Abstract: A side wager for blackjack that allows the player to win when the player loses a hand that the player would have expected to win. If the player is initially dealt a good hand, e.g., 20, and the player still loses, then the player can be rewarded by collecting a “bad beat” award.

Abstract: A system for playing a live game of chance using electronic wagering is disclosed. The system uses a gaming table equipped with a card reading apparatus and multiple dual mode player/dealer displays, each with a player interface. Physical playing cards are electronically read and delivered to the casino table. Electronic information of at least one of rank and count is provided to a game processor. The game processor also sends and receives player information to and from a player display. The player display is divided into two segments, the first segment displaying player information and a second segment displaying dealer information. The player enters wagers and other play decisions through the player interface. The system displays information useful to the player on the first area and information useful to the dealer on the second segment at appropriate intervals.

Abstract: A casino-style blackjack card game that offers players the option of placing wagers against the occurrence of their hand value exceeding 21 (commonly known as busting) on the next card drawn when they have a hard card count of 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20.

Abstract: Various embodiments include determining a value of a statistic describing cards that have been dealt from a deck, and modifying the rules of a game based on the statistic.

Abstract: Apparatus for playing a multi-player blackjack-type card game, comprises a playing table having three or more, particularly four, delineated play regions, each assigned a different winning ratio. The regions are elongated to accommodate several players, and are additional to an incidental dealer region for use by a dealer player. There are one or more decks of playing cards, a set of counters, having stake values and for placing as desired on the regions. The user places counters on the regions of the table with a view to increasing his number of counters.

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game is disclosed. The game is a blackjack variant played by making two wagers and playing against a dealer hand. Each player makes two initial wagers. The dealer deals three cards to the player, and the player arranges the cards into a first two-card hand and a second one-card hand. The first wager is placed at risk with the first two-card hand and the second wager is placed at risk with the second one-card hand. The dealer also receives an initial two-card hand. The dealer deals the player one additional card to complete the second hand, and then the two-card hands are played out using traditional blackjack rules. The house takes a commission on the first and second wagers. An optional three-card poker side bet is provided in one embodiment.

Abstract: Blackjack tournaments are described which provide for rules and practices that facilitate counting of cards by players, such as dealing from a single deck of 52 cards down to the last card in the deck. The proprietor of the tournament limits its exposure to losses by forming a pool of prize money from entrance fees paid by players, sponsorship fees, a limited contribution to the pool of prize money, or combinations thereof. Players play with chips provided by the proprietor of the tournament. The tournament may be captured with one or more video cameras and broadcast over an entertainment network. The broadcast may feature card counting reports, commentary by experts, and a display of the sequence of cards to be dealt to the players and the dealer.

Abstract: A method of playing a table card game is provided. A player makes a first wager as to whether a predetermined number of cards in a hand of cards dealt to the player will add up to a predetermined qualifying value. The player may also optionally make a bonus wager as to whether the predetermined number of cards will be a bonus combination. If the player cannot make the qualifying value the player loses the wagers, otherwise the player is paid according to a pay scale. The player may then optionally make a second chance wager and a second chance bonus wager based on the predetermined number of cards in a hand of community cards dealt. If the qualifying value cannot be made from the community hand, the player loses the wagers, otherwise the player is paid according to a pay scale.

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering blackjack-type card game on an electronic device wherein the object of the game is to play and win or at least tie both of two player hands against a single dealer hand. Preferably four cards are dealt to each player who has placed a wager, and at least an initial up card for the dealer is displayed. Each player then has the option of forfeiting at least a portion of his wager, or continuing to play. If the player decides to continue playing, the initially-dealt cards are then randomly displayed as two cards in each of two separate player hands. Each player hand is then finalized according to traditional blackjack rules, including doubling, hitting and standing. Each finalized player hand is then compared with a finalized dealer hand, with the winning wagers being determined by a predetermined paytable. A side bet is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable storage medium to provide a variation of a casino poker game that combines games of blackjack and poker into a single game. An optional card is available for use by the player in both the blackjack game and the poker game, but in order to use the optional card the player must make an additional wager.

