Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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A HOSPITALITY FEATURE OF AN ELECTRONIC GAMING SYSTEM AND
METHOD OF OPERATION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to an electronic gaming system
and method of operation and more particularly to a hospitality feature of the
system and
method of operating the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Gaming is an increasingly popular form of entertainment. Games,
particularly, games of chance and skill where one or more players play and
place wagers
on a desired and/or predicted outcome can be played in a variety of ways and
in a variety
of places, including at a casino or otlier venue or on the Internet. Of the
various fonns of
games that are available for play, many utilize playing cards. Of these, poker
is arguably
the most popular.
[0003] Traditionally, poker is played at a table with several players wagering
paper or coin money on a series of playing cards dealt from a deck of fifty-
two cards.
This deck is comprised of four suits at thirteen cards per suit. This forin of
poker
requires a human dealer to coordinate the game, including dealing, wagering,
folding,
and the like. In "social" card games, especially poker, the players take turns
acting as the
dealer, but in licensed commercial gaming establishments, such as casinos, the
dealer is
typically a non-playing employee. Unfortunately, traditional poker is
potentially prone
to human dealer error. Moreover, human dealers in casino type establishments
must be
trained and paid a salary sufficient to retain them.
[0004] One alternative form of gaming, with particular reference to poker, has
flourished on the internet. Internet gaming has become quite successful in
that it
provides many choices for the players. In particular, internet gaining is fast
and
convenient, with registration, betting and payouts available from almost any
computer
with internet access and with payments typically arranged via a credit card.
Yet further,
poker or other card games may also be provided by stand-alone machines similar
to slot
machines.
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[0005] One major drawback of internet and stand-alone type games is the lack
of
the human element. Many people prefer to play poker against other players face-
to-face,
because of the drama associated with "live" gaming. Undoubtedly, an elevated
level of
competition exists when people compete directly against one another and face-
to-face.
In gaming establishments, experienced players are tiying to hone strategy and
read other
players' intentions through their movements and style of play to be more
competitive.
[0006] In U.S. Patent Application Publication number US 2005/0090304 Al,
filed Septeinber 13, 2004, and disclosed herein by reference in its entirety,
an electronic
gaming system and method of displaying and obscuring electronic playing cards
is
disclosed and assigned to the same assignee of the present invention.
Generally, this
electronic gaming system replaces the human dealer with a computer capable of
simulating the deal and simulating the playing cards via video displays. The
system has
a plurality of tables with each table having a plurality of electronic player
interaction
areas or stations (EPIA's). An individual interested in playing a particular
game can
locate oneself in front of a particular station of a table (or can be
assigned) and upon
logging-in, can play the game.
[0007] Although the electronic gaming system and related software has unique
advantages of particular benefit to the gaming establishment, it does not
fully conceive of
potential benefits for the players.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An electronic gaming system has a plurality of tables each having a
plurality of electronic player interaction areas (EPIA's) spaced preferably
about a table
periphery so that a gaming player locates oneself in front of a respective
EPIA to play a
game. A computer-based controller of the system assigns any one of preferably
a variety
of games to any one table. The player is then free to choose what game he/she
desires to
play by picking a particular table. The gaming system has a host console that
communicates with each EPIA via the controller for managerial control of the
plurality of
tables. A software-based hospitality feature is integrated into the electronic
gaming
system for logging players in and out of a game, monitoring and recording of
game play,
enabling efficient waiter service, assisting security personal and preferably
establishing
confidential communications with the floor manager or host.
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[0009] Operation of the hospitality feature preferably begins with the
creation of
a player account and the funding of the account after assignment of a personal
identification number for the player. Once assigned, the player is free to
choose an
electronic player interaction area that is programmed to play a particular
game. Once
chosen, the player logs in by entering their personal identification number
into the
electronic player interaction area. The player can then divert at least a
portion of their
funds into electronic chips for play of the game. When logging in, a signal is
sent to the
host console for alerting the host of a new player. While playing, the players
actions are
generally monitored and recorded into a database of the computer. Also, by
logging in,
the player is in selective communication with the host and/or waitering staff
for further
hospitality services.
[0010] Benefits and advantages of the present invention include an automated
electronic gaming system that enhances communication between gaine players and
the
host of a gaming establishment, alerts the host of potential problems before
they occur,
enhances security, better detects possible collusion between players for the
benefit of the
remaining players, improves beverage and food service and decreases outside
distractions
for the benefit of the players during the game. Other advantages include a
simplification
of funding player accounts and the general elimination of cumbersome,
physical, chips.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated
as
the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed
description
when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0012] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a gaming system embodying
the
present invention and in a casino environment;
[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an electronic poker table of the
gaming
system;
[0014] Figure 3 is a top view of the electronic poker table of Figure 2;
[0015] Figure 4 is a front and back view of an electronic playing card;
[0016] Figure 5 is a plan view of a player interface of an electronic player
interaction area of the system with hole cards of the electronic playing cards
hidden;
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[0017] Figure 6 is a plan view of the player interface of Figure 5 with the
hole
cards revealed;
[0018] Figure 7 is a partial block diagram of the gaming system associated
with
one polcer table;
[0019] Figure 8 is a partial block diagram of the gaming system associated
with
a plurality of poleer tables;
[0020] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the electronic player interaction
area in a
module form with headphones;
[0021] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a modified electronic player
interaction
area embodied in a hand-held module with headphones;
[0022] Figure 11 is a block diagram of software components of the gaming
system;
[0023] Figure 12 is a simplified block diagram of the gaming system;
[0024] Figure 13 is a block diagram of the gaming system with a host console;
[0025] Figure 14 is a flow diagram of a method of operating the gaming system;
[0026] Figure 15 is a first table tab image displayed on a video screen of the
host
console;
[0027] Figure 16 is a second table tab image displayed on the video screen of
the
host console;
[0028] Figure 17 is a third table tab image displayed on the video screen of
the
host console;
[0029] Figure 18 is a fourth table tab image displayed on the video screen of
the
host console;
[0030] Figure 19 is a hand dialog displayed on the video screen of the host
console;
[0031] Figure 20 is a minutes dialog displayed on the video screen of the host
console;
[0032] Figure 21 is a fifth table tab image displayed on the video screen of
the
host console;
[0033] Figure 22 is a sixth table tab image displayed on the video screen of
the
host console;
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[0034] Figure 23 is a seventli table tab image displayed on the video screen
of the
host console;
[0035] Figure 24 is an eighth table tab image displayed on the video screen of
the
host console;
[0036] Figure 25 is a first wait list tab image displayed on the video screen
of the
host console;
[0037] Figure 26 is a ninth table tab image displayed on the video screen of
the
host console;
[0038] Figure 27 is an account number dialog displayed on the video screen of
the host console;
[0039] Figure 28 is a time limit dialog displayed on the video screen of the
host
console;
[0040] Figure 29 is a tournament chop page image displayed on the video screen
of the host console; and
[0041] Figure 30 is a flow chart of a hospitality feature for recording
history of
play.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0042] In the illustrated embodiment and as best shown in Figures 1-4, an
electronic gaming system 10 and method of operation einbodies the present
invention.
