Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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GA.ME OF CHANCE AND APPARATUSES THEREFOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to games of chance. More particularly, it relates to
methods of playing games
of chance and to apparatuses used in playing games of chance.
BACKGROUND
Most jurisdictions regulate games of chance under applicable gaming statues.
Games of chance
played in public locations typically take familiar forms, such as bingo. It
has been recognized that
traditional games can be fairly slow and lack excitement. As an example, US
Pat. No. 5,823,534
entitled Table Bingo Game Method issued 20 Oct. 1998 to Banyai (the "534
patent"); refer to "fast
action", "lightning", or "bullet" bingo, which uses a limited set of numbers
to speed up play. The
'534 patent attempts to address the speed of play and excitement issues by
creating a table game
where each player has a station about a table and selects a subset of numbers
from a fall set of
numbers at the players' station on which to play a bingo game. The'534 patent
describes a variety
of methods of playing bingo games using the table.
Alternative methods of playing games of chance and alternative apparatuses for
use in playing
games of chance are desirable.
SUMMARY
In a first aspect the invention provides a method of playing a game. The
method includes each
player placing an ante on a betting position of a bingo paper indicium
comprising a plurality of
uniquely marked spaces and, separately, purohasing the bingo paper indicium.
The method further
includes randomly generating a marking using a random marking generator, and
awarding player
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antes to a player that placed an ante on a bet4ng position on the bingo paper
indicium represented
by the randomly generated marking.
Randomly generating a marking may include drawing a bingo ball with the
marking from a bingo
ball blower. Randomly generating a marking may include drawing from a bingo
ball blower a
bingo ball with the marking, which marking includes a number.
Awarding player antes may include, if an antie is placed on a space
represented by a number other
than the number on the bingo ball then, awarding player antes to those players
that placed an ante
on a space on the bingo paper indicium of acolumn that includes a space
represented by the
number on the bingo ball.
Purchasing the bingo paper indicium may include placing a purchase in a
purchase space on a table
top of a table wherein the bingo paper indicium is also on the table top. A
bingo caller stationed at
a table having a table top may operate the ball blower, collect the purchases,
and award the antes,
while the bingo paper indicium is on the table top. The drawn ball may be
displayed at a table after
the ball is drawn and until the antes are awarded, while the bingo paper
indicium is on the table top.
Placing an ante on a betting position may include placing an ante on one of
the uniquely marked
spaces on the bingo paper indicium. Awardipng player antes may include
awarding player antes to a
player that placed an ante on one of the uniquely marked spaces on the bingo
paper indicium
represented by the generated marking.
Placing an ante on a betting position may indlude placing an ante between
adjacent marked spaces
on the bingo paper indicium Awarding player antes may include awarding player
antes to a player
that placed an ante on a betting position between adjacent marked spaces on
the bingo paper
indicium.
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Placing an ante on a betting position may inalude placing an ante between two
adjacent marked
spaces on the bingo paper indicium. If all antes for a game are placed on a
betting position other
than a marked space represented by the generated marking then awarding player
antes may include
awarding player antes to a player that placed an ante on a betting position
between a marked space
represented by the generated marking and an adjacent marked space on the bingo
paper indicium.
The marked spaces on the bingo paper indicium may be arranged in a grid. Lines
may be marked
between adjacent marked spaces in a grid. Placing an ante on a betting
position between adjacent
marked spaces may include placing an ante on a line between adjacent marked
spaces on the bingo
paper indicium. Placing an ante on a betting;position between adjacent marked
spaces may include
placing an ante on an intersection of two lines between adjacent marked spaces
on the bingo paper
indicium.
In a second aspect the invention provides a game substrate. The substrate
includes a station for a
bingo caller on a perimeter of substrate, space about the perimeter of the
substrate for a plurality of
players, a bingo paper indicium on the substrate accessible to a plurality of
players, the bingo paper
indicium having a plurality of betting positions comprising a plurality of
uniquely marked spaces,
each marked space of sufficient size to receive a marker from one of the
players.