Abstract: Virtual card game with simultaneous slot machine game. In one implementation, an electronic game table platform executes gambling card games, for example, poker or blackjack, played with virtual playing cards that may also have slot symbols included on the virtual playing cards. A player can win slot machine payouts from a hand of virtual playing cards currently in play in a game of poker or blackjack. The electronic game table systems have changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards and the various symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing and return of virtual 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.

Abstract: A wager is received on a designated hand. At least two hands are dealt. Optionally, if a hand has a natural hand score, wagers on the hand with the natural hand score may be rewarded. A hand score (the sum modulo ten of the values of the cards) is calculated for each hand and compared to a target value. A card is dealt to the hand further from the target value and a new hand score is calculated for that hand. If the new hand score remains further from the target value than the other hand, wagers on that hand are collected and wagers on the hand closer to the target value are rewarded. If the new hand score is closer to the target value than the other hand, a card is dealt to the hand further from the target value. Hand scores are re-calculated and wagers resolved.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a processor for conducting a wagering game on the gaming machine and a gesture-sensing mechanism. The gesture-sensing mechanism can be used for providing various inputs. For example, the gesture-sensing mechanism provides player inputs that select certain options during operation of the game. The gesture-sensing mechanism may further distinguish between a first gesture indicative of a first player input and a second gesture indicative of a second player input. Or, the gesture-sensing mechanism provides player inputs in response to a physical action by a player that relates to a theme of the gaming machine. Alternatively or additionally, the gaming machine may include a microphone in communication with the processor. The microphone receives player inputs in the form of acoustic signals.

Abstract: An electronic card table and method provides an electronic card game to a plurality of players. The electronic card table includes a table top with a playing surface and a plurality of electronic player interaction areas located around a periphery of the table top. Each electronic player interaction area provides a player interface for interaction with one of the players. A computer administers the electronic card game using electronic cards, determines a winner from among the players and awards a pot to the winner at the end of each hand. The computer further detects possible collusion between two or more of the players.

Abstract: A card game and method of playing the card game is disclosed. The card game involves placing cards into pre-defined card positions in the form of grids or matrices. For example, a 3×3 grid is filled with nine cards. Game outcome combinations are defined by three horizontal, three vertical and two diagonal pay lines. Another grid arrangement includes a 3×3 grid with each row and column having an extra card position at each end thereof. Accordingly, after the 3×3 grid is filled with random cards, a player may select one or more pay lines after which the two extra card positions are filled. The player is paid for any winning hands formed of the five card defined by the selected pay lines. Countless grid arrangements and pay lines are conceivable. In other versions, the player may replace one or more initially dealt, displayed or otherwise provided cards. The card game and method disclosed herein may be played through an electronic gaming device, over the Internet or at a live gaming table with a dealer.

Abstract: A processor controlled gaming device having a display device in communication with the processor. When the display device receives an input from the player, gaming device randomly generates an outcome, the display device displays an event having the outcome and the gaming device provides the player with a payout in association with the outcome and the selected input. The inputs have paytables that vary in range. One input has a large, risky payout range with big and small payouts. One input has a small, conservative payout range with intermediate payouts. Other inputs have ranges that fall in between the risky and conservative ranges. Each of the ranges has the same overall expected value, so that the gaming device does not favor the player's choice of a risky or conservative input.

Abstract: Methods to provide an enhanced likelihood of winning an award and to provide enhanced awards based upon the appearance of symbols on free paylines or free hands of cards. In one embodiment base paylines and a free payline are defined using the same symbol matrix and same reel strips. The free payline is an additional payline with same frequencies of wins and losses as the base paylines. The player wagers upon any number of base paylines. The player receives a free payline if a designated number of base paylines are wagered upon. A multiplier enhances the award for winning symbol combinations appearing on the free payline, with the multiplier value equal to the total wager. In another embodiment, a player wagers upon any number of displayed poker hands. The player receives at least one free hand if a designated number of hands are wagered upon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for detecting collusion in online gaming involving a plurality of players, the method comprising storing game information data and game action data on every action in every game for every player in the online gaming database, performing a player action analysis of correlated actions between a pair of online game players and storing data from the player action analysis in a user action database, employing one or more Bayesian Network graphical models to determine a likelihood of conditional behavior between the pair of online game players, computing individual scores for the Bayesian Network graphical models and comparing the score of a collusional model with that of a non-collusional model.