The system 10 utilizes electronic cards 76 or electronic chips and electronic
playing
cards 76 to provide an automated card game for play by one or more players. It
should
be noted that the description that follows is directed towards a gaming system
10 which
utilizes electronic cards and chips (for wagering). However, the system 10 may
also
provide a non-wagering (without electronic chips) automated card game.
Preferably, a
human dealer is not required, thus the system 10 handles all dealer functions.
For the
purposes of illustration, the system will be described as applied to an
electronic poker
game known as Texas Hold'em. However, the present invention is not limited to
any
particular card game.
I. The Game
[0043] Refeiring to Figures 3-6, in Texas Hold'em, each player at an
electronic
gaming or poker table 18 is electronically dealt a number of cards, e.g., two
cards, face
down. These are known as a player's "hole" cards 28 and are generally placed
directly in
front of the respective players. A number of cards, e.g., three or five, are
dealt face-up
and displayed in a common display area 26. These are known as community or
common
cards 30. A player's hand, thus, consists of the player's hole cards 28 and
the common
cards 30. At the end of play of a particular hand, whichever player holds the
highest
poker hand is the wimier of that round or hand of poker.
[0044] The electronic playing cards 76 may be used in any sort of electronic
card
game, and even in such games where the player chooses when to reveal their
hole cards
28 to themselves or to the other players. The electronic poker tables 18 are
preferably
capable of playing any variety of card games. Each card game, whether poker or
otherwise, will generally have its own set of rules, including the number of
cards, how
the cards are dealt, the number of betting rounds, the structure of
permissible wagers, and
the like. Thus, while the present invention may be described below in the
context of an
electronic poker game (and more specifically, with respect to a player's hole
cards 28 in
a Hold'em style poker game), the present invention is not limited to such a
card game.
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[0045] Furthermore, the poker or card game can be a timed game wherein the
players have a predetermined time period to complete each turn. For example,
the
players have a set period of one minute to complete each turn. Furthermore,
this period
of time may vary; for instance, the first turn may have a period of completion
of one
minute, while the second turn may have a shorter or longer period of
completion.
During a given betting round, the players have a predetermined period of time
to either
fold, check, or make a wager. If no action is talcen during the predetermined
time period,
a default action is taken where the player preferably must fold or check.
Generally, the
time period for response during a betting round will decrease as the hand of
the electronic
poker game progresses. Parameters, such as the predeterinined time period for
each
betting round may be automatically modified by the system 10.
[0046] More specific to the electronic playing cards 76, as best shown in
Figure
4, each card has visual image or graphical representation of a front side 76A
and a back
side 76B. The back side 76B of each card 76 has an identical pattein or image
such that
the cards cannot be individually identified with respect to any other card
when viewing
the back side 76B. The electronic playing card 76 is typically one of a set or
deck of
standard playing cards. The deck may be a standard deck of fifty-two cards,
with each
card having an individual designation. The designations have a first component
being
assigned values of two through ACE, and the second component being four
groupings or
suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades). The value and suit of each card is
indicated on
the front side 76A of each playing card 76.
[0047] In a traditional card game with physical cards, the player's hole cards
are
dealt "face-down" so that they are not revealed to any other player. The dealt
player
must then discretely view their own hole cards without revealing them to other
players.
To do this, the player typically lifts the hole cards close to their bodies,
fanning them out,
and shielding them with their hands, so only the dealt player can see the
front side of
their cards. Alternatively, the dealt player may leave the cards face down on
the table
and lift one side or corner revealing at least a portion of the front side,
while shielding the
cards with their hands. Similarly, and with electronic hole cards 28 of cards
76 (as best
shown in Figures 5 and 6), lifting of the corners of the cards 28 can be
computer
simulated upon a triggering event initiated by the respective player.
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[0048] The image displayed on the back side 76B of the playing cards may be a
logo, a random image (chosen from a set of predetermined images), or may be
advertising directed at the player. The image may include a video or a cycling
through of
a set of predetermined images. Alternatively, the image may be selectable by
either a
player or an employee of a casino 12.
II. The Casino
[0049] Referring to Figure 1, the gaming system 10 is preferably situated in a
gaming environment, such as a casino 12. Typically, the casino 12 is divided
into
specialized or designated areas such as a poker room or poker area 14 each
containing a
plurality of tables 18, or five tables as illustrated. The poker area 14 is
often cordoned
off by, for example, a railing 16. While the casino 12 is one example of an
environment
for the gaming system 10, the present invention is not limited to any such
location or
environment and may also include a generally virtual casino environment and
the like.
III. The Table
[0050] Referring to Figures 2-3, each table 18 has a table top 20 supported by
at
least one base 42 at floor level, and a plurality of substantially vertical
legs 44 projecting
between the base 42 and the table top 20. The table top 20 includes a playing
surface 22
and a plurality of electronic player interaction areas (EPIA) 24 for in-part
the display of
the respective hole cards 28. Each table 18 seats a plurality of players, and
for example
and as illustrated, is preferably capable of seating a maximum of ten players,
hence, each
table includes ten EPIA's 24A-24J and ten chairs 40 (see Figure 1). For the
game of
Texas Hold'em, the table top 20 also preferably includes one central or common
display
area (CDA) 26 for the display of the common cards 30.
[0051] Although the EPIA's 24 and CDA 26 are generally computer generated
visual displays, thus authentic playing cards are not utilized, the electronic
poker tables
of the gaming system 10 are aesthetically designed to convey and retain the
overall sense
and ambience of a standard poker room with non-electrical poker tables. The
playing
surface area not taken up by the EPIA's 24 and the CDA 26 is preferably
covered in a
traditional material such as felt having any variety of colors. Moreover,
logos, game
information, or other information may be printed on the material.
Alternatively, the
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EPIA's 24 and the CDA 26 is a single display that covers a substantial portion
or all of
the table top 20. The EPIA's 24 and the CDA 26 can be set apart from the rest
of the
table top 20 by virtual or computer generated borders. The areas of the
display around
the EPIA's 24 and the CDA 26 are preferably used to simulate the playing
surface 22 of a
standard poker table by, for example, providing an electronic image of a felt
material.
Furthermore, logos, game information, other infoimation, advertisements,
announcements, pictures, videos, or other information may be displayed and
rotated,
cycled, or shown for a limited period of time on the table top 20.
IV. Electronic Player interaction Areas
[0052] Referring to Figures 3 and 5-6, each EPIA 24 has a player interface 54
used to convey game information directly to a player assigned to the
respective EPIA 24,
and to effectuate interaction or input from the player to the system 10. Each
EPIA 24 can
be part of one large display monitor, such as a LCD or plasma monitor, that
includes the
CDA 26, or the EPIA's preferably have separate and distinct monitors and
computers
networked together as required to play the game. The player interfaces 54 can
be
implemented on the table top 20 or in a module 34 (see Figure 9).
