Abstract: An assembly for playing a variation of the game baccarat wherein one of a plurality of players, designated the banker, may make a bonus wager in addition to a primary wager which provides the banker/player the possibility of participating in a bonus payout if the total number count of each of at least two consecutive hands equals a predetermined number count. Typically, the predetermined number count will be nine in that nine is the best possible hand in a conventional baccarat game. The total number count of the banker's hands can be either a natural nine or a broken nine to qualify for participation in the bonus payout, which can increase either randomly or in accordance with a pre-set schedule or rate of increase, set by the house or casino in the event that more than two consecutive banker's hands each have a total number count equal to the predetermined number count.

Abstract: A method of playing a blackjack card game for providing a blackjack player the opportunity to control the subsequent cards dealt while simultaneously allowing all blackjack players to bet that the player is incorrect to win a share of a “progressive jackpot”. The inventive device includes a game table having an area for player cards, a betting area for each player, a burn bet area for each player, a burn card area for receiving a burn card, and a container for receiving bets relating to a burn card. The game is played similarly to conventional blackjack except that each player is given the option of either (1) “passing”, (2) “hitting”, or (3) “burning” after their initial two cards are dealt. When “burning” a card, the player must place a “burn payment” within the container after which the dealer places the “burn card” from the deck face down within a burn card area of the game table.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic side bet progressive jackpot gaming table apparatus including a color-coded player's banking center which includes a coin slot an electronic button means, a digital display means. The apparatus also includes a dealer key pad having a plurality of electronic button means for the dealer to suitably conduct a side bet progressive jackpot game. The invention furthermore relates to a method of operating the electronic side bet progressive jackpot gaming table apparatus. In addition, methods of playing casino Blackjack games employing an inventive deck of same color-coded playing cards are disclosed.

Abstract: The method of the present invention generally involves a typical casino or cardroom game modified to include a progressive jackpot component. During the play of a Twenty-One game, for example, in addition to this normal wager, a player will have the option of making an additional wager that becomes part of, and makes the player eligible to win, the progressive jackpot. If the player's Twenty-One hand comprises a particular, predetermined arrangement of cards, the player will win all, or part of, the amount showing on the progressive jackpot. This progressive jackpot feature is also adaptable to any other casino or cardroom game such as Draw Poker, Stud Poker, Lo-Ball Poker or Caribbean Stud™ Poker. The apparatus used to practice the present invention comprises a gaming table, such as those used for Twenty-One or poker, modified with the addition of a coin acceptor that is electronically connected to a progressive jackpot meter.

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.

Abstract: In the play of a hand of poker (either as a casino table card game or a video gaming apparatus or computer game), a partial hand is provided to a player after initial wager. The actual hand of poker involves the potential for at least two distinct games of poker being playable from that partial hand. The player may then elect to play one or more of the potential games from at least two distinct games of poker available for play with that hand. The nature of the at least two distinct games is that at least two of the games which may be played from the partial hand require decisions to be made where a decision with regard to a election of play strategy in one poker game that is intended to have or assist in getting a positive outcome is likely to have a negative effect or comprises an adverse strategy in the play of the second game.

Abstract: A Baccarat derivation incorporates multiple betting options while eliminating confusing card-drawing rules, resulting in a more exciting and playable game. A table layout includes betting areas for a competition wager that one side or the other will win the game as well as proposition wager areas that one side or the other will win the game by a particular amount or that the sides will tie with a particular amount. As with conventional Baccarat, the players can wager for either side. The methodology is suited for any game where a result is determined according to numerical values such as Baccarat, Blackjack, War or Dice.

Abstract: Methods of playing a poker game are provided. One is a method for playing a single five-card hand and involves making an initial wager, dealing an initial three cards into the hand, making additional wagers to receive fourth and fifth cards, if desired, or folding, then deciding to keep or discard each card, whereupon all discarded cards are replaced and the value of the hand calculated and paid. A second method allows play of two hands, using two separate decks. The hands may be related to each other by allowing the player the option of duplicating the first three cards dealt into a first hand into a second hand. The game may be played with actual cards or with virtual cards using a programmed electronic game, preferably a casino-style game providing slots, magnetic card readers, or other means for inserting money, chips, or credit numbers to activate the game, and means for paying out winnings, as are known to the art.

