Casino Dice Game
A method to implement a casino wagering gaming involving dice. A shooter can make a declaration as to a characteristic of the upcoming dice roll. Other players at the table can wager on whether they predict the declared characteristic will occur or will not occur. Players who correctly predict that the declared characteristic will occur also have an opportunity to have their winnings on the wager parlayed, and after a predetermined number of consecutive correct declared characteristics, the parlayed wager will pay a bonus payout.
This application claims benefit to U.S. provisional application No. 61/171,296, filed on Apr. 21, 2009, entitled, “Casino Dice Game”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present general inventive concept is directed to a method, apparatus, and computer readable storage medium directed to a casino game for wagering involving dice.
2. Description of the Related Art
The game of craps is a well known casino dice game. However, the game has become stale as casino patrons are always looking for games that are new and exciting.
What is needed is a casino wagering game that offers players more excitement and enjoyment then craps.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is an aspect of the present invention to provide an exciting casino wagering game.
The above aspects can be obtained by (a) receiving a declaration from a first player; (b) receiving a wager from a second player, the wager being for the declaration or against the declaration; (c) receiving a random outcome using a physical random number generator; (d) if the random outcome is determined to satisfy the declaration then if the wager was made for the declaration then paying the second player a payout on the wager and if the wager was made against the declaration then taking the wager from the second player; (e) if the random outcome is determined not to satisfy the declaration then if the wager was made against the declaration then paying the second player a payout on the wager and if the wager was made for the declaration then taking the wager from the second player.
These together with other aspects and advantages which will be subsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.
Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:
Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
The present inventive concept relates to a method, apparatus, and computer readable storage medium to implement a wagering game involving dice (although other variations can use other mechanisms to generate random numbers besides dice, such as cards, wheels, etc.)
The game challenges a shooter to predict a characteristic of a forthcoming dice roll. The prediction entails predicting whether a subsequent roll of two dice will be odd or even. Note that odd or even in the context of this game takes on a different meaning than the typical definition of odd and even in a dice game such as craps. Typically, an ‘odd’ roll is a roll wherein a numerical total of all of the dice results in an odd number, while an ‘even’ roll is a roll wherein a numerical total of all of the dice results in an even number. However, in the present inventive concept, the definition of ‘odd’ and ‘even’ are different. As used herein, an ‘odd’ roll is a roll in which each individual die out of the rolled dice results in an odd number. The following are all odd rolls using two dice: (1,1); (1,3); (1,5); (3, 1); (3,3); (3,5); (5,1); (5,3); (5,5). As used herein, an even roll is a roll in which each individual die out of the rolled dice results in an even number. The following are all even rolls using two dice: (2,2); (2,4); (2,6); (4,2); (4,4); (4,6); (6,2); (6,4); (6,6). A mixed roll as used herein is a roll in which each die out of the two dice is a different category (odd or even) than the other dice. The following are all mixed rolls using two dice: (1,2); (1,4); (1,6); (2,1); (2,3); (2,5); (3,2); (3,4); (3,6); (4,1); (4,3); (4,5); (5,2); (5,4); (5,6); (6,1); (6,3); (6,5).
At a start of the game method, the shooter takes the dice. The shooter is one of the players at the table while the other players (the “non-shooters”) can wager on the outcome of the shooter's roll as well. When the shooter has finished shooting, the dice can be passed around the table so that different players can take on the roll of the shooter. The shooter will make a declaration (prediction) as to whether his or her subsequent roll of the two dice will be even or odd. A dealer a the table can document the shooter's prediction using a physical marker such as a puck which has two sides, one for “odd” and one for “even” and the appropriate side can be turned face up. The shooter will then place his or her wager on a “for” betting bar. The shooter will typically not be allowed to bet on an “against” betting bar while the shooter is shooting.
Before the shooter rolls, other players will make a bet “for” the shooter's declaration is they agree with the shooter's prediction (a “for wager”) or “against” the shooter's declaration if the disagree with the shooter's prediction (an “against wager”). Of course, the outcome of the shooter's roll of the dice is typically random and the players' predictions are just based on “hunches” but not actual information. Thus, the non-shooters can place their wager on the “for” betting bar or the “against” betting bar depending on their prediction.