In a third aspect the invention provides a game table including a table top
having a perimeter, a
station for a bingo caller on the perimeter of the table top for a bingo
caller, space about the
perimeter of the table top for a plurality of players, a bingo paper indicium
on the table top
accessible to a plurality of players, the bingo paper indicium having a
plurality of betting positions
comprising a plurality of uniquely numbered spaces, each numbered space of
sufficient size to
receive a marker from one of the players, and a random number generator
adapted to randomly
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generate a number representing one of the numbered spaces on the bingo paper
indicium from a set
of numbers representing at least each of the mumbered spaces.
The game table may further include purchase indicium on the table top of
sufficient size to receive
a purchase from each of the players to purchase a right to play in a game
using the bingo paper
indicium. The table top may be covered witb felt and the bingo paper indicium
may be marked on
the felt. The game table may include a display associated with the table top
to display the
randomly generated numbers.
The numbered spaces may be arranged in a grid having a plurality of rows and
columns. The grid
may contain a lettered row with a uniquely lettered space for each column. The
grid may have five
columns and the spaces of the lettered row may be lettered in order B, I, N,
G, 0, respectively from
left to right. The numbered spaces may be numbered consecutively started from
1. The numbers
of the numbered spaces may increase down each column. The numbers of the
numbered spaces
may increase from left to right across each row. The numbers of the numbered
spaces may
increase consecutively down each column.
The random number generator may be adapted to generate numbers representing
the numbered
spaces and no other numbers. The random number generator may be a ball blower
containing a
plurality of balls including a respective numbered ball for each numbered
space.
In a fourth aspect the invention provides a game table including a table top
having a perimeter, a
station on the perimeter of the table top for a table operator, space about
the perimeter of the table
top for a plurality of players, indicium on th$ table top accessible to a
plurality of players, the
indicium having a plurality of betting positiqns comprising a plurality of
uniquely marked spaces,
each marked space of sufficient size to receive a marker from one of the
players, a random marking
generator adapted to randomly generate a marking representing one of the
marked spaces on the
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indicium from a set of markings representing at least each of the marked
spaces, and purchase
indicium on the table top to receive a purchase from each of the players to
purchase a right to play
in a game using the bingo paper indicium.
In a fifth aspect the invention provides a method of playing a multiplayer
table game. The method
includes each player placing an ante on a betting position of an indicium on a
table top of a table,
the indicium having a plurality of betting positions comprising a plurality of
uniquely marked
spaces and, separately, purchasing the indiciutm. The method further includes
randomly generating
a marking representing one of the marked spaces on the indicium from a set of
markings
representing at least each of the marked spaces, and awarding the total antes
to a player, if any, that
placed an ante on a marked space represente~1 by the randomly generated
marking.
In a sixth aspect the invention provides a garoe including a bingo paper
indicium accessible to a
plurality of players, the bingo paper indicium comprising a plurality of
betting positions
comprising a plurality of uniquely numbered spaces, each numbered space of
sufficient size to
receive a marker from one of the players, a random number generator adapted to
randomly generate
a number representing one of the numbered spaces on the bingo paper indicium
from a set of
numbers representing at least each of the numbered spaces, and purchase indic
ium to receive a
purchase from each of the players to purchase a right to play in a game using
the bingo paper
indicium.
Combinations of the above aspects or individual features from one aspect to
another are possible.
