Abstract: A skill game rewards a player after a round of play only upon the entry of a “correct play” that is based on the rules of the game being played. A “correct play” is determined under the rules of the particular game being played and is one that gives the player a better chance to obtain the outcome desired by the player. In some games, the “correct play” is defined mathematically. In other games, the “correct play” is determined by knowing the rules of the game being played. A combination of both methods is typical. The execution by the player of a correct play is a skill. If the player enters the correct play, the player is rewarded. The reward may be to continue the play of the game and to reward a prize to the player based on the outcome of the game.

Abstract: When a special symbol appears during play of the gaming machine game, the secondary game is initiated. At initiation, a bonus prize is determined by the secondary game microcontroller by consulting a bonus game paytable stored therein where each bonus prize corresponds to a bonus spot on the secondary game. A multi-ended pointer of the secondary game spins around the field of bonus spots and the player is prompted to select which end of the pointer is active. Upon selection of the end—e.g. blue or green—a microcontroller operating the spinner calculates the point at which the spinner will cease to spin so that the selected pointed end is pointing toward the selected bonus prize. The player is given the illusion that he or she controls which bonus prize is won since the green side of the pointer will point to a different bonus prize than the blue side.

Abstract: Computerized and gaming table versions of a poker game with bonus bets is provided where a player plays a poker game with the option to place bonus bets.

Abstract: A method and gaming device for playing an electronic multi-hand blackjack game is disclosed. The game includes: a) dealing a player hand of two face-up cards; b) dealing two or more dealer hands such that each dealer hand is dealt from a corresponding shoe made up on at least one deck of cards, where each dealer hand includes one identical face-up card and one face-down card; c) completing the player hand according to input received from the player; d) completing each of the dealer hands according to conventional rules of blackjack, such that the cards in each dealer hand are drawn from the corresponding shoe and no two dealer hands are drawn from the same shoe; and e) determining a number of game results by comparing the player hand against each of the dealer hands using conventional rules of blackjack.

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.

Abstract: A platform for playing blackjack is used to implement a method of playing blackjack with a side wager. Each playing position on the platform has a side bet betting area having a first card betting area and a second card betting area. A player places an optional additional bet in the first card betting area or the second card betting area associated with the player's playing position. Each player is dealt two cards. If the player's first card ranks higher than the player's second card and the player placed a bet in the first card betting area, the player wins. If the player's second card ranks higher than the player's first card and the player placed a bet in the second card betting area, the player wins. The game continues to completion according to the traditional rules of blackjack.

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.

Abstract: A casino game incorporates at least a first compulsory playing mode and one or more optional playing modes without a house advantage. Preferably, the first playing mode is a three-, five- or seven-card poker game against a payout scale based on the respective hand poker rank or against both a payout scale and the dealer. Optional modes without a house advantage include head-to-head poker games against the dealer only and poker games against other players. Side wager options are also available for high hands, thereby increasing player interest by providing a chance for a high payout.

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.

Abstract: A method for enhancing cashless gaming. Preferably, game player is provided with an incentive to redeem winnings on a cashless device. The method preferably includes providing a wagering game to a player, allowing the player to transfer value to the wagering game, recording the amount transferred, allowing the player to make a wager, presenting a game to the player, determining whether the game outcome is a wining or losing outcome, updating the amount recorded, allowing the player to cash-out at least a portion of the recorded value, and triggering an award event if the cash-out is made using a cashless device. In one embodiment, the player is given an award when the value redeemed exceeds a predetermined qualifying amount. Also provided is a system for allowing a player to redeem winnings, including a gaming machine with a processing system, a cashless gaming device, and a cashless device cash-out system.

Abstract: A method for playing a modified blackjack game between a dealer and at least one player. Each player places an first wager, the outcome of which is determined by conventional rules of blackjack. Players may optionally place an additional wager corresponding to a predicted total point value or point value range of an initial hand of two cards dealt to the player. After the dealer has dealt a player placing an additional wager a second card from one or more standard decks of playing cards, an actual total point value is computed for the two-card hand of that player. If an actual total point value is equal to or in a range of a predicted total point value or range, a player placing an additional wager wins a predetermined multiple of an amount of the additional wager. A second predetermined multiple may be paid if a player's two card hand includes two cards of the same suit.