After the shooter rolls, the bets (wagers) placed on the table are resolved. If the shooter's declaration was correct (the shooter declared “even” and the result was even, or the shooter declared “odd” and the result was odd), then the shooter wins a payout (e.g., 1:1) on the shooter's “for” wager. If the shooter's declaration was incorrect (the shooter declared “even” and the result was odd, or the shooter declared “odd” and the result was even“) then the shooter loses his or her “for” wager.
Regarding the non-shooters, those who placed their wager on the for betting bar (the “for bar”), and the shooter's declaration was correct, will win a payout (typically 1:1) on their for wagers. Those who places their wager on the against betting bar (the “against bar”), and the shooters declaration was incorrect, will win a payout (typically 1:1) on their against wagers. Those who placed their wager on the for betting bar (a “for wager”) and the shooter's declaration was incorrect will lose their for wager. Those who placed their wager on the against betting bar (an “against wager”) and the shooter's declaration was correct will lose their against wager.
If the outcome of a roll is a mixed roll, then the for and against wagers (and also wagers on the parlay bar, discussed below) do not win or lose. However, five (or any other predetermined number) of mixed rolls in a row will cause all for and against wagers to lose (including wagers on the parlay bar).
Winning for wagers typically pay 1:1 (even money), however, the payout is placed on a parlay bar while the player keeps his or her original wager (or alternatively, the player can keep the payout while the original wager is placed on a parlay bar). The parlay bar is a bar of a predetermined number of position (e.g., three or any other number), upon which each time a for wager is won, then a wager on the parlay bar gets paid and moves to a next position on the parlay bar. When a wager makes it to an end of the parlay bar, the player wins a bonus. When an against wager is won (the shooter's declaration is incorrect), then all wagers on the parlay bar lose and are taken by the house.
The method can begin with operation 100, wherein a shooter declares whether a shooter is chosen and the shooter declares even or odd. As described herein, even or odd in the context of this application take on a different meaning than the standard meaning. The declaration is the shooter's prediction of his or her forthcoming roll. A marker can be used to document the shooter's declaration, for example a two-sided puck can have “odd” printed on one side and “even” printed on the other side, and can be turned face up to the respective side to match the declaration. This is done so there is no uncertainty about what the declaration is, as well as allowing all players at the table to easily see the declaration. The shooter places a wager (the “shooter's wager”) which typically must be a “for wager.”
From operation 100, the method proceeds to operation 101, which receives a wager from a non-shooter which is either for (a “for wager”) the declaration (from operation 100) or which is against (an “against wager”) the declaration (from operation 100). All of the non-shooters can place such a wager of their choosing. Wagers are made by players placing their chips in a respective betting area (e.g., for betting bar, against betting bar, etc.) At operation 101, players are not required to place bets and in fact may already have live bets on the table made previously. In operation 101, players may also be allowed to remove certain wagers, for example (in an embodiment) players can remove their wagers from their parlay bar if they wish. In operation 101, players can also make any optional proposition (side) wagers of their choosing.
From operation 101, the method proceeds to operation 102, wherein after all of the players at the table (the shooter and the non-shooters) have placed their desired wagers, the shooter can roll the dice on the table to result in a random roll. The roll can then be categorized as “odd”, “even”, or “mixed” as described herein. All proposition wagers can now be paid.
From operation 102, the method proceeds to operation 103, which determines the category of the roll (from operation 102). If the roll is mixed dice (a “mixed roll”) then the method proceeds to operation 104, which marks on the table that a mixed roll has occurred. It is then determined if five mixed dice have been rolled in a row, and if not, then the method returns to operation 102 so that the shooter can roll again (the shooter's previous declaration stands). Alternatively, from operation 104 the method can return to operation 101 (wherein the shooter's previous declaration stands but players are still allowed to place additional wagers).
