Abstract: A method of playing a standard casino blackjack game with an optional side bet that does not affect the play of the blackjack game. A player makes an optional side wager that the dealer's first up card falls in between the player's first two dealt up cards according to the “rank order” 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-J-Q-K-A. In addition, if the player is initially dealt two up cards of the same rank and the dealer's dealt face up card is also of the same rank, a triple match is paid out. The blackjack bet and the optional in between side bet are separate and do not affect the play of the standard casino blackjack game.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus may include a housing, a display unit capable of generating video images, a value input device, a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device, and a panel at least partially overlaying the display unit. The housing may include a first opening and a second opening. The display unit may be positioned relative to the housing so that a first portion of the display unit is visible through the first opening and the second portion of the display unit is visible through the second opening. The controller may comprise a processor and a memory, and may be programmed to allow a person to make a wager, to cause a first video image to be generated on the first portion of the display unit and a second video image to be generated on the second portion of the display unit, and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of the game.

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game has at least one player placing an Ante wager to compete against a dealer in a playing card game; the at least one player receiving a player initial hand of multiple playing cards of number n and evaluating the playing cards according to rules comprising: a) the player having the option of retaining all cards in the player initial hand or replacing one or more cards in the player initial hand if at least one card in the player initial hand equals or exceeds the minimum value to form a player resulting hand; b) the dealer receiving a dealer initial hand having more than n cards, the dealer optionally replacing one or more cards in the dealer initial hand; and c) the dealer comparing a single highest value card in the resulting dealer hand with a single highest value card in the player resulting hand as an at least initial step in determining a win loss event for the Ante wager.

Abstract: A method of operating a game of chance comprising displaying a plurality of groups comprising positions a plurality of selectable objects, each being associated with a hidden value. A player selection of a group and/or a selectable object is received, a group-object association is created and a position from said group is assigned to said object. Upon occurrence of an ending condition, a prize is awarded. A game apparatus and a computer program applying the method are also provided.

Abstract: Gaming machines, gaming systems, and methods for awarding time-sensitive tickets in a gaming environment are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a gaming machine includes a game display for presenting a game having one or more winning game outcomes. The gaming machine also includes one or more network interfaces that is in communication with a ticket database that provides time-sensitive tickets. The gaming machine also includes a game controller in communication with the game display and the network interfaces. The game controller awards one or more time-sensitive tickets in response to one or more triggering events.

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

Abstract: A wager manipulation feature for a wagering game is provided. The feature may be implemented after the player's wager is set but before game play takes place, after game play takes place or both simultaneously. If before game play, the feature enables the player to undo or nullify the wager, for example, if the player changes his or her mind or enters a wager incorrectly. If after game play, the feature provides a bonus to the player in which the player may nullify a bet after an unsuccessful outcome or increase the bet to enhance a favorable outcome. In any case, the redo feature can be accumulated in one embodiment and stored and/or restored on a gaming device ticket, player tracking card or promotion.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a method of playing computerized card games against real players at a table. The cards games are usually variations of poker, where the quality of the players' hands is due to skill and strategy rather than the luck of the draw. Players request desired cards from an actual or computerized dealer without knowledge of which cards other players have requested. A null card, which has no value in determining the outcome of the game, is delivered to players who request the same card as another player has requested regardless of whether the card was requested previously or during the current round. In another embodiment, a null card is delivered only when two or more players request the same card during the current round or if a player requests a card that has already been distributed. Each player has a display screen showing that player's hand. The players may make card selections using a touchscreen.

Abstract: A gaming device having an improved award offer bonus scheme wherein the player may improve their award during the bonus round. The bonus game enables the player to select an award offer from a plurality of award offers. The gaming device enables the player to modify the selected award offer, creating a subsequent or modified award, with the idea of increasing the award offer to receive a greater or higher award during a bonus game.

