Ultimate Outcome Dependant Upon Summation Of Plural Card Or Tile Values (e.g., Blackjack, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/12)
  • Publication number: 20040248634
    Abstract: A game of chance is provided in which a wagering game of skill and chance is played electronically automatically according to a predetermined set of rules. Such games of chance may include card games, such as poker and blackjack, or other games, such as dominoes, craps or backgammon. Such games may be reduced to games of chance, removing the element of player skill, and allowing such games to be played outside legal gaming jurisdictions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Steven N. Kane, Stuart Roseman, Jason Yanowitz
  • Patent number: 6824137
    Abstract: A method of playing a casino table version of cribbage using at least one deck of conventional playing cards, having at least one player making a wager and a dealer that deals the cards. The method includes having at least one player making a wager to receive a plurality of cards. Next, the cards are dealt to each player and the dealer is dealt a plurality of cards, wherein four random cards are dealt to create the dealer hand. The players discard either one or two cards depending on the method chosen. The dealer then exposes his cards and discards two cards. Next, the starter card is exposed. Finally, the players' cards are exposed and values of the hands are computed and compared to the dealer's hand. The method includes determining whether the players win or lose their wager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: MultiShift, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Keith Foster, Mark John Spur
  • Publication number: 20040237118
    Abstract: An interactive game having a pre-determined outcome (e.g., a game of finite poker) that displays an initial hand of cards, receives a player-specified designation as to which cards are to held and which are to be discarded, and then displays an intermediate hand generated in accordance with the player-specified designation. Then a final hand is shown, and in those cases where the player-specified designation (Hold/Discard) is inconsistent with a transition from the intermediate hand to the final hand, an entertaining display is shown, such as a sequence of alternative playing cards. In some cases, the initial hand is a winning hand according to a predetermined payout schedule, and the final hand is a winning hand with a higher payout than the initial hand according to the same payout schedule. The disclosed methods can be used with other games, including reel-type games.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Norman H. Millerschone
  • Patent number: 6808173
    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. The side wager is made on whether a specific rank of card will be shown in either of the two player's cards (the player who has made the wager) or in the dealer's exposed card. The probabilities of a specific rank of a card (as opposed to value of card, which would render 10's, Jacks, Queens and Kings equivalent) is the same, whichever card is selected, but a preferred game from an advertising standpoint, marketing standpoint or the like is the use of Jacks, with the game titled Jack Magic™ blackjack or Jacks Magic™ blackjack. The player places a wager on an identified wager area, and after the player's cards and the dealer's cards have been dealt, the wager is resolved according to the rules of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger M. Snow
  • Patent number: 6808174
    Abstract: A card game combining chance and skill. Cards having a rank of two through ten represent corresponding point values. Face cards each represent a point value of ten. Aces represent one and/or eleven at the player's choice. Players must commit wagers for a specific number of HIGH/LOW bets of equal value before the deal. Players are dealt a hand, face up, and the dealer is dealt a hand face down. The dealer turns his cards one at a time. Players must discard cards which match the rank of a cards turned over by the dealer. Using their committed wagers, players make a first HIGH, LOW or split bet after the deal and another bet after the turn of each dealer card. A separate payoff for each bet is determined based on whether the players final point sum was within the predetermined high or low range as predicted by the particular bet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Full House Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: Hal Rubin
  • Patent number: 6808452
    Abstract: A gaming device having a plurality of player selectable selections, steps towards termination associated with each selection, a termination limit and an offer associated with each number of steps. The steps are associated with or determine the offers provided to the player. The game provides no further offers when the maximum number of offers have been awarded, the player accepts an offer, or the player's accumulated steps meet or exceed the termination limit. The game preferably provides a consolation award to the player when the player's steps meet or exceed the termination limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Bayard S. Webb
  • Patent number: 6805628
    Abstract: A gaming assembly to play a variation of the game baccarat, the gaming assembly includes a computer processor assembly, a display assembly and a user actuatable selector assembly. The computer processor assembly generates a player's hand and a banker's hand in accordance with rules of baccarat, one of those hands being designated the user's hand, and subsequently determines a winning hand in accordance with the rules of baccarat, designating the user as a winner if the user's hand is also the wining hand. Additionally, the computer processor assembly monitors consecutive ones of the user's hands and indicates a bonus payout to the user in the event that consecutive ones of the user's hands have a final number count equal to a natural nine, and during game play may allow one of the initial cards that comprise the player's hand or the banker's hand to be discarded in exchange for a new card to complete the initial hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Baccarat Plus Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Santiago Romero
