US20110309578A1

US20110309578A1 - High Roll Dice Casino Table Game

Info

Publication number: US20110309578A1
Application number: US13/048,845
Authority: US
Inventors: Kerry J. Lambert; Norman G. Berkowitz
Original assignee: Markman Holdings LLC
Current assignee: Markman Holdings LLC
Priority date: 2010-03-15
Filing date: 2011-03-15
Publication date: 2011-12-22

Abstract

A method of playing a dice game on a game surface using ten dice including a dice throw box, said game surface having a first wagering area for wagering on the highest ranking and number of like kind indicia dice resulting from a first dice roll, a second wagering area for wagering on the actual number of like kind indicia dice that will result from the first dice roll, and a third wagering area for indicating an intent to be eligible to wager on the results of a second dice roll, in which on each roll of the dice players can play a wager that a “jackpot” payout will result.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/314,021 filed on Mar. 15, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to casino table games and wagering games and methods of play, and more particularly to a casino table game wherein wagers are placed on the results of a first roll of ten dice, and players can purchase the opportunity to place wagers on a second dice roll, wherein the wagers are based on the number of occurrences of the highest ranking like kind dice indicia resulting from such rolls.
2. Preliminary Discussion and Description of Related Art
Various casino style games that employ the use of dice and casino chips or tokens and where players place wagers on the outcome of a dice roll are known in the prior art. In the game of craps, for example, players place wagers on the outcome of a roll or series of rolls of a pair of dice in betting zones on a game table. The rules of craps are complex and difficult to master, however, and overall such game is not very attractive to recreational or novice players.
Attempts have therefore been made to create new dice games having games rules that are easier to learn and follow, and therefore are presumably more attractive to both novice and experienced gamblers. U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,081 issued to R. Bartle discloses a method of playing a betting game which is played with three dice. Bets are made in three types of betting zones, including a singles betting zone where the players bet on what number will be rolled by a first dice roll, a second betting zone where the players bet that the number rolled in a second roll will equal the number rolled in the first roll. Bets can also be placed on the cumulative number of the three dice rolled.
One of the features of slot machine games, particularly progressive games, is that in every game players have the opportunity to win a large payout. One drawback of known dice table games, however, is that they do not afford players the chance to win a large, lottery style payout on each dice roll. Mathematically, the odds of predicting the outcome of a roll of one, two, or three dice, either thrown together in a single roll or consecutively, are too high to justify a sufficiently large payout for the game to attract large numbers of customers away from other games. Recent attempts to market new dice game have also been unsuccessful because the games are slight variations of known games, there is a lack of action or excitement, or the mode of play is not sufficiently entertaining for players to make repeat visits to a casino to play such game.
Eliot Jacobson, Ph.D., of Jacobson Gaming, has espoused ten (10) principles for successful game design, development & selection, which are repeated below.

- 1. Simplicity: The idea of a new game should be explainable to a person of average intelligence in less than a minute.
- 2. Limit side bets: At most, there should be but one side bet.
- 3. Table layout: The layout should be simple and natural to use.
- 4. House Edge: The game should have a house edge consistent with the edge of other games in its category. Successful games often integrate both the small frequent win with the large, rare payout.
- 5. Name of the Game: The name should be simple and descriptive with no extra words.
- 6. Use established elements: The game should not involve new physical elements; cards or dice are enough.
- 7. Entertainment value: The game should be fast-paced, interactive and fun to play.
- 8. Simple Game Rules: The game should be easy for the staff, management, and security to learn.
- 9. Bullet Tested: The game must be tested against advantage play.
- 10. Casino Win: The game must make more money than the one it replaces.

