Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A HOST CONSOLE FOR
ADJUST A POT OR CHIP STACK OF A PLAYER OF AN ELECTRONIC
CARD GAME
FIELD OF THE 1NVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a system and method for
providing host consoles features in a host console for use with an electronic
card game.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Gaming is an increasingly popular forin 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 other venue or on the Internet. Of the
various forms of
games that are available for play, many utilize playing cards. Of these,
polcer 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 form of
poker
requires a human dealer to coordinate the game, including dealing, wagering,
folding,
and the lilce. In "social" card games, especially polcer, the players take
turns acting as the
dealer, but in licensed commercial gaining 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 tliem.
[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 gaming is fast
and
convenient, witll registration, betting and payouts available froni almost any
coniputer
with internet access and with payments typically arranged via a credit card.
Yet further,
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poker or other card games may also be provided by stand-alone machines similar
to slot
machines.
[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 wheii people compete directly against one another and face-
to-face.
In gaming establishments, experienced players are trying to hone strategy and
read other
players' intentions through their movements and style of play to be more
competitive.
[0006] The prior art includes electronic card tables or games which utilize
virtual
card and/or chips. As with card games with a normal deck of cards,
disagreements as to
the an action talcen by one or more of the players and/or the dealt cards may
arise. In a
normal card game, the memories of the participants (players and dealer) must
be relied
on. In such disputes, the chips stacks and/or pot may require adjustment to
resolve the
dispute.
[0007] The present invention is aimed at one or more of the problems set forth
above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In a first aspect of the present invention, a host console for use with
an
electronic card table is provided. The electronic card table has a playing
surface, a
plurality of electronic player interaction areas located around a periphery of
the table, and
a game computer, Each electronic player interaction area provides a player
interface for
interaction with one of the players. The game computer administers one or more
hands
of an electronic card game on the table and is coupled to the plurality of
electronic player
interaction areas. The host console includes a host display for displaying
infoimation to
a host, a host user interface for receiving host input, and a host controller
coupled to the
host display and the host user interface for
[0009] In a second aspect of the present invention, a method for providing
information
to a host related to an electronic card table is provided. The electronic card
table
includes a plurality of electronic player interaction areas and a game
computer. Each
electronic player interaction area provides a player interface for interaction
with a player.
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The game computer provides an electronic card game to the players. The method
includes the steps of providing a host console coupled to the electronic poker
table,
receiving information from the host via a user interface of the host console,
and.
[0010] In a third aspect of the present invention, a system for providing an
electronic
card game to a plurality of players is provided. The system includes an
electronic card
table having a table top with a playing surface, a plurality of electronic
player interaction
areas located around a periphery of the table top and a game computer. Each
electronic
player interaction area provides a player interface for interaction with one
of the players.
The game computer is coupled to the plurality of electronic player interaction
areas for
administering a plurality of hands of an electronic card game. The system
further
includes a host console coupled to the game computer for.
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 gaining 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 polcer 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;
[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 poker table;
[0019] Figure 8 is a partial block diagram of the gaming system associated
with
a plurality of poker tables;
[0020] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the electronic player interaction
area in a
module form with headphones;
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[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 diagrain 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 fifth table tab image displayed on the video screen of
the
host console;
[0031] Figure 20 is a hand dialog displayed on the video screen of the host
console;
[0032] Figure 21 is a minutes dialog 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;
[0034] Figure 23 is a seventh 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 ninth table tab image displayed on the video screen of
the
host console;
[0037] Figure 26 is a tenth table tab image displayed on the video screen of
the
host console;
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[0038] Figure 27 is an eleventh table tab image displayed on the video screen
of
the host console;
[0039] Figure 28 is a first wait list tab image displayed on the video screen
of the
host console;
[0040] Figure 29 is a twelfth table tab image displayed on the video screen of
the
host console;
[0041] Figure 30 is an account number dialog displayed on the video screen of
the host console;
[0042] Figure 31 is a time limit dialog displayed on the video screen of the
host
console;
[0043] Figure 32 is a tournament chop page image displayed on the video screen
of the host console; and,
[0044] Figure 33 is a replay hand dialog, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0045] In the illustrated embodiment and as best shown in Figures 1-4, an
electronic gaming system 10 and method of operation embodies 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 lcnown as Texas Hold'em. However, the present invention is not limited to
any
particular card game.
1. The Game
[0046] Referring 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 laiown as a player's "hole" cards 28 and are generally placed
directly in
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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 the common cards
30.
A player's hand, thus, consists of the player's hole cards 28 and the cominon
cards 30.
