Game Supporting Tables Or Surfaces Patents (Class 273/309)
  • Publication number: 20080122178
    Abstract: A method for playing a game of poker pits a dealer against two or more players. Players make an opening bet, the outcome of which may be determined, on a player by player basis, by comparing a hand value of each player hand to the dealer hand. Players may make a pot bet, the outcome of which may be determined by comparing hand values of all hands, including the dealer hand and all player hands. Player may additionally make a bonus bet, the outcome of which may be determined by comparing a value of at least one player hand to a bonus bet pay table. In one embodiment, players may make a low range bonus bet, in which the outcome of the bet is determined by comparing the value of the betting player's hand against the pay table. In one embodiment, players may make a high range bonus bet, in which the outcome of the bet is determined by comparing the value of all player hands against the pay table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Andrew Regos
  • Patent number: 7377515
    Abstract: An apparatus that is used to convert a surface of a table into a card table, that can later be removed, stowed and easily transported. In its preferred embodiment, the device would be comprised of four major components: a thin flat piece of padding; a piece of cloth with a constricting perimeter, a long, soft, flexible border; and a strap with a joining mechanism. The device would be installed onto a table by laying the piece of padding flat on a table surface; covering the padding with the cloth; wrapping the border around the common edges of the cloth, padding and table; and securing the padding, cloth and border in place around the perimeter of a table surface edge through tension afforded by the strap, with the ends of the strap being connected by the joining mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Steven Chandler Barker
  • Publication number: 20080111310
    Abstract: A game table television and method that allows for more frequent or continuous use of the game table by enabling additional and/or simultaneous use as a television, which may be conveniently enjoyed and/or controlled by the participants and/or spectators of the table game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Lydia Parvanta
  • Patent number: 7367884
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus comprising a gaming table with a gaming surface having at least one predetermined location for receiving a gaming token. A gaming token supporter is mounted at each of the at least one predetermined location for receiving a gaming token on the gaming surface of the gaming table such that the gaming token supporter is flush with the gaming surface and forms a gaming token receiving location. A photoelectric sensor for each gaming token supporter that emits and receives modulated radiation is mounted to the gaming table such that each sensor is aligned with and in sensing proximity to a gaming token supporter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Breeding, Troy D. Nelson, James B. Stasson, James P. Helgesen
  • Patent number: 7364160
    Abstract: A gaming device base having a front surface that allows players to extend their legs. In the preferred embodiment, the gaming device base has a horizontal support member having a substantially flat surface to support at least one gaming device and at least one edge. The gaming device base has at least one door positioned beneath the horizontal support member. The door may be moved from an open to a closed position. In the closed position, the door is positioned behind the edge of the horizontal support member. The door has at least one angled portion, which is an acute angle measured from a vertical plane. Players sitting in front of the edge of the horizontal support member may stretch or extend their legs behind the edge of the horizontal support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald C. Seelig, Mac Seelig, Jack McNamara, Michael Kobryn
  • Patent number: 7357717
    Abstract: A computer-based customer tracking system passively identifies customers. Acquired biometric identification information is sent to a computer processor, which searches files in a library for matching biometric data. If no match is found, the processor opens a new file in the library. If a match is found, said processor stores in the file that a repeat identification has occurred. If said processor is only able to reduce the number of possible matches to two or more files, personnel determines if a match certain has occurred. If prior activity information stored in the file exceeds a predetermined level, the prior activity information is retrieved from the file and sent to a terminal, preferably at the location of the transaction. New information from the transaction is stored for future access. The processor scans the files periodically, and deletes files which include activity level below a predetermined level over a preselected time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Biometric Recognition, LLC
    Inventor: Blake Cumbers
  • Patent number: 7351145
    Abstract: A gaming method and apparatus enabling a casino to track the average amount that a player bets at a gaming table, the total amount of player bets at a gaming table (handle) and the players win/loss experience, by measuring and recording into an electronic file each players bet at each betting station of each table a player frequents. The exact amount of each players bet will be measured by the total chip weight of the relevant bet via assigning a specific weight to each chip denomination wherein no two groups of chips in which a total number chips are different from one another have the same total weight, even though their monetary value may be the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: MAO, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin A. Ornstein, Richard B. Hanbicki
  • Publication number: 20080067750
