Ultimate Outcome Dependant Upon Summation Of Plural Card Or Tile Values (e.g., Blackjack, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/12)
  • Publication number: 20130196730
    Abstract: A gaming system receives information over a network from a user of a remote player device for the gaming system. The gaming system includes a central gaming controller and a random number generator for a gambling game. The information includes a password and an age. The gaming system authenticates the user using the password and determines that the user is of age to gamble on the gambling game using the age, based on data stored in a database for the gaming system. The gaming system accepts a wager from the user over the network and executes a play of the gambling game. Then the gaming system causes a result for the play to be displayed on the remote player device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Michael W. Saunders, Rolf E. Carlson, William D. Miller
  • Patent number: 8496508
    Abstract: Various methods and apparatus are described. Some examples include determining cards, determining actions that must be taken by a player according to game rules, game rules that require certain actions to be taken in certain circumstances, determining outcomes of games according to poker rankings of hands of cards, awards to winning players, and/or other desired features. Further embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Howard W Lutnick, Geoffrey M Gelman, Dean P Alderucci
  • Patent number: 8496530
    Abstract: The present invention is a small tablet that wirelessly communicates with a stationary gaming machine. The player makes bets using the tablet. The gaming machine, and not the tablet, determines the outcome of the game and transmits the award information to the tablet. The gaming machine may be an ordinary slot machine displaying random symbols in an array or displaying another game. The player using the tablet views the display on the gaming machine to see the outcome of a game, so the tablet does not need a large display to play a game. The player who operates the gaming machine bets independently from the player using the tablet. In another embodiment, the gaming machine is operated automatically, and multiple players with tablets independently bet on a common game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Spielo International Canada ULC
    Inventor: David Dean
  • Patent number: 8490973
    Abstract: A semi-automatic gaming table system comprises: a gaming table surface, at least one playing card delivery device, the playing card delivery device comprising a card storage area, an internal processor, a card-moving system, a delivery end and a card-imaging system, and a plurality of electronic player interfaces mounted in the gaming table surface that communicate with a game controller, wherein the game controller is programmed to communicate with the internal processor and the player interfaces, to detect at least one condition and respond by instructing the card-handling system to stop delivering cards to the delivery end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: SHFL Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Yoseloff, Attila Grauzer, James P. Jackson, Nathan J. Wadds
  • Patent number: 8485889
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and article generates a pseudo-random playing card sequence and distributes playing cards according the pseudo-random playing card sequence. For example, the method, apparatus and article generates a pseudo-random playing card sequence and prints playing cards in order of the pseudo-random playing card sequence. Further, the method, apparatus and article generates a pseudo-random playing card sequence based on a house advantage. Yet further, the method, apparatus and article can generate a promotional message on one or more playing cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: The United States Playing Card Company
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Publication number: 20130178266
    Abstract: A modified Blackjack game between a dealer and one or more players that incorporates at least one side bet available to each player. The method comprises: offering the players at least one side bet having an outcome dependant upon whether a card yet to be dealt will belong to a player-selectable subset of a set of predetermined traits of the card (such as the identifying color, traditional suit, or ranking); accepting from the players any wagers and selections of the player-selectable subsets; dealing a card to each player and the dealer from a deck of cards, wherein each card composing the deck comprises at least one predetermined traits; for each accepted side bet, determining whether the value of the predetermined trait of the relevant card belongs to the player-selected subset; for each accepted side bet, determining whether there is an overriding losing condition present; for each successful side bet, paying the player a predetermined payout; and, finally, completing the Blackjack game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald Farrow
  • Publication number: 20130178265
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a bonus wagering game associated with baccarat in which wagers are won if the baccarat outcome data includes a specific statistically unlikely winning outcome for either the player hand or dealer hand, such as, either one of the player hand score or banker hand score being within a particular respective range of numbers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel C. Lubin
  • Patent number: 8480465