Abstract: A process for playing “no dealer hand” Twenty-one is established where the uses of, or display of, at least one common deck of fifty-two cards is being applied for play action. This process is inclusive to either an encompassing video gaming apparatus or a live action table gaming environment, as accommodated for. In play action, the dealer's hand is replaced with the application of Trigger Numbers, ranging anywhere from Twelve (12) up to Twenty (20), and optional Push Numbers ranging anywhere from Twelve (12) up to Twenty (20). Through such an application, a more mathematically malleable and “broader core margin” percentage variance is provided for exploitation. Likewise, this broader core margin variance is made possible while simultaneously applying a seamlessly familiar playing experience for patrons. In so doing, the applicants' Trigger & Push Number solutions replacing the dealer's hand in play action, proffers a whole new frontier for the “Twenty-One” gaming procedure.

Abstract: A method for hosting a word-based lottery game having a plurality of players is disclosed. A player selects a plurality of cells from a playslip and these cells will be converted to a plurality of letters and symbols by a lottery game machine. The player will use these letters and symbols along with one or more letter(s) drawn by the lottery to form words and compare these words with a list of words. For each formed word that is on the list, a point is awarded and extra bonus points may be awarded to some special words. The total points obtained by the player is compared with a prize table and the player is awarded a prize according to the prize table.

Abstract: Session blackjack is modified by providing group sessions of blackjack in which each player may purchase a separate session of blackjack and cooperatively or competitively play towards group awards based on game play within the respective sessions of the group players.

Abstract: An improved video draw poker game is disclosed wherein for each round of game play five hands of cards are sequentially dealt and played. Bets are placed on each hand, and the player selects some cards in each hand to be held, or to be rejected and replaced. Cards that are either held or rejected by a player in one hand of cards are moved forward to be played in a subsequent one of the five hands of cards to attempt to develop a better hand. The moved cards are replaced in the hand from which they are originally dealt.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable storage medium to provide a blackjack variation to be played in a casino. After each player has reviewed his or her initial two cards, each player then has the option to double their wager and receive an unlimited number of cards, or triple their wager and receive a single card. Then, play can proceed and each player wins or loses their wagers according to a comparison of point totals between the player's hand and the dealer's hand.

Abstract: A method for a multi-reel game to be played on a single regulated gaming machine by two players may include steps of assigning a predetermined number of reels of the multi-reel gaming machine to a first player and a predetermined number of reels of the multi-reel gaming machine to a second player; maintaining game performance meters for each player; consolidating the game performance meters into regulatory meters; providing a random outcome upon player interaction and displaying the symbols associated with the random outcome; and awarding credits to the first player if a winning symbol combination of symbols is displayed on the reels assigned to the first player and awarding credits to the second player if a winning symbol combination is displayed on the reels assigned to the second player.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods relating to a physical gaming system that may host remote players. According to one embodiment of the invention, physical cards are utilized in a gaming environment that may be played remotely over a network. The cards include at least one identifier that may be read upon the card being dealt. The identifier may contain information that is remotely communicated to a player. In one embodiment, a video image of the card is shown to a player. The “cards” of the present invention are not limited to traditional playing cards, but rather may be of any shape and/or three-dimensional, such as circular balls.

Abstract: A gaming unit may comprise a gaming display being operable to generate images and a controller operatively coupled to the gaming display. The controller may be programmed to select and display a number of player symbols and to generate an outcome of a plurality reels. The controller also may be programmed to display on the gaming display an outcome of the reels, to determine the initial award amount of the outcome of the reels and to determine whether one of the displayed player symbols has a predetermined relationship and can be played on the displayed reel symbols. If the player can play a displayed player symbol, the controller may be programmed to allow the player to play one of the displayed player symbols on the displayed reel symbols and credit an additional award amount.