At the end of play of a particular hand, whichever player holds the highest
poker hand is
the winner of that round or hand of poker.
[0047] 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 otlier 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 nuinber 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'ein style poker game), the present invention is not limited to such a
card game.
[0048] Furthermore, the polcer or card game can be a timed game, i.e., the
player's have a predetermined time period to complete each turn. For example,
the
player's have a set period of one ininute to complete each turn, or, the
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 taken 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 predetermined time period for
each
betting round may be automatically modified by the system 10.
[0049] 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 pattern 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
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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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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
tlirough 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
[0052] 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 polcer 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
[0053] 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
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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.
[0054] Although the EPIA's 24 and CDA 26 are generally coinputer generated
visual displays, thus authentic playing cards are not utilized, the electronic
poker tables
of the gaining 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
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 information, advertisements,
amiouncements, 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
[0055] 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 caii
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).
[0056] 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-
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functional computer (not shown) and is thus easily removable and replaced from
the
polcer table 18. The coinputer includes a processor capable of rumling 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) Card Reader and Player Account:
[0057] Referring to Figure 9, the module 34 preferably has a card reader 36
for
reading a player traclcing card (not shown). A player may log into the gaming
system 10
through the EPIA 24 preferably by swiping the card 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 a personal
identification
number 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 using an account balance communicated over a networlc. 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 to the player's account.
[0058] In one aspect of the present invention, the gaming system 10 may
utilize a
cashless system, such as Ticket-In Ticket-Out (TITO), that is constructed and
arranged
iiito 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 in their player account
andlor a new
Ticket preferably generated at the table 18.
b) Controller
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[0059] 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 interprets
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, wliile maintaining them secret
from the
other players.
c) Visual Player Interface
[0060] Referring to Figures 5-6, preferably the player interface 54 includes a
graphical representation 56 of a polcer 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 cliips 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.
[0061] In one embodiment, 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 community 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.
[0062] The player interface 54 preferably includes a series of player buttons
72
and a series of game buttons 74. The player buttons 72 include, for exainple,
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 parameters of the player interface 54,
such as for
exalnple, to choose between different formats of the player interface 54 (i.e.
graphical
display or text display). The player buttons 72 are preferably implemented oii
the touch
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screen display 54, or alternatively, can be embodied in electro-mechanical
switches or
buttons (not shown).
[0063] Regarding the leave table button 72B, a player may decide to activate
this
feature when the player decides to change seats or move to another table
altogether. 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 assignmeiit.
[0064] The series of game buttons 74 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 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 malce 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.
[0065] 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 drinlc. Additionally, the player may
anonymously
request that an employee review something that occurred or is occurring at the
table 18
(e.g. possible collusion).
[0066] Preferably, the player interface 54 also displays the community cards
30.
Other information that can be displayed on the player interface include, but
is not limited
to, an indication (visual icon and/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, and/or
messages to
the player, such as advertising.
[0067] 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
lulown 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
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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.
[0068] In addition, or alternatively, to the common cards 30 displayed by the
CDA 26, each EPIA preferably includes a graphical representation of the
community
cards in the middle of the graphical representation 56 of the poker table 18.
Graphical
representations of the other 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.
[0069] Other attributes of the EPIA's 24 may include:
= 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
(Poker is a sequential game. Situations exist where a player will know
what action they want to take 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).
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d) Audio Player Interface:
[0070] 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 spealcers. 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
game 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.
e) Physical Structure of the EPIA:
[0071] 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 relatively flush witll 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 Display Area and Audio
[0072] 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
common 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 coimnon 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
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that the common cards 30 are displayed larger than the hole cards 28.
Alternatively, the
first and second ratios can be the saine.
[0073] 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, inusical 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 speakers.
[0074] In other card games other than Texas Hold'em, community 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 predetermined locations on the central display
38 for
varied durations as the CDA cycles through a plurality of advertising
messages.
[0075] In general, the CDA 26 is preferably capable of displaying and/or
animating:
= blinds,
= community 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
= ralce in dollars or virtual chips.
[0076] 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
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device may be implemented by one or more speakers mounted to the table 18.
Alternatively, the table sound generation device may include one or inore
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 wiiuiing of the jackpot. Player
sounds may
include a reminder 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 Computer
[0077] 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
a dedicated 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
slcilled 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
coinputers, reduces manufacturing costs of the gaming system 10.
