METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR GAMING
An otherwise conventional craps table is provided with one or more unique wagering opportunities each comprising odds which are more favorable to the craps player as compared with the odds associated with traditional craps wagers. Utilization of the wager opportunities comprising the present invention attracts more players to the craps table and thereby ultimately benefits the craps table operator.
This application is continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 11/530,066 filed Sep. 8, 2006, currently pending, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference; which is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 11/292,663 filed Dec. 2, 2005, currently pending, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference; and of application Ser. No. 11/055,765 filed Feb. 11, 2005, abandoned, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference; which is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 11/039,181 filed Jan. 20, 2005, abandoned, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference; which is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 10/860,398 filed Jun. 3, 2004, abandoned, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference; which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/403,275 filed Apr. 1, 2003, abandoned, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELDThis invention relates generally to games of chance and more particularly to improvements in the gaming activity known as craps.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAs is well known to those skilled in the art, the gaming activity known as craps is a table game, that is, craps is played on a gaming table as opposed to a gaming machine. Gaming machines which emulate the craps table game are also known, and the present invention is equally applicable thereto.
Craps differs from other table games in that the bets or wagers which are available to the player are clearly delineated on the craps table. Stated conversely, the only bets that can be made in the game of craps are identified with and stated on segregated areas of the craps table. In order to make a bet, a craps player places a selected number of chips on the segment of the craps table corresponding to the selected bet, whereupon the bet is made.
Referring to
Having particular reference to the segments 14 of the craps table 10, two of the bets which are disfavored by craps players are known as “Big 6” and “Big 8”. The “Big 6” and “Big 8” bets are generally referred to in the industry as “sucker bets” because the odds of winning these bets favor the house to a much greater extent as compared to other bets or wagers which are available on the craps table 10. Also, the payout resulting from a winning “BIG 6” or “BIG 8” is considered inadequate by most craps players.
Although a wager favoring the house might at first seem advantageous to the operator of the craps table 10, in the long run this is not the case. Thus, although a novice might occasionally make a “Big 6” or “Big 8” wager, the player will not do so again upon learning that the odds pertaining to such a bet so strongly favor the house. Therefore, because the areas of the craps table 10 associated with the “Big 6” and “Big 8” wagers go virtually unused, the areas 14 of the crap table 10 represent wasted space which does not earn revenue for the operator of the craps table 10.
The present invention comprises an improvement in the game of craps which overcomes the foregoing and other difficulties which have long since characterized the prior art. In accordance with the invention, one or more segments of the craps table heretofore associated with the bets known as “Big 6” and “Big 8” are replaced with different betting or waging opportunities which are much more favorable to the player. Alternatively, some craps tables may already have the “Big 6” and “Big 8” betting options removed, in which case the present invention comprises betting opportunities in addition to those already presented on the craps table.
The assignment of portions of the craps table to betting opportunities more favorable to the player is ultimately advantageous to the operator of the craps table in that craps tables incorporating the present invention will attract additional players as compared with conventional craps tables not incorporating the present invention. Thus, because all bets or wagers available in the game of craps ultimately favor the house to a greater or lesser degree, operators of craps tables incorporating the present invention will ultimately realize increased revenues as opposed to operators of conventional craps tables.
Having particular reference to the segment 16 of the craps table 10, another bet with odds favoring the house, but popular among craps players is betting the “Hardways.” A “Hardways” player wagers that the Shooter will roll either a double two, a double three, a double four, or a double five, resulting in a hard four, six, eight, or ten respectively, before a seven is rolled. If the shooter rolls the selected “hard” number in doubles, the payoff is high for the player, specifically a ten-to-one payout. However, if the selected number is rolled in a combination other than doubles, the player loses the bet.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a different wagering opportunity for a player to wager that a “hard” number will be thrown, the difference being that the bet is not lost if the selected number is thrown in a combination other than doubles. This provides a better betting alternative to the player because the only throw that defeats the bet is a seven, and may be referred to as a “Softways” bet.
As will become more apparent hereinafter, the present invention comprises other and further modifications of and additions to conventional craps table layouts all of which favor the craps player and therefore ultimately benefit the craps table operator.
A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in connection with the accompanying Drawings, wherein:
Referring now to the Drawings, and particularly to
The segment 20 includes an odd portion 22 and an even portion 24. By placing one or more chips on the odd portion 22 the player wagers that a five, a seven, a nine, or an eleven will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If an odd number is thrown the player receives a payout equal to the original bet while retaining the original bet. If an even number is thrown the player loses the original bet. If a three is thrown the player does not receive a payout nor does the player lose the original bet. The bet remains for the next throw of the dice unless the player opts to take down the bet.
By placing one or more chips on the even portion 24 the player wagers that a four, a six, an eight, or a ten will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If an even number is thrown the player receives a payout equal to the original bet while retaining the original bet. If an odd number is thrown the player loses the original bet. If a two or a twelve is thrown the player does not receive a payout nor does the player lose the original bet. The bet remains for the next throw of the dice unless the player opts to take the bet down. As will therefore be understood by those skilled in the art the bets provided to the craps player by this embodiment of the present invention resemble, in some respects, the conventional “field” bet.
If a player places one or more chips on the high portion 46 of the segment 40 the player wagers that a nine, a ten, an eleven, or a twelve will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If a twelve is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game the player receives a payout equal to two times the original wager while retaining the original wager. If a nine, a ten, or an eleven is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game the player receives a payout equal to two times the original wager while retaining the original wager. As will therefore be understood by those skilled in the art the bets provided to the craps player by this embodiment of the present invention resemble, in some respects, the conventional “field” bet.