Abstract: A gaming machine according to the present embodiment, one or a plurality of lucky numbers are set in a one game unit or a plurality of games unit based on a player's operation prior to the start of the game. Then, if it is judged that the total value of the numbers on the two cards which were initially dealt to the player equals the lucky numbers, a selection as to whether to place an additional bet is displayed on the liquid crystal display. If the player has selected to place an additional bet, a processor accepts the additional bet operation. And a processor awards to the player a prize based on the total bet amount obtained by adding the additional bet amount to the bet amount on which a bet was placed before the start of the game.

Abstract: Each player participating in a casino game makes two wagers and receives two cards. A dealer receives at least one card, and the dealer deals at least two community hands. Each player subsequently forms two player hands by associating one each of the two cards with each of the community hands. The dealer forms a dealer hand by associating the at least one card with one of the community hands. Wagers are resolved by comparing the two player hands with the dealer hand. The game may also include an optional proposition wager that is resolved based on the initial two cards dealt to each player.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for playing a card game includes the steps of: allowing a player to place a first bet for a first outcome and an optional second bet for a second outcome; dealing player and dealer cards from a plurality of simulated playing cards; dealing another player card in response to a card request made by the player; dealing another dealer card if a total value of the dealer cards is less than a predetermined value; determining the first outcome based on a total value of the dealt player cards and a total value of the dealt dealer cards, and settling the first bet according to the first outcome; and if another dealer card was dealt, determining the second outcome based on whether the another dealer card conforms with a predetermined playing card criterion, and settling the second bet according to the second outcome.

Abstract: A method of playing a video wagering game and a video apparatus for that method are disclosed. The method may include a player placing a wager in a wagering machine having a processor; the wagering machine displaying at least a single payline of multiple frames influenced by at least two distinct indicators; the processor determining from one displayed distinct indicator on the payline whether the symbols provide at least one of at least two available different odds on the wager that are associated with an award; providing a second set of indicators associated with the payline, individual members of the second set of indicators associated with individual frames wherein predetermined combinations and/or orders of the second set of indicators are winning combinations and/or orders based on the wager; and providing the player with at least one award providing a specific multiple of at least some awards based upon the second set of indicators displayed on the payline.

Abstract: A method of conducting a wagering game is disclosed. Players may place wagers on a designated player's hand or a banker's/dealer's hand. Once wagers are placed, the designated player and a banker/dealer are each dealt two cards. A point value is established for the two cards based on a scoring system wherein aces count as one point, tens and face cards count as zero points and twos through nine count as their face value. The point values of the player's hand and the banker's/dealer's hand are then compared to determine a winner based on which hand is nearest to nine. For two digit hand values, only the one's digit is used. Winning wagers are paid at 1 to 1 odds. Should a tie outcome occur, all players pay a commission on their wagers whether on the player's hand or the banker's/dealer's hand. In an alternative version, each player plays individually against a banker/dealer.

Abstract: An improved multiplayer interactive video gaming device includes a plurality of independent player stations, each including at least one data input device configured to output a player input signal responsive to player activation. A computer game assembly executes a video card gaming program responsively to player game instructions. An interface assembly receives signals output by the plurality of player stations and outputs signals corresponding to particular data input devices. A personal computer assembly receives the output signals from the interface device via a data input port and executes the video card gaming program responsively thereto.

Abstract: A wager manipulation feature for a wagering game is provided. The feature may be implemented after the player's wager is set but before game play takes place, after game play takes place or both simultaneously. If before game play, the feature enables the player to undo or nullify the wager, for example, if the player changes his or her mind or enters a wager incorrectly. If after game play, the feature provides a bonus to the player in which the player may nullify a bet after an unsuccessful outcome or increase the bet to enhance a favorable outcome. In any case, the redo feature can be accumulated in one embodiment and stored and/or restored on a gaming device ticket, player tracking card or promotion.

Abstract: A method for playing live and electronic Blackjack-style games with an optional bonus bet wherein a player bets that he or she will be dealt a natural Blackjack hand. Unless the dealer is also dealt a natural Blackjack hand, the player continues playing Blackjack with his or her natural Blackjack hand reevaluated as a hard hand eleven. If the player beats the dealer, the player is paid 3:2 for his or her base bet and at a significantly higher payout for his or her bonus bet without interfering with the rhythm of the game for other players who want to play Blackjack conventionally. If the dealer is also dealt a natural Blackjack, a player with a natural Blackjack is paid at a significantly higher payout for his or her bonus bet while the base bet is a push.