Alternatively, the
player interface 54 may be implemented on a hand-held device 58, such as a
personal
data assistant (see Figure 10).
[0053] With reference to Figures 2 and 5-6, the player interface 54 of the
EPIA
24 is preferably a touch-screen display. Each display 54 is preferably housed
in
respective modules 34. In one embodiment, each module 34 incorporates a fully-
functional computer (not shown) and is thus easily removable and replaced from
the
poker table 18. The computer includes a processor capable of running an
operating
system, such as Windows XP or Windows CE, both available from Microsoft
Corporation of Redmond, Washington. Alternatively, the EPIA's 24 may be driven
by
one or more computers (not shown) located in the proximity of the table 18
with a server
or server computer 50 or within the table 18.
a) Controller
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[0054] A controller that is either the module 34, the personal computer (not
shown), the hand-held device 58, the server 50 or a combination thereof,
controls the
player interface 54 (i.e. controls the information components of the player
interface 54),
detects touches if the player interface 54 is a touch-screen display device,
and inteiprets
the touches as trigger or touch events. The controller preferably controls the
display
device 54 including obscuring or hiding the player's hole cards 28 such that
the player
may controllably display and view the cards, while maintaining them secret
from the
other players.
b) Visual Player Interface
[0055] Referring to Figures 5-6, preferably the player interface 54 includes a
graphical representation 56 of a poker table. Each player in the poker game is
represented by a user graphic or icon 62 that lists their names as well as
their chip totals.
The pot of the current hand may be represented in the center of the poker
table
representation 56 by stack(s) of chips 64 and/or a number 66 representing the
value of the
current pot. Each player's contribution to the pot may be represented by
stack(s) of chips
68 and/or a number 70 adjacent their user graphic 62.
[0056] In one einbodiment, not only is the EPIA 24 capable of controllably
displaying and/or obscuring a player's hole cards, the EPIA 24 is also capable
of
providing an indication of the player's current highest hand based on the
player's current
hand and the common cards 30. The highest hand may be shown textually, e.g.,
two-
pairs, and/or graphically, pictures of the five cards which make of the
highest hand. The
highest hand may be triggered and shown using the same trigger event
associated with
the hole cards 28. Alternatively, a separate trigger event, such as a touch-
event on
another location on the EPIA 24 may be used to show the highest hand.
[0057] The player interface 54 preferably includes a series of game buttons 74
that allow the player to signal their game play decisions to the gaming system
10 during
the play of the game, and thus preferably include a fold button 74A, a call
button 74B
and a raise button 74C. The game buttons 74 are active when it is a player's
turn in the
poker game and preferably inactive when it is not. Moreover, the EPIA 24 only
activates
those buttons 74 that are appropriate, given the rules of the game being
played, during the
current turn. For example, if the maximum number of raises for a particular
game has
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already been made, then the wager or raise button would be inactive. The raise
button
74C may be replaced with one or more buttons (not shown) which allow the
player to
make a wager of a predetermined or allowed amount, e.g. $10. In addition or
alternatively, a keypad (not shown) may be provided which allows the player to
key in a
wager amount.
[0058] Preferably, the player interface 54 also displays the common cards 30.
Other information that can be displayed on the player interface include, but
is not liinited
to, an indication (visual icon aiid/or audio) of the player whose turn it is
to act, a total of
chips for each player, any cards of the other players that are face-up, andlor
messages to
the player, such as advertising.
[0059] Moreover, in the casino 12 environment, preferably a portion of each
pot
goes to the house for running the poker game. This portion of the pot is known
as the
rake and is preferably displayed on each EPIA 24. The rake may be shown as an
amount
in dollars and may include a graphical representation of virtual chips.
Similarly, the
EPIA 24 preferably displays a graphical representation of the chips and/or a
dollar
amount indicative of the amount of chips each player at the table has
remaining and the
amount of the current pot.
[0060] In addition, or alternatively, to the common cards 30 displayed by the
CDA 26, each EPIA preferably includes a graphical representation of the common
cards
in the middle of the graphical representation 56 of the poker table 18.
Graphical
representations of the otlier player's card may also be shown (face-down
during the
current hand and face-up at the end of the hand). The common card 30 displayed
in the
graphical representation 56 are preferably smaller than the display of the
hole cards 28
for the player of the specific EPIA 24. The display of the common cards 30 in
the CDA
26 are preferably larger than the display of the common cards 30 in the EPIA
representation 56.
[0061] Other attributes of the EPIA's 24 may include:
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= utilization of Surface Acoustic Wave touch screen technology
= utilization of Multi Touch touch screen technology
= a secure process for returning a player to a game after missing a
number of blinds by pressing the button that temporarily removes
the player from the game
= method to obscure player pre-selection of one or several bet
options (Polcer is a sequential game. Situations exist where a
player will know what action they want to talce prior to it being
there turn. Allowing the player to make that decision in advance
of their turn in a way that allows players seating close to observe
this action would provide an unfair advantage to some players and
not others. This feature allows a player to malce a pre-selection
while observing his hole cards in such a way that other players
will not be able to observe that pre-selection.),
= ability to display live and pre-recorded video, and
= ability to replay a previous hand (may be limited to showing the
end result of the last hand and may only be available for a short
period of time).
c) Audio Player Interface:
[0062] Preferably, the EPIA 24 includes a player sound generation device that
generates sounds audible to the player assigned to the EPIA 24. The player
sound
generation device may be implemented as an earpiece (60) or headphones (see
Figures 9
and 10) or one or more speakers. Player sounds are generally meant to be heard
by a
specific player alone and may include a reminder or indication of a player's
turn or if the
gaiue is timed, an indication of the time remaining or that time is running
out, an audible
signal indicating the player's hole cards 28 or the highest hand of the player
or a winning
percentage associated with the player's hand. The audio signals or sounds can
be any
series of beeps, chimes, a simulated voice, and the like.
d) Physical Structure of the EPIA:
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[0063] As best illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the modules 34 are removably
mounted to the table top 20, and preferably such that the touch-screen display
54 is
substantially parallel and flush with the playing surface 22 of the table top
20.
Moreover, the playing surface 22 of the table top 20 can be an overlay with
selected cut-
outs or openings for exposing the player interface or touch-screen display 54.
The
overlay preferably covers the outer edge of the display for aesthetic
appearances.
Moreover, the touch-screen display 54 can be mounted at an angle with respect
to the
table top 20 and below the playing surface 22 thus partially shielding the
player's hole
cards 28 from adjacent players. Similarly, the display 54 can be mounted at an
angle
with respect to and above the table top 20 wherein the angle can be adjustable
for player
viewing convenience.
V. Central Dis~lay Area and Audio
[0064] As best illustrated in Figures 3 and 5-6, the CDA 26 is used to display
information such as common cards 30 for all players to see and is thus located
further
from the players than their respective EPIA's 24. Consequently, the display of
the
comrnon cards 30 is preferably larger than the display of the hole cards 28.