Other aspects of the invention and possible additional features for some
embodiments of the above
aspects will be evident from the detailed desicription, claims, and drawings
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly
how it may be carried
into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the
accompanying drawings that
show the preferred embodiment of the present invention and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention,
and
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a table top in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIG. 1, a table 1 for a multiplayer game has table top 3. About a
perimeter 5 of the
table 1 is an operator station space 7 for a table operator 9. Separately,
about the perimeter 5 is
player space 11 for multiple players 13. The table top 3 has a game indicium
15 accessible to a
plurality of players 13. The indicium 15 has a plurality of uniquely marked
game spaces, indicated
generally at 17. Each space 17 has sufficient space to provide a betting
position for receiving a
marker 19 from a player 13. The table top 3 also has a purchase space 21
sufficient to receive
purchases 23 from each of the players 13, as indicated by purchase indicium
22. Multiple purchase
spaces 21 of similar or different size may be spaced about the table 1 for
ease of access by the
players 13; however, this may make supervision of the table 1 by an operator 9
more difficult and
slow down play.
Associated with table 1 and the indicium 15 is a random marking generator 25
able to generate a
marking 27 representing one of the marked spaces 17 on the game indicium 15
from a set of
markings 27 representing at least each of the marked spaces 17. The set of
possible random
markings 27 able to generated by the random marking generator 25 may contain
markings 27 that
do not represent the marked spaces 17. Typically the set of random markings 27
will represent at
least one betting position on an indicium 15 on the table 1.
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The set of possible random markings 27 may contain markings 27 that do not
represent any betting
position on an indicium 15 on the table 1. For example, a marking 27 may
represent a marked
space 17 on an alternate table, or payment of the antes to a general pool to
be available to be won
from multiple tables 1. Many uses for non-bietting position markings 27 are
possible. Such norr
representing markings 27 will generally represent a small portion of the set
of markings 27.
The perimeter 5 of the table top 3 may have a border wall 29 to keep the
markers 19 and purchases
23 from falling from the table top 3.
As shown in the FIGS., the game indicium 15 can be a bingo paper indicium with
uniquely marked
spaces 17 as uniquely numbered spaces 17, and the random marking generator 25
can be, for
example, a ball blower 25. The markings 27 can be balls 27 with unique
numbered indicium
representative of a respective one of the nurobered spaces 17. In this case
the random marking
generator 25 can be a random number generator 25; however, even where numbered
spaces 17 are
used it is possible that some balls 27 may be marked with noirnumber markings
for alternative
game play. As an example altermtive to a ball blower, thr random marking
generator 25 could be
some form of computerized marking generatar 25 with video display
capabilities, such as for
example a monitor.
The bingo paper indicium 15 has spaces 17 arranged in a grid 31 having a
plurality of rows, one of
which is indicated at 33, and columns, one of which is indicated at 35. The
grid 31 can also
contain a lettered row 37 with uniquely letteted spaces, one of which is
indicated at 39, for each
column 35.
For familiarity, the grid 31 can have five columns 35 with the lettered 35
with the lettered row 37
containing lettered spaces 39 lettered B, I, N, G, and 0, respectively.
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The numbered spaces 17 can be numbered consecutively starting from "1". The
numbers of the
numbered spaces 17 can increase proceeding down each column 35. The numbers of
the numbered
spaces 17 can increase proceeding across eadh row 33 from left to right. The
numbers of the
numbered spaces 17 can increase consecutively down each column.
The indicium 15 of the FIGS. is shown with seventy- five numbered spaces 17
and a B, I, N, G, 0
lettered row 37. This reflects a traditional seventy- five- number permutation
from a traditional
BINGO game. The columns 35 of the grid 31 contain B 1-15, I16-30, N31-45, G46-
60, and 061-
75. The grid 31 also has an extra deep BING0 lettered row 41 for receiving a
plurality of markers
19 in each lettered space, one of which is indicated at 43. The random number
generator 25 could
be restricted to generating numbers from a sot of numbers containing the same
numbers as appear
on the marked spaces 17 in an indicium 15 op a table 1, for example where an
indicium 15 contains
seventy, five number spaces 17 as described Above then the random number
generator can be
restricted to generating only those seventy-fiWe numbers. The random number
generator 25 may
still be capable of generating other non-number markings 27 for special game
activity.