The present inventors' game meets all of these principles. When compared to highly successful games such as “Craps”, the “High Roll Dice” table game of the present invention is simpler to learn and play (4 levels of bets vs. 40 in craps), has faster to hand-completion (2 rolls vs. average 3.4), is more user-friendly (simplicity of table layout and simplicity of betting), the house edge is consistent with craps, the same physical elements (dice) as craps are involved, the game combines frequent small wins with rare large payout (up to $1 million on 10 of a kind), and has lower operational costs (more profits than craps). Many players including women, who now comprise more than fifty percent of casino players, are often intimidated by the complexity of craps betting, and the unique language that craps play has adopted (e.g. “snake eyes”). Further, provision of a casino table wagering game in which ten dice are rolled simultaneously, and in which on every roll players have a chance to win small amounts as well as a jackpot payout of one million dollars or more, has not been contemplated. The present game is simple, fun, fast-paced, and offers a possible jackpot that if won would change the player's lifestyle in the same fashion as a lottery winner.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a casino dice game and method of play that is easy to learn and fun to play for players of all skill levels.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a casino dice game and method of play that provides players with multiple opportunities to win frequently and to win large payout amounts.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a casino table game and method of play whereby in each play players have the opportunity to win a large payout of, for example, one million dollars, by placing a single bet equal to the table minimum betting amount.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a casino dice game and method of play that combines a table game atmosphere with payouts rivaling instant win lottery games.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a casino table game and method of play in which a plurality of dice, preferably ten, are rolled simultaneously in a first roll, after which the outcome is analyzed to determine the highest ranking and highest number of like indicia dice resulting from the roll, which dice are removed from game play, and then a second dice roll of the remaining dice are rolled, and players have the opportunity to place multiple bets or wagers on the outcome of each roll, including a lottery size or progressive jackpot.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a casino table game and method of play in which during a first dice roll players have the opportunity to place wagers or bets in two separate playing zones, according to the highest ranking dice indicia landing face up the greatest number of times, and the actual number of occurrences of such dice indicia, and in a second roll according to the number of additional occurrences of such dice indicia.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a casino table game and method of play in which players place bets on the outcome of a first dice roll, and have the opportunity to purchase the right to place bets on the outcome of a second dice roll.
Still other objects and advantages of the invention will become clear upon review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the appended drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A wagering table-type game for casinos and other wagering institutions is provided. The game includes a game table having a unique skin layout, and utilizes a plurality of game tokens or chips, a set of ten dice, and a dice throw cup. During game play, the dice are rolled up to two times. In the first or initial roll, all ten dice are rolled or thrown simultaneously, while in the second roll, a lesser number of dice are thrown, depending upon the results of the first roll. The object of the game during the first or initial roll of the dice is for players to correctly match or predict which dice indicia having the highest ranked or priority indicia will result landing face up the greatest number of times in such roll. Wagers or bets are made by placing at least one token having a value at least equal to the table wagering minimum on at least one wagering spot on the table that corresponds to such prediction. In addition, separate wagers or bets can be made on the player's prediction of the actual number of occurrences of such highest ranked or priority dice indicia in the first roll. Players can also “purchase” an extra roll, pursuant to which separate wagers or bets can be placed on a second roll that a predicted number of additional occurrences of such highest particular dice indicia will occur, such that the total or combined number of occurrences in the first and second rolls equal the player's prediction.
The table employed is preferably similar to a conventional “blackjack” style table, having a table top skin made of felt or the like. The top surface of the table is inscribed with a plurality of player stations and a dealer station. Each player station includes three different betting zones. The first zone includes a plurality of wagering spots or circles each having indicia of one of the dice surfaces thereon. Thus, if standard dice are used, preferably there will be six wagering spots having one through six pips thereon, respectively. The first one may be considered the primary wagering zone, where wagering is mandatory, and is the zone in which bets regarding which dice indicia having the greatest number of occurrences and the highest indicia priority will result from the first or initial dice roll. Bets are made by placing game tokens on the wagering spots.
The second zone preferably includes nine wagering spots or circles, having imprinted wording such as “Two Of A Kind” through “Ten Of A Kind” on each spot or circle, respectively. In the second zone, players place wagers or bets on what the actual number of occurrences highest priority indicia will be in the first or initial roll.
The third zone includes a single wagering spot whereby players can purchase the opportunity to place wagers or bets on the outcome of the second dice roll. The second roll includes those dice that were not part of the group of “High Roll” dice in the first roll occurring the greatest number of times with the highest indicia priority, which dice are removed from play prior to the second roll. Players can only bet on the second roll if this decision is made at the beginning of the game, and if a bet in the second zone was made and it turns out that the actual number of occurrences of the highest priority indicia in the first roll is less than the predicted number of occurrences.