That is, the
hole cards 28 are displayed at a first predetermined ratio from the standard
size playing
card, and the common cards 30 are displayed at a second predetermined ratio
from the
standard size playing card. Preferably, the first and second ratios may be
defined such
that the common cards 30 are displayed larger than the hole cards 28.
Alternatively, the
first and second ratios can be the same.
[0065] As previously described, the CDA 26 is preferably separate from the
plurality of EPIA's 24, and is implemented preferably utilizing a LCD or
plasma monitor
or similar device. The CDA 26 preferably indicates which player's turn it is
and which
player is the designated "dealer" for the current hand. These indications are
provided by
respective visual signals such as an icon, arrow or the like, and/or an audio
signal such as
a beep, musical tone, and/or voice message. This indication of a player's turn
and dealer
designation CDA 26 can also be in addition to the indication provided on the
respective
EPIA 24. With audio indication, the CDA 26 can utilize integrated "transducer
sound
emitting technology" thus eliminating the need for separate spealcers.
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[0066] In other card games other than Texas Hold'em, common cards 30 may not
exist, hence, during play of these games, the CDA 26 can be used to display
advertising
messages instead. The advertising messages may be from the casino or third
parties and
may consist of graphics, pictures, animations, video and/or audio. The
advertising may
be presented at predetern-uned locations on the central display 38 for varied
durations as
the CDA cycles through a plurality of advertising messages.
[0067] In general, the CDA 26 is preferably capable of displaying and/or
animating:
= blinds,
= common cards 30,
= bets placed and player chip stacks,
= an indication of players who have folded and not folded,
= winning hands,
= wining hand percentage estimates in situations where all
remaining player hold cards are exposed, and
= rake in dollars or virtual chips.
[0068] Preferably, the gaming table 18 includes a table or system sound
generation device (as oppose to the player sound generation device previously
described)
that is used to generate sounds audible to all the players. The table sound
generation
device may be implemented by one or more speakers mounted to the table 18.
Alternatively, the table sound generation device may include one or more
speakers
adjacent to or integral with each EPIA 24 as previously described. For
example, system
sounds may include sounds imitating the shuffling of cards, the dealing of
cards, chips
thrown into the pot, sounds related to the winning of the jackpot. Player
sounds may
include a remiiider or indication of a player's turn or if the game is timed,
an indication
of the time remaining or that time is running out. Generally, player exclusive
sounds will
not be played through the system sound generation device.
VI. Server ComDuter
[0069] As best illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, each EPIA 24, in the
illustrated
embodiment, preferably includes a dedicated computer (not shown), and the CDA
26 has
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a dedicated CDA computer 52. Both the EPIA computer and the CDA computer 52
for
any given table 18 communicate with the server computer 50 that preferably
plays/controls the card game, and preferably over an Ethernet networlc 48. The
same
server 50 communicates or is networked in a like manner to preferably all of
the tables
18. One skilled in the art would now know that more than one EPIA 24 could
operate off
of one computer or that the computer 52 for the CDA 26 could also control the
EPIA's
24 and/or replace the server 50 altogether. However, having a multitude of
dedicated
computers simplifies software and maintenance issues and due to the relatively
inexpensive costs of computers, reduces manufacturing costs of the gaming
system 10.
[0070] The server 50 is preferably used to implement and facilitate player
tracking, ticket in ticket out (cashless) wagering, assigning player's to the
seat 40 at a
particular table 18, tournament play, table set-up (including turning the
tables on and off
and modifying table parameters), and progressive jackpots. In general, the
server 50 runs
the game wherein the server 50 electronically "shuffles" the playing cards,
deals the
cards, controls the players' turns, receives the player's inputs and acts
accordingly;
tracks, manages, and awards the pot, and tracks the rake. Game data is stored
in a
database preferably of the server 50 with each input, wager, play, and the
like stored in
the database. Other functions implemented by the server 50 are:
= electronically shuffling the playing cards 76
= dealing cards,
= controlling players' turns,
= receives the player's data input,
= player tracking,
= cashless wagering,
= defining and modifying table parameters, including, turning the
tables 18 on and off, setting the poker game being played at the
table 18, setting wager parameters, and the like,
= defining and managing jaclcpots, including the house percentage
or rake,
= defining and managing progressive jackpots,
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= establishing and managing a queue for players and assigning
players to seats 40 an.d/or specific tables 18 from the queue, and
= establishing and managing tournament play, including assigning
player seats, collapsing tables, and the like.
[0071] In addition, other devices may be connected to the server 50 for
providing
additional features and/or functions. For example, a queuing system can be
provided
utilizing its own dedicated computer. However, in some systems these
additional
features or function could be provided, at least in part, by the server(s) 50.
VII. Host Console
[0072] With particular reference to Figures 7-8 and 13, the system 10
preferably
has a host console 102 in electrical communication with the server computer 50
for
configuring the EPIA's 24 and/or the CDA 26 and for establishing parameters of
the
electronic poker game. Preferably, the host console 102 is embodied in a
separate
computer, such as a personal computer, connected or networked (wired or
wirelessly) to
the server computer 50. The host console 102 may be integrated into a console,
such as a
kiosk. The host console 102 may also be embodied in any type of suitable
device, such
as a handheld computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), notebook or laptop
computer,
or tablet computer. Preferably, the host console 102 provides interaction with
a host or
floor manager of the casino 12 via a host interface 120 of the host console
120 that is
preferably a touch-screen similar to the player interface 54.
[0073] In general, the host console 102 is an administration device that can
be
used to create and edit game profiles including setting the game type, limits,
play timing,
and/or number of required players. The host console 102 allows the host or
casino
employee to start, pause, and stop games and to monitor table play. Additional
electronic
tables 18 can be activated or opened, and ring or tournament games (see below)
can be
easily started. Preferably, the host console 102 provides the ability to turn
any one or all
of the poker tables 18 on and off by communicating with the EPIA computers and
CDA
computer 52 via the server 50.
[0074] The host console 102 may enable a casino employee or host to:
= select or change one of the plurality of poker gaines to be played
on one or more of the electronic poker tables 18,
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= select the betting or wager structure to be used (For example, the
poker games may have one of a limit, no-limit, or pot-limit
wagering structure. The host console 102 enables the employee
set the wagering structure for a given electronic poker table 18.),
= select or change other parameters of the electronic poker games,
including, but not limited to time parameters, wager limits,
amounts associated with a big blind and a little blind,
= select whether the electronic poker game is a timed gaine or a
non-timed game,
= modify the predetermined time period for each betting round in a
timed game,
= monitor the number of drinks ordered by a player through the
EPIA 24,
= add notes witli information related to a specific player,
= initiate a replay of a previous hand graphically, textually or
numerically,
= lock out and remove one of the players from the electronic poker
table 18,
= adjust the stack of electronic chips for one or more of the players
(Possibly for correcting any deficiencies and/or settle any disputes
with regard to operation of the electronic poker table 18 or play of
one of the other players)
[0075] Additionally, the host console 102 allows the casino host to pause play
at
one of the electronic poker tables 18, for example, to allow the host to
discuss any issues
any of the players have with regard to the electronic poker game and/or one of
the other
players. The employee may re-start the electronic polcer game when finished.