    Abstract: A combination game table having a plurality of games therein includes a mechanism for scrolling a sheet having different game surfaces thereon. The combination game table includes a table frame assembly having side members and a bottom surface, and a cavity located in the table frame assembly. The mechanism is positioned in the cavity and in contact with the sheet to translate the sheet from one position to a next position. In this regard, an operator is able to view a desired game surface by translating the sheet via the mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Justin L. Voden
  • Publication number: 20080067749
    Abstract: A card table, card table topper and card serving segments are disclosed which facilitate the removal of cards placed on a card table. The card table and table topper include a card server track which, in certain preferred embodiments, includes an elevated surface which lifts a card from the top surface of a card table as the card is drawn towards an inner face of the track. Thereafter, an abrupt declination of an outer face of the track exposes edges of the card thereby facilitating lifting and/or removing the card from the table. Alternate preferred embodiments include a card server comprised of a groove wherein cards drawn across the groove are easily grasped for identification or removal from the table. Card server segments are also disclosed wherein each segment includes a right end, a left end, an inner face, outer face and a maximum height adjacent to the outer face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Slappay
  • Patent number: 7344138
    Abstract: A floating poker pad is provided that may be used on both land and water. The poker pad has a base member that has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of the floating poker pad has a slightly slopped central inner playing area for poker or card play and defines one or more water drainage scuppers for keeping the central inner playing area free from water build-up. Additionally, the floating poker pad has upper openings for receiving beverages and poker playing chips and defines a central opening throughout the base member for receiving an umbrella pole when placed on a patio table for use as a poker table on land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Scott Romney
  • Patent number: 7341519
    Abstract: A system and method are provided wherein a player of a casino game or an online casino game is provided one or more additional opportunities to place bets, or to consume information or content, or perform a variety of tasks, without the need to leave the casino game (or online casino game), and with minimal disruption of the casino game, thus potentially increasing the revenue to the casino.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Real Time Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. McMain, Michael J. Staw, Josh Berman
  • Patent number: 7341510
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method of play in the practice of the present invention that are described below. An apparatus supporting the play of a casino table card game according to the present invention may comprise: A playing surface; A card-delivery device; A microprocessor operatively connected to the card-delivery device; Player controlled election identifiers that provide a visible signal of an election; At least two areas for display of at least partial card hands from which only one card hand may be elected for a wagering game by a player; The card-delivery device having at least one sensor thereon for sensing the presence of cards in a delivery area of the card-delivery device from which cards may be removed; The at least one sensor on the card-delivery device providing a signal to the microprocessor that a sensed set of cards has been removed from the delivery area; and in response to the signal, the microprocessor preventing players from entering a new election.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Feraidoon Bourbour, Troy D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7331579
    Abstract: A method of playing a poker-type wagering game is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: a) placing a mandatory Ante bet to participate in a poker-type card game against a dealer hand; b) placing a mandatory Super Bonus bet on the occurrence of one of a predetermined plurality of winning poker hands; c) a dealer dealing at least two hands of cards to the dealer position and a hand of cards to each player participating in the game; d) and when the dealer's first hand meets or exceeds a predetermined high ranking hand value, discarding the first hand and playing the second hand; e) each player placing an additional mandatory Bet after viewing at least the player's hand of cards to stay in the game; f) resolving each player hand against the dealer hand; g) paying the player on the Ante and Bet if the player's hand ranking exceeds that of the dealer; and h) paying the player on the Super Bonus bet if the player hand is one of a plurality of predetermined winning poker hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger M. Snow
  • Patent number: 7328901
    Abstract: A method for playing a game played by at least one player having both numbered playing cards and a pair of dice. The method for the game includes randomizing at least six of the playing cards, wherein each card contains a single digit from one to six. The playing cards are then inserted into a series of boxes or slots on a table wherein the boxes or slots correspond to the digits one through six. One player is offered an opportunity to be a dealer and is provided with a pair of six-sided dice. The dice are rolled by the dealer and the outcome of the playing card or cards is determined and the total of the cards is determined by the outcome of the dice. Winners and losers are determined from the card or the cards. A series of additional steps may be employed thereafter in accordance with traditional casino craps gaming rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Quapaw Gaming Corporation