The craps table segment 60 differs from the craps table segment 40 of
Specifically, the segment 80 includes a multi-number portion 82 that allows the player to wager that a double two, double three, double four, or double five, resulting in a hard four, a hard six, a hard eight, or a hard ten, will be thrown in doubles on the next roll of the dice. If doubles are thrown the player receives a 7 to 5 payout while retaining the amount of the original bet. If a four, a six, an eight, or a ten is thrown in a combination other than doubles, or any other number besides a seven is thrown, the player neither wins nor loses their bet. The player may keep the bet posted for the next roll of dice or opt to take the bet down. Only the roll of a seven results in the player losing the bet.
In addition to the multi-number portion 82 the segment 80 includes a four-ten portion 84 and a six-eight portion 86. The four-ten portion 84 is similar to the multi-number portion 82 with the only difference being that the bet is narrowed to only a four or a ten being thrown. Similarly, the six-eight portion 86 wagers only for a six or an eight to be thrown in doubles. For both the four-ten portion 84 and the six-eight portion 86 the player wins if the selected numbers are thrown in doubles. The payout is 14 to 5 while retaining the amount of the original bet.
Finally, the segment 80 includes individual portions 88, 90, 92, and 94 for each of the hard numbers four, ten, six, and eight 94, respectively, allowing the player to wager only one number being thrown in doubles. Only the roll of a seven causes a player to lose a bet on any portion of the segment 80. As will therefore be understood by those skilled in the art the bets provided to the craps player by this embodiment of the present invention resemble, in some respects, the conventional “place” bet.
Although the segments 82 and 80 are illustrated in a certain location on the craps table 96, the segments 82 and 80 may be placed at alternate locations on a craps table in order for easier and faster placing of bets onto the segments by table operators, which results in a faster pace of play at the craps table. For example, wagering opportunities represented in segments 82 and 80 may be incorporated into a traditional craps gaming table as shown in
The craps table segment 100 differs from the craps table segment 80 of
The craps table segment 110 differs from the craps table segment 100 of
If a player places one or more chips on the high portion 124 of the segment 120 the player wagers that an eight, a nine, a ten, an eleven, or a twelve will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If a twelve is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game the player receives a payout equal to six times the original wager while retaining the original wager. If an eight, a nine, a ten, or an eleven is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game, the player receives a payout equal to the amount of the original wager. As will therefore be understood by those skilled in the art the bets provided to the craps player by this embodiment of the present invention resemble, in some respects, the conventional “field” bet.
If a player places one or more chips on the high eight portion 134 of the segment 130, the player wagers that an eight, nine, a ten, an eleven, or a twelve will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If an eight is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game, the player receives a payout equal to two times the original bet while retaining the original bet. If a nine, a ten, an eleven, or a twelve is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game, the player receives a payout equal to the amount of the original bet.
If a player places one or more chips on the high portion 144 of the segment 140, the player wagers that an eight, a nine, a ten, an eleven, or a twelve will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If an eight is thrown on the next roll by throwing doubles during play of the craps game, the player receives a payout equal to five times the original bet while retaining the original bet. If a nine, a ten, an eleven, or a twelve is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game, the player receives a payout equal to the amount of the original bet.
If a player places one or more chips on the high portion 154 of the segment 150 the player wagers that an eight, a nine, a ten, an eleven, or a twelve will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If an eight, a ten, or a twelve is thrown on the next roll by throwing doubles the player receives a payout equal to two times the original bet while retaining the original bet. If a nine or an eleven is thrown on the next roll the player receives a payout equal to the amount of the original bet. If an eight or a ten is thrown on the next roll in a form other than by throwing doubles the player receives a payout equal to the amount of the original bet.
The tracking grid 170 is also useful in the management of “hop bets”. As is well known to those skilled in the art a hop bet comprises a wager that a specific combination of dice will be thrown on the next roll of the dice.
As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art the tracking grid 170 is utilized when placing a hop bet prior to the roll of the dice. A player wishing to make a hop bet places one or more chips on the segment of the tracking grid 170 corresponding to the wager that he or she wishes to make. Assuming that the combination of dice that is displayed on the next roll of the dice matches the hop bet the employees of the table operator make the appropriate payout to the player that made the wager, remove all of the chips from the tracking grid 170, and place a marker on the segment of the tracking grid 170 corresponding to the combination of dice that was just rolled. The marker remains in place until the next roll of the dice thereby eliminating confusion and arguments over exactly what combination of die was thrown on a previous roll.
Because the craps table 190 allows craps players to place their own wagers in the vast majority of cases a craps table incorporating the craps table layout 190 can be operated by three employees of the craps table operator as opposed to the usual four employee requirement. Thus, the craps table operator enjoys a 25% reduction in employee costs when utilizing the craps table layout 190 as opposed to conventional craps table layouts. The craps table layout 190 also allows a substantially greater number of craps players to position themselves around a craps table incorporating the craps table layout 190 as compared with craps tables incorporating traditional craps table layouts thereby increasing the revenues received and profits earned by the craps table operator.
Referring to
The segment 200 contains a segment 202 in the middle that contains two sets of numbers. The left portion 204 comprises the numbers 1 through 10. The right portion 206 comprises the numbers 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40, 75, 150, 250, and 500. Portion 204 represents the number of consecutive passes. Portion 206 represents the multiplying number used to determine the value of a wager at that time. Example: A $5 wager after 4 consecutive passes would have a value of ($5×10) or ($50)+original $5 wager returned. The multiplying number of 10 is determined by looking at the segment 202 and the multiplier in the portion 206 adjacent to the number 4 in the portion 204 representing four consecutive passes.