In another
aspect of the present invention, the host console 102 may allow the host to
restart the
electronic poker table 18 after a fault or fault condition. For example, the
host console
102 may allow the host to restart the EPIA's 24 andlor the CDA 26.
Additionally if the
EPIA's 24 include a separate computer or a separate computer is provided to
drive the
central display area 26, the host console 102 may be adapted to restart or
reboot these
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computers. Moreover, the host console 102 enables the host to "hibernate" a
game. This
may be used for exainple, to pause a game until the next day. A hibernated
game may be
re-started at the same or any other table.
[0076] Referring to Figure 15, the host console 102 is programmed with two
main sections referred to on the touch screen 120 of the host console 102 as a
table tab
122 and a wait list tab 124. When activating or booting-up the host console
102, or when
the host selects the table tab 122 if the console is already activated, a
default or home
screen of the system 10 generally depicts graphically the tables 18 as table
representations 180 (see Figure 18). This depiction generally inarlcs the
beginning of all
the table pages 126 generally programmed under the table tab 122 option.
Selection of
the wait list tab 124 displays a wait list page 128 (see Figure 25). Each one
of the pages
126, 128 on the touch-screen 120 provides a inultitude of options for the host
to select.
When selected, the home pages 126, 128 will generally change the display
configuration
providing additional information for the host and often additional options to
choose from.
For the sake of explanation, and although each page 126, 128 may have a
multitude of
screen displays, all the screen displays with respect to the table tab 122
will be referred to
as one common table page 126. Similarly, each screen with respect to the wait
list tab
124 will be referred to as one common wait list page 128.
[0077] With particular reference to Figure 15, each table 18 may be selected
and
diagnostic information and options are shown on the table page 126 that
includes a table
component list 130, a component parameter list 132, a reset connection button
134, a
restart software button 136, a reboot button 138, a calibrate screen button
140, a back
button 142, and a refresh button144. Because the table page 126 is preferably
one of
many screen displays linked to that illustrated in Figure 15, the back and
refresh buttons
142, 144 provide the host with the ability to generally scroll through various
screen
displays of the table page 126 such as that also illustrated in Figures 16 and
17.
[0078] The table component list 130 includes a list of all coinponents of the
selected table 18, each personal computer 50 (i.e., the "Table Client") and
each module
34 (i.e., the individual seats). Table Client 2 is a backup to Table Client 1
and is
optional. Selection of one of the components of the table 18 in the table
component list
130 displays information regarding the selected component in the component
parameter
list 132.
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[0079] The table component list parameter list 132 preferably includes a:
1. Description Field (e.g., "Table 13, Seat 4");
2. Client Type Field (e.g., Player or Table);
3. Client Status: (Active or Inactive);
4. Connection Status: (Connected or Discomiected);
5. Seat Number (where appropriate);
6. Seat Status (e.g., Open, Reserved, Active);
7. Player Name (when available); and,
8. Player Status (e.g., Active or In-Active).
[0080] The reset comiection button 134 is active when the connection between
the server computer 50 and the component selected in the component list 130 is
discomiected. Selection of the reset connection button 134 may be used to
"ping" the
selected component and attempt to restart the connection therebetween. The
restart
software button 136 maybe used to restart the software on the selected
component if the
component is inactive. For example, either the client software or the
operating software
may be restarted, i.e., a soft reboot. The reboot hardware button 138 may be
used to
restart the selected component, i.e., turn off the selected component and turn
the selected
component back on.
[0081] Because the player interface 54 of the EPIA 24 is preferably a touch-
screen display, it requires running of a calibration routine for first time
use and periodic
calibration routine re-runs thereafter. The selection of the calibrate screen
button 140
will run the calibration routine for the selected EPIA 24. Selection of the
back button
142 will return the screen 120 to a previous state or view. Selection of the
refresh button
144 will refresh all of the information contained on the current screen.
[0082] The table page 126 also includes a stop/pause parameter selection area
146, a move game button 148, a pause game button 150, a stop game button 152,
an auto
deal check button 154, a closed seating check button 156, a use wait list
check button
158, an information/status area, a pair of navigation buttons, and a clear
alert button 164.
The stop/pause parameter selection area 146, located toward the lower left
hand corner of
the screen, is used with either of the pause game button 150 or the stop game
button 152
if the host wants to pause a game or electronic table 18 to make a change or
perform
some other function. The stop/pause paraineter selection area 146 includes the
three
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options of "No Delay," "Minutes," and "Hands." The game or table will be
resumed
when the host is finished. A stopped game ends the play at the table typically
at the end
of the day.
[0083] In the lower right hand corner of the screen illustrated in Figure 15,
the
auto deal check button 154, the closed seating check button 156, and the use
wait list
check button 158 are used to turn on/off the corresponding fiuiction. The
information/status area 160 provides additional information about the selected
component or ajust completed action. The navigation buttons 162 may be used to
cross
between messages in the information/status area 160. The clear alert button
164 is used
to clear alerts generated by players at their respective EPIA's 24A-24J.
[0084] Referring to Figure 17, the table page 126 also displays inforination
regarding the game being played at the selected table of the plurality of
tables 18A-18J.
Preferably, the tables 18A-18J are used to provide a variety of electronic
card gaines,
such as poker, and the host console 102 provides a list of the predefined or
selected card
games. When providing game information, the table page 126 preferably has a
general
section 168, a game play section 170, a rake section 172, and a live action
setting section
174. The general section 168 includes the current game and a description of
the current
game being played on the selected table of the plurality of tables 18A-18J and
any other
needed information associated with the current game. In Figure 17, the
selected game is
"Limit Hold'em $112". The general section 168 includes: type, variation,
stakes, and
jackpots. The game play section 170 describes parameters that affect game
play. In the
illustrated embodiment, the game play section 170 includes: maximum raises per
hand,
action time limit, minimum number of players, and maximum number of players.
The
rake section 172 includes information regarding the current rake. The live
action section
174 includes information regarding wagering. For example, the defined game is
"Limit
Hold'em $1/$2" and the live action section 174 includes information related to
the
blinds, permissible wagers, and the minimum and maximum stakes allowed.
[0085] Referring to Figure 18, the seven table representations 180A-180G of
the
table page 126 is illustrated and preferably includes:
1. The name of the table shown;
2. The game being played at the table (e.g., Limit Hold'em $1/$2 or
no gaine);
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3. The number of hands being played per hour.
[0086] Each graphical table representation 180A-180G may also include the
status of each EPIA 24, for example inactive (indicated by a red "X" or marked
as "No
Game"), active, reserved or out. A reserved EPIA 24 or seat, means that it has
been
assigned to a player and can only be used by that player. The player must log
in to the
reserved or assigned EPIA 24 to begin playing. Typically, the player has a
predetermined amount of time to log-in to the assigned EPIA 24 or the seat 40
becomes
available again.