A unique feature of present game is the opportunity to make a “high stakes” bet on each turn or roll, when can be made in the second zone by placing a token on the “Ten Of A Kind” wagering spot, for which there is a very large payout such as one million dollars, or in an alternative embodiment a progressive jackpot. Indicia describing the game, such as “High Roll Dice”, the odds of each wagering spot, or other appropriate sayings, slogans, advertisements, logos, trademarks, etc. is also imprinted on the table. The house wins all losing bets made, as well as all “extra roll” bets or purchases made in the third zone.
The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other systems and methods for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE APPENDED DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the betting table of the casino dice table game of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a close-up view of one of the player stations shown in FIG. 1 on the game table of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the dice throw box of the game table of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the accessories used during play of the table game of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a is a close-up view of an alternative player station for use with the game table of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the “extra roll” wagering spot sensor holder of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the sensor holder shown in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is of the best mode or modes of the invention presently contemplated. Such description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but to be an example of the invention presented solely for illustration thereof, and by reference to which in connection with the following description and the accompanying drawings one skilled in the art may be advised of the advantages and construction of the invention. Wherever possible, like reference numbers have been utilized to refer to like elements or features of the invention throughout the different embodiments illustrated herein.
FIG. 1 depicts a preferred game table layout or area 10 for use in practicing and implementation of the casino table game and method of play of the present invention. The game table 10 has a covering thereon made of felt or other suitable material, having a plurality of player stations 12 thereon, which are spaced apart around the front side 14 of the game table, spaced from rail 15. As illustrated, there are five player stations 12. However, a greater or lesser number of stations may be provided depending upon the size of the playing area. The dealer's area, generally indicated by reference number 16, is situated along the rear side 18 of the game table, and includes a money slot 20 in which cash given to the dealer as payment for game chips or token is placed in a manner well known to those skilled in the art, a chip or token rack 21 in which house game chips or tokens for use during play of the present game are arranged in columns and stored, and a payout schedule 22 which the dealer can refer to as needed. Located in the center of game table 10 is a dice throw box 24. Throw box 24 is preferably recessed in the surface of table 10, and as described below the dice utilized during play of the game are rolled in the throw box. As shown in greater detail in FIG. 3, dice throw box 24 also includes a high roll dice area 26 in which the dice are thrown or rolled, and a dice sorting area 28. Indicia 30 printed on game play area 10 may include logos or other decorative indicia that identifies the game of the present invention, such as the name “High Roll Dice”, and a watermark 32 of the logo is also provided in dice throw area 26 of throw box 24.
FIG. 2 is a close-up view of one of the player stations 12 on the game table 10 shown in FIG. 1. Each player station 12 may be described as having three wagering zones, although as will be described the third wagering zone is utilized primarily to purchase wagers or bets in the second wagering zone. Wagering Zone One is indicated generally by reference number 40, and is comprised of “dice wager roll” wagering spots 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, and 52. Each wagering spot 42-52 depicts one of the die faces of a conventional six-sided die, represented by having a different number of dice pips ranging from one to six (each die has six sides with indicia representing the numbers one through six). It will be understood that different indicia such as numbers, symbols, lettering, or other indicia or combinations of indicia may be used to depict a die face, and in additional nonconventional dice may be utilized in accordance with the present game. Printed beneath each wagering spot 42-52 is a payout scale 54, which indicates the particular payout for a wager placed on any of wagering spots 42-52.
Wagering Zone Two is indicated generally by reference number 60, and is comprised of “like king” wagering spots 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, and 78. Each wagering spots 62-78 in Zone Two 60 is shown in the form of a circle, although the wagering spots may be represented using different shapes or markings. Wagering spots 62-76 are logically arranged in two rows, and have indicia such as “2 Of A Kind”, “3 Of A Kind”, etc. up to “9 Of A Kind” imprinted thereon. Wagering spot 78 in Zone Two 60 is situated to the right of the two rows of wagering spots 62-76, and is formed of a larger circle with the wording “Ten Of A Kind” imprinted in the circle. Also imprinted in “10 of a Kind” wagering spot 78 are the words “1st Roll Pays”, while directly underneath wagering spot 78 in larger print is 11,000,000″, and “2^ndRoll Pays 20,000 to 1”, comprising the payouts for wagering spot 78 on the first and second rolls. In addition a “Maximum Payout” 79 is listed for wagering spot 78, which in the present example is 11,000,000″. A payout table 80 for wagering spots 62-76 Wagering Zone Two 60 is also provided, which table has a first column 82 listing each wagering spot 62-76, a second column 84 listing the payout for wagering spots 62-76 on the first roll, and a third column 86 listing the payouts for wagering spots 62-76 on the second roll. The method of play regarding the outcomes of the first and second roll are described below.
Wagering Zone Three is comprised of wagering spot 90, which is positioned directly above Wagering Zone One 40. The wording “Extra Roll 20% Bet” is imprinted in spot 90. Finally, the wording “All Bets Must Be An Equal Wager” 91 is provided underneath Wagering Zone Two 60, which, as explained below means that the value of any bet placed on any of the wagering spots 44-52 in Zone One 40, or any of the wagering spots 62-78 in Zone Two 60, must have an equal value. In addition, “Extra Roll” wagering spot 90 is used to purchase a wager or bet on the second roll during game play, and the wording “20% bet” on Zone Three wagering spot 90 indicates that the value of the wager or bet that must be placed on spot 90 is 20% of the value of the bets placed on any of the wagering spots in Zone One 40 or Zone Two 60. Such value may be set at any desired figure by the casino establishment.