Abstract: An interactive game having a pre-determined outcome (e.g., a game of finite poker) that displays an initial hand of cards, receives a player-specified designation as to which cards are to held and which are to be discarded, and then displays an intermediate hand generated in accordance with the player-specified designation. Then a final hand is shown, and in those cases where the player-specified designation (Hold/Discard) is inconsistent with a transition from the intermediate hand to the final hand, an entertaining display is shown, such as a sequence of alternative playing cards. In some cases, the initial hand is a winning hand according to a predetermined payout schedule, and the final hand is a winning hand with a higher payout than the initial hand according to the same payout schedule. The disclosed methods can be used with other games, including reel-type games.

Abstract: A method of playing a card-based wagering game. The method comprises conducting the card-based wagering game at a gaming terminal and displaying a plurality of cards arranged in an array. The plurality of cards includes a first set of selectable cards and a first set of non-selectable cards. The non-selectable cards are at least partially protected by others of the plurality of cards. One or more of the selectable cards are selected. A player's hand is created by removing the selected cards from the array, which then creates a second set of selectable cards and a second set of non-selectable cards in the array such that the second set of non-selectable cards are at least partially protected by others of the plurality of cards. It is then determined whether the player's hand is a winning hand.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a mode information storage section in which first bet mode information corresponding to an normal bet mode and second bet mode information corresponding to a score bet mode are stored, and a terminal-side game control section for running a game on the basis of one, selected by a player, of the first bet mode information and the second bet mode information. Each of the first bet mode information and the second bet mode information is information including plural bet subjects, bet factors for the respective bet subjects, a lower limit bet amount, and an upper limit bet amount. The lower limit bet amount of the first bet mode information is larger than that of the second bet mode information. The maximum value of the bet factors of the first bet mode information is smaller than that of the bet factors of the second bet mode information.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus and methods which include multiple virtual stacks of symbols, such as cards. In one form each player has an individual virtual stack and the dealer has one stack. In another form each player has one stack and the dealer has individual virtual stacks for each player. Other alternatives are also described.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to fully automated systems and methods for shuffling and scrambling playing instruments, such as cards, before being dealt to one or more players. In one embodiment, a rotating device is utilized to scramble playing instruments. In yet a further embodiment, the rotating device is coupled with air, vacuum, or combinations thereof to further scramble the cards. The scrambling device may be coupled to an aligning device for realigning the playing instruments upon being adequately shuffled. According to another aspect of the invention, physical cards are utilized in a gaming environment that may be scrambled, shuffled, and/or played remotely over a network. In one embodiment, the physical cards are traditional poker-style gaming cards. The cards include at least one identifier that may be read upon the card being dealt. The identifier may contain information that is remotely communicated to a player.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide systems and methods relating to online gaming utilizing virtual playing instruments generated from physical playing instruments. According to one aspect of the invention, physical playing instruments are utilized in a gaming environment that may be scrambled, shuffled, and/or played remotely over a network. In one embodiment, the physical playing instruments are traditional poker-style gaming playing cards. The playing instruments include at least one identifier that may be read upon being dealt, such as identified and stored on a computer-readable medium before a game. In one such embodiment, computer-executable instructions may utilize the information on the computer-readable medium in conjunction with one or more games. Further aspects relate to validating the playing instruments and/or systems before, during, and/or after conducting one or more games with the playing instruments.

Abstract: A device for forming a random set of playing cards comprises a card infeed area, a shuffling system, a card removal area; and a card reading system located within the device, the card reading system employing a CMOS sensor and a hardware component, the hardware component capable of converting signals from the CMOS sensor into vector sets and comparing the vector sets to known vectors to determine rank and suit.