Abstract: A Blackjack-type card game where each player receives a four playing card array arranged in a square, with two of the cards face-up and two face down. Wagers are made on at least one and at most three of the six possible different two-cards of the array, betting against the dealer's hand. A dealer's hand consists of two cards, one card face-up and one card face-down. The dealer's play is governed by traditional Blackjack rules.

Abstract: A method of playing a multi-line poker game of cards on a computer-based video gaming device is disclosed. The poker game has a game hand line and a plurality of bonus lines that are combined to create a game array. The game array itself has a plurality of paylines used in determining winnings for the play of the game. The method of playing the multi-line poker comprises determining a set of game parameters from a set of input signals from a player. Next a plurality of cards are randomly dealt from a deck of cards to fill the game hand line. The player selects cards from the within the game hand that are to be held and the cards that are to be discarded. Cards from the deck of cards are randomly dealt to replace all of the cards discarded from within the game hand. Each card now within the game hand is duplicated and randomly placed within the plurality of bonus lines until all of the locations within the game array are filled with cards.

Abstract: A Blackjack derivative card game incorporates a reverse play methodology, wherein after dealing hands of cards to a player and to a dealer, the dealer's hand is resolved in accordance with predetermined game rules prior to resolving the player's hand. If the dealer is still in the game after resolving the dealer's hand, the player's hand is then resolved in accordance with the rules. With this methodology, disadvantages associated with conventional game play such as Blackjack can be eliminated. For example, with the dealer hand exposed and resolved, the players are not required and do not perceive a requirement to understand a basic strategy. Rather, the goal is simply to beat the dealer's hand. The impact of card counting can also be eliminated, and the speed of game play can be increased.

Abstract: A Blackjack derivative card game incorporates a reverse play methodology, wherein after dealing hands of cards to a player and to a dealer, the dealer's hand is resolved in accordance with predetermined game rules prior to resolving the player's hand. If the dealer is still in the game after resolving the dealer's hand, the player's hand is then resolved in accordance with the rules. With this methodology, disadvantages associated with conventional game play such as Blackjack can be eliminated. For example, with the dealer hand exposed and resolved, the players are not required and do not perceive a requirement to understand a basic strategy. Rather, the goal is simply to beat the dealer's hand. The impact of card counting can also be eliminated, and the speed of game play can be increased.

Abstract: A game machine capable of providing proper expected values. The game machine is provided with a prize decision table to be applied to a game in an ordinary probability game state and a prize decision table to be applied to a game in a high probability game state. The former and latter prize decision tables are stored with at least data of numbers of lottery random numbers for providing basis of the individual lottery probabilities for individual prize modes. By increasing the number of lottery random numbers for a predetermined mode in the high probability game state but by decreasing the number of lottery random numbers for another mode, the prize probability of the predetermined mode is enhanced, and an expected value to be obtained in the high probability game state is set to a proper expected value or less.

Abstract: A gaming assembly to play a variation of the game baccarat, the gaming assembly including a computer processor assembly, a display assembly and at least one user actuatable selector assembly. The computer processor assembly 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. Further, the computer processor assembly 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. Additionally, the computer processor assembly is structured to monitor consecutive ones of the user's hands and to indicate 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.

Abstract: A method of playing a live casino card game with a video display of a wild card comprises dealing a number of physical playing cards to a player to form an original hand, the player having made a wager on a card game being played with that original hand. From a separate virtual deck of playing cards, dealing at least one card that is a video display card. At any time during play of the game, showing the value of the at least one card that is a video display card, the at least one card that is a video display card establishing a fact that physical cards of a predetermined relationship to the at least one card that is a video display card are Wild Cards for the purpose of establishing a rank or value for the player's hand. The player is then paid for attaining a hand of at least a predetermined rank or having a hand with a value higher than the value of a dealer's hand; the rank or value being determined with or without the presence of Wild Cards.