Segment 202 is the area incorporating the present invention. In placing the wager the dealer places a marker that identifies the player that the wager belongs to. If a pass is made the marker is moved up one section to the number that represents the current number of passes that have been made, and the corresponding multiplying number is used to determine the value of the wager. At any time before a point is established the wager can be collected for its current value. After a point is established a win or loss for that pass is determined before the wager can be collected with failure to make a pass resulting in the loss of the wager. The addition of the wager comprising
The use of the craps table 208 of
Referring to
The use of the craps table 218 of
Referring to
Still referring to
The use of the craps table 208 of
The tracking segment 224 may be applied to any wagering opportunity on the craps table 218 or any other wagering opportunity shown in
Referring now to
Accordingly, placing wagers on the gratuity segments 242, 246, and 248 of craps tables 240 and 244 enable a player to possibly award a larger gratuity amount to the dealer than a player may otherwise be able to provide and relieves the player from not knowing how much gratuity to give the dealer.
Accordingly, placing a gratuity segment on a gaming table may be incorporated into gaming tables for other games such as baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and electronic gaming machines, such as gaming machine 330 described hereinafter in conjunction with
If a player places one or more chips on the higher portion 278 of the segment 274 the player wagers that a nine, a ten, an eleven, or a twelve will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If a twelve is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game the player receives a payout equal to fifteen times the original wager while retaining the original wager. If a nine, a ten, or an eleven is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game the player receives a payout equal to the amount of the original wager.
If a player places one or more chips on the high portion 286 of the segment 282 the player wagers that an eight, a nine, a ten, an eleven, or a twelve will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If a “hard” twelve is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game the player receives a payout equal to five times the original wager while retaining the original wager. If a “hard” eight is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game the player receives a payout equal to two times the original wager while retaining the original wager. If an eight in a form other than doubles, a nine, a ten, or an eleven is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game, the player receives a payout equal to the amount of the original wager.
If a player places one or more chips on the “Big 8” portion 306 of the segment 304 the player wagers that an eight will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If an eight is thrown on the next roll in the form of two fours the player receives a 9 to 5 payout while retaining the amount of the original bet. If an eight is thrown in any form other than two fours the player receives a payout equal to the amount of the original bet while retaining the amount of the original bet.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Although the present invention is described in conjunction with a game of chance played using a pair of die, the present invention is equally applicable to a craps game of chance played with playing cards instead of dice wherein the player's wager and payout depend on the next cards dealt rather than the next roll of the dice.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. A method of gaming comprising the steps of:
- providing a pair of dice:
- providing a traditional craps table having a playing surface comprising a plurality of segments defining a plurality of wagering opportunities including:
- a Pass Line segment for securing a wager betting both that one or more rolls of the dice will yield an established first point without rolling a seven, and a prior number is rolled prior to rolling a first point number;
- a Don't Pass Bar segment for securing a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before an established first point number is rolled;
- a Come segment for receiving a wager betting that the first number rolled after the come bet is placed will be rolled again before a seven is rolled;
- a Don't Come Bar segment for receiving a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before the first number rolled after the don't come bet is placed is rolled again;
- a plurality of Place Bet segments each identified with one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 for receiving a wager that the number associated with the segment will be thrown before a seven is thrown;
- at least one Field segment for securing a wager betting that a number selected from the group consisting of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be thrown on the next roll;
- a Hard Ways segment for receiving a wager betting that a pair of twos, a pair of threes, a pair of fours, or a pair of fives will be thrown before a seven is thrown and before the selected number is thrown in a non-pair combinations;
- a Big Six segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield a six; and
- a Big Eight segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield an eight;
- placing a bet on anyone of the plurality of segments;
- after placing the bet, rolling the pair of dice;
- determining the outcome of the roll of the dice;
- paying an amount of winnings to a player placing a winner wager on at least one of the wagering opportunities within the new segment; and
- positioning a plurality of tracking grids about the table for use in tracking consecutive waters placed by individual players during the play of a craps game,
23. A method of gaming comprising the steps of:
- providing a pair of dice:
- providing a traditional craps table having a playing surface comprising a plurality of segments defining a plurality of wagering opportunities including:
- a Pass Line segment for securing a wager betting both that one or more rolls of the dice will yield an established first point without rolling a seven, and a prior number is rolled prior to rolling a first point number;
- a Don't Pass Bar segment for securing a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before an established first point number is rolled;
- a Come segment for receiving a wager betting that the first number rolled after the come bet is placed will be rolled again before a seven is rolled;
- a Don't Come Bar segment for receiving a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before the first number rolled after the don't come bet is placed is rolled again;
- a plurality of Place Bet segments each identified with one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 for receiving a wager that the number associated with the segment will be thrown before a seven is thrown;
- at least one Field segment for securing a wager betting that a number selected from the group consisting of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be thrown on the next roll;
- a Hard Ways segment for receiving a wager betting that a pair of twos, a pair of threes, a pair of fours, or a pair of fives will be thrown before a seven is thrown and before the selected number is thrown in a non-pair combinations;
- a Big Six segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield a six; and
- a Big Eight segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield an eight;
- placing a bet on anyone of the plurality of segments;
- after placing the bet, rolling the pair of dice;
- determining the outcome of the roll of the dice;
- paying an amount of winnings to a player placing a winner wager on at least one of the wagering opportunities within the new segment; and
- a tracking grid positioned within place bet segments wherein a player wagers that a specific number selected from the group consisting of four, five, six, eight, nine, and ten will be thrown before a seven during the play of a craps game wherein the player receives a payout equal to five hundred (500) times the original wager if the specific number is thrown ten times before a seven is thrown during play of the craps game.