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

Abstract: A system and method for operating one or more games for a plurality of players including identifying at least two players participating in a selected one of the games at the expiration of a predetermined time period, and establishing a wager pool corresponding to a total of wager amounts from each of the identified players. The wager pool is reduced by a takeout amount. One or more random numbers are generated, and one or more winners of the selected game are determined based on the one or more random numbers. Funds are distributed from the wager pool to the determined one or more winners of the selected game.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus is provided with a display unit, a promotional credit member processing apparatus, and a controller that may be programmed to allow a person to obtain a first number of promotional gaming credits in response to processing of a promotional credit member by the promotional credit member processing apparatus, to allow a person to make a wager using at least one of the promotional gaming credits, and to cause a video image representing a game to be generated on the display unit. The controller may also be programmed to determine a second number of promotional gaming credits based on the first number of promotional gaming credits based on the first number of promotional gaming credits and at least one wager and to cause the promotional credit member processing apparatus to record the second number of promotional gaming credits on a promotional credit member.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable storage medium to provide a blackjack variation to be played in a casino. When the player busts (receives a point total that exceeds 21), the player is allowed the option to backtrack by placing an additional wager and taking an backtrack card. The backtrack card is then subtracted from the player's point total, and the game then continues normally. Thus, if a player busts then the player has a recourse in order to stay in the game if the player wishes to wager an additional amount. If the player does not wish to exercise the backtrack option, then the player will then lose the hand as in standard blackjack.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate transactions. An indication associated with an item is received from a player, and a game event outcome associated with the player is determined. For example, a player may indicate that he or she is interested in receiving a free soft drink at a fast food restaurant, and a payout amount associated with the player's instant lottery ticket may be determined. It is then arranged for the player to receive the item based on information associated with the item and the game event outcome.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are described for mapping a variety of Class III game outcomes to a common set of bingo patterns. Each game theme may have a different entertaining display, based upon a corresponding Class III game. Preferably, each game theme will offer game play and paytable percentages closely matching those of the original Class III game. In order to more closely match Class III game play, some implementations provide a system wherein the hit frequency of a bingo game will be modulated according to Class III game options selected by a player. The options may be, for example, paylines of a simulated slot game. In preferred implementations, this modulation is accomplished by varying the number of bingo cards provided in the underlying bingo game according to the options (e.g., the number of paylines) selected.

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 collection surface in a card collection area for receiving randomized playing cards, the 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 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 feeder, verified during randomization, and randomized without card verification.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable storage medium to provide a variation of a blackjack game. The player does not make any strategy decisions as the player must play his or her hand out according to a predetermined strategy. The dealer also players his or her hand out according to a predetermined strategy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for providing a bonus award to a gaming player for using a player tracking account associated with a gaming establishment. Provision of a bonus award is based on the access to a player tracking account. Specifically, once a gaming system detects that a gaming player has accessed a player tracking account associated with the gaming establishment, the gaming system can determine whether the player accessed the player tracking account in a manner meeting one or more bonus award criteria. For instance, the bonus award criteria can include accessing a player tracking account within a limited period of time allotted for awarding the bonus award, accessing a player tracking account according to a specified sequence with respect to accesses by other gaming players, or some other criterion.

Abstract: The online poker gaming system comprises a live or recorded poker game, and at least one gaming terminal. The live or recorded poker game involves a group of players sitting around a table. Each player is playing for prize money so there is a cash incentive for each to win. The player terminal displays images of the live or recorded game being broadcast for view by an online player. The player terminal also includes a schematic of the game for presenting in a concise and visual way, the game status and gaming data of the live or recorded game. The player terminal also includes a keypad, enabling the online player to select one or more players to win, and select a value for each selection. So while the online player cannot make gaming decisions—fold, call, check, and raise—the online player can participate by making selections, much as one would make selections at a racetrack. The online player can make multiple playing selections unavailable to the player sitting at the table.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods by which a player may remotely participate in casino gaming activity. Such aspects may include a video camera configured to provide visual data concerning the casino gaming activity to the player, a microphone configured to provide audio data concerning the casino gaming activity to the player, and a data network coupled with the video camera and the microphone. In such aspects, the player may be located in a hotel guest room, the hotel guest room may include a video display coupled with the data network, and one or more buttons of a remote control device associated with said video display may be configured to control said player's remote participation in the casino gaming activity.

Abstract: A game of chance is provided in which a wagering game of skill and chance is played electronically automatically according to a predetermined set of rules. Such games of chance may include card games, such as poker and blackjack, or other games, such as dominoes, craps or backgammon. Such games may be reduced to games of chance, removing the element of player skill, and allowing such games to be played outside legal gaming jurisdictions.

