbers ending in eight, ninth position 209 designating numbers ending in nine, or tenth position 210 designating numbers ending in zero) (see for example,
For “Lucky Three Bets” (i.e., betting positions comprised of a first block designating numbers ending in one, two, or three; a second block designating numbers ending in four, five, or six; and a third block designating numbers ending in seven, eight, or nine), the payout schedule in TABLE 3 may be used to resolve such bets.
For “Colorbets” which are bets made in additional betting area 200 wherein players may bet on black even numbers, red even numbers, black odd numbers, or red odd numbers, the payout schedule in TABLE 4 may be used to resolve such bets.
In alternate embodiments of the invention, the above payout schedules may be of varying amounts, but usually relate to the odds of each wagered event occurring and may include a measure of profit for the casino or “house.” In electronic embodiments, the sequence of play or the actions of the method of the present invention may be replicated by electronic means. In some Internet-enabled embodiments, players will be able to play from their home computers by connecting to a web server that approximates the actions of the dealer and randomly selects values.
CONCLUSION AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTSIt can be realized from the embodiments described herein that the present invention provides a modified roulette game that adds new excitement and greater betting opportunities than traditional roulette games. The above-described embodiments of the present invention have many advantages. For instance, the present invention includes additional betting opportunities that are easy to implement for casinos and dealers. The game of the present invention is easy for players to learn and play since it does not change or complicate the basic rules of traditional roulette and utilizes the same basic roulette betting layout and roulette wheel without modifying the number of slots and/or changing the values on the wheel (and even in electronic/computer embodiments, the roulette wheel values and underlying basic betting layout are the same as in conventional roulette games).
Additionally, the new betting opportunities of the present invention do not affect the house edge nor does it slow down the flow of play. In fact, the betting opportunities offered by the present invention can actually speed up the flow of play so a casino can conduct more rounds of play in a given time period. Due to the nature of the additional betting opportunities, the player can place more bets more quickly and efficiently. For example, if a player's lucky number is six and wishes to place bets on all numbers ending in six (i.e., 6, 16, 26, and 36), instead of placing four separate bets on the betting positions for 6, 16, 26, and 36, the player may place one bet on the Lucky Numbers betting position designating numbers ending in six. If the player desires to place bets on all numbers ending in one, two, or three (i.e., 1, 11, 21, 31, 2, 12, 22, 32, 3, 13, 23, or 33), instead of placing twelve separate bets, the player may place one bet on a block (“Lucky Three Bets”) designating numbers ending in one, two, or three. Thus, the present invention makes it easier for a player to make multiple bets more rapidly.
By providing more betting opportunities, the present invention provides more opportunities to win than conventional roulette games and generates a high frequency win rate and even high payouts. Providing players with more opportunities to win and the opportunity for high payouts would certainly bring excitement and interest to players and will likely attract new players to the game.
The present invention advantageously retains some of the features and advantages of roulette as well as provides the player with greater betting options for enhanced player anticipation and enjoyment. A player may feel like he has more control because the present invention provides him with more wagering options. The invention therefore benefits the player who desires a novel variation of roulette as well as the player who does not want to have to learn new rules for placing roulette bets, but desires some variety. Additionally, it is advantageous to offer roulette players some variation in the game to maintain their long-term interest.
Certain embodiments of the present invention have reasonable odds for both the player and the casino or “house.” This is another advantage of the invention because, to be a viable casino game, the gaming method should provide opportunity for a reasonable return for both the house and the player.
It is to be understood that although some advantages of the present invention are described herein, it is not necessary that all the advantageous features and/or all the advantages need to be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention.
Although the present invention has been described above in considerable detail with reference to certain versions thereof, other versions are possible. For instance, the gaming method described above is not limited to being played as a table game. The gaming method may be played as a board game or by using computers or electronic devices having audio and video outputs. Thus, the roulette wheel, roulette ball, betting layout/betting areas/betting positions, and overall game layout may be electronic or computer representations thereof. The term “dealer” may be an actual person spinning the roulette wheel and settling the bets. It is noted that the dealer may also be a player, and the dealer does not have to be associated with a business entity having a stake in any profits derived from operating the game. The players may play against each other wherein one player is designated as the dealer. Alternatively, the players may take turns acting as the dealer. The term “dealer” may also be used to refer to a virtual dealer that is programmed through an electronic device or computer.