    Abstract: A method for playing a card game between a dealer and each of at least one players includes dealing by the dealer, from a deck of cards, a hand of cards to the dealer and to each of the at least one players. At least one card of the dealer's hand is exposed. Each of the players' hands is arranged into a high hand and a low hand. The low hand has fewer player cards than the high hand. The dealer's hand is arranged into a high hand and a low hand. The low hand has fewer player cards than the high hand. An outcome of the card game is determined by comparing the arranged dealer's low hand and the arranged dealer's high hand with the corresponding arranged low and high hands of each of the at least one players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Orville Allen Ennis, Lieng Hong Vang
  • Patent number: 8474819
    Abstract: A method of managing a blackjack game is provided. A blackjack game bet comprising a bet against a house entity on a blackjack hand is received from a player. A pair of cards is determined for a hand for the house entity, and another pair of cards is determined for a hand for the player. The odds of the occurrence of one or more subsequent events are determined based at least in part on one or more of the pair of cards selected for the house entity's hand and one or more of the pair of cards selected for the player's hand. The odds for an additional bet are determined based at least on the determined odds for the one or more subsequent events, and the additional bet is offered to the player at the determined odds for the additional bet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Cantor Index, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Asher, Lewis C. Findlay, Guy Iain Oliver Riches
  • Patent number: 8474822
    Abstract: A modified blackjack card game using an electronic gaming machine and 6 or 8 decks of standard playing cards without jokers, Craps Blackjack is playing in electronic device, computer, slot machine, video game, etc. and using two steps wagering strategies, win or lose at two initial cards and continue to play or fold the hand and providing six side bets. It is a card game combined the playing method of craps, poker and blackjack. It provides optional side bets, dragon's head and phoenix's tail, ace-deuce, ace-ace, any eleven, any seven, and six-six and two main bets, Craps Blackjack and Any Craps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventors: Hui Chuan Chen, Martin Chi Wong
  • Patent number: 8469813
    Abstract: A wagering game system and operations are described herein. The operations can include presenting selectable casino content on a casino display device and determining a selection of the casino content (e.g., by a wagering game player account, by a casino patron, etc.). The operations can further include determining data from the selectable casino content, such as viewable portions of the casino content or metadata associated with casino content. The operations can further include sending the data to be saved in a user accessible storage, such as to a user accessible storage device or a web account associated with a casino user or social contact. In some embodiments, the operations can also include analyzing the selected casino content to generate analytics that can be used to determine targeted content (e.g., targeted advertisements, targeted wagering games, etc.) that can be presented or suggested to a wagering game player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Shridhar P. Joshi, Jeremie D. Moll, Larry J. Pacey, Richard T. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8465021
    Abstract: A method of managing a blackjack game is provided. A blackjack game bet comprising a bet against a house entity on a blackjack hand is received from a player. A pair of cards is determined for a hand for the house entity, and another pair of cards is determined for a hand for the player. The odds of the occurrence of one or more subsequent events are determined based at least in part on one or more of the pair of cards selected for the house entity's hand and one or more of the pair of cards selected for the player's hand. The odds for an additional bet are determined based at least on the determined odds for the one or more subsequent events, and the additional bet is offered to the player at the determined odds for the additional bet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Cantor Index, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Asher, Lewis C. Findlay, Guy Iain Oliver Riches
  • Publication number: 20130150138
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium to implement a blackjack variation which, in certain instances, provides the player an opportunity to make a free wager. If the player has a predetermined total on the first two cards, then the player can be provided a free double bet (the player can choose to take the free bet or not). If the player has a predetermined set of identically ranked cards on the first two cards, then the player can be provided a free split bet (the player can choose to take the free bet or not).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Geoff Hall
  • Patent number: 8460079
    Abstract: A handheld device in communication with a tote board of at a pari-mutuel wagering event receives data concerning the competitive entries and the odds associated with each entry. For each event, a total bet is determined and a subset of entries picked for which the total bet is to be allocated among. A computation is made as to the allocation based on the current odds of each entry and the desired rate of return on the total bet if any of the selected entries wins. The bet and entry data is then uploaded to the tote board at which it is accepted and entered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Ernie Smith
  • Patent number: 8459650