Abstract: The display system includes a plurality of displays prominently positioned about a baccarat table so that the bettors and onlookers of the baccarat table can easily view the displays and know past game results. The system includes a first counter for inputting a bank-win outcome, a second counter for inputting of a player-win outcome, and a third counter for inputting of a bank-player-tie outcome. The displays illustrate a matrix to allow input of indicia into each cell based on the results of each hand completed. The arrangement of the input of gaming results in the matrix gives a new player, and/or onlooker a complete history of past games played and resulting winners (bank, player or tie), as well as the consecutive games won and the frequency of wins by either the bank or player.

Abstract: A payout scheme for a card game is based on a numerical difference between a player's hand and a dealer's hand. The method is suited for card games wherein the numerical value of a player's hand affects the outcome of the game. Preferably, the game is a Blackjack derivative, wherein the payout based on the original wager is determined in accordance with an amount by which the player's hand exceeds the dealer's hand, without exceeding an upper limit.

Abstract: In a casino Blackjack game, the concept of the insurance wager against a dealer Blackjack (two-card total of 21) is expanded to provide a player wagering option when a dealer first card is either an Ace or a ten-value card. An additional wagering option is provided when a player first card is either an Ace or a ten-value card that the player two-card total will be 21. Payouts for the respective wagers are varied according to whether the dealer or player first card is the Ace or the ten-value card and whether the two-card twenty-one is comprised of cards of a predefined relation such as same suit or color or cards including a 10-value card of a particular rank. The additional wagering option adds an exciting element to the conventional Blackjack game, resulting in a more enjoyable game and increased play.

Abstract: A method and assembly designed to play a variation of the game baccarat wherein one of a plurality of players, designated the banker, has the option of making a bonus wager in addition to a primary wager, wherein the bonus wager provides the banker/player the possibility of participating in a bonus payout in the event the total number count of each of at least two consecutive hands equals a predetermined number count. Typically the predetermined number count will be nine in that nine is the best possible hand in a conventional baccarat game. The total number count of nine of the banker's hands can be either a natural nine or a broken nine and still qualify for participation in the bonus payout, which can increase either randomly or in accordance with a pre-set schedule or rate of increase, set by the house or casino in the event that more than two consecutive banker's hands each have a total number count equal to the predetermined number count.

Abstract: A card game that is played on a gaming machine and provides multiple opportunities for players to win. The game consists of several sub-games that are played simultaneously and are linked together by repeatedly playing a solitaire sub-game. The scores from the solitaire sub-game are used to play a keno sub-game, a blackjack sub-game, an odd number sub-game, an even number sub-game, a poker sub-game, a 100 space grid sub-game, and a same number sub-game.

Abstract: A modified method for playing Blackjack is set forth wherein the players each make a first wager to participate in the Blackjack game and a second wager, the second wagers accumulated to form a pot. The pot, less any levy for the casino, is awarded to the player according to the various embodiments thereof to the player(s) (i)having a final hand count closest to but not exceeding 21, (ii) the highest count based upon the initial two cards dealt to the player or (iii) the player(s) having a Blackjack. A portion of the pot may be allocated to form a jackpot awarded to players based upon there obtaining a predetermined holding.

Abstract: A modified method for playing card game such as Blackjack or Baccarat is set forth wherein the players each make a first wager to participate in the game and a second wager, the second wagers accumulated to form a pot. The pot, less any levy for the casino or to fund a jackpot, is awarded to the player according to the various embodiments thereof to the player(s) (i)having a final hand count closest to the target value for the game. A portion of the pot may be allocated to form a jackpot awarded to players based upon there obtaining a predetermined holding or players who lost the pot but have a predetermined hand card combination.

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.

Abstract: A secure game table system, adapted for multiple sites under a central control, for monitoring each hand in a live card game. A common deck identity code is located on each card. A shuffler has a circuit for counting the cards from a previous hand which are inserted into the shuffler and which reads the common identity code. The game control verifies that no cards have been withdrawn from the hand by a player or that new cards have been substituted. A unique code also placed on each card is read as the card is dealt to indicate the value and the suit. The game control stores this information in a memory so that a history of each card dealt is recorded. Sensors are located near each of the player positions for sensing the presence of a game bet and a progressive bet. A card sensor located near each player position and the dealer position issues a signal for each card received.