It is to be recognized that the marked game indicium 15 could contain
consecutively numbered
spaces 17 or nori-number marked spaces (fou example, unique icons such as
fruits). Also, the
uniquely marked spaces 17 could be organised in a non-grid pattern. Many other
such
modifications to the indicium 15 within the scope of this description will be
possible.
For ease of understanding the method of play and for efficiency in recognising
the location of
marked spaces 17 it is believed that a conseclutively numbered grid 31 format
from traditional
BINGO permutations with BINGO column headers will be most effective; although,
as indicated
above, the principles described herein are not limited to such a grid 31.
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The ball blower 25 has a display stand 45 to receive and one or more display
balls 27 during play
of a game. Markers 19 and purchase 23 can take many different forms. For
example, markers 19
could be coins such as dimes or quarters. As a further and preferable example,
markers 19 could be
chips 51, such as those used for poker in casinos. Similarly, purchases 23
could be coins or,
preferably, chips 51. The form of purchase 23 could be different from that for
the markers 19;
however, this is not required and for the sako of efficiency, is likely
undesirable.
The table top 3 can be rigid to support game play. The table top 3 can be
smooth or have felt or
another such material across its surfice to cairYy the bingo game indicium 15.
A noii-smooth
surface can provide some grip and a little give to resist bouncing and sliding
of chips 51 and the
like.
The indicia 15, 22 could be marked on a substrate separate from the table top
3, such as a felt, that
is supported during game play. It is recognized that notwithstanding the use
of the word "paper" in
the term "bingo paper indicium" it is not required that the bingo paper
indicium be on a paper
substrate. Other substrates, such as for example cardboard, hardboard, plastic
or a graphic display
terminal (such as for example a computer mcbnitor) may be used. Separate
substrates carrying the
indicia 15, 22 could be placed on a support sUrface for use during a game. The
bingo paper
indicium 15 could be three-dimensional if dosired. Also, the purchase indicium
22 could be three-
dimensional. The purchase indicium 22 could be represented by a three-
dimensional form, such as
for example, a bowl or dish or tray that provides the purchase space 21 to
receive purchases 23. If
the substrate is a video display terminal then the markers 19 could be virtual
markers 19 that are
manipulated to appear on the video display tprminal over the bingo paper
indicium 15. Similarly,
the purchaser indicium 22 and the purchase 23 could appear on a video display
terminal. Also, a
random marking generator 25 could generate random markings 27 for display on a
video display
ternunal.
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It is to be recognized that the game can be played with players in distributed
locations by provided
the same bingo paper indicia 15 on each players video display terminal and
display the antes from
each player 13 to all other players 13 over tbie bingo paper indicium 15.
Effectively, all players are
playing the same bingo paper indicium from:different locations. A game could
be played, for
example, over the internet through respective browser software of the players
13 or through such
are software as desired in communication with server or other computer
equipment operating
appropriate software. A combination of local and remote game play could be
provided by tracking
respective antes and displaying the antes to all players 13 during a game.
It will be recognized that the table 1 can bear some similarities to a
traditional roulette table, not
shown. Variations of such roulette tables may be applied to the table 1 with
consequent
modifications as will be evident to those skilled in the art.
A method of playing a multiplayer table gaioe that may, for example, utilize
the table 1 includes
each player 13 placing an ante, represented by marker 19, on a space 17, 39,
43 of indicium 15 and
separately, purchasing the indicium 15. Example alternative betting positions
are described
elsewhere herein. Purchasing the indicium 15 provides a player 13 with the
right to play in the
game by placing an ante as described above, and possibly, receiving an award
from the antes for
winning the game. Placement of the ante, and purchase of the right to play, is
followed by
randomly generating a marking 27 represenOng one of the marked spaces 17, 39,
43 on the
indicium 15 from a set of markings 27 representing at least each of the marked
spaces 17. This can
be fu.rther followed by awarding the total antes to a player 13, if any, that
placed an ante,
represented by marker 19, on a marked space 17, 39, 43 represented by the
randomly generated
marking 27. Alternative example methods of winning are set out elsewhere
herein. Other
alternative methods of winning are possible ~ncluding, for example,
combinations of awarding
antes as described herein.