    Inventors: Cynthia Jean Bunn, Kirk Jeremy Myrick, JR Mathews, George D. Joseph
  • Patent number: 7322578
    Abstract: A casino-based poker card game played with a conventional deck of cards and multiple rounds of betting, that provides each player with two face up cards and the house with two face down cards. Additionally, there are five exposed community cards that each player and the house can use in any combination of his/her two cards to form the best five-card poker hand. The player, or the house, having the highest five-card poker hand is the winner. This invention allows the house to participate in the poker game as a risk-bearing participant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventors: Adam Marshall Swartz, Leopold Bushkin
  • Patent number: 7309066
    Abstract: A casino wagering game where at least one player has the options to either place multiple wagers against a dealer and/or banker (the house) in a game, to qualify for a pre-determined Bonus schedule, or both. However, uniquely by the design of the present invention, each participating player is initially dealt three cards creating at least two separate hands. Specifically, one of those cards dealt to each player is considered a “shared card” in its relationship to each of the other two cards dealt to that player. Within the dealing, the house is dealt one hand of two cards. According to another aspect, the three cards initially dealt to each player, defined as at least two separate hands, may be treated separately in a Bonus game offered for an additional or separate wager. After the initial Bonus aspect of the game is resolved, a game defined by the house ensues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Frederic Wayne Donaldson
  • Publication number: 20070273099
    Abstract: A card receiver to receive playing cards includes a substantially circular base having an outer periphery and an inner portion radially spaced from the outer periphery. A plurality of partitions extend longitudinally from the base and opposed surfaces of each adjacent pair of partitions form a respective playing card compartment therebetween. Each of the partitions are cambered such that both a face and a back of a playing card retained in a respective one of the compartments are physically engaged by the opposed surfaces of the pair of partitions forming the respective compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen Fleckenstein
  • Patent number: 7300056
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide systems and methods relating to online gaming utilizing virtual playing instruments generated from physical playing instruments. According to one aspect of the invention, physical playing instruments are utilized in a gaming environment that may be scrambled, shuffled, and/or played remotely over a network. In one embodiment, the physical playing instruments are traditional poker-style gaming playing cards. The playing instruments include at least one identifier that may be read upon being dealt, such as identified and stored on a computer-readable medium before a game. In one such embodiment, computer-executable instructions may utilize the information on the computer-readable medium in conjunction with one or more games. Further aspects relate to validating the playing instruments and/or systems before, during, and/or after conducting one or more games with the playing instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: GIOIA Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Gene George Gioia, Andrew Nicholas Gioia, Brendan Michael Fogarty
  • Patent number: 7273212
    Abstract: An article support apparatus facilitates article interaction such as game play upon an oblong game table. The article or game support apparatus comprises a support plate, an anchor plate, and an article-positioning assembly extending therebetween. The article-positioning assembly may comprise a plate-extending assembly and a plate-rotating assembly. The plate-extending assembly functions to extend the game support plate away from the anchor plate. The anchor plate is of sufficient mass to interface the game support apparatus with a support surface and prevent the extended game support apparatus from tipping. The support plate functions to support an interactive article such as a gaming device or a common board game. The selected gaming device is supportable atop the game support plate and is thus extendable to separated player stations about the game support surface. The article or game support apparatus functions to enable game play in a spaced player setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Scott L. Kolbaba
  • Patent number: 7264241
    Abstract: A method of controlling the game of baccarat is disclosed, the method including the steps of providing a card delivery shoe equipped with a sensor capable of reading at least a rank of each card; a first processor capable of controlling operation of the card delivery shoe; and a second processor capable of receiving signals from the sensor and programmed to display information related to the game of baccarat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver M. Schubert, Joshua David Marz
  • Patent number: 7264243
    Abstract: A live casino operated tables, games, video games, automated games with live players, or by having a dealer or banker provided with a casino table poker game utilizes at least one deck of playing cards, the game comprising: each player placing at least one wager to participate in the casino game; dealing a first number of cards to a dealer as a banker's hand, the first number of cards being greater than the number of cards to be used in determination of a poker rank hand for the banker's hand; dealing a second number of cards to each player, the second number of cards being greater than the number of cards to be used in determination of a poker rank hand for each player; the dealer discarding at least one card from the banker's hand to form a resulting single dealer hand; each player discarding at least one card to form a resulting player's hand for each player, wherein the number of cards in resulting player's hands and the resulting banker's hand are equal; and resolving each player hand against the banker'