FIG. 3 is a close-up perspective view of dice throw-box 24, which as indicated previously is preferably recessed into the surface of table 10. Throw-box 24 includes a peripheral rim 92 which when the throw-box is mounted on the game table is approximately level with the surface of the table. In a preferred arrangement, the underside 94 of rim 92 abuts against the surface of table 10, supporting the throw box 24 in an aperture in the table. Rim 92 has a curved forward facing section 96, short side sections 98 and 99, and a rear section 100. Extending downwardly from rim 92 are sidewall sections 102, 104, 106, and 108, where they meet throw-box floor 110. Sidewall 102 preferably slants inwardly at angle of approximately ten degrees, which during play of the table game aids in keeping the rolled dice from bouncing out of throw-box 24.
Floor section 110 includes a throw area 26, which generally comprises the forward area of floor 110, and a dice sorting area 28 adjacent rear sidewall 108, which is divided into six equal- sized sorting areas 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, and 116, each labeled with indicia indicative of one of the six possible results of a roll of conventional six-sided die. Watermark 32 is centered on floor 110 of dice throw area 26. In addition, a recessed display area 118 is provided on rear section 100 of rim 92 and sidewall 108, in which the dice used during play of table game 10 may be stored when not in use, and more importantly where the “High Roll” dice are placed and displayed after each initial roll during game play game.
FIG. 4 illustrates several accessories utilized during play of the table game 10 of the present invention, namely set of ten dice 120, shaker 122 in which dice 120 are placed and which is used to roll or throw set of dice 120 during game play, and a plurality of play tokens or casino-style chips 124, a supply of which are kept by the dealer in chip rack 21 on in game play area 10 as shown in FIG. 1, and of course in addition each of the players also will have their own supply of purchased game tokens or chips 124 for use during game play. Dice 120 and dice shaker 122 will also be kept in the dealer's area 16.
A preferred method of play of game 10 will now be described with reference to the figures. The present game can be played by between one and five players, although this can vary based on the size of the playing table and number of player stations 12. The dealer, who is normally positioned along the rear side 18 of the table, initiates play, and offers the players the opportunity to place at least one bet or wager on such player's station 12 in Wagering Zone One 40, and also one or more additional bets or wagers in Wagering Zone Two 60 or Wagering Zone Three 90. All wagers made in any of the Wagering Zones 40, 60 or 90 may only be made at the start of a new game. Bets or wagers are made by placing one or more tokens or game chips 124 on at least one of the wagering spots 42-52 in Zone One 40, and optionally by placing one or more additional tokens or game chips 124 on one or more of wagering spots 62-78 in Zone Two 60, and to purchase an “extra roll” by placing a token or game chip 124 on Zone Three wagering spot 90. All players must make at least one wager in Zone One 40. This wager must be equal to or greater than the house wager minimum for the particular table, which may be set at, for example $1, $5, $10, $25, $50 etc. In addition, all bets placed on any of the wagering spots in Zone One 40 and Zone Two 90 must be of an equal value or denomination, as indicated at 91 in FIG. 1. Thus, for example, if a $10 wager is made by placing chips 124 having a total value equal to $10 on any of wagering spots 44-52 in Zone One 40, the value or denomination of any other wagers made on wagering spots 44-52 in Zone One 40, or any of wagering spots 62-78 in Zone Two 60, must have the same $10 value.
After all of the players positioned in front of one of the player stations 12 has been given an opportunity by the dealer to make their wagers or bets, the dealer will indicate that no more wagering is allowed for that game, such as by making a “no more wagering motion” by moving his or her arm in a sweeping motion over the top of the table from one end to the other. The dealer will then pick up all ten dice 120 and place them in dice shaker box 122, shake the dice in shaker box 122, and then roll or throw the dice 120 into throw area 26 of dice throw box 24. For security purposes, it is preferred that only the dealer is allowed to touch or roll the dice during game play, although other rules may allow one of the players to roll the dice. To be an “Official Roll”, all ten dice must land in throw box 24, and in addition must lie flat upon the bottom surface 110 of the throw box. If any dice 120 bounce out of or leave the throw box 24, or sit stacked or tilted in the throw box, this is considered a “break” and all ten dice 120 must be rolled again.
After the first or initial roll to begin the game has been made, the dealer will sort the “Official Roll” results by moving the dice into dice sorting area or grid 28 in throw box 24. In other words, the dealer slides or moves each of dice 120 into one of designated sections 111-116 of the sorting area 28 according to the outcome of the roll, and according to the dice indicia facing upwardly in throw box 24. Preferably, the dice 120 are moved to designated sections 111-116, moving from the dealer's left to right, which is Aces/Ones (scoring the highest) 111, Sixes 112, Fives 113, Fours 114, Threes 115, and Twos (scoring the lowest) 116, by “like kind”. One this has been completed, the dealer will preferably “clear” his or her hands to security by holding then up so they are within clear view of the casino security camera system. Then the dealer will determine which group of dice comprises the “High Roll” dice, and such “High Roll” dice are then moved to the “High Roll” dice display area 118, which is situated between the chip rack 18 and the throw box 22.
The “High Roll” dice group resulting from an initial roll of ten dice 120 is determined is follows. First, the dealer determines which group of dice from the initial roll of ten dice 120 contains the greatest number of “like kind” dice, or identical dice indicia, having landed facing upwardly. Second, where there are two or more groups containing the same number of “like kind” dice, the set having the highest ranking pip or indicia value becomes the group of “High Roll” dice. The present inventors have unexpectedly discovered during design of the present table game that by allowing separate wagers or bets to be placed on these outcomes, a very challenging and yet easily understood and entertaining table game results. In Zone One 40, players place wagers on which dice indicia will comprise the group of “High Roll” dice upon an initial roll. At least one wager must be placed in Zone One. In Zone Two 60, players can optionally place wagers on the number of dice that will be included in the initial group of “High Roll” dice.