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As an example, a method of playing a multipilayer table game using the table 1
is set out below.
To start a game a caller as operator 9 calls, "ANTE UP" or provides some other
indication that a
game is starting. The use of "ANTE UP" is to be differentiated from placing an
ante on a marked
space 17 as many people recognize ANTE UIP as an initial paid amount, for
example, purchase 23.
Each player 13 then places a purchase 23 into the purchase space 21. The
caller 9 then tells the
players 13 to "PLACE YOUR CHIPS" or sotne other indication to place one or
more markers 19
representing an ante on the indicium 15. Depending on how the game is to be
played, the players
13 may have, for example, three options. The players 13 can be permitted to
place a chip 51,
representing an ante, on either B, I, N, G, or O. The extra deep row 41 is
useful for this purpose.
Altematively, the players 13 can place a chip 51 on any desired numbered
spaces 17 on the
indicium 15. As a further alternative, chip 51 may be placed on a betting
position on a line, such as
line 53, between two adjacent spaces 17 to bet both the adjacent spaces 17 or
on a betting position
at an intersection, for example intersection 55, of two lines 53 to bet four
adjacent spaces 17. The
indicium 15 may include actual lines 53 and intersections 55 marked for the
grid 31 to visually
indicate different betting positions. The spaces 17, 39, 43, lines 53 and
intersections 55 are
examples of betting positions for a game.
The caller 9 starts the ball blower 25 and one ball 27, is drawn, called and
placed on the ball
display stand 45. There are, for example, two ways to win. First, if no player
13 has placed a
marker 19 on the specific numbered space 17 that has been called, all the
players 13 that have
placed a marker 19 on the lettered space 39, 43 of the column of the numbered
space 17 of the ball
drawn, for example, either E, I, N, G, or 0, 81hare the total table wagers
amongst themselves. The
respective letters representing the columns 0ay be marked on the balls 27
along with a respective
number form a set of numbers representing 4t least each of the numbered spaces
17. A traditional
ball blower with traditional bingo balls may ~e used for the ball blower 25
and balls 27. Other ball
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combinations can be used as desired for gamje variations. For example, if a
ba1127 comes out as
B2, all who have placed a marker 19 on a B space in row 37 or 41 are winners.
The awards are
made up from all those who placed markers 19 on either the I, N, G, or 0, or
any numbered space
17. A second way of winning is to have placed a marker 19 on a specific
numbered space 17 and
that number is called when its ba1127 is drawn. In that case, the winner will
win all the markers 19
on the table. Because ofthe lower probabilit~y of having a specific number
called the game may be
set to pay a bonus amount to a winner having won based on selecting on a
numbered space 17.
It is to be noted that multiple indicia 15 could be spread about the table top
3. This may assist
players 13 in reaching an individual indicium 15. Each indicium 15 could
contain the same marked
spaces 17, some of the same marked spaces 17, or different marked spaces 17.
Players 13 may
wish to play alternate indicium 15. For ease ~of administration and heightened
excitement it is
anticipated that having a single indicium 15 for a given table top 3 will be
preferred; however, this
is not the only method of game play.
If no player 13 wins on a particular generator of marking 27 many alternatives
are possible. As an
example, the game may end with the antes remaining alive to form part of the
antes to be won on a
further game. The held over antes could be, for example, accumulated in a
single location not on
the indicium 15 in order to facilitate game ploy.
A game can be played with chips 51 in values of either $0.25, $0.50, $1.00, or
any other amount
depending on the stakes level at the table.
Each table can be designated for a given nutuber of players to participate at
the same time. For
example, a minimum of two players 13 can be set where no antes are held over
from a prior game
as there is no potential benefit to a single player without additional antes
in the game, unless rules
are provided to increase the potential winnings for a single player game. This
is possible if desired.