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc
    Inventors: Mark L. Yoseloff, R. Brooke Dunn, Philip S. Smith, Roger M. Snow
  • Patent number: 7258341
    Abstract: A variable point generation craps game includes a random indicator generator providing only members of a predetermined set of indicators, at least two point value selectors and a bet. Each of the indicators designates a point value selector, each of which has an initial state providing all possible point values obtainable, and with the same probability, from a single roll of a standard pair of dice. The point value selectors yield at least one point for the craps game upon designation by the random indicator generator. The bet depends upon at least one point value selected by at least one of the point value selectors. In a variation, a single point value selector is used and the random indicator generator designates an integer that determines a predetermined operation to be performed upon the point value selector to yield at least one point for the craps game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventors: Alireza Pirouzkhah, Susan L. Melendez
  • Patent number: 7255642
    Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino-type card games, in particular blackjack. The systems include a presentation unit which has video displays which portray virtual playing cards and other information at gaming tables attended by live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The processor can also associate one or more slot symbols with the virtual playing cards so that jackpots can be awarded on the basis of winning slot symbols or combinations of symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Randy D. Sines, Michael J. Kuhn, Randy A. Gregory
  • Patent number: 7255351
    Abstract: A multi-player automated casino table card game platform enables play of casino table BLACKJACK-type games according to rules effected through a processor. Rules may include games similar to standard blackjack or Twenty-One with an additional bonus event present in the play of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Yoseloff, R. Brooke Dunn, Philip S. Smith, Roger M. Snow
  • Patent number: 7246799
    Abstract: A method of playing a wagering card game for a number of player using standard playing cards having a standard rank and involving standard poker hand rankings comprises: each player placing at least four distinct wagering parts to participate in the game; dealing three cards to each player and at least two common cards, all of the at least two common cards being dealt face down; giving each player the chance to examine the cards received by that player and to withdraw at least a first part of the at least four distinct wagering parts wager based on the rank of the player's cards prior to one of the at least two common cards being dealt face down being exposed; showing the at least one common card, thereby providing at least a partial hand for each player, each player's at least a partial hand comprising the shown at least one common card and the cards each player was dealt; allowing each player to withdraw a second part of the at least four wagering parts and forfeiting a third part of the at least four wager
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger M. Snow
  • Patent number: 7243920
    Abstract: A gaming table for supporting cards and gaming pieces such as dominos. The gaming table has game boards that include first and second major surfaces and first and second sets of slots. The first set of slots is sized and configured for supporting gaming pieces like dominos and is disposed within the first major surface of the game board. The second set of slots is sized and configured for supporting playing cards. The second set of slots is disposed on the first major surface of the game board but within the first set of slots to form a set of compound slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Louis F. Braun
  • Patent number: 7234702
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a game table with a plurality of player stations with an integral lighting system. The game table, for example, a poker table, includes a light window adjacent all of the player stations. An illumination device is fixedly disposed beneath the light window. With such a configuration, lighting is provided from beneath the table, which minimizes shadows during television taping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: WPT Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Roy Lipscomb, John Michael Conti, James Joseph Cuomo
  • Patent number: 7225928
    Abstract: An inflatable puzzle storage device and method is provided. To this end, a puzzle is completely or partially assembled on a puzzle assembly mat. To store or transport the puzzle, the puzzle assembly mat and puzzle pieces thereon are wrapped around an inflated tube and secured, such that the puzzle pieces remain in place relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick A. Enko
  • Patent number: 7222852
    Abstract: A stacked set of playing cards are supported to expose an information bearing portion bearing a first machine-readable indicia and an information bearing portion bearing a second machine-readable indicia, such that each of the first and second machine-readable indicia from a number of cards are read by at least one reader. The second machine-readable indicia may provide redundancy, or may be related to the first machine-readable indicia to allow the authentication of the playing card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Ball Gaming International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Patent number: 7204488
