Method of playing a casino game

Abstract

A method of playing a casino game can be played in conjunction with primary common casino table games such as Blackjack, Poker, Pai Gow games, Baccarat, Acey-Deucey, and any game with six player locations. The game of the present invention employs two identical dice and a third different colored dice called the “Dragon's Eye”. Wagers are put down and payments made based on the cumulative numbers of the thrown dice and the numbers shown on the “Dragon's Eye”. Players actually become involved in rolling the dice based on the numbers shown on the dice themselves. The “Dragon's Eye” dice game is designed to be played at any number of casino tables prior to the play of the primary casino game. The various tables are linked electronically, to establish a progressive jackpot, based on the wagers and results of the “Dragon's Eye” game.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to casino wagering games. More particularly, the invention discloses a method of playing a casino table wagering game, determined by the rolling of dice, which can be played prior to engaging in commonly played casino table games.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Casino games of chance have specific features which make them attractive, both to the players and the house. Such games must be interesting, fun, easy to learn, understand, and play, and most importantly, present the players with a fair expectation of winning. That is, games of chance should have reasonable odds which only slightly favor the house. Betting games should also be exciting in pitting each player against the other players, as well as the house. In addition, games which have a large progressive jackpot payout create even more player excitement and interest.

Of course, the house has a keen interest in the types of games of chance it offers. There must be an acceptable house advantage and a quick turnaround time between waging games to allow as many games to be played as possible during a given period of time. The house is also interested in attracting a large number of players at each table. In addition, progressive pots are lucrative for the house in that they result in more players and increased wagering. Of course, these objectives must be accomplished with relatively low overhead and, consequently the gaming equipment must be basic, economical to manufacture, and easy to maintain.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is thus the object of the present invention to provide a method of playing a casino game and/or electronic game, e.g. machine or interne game, which can be played in conjunction with primary common casino table games such as Blackjack, Poker, Pai Gow games, Baccarat, Acey-Deucey, and any game with six player locations. The game of the present invention employs two identical dice and a third different colored dice called the “Dragon's Eye”. Wagers are put down and payments made based on the cumulative numbers of the thrown dice and the numbers shown on the “Dragon's Eye”. Players actually become involved in rolling the dice based on the numbers shown on the dice themselves. The “Dragon's Eye” dice game is designed to be played at any number of casino tables prior to the play, or being a casino game within itself, of the primary casino game. The various tables are linked electronically, to establish a progressive jackpot, based on the wagers and results of the “Dragon's Eye” game.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention, itself, however, both as to its design, construction and use, together with additional features and advantages thereof, are best understood upon review of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the casino table design for the gaming method of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a representative player table location.

FIG. 3 shows the other components used in the gaming method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The gaming method of the present invention, the “Dragon's Eye” dice game, employs casino table 100 on which there are six designated player locations 1-6. As seen more particularly in FIG. 2 with regard to player location 1, each player location comprises a designated area for placing even bets 20, odd bets 22, double dice roll bets 24, triple dice roll bets 26, bonus bets 27, and money wagers 28 for the game. Each player location is also provided with two cumulative dice numbers, based on the cumulative total sum of three rolled dice. That is, player location 1 is given cumulative dice numbers 10 and 18, player location 2 is given cumulative dice numbers 3 and 11, player location 3 is given cumulative dice numbers 4 and 12, player location 4 is given cumulative dice numbers 5 and 13, player location 5 is given cumulative dice numbers 6 and 14, and player location 6 is given cumulative dice numbers 7 and 15. The house or the dealer assigned cumulative dice numbers 8, 9, 16 and 17, 8 and 9 being “kill numbers” shown on table 100. Table 100 also comprises dealer check tray 30 with keypad 32 and for inputting the bonus bets of six players and the rolls of the dice and drop box or money tray 34.

FIG. 3 shows the three dice used in the gaming method: two identical, standard one to six numbered dice of the same color 40 and 42, and the “Dragon's Eye” dice 44, also with standard numbering, but of a different color, preferably red. Shaker 46 with base 47 and removeable cover 48 is employed for shaking and rolling the dice.

The gaming method of the present invention begins with each player located in player locations 1-6, making wagers by placing bets on money wagers location 28, and, optionally, on locations for even bets 20 or odd bets 22, double dice roll bets 24, triple dice roll bets 26, and bonus bets 27, as described hereinafter. Once the bets are made, the dealer collects the bonus bets, which are inputted into keypad 32, also electronically keyed to a main jackpot board.