Abstract: A security system for use in gaming comprises, in combination, a gaming table, and a plurality of light-sensitive detectors arranged in a pattern on the gaming table. A plurality of indicating lights is provided equal in number and electrically coupled to the plurality of light-sensitive detectors. Interruption of light otherwise passing into any one of the plurality of light-sensitive detectors causes illumination of its own corresponding indicating light to cease during the interruption of light, and the illumination to return once the interruption of light terminates. Each detector of the plurality of light-sensitive detectors comprises a Cadmium Cell detector. An alternative embodiment of the system incorporates fiber-optic cables in lieu of the Cadmium Cell detectors and their associated indicating lights.

Abstract: A side game with potential wagering is provided along with an underlying game. The side game may include the use of symbols or cards or card figures, and may be played live, on video gaming apparatus, or with a combination of live play and various display means, including, but not limited to, cathode ray tubes (monitors), light-emitting diodes (LED's), Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD's), plasma displays and other video gaming displays.

Abstract: A lottery-type game is played with a first level game and at least one second level or additional level game. The first level game includes a plurality of first level game records, each having an associated outcome. At least one outcome is a negotiable outcome. The second level game is related to the negotiable outcome of the first level game and includes a plurality of second level game records. According to the present gaming method, a player is enabled to view a first level game representation associated with a particular one of the first level game records. This first level game representation indicates the outcome associated with the particular first level game record. When this first level outcome is the negotiable outcome, the player may choose to view a second level game representation which indicates the outcome of a particular one of the second level game records.

Abstract: An electronic video gaming machine is programmed to play a multi-hand video poker game which initially displays to the player a five-by-five matrix of twenty-five cards. This five-by-five matrix generates twelve five card hands—the five horizontal rows, the five vertical columns and the two diagonals. The player makes a wager of fifty credits which makes the player eligible for all twelve hands, with five credits applied to each hand, in effect given the player two free hands at five credits each. Five separate decks of playing cards are used with the five cards in each horizontal row being dealt from a separate deck of cards. The player may select one card from each horizontal row to be held and the selected card is also duplicated into an adjacent row location in that row. Replacement cards for the discarded cards are dealt into each horizontal row. Each of the twelve different five card hands are analyzed to determine its poker hand ranking and winning hands are paid in accordance with a pay table.

Abstract: A method and system for generating displays related to the play of Baccarat is provided. Cards dealt to each of the Banker's and Player's hands are identified as by scanning and data signals are generated. The card identification data signals are processed to determine the outcome of the hand. Displays in various formats to be used by bettors are created from the processed identification signals including the cards of the hand played, historical records of outcomes and the like. The display can also show bettors expected outcomes and historical bests. Bettors can refer to the display in making betting decisions.

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: An improved gaming machine having a touch screen applied to an outer face of a CRT display and a limited number of push-button actuators. Either the touch screen or the push-button actuators can be used for controlling play as well as selecting one of several games that can be played on the machine. By using a touch screen on the video display device, the player of the game of the machine can use either the touch screen or the push-button actuators to change the playable game elements, such as discarding and drawing new cards when playing poker. The touch screen and associated electronics are arranged and programmed so that multiple touch fields are defined on the surface of the screen, which, by manually touching, can be used for playing games, such as keno, which require more actuators than there are push buttons on the machine.

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 (34) 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 (30) 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 (32) is positioned on the table adjacent 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 their player interface unit.

Abstract: The invention comprises a wagering game that utilizes random events and their associated values. The teachings include a set of higher/lower hitting and standing rules in which a participant's successive event values are compared to determine the success or failure of a strategic decision. As a table game vs. a house dealer, the overall player's objective in a preferred embodiment is not to bust while achieving more hits than the dealer who plays by a fixed set of rules. Variations include a solitaire version, different payoff criteria and schedules, different definitions of what constitutes a successful hit, versions with a guaranteed-winner bonus round, and the introduction of jokers which may be helpful and/or harmful to the player's hand.