Abstract: Methods and systems for intelligent tracking and/or play and/or management of card gaming use an intelligent card distribution or holding device with detectors for determining the value and unique identity of individual cards and for recording card play. Playing cards are equipped with a read/write data storage connected to a transponder and/or incorporated into electromagnetic writable particles or smart particles (smart dust). A system of the invention records various game play events on the playing cards themselves during game play and optionally also in a database on the system. In specific embodiments, the principal scanning and writing elements and electronic and optical interfaces are embodied into a hand-held card holder (HHCH). In specific embodiments, the system utilizes various types of sensors and/or indicators and/or and electronic circuits and software to scan, track, monitor, compute, and interface with electronic devices, to enable the automatic operation of Casino table games.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to the play of games that include interim betting. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The inventive gaming equipment for table games using playing cards and tokens comprises a playing table provided with a covering divided into sectors for betting and sections for placing cards faceup, a shoe-type element for storing and distributing playing cards withdrawn therefrom facedown, a computer and a system for supervising the game which is embodied in the form of an optoelectronic device for processing object images on the playing table. Said gaming equipment is provided with a unit for comparing value symbols of the playing cards and which is connected to a unit for identifying and recording the value symbols of the cards extracted from the shoe-type element for cards, a unit for identifying and recording the value symbols of the playing cards which are placed faceup on the sections therefor and a computer.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an electronic poker game of the present invention includes a table having a table top with a playing surface and a plurality of electronic player interaction areas (EPIAs) located around the playing surface. Each electronic player interaction area is designed to provide a player interface for interaction with one of the players. A seat request button is defined in each EPIA to allow the players to request a new electronic player interaction area. A game computer is coupled to the plurality of EPIAs for administering the electronic poker game and for assigning one of the players to the new electronic player interaction area as one of the electronic player interaction areas becomes available as the player activated the seat request button.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable storage medium to provide a variation of a blackjack game. If the dealer's up-card is of a predetermined card, then the dealer will automatically reveal the dealer's hole card, thereby providing the player with additional information. If the player's initial hand comprises a predetermined hand or hands, then the player can earn a bonus which can be multiplied based on a multiplier associated with the dealer's up-card.

Abstract: A game begins with a game wager and an optional bust wager. The initial dealer hand and the initial player hand are dealt. A final dealer hand and final player hand are formed by hitting or standing and the player is rewarded on his game wager if the final player hand is closer to a target value than the final dealer hand is. If the dealer busts on exactly three cards, the player wins the bust wager. Payoff on the bust wager is optionally variable and determined by the third card of the final dealer hand.

Abstract: In a gaming machine and a method of controlling the gaming machine, one dealer card having a number on its face and a plurality of player cards each having any one of a positive number and a negative number on its face are displayed face down on a liquid crystal display. After the dealer card is turned over to show the face, the plurality of player cards are turned over to show the faces sequentially one by one. If a sum of the numbers shown on the displayed player cards agrees with the number shown on the dealer card, an award is provided. In this event, each of the player cards may have either a positive number or a negative number on its face.

Abstract: Methods for providing gaming advice are provided. For example, regarding a blackjack game, one or more first player cards are identified for a first player and one or more second player cards are identified for a second player. The first and second player cards are displayed to the first player. A probability associated with a first one of the plurality of playing options is determined based at least on a set of predetermined statistical blackjack data, the one or more first player cards, and the one or more second player cards. It is then determined, based at least on the determined probability associated with the first playing option, whether to display a first indication corresponding with first advice regarding the first playing option, a second indication corresponding with second advice regarding the first playing option, or a third indication corresponding with third advice regarding the first playing option.