The invention can be readily implemented in a wide variety of additional forms and media including, but not limited to: single player slot video machines, multi-player slot video machines, electronic games and devices, lottery terminals, scratch-card formats, software, as well as in-flight, home, and Internet entertainment. Furthermore, the invention can be readily implemented in software, which can be stored on a disk (e.g., magnetic disk, compact disc (CD), USB memory stick, pen drives, flash drives, etc.) and used with a computer system. In one embodiment, the gaming method of the present invention may be implemented as a computer game that may be executed via disk or downloaded from the Internet and played using a computer, gaming console, or an electronic handheld device (e.g., personal digital assistants (PDA), mobile phones, etc.). Such embodiments may be played individually or may be played with other players. In another embodiment, the present invention may be played as an interactive online gambling game wherein the player may play against the dealer/house individually or with other players via the Internet. The dealer may be an actual person or a virtual dealer. Similarly, the other players may be actual people or they may be computer generated virtual players. In other embodiments of the invention, the gaming method may be played against a casino or wagering establishment from a remote location via the Internet or any other suitable type of network.
Some actions of the gaming method described herein may be added, omitted, modified, or performed in various sequences. Additionally, some of the actions described in the various embodiments herein are for illustrative purposes, and as such, some of the actions may be modified, added, or omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, additional side bets based on any variety of suitable occurrences may be implemented. Also, the winning number may be selected via computer-generated representations of a spin of a roulette wheel or by some other computer generated method of selecting a random value. The roulette wheel and ball may be omitted entirely, and the game can be played with computer representations or functional substitutions thereof. Nonetheless, the various embodiments of the invention which are described herein may be incorporated in a variety of contexts as mentioned above.
While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
Claims
1. A roulette game apparatus comprising:
- (a) a roulette ball;
- (b) a roulette wheel comprised of a plurality of slots wherein each of the plurality of slots is adapted to receive the roulette ball after the roulette ball is spun on the roulette wheel, the plurality of slots comprised of: thirty-six slots wherein each of the thirty-six slots is designated with one of thirty-six numbers from 1 through 36, and wherein a first half of the thirty-six numbers are associated with a first color and a second half of the thirty-six numbers are associated with a second color, and a thirty-seventh slot designated with a number 0 wherein the number 0 is associated with a third color;
- (c) a basic roulette betting area comprised of a grid of thirty-six boxes corresponding with the thirty-six slots of the roulette wheel, the grid comprised of a first column including numbers 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34, a second column including numbers 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, and 35, and a third column including numbers 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, and 36, a zero space corresponding with the thirty-seventh slot of the roulette wheel, a first column space designating the first column of the grid, a second column space designating the second column of the grid, a third column space designating the third column of the grid; a first dozen space designating numbers 1 through 12 of the grid, a second dozen space designating numbers 12 through 24 of the grid, a third dozen space designating numbers 25 through 36; a first eighteen space designating numbers 1 through 18 of the grid, a second eighteen space designating numbers 19 through 26 of the grid; an even space designating even numbers of the grid, an odd space designating odd numbers of the grid, a first color space designating numbers associated with the first color, and a second color space designating numbers associated with the second color; and
- (d) an additional betting area comprised of: a first position designating numbers ending in 1, a second position designating numbers ending in 2, a third position designating numbers ending in 3, a fourth position designating numbers ending in 4, a fifth position designating numbers ending in 5, a sixth position designating numbers ending in 6, a seventh position designating numbers ending in 7, an eighth position designating numbers ending in 8, a ninth position designating numbers ending in 9, and a tenth position designating numbers ending in 0.
2. The roulette game apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of slots further comprises a thirty-eighth slot designated with a number 00 wherein the number 00 is associated with the third color, and the basic roulette betting area further comprises a double zero space corresponding with the thirty-eighth slot of the roulette wheel.
3. The roulette game apparatus of claim 1 wherein
- the first position, the second position, and the third position are grouped into a first block designating numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3,
- the fourth position, the fifth position, and the sixth position are grouped into a second block designating numbers ending in 4, 5, or 6, and
- the seventh position, the eighth position, and the ninth position are grouped into a third block designating numbers ending in 7, 8, or 9.
4. The roulette game apparatus of claim 1 wherein the additional betting area further comprises
- a first block designating numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3,
- a second block designating numbers ending in 4, 5, or 6, and
- a third block designating numbers ending in 7, 8, or 9.
5. The roulette game apparatus of claim 1 wherein the additional betting area further comprises:
- a first color-even space designating even numbers that are associated with the first color,
- a second color-even space designating even numbers associated with the second color,
- a first color-odd space designating odd numbers associated with the first color, and
- a second color-odd space designating odd numbers associated with the second color.
6. The roulette game apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first color is black, the second color is red, and the third color is green.
7. The roulette game apparatus of claim 6 wherein the additional betting area further comprises:
- a black-even space designating black even numbers,
- a red-even space designating red even numbers,
- a black-odd space designating black odd numbers; and
- a red-odd space designating red odd numbers.