Abstract: A method for playing an improved game of Blackjack is set forth. Instead of the traditional 3-to-2 odds or the new 6-to-5 odds, the game of the invention pays different odds for a player's blackjack. The dealer's face-up card is used in determining how much a player's blackjack should be paid. The invention eliminates the need for 50¢ coins, lessens Blackjack's vulnerability to advantage play of card counting and pays higher odds to add excitement. In one of the embodiments the dealer is allowed a maximum of five cards per round.

Abstract: A gaming device which displays to a player the mathematically optimal or best way to play a game with minimal processing and memory usage. The game can be any version of video poker, slot game with a hold-a-reel feature, blackjack or other game with a finite number of outcomes after requiring the player to make choice of how to proceed. The present invention also includes the methods of how to make and use the auto-hold tables.

Abstract: A wagering game has a dealer compete against a player. The at least one player and the dealer receive a single card. The at least one player takes at least one mandatory hit card. If the at least one mandatory hit card has the specific relationship in rank to the single card, or if the at least one mandatory hit card allows the at least one player to continue the game, the player having the option of taking another hit card. When the player has elected to take no more hits or has taken a maximum number of hits, but has not taken a card that busts, the dealer taking at least one mandatory hit card the dealer taking hits until the dealer busts, until the dealer receives a predetermined maximum number of cards, or until the dealer has received a total number of cards that exceeds the total number of cards in all players' hands in the game.

Abstract: A combination card game allows players to play 3 distinct games using one hand of cards. In a preferred embodiment, players place wagers on an Ante spot to play THREE CARD POKER®, a TRIPOLEY® spot to win odds, and a Best 2 Blackjack spot to play blackjack. A player can bet one, two or all three spots. Next, a three card hand is dealt to each player and to the dealer. If, after viewing his cards, a player has made the Ante wager, that player must make the Play wager or forfeit the Ante wager. A player who beats the dealer's three-card poker hand of Queen high is paid 1 to 1.

Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of reels or cards having several symbols. The symbols include at least one extender symbol. In one embodiment, when the extender symbol is randomly generated on the reels, one of the symbols randomly generated on the reels changes into another of the symbols randomly generated on the reels.

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.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for resolving a hand of blackjack played by a player. If it is determined that the hand of blackjack has resulted in a push, then it is determined if the player has won the hand of blackjack based on a random outcome. For example, a dealer may receive from the player an indication of a wager amount associated with a hand of blackjack. The hand of blackjack may then be played according to traditional rules. If it is determined that the hand has resulted in a push, an indication of a random outcome may be received. The random outcome may be, for example, statistically independent of the hand of blackjack. Based on the random outcome, it is determined if the player has won the hand of blackjack. If the player has won, he or she receives payment of a winning amount based on the wager amount.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of playing a game provides a player with at least one option for playing at least one round of the game in accordance with at least one advantage and/or disadvantage. For example, a player may agree to play a current round of play and/or at least one future round of play in accordance with a revised rule.

Abstract: A gaming system comprises a plurality of tournament tables in at least one physical location wherein multiple players play identical hands of the same game thereby playing a game of skill with equal opportunity given to each player to win. The system including for each hand played a set of pre-packaged duplicate hands distributed to each tournament table so that each player in a tournament group will play an identical hand of cards.

Abstract: A game begins with an initial wager and initially dealing only one card face-up to a dealer. Prior to any other cards being dealt, the player has—After the player opts whether to place the supplemental wager, the option of supplementing the player's initial wager. The initial dealer hand is completed and the initial player hand is dealt. A final dealer hand and final player hand are formed by hitting or standing and the player is rewarded on his initial wager plus any supplement if the final player hand is closer to a target value than the final dealer hand is.

Abstract: After players make their wagers, a dealer deals hands comprised of two cards to each player and a hand comprised of two cards to himself. When the player's hand as dealt has a predetermined point value (or one of a plurality of predetermined point values), the player is offered an early payout option. If the early payout option is elected, the player receives a portion of the original wager. In one embodiment, the early payout option is offered only when the dealer's hand is not a natural. In another embodiment, the early payout option is offered only if the dealer's face up card is a predetermined value (or one of a plurality of predetermined point values), such as ten.