If in operation 104, it is determined that five mixed dice have been rolled in a row, then the method proceeds to operation 105, wherein all live against and for wagers (including the shooter's wager which is a for wager) and all wagers on the parlay bar (except those that were called off) lose. The mixed pair puck can be unmarked and a brand new game can then begin by returning to operation 100, with the same or a new shooter.
If in operation 103, the outcome of the dice roll is against the declaration (the declaration from operation 100 is incorrect) then the method proceeds to operation 106, wherein all against wagers win (typically even money) and all for wagers lose. Note that all wagers on the parlay bar are considered for wagers and thus all of the wagers on the parlay bar lose as well, except for any wagers on the parlay bar that have been called off. The mixed pair puck should be unmarked (if not already) since the last roll could not have been a mixed pair (mixed dice). From operation 106, the method can proceed to operation 100.
If in operation 103, the outcome of the dice roll is for the declaration (the declaration from operation 100 is correct) then the method proceeds to operation 107, wherein all for wagers win (typically even money) and all against wagers lose. All wagers on the parlay bar (since these are considered for wagers) win (typically even money) as well. The mixed pair puck should be unmarked (if not already) since the last roll could not have been a mixed pair (mixed dice).
From operation 107, the method proceeds to operation 108, which advances the parlay bar. The parlay bar can be formed of several different positions (or levels) which can be numbered sequentially. All wagers on the parlay bar can be moved to a next position. The original wager on the for betting bar that was paid in operation 107 would also typically be moved from the for betting bar onto a first position on the parlay bar.
From operation 108, the method proceeds to operation 109, which determines if any wagers that were advanced in operation 108 have been advanced to an end of the parlay bar to a bonus area. For example, the parlay bar can have positions numbered 2, 3 and 4 (position 1 can be considered the for betting bar). When a wager on the for betting bar wins, it is placed on position 2 of the parlay bar. When that wager wins again (when for wagers win), then the wager is advanced to position 3 of the parlay bar. When that wager wins again (when for wagers win), then the wager is advanced to position 4 of the parlay bar. When that wager wins again (when for wagers win), then the wager is advanced to a bonus area (the wager has completed the parlay bar). If no wagers from the parlay bar have advanced to the bonus area, then the method can proceed to operation 100.
If in operation 109, one or more wager(s) on the parlay bar have advanced to the bonus area, then these wagers are paid at a bonus payout to the player (e.g., 3:1 or other payout) and the player then keeps the wager and payout (the wager is no longer live). Of course the player can choose to bet these chips if the player chooses. From operation 110, the method proceeds to operation 100.
In an embodiment, all for and against wagers cannot be removed once placed. In an embodiment, wagers on the parlay bar can be removed by the player at their option. Wagers on the parlay bar can also be “called off” by the respective player if the player does not agree with the shooter's declaration. A parlay bar wager that is called off would not lose if operation 106 is reached, but also would not win if operation 107 is reached. A player can call of his or her parlay wager by sliding it to the side in an “off” location. In another embodiment, players are not allowed to handle wagers on the parlay bar and thus when a player wants to call off one or more of the wagers on the player's parlay bar the player must request to the dealer that the dealer slide the chips “off” the parlay bar (to the off location). When the player wants to reactivate a called off parlay wager, the player can slide it back to an active position on the parlay bar, or if the player is not allowed to handle his or her own chips then the player must request that the dealer slide the chips back onto the active position on the parlay bar.
It is noted that the order of operation in
An against betting bar 200 (or “against bar”) is used by non-shooters to place against wagers (in operation 101. A for betting bar 201 (or “for bar”) is used by the shooter and non-shooters to place for wagers (in operation 101).