    Abstract: The alphabetic roulette game includes a roulette wheel having twenty-five positions thereon, comprising the twenty-six letters of the Roman alphabet and a double letter position. A wagering surface or table provides for the placement of wagers upon the chance of any of the single letters (or the double letters) or a letter of any of several groups of letters turning up on a spin of the wheel. The game also provides for wagers on the chance of a given letter turning up on two or more consecutive turns of the wheel. A further wagering opportunity is provided for wagering upon the chance of a letter within a given word or words (e.g., “LITTLE WHEEL”) coming up on a turn of the wheel. The alphabetic positions on the wheel, and corresponding positions on the table, may be colored to allow players to place wagers on a color or colors, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Budimir Ilievski
  • Patent number: 7204757
    Abstract: A wagering game for one or more players comprising (a) a random result generator for generating a specific random result, and (b) a playing surface (100) including a first betting zone (20) for placement of first wagers corresponding to a plural of likely random results; and a second betting zone (30) for placement of second wagers corresponding to a first or second outcome wherein the likely random result is compared to the specific random result for a match and the first or second outcomes are determined by a comparison of the specific random result with either a predetermined specific random result or a successive specific random result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Entertainment Programmes Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael John Newton, Mark Lawson, Cecilia Jenny Tollet
  • Patent number: 7175528
    Abstract: A computer-based customer tracking system passively identifies customers. Acquired biometric identification information is sent to a computer processor, which searches files in a library for matching biometric data. If no match is found, the processor opens a new file in the library. If a match is found, said processor stores in the file that a repeat identification has occurred. If said processor is only able to reduce the number of possible matches to two or more files, personnel determines if a match certain has occurred. If prior activity information stored in the file exceeds a predetermined level, the prior activity information is retrieved from the file and sent to a terminal, preferably at the location of the transaction. New information from the transaction is stored for future access. A selected or assigned personal identification number (PIN) reduces the time associated with, and improves the efficiency of, the identification process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Biometric Recognition, LLC
    Inventor: Blake Cumbers
  • Patent number: 7175178
    Abstract: A new casino game is disclosed. The casino game has a new layout, card draw, payouts, and dealing procedures. The casino game uses a standard deck of fifty-two cards. The layout of the casino game has a high return area, optional bets area, card value area, color chips area, cash chips area and card stand. The card value area has a card value box for each of the thirteen valued cards from the deck. Adjacent to each card value box is a suit box for each of the four suits. The optional bets area has a straight, flush, straight flush, royal flush, full house and four-of-a-kind box. The bets offered are even chances, high stakes chances and very high stakes chances. The players win if the cards drawn match the bets that they have placed on the layout. The casino game has various payouts for the possible winning cards/bets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Bachir Georges El Kai
  • Patent number: 7175180
    Abstract: Card games that combine the play of Blackjack (“21”) with a 3-card Poker wager or side bet (“21+3”). Each player places a basic Blackjack wager and an optional 3-card Poker wager before the cards are dealt. Each player is then dealt a card with the dealer receiving a face-up card. Each player is dealt a second card. At this point, the outcome of each 3-card Poker hand is determined, where a 3-card Poker hand consists of the 2-card hand dealt to that player and the dealer's face-up card. After settling the Poker wagers, the game of Blackjack continues in a typical fashion. The invention advantageously retains all the features and advantages of Blackjack as well as provides the dynamics of 3-card Poker, without interfering with the card sequence, for enhanced player anticipation and enjoyment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Prime Table Games LLC
    Inventor: Derek J. Webb
  • Patent number: 7168705
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a card game in which at least one card, and preferably six cards, are dealt to at least one player position, and preferably seven player positions. To initiate a round of play, a number of cards are dealt face down to each of the player positions. The player selects a card from amongst the dealt cards which is then assigned as the dealer's card. The player makes a wager to elect to play one or more of the remaining player positions. All the cards are turned face up and each player position card is individually compared to the dealer's assigned card. A winning status occurs for wagered position in which the player's upturned card has a higher ranking than the dealer's assigned card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Schibetta
  • Patent number: 7165770
    Abstract: A method of playing a poker-type wagering game is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: a) placing a mandatory Ante bet to participate in a poker-type card game against a dealer hand; b) placing a mandatory Super Bonus bet on the occurrence of one of a predetermined plurality of winning poker hands; c) a dealer dealing at least two hands of cards to the dealer position and a hand of cards to each player participating in the game; d) and when the dealer's first hand meets or exceeds a predetermined high ranking hand value, discarding the first hand and playing the second hand; e) each player placing an additional mandatory Bet after viewing at least the player's hand of cards to stay in the game; f) resolving each player hand against the dealer hand; g) paying the player on the Ante and Bet if the player's hand ranking exceeds that of the dealer; and h) paying the player on the Super Bonus bet if the player hand is one of a plurality of predetermined winning poker hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger M. Snow