[0078] 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 tuniing the
tables on and off
and modifying table parameters), and progressive j aclcpots. In general, the
server 50 rusls
the game wherein the server 50 electronically "sliuffles" 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 ralce. 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,
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= 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 jackpots, including the house percentage or ralce,
= defining and managing progressive jaclcpots,
= establishing and managing a queue for players and assigning players to
seats 40 and/or specific tables 18 from the queue, and
= establishing and managing tournament play, including assigning player
seats, collapsing tables, and the like.
[0079] 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
[0080] 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 einbodied in a
separate
computer, such as a personal computer, connected or networlced (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
coinputer,
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.
[0081] 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
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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
coinputer 52 via the server 50.
[0082] The host console 102 may enable a casino employee or host to:
= select or change one of the plurality of polcer games to be played on one
or more of the electronic poker tables 18,
= 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 game or a non-timed
game,
= modify the predetermined time period for each betting round in a timed
game,
= monitor the number of drinlcs ordered by a player through the EPIA 24,
= add notes with 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)
[0084] Other functions may be provided by the host console 102. For example,
as
discussed above, players may be assigned to one of the EPIAs 24. The system 10
may
require that the assigned player log-in to the assigned EPIA 24. The system
10, possibly
through the host console 102 or the server computer 50 allows the host to
define a trigger
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event based on a particular player. The host console 102 may monitor the
players who
log on, and produce a signal if a designated player logs on. Thus, an
employee, in
response to the signal is aware that the designated player is currently
located and playing
at the respective EPIA 24.
[0085] The host console 102 is preferably used to monitor play 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 below a predetermined value,
then the
employee via the host console 102 can be signaled via a message or alert
(audio and/or
visual) on the host console 102. In response, the host may wish to observe
play at the
electronic poker table 18.
[0086] 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 poker 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 and/or 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 36, the host console 102 may be adapted to restart or
reboot these
computers.
[0087] Preferably, a player may create an alert to the host console 102
through their
EPIA 24. 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 be no indication of which player created the alert on the host console
102.
Preferably, the host console 102 enables the host to "hibernate" a game. This
may be
used for example, to pause a game until the next day. A hibernated game may be
re-
started at the same or any other table.
[0088] 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
wlien the host
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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 marks the beginning of all the table
pages 128
generally programmed under the table tab 122 option. Selection of the wait
list tab 124
displays a wait list page 128 (see Figure 28). Each one of the pages 126, 128
on the
touch-screen 120 provides a multitude 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
salce 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
refeiTed to as one
common table page 126. Similarly, each screen witll respect to the wait list
tab 124 will
be referred to as one common wait list page 128.
[0089] 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 button 134, a
restart software
button 136, a reboot button 138, a calibrate screen button 140, a back button
142, and a
refresh button 144. Because the table page 126 is preferably one of many
screen displays
linlced 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.
[0090] The table component list 130 includes a list of all components 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.
[0091] The able 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 Disconnected);
5. Seat Number (where appropriate);
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6. Seat Status (e.g., Open, Reserved, Active);
7. Player Name (when available); and,
8. Player Status (e.g., Active or In-Active).
[0092] The reset connection button 134 is active when the connection between
the server computer 50 and the component selected in the component list 130 is
disconnected. Selection of the reset connection 134 may be used to "ping" the
selected
component and attempt to restart the connection therebetween. The restart
software
button 136 may be 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.
[0093] Because the player interface 54 of the EPIA 24 is preferably a touch-
screen display, it requires rumiing 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.
[0094] 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 156 or the stop game
button 158
if the host wants to pause a game or electronic table 18 to make a change or
perform
some other function. The stop/pause parameter selection area 146 includes the
three
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.
[0095] 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 fttnction. The
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inforination/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 infoimation/status area 160. The clear alert button
164 is used
to clear alerts generated by players at their respective EPIA's 24A-24J.
[0096] 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.
[0097] Referring to Figure 17, the table page 126 also displays information
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 games,
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 ralce 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 $1/$2". The general section 168 includes: type, variation,
stakes, and
jaclcpots. 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 minimuni and maximum stakes allowed.
[0098] 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 game);
3. The number of hands being played per hour.
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[0099] Each graphical table representation 180A-180G may also include the
status of each EPIA 24, for example inactive (indicated by a red "X" or
marlced 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.
[00100] Referring to Figure 26 and more particularly to pausing andlor
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 iminediately
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 21). 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 20). The hands dialog 186 allows the host to enter when the game
will be
paused or stopped (in number of hands of play) after the appropriate buttons
are selected.
[00101] Referring to Figures 19, and more particular to the present invention,
the
gaming system 10 via the host console 102 has the capability to move a game in
mid-
play from one table 18 to another previously inactive table. When an
electronic game is
so moved, the game in it's current state along with the players are relocated
in their
totality from one electronic table to another. Preferably, the seating
arrangement of the
players remain the same when moving games in mid-play between tables.