  • Publication number: 20040192425
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Eugene Jarvis, Andrew Eloff
  • Patent number: 6796898
    Abstract: An improved insurance wager for Blackjack includes defining an insurance outcome set containing two or more predetermined holdings and an insurance payout associated with each holding. Each player makes an initial wager and the Blackjack game is dealt in a fashion known in the art. The insurance wager is available if the dealer's face-up card has a predetermined value, optionally ten. After each player completes his hand or busts, the dealer forms a final hand by hitting or standing according to the conventional rules of Blackjack. If the dealer's final hand is within the insurance outcome set, remaining players are rewarded based on the player's insurance wager without regard to the player's final hand. Otherwise, the player loses the insurance wager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Mike Timpano
  • Patent number: 6776415
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for playing a casino card game with the object to get the numerical value of 9, being comprised of each player placing one wager and an optional Jackpot Side bet; the dealer dealing each player four face up cards and the dealer four face down cards; each player's four cards compared with the Jackpot Side bet combinations; each player selecting a two card front hand and a two card back hand and then the dealer turning over the dealer's four cards and selecting a two card front hand and back hand, and each player's front hand and back hand measured against the dealer's front hand and back hand. In the event of a tie, the dealer deals a tie breaker card for the player and a tie breaker card for the dealer with the highest card winning, dealer winning ties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel A. Robinson, Joseph C. Baseel
  • Publication number: 20040157656
    Abstract: A wagering game is played with one or more virtual standard decks of playing cards. Each deck comprises a) 52 cards or b) 48 cards without 10's.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Kathleen Nylund Jackson
  • Patent number: 6752395
    Abstract: Methods of playing card games include the steps of (a) affording each player an opportunity to place an ANTE wager to participate in the game; (b) affording each player an opportunity to make an optional BONUS BET wager; (c) dealing three cards to each player and to a dealer; (d) affording each player an opportunity to view their cards; (e) affording each player an opportunity to either fold and forfeit their ANTE wager, or call by making a BET wager (f) evaluating whether the dealer's hand qualifies by achieving a predetermined point value; and (g) settling wagers by (1) if the dealer's hand does not qualify, paying the ANTE wagers and refunding the BET wagers to each remaining player and paying each remaining player who opted to make the BONUS BET wager an amount determined by a predetermined pay table based on a point value of the player's hand; (2) if the dealer's hand does qualify, comparing each remaining player's hand with the dealer's hand using point value as the criteri
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel A. Jones, Albert J. Ethier
  • Patent number: 6743094
    Abstract: A game and gaming device for playing a game by a game player. The game includes a table having a card betting layout located on a surface of the table. A roulette like betting layout is also located on the surface of the table. A roulette wheel is mounted to above the table facing the game player. The game allows wagering on and playing a card game and a roulette like game at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Paltronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6742781
    Abstract: Improved Baccarat Game methods and a device for playing the games are set forth wherein players each make a wager and are dealt a two-card hand of cards. A Banker hand is dealt with two cards face down and a third card face up. Players can receive a third card to better their hand value, modulo ten. After all players have completed their hands, the Banker hand is completed based upon established rules which may or may not include the third, exposed Banker card. According to another embodiment the Banker may receive a third and fourth card face up and eliminate the higher of the two. If the banker is entitled to use a third card, the remaining card is summed with the other two Banker cards. Each Player hand and the Banker hand are compared in a manner similar to Baccarat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Bartlett
  • Publication number: 20040092301
    Abstract: A wagering credit is applied to a video gambling machine using a player wagering device. A contract wager and a bonus wager are placed using input selection devices on the video gambling machine. A visual display device displays a three card player hand dealt face down to the player, a three card primary dealer hand dealt face down to the dealer, and a three card dealer secondary hand dealt face down to the dealer. Then, one of the cards of the primary dealer hand is exposed. The player hand is examined to determine the point total thereof, and an additional wager is placed using an input selection device to continue to participate in the card game. Then, the remaining two cards of the primary dealer hand are exposed, and the point total of the primary dealer hand is determined. If desired, one of the cards in the primary dealer hand may be replaced with one of the cards in the secondary dealer hand if the point total of the primary dealer hand is less than a predetermined minimum amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Robert W. Williams