A parlay bar 202 has three positions (numbered 2, 3, 4). Each position on the parlay bar 202 has a respective off position 203, which is used to slide the wager to when a player wishes to temporarily call off their parlay wager(s). Each player on the table will have their own respective parlay bar to use. A bonus area 207 is used to slide parlay wagers from position ‘4’ to the bonus area 207 in operation 109. The layout shown in
Mixed pair markers 205 are used to indicate how many mixed pairs have been rolled (see operations 103-104). A mixed pair puck 206 is placed on the respective mixed pair marker to indicate how many consecutive mixed pairs were rolled. If the mixed pair puck 206 is off the mixed pair markers 205 it indicates that no consecutive mixed pairs were rolled. The occurrence of a mixed pair can also be considered a “neutral occurrence” since it neither satisfies the for bet or the against bet. If a predetermined number (e.g., 5) of consecutive mixed pairs are generated, then all live bets (with the exception of proposition bets that have won) are removed from the table. This mechanism is where the house gets the house advantage from. Thus, of course, the players do not wish to see mixed pairs being rolled (unless perhaps a player has made a proposition bet on a mixed pair).
A declaration puck 204 is used to indicate the shooter's most recent declaration. The puck has “odd” (or similar indicia) on one side and “even” (or similar indicia) on the other side. In this example, the current declaration is “odd.”
The layout illustrated in
The layout illustrated in
In addition to the for wagers and against wagers described herein, players can also make side wagers (or proposition wagers) which are dependent upon the outcome of the very next roll. A side wager area 400 can be found on a layout (typically in the center) wherein players can make side wagers (either by placing chips on the respective betting area or calling out for the dealer to place a chip in the desired area).
An even hardway bet can be placed which pays 12 for 1, which only pays if the roll is one out of (2,2); (4,4) or (6,6), otherwise the bet loses. An odd hardway bet can be placed which pays 12 for 1, which only pays if the roll is one out of (1,1); (3,3); (6,6), otherwise the bet loses. An any hardway bet can be placed which pays 6 for 1 and pays on both of these two sets.
A mixed bet can be placed which pays 2 for 1 which only pays if the next roll is mixed dice (mixed pair), otherwise the bet loses. An even bet can be placed which pays 4 for 1 which only pays if the next roll is an even roll (as defined herein), otherwise the bet loses. An odd bet can be placed which pays 4 for 1 which only pays if the next roll is an odd roll (as defined herein), otherwise the bet loses. It is noted that the payouts on the proposition bets pay true odds with a house commission (e.g., 5%) taken out.
The declaration puck can be physical puck can be the size of a standard craps “on/off” puck (or any other size). A first side 410 of the declaration puck can have “even” (or similar indicia) written on it. A second (opposite) side 411 of the declaration puck can have “odd” (or similar indicia) written on it.
An example game will now be presented to help illustrate the methods described herein. Assume the layout illustrated in
Don rolls the dice (operation 102) and the result is a 3/2. This is a mixed dice (operation 104), thus nothing happens to the bets but the mixed pair puck is moved to cover the first mixed pair marker, indicating that one consecutive mixed pair was rolled.
Since a mixed pair was rolled, Don is stuck with his prior declaration (even) and rolls (operation 102) the dice again and the result is 4/4. This is considered an “even” roll and matches the last declaration by the shooter (Don). Thus, the outcome (operation 103) of the dice roll is that the declaration is correct and thus all the for wagers win (operation 107) while all against wagers lose (operation 107). Thus, Jane's $1 against wager loses and is taken by the dealer. Don's $1 for wager is now paid (operation 107) even money ($1) which Don keeps while the dealer moves (operation 108) Don's original $1 wager to position 2 on Don's parlay bar. John's $2 for wager is now paid (operation 107) even money ($2) which John keeps while the dealer moves (operation 108) John's original $2 wager to position 2 on John's parlay bar.
Don declares odd (operation 100) and rolls (operation 102) again and rolls a 1/1. This is an odd roll. Since the roll matches the previous declaration, all for wagers win (operation 107). Thus, Don's $1 wager on position 2 of Don's parlay bar is paid (operation 107) $1 and the dealer moves (operation 108) Don's $1 wager to the next position on Don's parlay bar (position 3). The dealer pays (operation 107) John $2 for John's $2 wager on position 2 of John's parlay bar, and the dealer moves (operation 108) John's $2 wager to position 3 on John's parlay bar.