  • Patent number: 7165769
    Abstract: Methods and systems for conducting gaming activities are disclosed. In one method, wagers are placed on a game and cards are dispensed. An indicia of a play card is used to determine an outcome of the game. A feature bet is included, wherein if the indicia of the play card is a predetermined indicia, an indicia of the second card is identified. If a predetermined indicia on the second card is identified, a feature bet payoff is made to players that wagered on the feature bet. A method and system for a roulette game are also disclosed. A roulette wheel is used to determine which card of a deck of cards determines the outcome of the roulette game. A craps game system and method are further described. Dice are used to determine which card of a deck of cards determines the outcome of the craps game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: The Pala Band of Mission Indians
    Inventors: Michael P. Crenshaw, David F. Fendrick, Jerome H. Turk
  • Patent number: 7156745
    Abstract: A combination pool table/ping pong table having height adjustment means for raising and lowering simultaneously the four corners of the game table. This allows the game of pool to be played at a proper regulation height and also allows the ping pong table to be used at a proper regulation height. A ping pong table surface is formed from a plurality of panels that rest on the top edge of the game table. These panels can be removably connected to each other. There is a storage rack assembly positioned in a chamber beneath the playing surface of the pool table that allows the ping pong table panels to be stored out of sight when not in use. There are two different embodiments of height adjustment means for raising and lowering the height of the game table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Richard B. Fahmie
  • Patent number: 7156396
    Abstract: A folding game table having a collapsible construction is disclosed. The folding game table has a plurality of table top portions interconnected with at least one hinge and movable between an extended position and a folded position. At least one rail is configured to be removably mounted to the plurality of table top portions and configured to removably secure at least one game template to the plurality of table top portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Justin L. Voden
  • Patent number: 7156026
    Abstract: An ergonomically contoured frame for accommodating a person in a seated position includes an upper section carried by a base section. The base section includes upwardly extending legs, while the upper section includes downwardly extending legs for adjustably interconnecting with the upwardly extending legs to vary the height of the controller stand to accommodate different players. The base section includes a generally U-shaped base carrying the upwardly extending legs. The upper section has a generally U-shaped top integral with and interconnecting the downwardly extending legs. A foot controller platform is carried by the base section for carrying a foot controller for a video game. A hand controller platform is carried by the upper section for carrying a hand controller for a video game. Securing members are carried by the platforms for securing the controllers to each platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: W. Richard McClellion
  • Patent number: 7144011
    Abstract: A method of managing a blackjack game is provided. A blackjack game bet comprising a bet against a house entity on a blackjack hand is received from a player. A pair of cards is determined for a hand for the house entity, and another pair of cards is determined for a hand for the player. The odds of the occurrence of one or more subsequent events are determined based at least in part on one or more of the pair of cards selected for the house entity's hand and one or more of the pair of cards selected for the player's hand. The odds for an additional bet are determined based at least on the determined odds for the one or more subsequent events, and the additional bet is offered to the player at the determined odds for the additional bet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Cantor Index LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Asher, Lewis C. Findlay, Guy Iain Oliver Riches
  • Patent number: 7137630
    Abstract: A method of playing a wagering card game named Pojack includes selected elements of the games of Blackjack and Poker, Pojack being played between a dealer and one or more players, where the dealer deals from a stack of cards containing a plurality of standard 52-card decks of cards and the Poker payout odds are predetermined. This game has rules wherein: a. each player elects to play Blackjack or Poker or both by placing a Blackjack bet or a Poker ante bet or both respectively, b. then the dealer deals according to standard Blackjack procedure to all those players who elected to play Blackjack, c. then before the dealer turns over his hole card and before he makes the Blackjack payout or collection to the players playing Blackjack, each player who previously made a Poker bet is invited to play Poker using his Blackjack hand as the beginning of his Poker hand by placing a Poker raise bet, d. then each player electing to play Poker places his raise bet, e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Po-Jack LLC
    Inventor: Jerome J. Yurkins
  • Patent number: 7118113