Abstract: A card game to be played by preferably seven players completing individually against a dealer. The card game is generally patterned after conventional gambling games such as poker, but includes novel features practiced as steps of a method of play. One feature is that of having each player arbitrarily divide his or her initially dealt cards into two groups each of which is independently pitted against the dealer in two separate comparisons. Two stakes are thus established, one corresponding to each comparison. A second novel feature is that of being allowed to recombine cards to establish a new competitive position if the first comparison with the dealer results in a draw. A third novel feature is that the recombination can utilize a card from the dealer's holding. To play the novel game, the dealer is dealt four cards whereas the players are each dealt but three.

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.

Abstract: A method of playing blackjack with a side wager includes a side wager which is typically set at $1 per hand per player. Where the dealer shows a card having a value of ten, and the player shows two cards having a cumulative value of twenty, the player is a winner. Where either of these two conditions are not met, the player loses the side wager. Where the dealer has a ten-value up card and the player has two cards totaling twenty including aces and nines, the player wins a first amount. Where the player's cards are both of the same suit, the player wins a second, typically larger, amount. Where the player's cards are of the same rank, e.g. both Kings, the player wins a third amount. Where the player's cards are both the same rank and the same suit, the player wins a fourth amount. Where the player's cards are both the same suit and the same rank, and also the same suit and rank as the dealer's face up card, the player wins a significantly larger fifth amount.

Abstract: A video poker gaming machine is described where a base amount for a poker hand is multiplied by the value of a multiplier card. In one embodiment, the poker hand is four-of-a-kind and the multiplier card is the kicker card.

Abstract: An auxiliary game provides an auxiliary opportunity for players at a casino to win a prize by participating with a relatively small contribution each time they play a round in the principal casino game. To increase the element of random chance or luck in winning a prize in the game, a method and apparatus is provided for randomly choosing a winning card or combination of cards, or randomly selecting a person or group of persons eligible to win upon possession of the card or combination of cards. The amount of the prize can also be randomly selected either as a fixed amount or percentage of a maximum amount or a progressive jackpot.

Abstract: An auxiliary game provides an auxiliary opportunity for players at a casino to win a prize by participating with a relatively small contribution each time they play a round in the principal casino game. To increase the element of random chance or luck in winning a prize in the game, a method and apparatus is provided for randomly choosing a winning card or combination of cards, or randomly selecting a person or group of persons eligible to win upon possession of the card or combination of cards. The amount of the prize can also be randomly selected either as a fixed amount or percentage of a maximum amount or a progressive jackpot.

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game which is based upon a long-duration, multi-step game is disclosed. The method utilizes an underlying game which allows the player to perform predefined chargeable actions while the player is playing the underlying game. The player is charged for each chargeable action the player performs. The player is awarded a prize if a predefined prize event or condition occurs during the game. The method of the present invention may be applied to solitaire, poker, blackjack, slot machines, and many other kinds of games.

Abstract: An integrated blackjack game control system having multiple sensors and output devices, electronic signal processing equipment, passive and active operator control devices, and a computer system. The system components are capable of being installed on or near existing blackjack tables and support equipment, and to operate with standard playing cards. The system performs several simultaneous functions to accelerate the play of a game of blackjack, enhance the shuffling process, and perform continuous monitoring of key dealer and table performance attributes.

Abstract: A casino type game and method of playing the game structured to be played either manually, or electronically, incorporating video display facilities and a controlling central processing unit. Preferably, the game is played by a method incorporating manual and electronic steps at least to the extent that the features associated with the card game of 21 are played manually using one or more conventional decks of cards and of a dealer physically dealing the cards to each of a plurality of participating players. The game stages associated with the preferred features of the dice game craps are preferably played electronically through the replication of a plurality of dice rolls and the video display or depiction of such dice rolls to determine a resulting number that defines a basis of continued play.

Abstract: A game table system, adapted for multiple sites under a central control, for providing a progressive jackpot in a live card game played at each gaming table between a dealer and a player. Each gaming table has an ante bet region, a dealer card region, and a player card region. The game table system of the present invention includes a sensor located at each bet region for detecting the value of the ante placed by the player at that location, a reader identifying each card dealt during the play of the game to the player and to the dealer, a computer connected to the sensor and the reader and the progressive jackpot for adding a predetermined percentage of the value of the ante to the progressive jackpot when a predetermined game event (such as the dealer going bust during the game of blackjack) occurs while preserving the value of the ante during the conventional play of the game.