Don continues shooting and declares (operation 100) odd. John decides he wants to remove his $2 wager from the parlay bar and thus John removes (operation 101) the $2 wager from the parlay bar and puts it in his pocket. John and Jane decline to make another bet, leaving Don the only player at the table with a live wager. Don rolls (operation 102) a 3/3, which is an odd roll. Since the declaration matches the outcome of the roll, Don is paid (operation 107) $1 and the dealer moves (operation 108) Don's $1 wager from position 3 on Don's parlay bar to position 4 on Don's parlay bar.
Don now declares (operation 100) odd and rolls (operation 102) the dice resulting in an outcome of 5/3 (an odd roll). Since the last declaration was correct, Don's $1 wager on position 4 of Don's parlay bar is paid (operation 107) even money ($1). The dealer advances (operation 108) Don's $1 wager from position 4 on Don's parlay bar to the bonus area on the table. Since Don's $1 wager is determined (operation 109) to have advanced to the bonus area, the bonus pays 3:1 of the $1 wager (in one embodiment, but other bonus payouts can be used as well), thus Don wins (operation 110) $3 on his $1 wager (which is no longer live). Thus, Don now takes $4 in chips off of the table.
It is noted that the more positions the parlay bar has, typically the higher the bonus amount paid when a wager has passed through the entire parlay bar into the bonus area. For example, a parlay bar with five positions might pay a bonus of 4:1.
It is also noted that while the game described herein requires the shooter to declare whether the upcoming dice roll will be two even individual dice or two odd individual dice, it can be appreciated that a similarly structured method can be applied to a declaration of another characteristic of the upcoming roll. For example, the shooter can declare if a point total of the dice (after they are rolled) will be higher than a predetermined point total (e.g., over 7) or lower than a predetermined point total (e.g., under 7), and aside from applying the different characteristic of the dice, the method will otherwise be played identically to which is described herein.
An electronic output display 500 can be physically attached to a dice table 501. The electronic output display 500 can display a predetermined number of prior outcomes electronically (using any kind of technology such as an LCD display, LEDs, lamps, etc.) A pair of buttons 502 is within reach of the dealer so the dealer can press an appropriate button based on the last outcome so that outcome will light up (and the last shown historical outcome will drop off the display 500 to make room for the most recent outcome). Also not pictured is a power supply/circuitry and electrical connections.
A processing unit 600 can be a microprocessor and associated apparatuses (e.g., cache, bus, etc.) The processing unit 600 can be connected to an input device 601 (e.g., touch-screen, keyboard, mouse, etc.) and an output device 602 (e.g., touch-screen, LCD display, speaker, etc.) The output device 602 can display graphical representations of the game described herein, including a graphical representation of the layout, dice (or other random number generator), chips placed, etc. The processing unit 600 can also be connected to a network connection 603 which can connect the processing unit 600 to a computer communications network such as the Internet, LAN, WAN, wifi, etc. The processing unit 600 can also be connected to a bill acceptor/ticket dispenser 604 which can accept cash or cashless tickets and convert the amount therein to electronic credits on the electronic gaming machine. The ticket dispenser can also issue a cashless ticket (upon cashout) to the player that can be redeemed by the player for cash (at a redemption kiosk or a cashier). The processing unit 600 can also be connected to RAM 605 and ROM 606 and a storage device 607 (such as DVD-ROM, CD-ROM drive, EPROM, hard drive, etc.) A non-transitory computer readable storage medium 608 (such as a DVD, CD, EPROM, disk, etc.) can be read by the storage device 607. The storage medium 608 can store instructions (and assets) which can control the processing unit 600 in order to implement the methods described herein.
A casino table A is associated with a card reader 611 so that a player can present their player's card to the dealer. The dealer can swipe the player's card in the card reader (the card has computer readable coding to electronically identify the card such as a magnetic strip). The card reader 611 can communicate with electronic casino database 612. The casino database 612 can also communicate with card reader 613 associated with gaming table B 614 and other gaming tables/card readers (not pictured). The casino database 612 tracks play at the gaming tables and stores data such as the average bet and time played for players who participate in the player tracking system.