Abstract: A blackjack tournament including a plurality of players, each seated at a single player table with the same predetermined starting amount of funds to wager, each player being dealt to from at least one deck of playing cards arranged in the same predetermined order as the at least one deck used for each other player.

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

Abstract: Various embodiments include determining a value of a statistic describing cards that have been dealt from a deck, and modifying the rules of a game based on the statistic.

Abstract: Various embodiments include determining a value of a statistic describing cards that have been dealt from a deck, and modifying the rules of a game based on the statistic.

Abstract: Scoring a board configuration for a territory board game is often not straightforward and yet there is a desire to determine such scores quickly and accurately. For example, in the game of GO, determining the score at the end of the game involves assessing whether stones on the board are alive or dead which is a difficult judgment. Given a board configuration, the game is played by a scoring system to obtain a terminal board configuration. This is repeated to obtain a plurality of terminal board configurations from which an assessment can be made as to how likely each board position is to be won by a particular player at the end of the game. The scoring system obtains the terminal board configurations by playing random moves or by making a biased sampling of moves. The biased sampling is made using an evaluation function or in any suitable way. In the game of GO, seki positions are quickly and easily identified.

Abstract: One or more inputs, such as a roll of one or more die, to a craps game are determined from one or more event results from a sporting event. A result of the craps game is based at least on the one or more determined inputs.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and methods for ranking tournament players are disclosed. The apparatus includes a RFID tournament detection system coupled to a server. The server is provided with game data as one or more tournaments proceed. According to tournament rules, player activity may result in a player being eliminated. When a player is eliminated, the server or detection system records the time and date coupled to each player's identification and may rank each player on an on-going basis or at the end of the tournament. Players do not need to compete at the same site, but may be ranked according to a player's current status within the tournament as captured by the tournament detection system and recorded by the server, which receives data from each game table participating in the tournament.

Abstract: A gaming system and method providing a multiple hand Blackjack game is provided. The gaming system and method enables the player to place three separate wagers. The gaming system and method causes two player hands to be dealt to the player and also causes the cards in the first player hand to be revealed to the player. A first one of the three wagers is assigned to the first player hand and a second one of the three wagers is assigned to the second player hand. The third wager is not initially assigned to either of the player hands. After viewing only the cards in the first player hand, the player has the option to assign the third wager to either the first or second player hands. After the player has assigned the third wager, the gaming system reveals the cards in the second player hand and enables the player to draw, hit, double-down, or split cards in each of the player hands according to standard Blackjack rules.

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.

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.

Abstract: A system and method provides an electronic poker game to a plurality of players on an electronic poker table. A game computer administers the electronic poker game by dealing one or more hands using electronic cards and electronic chips. Each hand includes one or more betting rounds. The game computer allows the players to make wagers into a pot with the electronic chips during the one or more betting rounds. The game computer dynamically determines a rake amount of a pot and retains the rake amount from the pot.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes (e.g., for a blackjack game, for a video poker game) for one or more players. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to one or more players (e.g., a player may access the video presentation online). This allows one or more players to purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined) outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal yet view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). At least one player who is associated with such a video presentation may subsequently redeem it for a redemption value associated therewith.

Abstract: A method of hosting a press-your-luck challenge includes receiving a stake from a player and iteratively beginning phases of the press-your-luck challenge. Each phase of the press-your-luck challenge comprises dealing an active subset of game items from a set of game items. If the active subset of game items is defeated by an immediately previous subset of game items, the press-your-luck challenge is ended. If the active subset of game items is not defeated by an immediately previous subset of game items, the player is offered a return equal to a total value of the active subset of game items. If the player accepts the return, the player is awarded the return and the press-your-luck challenge ends. If the player declines the return, a subsequent phase of the press-your-luck challenge is begun.