Abstract: A gaming machine 10 has a display 12 and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display 12. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display 12 and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine 10 awards a prize. The game controller monitors and stores data relating to a number of free games awarded to a player during a playing session. The gaming machine 10 includes a selector for operation by the player so that the player can choose when, during the playing session, any free game is to be played.

Abstract: Method of optimizing shuffling of cards with a shuffling machine relying on random ejection technology. Deterministic ejection of cards, verifying card stack position and number of cards remaining in a card stack, adjusting operational functions, including low-impact ejection and packer arm activation, and automatic analysis of card quality create an optimum system for shuffling cards using a shuffler which incorporates random ejection technology. A calibration procedure facilitates the optimization features. In another embodiment, multiple buttons or a single button provide means for an operator to navigate a list of menu items and select a desired menu item.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to 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 systems can also be multi-user slot machines using the processor to associate or assign one or more symbols either with the virtual playing cards or as slot symbols in participant subsets. The participant subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded on the basis of winning symbols or combinations of symbols.

Abstract: A gaming device is provided that includes a display screen that is capable of generating video images, the gaming device being programmed to select a first group of indicia from a plurality of indicia in a first game, wherein the plurality of indicia include a plurality of playing indicia and at least one wild indicia. The gaming device also being programmed to cause a video image representing the first game to be displayed on the display screen, to provide a player with a winning advantage if the player receives the at least one wild indicia, and to limit the use of the at least one wild indicia.

Abstract: In a NO BUST 21 (BLACKJACK) game, a player has an option of having a dealer replace a draw card that causes the player's hand to bust. When a hit does not cause the player's hand to bust, the player has a surrender option. When the player's hand has a total point value less than “21”, the player has an option of doubling down.

Abstract: A system for tracking players at a gaming table that includes a plurality of player positions and for displaying information related to the players. The system includes a central computer, a display monitor, a card reader and an input device. The system correlates where players are seated and displays their positions along with their first names and other desirable information related to the players. The system may be used to track regulatory compliance rules for a player.

Abstract: A game and gaming apparatus include a main game and a bonus game. A player is entitled to participate in the bonus game without an additional wager beyond that required to play the main game. Winning outcomes of the main game determine the indicia used to play the bonus game. In one embodiment upon a winning outcome of the main game, an indicia, such as an image of a winning amount, is transferred to the bonus game. In another embodiment, the bonus event includes categories associated with winning outcomes of the main game, the categories activated based upon wins of the main game. In one embodiment, the main game is a game of video poker. Winning hands are associated with or activate positions of the bonus game. Play of the bonus game comprises selection of at least one of the indicia or positions/categories which have been activated.

Abstract: The present invention is a seven-card-stud poker game, played with at least one standard poker deck of 52 cards, plus at least one Joker. Two or more players may participate in the game. One of the players is the Banker whom other players play against. A Player who is not a Banker may place a Poker Bet wager and/or a Pair Of Aces Or Better Bet wager; after at least one of two said wagers is placed, the Player has the option to place a Bonus Bet wager. Subsequently each Player and the Banker are each dealt seven cards, and then the Players and the Banker each then selects and keeps his or her best 5-card poker hand and discards two other cards from his or her own seven cards. To win a Poker Bet wager, a Player's best 5-card poker hand must rank higher than the Banker's best 5-card poker hand. To win a Pair Of Aces Or Better Bet wager, a Player's best 5-card poker hand must be a pair of Aces or better.

Abstract: A method for playing a bonus game in association with a main game is provided. A bonus game is activated upon the occurrence of a predefined triggering event in the main game. Five cards are randomly drawn from an abridged deck of playing cards. The abridged deck of playing cards comprises thirteen cards all of a single suit. As few as none and as many as all five of the dealt cards are discarded and replaced with a card from the abridged deck of playing cards. The final hand is awarded a bonus payout based on the final hand of cards.

Abstract: A poker-style game and method in which a player who is one card away from achieving a royal flush, following receipt of a first set of replacement cards, is provided the option to receive an additional card for no additional wager. In one embodiment, a player receives a payout even if the additional card does not yield a royal flush. In another embodiment, a player receives a payout if the additional card does not yield a royal flush, but one of the player's prior hands was a winning hand. In still another embodiment, a player receives a payout if the player's final hand is a winning, non-royal flush hand.