    Abstract: A game of Blackjack may include a mid-game side-bet that the dealer will go bust. The side-bet offered may be placed against any dealer face-up card—Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, or King. The payoff may vary depending upon the dealer face-up card and paid in accordance with a pay table. The bet may be paid when the dealer hits their hand and exceeds the total of 21, therefore going bust. The bet may lose when the dealer receives a standing hand of 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21. The side-bet may be made once the dealer's face-up card has been determined. The side-bet may be asked for at one time similar to an insurance bet or as each player acts on their individual hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Tech Art, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Christopher Baseel
  • Patent number: 8454420
    Abstract: A casino wagering game based on the card game of thirty-one. Each player is dealt three cards and the goal is to get as high of a hand as possible. Each player is allowed the option to replace one selected card. A bonus suit can be determined randomly, and if the player's hand is formed using the bonus suit then the player is entitled to playing benefits. The player benefits can include the ability to win on ties as well as receiving bonus payouts on hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Money$uit Industries LLC
    Inventor: Brent Weiss
  • Publication number: 20130130764
    Abstract: A card game in which players compete against a dealer to obtain a poker hand and a blackjack hand that beats the dealer without busting by exceeding a predetermined number of points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Costa
  • Patent number: 8444147
    Abstract: A multiple-mode card shuffling and/or card verification device includes a top surface, a card receiving area for receiving an initial set of playing cards, a randomizing or arranging system for the initial set of playing cards that can be disabled, a card collection surface in a card collection area for receiving randomized playing cards, the card collection surface receiving cards positioned so that all cards collected are below the top surface of the device, a card imaging system and an elevator for raising the card collection surface so that at least some randomized cards are elevated above the top surface of the device. The processor is programmed such that cards can be verified without changing an order of cards present in the card receiving area, verified during randomization, and randomized without card verification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: SHFL entertainment, Inc.
    Inventors: Atilla Grauzer, Oliver M. Schubert, James V. Kelly, James B. Stasson, Feraidoon Bourbour, Paul K. Scheper
  • Patent number: 8444468
    Abstract: A gaming system and related methods comprising a gaming device and a voucher mechanism in communication with the gaming device. The voucher mechanism is configured to present various types of vouchers to the player depending on a game outcome. The types of vouchers include, without limitation, a jackpot voucher, a merchandise voucher, a free play voucher, a mystery voucher, a competition entry voucher, and a restricted machine play voucher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Anthony Luciano, Jr., Warren R. White, Russ T. Bradford
  • Publication number: 20130116024
    Abstract: Embodiments related to conducting a wagering game according to the rules of a base game includes defining a finite set of game indicia. In some embodiments the player plays multiple sequential game hand by placing a wager, receiving game indicia from the finite set cumulatively excluding any game indicia previously dealt, playing the game hand to completion, collecting the game indicia from the player and excluding the dealt game indicia from further play, and displaying at least the excluded game indicia or any winning combinations precluded by the excluded game indicia. In some embodiments the game hands continue in sequence until a restoration event, which may include a manually triggered restoration or an automatic restoration event, that restores the excluded game indicia. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: CFPH, LLC
    Inventor: Mark A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130116025
    Abstract: A card game having multiple rounds of play. The player places first and second bets that correspond to a first and second round of play, respectively. The first round is Blackjack wherein the player receives two cards. The player will win the Blackjack round if either the player attains Blackjack and the dealer does not attain Blackjack, or if both the player and the dealer attain Blackjack but the player's Blackjack hand out-ranks the dealer's Blackjack hand. If the player wins the Blackjack round, he receives winnings and advances to the next round. If the player does not achieve Blackjack but has a qualifying hand, the player still advances to the second round and receives a third card in order to form a three-card hand. If the player's three-card hand matches any one of a plurality of predetermined three-card hands, the player will advance to the Jackpot round.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald Chamberlain
  • Publication number: 20130109455
    Abstract: A security system for a casino table card game has a casino table with i) indicia thereon for the placement of wagers, ii) a data entry system with an associated computer, and iii) sensors that can detect the placement of at least one specific category of wager; a shuffling device with a microprocessor integral to the shuffler for providing information regarding cards or hands; a central table gaming computer that receives information from the shuffler in real time, receives information from the sensors, and receives information from the data entry system, the associated computer, the microprocessor and the central table gaming computer communicating data among each other in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: SHFL entertainment, Inc.
