Abstract: A method for playing a card game is set forth wherein a player makes an ante wager to participate in the game. A five card hand is dealt to each player and the dealer. The player's and dealer's hand are valued by determining the suit with the highest point value where Kings, Queens and Jacks count as 10 points, Aces count as 11 points and all other cards have their face value. If the player elect to stay in the game they place a call bet, otherwise they lose their ante wager and are out of the hand. For those player's making the call bet, hands are resolved where if the player's hand value exceeds the dealer the player is the winner, if the dealer's hand has a qualifying point value and exceeds the player's hand point value the player is a loser and tie point values are declared ties.

Abstract: A method of playing a casino game rewards a player for how quickly he can "lose". At the outset, the player is provided with a tote. A timer begins, and the player uses the tote to place wagers in the game. The tote is increased when those wagers win and is decreased when they lose. When the tote is reduced to zero, the timer stops. The time it took the player to reduce the tote to zero is measured against a standard, and the player is rewarded based on that performance. The method is particularly well-suited for use in amusement devices, such as arcade games.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for use in casino card games having a progressive jackpot feature includes a dealer operated keypad unit located at each casino table for entering information which is used to recalculate the progressive jackpots. The system includes a display unit at each casino table for displaying the values of each jackpot.

Abstract: Card games that combine the play of Blackjack ("21") with a 3-card Poker wager or side bet ("21+3"). Each player places a basic Blackjack wager and an optional 3-card Poker wager before the cards are dealt. Each player is then dealt a card with the dealer receiving a face-up card. Each player is dealt a second card. At this point, the outcome of each 3-card Poker hand is determined, where a player's 3-card Poker hand consists of the 2-card hand dealt to that player and the dealer's face-up card. After settling the Poker wagers, the game of Blackjack continues in a typical fashion. The invention advantageously retains all the features and advantages of Blackjack as well as provides the dynamics of 3-card Poker, without interfering with the card sequence, for enhanced player anticipation and enjoyment.

Abstract: A coin operated type gaming machine combines accepting multiple denomination coins of a selected currency, multiple kinds of games with different types of supplemental side bets, paying out of winnings in the same currency, configurable LCD input means for a selected game and networking capability.

Abstract: An image display game apparatus has a display screen which displays randomly selected five cards with their faces up. Based on the player's evaluation of the cards, the player selectively presses a first group of push buttons to select unwanted cards and indicate replacement of the cards. When the player presses a push button in a second group, the selected unwanted cards are replaced with new cards. If the new combination of the cards achieves a prize-winning hand, then the player wins and is awarded a credit based on odds for the prize-winning hand. The player then pushes another push button in the second group to receive medals corresponding to the credit. The image display game apparatus has an odds display device which displays a present prize-winning hand and odds thereof, a possible prize-winning hand and odds thereof, and other prize-winning hands and odds thereof in respective display modes, e.g., color shades, different from each other.

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: A gaming device and method in which a player, after having enabled the machine with a wager, is exposed to a conventional blackjack or twenty-one display on a video monitor. The player receives two cards face up and the dealer receives one card face up and one card face down. The player then has the option of continuing to play the blackjack hand to its conclusion. Should the blackjack game be continued unimpeded, an award is based on conventional blackjack rules. This includes adding cards to approach or equal the numeric value twenty-one. Should the player instead embark upon draw poker, the dealer's cards (initially one card face up and one card face down) are removed from view on the video monitor. In this alternative, the player will keep the two face up cards that have already been dealt the player and receive three additional face up cards and then embark upon a game of draw poker.

Abstract: For professional use in table games of chance with playing cards and gaming chips (jettons), in particular the game of "Black Jack", the to provide invention is to provide an automatically working apparatus which will register and evaluate all phases of the run of the game automatically.

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.

Abstract: Playing card games, designed and played with a newly set of cards (two decks of fifty-two cards each), having different values and different suits. The suits of this newly designed set of cards are Double Hearts, Double Clubs, Double Spades, Double Diamonds. Each suit of the first deck, (FIGS. 1 to 4), contains 13 cards bearing the number 0, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21. The value of the cards is their face values except for cards bearing numbers 11, 17, 19, 20, which have value of 10 each per suit. Thus, each suit contains 5 cards with a value of 10 each, and 8 cards with a value of 0, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18 and 21. The first deck is the primary deck, with which all the games are played. Each suit of the second deck, (FIGS. 5 to 8), contains 8 cards with a value of 10 each, 4 cards each, with a value of 15, 16, 18, 21 and a Joker. The second deck is used only in those games which feature a Super Jackpot.