  • Patent number: 6733012
    Abstract: A method of playing a mini-Baccarat type game is disclosed. The game is played using a playing surface and playing cards. Three cards are randomly dealt to each of a plurality of players and the dealer. The method includes multiple wager options, including the step of placement of a bet that the cumulative value of the three cards of one or more of the plurality of players will exceed the cumulative value of the three cards of the dealer. A game surface for playing the mini-Baccarat type game of the present invention is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: Hong Bui, Ton B. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6729621
    Abstract: Whenever the player achieves one of the predetermined types of starting hand combinations on the initial deal of a hand of video poker, then the player is provided with the opportunity to split his starting hand into two or more hands without having to make an additional wager. After the player has split his original starting hand, additional cards are dealt from the remaining cards to complete five cards hands. Each of the final five card hands are analyzed to determine the poker hand ranking. The player receives an award for each hand that has a winning poker hand ranking and the amount of the award is based on a pay table and the amount wagered by the player. Each of the final hands are considered as having the full amount wagered by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Ernest W. Moody
  • Patent number: 6729961
    Abstract: A method for displaying an interactive game having a pre-determined outcome (e.g. a game of finite poker) displays an initial hand of cards, receives a player-specified designation as to which cards are to be held and which are to be discarded, and then displays an intermediate hand generated in accordance with the player-specified designation. Then a final hand is shown, and in those cases where the player-specified designation (Hold/Discard) is inconsistent with a transition from the intermediate hand to the final hand, an entertaining display is shown, such as a sequence of alternative playing cards. In some cases, the initial hand is a winning hand according to a predetermined payout schedule, and the final hand is a winning hand with a higher payout than the initial hand according to the same payout schedule. The disclosed methods can be used with other games, including reel-type games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Norman H. Millerschone
  • Publication number: 20040082372
    Abstract: A baccarat gaming assembly to play a variation of the game baccarat, the gaming assembly including a computer processor, a display and an input having at least one user actuatable selector. The computer processor is structured to generate a player's hand and a banker's hand in accordance with rules of baccarat, one of those hands being designated the user's hand based upon a user selection. Further, the computer processor is structured to deal the hands with an initially visible card in each hand, thereby allowing the user to better select which hand will be the user hand. Additionally, the computer processor is further responsive to a user input which designates whether to discard one or more of the visible cards in the hands, thereby increasing the chances for success. With the hands finally dealt, the computer processor is structured to determine a winning hand in accordance with the rules of baccarat, designating the user as a winner if the user's hand is also the wining hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Santiago Romero
  • Patent number: 6726564
    Abstract: A methods of and apparatus for playing table card games are provided wherein with multi token maximum level betting and displayed rankings of winning hands return enhanced pay out. A pay table matrix listing has the enhanced payments for ranked hands. The method and apparatus uses and has token acceptors and sensors for each player. The sensors are coupled to a count and computer for registering any maximum level bet that receives enhanced return for predetermined winning card combinations. The apparatus and its method, thus allow each player the opportunity to bet multiple tokens before the cards are dealt and to win enhanced amounts of money should specific predetermined card combinations be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Mikohn Gaming Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas Kurt Hogan, Dennis A. Garcia
  • Patent number: 6722974
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Digideal Corporation
    Inventors: Randy D. Sines, Michael J. Kuhn, Randy A. Gregory
  • Patent number: 6722975
    Abstract: A method for playing a poker game along with an auxiliary game, which depends on the poker game outcomes, is provided. The outcomes of the poker game are divided in three categories: credit events, no-credit events and non-event holds. Depending on their categories, outcomes influence the auxiliary game in different ways. The preferred way the auxiliary game works is by monitoring credit and no-credit events with a time window having neither a beginning nor an end; the amount of information monitored being constant. When a predetermined number of credits is accumulated within the monitoring window, an auxiliary prize is awarded. The invention also provides ways to display the information monitored by the auxiliary game so that this information is easy for players to understand and to follow. Accordingly, the invention provides an enhanced play experience that maintains excitement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Labtronix Concept Inc.