    Inventor: SHFL entertainment, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8430408
    Abstract: A game table having a multiplayer interactive display/input device which enables multiple players to simultaneously play primary or base wagering games and/or secondary or bonus games using the display/input device. The display/input device enables multiple players to simultaneously interact with the game table and the various games using the same display/input device. The game table enables multiple players to manipulate displayed objects (such as virtual cards or other game symbols) displayed by the display/input device at the same time. This enables the display/input device to simultaneously display the same game to multiple players in an integrated seamless manner without the need for multiple different sets of display devices and input devices for each of the players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Kimberly M. Campbell, Christiaan R. Champagne, Dwayne A. Davis, Hans Elias, Damien C. Ennis, Michael P. Khamis, David N. Myers, David M. Palmer
  • Patent number: 8425312
    Abstract: A method determines the three-dimensional position of a playing card at a distance from a gaming table. The method uses modulated signals incorporating different power levels or different frequencies and can be employed as the cards are being dealt or using cards with more than one transponder. The method includes steps of providing each card with at least one transponder that transmits a card identity signal when activated; transmitting an activating signal modulated as to frequency or energy; forming detection zones up to plurality of distances above the gaming table; receiving at a system computer the unique card identity signal; determining a three-dimensional location of the card above the gaming table; recording and displaying the card activity on a computer monitor screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Electronicard Corp.
    Inventor: Daniel Kirsch
  • Patent number: 8425303
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the gaming system and method disclosed herein employs a symbol accumulation sequence and a symbol evaluation sequence. The symbol accumulation sequence includes an accumulation of a designated quantity of symbols in association with a persistence game. The symbol accumulation sequence also includes the maintenance of a persistence game arrangement that displays a designated quantity of currently accumulated symbols (which in certain instances, includes some, but not all of the total number of symbols accumulated). In one embodiment, the symbol evaluation sequence includes the gaming system determining and providing an award based on the accumulated symbols of the persistence game. In another embodiment, the symbol evaluation sequence includes the gaming system determining and providing an award based on at least one of the accumulated symbols of the persistence game and at least one symbol generated for a current play of a wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Timothy L. Kennedy, Cullen P. O'Day, Paulina Rodgers, Robert F. Lester
  • Patent number: 8419529
    Abstract: A table game system includes a dealer's game table for performing a table game. A dealer terminal can input game result information of the table game performed on the dealer's game table. A plurality of valuable information reading devices are provided at a position distant from the dealer's game table, and can read at least valuable information stored in a recording medium. A plurality of player terminals are provided to correspond to the valuable information reading devices, and can input betting information through reading the valuable information by the valuable information reading devices. A value adjustment device adjusts a value based on the valuable information. An administrative server is connected to each of the dealer terminal, the valuable information reading devices, the player terminals, and the value adjustment device via a communication line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kyoraku Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoyuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8419521
    Abstract: A device for automatically calibrating for card size and thickness during card handling is disclosed. The device includes a card receiving area, a card stacking area and a card moving system for moving cards from the card receiving area to the card stacking area. An elevator located in the card stacking area has a movable platform for moving a stack of cards. At least one sensor senses at least one of position of the platform, height of the platform, position of a card in the elevator, height of a card or cards in the elevator, pressure applied to a card in the elevator, presence of the platform at a predetermined height, presence of the platform at a predetermined position, presence of card(s) on the platform, and absence of card(s) on the platform. A method for calibrating a card handling device during shuffling is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: SHFL entertainment, Inc.