[00102] As best illustrated in Figures 22-25, 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 22, with the graphical table
representations 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
tlirough
the table representations 180. To zoom in on a table representation 180 of a
table 18, the
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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.
[00103] Referring to Figure 23, 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
plurality of player information areas 192B. The central information area 192A
generally
includes information about the actual table 18, which 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 stake, the player's wins/losses for the
current game, and
the time player entered the current game.
[00104] Referring to Figure 29, the table page 126 preferably includes a
reserve
(or reserve for player) button 194, a game info button 198, a history button
200 and a
diagnostics button 202. Selection of the game info button 198, the history
button 200,
and the diagnostics button 202, will result in game information, history
information, and
diagnostics information being displayed. As shown in Figures 29-3 l, the table
page 126
may also include a reserve empty button 204, an unseat button 206, and a
penalize button
208. The reserve empty button 204 may be used to reserve a seat without
designative a
specific person. The unseat button 206 may be used to remove a player. 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.
[00105] 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 30). The account number dialog 210 allows the host to enter the account
nuinber
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 31)
allows the host to designate how long the reservation will last before the
player logs into
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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 29 that shows seat 7 reserved for "Greg").
[00106] Typically, a player who has left the table to take or break or for any
reason
may return as long as they pay any missed blinds. However, the other players
may want
another player to sit in. The unseat button 206 allows the host to remove a
player from
the table after the player has left their seat for an amount of time or a
number of hands
(without logging out).
[00107] With particular reference to Figure 27, 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
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.
[00108] With particular reference to Figure 28, the wait list page 128
includes an
information section 216 for each type of gaine that may be played on the
tables 18. Each
infoimation section 216 includes information related to the game and the wait
list for
that game. In the illustrated embodiment, the infonnation 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).
[00109] The information section 216 may also include a queue active check box
and an allow entry check box, which allow the employee to tuni 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.
[00110] With particular reference to Figure 32, 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
stalces. The tournainent chop page 218 includes a series of check boxes 220
that allow
the host to designate how the pot or jaclcpot will be split. In the
illustrated embodiment,
there are three options: split manually, split even, or split by table stakes.
If split
manually is chosen, the corresponding amounts are entered in a virtual key pad
222. The
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tournament chop page 218 may also include a refund ralce check box 224. A
cancel
button 224 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.
[00111] 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 Applicatioii Serial No. N/A (Atty. Docket No. 60,667-064);
US Patent Application Serial No. N/A (Atty. Docket No. 60,667-066);
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. General Process and Software
[00112] 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 polcer 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.
[00113] In operation, the gaming system 10 will implement a player-account
based
cash in/cash out system. The system 10 will create a user account for each
player. Once
an account is established for the player, the player is issued a Player Card
having an
associated personal identification number or PIN. Once the player has been
issued a
Player Card, their account may be funded. The Player Card is used to 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 sits down at a seat 40, swipes their Player Card and enters their PIN.
The system
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informs the player of their account balance and allows them to convert all or
a portion
of the account balance to electronic chips to bring to the game.
[00114] From a software perspective, the gaming system 10 may be implemented
using six program groups: a table server, a game engine, a table client, a
player client, a
table manager, and a cage manager. The table server implements the networlc
communication, control and authentication as well as inter-table functions
(seat
reservations, multi-table tournaments). The game engine is responsible for all
game
functions, e.g., electronic playing card deck generation, dealing, betting,
deterinining
winners and awarding pots. The table client is the graphical control for the
CDA 26.
The player client implements 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.
[00115] If there are no seats 40 available, the player is placed in a queue,
until a
seat opens up. In one embodiment, players are talcen 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
toumament,
to be placed at the head of a queue.
[00116] In one aspect of the present invention and as stated above, the system
10
tracks each transaction, wager, card dealt in a database. The system 10 also
tracks the
players which are playing at each table 18. This information is stored in the
database,
summarized, and may be presented in any numerous forms of reporting fonnats.
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 puiposes of deteimining
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.
[00117] The system 10 allows jaelcpots, i.e., progressive jaelcpots, to be
generated
by and won across multiple hands and/or multiple tables. A progressive
jaclcpot may
increase based on the amounts wagered and/or won at the included tables. The
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progressive jaclcpot 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 wimling the jaclcpot that it is won by one or more players
at the end of
the time period.
[00118] 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
jaclcpot may be funded by talcing a set percentage from every jaclcpot, every
other
jaclcpot, or every ntl' jaclcpot. The amount of the progressive jaclcpot may
be displayed on
the CDA 26 and/or a remote display.