    Inventor: Gérald Duhamel
  • Patent number: 6719288
    Abstract: The present invention features a card shuffling machine having a controller that can be operated remote from the shuffling machine. A remote control unit is provided for remotely communicating operator-selected commands to the shuffling machine. The shuffling machine is capable of shuffling and dealing various games and between different modes of operation, including batch mode and continuous mode. The remote control unit includes a housing, a controller disposed therein, a display in electrical communication with the controller, and at least one user-operated key in electrical communication with the controller for electrically communicating a shuffle command to said shuffling machine allowing the dealer to select between various modes of operation, including batch mode, continuous mode, and between various games to be played.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: VendingData Corporation
    Inventors: Lynn Hessing, Daniel Mahoney, Steven J. Blad
  • Patent number: 6719292
    Abstract: The invention is an eight-card-stud poker game, played with at least one but preferably one standard poker deck of 52 cards, plus at least one but preferably four 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 Aces Two Pair Or Better Bet, 3 Of A Kind Or Better Bet, Straight Or Better Bet, Flush Or Better Bet, Full House Or Better Bet, 4 Of A Kind Or Better Bet, and/or Bonus Bet betting on the contents of the Player's own hand. After at least one bet is placed, each Player and the Banker are each dealt seven cards and one community card. From each Player's own seven dealt cards and the community card, he selects and keeps his best 5-card poker hand and discards three other cards. To win a bet, the Player's best 5-card poker hand must be one of the predetermining winning hands of the type of the bet he bets on, regardless of the Banker's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Henry Tien Lo
  • Publication number: 20040053656
    Abstract: A poker game method and device are set forth where each of a player and a dealer are dealt three cards which are assembled into a one card low hand and a two card high hand, according to a predetermined ranking schedule based on Poker rankings. The player and dealer hands are compared and if both the player's hands outrank the dealers hands, the player wins their wager. If both the dealer's hands outrank the player's, the player's wager is lost and if one of the player's hands outranks the dealer's but the other does not, the hand is considered to be a tie and the player's wager is neither won or lost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Tom Franklin
  • Publication number: 20040053655
    Abstract: In a game of Blackjack, a player has the option of increasing or decreasing the point value of his hand by a predetermined amount, e.g. +1 or −1, if this improves the worth of his hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: John Hyams, Jeffrey Paul Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20040036219
    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: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Schibetta
  • Patent number: 6695699
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus may comprise a cabinet having a front face with a gaming display positioned adjacent the cabinet front face so that the gaming display is viewable, the gaming display being operable to generate images. A controller is operatively coupled to the gaming display. The controller may have a processor and a memory, and may be programmed to allow a person to make a wager. The controller may further be programmed to cause an image associated with a game to be generated on the gaming display, to determine an outcome of the game represented by the image and to determine a value payout associated with the outcome of the game. The controller may be programmed to roll-up the value payout earned by the player in a roll-up time period without regard to the number of credits won.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Nicole Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 6695695
    Abstract: A video implemented casino card game deals multiple hands. In a preferred embodiment the game includes a means for simulating a plurality of players on a game display. Each simulated player is dealt a hand of cards pursuant to a predetermined card game selected by a game player. Subsequent to the initial deal, the game player selects which hand to play. Once the hand has been selected, each hand is fully played. Only the game player's hand is fully revealed during play. Based on the game player's final cards, the player is paid according to a pay table. Thereafter, all hands are revealed and the game player is paid a bonus amount if the player's selected hand is the highest hand of the dealt hands. In a card game requiring a draw, or decision, unselected card hands are played according to a preprogrammed methodology within a gaming machine's internal microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Gaming Concepts and Design, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Angel
  • Patent number: 6692353
    Abstract: An electronic amusement device and a method for operating the device are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a slot machine server controls a secondary game of chance played at a client slot machine. The server receives a player identifier corresponding to a player and a client identifier corresponding to a client slot machine. The server retrieves registration data relating to a secondary game of chance corresponding to the player identifier and the client identifier. The server further receives an outcome from the client slot machine and analyzes the outcome based on game requirements associated with the secondary game of chance, thereby determining whether the outcome satisfies at least one of the game requirements. Once all of the game requirements have been satisfied, the server updates a session status indicating the completion of the game requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdalena Mik, Stephen C. Tulley, Robert R. Lech
  • Publication number: 20040029629
    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: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Feraidoon Bourbour, Troy D. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20040029628
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Frank Mugnolo, Michael Cyrkiel
  • Patent number: 6688598
    Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game includes providing a set of 30 numerical playing pieces. The set includes three 1's, three 2's, three 3's, three 4's, three 5's, three 6's, three 7's, three 8's, three 9's, and three 0's (zeros). A banker is selected before each round of play. Each player, except the banker, makes a conventional wager. Each player except a participating house dealer can optionally make supplemental bonus wager. After the house dealer distributes three playing pieces to each player, the players set a two playing piece hand and discard the third playing piece. The banker then compares hands and settles wagers with each player. The hand having the highest pair wins (a pair of zero's highest and a pair of 1's lowest), else the playing pieces in each hand are summed and the sum having the highest least significant digit (LSD) wins (nine being highest and zero being lowest).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Chen Shein Hsi
  • Patent number: 6679497
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of playing a card game such as Blackjack provides a player with at least one additional option for playing the card game. For example, a Blackjack player who has made an initial bet and was dealt an unfavorable starting hand may be provided with at least one additional option, such as making a bust insurance bet or mortgaging a round of play. If the player makes a bust insurance bet, he will receive a payout if he then busts upon drawing an additional card. If the player selects a mortgaging option, he agrees to play the current round of play or at least one future round of play in accordance with a revised rule that is unfavorable for the player in exchange for receiving an advantage during the current round of play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Peter Kim, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Peter J. Vogel
  • Patent number: 6679492
    Abstract: A method of playing a betting game using a special payoff table is utilized. Winning a round of play entitles players to the predetermined payoff. The payoff tables are carefully constructed to accommodate enhanced payoffs. Players are offered jackpots for winning consecutive rounds of play in games that previously did not offered it. Special bonuses are offered for arrangements specific to the particular game, thus interest of the desired outcomes is broaden. Players that won at least one round of play but then lose, trying to obtain number of consecutive wins that would qualify them for a jackpot, still receive a reward. The house edge changes from round to round, and favors players continuing betting after their wins. This method of playing can be used as the main betting system or as a side bet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Jaroslaw Markowiak
  • Publication number: 20040009800
    Abstract: An amusement apparatus in association with a video program and a computer for various mechanical controls that are player-operable and responsive for card value and suit generation during the course of a card game. The method for playing a card game controlled by a processor includes a first region with a visual display on a card game machine for displaying a plurality of cards. There is a second region with a visual display on the card game machine for presenting a card selection display of card value and suit indicia. The game operates with the processor to draw cards that appear in the first region. Card selection input is received through the second region for display on the first region of the visual display. There is a player control interface for user selection input that effects the selection of cards at the second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Sming Huang
  • Patent number: 6672589
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Station Casinos, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Lemke, Ray Frankulin
  • Publication number: 20030232638
    Abstract: The present invention includes an interactive keno game method that comprises receiving at least one player selected symbol from a player during a game session. The at least one player selected symbol is drawn from a set of game symbols. The method then proceeds to receive a condition from the player that identifies the player credits applied for each chargeable action. The condition describes the number of credits that are to be played during each chargeable action. Each chargeable action includes the picking of at least one game selected symbol from the set of game symbols. During a game session the chargeable actions are performed more than once. Additionally, if there is a match between the at least one game selected symbol and the at least one player selected symbol the game session is paused. Furthermore, a prize may be awarded to the player when the at least one player selected symbol matches the at least one game selected symbol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Sierra Design Group
    Inventor: Robert A. Luciano
  • Patent number: 6663486
    Abstract: A gaming simulation program providing for user selection of gaming and betting strategies is disclosed. Games which may be simulated by the disclosed invention include war, blackjack, poker, keno, baccarat, etc. The program includes a gaming module and a simulation module. The gaming module allows the user to input a gaming strategy, a betting strategy, a playing mode, a number of iterations of the simulation and a speed of the simulations. The playing modes include single hand mode, automatic mode and session mode. The simulation module executes the simulation of the number of game iterations provided by the user to the gaming module. The gaming program may also include a statistics module which compiles and displays statistics of a game during and at the conclusion of a simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Dream Makers, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. D'Aurora, Jon W. Garaux, Douglas R. Garaux, Peter S. Lampard
  • Patent number: 6652381
    Abstract: An adjustable coin acceptor gate for use in accepting coins or tokens of all sizes from the United States coin or equivalent to the large gaming token or chip in use today in the gaming industry. The adjustable coin acceptor gate can be manually adjusted or electronically adjusted to accept the size or denomination or the coin or token in use for the particular game or vending machine in use and left open for multiple coin and token wagers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Curran Ungaro
  • Patent number: 6652379
    Abstract: A system reads an identifier from a hand of cards to identify the cards. For example, the system can read an identifier from a pair of cards forming the initial hand in blackjack, where the one card is face up and the other card is face down. The system determines the value of a hand of cards form the read identifiers. For example, the system can determine a value of an initial hand of two cards in blackjack, while only one card is face up. The system can inform a dealer of the value, or status based on value, of the hand. The system can determine whether cards forming a hand of cards are authenticate by validating the cards based on the read identifier. The system can determine if the cards forming the hand of cards are in an expected sequence based on a knowledge of the initial sequence of cards in a deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Patent number: 6648754