8. A roulette game apparatus comprising:
- (a) a roulette ball;
- (b) a roulette wheel comprised of a plurality of slots wherein each of the plurality of slots is adapted to receive the roulette ball after the roulette ball is spun on the roulette wheel, the plurality of slots comprised of: thirty-six slots wherein each of the thirty-six slots is designated with one of thirty-six numbers from 1 through 36, and wherein a first half of the thirty-six numbers are associated with red and a second half of the thirty-six numbers are associated with black, and a thirty-seventh slot designated with a number 0 wherein the number 0 is associated with green;
- (c) a basic roulette betting area comprised of a grid of thirty-six boxes corresponding with the thirty-six slots of the roulette wheel, the grid comprised of a first column including numbers 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34, a second column including numbers 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, and 35, and a third column including numbers 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, and 36, a zero space corresponding with the thirty-seventh slot of the roulette wheel, a first column space designating the first column of the grid, a second column space designating the second column of the grid, a third column space designating the third column of the grid; a first dozen space designating numbers 1 through 12 of the grid, a second dozen space designating numbers 12 through 24 of the grid, a third dozen space designating numbers 25 through 36; a first eighteen space designating numbers 1 through 18 of the grid, a second eighteen space designating numbers 19 through 26 of the grid; an even space designating even numbers of the grid, an odd space designating odd numbers of the grid, a black space designating numbers associated with black, and a red space designating numbers associated with red; and
- (d) an additional belting area comprised of: a first position designating numbers ending in 1, a second position designating numbers ending in 2, a third position designating numbers ending in 3, a fourth position designating numbers ending in 4, a fifth position designating numbers ending in 5, a sixth position designating numbers ending in 6, a seventh position designating numbers ending in 7, an eighth position designating numbers ending in 8, a ninth position designating numbers ending in 9, a tenth position designating numbers ending in 0, a first block designating numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3, a second block designating numbers ending in 4, 5, or 6, and a third block designating numbers ending in 7, 8, or 9.
9. The roulette game apparatus of claim 8 wherein the plurality of slots further comprises a thirty-eighth slot designated with a number 00 wherein the number 00 is associated with green, and the basic roulette betting area further comprises a double zero space corresponding with the thirty-eighth slot of the roulette wheel.
10. The roulette game apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first block comprises the first position, the second position, and the third position; the second block comprises the fourth position, the fifth position, and the sixth position; and the third block comprises the seventh position, the eighth position, and the ninth position.
11. The roulette game apparatus of claim 8 wherein the additional betting area further comprises:
- a black-even space designating black even numbers,
- a red-even space designating red even numbers,
- a black-odd space designating black odd numbers, and
- a red-odd space designating red odd numbers.
12. A method of playing a modified roulette game comprising:
- (a) providing a roulette game apparatus comprising i. a roulette ball; ii. a roulette wheel comprised of a plurality of slots wherein each of the plurality of slots is adapted to receive the roulette ball after the roulette ball is spun on the roulette wheel, the plurality of slots comprised of: thirty-six slots wherein each of the thirty-six slots is designated with one of thirty-six numbers from 1 through 36, and wherein a first half of the thirty-six numbers are associated with red and a second half of the thirty-six numbers are associated with black, and a thirty-seventh slot designated with a number 0 wherein the number 0 is associated with green; iii. a basic roulette betting area comprised of a grid of thirty-six boxes corresponding with the thirty-six slots of the roulette wheel, the grid comprised of a first column including numbers 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34, a second column including numbers 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, and 35, and a third column including numbers 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, and 36, a zero space corresponding with the thirty-seventh slot of the roulette wheel, a first column space designating the first column of the grid, a second column space designating the second column of the grid, a third column space designating the third column of the grid; a first dozen space designating numbers 1 through 12 of the grid, a second dozen space designating numbers 12 through 24 of the grid, a third dozen space designating numbers 25 through 36; a first eighteen space designating numbers 1 through 18 of the grid, a second eighteen space designating numbers 19 through 26 of the grid; an even space designating even numbers of the grid, an odd space designating odd numbers of the grid, a black space designating numbers associated with black, and a red space designating numbers associated with red; and iv. an additional betting area comprised of: a first position designating numbers ending in 1, a second position designating numbers ending in 2, a third position designating numbers ending in 3, a fourth position designating numbers ending in 4, a fifth position designating numbers ending in 5, a sixth position designating numbers ending in 6, a seventh position designating numbers ending in 7, an eighth position designating numbers ending in 8, a ninth position designating numbers ending in 9, and a tenth position designating numbers ending in 0;
- (b) allowing each player to place at least one bet on the basic roulette betting area;
- (c) allowing each player to place at least one extra bet on the additional betting area, wherein the at least one extra bet may be any multiple of a minimum wager;
- (d) spinning the roulette wheel and spinning the roulette ball into the roulette wheel whereby the roulette ball is received within a winning slot of the plurality of slots, wherein the winning slot is associated with a winning number; and
- (e) resolving the at least one bet and the at least one extra bet of each player according to the winning number.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the plurality of slots of the roulette game apparatus further comprises a thirty-eighth slot designated with a number 00 wherein the number 00 is associated with green, and the basic roulette betting area further comprises a double zero space corresponding with the thirty-eighth slot of the roulette wheel.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein
- the first position, the second position, and the third position are grouped into a first block designating numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3,
- the fourth position, the fifth position, and the sixth position are grouped into a second block designating numbers ending in 4, 5, or 6, and
- the seventh position, the eighth position, and the ninth position are grouped into a third block designating numbers ending in 7, 8, or 9,
- wherein each player may place the at least one extra bet on the first block, the second block, the third block.