Thus, after determining which dice from the initial roll make up the group of “High Roll” dice, the dealer will then examine the individual player stations 12 to identify which if any players placed wagers that correctly predicted the makeup of such group of “High Roll” dice. In Zone One 40, the dealer will check to see if any wagers were placed on the dice wagering spot which matches the highest ranked “like kind” dice or dice indicia resulting in the initial roll, which is payable individually as per payout schedule 22 (Step 600). It is noted that the payout listed in the application are merely exemplary, and other payout arrangements or schedules may be substituted according to the preference of the casino or gambling establishment.
Wagers made in Zone One 40 are solely based on a player's prediction of the results of the outcome of the initial roll of ten dice 120. According to the preferred rules of the game, at least one wager must be made on one of wagering spots 42-52 in Zone One 40, which at least one wagering spot will normally include the one the player predicts or believes will equal the highest “like kind” dice or dice indicia resulting from the initial dice roll in a game, which dice as indicated above will consist of the group with the greatest number of occurrences of the dice 120 having a particular numerical indicia or pip value facing upwardly, or where there is a tie, the player must have predicted the “like kind” die with the highest numerical pip value or indicia ranking. For example, if upon an initial roll of the ten dice 120 a player predicts the number “two” will land face up the greatest number of times, such player will then place a wager on wagering spot 42 having a value equal to or greater than the minimum wagering bet for the table. As indicated above, players can place wagers on more than a single wagering spot 44-52 in Zone One 40 during the same roll, or even on all of wagering spots 42-52 as desired.
Continuing with the above example, if the result of the initial roll of ten dice 120 is that the number “two” lands face up four times, the number “three” lands face up three times, the number “six” lands face up two times, and the number “five” lands face up one time, the player who placed a wager on wagering spot 42 in Zone One 40 is a winner. However, if the result of the initial roll of ten dice 120 is that the number “two” lands face up four times, the number “three” lands face up three times, and the number “one” or “ace” also lands face up four times, the player is a loser, unless he or she also placed a bet on wagering spot 52, in which case the player is also a winner. It is preferred that the “ace” is considered the highest value roll, followed by sixes (6's), fives (5's), fours (4's), threes (3's) and twos or deuces “2's.
In addition to clearing and paying out all of the wagering results in Zone One 40, the dealer must also examine the wagers placed on any of wagering spots 62-78 in Zone Two 60, in which bets on the actual number of dice that make up the group of “High Roll” dice are placed. In other words, while in Zone One 40 players place wagers or bets on which dice indicia upon rolling ten dice 120 will have the highest number of occurrences landing face up, and in the case of a tie also having the highest ranking pip value, in Zone Two 60 players are betting or wagering based on their prediction or guess as to what the highest number of occurrences of a dice indicia that will actually result from such first or initial roll will be. For example, if a player predicts that six dice will land face up with the pip value or number indicia four, such player can place a wager on the pip value or number four in Zone One 40 by placing a game token or chips on wagering spot 46, and in addition the player can place a separate wager or bet of the same amount that six “fours” will occur or land face up by placing a game token or chips on wagering spot 70 in Zone Two 60. Since the Zone Two 60 occurrence of “Six of a Kind” on a first or initial roll is fairly rare, the payout for such first roll 70 is fairly high, indicated in the present example in chart 80, 1^st Roll Column 82, at fifty to one. At the same time, one or more other wagers or bets may be placed on additional wagering spots in Zone One 40 or in Zone Two 60 by placing token or game chips on such other wagering spots.
Yet another feature of game 10 is that if a wager or wagers are made in Zone Two 60, the player has the option of making an “extra roll wager” in Zone Three 90. Any wager in Zone Three 90 must also be made at the start of the game. An “extra roll wager” affords each player the opportunity to win “like kind roll” wagers made in Zone Two 60 on an additional roll of the remaining dice after the initial roll, or in other words, a roll of those dice that were not part of the group of “High Roll” dice previously removed and placed in display area 118. In effect, by placing a wager in Zone Three 90, the player is purchasing an extra roll with respect to the bets or wagers made in Zone Two 60. To qualify for the opportunity to win on a second roll, the player must have placed at the start of the game in Zone Two 60 at least one “like kind roll” that turns out to be greater than the “like kind roll” wager paid on the initial roll. In addition, such player must have placed an “extra roll wager” at the start of the game by placing a token or game chip on Zone Three wagering spot 90. If no “extra roll wager” was placed at the start of the game, then any “like kind wagers” are eligible for payout on the first or initial roll only. Unlike all other wagers, the amount of the wager made on an “extra roll wager” in Zone Three 90 does not necessarily have to be equal to the amount of wagers or bets made in Zone One 40 or Zone Two 60. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of an “extra roll wager” in Zone Three 90 will be equal to one-fifth (20%) of the minimum table wager, although such wager could also be calculated in other ways, such as being equal to the minimum table wager, or twenty percent of the wagers made in Zone One 40 and Zone Two 60. Players cannot place a wager in Zone Three 90 alone, and a Zone Three 90 wager must be played in conjunction with a “like kind wager” made in Zone Two 60.