[0087] Referring to Figure 23 and more particularly to pausing and/or stopping
a
game via the host console 102, the stop/pause parameter selection area 146 is
used to
select how the game will be stopped or paused. To do so, there are three
options: "no
delay," "by minutes," and "by hands." If "no delay" is first selected, then if
the pause
button 150 or the stop game button 152 is selected, the game is immediately
paused or
stopped, respectively. Once a game has been paused, the pause button 150 will
be
replaced with a resume button 150'. Alternatively, if "by minutes" is
selected, then a
minute dialog 184 is displayed (see Figure 20). The minute dialog 184 allows
the host to
enter when the game will be paused or stopped (in minutes) after the
appropriate buttons
are selected. Yet again, if "by hands" is selected, then a hands dialog 186 is
displayed
(see Figure 19). The hands dialog 186 allows the host to enter when the game
will be
paused or stopped (in nuinber of hands of play) after the appropriate buttons
are selected.
[0088] As best illustrated in Figures 21 and 22, each table representation
180A-
180G of the tables 18 can generally be zoomed in upon to display additional or
more
particular information. The screen 120 has a zoom button 188 and a second set
of
navigation buttons 190. With particular reference to Figure 21, with the
graphical table
represeiitations 180 being displayed, a selected table is highlighted by a
colored or
yellow banding 182. The navigation buttons 190 may be used to cycle or move
through
the table representations 180. To zoom in on a table representation 180 of a
table 18, the
host preferably double-clicks on the desired table representation 180 or
selects the zoom
button 188 to zoom in on the selected table representation 180.
[0089] Referring to Figure 22, once a table representation is zoomed in on,
the
table page 126 displays a larger and more detailed graphical table
representation or table
enlargement 192. The table enlargement 192 has a central information area 192A
and a
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plurality of player information areas 192B. The central information area 192A
generally
includes information about the actual table 18, wliich may include: table
identifier, status,
game type, pending status, average pot, hands per hour, average wait time to
get a seat at
the table, and a start time of the current game. The player information areas
192B
generally include the seat number, the status (reserved, occupied, etc),
player name
(where appropriate), the player's stalce, the player's wins/losses for the
current gaine, and
the time player entered the current game.
[0090] Referring to Figure 26, the table page 126 preferably includes a
reserve
(or reserve for player) button 194, a game info button 198, and a diagnostics
button 202.
Selection of the game info button 198 and the diagnostics button 202, will
result in game
information and diagnostics inforination being displayed. As shown in Figures
26-28,
the table page 126 may also include a reserve empty button 204 and a penalize
button
208. The reserve empty button 204 may be used to reserve a seat without
designative a
specific person. The penalize button 208 may be used to adjust a player's
stack or
otherwise penalize a player. An adjust pot button 230 may be used to adjust
the pot of
the current hand.
[0091] The reserve button 194 allows the host via utilization of the host
console
102 to reserve a seat 40 for a specific player. In order to use this button,
the use wait list
check box has to be off and the restricted seating check box has to checked.
This allows
the host to place the specific player ahead of those players on the wait list,
while not
opening the seat 40 to anyone who may attempt to log-in or use the unoccupied
seat.
When the reserve button 194 is selected, an account number dialog 210 is
displayed (see
Figure 27). The account number dialog 210 allows the host to enter the account
number
of the person for whom they are reserving the seat 40. After the account
number has
been entered, a time limit dialog 212 is shown. The time limit dialog 212 (see
Figure 28)
allows the host to designate how long the reservation will last before the
player logs into
the EPIA 24 to secure the seat 40. Once a seat has been reserved, the
reservation and the
player's name will be reflected at the corresponding graphical representation
(see Figure
26 that shows seat 7 reserved for "Greg").
[0092] With particular reference to Figure 24, the screen 120 includes a drop
down list 214. The drop down list 214 includes a list of all games which may
be played
on the tables 18. Selecting "all" on the drop down list will display graphical
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representations of all of the tables 18. Selecting one of the games in the
drop down list
214 will display graphical representations of only those tables which are
playing that
selected game.
[0093] With particular reference to Figure 25, the wait list page 128 includes
an
information section 216 for each type of game that may be played on the tables
18. Each
information section 216 includes inforination related to the game and the wait
list for
that game. In the illustrated embodiment, the information section includes:
1. the number of tables playing the game;
2. the number of players sat in a given interval; and,
3. the number of players in the queue (i.e., the wait list).
[0094] The information section 216 may also include a queue active check box
and an allow entry check box, which allow the employee to turn the wait list
on/off for
given game and to allow/disallow additional players to be added to the wait
list for a
given game, respectively.
[0095] With particular reference to Figure 29, a tournament chop page 218 is
illustrated which is used only during tournaments and allows the host to stop
tournament
play prematurely, i.e., before only one player is left, and split the
remaining pot or table
stakes. The tournament chop page 218 includes a series of check boxes 220 that
allow
the host to designate how the pot or jackpot will be split. In the illustrated
embodiment,
there are three options: split manually, split even, or split by table
stalces. If split
manually is chosen, the corresponding amounts are entered in a virtual key pad
222. The
tournament chop page 218 may also include a refund rake check box 224. A
cancel
button 225 allows the employee to cancel the current operation and return to a
previous
screen. A stop & chop now button 226 stops the current tournament and splits
the pot as
designated.
[0096] Additional features of the host console 102 are described in the
following
concurrently filed U.S. Patent Applications all of which are herein
incorporated by
reference in their entirety:
US Patent Application Serial No. N/A (Atty. Docket No. 60,667-062);
US Patent Application Serial No. N/A (Atty. Docket No. 60,667-063);
US Patent Application Serial No. N/A (Atty. Docket No. 60,667-064);
US Patent Application Serial No. N/A (Atty. Docket No. 60,667-065);
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US Patent Application Serial No. N/A (Atty. Docket No. 60,667-067); and
US Patent Application Serial No. N/A (Atty. Docket No. 60,667-068).
VIII. Hospitality Attributes and Peripheral Features
[0097] Generally, because the EPIAs 24 and the host console 102 of the
electronic gaming system 10 are software-based, various attributes and
features not
common in traditional forms of gaming are obtainable. For instance, the need
for a
player to approach a traditional cage with cash or personal credit, to obtain
physical and
sometimes cumbersome playing chips from a cage manager is no longer a
necessity.
Moreover, during the course of a game, player diversions such as a player's
desire to
attract a waitress for a drink or food can be reduced or substantially
eliminated.
Furthermore, inappropriate behavior from fellow players can be anonymously
reported to
floor managers by fellow players, or even prevented before they occur by
monitoring
alcohol consumption. Yet further, monitoring of players and the game can
better detect
potential collusion and cheating by selected players that would be to the
disadvantage of
other players. In essence, novel hospitality and peripheral features 232 of
the present
invention can increase the efficient and pleasurable playing of a game for the
benefit of
the players and the casino or establishment that provides the gaming
environment.
a. Logging-in/out and Coiitrolling Player Accounts:
[0098] As best illustrated in Figure 30 and in operation, the gaming system 10
will iinplement a player-account based cash in/cash out system of the
hospitality feature
232. The hospitality feature 232 will create a user account 234 for each
player. Once an
account is established for the player, the player is preferably issued a
player card 236
having an associated personal identiflcation number or PIN 238. Once the
player has
been issued the card, their account may be funded 240. The player card is used
to both
fund and identify the player at the tables 18. The player may fund their
account by
bringing cash to a cage, where the cash is accepted and credited to the
player's account.