Abstract: A gaming system and method that enables tournament table games and non-tournament table games to be played simultaneously at a same gaming table with a processor automatically determining the results of the tournament. The players at a gaming table may play a tournament game simultaneously with other tournament players, may play the tournament at different times with tournament players on gaming tables simultaneously playing tournament games as other players play non-tournament games on a same gaming table and a single player may simultaneously or sequentially play tournament and non-tournament games at a gaming table with suitable chip identification devices. During the tournament the gaming system tracks at least the tournament players' wagers wins, losses, and chip totals and/or chip values with suitable chip identification devices and automatically determines the results of the tournament based on the chip identification.

Abstract: A blackjack-type card game with multistage wagering that provides a predetermined set of rules for when a player receives two or three cards, thus removing the option of splitting, doubling-down, or purchasing insurance. The game comprises areas for a player to place an first wager and a second wager. A transitional area is used to transfer the first wager to in given circumstances. The invention may or may not also include an area for an optional bonus wager, wherein the bonus wager would be either collected or paid according to a preset payout schedule and depending upon the cards of the player placing the bonus wager.

Abstract: A blackjack-type card game with multistage wagering that provides a predetermined set of rules for when a player receives two or three cards, thus removing the option of splitting, doubling-down, or purchasing insurance. The game comprises areas for a player to place an first wager and a second wager. A transitional area is used to transfer the first wager to in given circumstances. The invention may or may not also include an area for an optional bonus wager, wherein the bonus wager would be either collected or paid according to a preset payout schedule and depending upon the cards of the player placing the bonus wager.

Abstract: A card shuffling 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, a collection surface in a card collection area for receiving randomized playing cards, the collection surface receiving cards positioned so that all cards collected are below the top surface of the device, and an elevator for raising the collection surface so that at least some randomized cards are elevated above the top surface of the device. An automatic card shuffler includes a microprocessor with memory. An automated calibration system is provided that calibrates the precise position of the card supporting platform on the elevator so that precise insertion of cards can be performed during card handling procedures.

Abstract: A device for and method of providing a poker game. In a broad aspect, the method is generally directed to a game in which, in a particular game instance, a hand is initially provided with a plurality of cards from which a user may select cards to be shifted from the hand and replaced with replacement cards. If at least one card is selected to be shifted from the hand by the user, the game is repeated for a subsequent game instance, with the hand initially provided in the subsequent game instance comprising cards corresponding to the cards that were selected to be shifted from the hand. In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of cards is provided as a sequence of subsets of cards (e.g. five cards provided as a sequence of two initial cards followed by three individually-dealt supplementary cards), and in a particular game instance, the user decides whether or not to shift from the hand each card of a given subset in the sequence before the next subset of cards in the sequence is provided to the user.

Abstract: Statement information is presented in accordance to the state of the game at a predetermined timing, voice message input from the outside through a microphone is accepted as vocal data, and a privilege is awarded when a predetermined keyword related to the statement information that has been presented is included in the information represented by the vocal data.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage medium for implementing a bonus round of a slot machine game. A plurality of concealed elements are displayed, and a player can reveal each element one by one, until a terminating symbol is revealed. Combinations are formed and a player is awarded a highest combination upon revealing a terminating symbol.

Abstract: A gaming system simulates events in a casino table card wagering game where there has traditionally been a dealer, whether or not the dealer is an active player in the game. Two distinct video areas are preferably provided, one providing video images of a virtual dealer, and the second video display providing a simulation of a table top for player cards, and optionally also dealer cards. The players have individual play areas with player input, and these play areas have individual processing intelligence that communicates directly with at least one processor. Delivery order of cards is determined by actual shuffling or randomization of a physical deck of cards, reading the cards, then creating an electronic file of the order of the shuffled or randomized cards, then using an order of cards contained in the electronic file to deliver virtual cards to players, dealer and flop as needed.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a game of poker in which at least some player actions are fixed by game rules. For example, in some embodiments, a first set of cards displayed on a video screen is dealt to a first player of a poker game. The first player is a person. A second set of cards is dealt to a second player of the poker game. One first action is determined based on a set of game rules and based on the first set of cards. The one first action is automatically performed on behalf of the first player. One second action is determined based on the set of game rules and based on the second set of cards. An amount to be awarded to a winning player of the poker game is determined.