Abstract: A method of playing a Blackjack or Twenty-One game that will enable a player to play single or multiple hands and/or wagers against single or multiple dealer hands in a rapid and substantially automatic fashion. In addition, the player can pre-select the point value at which to “stand,” “split,” “double,” “surrender,” and/or “take insurance,” when playing single or multiple hands. The pre-selected strategy can then be duplicated across all player hands being played. The player can also select to “auto-play” one or more hands according to a preset strategy.

Abstract: A gaming system and method based on a Blackjack card game using a dealer hold criteria and allowing a single player at a location to play blackjack against a plurality of dealers from a casino. The system and method allows the player to select the number of dealer hand positions, a player hand position, wager placement positions corresponding with each dealer hand position. The system compares, based on the rules of Blackjack, the player hold hand to each dealer hold hand to determine if the player hold hand wins over any of the dealer hold hands. The single player is then credited for each dealer hold hand that is beat by the player hold hand and the casino is credited for each dealer hold hand that is not beat by a player hold hand, so that the single player carries out multiple games of blackjack based on the player hold hand.

Abstract: An automatic card shuffler includes a card input unit, card ejection unit, card separation and delivery unit and card collection unit. A card ejection unit ejects cards in a singular fashion from a stack of cards placed into the input unit. The cards are ejected to a stop arm maintaining the entrance to the card separation unit. Upon processor command, the stop arm raises to allow a plurality of cards to pass under to the card separation and delivery unit. A series of rotating belts and rollers act to separate the cards and propel them individually to the collection unit. A floating gate slightly forward of the stop arm dictates that a minimum number of cards are managed simultaneously. The shuffler is controlled by a processing unit in communication with multiple internal sensors. An audio system communicates voice outputs regarding shuffler malfunctions and instructions to an operator.

Abstract: One or more payout indicia cards are randomly interspersed throughout a conventional deck of cards. A base game begins with players wagering and receiving a player hand. During game play of the base game, players receiving a payout indicia card are rewarded as indicated by the payout indicia card rather than the payout under the base rules. Outcome indicia cards may also be included in the deck of cards. The outcome for players receiving outcome is changed to the outcome indicated on the outcome indicia card rather than the outcome under the base rules. The method may also be applied to games utilizing electronic representations of playing cards.

Abstract: An electronic gambling unit for allowing a user to play a video gambling game, may generally include a virtual object input device that allows the user to make a plurality of input selections and a display unit being capable of generating color images. The electronic gambling unit may further include a currency-accepting mechanism that is capable of allowing the user to deposit a medium of currency and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the input device.

Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of reels or cards having several symbols. The symbols include at least two complimentary wild symbols that form resultant wild symbols on related reels or cards. In one embodiment, the resultant wild symbol is similar to a wild symbol and acts as a substitute for other symbols on the reels or cards. In another embodiment, the resultant wild symbol transforms adjacent symbols into wild symbols or other symbols on the reels or cards. In a further embodiment, the resultant wild symbol transforms a predetermined or random number of symbols on the reels or cards into wild symbols or other symbols.

Abstract: Concepts for playing a card game using a plurality of modified decks of cards. Each deck containing only the Ace to the 8. The player wagers against a banker to try to get as close to a designated point total of 15 without exceeding it. The player can hit or stand on any point total. A winning player is paid based upon a first variable wager. After comparing the player's hand to the banker's hand, the player's hand is compared to a Bonus Pay Table. If the player's hand contains a designated combination, the player is paid based upon a second fixed wager. The game also offers the opportunity to buy odds concerning the occurrence of a selected outcome. The game can be played as a table game on as an electronic video game.

Abstract: The method of entertainment “Stos” is an adaptation for casinos, videogame machines and computers of the most popular game of chance in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It is also known as Bank Table, Shtoss and Pharaon. In a casino, the game takes place on a table on which there is a game field with suit-less cards and four suit cards: spades (), clubs (), diamonds (?) and hearts (?). The game generally uses one or several standard 52-card decks. The players bet that the card they select will be dealt out of the deck on an even interval. To do so, they place their chips on a suit-less card that they pick on the game field. They may also predict the suit of their card by placing a bet on one of the suit cards. After the cards are shuffled and cut, the dealer places the cards face down on the table and draws the cards in order, two at a time. All bets on a card are considered played as soon as the first matching card is dealt from the deck.