The dealer will shake shaker 46, optimally five times, before revealing the shaken dice on dealer locations 8 or 9 on table 100. The resulting dice numbers are inputted by color into keypad 32 and the total of the three dice are announced. For example, if the “Dragon's Eye” dice 44 shows 2 and the other two dice 40 and 42 show 5 and 6, the total is 13. A marker is placed on player location 4 which has the cumulative dice number 13.

In the above example, when “Dragon's Eye” dice 44 shows a 2. The player in location 2 is paid straight up, i.e. 1 to 1. Because “Dragon's Eye” shows an even number, all even bets 20 win and all odd bets 22 lose. Even and odd bets can also be paid out by adding the sum total of the three rolled dice 40, 42, and 44 and determining whether the sum is odd or even. These bets are then paid out and/or collected by the dealer, as appropriate. Here, for example, even bets are paid 1 to 1 and all odd bets are collected by the house. Since, in the example, identical dice 40 and 42 show different numbers, all double dice roll bets 24 lose and are collected by the dealer. As the three dice, 40, 42 and 44, are not identical, all triple dice roll bets 26 lose and the dealer collects these bets. The dealer does this for each player at each player locations 1-6.

If the two identical dice 40 and 42 show identical numbers, the player who has taken and rolled the dice will win 20 to 1 if that player has wagered a double. That player will win 140 to 1 if he has wagered on the triple and the three dice come up identical. All other players who have wagered a double will win 2 to 1 and those players who have wagered a triple will win 5 to 1. Commissions to the house in such games as no commission baccarat and Pai Gow will be paid on triple dice rolls. This gives the house a 2.77 advantage. The commission will be taken out by removing all 1 to 1 money bets as even, odd, banker, and player.

Bonus betting is displayed on table 100 at display section 50. If the sum of rolled dice 40, 42, and 44 is a cumulative dice number of 10 or 18, keypad 32 is appropriately inputted and circled location 51 reflecting player location 1, lights up. If the sum is a cumulative dice number of 3 or 11, circled location 52 reflecting player location 2 lights up. If the sum is a cumulative dice number of 4 or 12, circled location 53 reflecting player location 3 lights up. If the sum is a cumulative dice number of 5 or 13, circled location 54 reflecting player location 4 lights up. If the sum is a cumulative dice number of 6 or 14, circled location 55 reflecting player location 5 lights up. If the sum is a cumulative dice number of 7 or 15, circled location 56 reflecting player location 6 lights up. If at least four of locations 51-56 hit before the roll of the three dice shows a cumulative dice number of 8 or 9, the “kill numbers”, there is a bonus payout to those players who have made a bonus wager. If a cumulative dice kill number of 8 or 9 is rolled before four of the locations 51-56 hit, the bonus wagers are lost to the house. Larger bonus will be paid out if five of six or all six locations 51-56 hit. For this optional bonus betting, it is evident that a minimum of four consecutive rolls of the dice are required before any bonus can be paid. That is, four circled locations 51-56 must be lit up before there can be a bonus winner.

As an additional option, provision can be made on table 100 to allow for wagers to be made based on rolls of dice 40, 42, and 44 showing a straight, i.e. 1, 2, 3; 2, 3, 4; 3, 4, 5; and 4, 5, 6. A further variation would employ wagers based on the roll of three different colored dice, e.g. red, white and blue, which would increase the number of straight possibilities. Wagers could also be made based on comparisons of the sum of the two identical dice 40 and 42 to the “Dragon's Eye” dice 44. Other wagering options based on rolls of the three dice are contemplated and the invention is not be considered restricted to that which is particularly disclosed herein.

After the bets have been paid out and the dealer collects the winnings for the house, players will proceed to play the primary games of the table, i.e., Blackjack, Poker, Pai Gow games, etc. After the respective hand is played at each table, the gaming method of the present invention can proceed once again, this time with the player having the marker before him being given the opportunity to shake identical dice 40 and 42 and the “Dragon's Eye” dice 44 to start the process once again.

All tables employing the gaming method of the present invention will be linked to a progressive jackpot board, via the respective table key pads, so that players at each table can continually be apprised of the jackpot and the winners and then sent to the internet by modem.