15. The method of claim 12 wherein the additional betting area further comprises
- a first block designating numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3,
- a second block designating numbers ending in 4, 5, or 6, and
- a third block designating numbers ending in 7, 8, or 9.
16. The method of claim 12 wherein the at least one bet is required.
17. The method of claim 12 wherein the additional betting area further comprises:
- a black-even space designating black even numbers,
- a red-even space designating red even numbers,
- a black-odd space designating black odd numbers, and
- a red-odd space designating red odd numbers.
18. A method of playing a modified roulette game comprising:
- (a) providing a roulette game apparatus comprising i. a roulette ball; ii. a roulette wheel comprised of a plurality of slots wherein each of the plurality of slots is adapted to receive the roulette ball after the roulette ball is spun on the roulette wheel, the plurality of slots comprised of: thirty-six slots wherein each of the thirty-six slots is designated with one of thirty-six numbers from 1 through 36, and wherein a first half of the thirty-six numbers are associated with red and a second half of the thirty-six numbers are associated with black, and a thirty-seventh slot designated with a number 0 wherein the number 0 is associated with green; iii. a basic roulette betting area comprised of a grid of thirty-six boxes corresponding with the thirty-six slots of the roulette wheel, the grid comprised of a first column including numbers 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34, a second column including numbers 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, and 35, and a third column including numbers 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, and 36, a zero space corresponding with the thirty-seventh slot of the roulette wheel, a first column space designating the first column of the grid, a second column space designating the second column of the grid, a third column space designating the third column of the grid; a first dozen space designating numbers 1 through 12 of the grid, a second dozen space designating numbers 12 through 24 of the grid, a third dozen space designating numbers 25 through 36; a first eighteen space designating numbers 1 through 18 of the grid, a second eighteen space designating numbers 19 through 26 of the grid; an even space designating even numbers of the grid, an odd space designating odd numbers of the grid, a black space designating numbers associated with black, and a red space designating numbers associated with red; and iv. a second betting area comprised of: a first position designating numbers ending in 1, a second position designating numbers ending in 2, a third position designating numbers ending in 3, a fourth position designating numbers ending in 4, a fifth position designating numbers ending in 5, a sixth position designating numbers ending in 6, a seventh position designating numbers ending in 7, an eighth position designating numbers ending in 8, a ninth position designating numbers ending in 9, a tenth position designating numbers ending in 0 a first block designating numbers ending in 1, 2, or 3, a second block designating numbers ending in 4, 5, or 6, and a third block designating numbers ending in 7, 8, or 9.
- (b) allowing each player to place at least one bet on the basic roulette betting area;
- (c) allowing each player to place at least one extra bet on the second betting area;
- (d) spinning the roulette wheel and spinning the roulette ball into the roulette wheel whereby the roulette ball is received in a winning slot of the plurality of slots, wherein the winning slot is associated with a winning number; and
- (e) resolving the at least one bet and the at least one extra bet of each player according to the winning number.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the plurality of slots of the roulette game apparatus further comprises a thirty-eighth slot designated with a number 00 wherein the number 00 is associated with green, and the basic roulette betting area further comprises a double zero space corresponding with the thirty-eighth slot of the roulette wheel.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein the at least one bet is mandatory.
21. The method of claim 18 wherein the second betting area further comprises
- a black-even space designating black even numbers,
- a red-even space designating red even numbers,
- a black-odd space designating black odd numbers, and
- a red-odd space designating red odd numbers.
22. The method of claim 18 further comprising allowing each player to place at least one colorbet on a third betting area comprised of
- a black-even space designating black even numbers,
- a red-even space designating red even numbers,
- a black-odd space designating black odd numbers, and
- a red-odd space designating red odd numbers.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 17, 2007
Publication Date: Apr 23, 2009
Inventors: Werner Alecsander Kling (Oslo), Huge Hagen (Raelingen)
Application Number: 11/873,657
International Classification: A63F 5/04 (20060101);