24. A method of gaming comprising the steps of:
- providing a pair of dice:
- providing a traditional craps table having a playing surface comprising a plurality of segments defining a plurality of wagering opportunities including:
- a Pass Line segment for securing a wager betting both that one or more rolls of the dice will yield an established first point without rolling a seven, and a prior number is rolled prior to rolling a first point number;
- a Don't Pass Bar segment for securing a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before an established first point number is rolled;
- a Come segment for receiving a wager betting that the first number rolled after the come bet is placed will be rolled again before a seven is rolled;
- a Don't Come Bar segment for receiving a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before the first number rolled after the don't come bet is placed is rolled again;
- a plurality of Place Bet segments each identified with one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 for receiving a wager that the number associated with the segment will be thrown before a seven is thrown;
- at least one Field segment for securing a wager betting that a number selected from the group consisting of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be thrown on the next roll;
- a Hard Ways segment for receiving a wager betting that a pair of twos, a pair of threes, a pair of fours, or a pair of fives will be thrown before a seven is thrown and before the selected number is thrown in a non-pair combinations;
- a Big Six segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield a six;
- a Big Eight segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield an eight;
- a new segment having at least one wagering opportunity, the new segment comprising;
- an opportunity to wager that a two, a three, or a twelve is thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of a craps game wherein the wager is divided equally among all three numbers and the player receives a payout if any of the three numbers is thrown on the next roll of the dice;
- placing a bet on anyone of the plurality of segments;
- after placing the bet, rolling the pair of dice;
- determining the outcome of the roll of the dice; and
- paying an amount of winnings to a player placing a winner wager on at least one of the wagering opportunities within the new segment.
25. A method of gaming comprising the steps of:
- providing a pair of dice:
- providing a traditional craps table having a playing surface comprising a plurality of segments defining a plurality of wagering opportunities including:
- a Pass Line segment for securing a wager betting both that one or more rolls of the dice will yield an established first point without rolling a seven, and a prior number is rolled prior to rolling a first point number;
- a Don't Pass Bar segment for securing a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before an established first point number is rolled;
- a Come segment for receiving a wager betting that the first number rolled after the come bet is placed will be rolled again before a seven is rolled;
- a Don't Come Bar segment for receiving a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before the first number rolled after the don't come bet is placed is rolled again;
- a plurality of Place Bet segments each identified with one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 for receiving a wager that the number associated with the segment will be thrown before a seven is thrown;
- at least one Field segment for securing a wager betting that a number selected from the group consisting of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be thrown on the next roll;
- a Hard Ways segment for receiving a wager betting that a pair of twos, a pair of threes, a pair of fours, or a pair of fives will be thrown before a seven is thrown and before the selected number is thrown in a non-pair combinations;
- a Big Six segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield a six; and
- a Big Eight segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield an eight;
- a new segment having at least one wagering opportunity, the new segment comprising:
- an opportunity to wager that a two, a three, a four, or a five will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of a craps game and an opportunity to wager that a nine, a ten, an eleven, or a twelve will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of a craps game;
- placing a bet on anyone of the plurality of segments;
- after placing the bet, rolling the pair of dice;
- determining the outcome of the roll of the dice; and
- paying an amount of winnings to a player placing a winner wager on at least one of the wagering opportunities within the new segment.
26. A method of gaming comprising the steps of:
- providing a pair of dice:
- providing a traditional craps table having a playing surface comprising a plurality of segments defining a plurality of wagering opportunities including:
- a Pass Line segment for securing a wager betting both that one or more rolls of the dice will yield an established first point without rolling a seven, and a prior number is rolled prior to rolling a first point number;
- a Don't Pass Bar segment for securing a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before an established first point number is rolled;
- a Come segment for receiving a wager betting that the first number rolled after the come bet is placed will be rolled again before a seven is rolled;
- a Don't Come Bar segment for receiving a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before the first number rolled after the don't come bet is placed is rolled again;
- a plurality of Place Bet segments each identified with one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 for receiving a wager that the number associated with the segment will be thrown before a seven is thrown;
- at least one Field segment for securing a wager betting that a number selected from the group consisting of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be thrown on the next roll;
- a Hard Ways segment for receiving a wager betting that a pair of twos, a pair of threes, a pair of fours, or a pair of fives will be thrown before a seven is thrown and before the selected number is thrown in a non-pair combinations;
- a Big Six segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield a six; and
- a Big Eight segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield an eight;
- a new segment having at least one wagering opportunity, the new segment comprising:
- an opportunity to wager that a three, a four, a five, or a six will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of a craps game, an opportunity to wager that an eight, a nine, a ten, or an eleven will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of a craps game, and an opportunity to wager a double one, a double three, a double four, or a double six will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of a craps game;
- placing a bet on anyone of the plurality of segments;
- after placing the bet, rolling the pair of dice;
- determining the outcome of the roll of the dice; and
- paying an amount of winnings to a player placing a winner wager on at least one of the wagering opportunities within the new segment.