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 is provided for receiving the game inventory and the latter has means for determining its momentary content. At least one chip deposit area is provided per participant and has in each case at least one sensor for the detection of chips lying on the deposit area. The means for determining the momentary chip content and also the sensors have their outputs connected to the inputs of a data processing system.

Abstract: A slot card issued by a slot club, or a membership card in another incentive award program, that is also capable of being used as phone calling card is provided. Free calling time is credited to the member's card account in response to the playing of the slot machine or utilizing the respective service. After incentive points are awarded, the member may use the membership card as a prepaid phone calling card, whereby the member's account is debited for the cost of the call.

Abstract: A modified poker card game allows a player to sequentially build a card hand after each round of play. The rules of play for the card game including dealing a first pair of cards to the player. The player then selects one of the pair of cards for the card hand, and discards the other card. The player repeats this process until the player has selected a predetermined number of cards that form the card hand. The resulting card hand is then compared to a predetermined winning schedule and/or to other players playing the modified poker game.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing duplicate card games such as blackjack and poker. In operation, after shuffling an appropriately sized deck, each player is supplied with an identical first hand. From there, each player plays against the dealer or house directly and against each other indirectly. To ensure parity, the shuffled deck is duplicated in its exact order for each player so that each player uses the same identically ordered cards when playing against the dealer or house. Depending on how each player plays, the initially dealt cards (e.g., call, hold, etc.), the relative skill level between players may be measured. After each round played, the deck is reshuffled. A running total for all participants is maintained and each player may wager against the dealer or house in the normal fashion. The apparatus includes a processing unit connected to a plurality of displays each of which includes associated control buttons.

Abstract: An improved method of playing the conventional manner of play of baccarat and game table apparatus in which a bettor makes a first wager that either a bank hand or player hand will win, the improvement comprising: the bettor having the option of making a second wager that the bank hand and the player hand will comprise in combination a four-of-a-kind of a specific card value, dealing two cards comprising the bank hand and dealing two cards comprising the player hand according to the conventional manner of play of baccarat, determining whether the combination of the bank hand and the player hand is a four-of-a-kind of the specific card value, paying off the bettor a predetermined amount if the bettor's second wager was a winning wager wherein the combination of the bank hand and the player hand is a four-of-a-kind of the specific card value, dealing an additional card to the player hand and an additional card to the bank hand if required according to the conventional manner of play of baccarat, determining a w

Abstract: A coin acceptor for use in accepting coins, paper currency, tokens, or magnetic cards includes a multi-state visual display for indicating the condition of the coin acceptor or an attached device. The coin acceptor finds application in connection with gambling devices including video poker games and slot machines, as well as with vending machines, arcade games, automated teller machines, and other similarly actuated devices and machines. In a preferred embodiment, the coin acceptor finds application in connection with a progressive jackpot component for a live casino table game and includes a visual display having three different states. In a first state, corresponding to jackpot wager attract or invitation, a plurality of LEDs surrounding a token slot flash sequentially to form a traveling pattern around the slot. In a second state, corresponding to jackpot wager placement, the LEDs flash simultaneously. In a third state, corresponding to jackpot wager acceptance, the LEDs remain continuously illuminated.

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 device is utilized in casino gaming environment that will count the number of hands of a given card game played per given period of time. The information is used by a database system within the casino to determine theoretical win/loss based upon historical and theoretical outcome data related to probability of winning/losing any given hand and then factoring in the number of hands played. Preferably this device is polled by a database system to collect this information. In a preferred embodiment, the device could be utilized with an automatic tracking and information management system.

Abstract: A method by which a player may participate in a live casino game from a location remote from the casino is disclosed. A player establishes an information link with a casino from an interface station including a video monitor and keypad. In response to the player's entry of financial account information, the casino establishes an information line with the player's financial institution. The casino assigns the player to a gaming table at which a "live" game is occurring, transmitting all images of game play and instructions to the player. The player transmits bet and game play information to the casino. Because of the open line between the casino and player's financial institution, bets are checked, winnings paid, and losses debited, instantaneously.

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 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 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 conventional Twenty-One game is modified to include a second wager or HEDGE BET.TM. which is made by the player before any cards are dealt. The player wins the HEDGE BET.TM. if the dealer's first two cards are a standing hand. After making the HEDGE BET.TM., the Twenty-One game is played out according to conventional rules of play and the normal winning and losing hands are paid or collected by the dealer. The dealer also reconciles the HEDGE BET.TM. based on whether the dealer has achieved a standing hand. This additional wager is attractive to players since it affords a further opportunity to bet on each hand and to win if the dealer achieves a standing hand, in which the odds appear to favor the player due to a wide range of two card combinations that will result in the dealer's standing hand. The player's odds of winning the HEDGE BET.TM.