Abstract: A gaming system having a multiple hand Blackjack game is provided. The Blackjack game includes four cards initial dealt to the player and four cards initially dealt to the dealer. First, the gaming system sets the four dealer cards to form a first two-card dealer hand and a second two-card dealer hand, according to a set of predetermined rules. Similarly, the player sets the four player cards to form a first two-card player hand and a second two-Card player hand. The gaming system reveals an upward in the first dealer hand and then enables the player to modify the first player according to predetermined Blackjack rules. The gaming device modified the first dealer hand according to predetermined Blackjack rules. If the first player hand beats the first dealer hand, the player wins an award. The gaming device resolved the second player and dealer hands in a similar fashion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of playing a modified baccarat card game involving a dealer and a banker, who may be the same person or may be one or more computing devices, and at least one player. At least one player may make a wager on PLAYER, BANKER, or TIE. Three or more cards may be dealt to each of a PLAYER hand and a BANKER hand, one of the BANKER cards being dealt face down. The PLAYER hand may or may not receive a hit card depending on the value of the modulo ten sum of the original three or more cards dealt to the PLAYER hand and, in some circumstances, elections by each player individually.

Abstract: An poker game which provides a predetermined outcome to a player. In one embodiment, a plurality of playing cards are provided to a player wherein one or more of the provided playing cards are based on the predetermined game outcome. The player is enabled to select one or more of the initially dealt playing cards to hold or to discard. If a poker hand with an associated payout equal to the value associated with the predetermined game outcome may be obtained based on the held cards, the gaming device utilizes one or more backfill algorithms, to determine which card or cards, if any, need to be dealt to the player. The determined cards are provided to the player to replace the playing cards designated by the player to discard and the selected predetermined game outcome which is associated with a value equal to the payout of the player's poker hand is provided to the player.

Abstract: Methods of playing a card game involving a dealer and at least one player are provided as well as apparatus for simulated card games. The methods include accepting an initial wager from each player and then dealing each player and the dealer two cards from at least one standard deck having four suites of cards. The cards are evaluated in each hand according to a Baccarat system. Each player is then allowed to stand with his two card hand or request a third card, the value of which is added to that of the initial cards received. Any player requesting a third card must double his wager before receiving the card. The total count of the two card dealer hand is compared with the total count of each player's hand and the player's hand must have a count at least two points higher than the dealer hand in order to win or to be a push.

Abstract: A poker game apparatus with real time poker card printing devices has a gaming server apparatus, multiple user interfaces and multiple poker generating devices. The gaming server apparatus runs a poker game program, deals cards and identifies images of the cards after the cards are dealt. Each user interface is electrically connected to the gaming server apparatus, corresponds to a person, displays status of the poker game program to the person and accepts keyed in commands the person to control the poker game program. Each poker-generating device is electrically connected to one of the user interfaces, is controlled by the corresponded user interface to print a particular card image on a blank card for the corresponding person. The person can take a glance at the particular card image when he gets the printed card.

Abstract: A wagering game, preferably a variant of blackjack, is played by at least one player placing at least three separate wagers on a single round of the wagering game. A first of the three wagers is committed to a first hand wagering position, a second of the at least three wagers committed to a second hand wagering position, and the third wager initially is not committed to specifically either the first or second wagering position. From a first set of playing cards, the player receives a separate hand at each of the first hand wagering position and the second hand wagering position. The player commits the third wager to either the first hand wagering position or the second hand wagering position.

Abstract: A method includes displaying a first set of card representations at a display device of a player station. This first set of card representations is divided into a number of card representation subsets. The method also includes receiving a subset selection input and a wager allocation input at the player station. The subset selection input selects a first and second subset of card representations from the various subsets that have been displayed. Each of these different subsets will be used together with a second, “community” set of card representations displayed at the player station to produce a respective final hand for the player. The wager allocation input allocates a wager amount between the first and second subsets of card representations. First and second prize values are awarded for hands produced from the selected subsets combined with the community card set and considering the wager allocations.

Abstract: A method involves a video poker game in which a first set of card representations is displayed at a player station display device. The first set of card representations is organized into a number of card representation subsets comprising at least one card representation in each subset. After the player selects one of the subsets, a second set of card representations is displayed at the player station display device to combine with the selected subset. The combination is used to produce an optimum card hand that represents the player's result for the game. The player's result may be determined based on the combination of cards or may be predetermined from a lottery-type game, bingo-type game, or a result generator. In the latter cases the card representations displayed in the game are controlled so as to be consistent with the result identified for the player.