27. A method of gaming comprising the steps of:
- providing a pair of dice:
- providing a traditional craps table having a playing surface comprising a plurality of segments defining a plurality of wagering opportunities including:
- a Pass Line segment for securing a wager betting both that one or more rolls of the dice will yield an established first point without rolling a seven, and a prior number is rolled prior to rolling a first point number;
- a Don't Pass Bar segment for securing a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before an established first point number is rolled;
- a Come segment for receiving a wager betting that the first number rolled after the come bet is placed will be rolled again before a seven is rolled;
- a Don't Come Bar segment for receiving a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before the first number rolled after the don't come bet is placed is rolled again;
- a plurality of Place Bet segments each identified with one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 for receiving a wager that the number associated with the segment will be thrown before a seven is thrown;
- at least one Field segment for securing a wager betting that a number selected from the group consisting of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be thrown on the next roll;
- a Hard Ways segment for receiving a wager betting that a pair of twos, a pair of threes, a pair of fours, or a pair of fives will be thrown before a seven is thrown and before the selected number is thrown in a non-pair combinations;
- a Big Six segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield a six; and
- a Big Eight segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield an eight;
- a new segment having at least one wagering opportunity, the new segment comprising:
- an opportunity to place a wager that a two, a three, an eleven, or a twelve will be thrown before a seven is rolled during the play of a craps game wherein any winnings earned on the wager are reduced by five percent before being paid to the player;
- placing a bet on anyone of the plurality of segments;
- after placing the bet, rolling the pair of dice;
- determining the outcome of the roll of the dice; and
- paying an amount of winnings to a player placing a winner wager on at least one of the wagering opportunities within the new segment.
28. A method of gaming comprising the steps of:
- providing a pair of dice:
- providing a traditional craps table having a playing surface comprising a plurality of segments defining a plurality of wagering opportunities including:
- a Pass Line segment for securing a wager betting both that one or more rolls of the dice will yield an established first point without rolling a seven, and a prior number is rolled prior to rolling a first point number;
- a Don't Pass Bar segment for securing a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before an established first point number is rolled;
- a Come segment for receiving a wager betting that the first number rolled after the come bet is placed will be rolled again before a seven is rolled;
- a Don't Come Bar segment for receiving a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before the first number rolled after the don't come bet is placed is rolled again;
- a plurality of Place Bet segments each identified with one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 for receiving a wager that the number associated with the segment will be thrown before a seven is thrown;
- at least one Field segment for securing a wager betting that a number selected from the group consisting of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be thrown on the next roll;
- a Hard Ways segment for receiving a wager betting that a pair of twos, a pair of threes, a pair of fours, or a pair of fives will be thrown before a seven is thrown and before the selected number is thrown in a non-pair combinations;
- a Big Six segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield a six; and
- a Big Eight segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield an eight;
- a new segment having at least one wagering opportunity, the new segment comprising:
- an opportunity to place a wager that a double one, a double two, a double three, a double four, a double five, or a double six will be thrown before a seven is rolled during the play of a craps game wherein any winnings earned on the wager are reduced by five percent before being paid to the player;
- placing a bet on anyone of the plurality of segments;
- after placing the bet, rolling the pair of dice;
- determining the outcome of the roll of the dice; and
- paying an amount of winnings to a player placing a winner wager on at least one of the wagering opportunities within the new segment.
29. A method of gaming comprising the steps of:
- providing a pair of dice:
- providing a traditional craps table having a playing surface comprising a plurality of segments defining a plurality of wagering opportunities including:
- a Pass Line segment for securing a wager betting both that one or more rolls of the dice will yield an established first point without rolling a seven, and a prior number is rolled prior to rolling a first point number;
- a Don't Pass Bar segment for securing a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before an established first point number is rolled;
- a Come segment for receiving a wager betting that the first number rolled after the come bet is placed will be rolled again before a seven is rolled;
- a Don't Come Bar segment for receiving a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before the first number rolled after the don't come bet is placed is rolled again;
- a plurality of Place Bet segments each identified with one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 for receiving a wager that the number associated with the segment will be thrown before a seven is thrown;
- at least one Field segment for securing a wager betting that a number selected from the group consisting of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be thrown on the next roll;
- a Hard Ways segment for receiving a wager betting that a pair of twos, a pair of threes, a pair of fours, or a pair of fives will be thrown before a seven is thrown and before the selected number is thrown in a non-pair combinations;
- a Big Six segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield a six; and
- a Big Eight segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield an eight;
- a new segment having at least one wagering opportunity, the new segment comprising:
- an opportunity to wager that a double one, a double two, a double three, a double four, a double five, and a double six will all be thrown before a seven is thrown during the play of a craps game;
- placing a bet on anyone of the plurality of segments;
- after placing the bet, rolling the pair of dice;
- determining the outcome of the roll of the dice; and
- paying an amount of winnings to a player placing a winner wager on at least one of the wagering opportunities within the new segment.