Abstract: A assembly to play a variation of the game baccarat including a computer processor, a display and a user actuatable selector is provided. The computer processor is structured to determine a winning hand in accordance with rules of baccarat. Additionally, the computer processor monitors the nature of the winning hand and/or monitors consecutive ones of the user's hands and indicates a bonus payout for user in the event that the winning hand totals a natural nine or that consecutive ones of the user's hands have a final number count equal to a natural nine. In one variation, the user is further able to designate one of the initial cards that comprise the player's hand or the banker's hand in exchange for a new card to complete the initial hand and/or may view the initial cards before selecting whether to play the banker's hand or the player's hand.

Abstract: A card game wherein a first set of cards is dealt face up and arranged in a row. Each card represents a first card of one hand of a plurality of separate hands that will be completely formed when the dealer deals all cards necessary to complete all of the separate hands. A first difficulty factor is assigned to the first set of cards. Wagers may be placed on each card in the first set. This process is then repeated for a second set of cards and a third set of cards. Additional sets of cards are dealt face up and arranged in rows that are aligned with rows of cards formed by the first, second and third sets of card thereby forming a plurality of rows and columns of cards. Each column of cards defines a separate and complete hand of cards. Winnings are paid to the player with the winning hand based on (i) the player's wagers that correspond to the winning hand, (ii) a predetermined payout schedule and (iii) the difficulty factors.

Abstract: An underlying game of Blackjack or a variant of Blackjack is played with an initial wager by a player on the underlying game and an optional wager on a side game can be made. The side wager is made before any cards are displayed. Specially marked cards with count values replace standard cards having the same count value and the side wager is paid on the appearance of the specially marked cards in the play of the game. The number of specially marked cards may vary over time.

Abstract: Gaming devices and methods of playing games wherein an indication of the cards which have already been discarded or dealt is displayed for a player to view prior to making a decision. One embodiment is directed to a gaming device comprising a video display which is designed for the play of Blackjack. Other embodiments are directed to table versions of the present invention wherein physical playing cards are actually dealt to one or more players. At the conclusion of each hand, an indication of the cards dealt is displayed for viewing by all of the players.

Abstract: In a NO BUST 21 (BLACKJACK) game, a player has an option of having a dealer replace a draw card that causes the player's hand to bust. When a hit does not cause the player's hand to bust, the player has a surrender option. When the player's hand has a total point value less than “21”, the player has an option of doubling down.

Abstract: A casino style card game, played in accordance with the standard rules of Blackjack, also known as “21,” and including an auxiliary component allowing additional wagering on the outcome of the dealer's hand for each participating player. Participating players are able to wager on the dealer having a non-breaking hand (i.e., a hand having a value less than 21 in accordance with the rules of Blackjack) containing two, three, four, five, six, or seven cards. Wagers may also be made on the dealer having an even or odd count, or an all read or all black hand. A return is paid on wagers in the auxiliary game only if the dealer hand does not “bust” (i.e, exceed a value of 21). The game is also playable in electronic or other automated versions using, for example, terminals and networks, or slot machines.

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.

Abstract: The invention is a six-card-stud poker game, played with at least one but preferably one standard poker deck of 52 cards plus at least one but preferably two Jokers. Two or more but preferably seven players may participate in the game; one of the players is the Banker whom other players play against, a Player who is not a Banker may play Poker Bet playing against the Banker's hand, and/or one to seven side bets betting on the contents of the Player's own hand. After at least one wager is placed, each Player and the Banker are each dealt six cards; the Players and the Banker each then selects and keeps his best 5-card poker hand from his six cards and discards one card. To win a Poker Bet wager, a Player's best 5-card poker hand must rank higher than the Banker's best 5-card poker hand. To wins a side-bet wager, a Player's best 5-card poker hand must be one of the predetermined winning hands of the type of the side bet he bets on.

Abstract: A blackjack or other card game system having a plurality of player counters which count the blackjack hands or other player jackpot tally events dealt to players. The system also includes at least one dealer counter which counts the number of bust hands of the dealer or other dealer jackpot tally events. Displays are included for both the dealer and players to indicate the counts. The counters are typically zeroed at the end of each hand if a tally event has not occurred. Jackpots are awarded when the tally counts exceed predefined thresholds. A tabletop retrofit game system is shown for mounting upon blackjack tables. A special round of play having modified rules can be used as part of the jackpot award.