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A maximum number of players 13 could be set based, for example, on factors
such as the size and
configuration of the table 1 and the indicium! 15, and the ability and number
of operators 9 for the
table 1. As an example, a maximum of ten players could likely be suitable for
a fast paced, single
operator 9 game. Other minimums and maximums, if any, could be used. Each
player can be
identified to facilitate game play, for example, with different colour chips
or another unique
identifier on the markers 19 and purchases 23.
Example roles and rules for individuals that could be involved in the conduct
of a game,
particularly in casino locations, are set out bo1ow.
The antes can be collected by a caller 9 actipig as operator 9 and given to a
Session Manager (Pit
Boss) and placed in a locked box that will be opened, counted, and recorded by
the Session
Manager at the end of each event as part of Settlement requirements. It is not
necessary to place all
collected purchases 23 into a locked box, not is it necessary to have a
Session Manager, nor is it
necessary to record the activity for each garrte. These are examples of
possible game structuring.
As a further example, the caller 9 can carry out the Session Manager functions
for a given table 1.
An event can, for example, be a set number of games or specific time period
during which games
are played.
Session Manager (Pit Boss):
= Count float of chips 51 issued by a hoIl to be used, for example, for
changing chips 51 with
players 13.
= For each game record game number.
= For each game wrify number of people at table 1 and collect purchases 23
from caller 9.
= At end of event, prepare and count flOat to be given back to thehall running
the game.
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= Count and record float of chips 51 to'be given back to the hail.
= Verify that collected purchases 23 match amount on a daily reconciliation
sheet
Players 13:
= Purchase playing chips 51 from a cashier.
= Purchase game indicium 15 for $0.25, $0.50, $1.00, or any other amount
depending on the
stakes level at the table 1.
= Ante by placing as many chips 51 as desired on as many different numbers or
letters on the
indicium 15 in a betting position.
= When a bal127 is drawn that matches a numbered space 17 with a marker 19, of
a player
13, then the player calls, "BINGO" or some pther designated signal to indicate
the player 13
believes the player 13 has won
= After the caller 9 has verified and recorded the antes, the antes are
awarded to the winner or
winners.
In order to facilitate gaem play the caller 9 rrnay enforce rules such as:
= Players 13 must be 19 years old to play.
= The responsibility is on the player 13 to yell "Bingo" loud enough for the
caller 9 to hear.
= All final decisions regarding the bingo event rest with the operating
facility.
= Players 13 cannot hold chips 51 in thieir hands.
= Players 13 hands must not touch the playing area once the caller 9 has begun
a game.
= Players 13 hands must not touch the laying area until the caller 9 has
divided the antes and
awarded the aites to the winner(s).
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Caller 9 (Operator 9 for a single operator 9 game):
= Ask for purchase 23 from each player 13 at the table 1 to be placed in a
purchase space 21.
= Allow players 13 sufficient time to place their ante chips 51 on the table 1
in betting
position.
= Announce the beginning of the game and no more chips 51 to be placed.
= Start the blower 25 and wait for the ball 27 to come out.
= Display the bal127 in the ball display, stand 45 and announce the marking on
the ba1127.
= Verify ante to be awarded, record it, and give prize money to player or
players who won
= Collect purchase chips 51 from table 1 and provide to Session Manager.
The methods of play described herein can be made to comply with at least some
current legal
gaming regimes that typically govern traditional BINGO games in some
jurisdictions. The
methods can provide a more interactive, intimate, and fast-paced game than a
traditional BINGO
game.
Although the table 1 has been described for use with the methods described
herein, it is to be
recognized that the table 1 may be used for qther methods of play.
Although the methods of play described herein have been described in
association with the table 1,
it is to be recognized that the methods may be used with tables of other
formats.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is
made with reference to the
preferred embodiment and that it is possible to make other embodiments
employing the principles
of the invention which fall within its spirit aod scope as defined by the
following claims.
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