30. A method of gaming comprising the steps of:
- providing a pair of dice:
- providing a traditional craps table having a playing surface comprising a plurality of segments defining a plurality of wagering opportunities including:
- a Pass Line segment for securing a wager betting both that one or more rolls of the dice will yield an established first point without rolling a seven, and a prior number is rolled prior to rolling a first point number;
- a Don't Pass Bar segment for securing a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before an established first point number is rolled;
- a Come segment for receiving a wager betting that the first number rolled after the come bet is placed will be rolled again before a seven is rolled;
- a Don't Come Bar segment for receiving a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before the first number rolled after the don't come bet is placed is rolled again;
- a plurality of Place Bet segments each identified with one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 for receiving a wager that the number associated with the segment will be thrown before a seven is thrown;
- at least one Field segment for securing a wager betting that a number selected from the group consisting of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be thrown on the next roll;
- a Hard Ways segment for receiving a wager betting that a pair of twos, a pair of threes, a pair of fours, or a pair of fives will be thrown before a seven is thrown and before the selected number is thrown in a non-pair combinations;
- a Big Six segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield a six; and
- a Big Eight segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield an eight;
- a new segment having at least one wagering opportunity, the new segment comprising:
- an opportunity to wager that a double two, a double three, a double four, and a double five will all be thrown before a seven is thrown during the play of a craps game;
- placing a bet on anyone of the plurality of segments;
- after placing the bet, rolling the pair of dice;
- determining the outcome of the roll of the dice; and
- paying an amount of winnings to a player placing a winner wager on at least one of the wagering opportunities within the new segment.
31. A method of gaming comprising the steps of:
- providing a pair of dice:
- providing a traditional craps table having a playing surface comprising a plurality of segments defining a plurality of wagering opportunities including:
- a Pass Line segment for securing a wager betting both that one or more rolls of the dice will yield an established first point without rolling a seven, and a prior number is rolled prior to rolling a first point number;
- a Don't Pass Bar segment for securing a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before an established first point number is rolled;
- a Come segment for receiving a wager betting that the first number rolled after the come bet is placed will be rolled again before a seven is rolled;
- a Don't Come Bar segment for receiving a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before the first number rolled after the don't come bet is placed is rolled again;
- a plurality of Place Bet segments each identified with one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 for receiving a wager that the number associated with the segment will be thrown before a seven is thrown;
- at least one Field segment for securing a wager betting that a number selected from the group consisting of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be thrown on the next roll;
- a Hard Ways segment for receiving a wager betting that a pair of twos, a pair of threes, a pair of fours, or a pair of fives will be thrown before a seven is thrown and before the selected number is thrown in a non-pair combinations;
- a Big Six segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield a six; and
- a Big Eight segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield an eight;
- a new segment having at least one wagering opportunity, the new segment comprising:
- an opportunity to place a gratuity wager on any segment comprising the table wherein any earnings on the gratuity wager are awarded to a table operator as a gratuity;
- placing a bet on anyone of the plurality of segments;
- after placing the bet, rolling the pair of dice;
- determining the outcome of the roll of the dice; and
- paying an amount of winnings to a player placing a winner wager on at least one of the wagering opportunities within the new segment.
32. A method of gaming comprising the steps of:
- providing a pair of dice:
- providing a traditional craps table having a playing surface comprising a plurality of segments defining a plurality of wagering opportunities including:
- a Pass Line segment for securing a wager betting both that one or more rolls of the dice will yield an established first point without rolling a seven, and a prior number is rolled prior to rolling a first point number;
- a Don't Pass Bar segment for securing a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before an established first point number is rolled;
- a Come segment for receiving a wager betting that the first number rolled after the come bet is placed will be rolled again before a seven is rolled;
- a Don't Come Bar segment for receiving a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before the first number rolled after the don't come bet is placed is rolled again;
- a plurality of Place Bet segments each identified with one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 for receiving a wager that the number associated with the segment will be thrown before a seven is thrown;
- at least one Field segment for securing a wager betting that a number selected from the group consisting of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be thrown on the next roll;
- a Hard Ways segment for receiving a wager betting that a pair of twos, a pair of threes, a pair of fours, or a pair of fives will be thrown before a seven is thrown and before the selected number is thrown in a non-pair combinations;
- a Big Six segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield a six; and
- a Big Eight segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield an eight;
- a new segment having at least one wagering opportunity, the new segment comprising:
- an opportunity to place a gratuity wager on any segment comprising the table wherein any earnings on the gratuity wager are awarded to a table operator as a gratuity;
- placing a bet on anyone of the plurality of segments;
- after placing the bet, rolling the pair of dice;
- determining the outcome of the roll of the dice; and
- paying an amount of winnings to a player placing a winner wager on at least one of the wagering opportunities within the new segment.
33. The improvement according to claim 32 wherein the wagering table comprises wagering opportunities for a baccarat game.
34. The improvement according to claim 32 wherein the wagering table comprises wagering opportunities for a blackjack game.
35. A method of gaming comprising the steps of:
- providing a pair of dice:
- providing a traditional craps table having a playing surface comprising a plurality of segments defining a plurality of wagering opportunities including:
- a Pass Line segment for securing a wager betting both that one or more rolls of the dice will yield an established first point without rolling a seven, and a prior number is rolled prior to rolling a first point number;
- a Don't Pass Bar segment for securing a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before an established first point number is rolled;
- a Come segment for receiving a wager betting that the first number rolled after the come bet is placed will be rolled again before a seven is rolled;
- a Don't Come Bar segment for receiving a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before the first number rolled after the don't come bet is placed is rolled again;
- a plurality of Place Bet segments each identified with one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 for receiving a wager that the number associated with the segment will be thrown before a seven is thrown;
- at least one Field segment for securing a wager betting that a number selected from the group consisting of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be thrown on the next roll;
- a Hard Ways segment for receiving a wager betting that a pair of twos, a pair of threes, a pair of fours, or a pair of fives will be thrown before a seven is thrown and before the selected number is thrown in a non-pair combinations;
- a Big Six segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield a six; and
- a Big Eight segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield an eight;
- placing a bet on anyone of the plurality of segments;
- after placing the bet, rolling the pair of dice;
- determining the outcome of the roll of the dice;
- paying an amount of winnings to a player placing a winner wager on at least one of the wagering opportunities within the new segment; and
- two or more tracking grids for use in recording a specific combination of dice that was rolled on the most recent throw of the dice during play of a craps game, each tracking grid comprising 21 sections each identified with one of the 21 possible combinations that can be shown when a pair of dice is thrown.