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming device having a plurality of player selectable selections, steps towards termination associated with each selection, a termination limit and an offer associated with each number of steps. The steps are associated with or determine the offers provided to the player. The game provides no further offers when the maximum number of offers have been awarded, the player accepts an offer, or the player's accumulated steps meet or exceed the termination limit. The game preferably provides a consolation award to the player when the player's steps meet or exceed the termination limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Bayard S. Webb
  • Patent number: 6644666
    Abstract: The game typically comprise dealing a number of cards, typically five cards, to each of the players and dealer. In a first phase, the player attempts to make a qualifying hand. To make a qualifying hand, the player must use three of the five dealt cards to equal a predetermined point total, typically a total of 10, 20, or 30. If the player is able to make a qualifying hand, the player moves onto a second phase of the game and takes the two remaining cards to create a point hand that will be compared against the dealer's point hand. In the second phase, if the player's point hand is superior to the dealer's point hand, the player will win. However, if the dealer has a superior point hand, the player loses his wager(s). If the dealer and the player have an equal point hand, the game is considered a “push.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Tamura Gaming Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Tamura, Ronald Furuta
  • Patent number: 6638161
    Abstract: One or more actual hands of playing cards are verified against respective expected hands of playing cards, to determine whether the playing cards actually dealt correspond to the playing cards that should have been dealt based on a starting sequence of playing card values. The starting sequence of playing card values can be computationally pseudo-randomly generated, where playing cards will be ordered, for example by printing or sorting, according to the sequence for distribution to the player and/or dealer. The starting sequence of playing card values can be determined by reading identifiers from a number of playing cards prior to dealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Patent number: 6629889
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the win or loss of individual participants in a game of chance, such as for example Black Jack, Poker or the like, wherein the bet and the winnings are represented by chips. A central chip depository (102) is provided for receiving the game inventory and the latter has means for determining its momentary content. At least one chip deposit area (110, 111) is provided per participant and has in each case at least one sensor (701) for the detection of chips lying on the deposit area (110, 111). The means for determining the momentary chip content and also the sensors (701) have their outputs connected to the inputs of a data processing system (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Grips Electronic GmbH
    Inventor: Ewald Mothwurf
  • Patent number: 6626433
    Abstract: The method of the present invention involves 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, the player makes a wager to elect to play one or more of the seven player positions. A number of cards are then dealt to each of the player positions and a dealer position. An upturned card from each player position is compared with an upturned card from the dealer position and a winning status occurs for each wagered position in which the player's upturned card has a higher ranking than the dealer's upturned card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Scibetta
  • Patent number: 6623006
    Abstract: A gaming device having a plurality of mechanical reels placed adjacent to a thin profile video display. The thin profile video display allows access to storage rearward thereof. The close relationship of the video display and reels allows a player to view both video display and the reels within one's field of vision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Casino Data Systems
    Inventor: Steven A. Weiss
  • Publication number: 20030173737
    Abstract: Identifiers are read from playing cards collected after completion of at least one hand of a card game, such as blackjack, and the value of a hand is determined from the resulting sequence of read identifiers (i.e., ending sequence). The playing cards are collected in a defined order, such as from players in order from a dealer's right to left, and finally from the dealer. The cards, and the play of the game, can be validated based at least in part on the ending sequence. Identifiers may also be read from cards before or while dealing the card game to produce an initial sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga, Robert B. Mouchou
  • Patent number: 6616142
    Abstract: Games of skill or chance which provide a player, who has received a wild indicia during one game, with the opportunity to reserve that wild indicia for use in a subsequent game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Anchor Gaming
    Inventor: William R. Adams
  • Patent number: 6609975
    Abstract: The progress of each player in playing an auxiliary incentive game simultaneously with a primary card game is controlled and displayed at a gaming table. A prize display is attached to the table and the prize display indicates at least one prize available to the player who accumulates a predetermined number of-bonus points playing the auxiliary game. A player interface unit is positioned on the table adjacent to each player. The player interface unit displays the number of bonus points received by the associated player. A dealer interface unit is positioned on the table adjacent to the dealer. The dealer interface unit includes control elements to allow the dealer to display the bonus points awarded to each player on the associated player interface unit and to activate a prize award control element on the player interface unit. The winning player selects a randomly indexed prize indicated on the prize display by manipulating the prize award control element on his or her player interface unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas E. Sawyer, Tony A. Crawford