Printed receipts are given to the player and maintained by the casino 12. To
bring
electronic chips to the table 18, the player chooses 241 an EPIA 24 and sits
down at an
associated seat 40, swipes their player card 242 and enters their PIN 244. The
hospitality
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feature 232 informs the player of their account balance and allows them to
convert all or
a portion of the account balance to electronic chips 246 to bring to the game.
[0099] Referring to Figure 9 and 30, the module 34 preferably has a card
reader
36 for reading the player card. As previously described, the player may log
into the
gaming system 10 through the EPIA 24 preferably by swiping the card 242
through the
card reader 36. Additionally, the card reader 36 may be integrated into the
bezel (not
shown) located around the module 34. The EPIA 24 may also require entry of the
personal identification number 244 into an attached keypad or virtual keypad
displayed
on the player interface 54. Alternatively or in addition, the player may log-
in using a
biometric parameter, such as a fingerprint, sensed by a sensor and a RFID card
or chip.
Once a player's identity is established, the player can access a preferably
required player
account and purchase chips 246 using the account balance communicated over the
network. The player account may have an associated balance that contains a
dollar
amount based on an amount of money deposited by the player and/or any winnings
that
they have collected, either through poker or some other game. Additionally,
information
regarding the player's play at the table 18 may be tracked and recorded 248 to
the
player's account.
[00100] In one aspect of the present invention, the gaining system 10 may
utilize a
cashless system, such as Ticket-In Ticket-Out (TITO), that is constructed and
arranged
into each EPIA 24. Alternatively, a preferably bar-coded ticket, magnetic
card, RFID
card, or some other media (jointly referred to as a TICKET) may be inserted in
the EPIA
24. The TICKET may have an associated value that is either printed and/or
encoded
thereon or that is associated with the TICKET in the gaming system 10.
Additionally,
once the player decides to leave the table 18, any remaining chips they have,
may be
instantly converted back into dollars and stored 250 in their player account
and/or a new
Ticket preferably generated at the table 18.
[00101] The player interface 54 of the EIPA 24 preferably includes a series of
player buttons 72. The player buttons 72 include, for example, a sit-in button
72A, a
leave table button 72B, and an options button 72C. Generally, only one of the
sit-in
button 72A and the leave table button 72B would be active at any time. The
options
button 72C allows the player to access an option menu or screen (not shown)
that allows
the player to modify certain paraineters of the player interface 54, such as
for example, to
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choose between different formats of the player interface 54 (i.e. graphical
display or text
display). The player buttons 72 are preferably implemented on the touch screen
display
54, or alternatively, can be embodied in electro-mechanical switches or
buttons (not
shown).
[00102] Regarding the leave table button 72B, a player may decide to
activate/select 255 this feature when the player decides to change seats or
move to
another table altogether 252 but without necessarily logging out from the game
itself (i.e.
cashing in chips). For example, if another player or players have left the
table 181eaving
fewer players at the table and the player does not like to play at a table
with that few of
players, the player may request through the EPIA 24 another seat assignment at
which
point the player leaves 257.
[00103] Typically, a player who has left the table to talce a break or for any
reason
may return as long as they pay any missed blinds. Moreover, a player who
intends to
leave temporarily can have another player generally sit-in for the departing
player by
selection of the sit-in button 72C, thus avoiding the payment of any missed
blinds. As
shown in Figures 26-28 and 30, when the departing player selects 255 the leave
table
button 72B, the hospitality feature 232 activates 259 the sit-in button 72A.
The new or
replacement player may then select 261 the activated sit-in button 72A and
begin play of
the game until the departing player returns 263. For instances where the
departing player
does not return and does not have a sit-in replacemeiit, the table page 126 of
the host
console 102 preferably includes an unseat button 206. If the departing player
does not
return to the table in a prescribed amount of time or number of hands, the
host may
choose to replace 254 the departed player and thus select 265 the unseat
button 206.
[00104] Preferably, after ajackpot is won by a player 256 or the player
chooses to
log-out 258, one or more government reporting forms may be presented 260 to
the player
on their EPIA 24. The form may accept the player's electronic signature (if
permissible)
or may notify the player of the requirements and direct them to a location
where they can
fill out the form. The device may be a personal, notebook, or tablet computer,
handheld
computer, PDA, or other suitable device.
b. Monitoring Pla ers:
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[00105] Other functions may be provided by the hospitality feature 232
througli
the host console 102. For example, as discussed above, players may choose 241
or be
assigned to one of the EPIAs 24. The system 10 may require that the assigned
player
log-in 242, 244 to the assigned EPIA 24. The hospitality feature 232 of the
system 10,
possibly through the host console 102 or the server coinputer 50 allows the
host to list
previous or current players in a database. When any player logs in to a game,
a signal is
sent 245 to the host console 102. This signal causes the feature 232 to search
247 the
database. If the player is located in the database 249 the host console 102 or
server
computer 50 initiates a trigger event 262 based on the particular player
found. The
trigger event preferably alerts the host through the host console 102 who may
then
choose to act 251 accordingly. Depending upon this action, the player listed
in the
database may continue with play of the game as the system records the history
of play
248. Even if the host chooses 251 not to act upon a triggering event, the host
is at least
aware that the listed player is currently located and playing at the
respective EPIA 24. If
the player logging in is not found 253 in the database, the player merely
continues with
play of the game and the system records the history of play 248 without
alerting the host
to potential problems.
[00106] In one aspect of the present invention and as stated above, the
hospitality
feature 232 of the system 10 tracks each transaction, wager, card dealt in a
database. The
feature 232 also tracks the players which are playing at each table 18. This
information
is stored 248 in the database, summarized, and may be presented in any
numerous forms
of reporting formats. Any information regarding the player's, the games, and
how each
hand is played may be tracked. This available data may also be analyzed for
purposes of
determining the frequency of poker hands (per hour) for a table or all games
in which a
particular player or players played or detecting, e.g., collusion between
players.
c. Monitoring/Recording the Game:
[00107] The hospitality feature 232 through the host console 102 is preferably
used to monitor play 264 at any one of the electronic poker tables 18 and
establishes a
value associated with the rate of play of hands at the associated table 18.
This may be
done by establishing when a hand of the electronic poker game is dealt and the
time a
winner is determined and the pot awarded to the winner. If the rate of play of
hands is
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below a predetermined value 266, theii the host via the host console 102 can
be signaled
via a message or alert (audio and/or visual) 268 on the host console 102. In
response, the
host may wish to observe play 270 at the electronic poker table 18.