36. A method of gaming comprising the steps of:
- providing a pair of dice:
- providing a traditional craps table having a playing surface comprising a plurality of segments defining a plurality of wagering opportunities including:
- a Pass Line segment for securing a wager betting both that one or more rolls of the dice will yield an established first point without rolling a seven, and a prior number is rolled prior to rolling a first point number;
- a Don't Pass Bar segment for securing a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before an established first point number is rolled;
- a Come segment for receiving a wager betting that the first number rolled after the come bet is placed will be rolled again before a seven is rolled;
- a Don't Come Bar segment for receiving a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before the first number rolled after the don't come bet is placed is rolled again;
- a plurality of Place Bet segments each identified with one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 for receiving a wager that the number associated with the segment will be thrown before a seven is thrown;
- at least one Field segment for securing a wager betting that a number selected from the group consisting of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be thrown on the next roll;
- a Hard Ways segment for receiving a wager betting that a pair of twos, a pair of threes, a pair of fours, or a pair of fives will be thrown before a seven is thrown and before the selected number is thrown in a non-pair combinations;
- a Big Six segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield a six; and
- a Big Eight segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield an eight;
- a new segment having at least one wagering opportunity, the new segment comprising:
- an opportunity to wager that a six is thrown before a seven is thrown during the play of a craps game wherein the player receives a first defined payout if a six is thrown in the form of two threes before a seven is thrown and a player receives a second defined payout if a six is thrown in any form other than two threes if a six is thrown before a seven is thrown;
- placing a bet on anyone of the plurality of segments;
- after placing the bet, rolling the pair of dice;
- determining the outcome of the roll of the dice; and
- paying an amount of winnings to a player placing a winner wager on at least one of the wagering opportunities within the new segment.
37. A method of gaming comprising the steps of:
- providing a pair of dice:
- providing a traditional craps table having a playing surface comprising a plurality of segments defining a plurality of wagering opportunities including:
- a Pass Line segment for securing a wager betting both that one or more rolls of the dice will yield an established first point without rolling a seven, and a prior number is rolled prior to rolling a first point number;
- a Don't Pass Bar segment for securing a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before an established first point number is rolled;
- a Come segment for receiving a wager betting that the first number rolled after the come bet is placed will be rolled again before a seven is rolled;
- a Don't Come Bar segment for receiving a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before the first number rolled after the don't come bet is placed is rolled again;
- a plurality of Place Bet segments each identified with one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 for receiving a wager that the number associated with the segment will be thrown before a seven is thrown;
- at least one Field segment for securing a wager betting that a number selected from the group consisting of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be thrown on the next roll;
- a Hard Ways segment for receiving a wager betting that a pair of twos, a pair of threes, a pair of fours, or a pair of fives will be thrown before a seven is thrown and before the selected number is thrown in a non-pair combinations;
- a Big Six segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield a six; and
- a Big Eight segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield an eight;
- a new segment having at least one wagering opportunity, the new segment comprising:
- an opportunity to wager that an eight is thrown before a seven is thrown during the play of a craps game wherein the player receives a first defined payout if an eight is thrown in the form of two fours before a seven in thrown and a player receives a second defined payout if an eight is thrown in any form other than two fours if an eight is thrown before a seven is thrown;
- placing a bet on anyone of the plurality of segments;
- after placing the bet, rolling the pair of dice;
- determining the outcome of the roll of the dice; and
- paying an amount of winnings to a player placing a winner wager on at least one of the wagering opportunities within the new segment.
38. A method of gaming comprising the steps of:
- providing a pair of dice:
- providing a traditional craps table having a playing surface comprising a plurality of segments defining a plurality of wagering opportunities including:
- a Pass Line segment for securing a wager betting both that one or more rolls of the dice will yield an established first point without rolling a seven, and a prior number is rolled prior to rolling a first point number;
- a Don't Pass Bar segment for securing a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before an established first point number is rolled;
- a Come segment for receiving a wager betting that the first number rolled after the come bet is placed will be rolled again before a seven is rolled;
- a Don't Come Bar segment for receiving a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before the first number rolled after the don't come bet is placed is rolled again;
- a plurality of Place Bet segments each identified with one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 for receiving a wager that the number associated with the segment will be thrown before a seven is thrown;
- at least one Field segment for securing a wager betting that a number selected from the group consisting of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be thrown on the next roll;
- a Hard Ways segment for receiving a wager betting that a pair of twos, a pair of threes, a pair of fours, or a pair of fives will be thrown before a seven is thrown and before the selected number is thrown in a non-pair combinations;
- a Big Six segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield a six; and
- a Big Eight segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield an eight;
- a new segment having at least one wagering opportunity, the new segment comprising:
- an opportunity to wager that a two, a three, or a twelve is thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of a craps game wherein the wager is divided equally among all three numbers and the player receives a payout if any of the three numbers is thrown on the next roll of the dice;
- placing a bet on anyone of the plurality of segments;
- after placing the bet, rolling the pair of dice;
- determining the outcome of the roll of the dice;
- paying an amount of winnings to a player placing a winner wager on at least one of the wagering opportunities within the new segment; and
- providing a security rail placed about the playing surface.