Thus, when analyzing the bets made by each player, the dealer must also determine whether a player “purchased” a second or “extra roll wager” by making any bets or wagers in Zone Three 90. For players who did not make an “extra roll wager” in Zone Three 90, the dealer then pays out any winning wagers in Zones One and Two, and collects all of the losing wagers, clearing the player board of wagers for these players, whose game is ended.
For players who did make an “extra roll wager” in Zone Three 90, the dealer pays out any winning wagers and collects any losing wagers made in Zone One 40, clearing Zone One. In addition, the dealer pays out any winning wagers in Zone Two, and prepares the table for the “extra roll wager” eligible players. For “extra roll wager” eligible players, all “like kind” wagers in Zone Two that are less than the results of the first or initial roll are losing wagers and are claimed by the house and are collected by the dealer. If an “extra roll wager” eligible player has a “like kind” wager that is higher than the first or initial roll payable “like kind” payout, these wagers or chips are left on the wagering spots in Zone Two. In addition, since the “extra roll” wager is not a separate payout zone, the dealer collects all chips or wagers placed on the Zone Three wagering spot 90.
After the dealer has completed play of game 10 with respect to the initial roll, the dealer will make the “Extra Roll”. As indicated above, the “Extra Roll” is a second roll of the remaining dice that were not part of the group of “High Roll” dice in the first roll, which were taken out of play after the initial roll. Similar to the initial roll, in the “Extra Roll” the dealer places the remaining dice 120 in throw cup 124, shakes the cup, and then the remaining dice are rolled or thrown into throw box 26 in one motion. Similar to the first or initial throw, all remaining dice 120 must make land in the throw box and lie flat upon the bottom surface 110 of the throw box 120 for the roll to be considered an “Official Roll”. If any dice leave the throw box, or are sitting stacked or tilted in the throw box, this is considered a “Break” and the dice must be rolled again.
Upon completion of the “extra roll wager” throw, the dealer will sort the remaining dice, and add those dice whose upwardly facing numerical value or indicia is the same as the dice previously placed in the “High Roll” area 118, or the original set of “like kind” dice, to such “High Roll” area 118. Then, the dealer will the establish the payout for the second roll or “Extra Roll” for those players who had eligible “like kind” wagers on positions higher than the initial or original payout from the first or initial dice roll of the game.
For example, assume a player places a “dice wager” on 5's (wagering spot 48) in Zone One, “5 Of A Kind” (wagering spot 68) in Zone Two, and also purchases a second roll by placing an “extra roll wager” (wagering spot 90) in Zone Three. If the result of the first or initial roll is that the dice number with the highest number of occurrences is “Three”, or wagering spot 44 in Zone One 40, and this occurs three times, or wagering spot 64 “3 Of A Kind” in Zone Two 60, the player loses the Zone One 40 bet or wager. In addition, the player did not win the Zone Two 60 bet on the first roll, since the player bet on “5 Of A Kind” (wagering spot 68). However, since an “extra roll wager” was also made in Zone Three (wagering spot 90), and in addition since the wager made in Zone Two 60 on wagering spot 68 is greater than the actual first roll outcome, such player is now eligible to win on the second roll of the remaining dice. Thus, if on the second roll two more “Three's” (3's) are rolled, raising the total number of three's rolled from three to five, such player is a “winner” on the second roll, and will receive the second roll payout 86 for wagering spot 68, which is indicated on table 80 as being “2 to 1”. At this point, game play is ended, unless the game also includes one or more possible side bet areas, which, for example might afford a player an opportunity to double their winning on a Zone One 40 bet, a Zone Two 60 bet, or the like. In another embodiment, a side or bonus wager or bet may be available only on the first roll, doubling or otherwise increasing the roll odds.
The present game can also be utilized in another embodiment including a cumulative or progressive jackpot feature. FIG. 5 illustrates a modified player station layout 212. Layout 212 is similar to the layout of player station 12 illustrated in FIG. 2. However, in the FIG. 2 layout, if a player places a bet or wager on wagering spot 78 in Zone Two 60, and if the initial dice roll of ten dice 120 results in “10 Of A Kind”, or in other words all ten dice 120 land with the same pip value or other indicia facing upwardly, as indicated directly underneath wagering spot 78, the player wins one million dollars. In addition, if “10 Of A Kind” is achieved on the second or “Extra Roll” in game station 12, the player is awarded a payout of “20,000 to 1”. In contrast, in the embodiment of game layout 212 shown in FIG. 5, which includes a “progressive jackpot” feature, if a player places a bet or wager on wagering spot 78 in Zone Two 60, and if the initial dice roll of ten dice 120 results in “10 Of A Kind”, or in other words all ten dice 120 land with the same pip value or other indicia facing upwardly, as indicated by reference numeral 152 directly underneath wagering spot 78, the player wins the “Progressive Jackpot”, while if “10 Of A Kind” is achieved on the second or “Extra Roll” the player is awarded a “Minor Progressive”.
In a progressive jackpot version of the game, the “Progressive Jackpot” accumulates incrementally, preferably based the number of “Extra Roll” wagers, or those wagers placed on Zone Three wagering spot 90 to “purchase” a wager or bet on the second roll in each game. Each time a player plays an “Extra Roll” wager, such wager or a portion of such wager is added to the progressive jackpot. In another embodiment, a plurality of table games 10 either in the same location or at different locations or both are linked together electronically so that in regular play on the game, players may compete for a common award or progressive jackpot or minor progressive jackpot. This allows the jackpot build up to be larger and accumulate more quickly, as it is an accumulation of wagers or bets made at more than one table in a casino, or in the event of electronic links or networks of multiple tables and from multiple casinos situated at locations distant from each other, the number of participating players and the size of the jackpot can be even further and more quickly increased.