Abstract: A method of playing a modified twenty-one card game by at least a dealer includes the steps of placing a wager awarded when the player bets that the dealer will score at least one of a predetermined number of dealer outcomes, and playing the twenty-one game. The method also includes the steps of determining the score of the dealer, and comparing the score of the dealer to the predetermined number of dealer outcomes bet by the player. The player is awarded responsive to the wager and a coincidence between the dealer score and one of the predetermined number of dealer outcomes.

Abstract: A secure game table system, adapted for multiple sites under a central control, for monitoring each hand in a live card game. A common deck identity code is located on each card. A shuffler has a circuit for counting the cards from a previous hand which are inserted into the shuffler and which reads the common identity code. The game control verifies that no cards have been withdrawn from the hand by a player or that new cards have been substituted. A unique code also placed on each card is read as the card is dealt to indicate the value and the suit. The game control stores this information in a memory so that a history of each card dealt is recorded. Sensors are located near each of the player positions for sensing the presence of a game bet and a progressive bet. A card sensor located near each player position and the dealer position issues a signal for each card received.

Abstract: A cooperative group gaming apparatus and method therefore including a plurality of gaming machines including means for individual play, means for communal play and communal payout means influenced by any gaming machine participating in cooperative group play, said plurality of gaming machines operatively coupled to at least one controller which, inter alia, communicates with at least one display means for displaying the effects of cooperative group play to game players.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for including a progressive jackpot component in a live casino table game. In addition to playing a live casino table game, each player makes an additional wager at the beginning of each hand that makes that player eligible to win all or part of a jackpot. If during the play of the hand a player is dealt a predetermined arrangement of cards, the player wins a preselected percentage of the jackpot amount. The jackpot is progressive in the unwon amounts of the jackpot carry over to the next hand. Apparatus is provided to receive each gaming token wagered for the jackpot component, to increment the jackpot meter whcih displays the jackpot amount, to decrement the jackpot meter whenever a winning hand is paid and to reset the apparatus for the next hand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for including a progressive jackpot component in a live casino table game. In addition to playing a live casino table game, each player makes an additional wager at the beginning of each hand that makes that player eligible to win all or part of a jackpot. If during the play of the hand a player is dealt a predetermined arrangement of cards, the player wins a preselected percentage of the jackpot amount. The jackpot is progressive in that unwon amounts of the jackpot carry over to the next hand. Apparatus is provided to receive each gaming token wagered for the jackpot component, to increment the jackpot meter which displays the jackpot amount, to decrement the jackpot meter whenever a winning hand is paid and to reset the apparatus for the next hand.

Abstract: A method of administering and playing a baccarat type card game is disclosed in which three hands are dealt face-up, having three cards each. Players wager on which hand will win, and can also wager on ties between two or more hands. After the first card is dealt to each hand, players are given the opportunity to alter their wagers, either by surrendering a portion of their wager and withdrawing from the hand, or by increasing the wager up to the amount of the original wager. Then, a second card is dealt face-up, and the players are again given the opportunity to surrender a portion of their wagers and withdraw from the hand. When the hands are complete, the point total for each hand is calculated and the winning or tied hands are paid.

Abstract: A video card game machine has a central processing unit for simulating a card game in accordance with a game control program and a display for displaying a plurality of playing cards. In a baccarat game, two playing cards are distributed to a banker and to a player. One of the four playing cards becomes a judgment card which is turned face down. Prior to displaying playing cards on the display, a game player predicts a winning competitor or a tie game and a bet state is entered from an operation panel to the central processing unit. The number of the judgment card leading to a hit of the prediction made by the game player, is displayed on the display and surrounded by a frame. After the win/tie conditions are displayed, the judgment card is faced. If it is possible to draw the third playing card, the frame is continuously displayed, whereas if the next playing card cannot be drawn and the game is terminated, the frame is flashed.