39. A method of gaming comprising the steps of:
- providing a pair of dice:
- providing a traditional craps table having a playing surface comprising a plurality of segments defining a plurality of wagering opportunities including:
- a Pass Line segment for securing a wager betting both that one or more rolls of the dice will yield an established first point without rolling a seven, and a prior number is rolled prior to rolling a first point number;
- a Don't Pass Bar segment for securing a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before an established first point number is rolled;
- a Come segment for receiving a wager betting that the first number rolled after the come bet is placed will be rolled again before a seven is rolled;
- a Don't Come Bar segment for receiving a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before the first number rolled after the don't come bet is placed is rolled again;
- a plurality of Place Bet segments each identified with one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 for receiving a wager that the number associated with the segment will be thrown before a seven is thrown;
- at least one Field segment for securing a wager betting that a number selected from the group consisting of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be thrown on the next roll;
- a Hard Ways segment for receiving a wager betting that a pair of twos, a pair of threes, a pair of fours, or a pair of fives will be thrown before a seven is thrown and before the selected number is thrown in a non-pair combinations;
- a Big Six segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield a six; and
- a Big Eight segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield an eight;
- a new segment having at least one wagering opportunity, the new segment comprising:
- an opportunity to wager that a two, a three, or a twelve is thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of a craps game wherein the wager is divided equally among all three numbers and the player receives a payout if any of the three numbers is thrown on the next roll of the dice;
- placing a bet on anyone of the plurality of segments;
- after placing the bet, rolling the pair of dice;
- determining the outcome of the roll of the dice;
- paying an amount of winnings to a player placing a winner wager on at least one of the wagering opportunities within the new segment; and
- providing a dice simulator comprising thirty-six numbers representing thirty-six possible combinations of a roll of dice.
40. The improvement according to claim 39 wherein the dice simulator comprises a wheel which is spun by a gaming operator.
41. A method of gaming comprising the steps of:
- providing a pair of dice:
- providing a traditional craps table having a playing surface comprising a plurality of segments defining a plurality of wagering opportunities including:
- a Pass Line segment for securing a wager betting both that one or more rolls of the dice will yield an established first point without rolling a seven, and a prior number is rolled prior to rolling a first point number;
- a Don't Pass Bar segment for securing a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before an established first point number is rolled;
- a Come segment for receiving a wager betting that the first number rolled after the come bet is placed will be rolled again before a seven is rolled;
- a Don't Come Bar segment for receiving a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before the first number rolled after the don't come bet is placed is rolled again;
- a plurality of Place Bet segments each identified with one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 for receiving a wager that the number associated with the segment will be thrown before a seven is thrown;
- at least one Field segment for securing a wager betting that a number selected from the group consisting of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be thrown on the next roll;
- a Hard Ways segment for receiving a wager betting that a pair of twos, a pair of threes, a pair of fours, or a pair of fives will be thrown before a seven is thrown and before the selected number is thrown in a non-pair combinations;
- a Big Six segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield a six; and
- a Big Eight segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield an eight;
- a new segment having at least one wagering opportunity, the new segment comprising:
- an opportunity to wager that a two, a three, or a twelve is thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of a craps game wherein the wager is divided equally among all three numbers and the player receives a payout if any of the three numbers is thrown on the next roll of the dice;
- placing a bet on anyone of the plurality of segments;
- after placing the bet, rolling the pair of dice;
- determining the outcome of the roll of the dice;
- paying an amount of winnings to a player placing a winner wager on at least one of the wagering opportunities within the new segment; and
- providing a dice simulator comprising two wheels, each wheel comprising all six numbers appearing on a die wherein the gaming machine spins the wheels thereby simulating the throwing of two die.
42. A method of gaming comprising the steps of:
- providing a pair of dice:
- providing a traditional craps table having a playing surface comprising a plurality of segments defining a plurality of wagering opportunities including:
- a Pass Line segment for securing a wager betting both that one or more rolls of the dice will yield an established first point without rolling a seven, and a prior number is rolled prior to rolling a first point number;
- a Don't Pass Bar segment for securing a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before an established first point number is rolled;
- a Come segment for receiving a wager betting that the first number rolled after the come bet is placed will be rolled again before a seven is rolled;
- a Don't Come Bar segment for receiving a wager betting that a seven will be rolled before the first number rolled after the don't come bet is placed is rolled again;
- a plurality of Place Bet segments each identified with one of the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 for receiving a wager that the number associated with the segment will be thrown before a seven is thrown;
- at least one Field segment for securing a wager betting that a number selected from the group consisting of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12 will be thrown on the next roll;
- a Hard Ways segment for receiving a wager betting that a pair of twos, a pair of threes, a pair of fours, or a pair of fives will be thrown before a seven is thrown and before the selected number is thrown in a non-pair combinations;
- a Big Six segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield a six; and
- a Big Eight segment for receiving a wager betting that the next roll will yield an eight;
- a new segment having at least one wagering opportunity, the new segment comprising:
- an opportunity to place a gratuity wager during play on the gaming machine wherein earnings on the gratuity wager are awarded to a table operator as a gratuity;
- placing a bet on anyone of the plurality of segments;
- after placing the bet, rolling the pair of dice;
- determining the outcome of the roll of the dice; and
- paying an amount of winnings to a player placing a winner wager on at least one of the wagering opportunities within the new segment.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 12, 2007
Publication Date: May 7, 2009
Inventor: Clay T. Cacas (Terrell, TX)
Application Number: 11/938,330
International Classification: A63F 9/04 (20060101); A47B 25/00 (20060101);