    Inventors: Attila Grauzer, James B. Stasson, Feraidoon Bourbour
  • Patent number: 8419518
    Abstract: A video poker gaming device, a method of operating a gaming device and a method of playing a poker game including a plurality of cards displayed to a player where the cards are drawn from a deck of fifty-two cards including at least one modifier card. The gaming device deals a first draw of the cards to form a player's hand. Any multiplier cards in the player's hand are replaced by a non-multiplier card. The gaming device enables the player to hold any of the cards in the hand and then determines if any winning card combinations are indicated by the non-multiplier cards in the hand. An award associated with any indicated winning card combinations is provided to the player. The award is multiplied by the multipliers associated with any multiplier cards in the player's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Eugene P. Jarvis, Andrew W. Eloff
  • Patent number: 8419517
    Abstract: A computer based game is played in a plurality of rounds on a matrix having a plurality of cells typically forming a rectangular matrix. A plurality of tokens is generated with each token defining a first indicator and a second indicator. The user places at least one of the tokens into one of the unoccupied cells of the matrix. When the user requests a new round, each token on the matrix is temporarily locked to its cell. An award is awarding based on the positional relationship between the indicators of the tokens with respect to one another when the user requests a new round. The tokens may be removed from the matrix based on the positional relationship between the indicators of the tokens with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: James Prucey
  • Patent number: 8413989
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modified blackjack game between a dealer and at least one player. After placing initial wagers, three cards are dealt to each player and two cards dealt to the dealer. The game design allows players to either retain their initial three cards for play as a game hand, or divide their cards into separate game hands. Dividing cards into separate hands requires additional wagers. Players may play their one or more game hands by standing or hitting to reach a hand that is higher than the dealers without exceeding twenty-one. Players may divide their initial three card hand in any fashion that will provide them with the best opportunity to obtain a game hand under the conventional rules of blackjack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Score Gaming LLC
    Inventor: Merrill Sparago
  • Patent number: 8408984
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a gaming device having a flat rate play session costing a flat rate price. The flat rate play session spans multiple plays on the gaming device over a pre-established duration. The gaming device identifies price parameters and determines the flat rate price of playing the gaming device based on those price parameters. In one embodiment, identifying price parameters includes receiving player selected price parameters. Once the player initiates play, the gaming device tracks the duration remaining in the flat rate play session and stops the play when the given period has elapsed. During the play, payouts are made either directly to the player in the form of coins or indirectly in the form of credits to the player's credit account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Magdalena M. Fincham, Steven M. Santisi, Norman C. Gilman, Thomas M. Sparico
  • Patent number: 8408985
    Abstract: A system for providing game play. The system includes processors and memory configured to include users as players at a table in an online game and provide cards to the players for playing a first hand of the game. When a jump point is reached in the first hand, the following are provided to at least the players no longer playing the first hand: cards for playing a second hand at the table, and continued online access to play of the first hand. Strategic aspects of face-to-face poker play are retained while action-seeking players can see more hands per hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: DP3 Consulting, LLC
    Inventors: Karl Thomas Sestak, Joseph Michael Galloway
  • Patent number: 8408988
    Abstract: Example methods and devices are set forth for playing a game. In some embodiments, an inventory of game indicia is arranged in a random but established, serial order. In some embodiments, for each hand of play the player makes a wager and game indicia are displayed in order from the inventory to define a winning or losing outcome. In some embodiments, a display, as hands are played, displays the remaining constituency of the inventory and the player, before any game, can order re-shuffling and re-constitute of the inventory. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventor: Mark A. Miller
  • Patent number: 8408983
    Abstract: A method and gaming device for playing an electronic multi-hand blackjack game is disclosed. The game includes: a) dealing a player hand of two face-up cards; b) dealing two or more dealer hands such that each dealer hand is dealt from a corresponding shoe made up on at least one deck of cards, where each dealer hand includes one identical face-up card and one face-down card; c) completing the player hand according to input received from the player; d) completing each of the dealer hands according to conventional rules of blackjack, such that the cards in each dealer hand are drawn from the corresponding shoe and no two dealer hands are drawn from the same shoe; and e) determining a number of game results by comparing the player hand against each of the dealer hands using conventional rules of blackjack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Cryptologic Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Dunaevsky, Justin L. Thouin, Serge Bourenkov
  • Publication number: 20130079085