While the gaming method of the present invention is not to be considered restrictive to particular odds, contemplated payouts for the various wagers for money bets, doubles upon the roll of the dice, triples upon the roll of the dice and jackpots when triples repeat upon separate rolls of the dice are as follows:

Payouts on Money Wagers:

“Dragon’s Eye” Dice Matches      1 to 1
a Player’s Location
Same Number on the Two Identical 2 to 1
Dice and the Number Matches
a Player's Location
Same Number on All Three Dice and 3 to 1
the Number Matches a Player's
Location
Money Wagers Lose when “Dragon’s —
Eye” Dice Does Not Match a
Player’s Location

Payouts on Doubles:

Same Number on the Two Identical 20 to 1
Dice and the Number Matches
a Player’s Location
Same Number on the Two Identical 2 to 1
Dice - All Other Player
Locations

Payouts on Triples:

Same Number on the Three Dice and 140 to 1
the Number Matches a
Player's Location
Same Number on the Three Dice -  5 to 1
All Other Player Locations
All Doubles Receive a Payout:    5 to 1
The Player Location Which
Matches the Double
All Other Player Locations       2 to 1

Payouts on Progressive Jackpots

Back to Back Identical Triples   10% of Jackpot
Back to Back to Back Identical Triples 100% of Jackpot

Another jackpot can be established by the number of times a complete rotation hits player locations 1-6, before 8 or 9, the kill numbers, hit. Three rotations can be 10% and four rotations can be the balance of the jackpot.

Jackpots can also be established based on how many times the dice roll cycle continues before kill numbers 8 and 9 are hit. This bonus game can also have winning steps based on how many times a player location hits before the kill numbers of 8 and 9 are rolled.

Thus, the casino gaming method of the present invention provides a most interesting, very exciting and attractive game, not only for players, but also for the house. Players are given multiple, favorable options to win, from placing simple money bets to jackpot payouts, with the odds still very much favoring the house.

Certain novel features and components of this invention are disclosed in detail in order to make the invention clear in at least one form thereof. However, it is to be clearly understood that the invention as disclosed is not necessarily limited to the exact form and details as disclosed, since it is apparent that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A method of playing a casino game for up to six players against a dealer, the method comprising the steps of:

producing a table with designated wagering areas;

providing first and second standard numbered dice and a third standard numbered dice of a different color than either of the other two dice;

designating to each player a different seating number between one and six on the table;

assigning each seating number on the table with two different cumulative dice numbers;

placing an optional wager based on the occurrence of an odd number or even dice number;

placing an optional wager based on the outcome of the same number appearing on the first and second dice upon a roll of the three dice;

placing an optional wager based on the occurrence of the same number appearing on all three dice upon a roll of the three dice;

rolling all three dice;

determining whether, after rolling the dice, the third dice exhibits an odd or even number;

declaring the players wagering on the occurrence of an odd number the winners over the dealer and the players wagering on the occurrence of an even number the losers in favor of the dealer, when the third die shows an odd number;

declaring the players wagering on the occurrence of an even number the winners over the dealer and the players wagering on the occurrence of an odd number the losers in favor of the dealer, when the third die shows an even number;

determining, after rolling the dice, whether the first and second dice show identical numbers;

declaring the players wagering on the occurrence of the first and second dice showing identical numbers the winners over the dealer when the first and second dice show identical numbers and declaring those players wagering on the occurrence of two identical numbers the losers in favor of the dealer when the first and second dice show different numbers;

determining, after rolling the dice, whether the three dice show identical numbers;

declaring those players wagering on the occurrence of the three dice showing identical numbers the winners over the dealer when the three dice show identical numbers and declaring the players wagering on the occurrence of the three dice showing three identical dice numbers the losers in favor of the dealer when the three dice do not show three identical numbers;

after rolling the dice, totaling the numbers on the three dice to determine the cumulative dice number; and

passing the roll of the dice to the player who has the same cumulative dice number as the cumulative total number shown on the three dice.

2. The method as in claim 1 comprising the further steps of:

assigning the dealer two different cumulative dice numbers which are different from any of the cumulative dice numbers of the players' seating numbers;

placing an optional wager based on the occurrence of certain cumulative sums of the three dice, upon a roll of the dice;

after a minimum of four consecutive rolls of the three dice, declaring the players wagering on the occurrence of said certain cumulative sums the winners over the dealer when the cumulative sum of the three rolled dice is a cumulative dice number which has been assigned to a player seating number; and

declaring the players wagering on the occurrence of said certain cumulative sums the losers over the dealer when the cumulative sum of the three rolled dice is a cumulative dice number which has been assigned to the dealer.

3. The method as in claim 2 wherein the cumulative dice numbers assigned to player seat numbers are 10 and 18, 3 and 11, 4 and 12, 5 and 13, 6 and 14, and 7 and 15 and the cumulative dice numbers assigned to the dealer are 8 and 9.

4. The method as in claim 1 comprising the further step of proceeding with the play of an alternate, different game, by all wagering players.

5. The method as in claim 1 further comprising repeating the steps of the method as described in claim 1 with a plurality of separate sets of no more than six players per set.

6. The method as in claim 5 comprising the further steps of:

following rolling of the dice, retrieving the wagers of the losing players wagering on the occurrence of the first and second dice showing identical numbers and the three dice showing three identical numbers; and

accumulating said wagers to form a progressive jackpot.