[00119] The progressive jaclcpot may be initiated randomly, under certain
definable conditions, and/or for a specific event, i.e., a marketing 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.
[00120] Preferably, after a jackpot is won by a player, one or more government
reporting forms may be presented 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 coinputer, handheld computer, PDA, or
other
suitable device.
IX. Tournament Play
[001211 The system 10 facilitates tournament play. In a tournament, a
predeterinined 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.
[00122] 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
toui7iament by providing one or more of the following features:
a) registration
b) tracking tournalnent information
c) display of tournament information on central display and/or remote
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display
d) tournament set-up, e.g., buy-in
e) re buy-in
f) tournament jaclcpot, cash or entry voucher for entry another tournament
(specific tournament or expiration date)
g) Process for brealcing tables:
(1) message that table is brealcing
(2) convey new seat assigmnent
(3) determination of brealcing order
(4) display of breaking order
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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 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
networlcing 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 einbodiment date and method of display is
utilized to determine player ranltings 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 sliuffling, dealing, discarding,
betting, etc.)
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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
X. Virtual Gamin~
[00123] 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.
[00124] Virtual games may also be provided through the EPIAs 24. For example,
the virtual or remote games may be played by the poker 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.
[00125] 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 terminal or an
electronic race book
terminal.
XI. Adjusting Chip Stacks
[00126] In one aspect of the present invention, the system 10 provides a host
console 102 for use with one or more electronic card tables 18. The host
console 102
may allow the host to adjust a player's chip stack, i.e., the amount of chips
or funds a
player has at the table.
[00127] Each electronic card table 18 has a playing surface 22, a plurality of
electronic player interaction areas 24 located around a periphery of the table
18, and a
game (or server) computer 50, 94. Each electronic player interaction area 24
provides a
player interface 54 for interaction with one of the players. The game computer
50, 94
administers the electronic card table 19 and is coupled to the plurality of
electronic player
interaction areas 24. The host console 10 includes a host display 102A for
displaying
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information to a host, i.e., typically, an employee of the casino, a host user
interface
102B for receiving user input, and a host controller 102C coupled to the host
display
102A and the host user interface 102B for displaying information related to
the electronic
card table 18 and/or the electronic player interaction areas 24 on the host
display 102A in
response to host input received via the host user interface 102B. As discussed
above, in
one embodiment, the host console 102 may be a tablet computer with a
touchscreen
display. However, any suitable device may be used.
[00128] In one embodiment, the host user interface 102B receives host input
indicating that a player's chip stack needs to be adjusted. In one embodiment,
the
player's chip stack is adjusted by refunding all or a portion of one or more
of a player's
wagers from the pot.
[00129] Typically, a player's chip stack will be adjusted based on an event
that
occurred during the current hand being played, and thus, an amount will be
refunded
from the pot of the current hand. However, the host console 102 may also be
able to
adjust a player's chip stack for an event in a prior hand.
[00130] In one embodiment, the current hand of the electronic card game will
be
paused while the refund is being performed.
[00131] In one embodiment, the player whose stack has been adjusted is
automatically folded from the current hand.
[00132] With particular reference to Figures 29 and 33-35, in the illustrated
embodiment, witli one of the seats, i.e., electronic player interaction areas
24, selected,
actuation of the adjust pot button 260 will cause a first refund dialog 300 to
be displayed
(see Figure 33). The first refund dialog including a go back button 302 and a
yes button
304. The first refund dialog 300 informs the host that continuing will pause
the game
and requests confirmation. If the go back button 302 is selected, the dialog
302 is closed.
If the yes button 304 is selected, then a second refund dialog 310 is
displayed. The
second refund dialog 310 provides an indication of the commitment or
contribution of the
selected player to the pot and provides a list 312 of pots from which the
selected player
has made a contribution. Each hand has several pots, i.e., the state of the
pot after each
betting round. The second refund dialog 310 includes a go back button 314 and
a refund
button 316. Actuation of the go back button 314 closes the dialog 310.
Actuation of the
refund button 316 causes a keypad (not shown) to be disclosed. The keypad may
provide
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an indication of the maximum amount which may be refunded to the player. The
host or
user may enter a specific amount to be refunded to the current player. Once
the amount
to be refunded has been entered, the second refund dialog 310 includes refund
amount
button 318 which is labeled with the amount entered onto the keypad. Actuation
of the
refund amount button 318 folds the player from the current hand and refunds
the entered
amount to the player from the pot.
[00133] 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.
32