The methods described herein as applied to a physical game include physical structures such as physical dice, physical chips (which can be directly redeemable for cash), a physical stick (used by a dealer to move the dice) and a physical gaming table with a felt layout on a top surface of the table. All methods described herein must be played in either physical or electronic form. All wagers described herein can be made which chips (which can be purchased by the players at the table with cash), which can be directly redeemable for cash at a casino cashier.
Any description of a component or embodiment herein also includes hardware, software, and configurations which already exist in the prior art and may be necessary to the operation of such component(s) or embodiment(s).
Further, the operations described herein can be performed in any sensible order. Any operations not required for proper operation can be optional. Further, all methods described herein can also be stored on a computer readable storage to control a computer.
The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A method to play a wagering game, the method comprising:
- receiving a declaration from a first player;
- receiving a wager from a second player, the wager being for the declaration or against the declaration;
- receiving a random outcome using a physical random number generator;
- if the random outcome is determined to satisfy the declaration then if the wager was made for the declaration then paying the second player a payout on the wager and if the wager was made against the declaration then taking the wager from the second player;
- if the random outcome is determined not to satisfy the declaration then if the wager was made against the declaration then paying the second player a payout on the wager and if the wager was made for the declaration then taking the wager from the second player.
2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein if the wager was made for the declaration and the random outcome is determined to satisfy the declaration, then moving the wager onto an initial position on a parlay bar.
3. The method as recited in claim 2, further comprising receiving additional declarations and respective random outcomes, and advancing the wager onto successive positions on the parlay bar each time the random outcome matches its respective declaration, wherein if the random outcome does not match its respective declaration then the wager is taken by the dealer.
4. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein when the wager is advanced a predetermined number of times then paying a bonus amount on the wager to the second player.
5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein if the receiving the random outcome is neither for the declaration or against the declaration then marking on a marker an occurrence of a neutral occurrence.
6. The method as recited in claim 5, wherein if a predetermined number of consecutive neutral occurrences occur, then the second player loses the wager and the wager is taken by a dealer.
7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the physical random number generator is two dice.
8. The method as recited in claim 7, wherein the declaration is odd or even, odd signifying that each of the two dice are odd numbers, even signifying that each of the two dice are even numbers.
9. An electronic gaming device to play a wagering game, the device comprising:
- a processing unit configured to operate with an input device and an output device, the processing unit configured to execute instructions to perform:
- receiving a declaration from a first player;
- receiving a wager from a second player, the wager being for the declaration or against the declaration;
- receiving a random outcome using a random number generator;
- if the random outcome is determined to satisfy the declaration then if the wager was made for the declaration then paying the second player a payout on the wager and if the wager was made against the declaration then taking the wager from the second player;
- if the random outcome is determined not to satisfy the declaration then if the wager was made against the declaration then paying the second player a payout on the wager and if the wager was made for the declaration then taking the wager from the second player.
10. The device as recited in claim 9, wherein if the wager was made for the declaration and the random outcome is determined to satisfy the declaration, then moving the wager onto an initial position on a parlay bar.
11. The device as recited in claim 10, further comprising receiving additional declarations and respective random outcomes, and advancing the wager onto successive positions on the parlay bar each time the random outcome matches its respective declaration, wherein if the random outcome does not match its respective declaration then the wager is taken by the dealer.
12. The device as recited in claim 11, wherein when the wager is advanced a predetermined number of times then paying a bonus amount on the wager to the second player.
13. The device as recited in claim 9, wherein if the receiving the random outcome is neither for the declaration or against the declaration then marking on a marker an occurrence of a neutral occurrence.
14. The device as recited in claim 13, wherein if a predetermined number of consecutive neutral occurrences occur, then the second player loses the wager and the wager is taken by a dealer.
15. The device as recited in claim 19, wherein the random number generator is two dice.
16. The device as recited in claim 15, wherein the declaration is odd or even, odd signifying that each of the two dice are odd numbers, even signifying that each of the two dice are even numbers.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 20, 2010
Publication Date: Nov 25, 2010
Inventors: Don Anderson (Las Vegas, NV), Jayne Anderson (Las Vegas, NV)
Application Number: 12/763,783
International Classification: A63F 3/00 (20060101); A63F 9/04 (20060101);