7. The method as in claim 6 comprising the further step of paying out the jackpot to each player in the separate sets of players who, on subsequent rolls of the dice, are successful in wagering on the occurrence of the first and second dice showing identical numbers and the occurrence of the three dice each showing identical dice numbers.

8. The method as in claim 1 comprising the further step of designating the dealer with four different cumulative dice numbers.

9. The method as in claim 4 wherein the alternate, different game is any game played with six player locations.

10. The method as in claim 4 wherein the alternate, different game is no commission Baccarat, whereby when three identical numbers come up upon a roll of the three dice, a commission is paid out giving a 2.77 advantage to the host house.

11. A method of playing a casino game for up to six players against a dealer, the method comprising the steps of:

producing a table with designated wagering areas;

providing first and second standard numbered dice and a third standard numbered dice of a different color than either of the other two dice;

designating to each player a different seating number between one and six on the table;

assigning each seating number on the table with two different cumulative dice numbers;

placing an optional wager based on the occurrence of an odd number or even number, upon the roll of all three dice;

placing an optional wager based on the outcome of the same number appearing on the first and second dice upon a roll of the three dice;

placing an optional wager based on the occurrence of the same number appearing on all three dice upon a roll of the three dice;

rolling all three dice;

determining whether, after rolling the dice, the sum of the three dice is an odd or even number;

declaring the players wagering on the occurrence of an odd number the winners over the dealer and the players wagering on the occurrence of an even number the losers in favor of the dealer, when the sum of the three rolled dice is an odd number;

declaring the players wagering on the occurrence of an even number the winners over the dealer and the players wagering on the occurrence of an odd number the losers in favor of the dealer, when the sum of the three rolled dice is an even number;

determining, after rolling the dice, whether the first and second dice show identical numbers;

declaring the players wagering on the occurrence of the first and second dice showing identical numbers the winners over the dealer when the first and second dice show identical numbers and declaring those players wagering on the occurrence of two identical numbers the losers in favor of the dealer when the first and second dice show different numbers;

determining, after rolling the dice, whether the three dice show identical numbers;

declaring those players wagering on the occurrence of the three dice showing identical numbers the winners over the dealer when the three dice show identical numbers and declaring the players wagering on the occurrence of the three dice showing three identical dice numbers the losers in favor of the dealer when the three dice do not show three identical numbers;

after rolling the dice, totaling the numbers on the three dice to determine the cumulative dice number; and

passing the roll of the dice to the player who has the same cumulative dice number as the cumulative total number shown on the three dice.

12. The method as in claim 11 comprising the further steps of:

assigning the dealer two different cumulative dice numbers which are different from any of the cumulative dice numbers of the players' seating numbers;

placing an optional wager based on the occurrence of certain cumulative sums of the three dice, upon a roll of the dice;

after a minimum of four consecutive rolls of the three dice, declaring the players wagering on the occurrence of said certain cumulative sums the winners over the dealer when the cumulative sum of the three rolled dice is a cumulative dice number which has been assigned to a player seating number; and

declaring the players wagering on the occurrence of said certain cumulative sums the losers over the dealer when the cumulative sum of the three rolled dice is a cumulative dice number which has been assigned to the dealer.

13. The method as in claim 12 wherein the cumulative dice numbers assigned to player seat numbers are 10 and 18, 3 and 11, 4 and 12, 5 and 13, 6 and 14, and 7 and 15 and the cumulative dice numbers assigned to the dealer are 8 and 9.

14. The method as in claim 11 comprising the further step of proceeding with the play of an alternate, different game, by all wagering players.

15. The method as in claim 11 further comprising repeating the steps of the method as described in claim 1 with a plurality of separate sets of no more than six players per set.

16. The method as in claim 15 comprising the further steps of:

following rolling of the dice, retrieving the wagers of the losing players wagering on the occurrence of the first and second dice showing identical numbers and the three dice showing three identical numbers; and

accumulating said wagers to form a progressive jackpot.

17. The method as in claim 16 comprising the further step of paying out the jackpot to each player in the separate sets of players who, on subsequent rolls of the dice, are successful in wagering on the occurrence of the first and second dice showing identical numbers and the occurrence of the three dice each showing identical dice numbers.

18. The method as in claim 11 comprising the further step of designating the dealer with four different cumulative dice numbers.

19. The method as in claim 14 wherein the alternate, different game is any game played with six player locations.

20. The method as in claim 14 wherein the alternate, different game is no commission Baccarat, whereby when three identical numbers come up upon a roll of the dice, a commission is paid out giving a 2.77 advantage to the host house.