    Abstract: Methods for providing gaming advice are provided. For example, regarding a blackjack game, one or more first player cards are identified for a first player and one or more second player cards are identified for a second player. The first and second player cards are displayed to the first player. A probability associated with a first one of the plurality of playing options is determined based at least on a set of predetermined statistical blackjack data, the one or more first player cards, and the one or more second player cards. It is then determined, based at least on the determined probability associated with the first playing option, whether to display a first indication corresponding with first advice regarding the first playing option, a second indication corresponding with second advice regarding the first playing option, or a third indication corresponding with third advice regarding the first playing option.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Cantor Index, LLC
    Inventors: Lee M. Amaitis, Joseph M. Asher, James C. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130079086
    Abstract: A modified blackjack card game uses standard playing cards. If the dealer hand sum is 2-15, the dealer must take an additional card. If the dealer hand sum is 16-21 all wagers are resolved. A player's wager is won if their hand sum is higher than the dealer's. The player's wager is pushed if the dealer's sum is 16 and the player's sum is less than 22. An optional Double Up wager allows the player to increase the value of their primary wager without accepting any additional cards into their hand. The game rules can be modified to allow an automatic player win if their hand value is exactly 16 and the numerical sum of the dealer's hand is between 17-21. Optional Community and Poker-Style side wagers enable players to offset traditionally frustrating bad hands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: SCORE GAMING LLC
    Inventor: SCORE GAMING LLC
  • Patent number: 8403737
    Abstract: A video poker game which can offer an optional side wager. The side wager will automatically play out a copy of the initial deal with optimal draw strategy for achieving a royal flush after the draw. If the player obtains a royal flush on the copy hand then the player wins a large bonus payout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Olympian Gaming LLC
    Inventor: Stacy A. Friedman
  • Patent number: 8403738
    Abstract: A gaming device having a card game using a card set is provided with: an input device configured to receive an input by a player; a display device configured to display one or more cards selected from the card set in any of face-up and face-down states; a controller configured to control the display device to show a face of a target card selected from the cards in the face-down state in part to an extent determined by the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventor: Hirobumi Toyoda
  • Patent number: 8398472
    Abstract: An poker game which provides a predetermined outcome to a player. In one embodiment, a plurality of playing cards are provided to a player wherein one or more of the provided playing cards are based on the predetermined game outcome. The player is enabled to select one or more of the initially dealt playing cards to hold or to discard. If a poker hand with an associated payout equal to the value associated with the predetermined game outcome may be obtained based on the held cards, the gaming device utilizes one or more backfill algorithms, to determine which card or cards, if any, need to be dealt to the player. The determined cards are provided to the player to replace the playing cards designated by the player to discard and the selected predetermined game outcome which is associated with a value equal to the payout of the player's poker hand is provided to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Mark W. Bansemer, Bryan D. Wolf, Christopher T. Brune, Anthony J. Baerlocher, John M. Montross
  • Patent number: 8398481
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the resolution of an event within the game of a primary player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Howard W. Lutnick, Dean P. Alderucci, Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 8398473
    Abstract: A gaming device includes a poker game where two cards are dealt face-up to at least one player and to a dealer. The gaming device enables the player to place an optional wager based on the initially dealt two card hand. A pay out for the optional wager is determined based on the probability that the final player hand will outrank the final dealer hand. The pay out is inversely proportional to the probability that the player will win. Therefore, if the player has a high probability of winning, the associated pay out will be relatively small. Also, if the player has a low probability of winning, the associated pay out will be relatively small. The gaming device enables the player to place multiple wager after each of a plurality of community cards are dealt, where the associated pay out changes according to a revised probability of winning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Daniel J. Dewaal
  • Publication number: 20130059636
    Abstract: The Applicants' provide a process for playing “No Dealer Hand” Twenty-One. Their inventive processes utilize both; Standard decks of Fifty-two (52) cards or any of several types of acceptably configured decks. This process is inclusive to either an encompassing video gaming apparatus or a live action table gaming environment, as accommodated for. In play action, the Dealer's hand is replaced, with the application of Trigger Numbers, ranging anywhere from Twelve (12) up to Twenty (20), and other similarly creative options. Through their designs, the Applicants' present Housemasters with uniquely exploitable degrees of volatility, wherein providing for a malleable core margin variance, meaning a tolerable player vigorish is in play, one that players won't quickly shy away from. In so doing, the Applicants' methods of replacing the Dealer's hand in play, establishes an entirely new frontier for the “Twenty-One” gaming procedure moving forward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: J. Richard Hedge, JR., Aviva R. Hedge
  • Publication number: 20130053117