Abstract: A betting apparatus incorporated into a game of chance enabling a player to make a side bet. A chip receptacle is provided at each player's location of a blackjack table for accepting the side bet. A player's key operated display selects a predetermined number of consecutive wins. A microprocessor cooperating with a sensor identifies the denomination of one or more chips placed in the chip receptacle and, together with a number of consecutive wins selected by the player, displays a payoff amount for a selected number of consecutive wins. The hands are played following conventional rules. The betting receptacle cover seals the chips after completion of a betting phase, under control of the dealer, and signals the beginning of a new game. Each player's location is provided with a Loss button, operated by the dealer when a player loses. A Push button may be provided for each player position when that player has a hand equal in value to a dealer's hand to indicate a tie.

Abstract: A dual card scanning module announces when the symbols of a face-up standard playing card and a face-down standard playing card achieve a desired combination. The module has a scanner system that illuminates and scans at least a portion of a symbol of the face-up standard playing card and at least a portion of a symbol of the face-down standard playing card and stores the results thereof in a first and second array device, respectively. The module also has a guide to assist in receiving and positioning the cards such that the face-up standard playing card is above and aligned with the face-down standard playing card. When in this position, the symbol portions of the face-up and the face-down standard playing cards can be scanned by the array devices to generate respective scanning results. The module compares the scanning results with a memory storing a plurality of references representing respective symbols of the standard playing cards to determine if the cards have achieved the desired combination.

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 fully automated accounting system accurately and automatically monitors and records all gaming chip transactions in a casino. The system employs a gaming chip having a transponder embedded therein and has an ongoing and "on-command" ability to provide an instantaneous inventory of all of the gaming chips in the casino, including those in storage in the vault as well as the chips in the cashiers cage and at each gaming table on the casino floor. The system is capable of reporting the total value of the gaming chips at any location, as well as the value of any particular transaction at any gaming table or at the cashiers cage. Optionally, the transaction history of each chip may be maintained in a data base embedded in the chip (or alternatively in a central computer), and read each time the gaming chip is scanned by a special antenna.

Abstract: A wagering game apparatus and method is provided which permits the random selection of prizes for games such as blackjack, poker, and electronic games. A side wager is placed in a receptacle or designated area which indicates to the dealer that the player wishes to participate in the random jackpot selection portion of the game. If a random event occurs, such as the player being dealt a preselected combination of cards, the player or dealer may activate the random prize selection process. The random prize selection is performed by a computer which uses a random generated number to select a prize from a pay table. The prize may be displayed on or near the gaming table. The player is then awarded the random jackpot amount.

Abstract: A module for announcing when a Dealer has blackjack without exposing the face of the Dealer's down-card. The module scans a character from the Dealer's face-down standard playing card, compares the result of the scan with a set of references, and identifies the down-card. The module also receives input from the Dealer as to the identity of the Dealer's up-card, and announces whether the Dealer has blackjack or the hand continues. The module is designed to be mounted to a blackjack table such that the surface of the module on which the standard playing card rests while being scanned is in the plane of the surface of the blackjack table, allowing the Dealer to slide the down-card across the table and onto the scanner without lifting, and potentially exposing, the card's face. The module also removes the noise generated by a casino's heat, dust, cigarette and cigar ashes, and lint from the felt of the blackjack table, during the scanning process.

Abstract: A method of tracking movement of gaming chips in casino comprising gaming chips each having an electronic circuit which transmits information, and antennas located at gaming chip placement areas. When gaming chips are placed on a first gaming chip placement area within the casino, the antenna at that first gaming chip placement area transmits a radio beam which in effect scans the electronic circuits of the gaming chips. The electronic circuits identify the gaming chips by electronically broadcasting information. Upon moving a first of the gaming chips to a second gaming chip placement area, the antenna at the second gaming chip location transmits a radio beam which scans the electronic circuit of the first gaming chip. The electronic circuit in the first gaming chip identifies the first gaming chip on the second gaming chip placement area so that the location of the first gaming chip is tracked. The gaming chip placement areas may be at various places such as on a gaming table or a gaming chip tray.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for adding side or prop wagers to betting games, particularly the games of Blackjack and Poker. A Blackjack table is disclosed which comprises betting spots each of which comprises indicia describing a side or prop bet combination and odds offered for a wager against the combination. A video Blackjack machine is disclosed which is played with and without side or prop bets. A special Blackjack side or prop bet entry keyboard is disclosed. A video Poker machine is disclosed which is also played with and without prop bets. A special Poker side or prop bet entry keyboard is disclosed. The Poker keyboard is a subset of the Blackjack keyboard permitting Poker to be played with and without side or prop bets on the video Blackjack machine.