[00108] Referring to Figure 16, the table page 126 displays the game history
of a
selected table of the plurality of tables 18A-18J preferably displayed in a
list 166. The
list 166 includes a line item for each action that has occurred on the
selected table with a
time stamp.
[00109] Referring to Figure 26, the table page 126 preferably includes a
history
button 200 that when selected displays history information of past play.
d. Summons Request by the Player:
[00110] Preferably, the EPIA 24 provides a player with virtual buttons that
summon or direct specific employees of the casino 12. For example the player
may
request a host/hostess to order a drink. Additionally, the player may
anonymously
request that an employee review something that occurred or is occurring at the
table 18
(e.g. possible collusion). The alert may be anonymous, and is a request for
the host to
come and observe a table 18. The alert appears on the host console 102. If the
alert is
anonymous, there will preferably be no indication of which player created the
alert on the
host console 102.
IX. General Process and Software
[00111] With particular reference to Figure 14, in another aspect of the
present
invention, a method 110 provides an electronic poker game to a plurality of
players on at
the electronic poker table 18 using the host console 102 and the server
computer 50. In a
first step 112, the host console 102 preferably configures the EPIA's 24 and
the central
display area 26 and establishes parameters of the electronic poker game. In a
second step
114, the electronic poker game is administered by the server computer 50 using
electronic cards and chips.
[00112] From a software perspective, the gaming system 10 may be implemented
using six program groups: a table server, a gaine engine, a table client, a
player client, a
table manager, and a cage manager. The table server implements the network
communication, control and authentication as well as inter-table functions
(seat
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reservations, inulti-table tournaments). The game engine is responsible for
all game
functions, e.g., electronic playing card deck generation, dealing, betting,
determining
wimiers and awarding pots. The table client is the graphical control for the
CDA 26.
The player client iinplements the user interface for the EPIA 24 and the logic
for
capturing player input and communication the player input to the table client
server. The
table manager contains the host interface for setting user, network, and game
parameters,
for starting, pausing, and stopping games, and for monitoring game activity
and
responding to system or user generated alerts. The cage manager provides the
ability to
create and fund player accounts and to create the Player Cards.
[00113] If there are no seats 40 available, the player is placed in a queue,
until a
seat opens up. In one embodiment, players are taken off of the queue and
assigned a seat
on a first come, first served basis. However, the system 10 may allow the
casino 12 to
implement special rules for players to bypass the queue or list. For example,
the casino
may present vouchers to players under certain conditions, such as a win in a
tournament,
to be placed at the head of a queue.
[00114] The system 10 allows jackpots, i.e., progressive jackpots, to be
generated
by and won across multiple hands and/or multiple tables. A progressive jackpot
may
increase based on the amounts wagered and/or won at the included tables. The
progressive jackpot may continue to increase until won under a set of
predetermined
conditions. Alternatively, it may be active until only for a predetermined
time period.
The conditions for winning the jackpot that it is won by one or more players
at the end of
the time period.
[00115] The system 10 allows a progressive j aclcpot to be funded in multiple
ways.
The way in which a progressive jackpot is funded may be funded through a
computer
program application on the server 50 or other device. For example, the
progressive
jackpot may be funded by taking a set percentage from every jaclcpot, every
other
j ackpot, or every nth j ackpot. The amount of the progtessive j aclcpot may
be displayed on
the CDA 26 and/or a remote display.
[00116] The progressive jackpot may be initiated randomly, under certain
definable conditions, andlor for a specific event, i.e., a marlceting event.
The progressive
jackpot may be a single hand, a predetermined number of hands at one table or
across
multiple hands, for a predetermined time period, and the like.
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X. Tournament Play
[001171 The system 10 facilitates tournament play. In a tournament, a
predetermined number of tables 18 having a predetermined number of players are
involved. A buy-in, e.g., $100 is required. Typically, after a player loses
all of their
money, they are eliminated from the tournament.
[001181 Under predetermined rules, players may register for a tournament and
be
assigned to seats at a table. During play, under predetermined rules, tables
may be
broken down and the players distributed to other tables. The system 10
facilitates the
tournament by providing one or more of the following features:
a) registration
b) tracking tournament information
c) display of tournament information on central display and/or
remote display
d) tournament set-up, e.g., buy-in
e) re buy-in
f) tournament jackpot, cash or entry voucher for entry another
tournament (specific tournament or expiration date)
g) Process for breaking tables:
(1) message that table is brealcing
(2) convey new seat assignment
(3) determination of breaking order
(4) display of breaking order
h) display information on status of other tables and players at other
tables
i) System to monitor and adjust hands per hour of an individual
table during a tournament: During a poker tournament it is
important that each table play roughly the same number of hands
per hour as all other tables. This can be accomplished by pausing
a game and/or slowing a game down with out pausing.
j) multi-site tournaments
k) system for automatically paying players tournament winnings
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based on tournament pay tables and their final position in the
tournament
1) automatic posting of blinds and method to turn on and off of
automatic posting of blinds/missed blinds
m) method for automatically calculating allowed bet amounts in pot-
limit and no-limit betting structures
n) automatic varying of rake based upon number of players, time of
day, type of game and/or other criteria
o) ability to offer rake discounts to individual players
p) transferring a player from one seat to another at the same table, or
to another: Situations exist where are forced to ("must move") or
desire to move seats. This feature provides automatic notification
and movement of player information from one seat to another.
q) database and network architecture allowing single and multi-site
networking and management of a plurality of automated poker
r) tracking and reporting of player statistics: Data and method of
display over the internet and/or other methods for player to
analyze their previous play statistics. In another embodiment date
and method of display is utilized to determine player rankings for
a given game and/or over a given time period
s) ability to view available tables and register for live tables and/or
tournaments via a remote connection such as the internet or an
automated voice response unit
t) options adjust speed of play(speed of card shuffling, dealing,
discarding, betting, etc.)
u) electronically transfer money from an account to the table
v) electronically transfer money to another
w) use of "cash card" to bring money to the table
x) ability for operator to view details of any and all tables
y) ability for operator to view details of any and all players
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XI. Virtual Gamin~
[00119] In one aspect of the present invention, remote or virtual games may be
provided by the system 10. The remote or virtual games may be provided on
wireless
devices and may be played at predetermined locations.
[00120] Virtual games may also be provided through the EPIAs 24. For example,
the virtual or remote games may be played by the polcer players when it is not
their turn.
The virtual or remote games may be another poker hand, played against other
players, at
the table or at other tables, or played against virtual players.
Alternatively, the remote or
virtual games may be other types of games, including, but not limited to
blackjack, keno,
slot machines, and the like.
[00121] In addition to running other casino games on EPIA 24 or other
terminals,
system can be run on other gaming devices throughout the casino. For example,
a virtual
poker game can be run on an existing electronic bingo ternlinal or an
electronic race book
terminal.
XII. Alternative Embodiments
[00122] While the forms of the invention herein disclosed constitute presently
preferred embodiments, many others are possible. It is not intended to mention
all the
possible equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood
that the
terms used herein are merely descriptive rather than limiting, and that
various changes
can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
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