    Abstract: A poker card game in which a dealer deals six cards to a player and six cards to the dealer. Three of the dealer's cards are exposed. The player may fold or continue with a play wager. Preferably, the play wager is 1× the ante wager. The dealer reveals the dealer's best five-card poker hand formed from any of the dealer's six cards, and the player reveals the player's best five-card poker hand formed from any of the player's six cards. The highest ranking hand wins. Preferably pays even money. Preferably, the dealer must qualify with an ace-king. Preferably allows a side wager that pays according to a pay table. Preferably played with one deck of cards. Includes card game method, device-readable storage medium containing device-executable code, and device-executable code stored on a device-readable storage medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Snow
  • Patent number: 8382568
    Abstract: A variation of casino blackjack. The player can have the option to split any two cards whether they are identical or not. The player can also double down and receive a double down card, and if the player does not like his or her double down card, then the player can discard the double down card and receive a second double down card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Geoff Hall
  • Patent number: 8376831
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes main and secondary displays. The secondary display is disposed apart from the primary display and is used for presenting primary, secondary, or even tertiary information. The main display is controlled electronically by a gaming machine controller, which main display presents the results of a play on the gaming machine. In the case of a slot machine, the main display may be the glass display through which the spinning reels of a game play are viewed. In a video poker gaming machine, the main display is usually a cathode ray tube (“CRT”) which displays a video game image to the player and other information directly associated with the game play. The secondary display may be provided at various locations on the gaming machine such as in a top glass portion of the gaming machine or a belly glass portion of the gaming machine, which belly glass portion is located below a main display portion of the gaming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph R. Hedrick, Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Jean Pierre Legras, Chauncey W. Griswold, Don C. Stephan
  • Patent number: 8371917
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable storage medium to provide a variation of a blackjack game. If the dealer's up-card is of a predetermined card, then the dealer will automatically reveal the dealer's hole card, thereby providing the player with additional information. If the player's initial hand comprises a predetermined hand or hands, then the player can earn a bonus which can be multiplied based on a multiplier associated with the dealer's up-card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Geoff Hall
  • Patent number: 8360839
    Abstract: Various embodiments for a game of chance are described. In an exemplary embodiment, a card game is played in which the object of the game is for each player to arrange, for example, six cards (dealt to them from a standard deck of playing cards) into three two-card combinations, with each combination having a predetermined target value of, for example, 7, 14, or 21, such that the values of the cards in each combination come as close to, but do not exceed, the target value for each respective combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Stroll Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Michael Stroll
  • Publication number: 20130023317
    Abstract: A playing card gaming system provides a player with an opportunity to withdraw a game play decision that is less advantageous to the player than at least one other play decision. The system includes a player interface that displays a prompt when a less advantageous decision is made. The display may include an area that provides a dealer with a visual indication that the player is being asked to confirm an election. A card delivery system with a playing card information reader provides card information to the system. A game processor determines if player elections are disadvantageous.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Roger M. Snow, Jennifer K. Farrar
  • Patent number: 8357032
    Abstract: Online blackjack tournaments are described which provide a facility by which a player in the blackjack tournament may purchase a card counting report to assist in their play. The card counting report could be purchased with cash or cash equivalent, or with chips assigned to the player for play in the tournament. The player may select the format or content for the card counting report. The report could be purchased for the entire tournament, a round of the tournament, or for one or more hands. In one variation, the card counting report is generated by a central gaming server. In another variation, the card counting report is generated locally by a client process executing on a workstation used by a player to play in the tournament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Cork Group Trading Ltd.
    Inventor: Theo Naicker
  • Patent number: RE44323
    Abstract: The present invention is a game playing method and apparatus for automating games such as blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, baccarat and pai gow, wherein players may play continuously and asynchronously, and information related to advertised items can be exchanged between players and advertisers. In one embodiment, each instance of a game is likely unique from all other current game instances. The games do not require a manual dealer and in one embodiment, played in a gaming establishment using low cost gaming stations. The present invention may also be used to play such games on the Internet or an interactive cable television network wherein a game controller communicates with players at network nodes in their homes and at their leisure since there is no game tempo requirement. During a game, advertising is selectively provided by comparing player personal information with a desired demographic profile. Player responses to advertising are used for evaluating advertising effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Beneficial Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheldon F. Goldberg, John Van Antwerp