Abstract: A game of Blackjack or "Twenty-One" is modified by providing a player with the option of wagering on whether the player will receive a "stiff" hand. As used herein, the term "stiff" is defined as occurring when the first two cards dealt to a player have a hard total of 12 to 16, i.e. 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, when aces are counted as one. According to another embodiment, a player in a Blackjack game is provided with the option of wagering on whether he will be dealt a non-pair "stiff" hand or a pair of aces. According to a still further embodiment, a player in a Blackjack game is provided with the option of wagering on whether his first two cards will result in a "stiff" hand or a "soft" hand, i.e. that the player's first two cards include an ace and either: 1) any non-ten denomination, i.e., ace through nine or 2) any non-ten and non-ace denomination, i.e. two through nine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gaming machine with at least one display area (2) for a number of game symbols (3) which, after the player has pressed a start button (4) to start the game, are selected under the control of a computing unit (5) from a multitude of predetermined symbols and presented at positions in the display area (2) for the player to view. The invention calls for the gaming machine (1) to have, preferably in the display area (2), at least one chance-display zone (7, 7') in which the computing unit (5), optionally on actuation of a request unit (14), e.g., a request button, by the player, displays possible and/or increased and/or best-possible win chances, and/or instructions for determining them, which are available for the next game or which, on removal of one or more of the game symbols or game-symbol combinations presented for the next game, apply or could possibly be achieved in the next game.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a method and apparatus for simulating a game of chance in which the player or players play a proactive role and in which the player may verify the probity of the device once play has been completed. This involves generating a sequence consisting of a finite number of hidden playing cards or numbers, randomizing the sequence and displaying the sequence in a predetermined arrangement. The improvement broadly includes enabling a player or players to select, and reveal if required, as many of the hidden playing cards or numbers of the arrangement sufficient to enable completion of the game, and revealing all of the playing cards or numbers of the arrangement only after the game is completed by the player or players.The revealing improvement more specifically includes two (2) major variants: 1.

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 natural hand or bust have not occurred. Jackpots are awarded when the tally counts exceed predefined thresholds. Other rules can credit dealer counts to players or provide other effects. A tabletop retrofit game system is shown for mounting upon blackjack tables.

Abstract: A method and system for playing a player interactive lottery type game includes a gaming piece which includes a predetermined code having data indicating whether the player wins or loses the game, the data being unrecognizable to the player, such that the player does not know the outcome of the game prior to play of the game. The code is entered by the player into a processor. The processor presents a game of chance to the player on a display for interactive play by the player, and the player controls game play by inputting game parameters to the processor. The processor controls the outcome of the game of chance played by the player based upon the code entered by the player. A display provides an indication to the player of a game win or a game loss based upon the code.

Abstract: An electronic video gaming machine apparatus is provided with a coin head or bill acceptor so that a player may make a wager to participate in the game. The electronic video gaming machine apparatus then displays to the player on a video screen two distinct hands at the beginning of the game. Each hand is dealt from its own separate complete deck of cards. Initially, a player achieves awards or payouts if one or more of the cards in the first hand match one or more of the cards in the second hand. Higher awards or payouts can be paid if the cards match not only by number and suit but also by position in each of the hands. These awards or payouts can either be flat amounts or all or portions of one or more progressive jackpots operated by the gaming establishment. After the matching awards or payouts are made, the player selects one of the hands to play by pressing buttons on the gaming machine and the unselected hand removed from the video screen display.

Abstract: A player makes a wager to participate in the game and the player is dealt two distinct hands at the beginning of the game. Each hand is dealt from its own separate complete deck of cards. Initially, a player achieves awards or payouts if one or more of the cards in the first hand match one or more of the cards in the second hand. Higher awards or payouts can be paid if the cards match not only by number and suit but also by position in each of the hands. These awards or payouts can either be flat amounts or all or portions of one or more progressive jackpots operated by the gaming establishment. After the matching awards or payouts are made, the player selects one of the hands to play and the unselected hand is voided or removed from use. The player plays out the selected hand according to the conventional manner of play of the game. The player wins or loses based on a payout schedule applied to preselected winning hand combinations and based on the number of coins wagered by the player.