    Abstract: A novel card game is disclosed utilizing a standard deck of playing cards and played by combining the rules of tic-tac-toe and twenty-one or poker. The player places the cards at certain locations in order to accumulate combinations of twenty-one or in order to accumulate the best poker hands. Also disclosed are novel decks of game playing cards containing playing cards. One novel deck consists of groups of cards, each containing the numeric values of one through ten. The other novel deck contains 37 or 38 novel cards, each containing a numeric value one through 36, or a zero or a double zero, along with a color indication of red, black or green.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventors: David L. Hoyt, Stephen M. Flaherty
  • Patent number: 7118111
    Abstract: A method for playing a casino card game which utilize a standard deck of playing cards containing numbered cards 2–10 and face cards; jack, queen, king and ace, ace being high. A playing surface is used for multiple players and a dealer. Each player position has three card receiving dock areas and corresponding wager playing areas thereon and a bonus wagering area. Three wagers are placed and a first card is dealt face down to each player. A second card is dealt to each player face up and wherein one of the equal wagers can be withdrawn by the player. Each player has their face down card turned over by the dealer and is dealt a last card face up. If the last card ranks or falls between the displayed cards in the player's hand is then a winner and a pay-off is made depending on card spread sequence. A double down doubling of wager option is also available during card play in which all wagers still remaining on the playing surface are doubled and the player receives a replacement card for the first card dealt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Rick Altomare
  • Patent number: 7094150
    Abstract: An improved roulette game utilizing he existing roulette wheel and/or electronic LED wheel with an existing layout to enhance the game or roulette. Players make wagers on the conventional layout and using the plurality of token or chip acceptors as an extra wager to win either a major progressive jackpot or minor progressive jackpot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventors: Mark Curran Ungaro, Carlo Palombo
  • Patent number: 7086533
    Abstract: An inflatable puzzle storage device and method is provided. To this end, a puzzle is completely or partially assembled on a puzzle assembly mat. To store or transport the puzzle, the puzzle assembly mat and puzzle pieces thereon are wrapped around an inflated tube and secured, such that the puzzle pieces remain in place relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick A. Enko
  • Patent number: 7066466
    Abstract: A method for playing a modified Blackjack game is set forth using decks containing an extra 11 and/or 12 value card(s). Prior to play each player makes a Blackjack game wager and a suit wager. After one or more cards are dealt to each player a suit designating card is dealt and revealed and if one or both of the player's first two cards are of the same suit as the suit designating card, the player wins the suit wager. Thereafter, each player hand and the dealer hand are completed according to the rules of Blackjack (slightly modified due to the inclusion of the additional 11 and/or 12 value cards) and the Blackjack wagers are resolved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventors: Emil Stavinsky, Michael Wichinsky
  • Patent number: 7040626
    Abstract: A gaming device base having a storage area configured to store at least one non-currency gaming item is disclosed. The gaming device base further includes a horizontal support member having a substantially flat surface to support at least one gaming device. The gaming device base further has at least one door positioned beneath the horizontal support member and also may have at least one edge. The door includes the storage area configured to store the non-currency gaming item and further may be moved from an open to a closed position; the door may also include an angled portion. In the open position, the storage area may be accessed and, in the closed position, the door is positioned behind the edge of the horizontal support member. Players sitting in front of the edge of the horizontal support member may stretch or extend their legs behind the edge of the horizontal support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald C. Seelig, Mac Seelig, Jack McNamara, Michael Kobryn
  • Patent number: 7036821
    Abstract: A card game is played with a set of playing cards and a gaming cloth (10), the gaming cloth (10) defining an area (12) in which a dealer may deal two or more cards constituting a house hand, and a plurality of player areas; each player area defining an area (14,16) in which two or more hands comprised of two or more cards may be dealt to a player; areas (18,20) corresponding to each hand for placing a bet on the hands beating the house hand; and an area (22) in which optional bets may be placed on the matching of the cards dealt to each player to specified hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Geoffrey William Hall
  • Patent number: RE39659
    Abstract: The specification discloses a multi-wheel game-of-chance having at least two groups of spinning wheels, wherein each group includes at least two concentric spinning wheels having a viewable surface face thereon. A plurality of indicia are positioned on the peripheral of the viewable surface face of each wheel such that all indicia on each wheel is viewable to the user. Bet areas are positioned at various locations around at least a portion of each group of wheels; along a line joining the center of any two groups of wheels; and/or a junction between various radially positioned lines extending from the center of two or more groups of wheels. Each bet area represents a possible payline with various pay ratios depending on the probability of various predetermined combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Sierra Design Group
    Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Lawrence W. Luciano, Kurt W. Spencer