Preferably, counter means for automatically adding a sum to the progressive jackpot each time a chip or wager is placed on a Zone Three wagering spot 90 is provided. This could be implemented in different ways. In one possible arrangement, the dealer would manually place all of the “Extra Roll” wagers in a separate box or containment area having a counting device connected to the money slot such that each time a game token or chip is inserted in the slot, it is counted by activating the counter means and a sum is added to the progressive jackpot. In another possible arrangement, when clearing the table of “Extra Roll” chips, the dealer may record each token chip played on the “Extra Roll” wagering spots by manually inputting the number into a computer or counter device, which device is connected to a computer network and transmits the data to a main computer for processing. A counter system could also be incorporated directly into Zone Three wagering spot 90, wherein, for example, a means such as a camera embedded in the game table underneath wagering spot 90 for detecting when a token chip is placed on wagering spot 90 may be provided. Such counter means would also be connected to a computer system network so that a sum could be added to the progressive jackpot whenever a token or chip was detected on wagering spot 90, or perhaps when the token or chip was cleared and readied for the next game. The recorded sum could also be automatically split into different amounts and redirected to a progressive jackpot, or other different accounts according to the particular arrangement of the casino establishment.
In another embodiment, wagering spot 90 is adapted to automatically illuminate when a wager or bet is placed on such spot. In addition, preferably wagering spot 90 will remain lighted after the dealer removes the wagered amount (chip) from the spot at the end of the first roll, thereby continuing to visually evidence to both the dealer and to the players which player or players “purchased” the second roll, and preferably also only those who are eligible for the second roll. A preferred arrangement for illuminating wagering spot 90 is through provision of a light sensing circuit which is used to switch an LED light on and off as desired. FIGS. 6-7 illustrates a possible arrangement for accomplishing this, whereby wagering spot 90 is provided with a sensor housing 160 in which two light emitting diodes (LED) 162 and 164 are contained. In addition, a photoresistor or light dependent resistor (LDR) 166 is mounted in cylinder or housing 160, and both LED's 162-164 and LDR 166 are connected to a control system including circuit board 168. Also provided over the upper end of cylindrical housing 160 is a transparent or translucent sensor cover top or lens 170. In an initial state, LED's 162-164 are turned off, and since the lens 170 is transparent or translucent, LDR 166 is exposed to room light, which keeps the resistance of LDR 166 low. However, when a wager is bet is made on the “Extra Roll” wagering button 90 in Zone Three, a token or game chip 124 is placed on lens 170, which blocks the room light from passing through lens 170 reducing the intensity of the room light 170 reaching LDR 166, thereby also increasing its resistance. When the amount of current passing through LDR 166 is reduced, the control system causes LED's 162-164 to turn on. Later, when the token or game chip 124 is removed from lens 170 by the dealer, the intensity of the room light reaching LDR 166 increases, causing the resistance of LDR 166 to decrease again. However, the control system is programmed to keep LED's 162-164 on until the system is manually reset, which the dealer can perform by pressing a manual switch or the like after the end of each game. Preferably, the dealer can also reset individual player LED lights, so that if a player attempted to play an “Extra Roll” but does not have any remaining eligible wagers in Zone Two 60, the dealer can turn their LED lights 162-164 off also to prevent any possible confusion.
Cylindrical holder 160 may have has a reflective inner wall, which is lined with a reflective material such as alumina foil. Holder 160 also has a flange 172 on its upper end which is used to support the cylindrical holder 160 to table surface 10, with the holder 160 extending downwardly through an aperture in the table surface. A lock nut 174 is threadably secured to the outer surface of holder 160 near its upper end, and is turned on the threads so as to be tightened against the underside 176 of the game table 10, securing the cylinder and its components in place. A master control box is also preferably provided, which is mounted to the game table in a convenient location and may be used by the dealer to control the “Extra Roll” light circuit. The master control box is connected to the circuit board 168 by a ribbon cable 182, shown in FIG. 6, having wire plugs 184 such that either the control box or holder 160 can be more easily removed and replaced if defective by unclipping the component from the wire plug 184. The master control box preferably includes at least main power switch, and reset switch for resetting the entire system after each game is completed. A dimmer switch is also preferably provided so that the intensity or brightness of the LED's may be adjusted depending upon whether or not the game table is in a bright or darker room environment. In addition, the control box also may include several lights, one for each player station and “Extra Roll” wagering tab 90, which aid the dealer in quickly determining which players are eligible for the second roll wager during play of the table game.
It should be evident that the table game of the present invention described herein presents a method of game play that is more exciting and entertaining than existing dice games, and in addition is completely innovative in that each roll affords the players of the opportunity to win a large payout equal to the size of many lottery jackpots. The several modes of play of the present game in combination with the opportunity to achieve a large payout, as well as provision of a game in which ten dice are thrown simultaneously on the first roll makes such game unique while still being easy to learn and understand, unlike most other casino table games known in the prior art. Other embodiments of the game in addition to those specifically described may fall within the intended scope of the present invention. For example, while the present game is described using ten dice, a slightly greater or lesser number of dice could theoretically be utilized, such as eight or twelve dice, although it has been found utilization of ten dice is most preferred due to the number of different bets or wagers that can be made as well as the actual odds related to the number of times at least statistically the different possible outcomes will occur. In addition, dice other than conventional six sided dice, such as a lesser number of eight sided dice, could also be utilized, although again this would affect the required game table layout and in addition would require changing the number of wagering spots available in Zones One and Two.
While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A casino table game comprising:

a. a set of ten like dice;

b. a game layout including for each player a game station including first wagering zone, a second wagering zone, and a third wagering zone;

c. said first wagering zone including a plurality of wagering spots where players can place bets on the highest number and highest ranking like kind indicia of said ten dice that will land facing upwardly upon a first roll of said set of ten dice;

d. said second wagering zone including a plurality of wagering spots where players can place bets on the actual number of said highest number and highest ranking like indicia dice that will result from said first roll of ten dice; and

e. said third wagering zone including a wagering spot whereby players upon making a bet on said third zone wagering spot will potentially be eligible to bet on the outcome of said second roll in said second wagering zone.

2. A casino table game in accordance with claim 1 additionally comprising a recessed dice throw box in which said dice are rolled.

3. A casino table game in accordance with claim 2 in which if the wagered number of highest ranking and highest number of like indicia dice that will result from the first dice roll is greater than the actual number, and if the player made a bet in said third wagering zone, the player will be eligible to bet on the outcome of the second dice roll.

4. A casino table game in accordance with claim 3 in which if the wagered number of highest ranking and highest number of like indicia dice that will result from the first dice roll is equal to or less than the actual number, and if the player made a bet in said third wagering zone, the player will not be eligible to bet on the outcome of the second dice roll.

5. A casino table game in accordance with claim 4 in which the second wagering zone includes a wagering spot in which players can place a wager during any dice roll to potentially win a lottery sized payout.

6. A casino table game in accordance with claim 4 in which bets made in either the first or second wagering zones must be an equal wager.

7. A casino table game in accordance with claim 4 in which said game includes a progressive jackpot.

8. A casino table game in accordance with claim 4 in which the wagering spot in said third wagering zone is adapted to be illuminated when a bet is placed on said wagering spot, and said wagering spot remains illuminated until the entire game is ended or until game play for the player is determined to be ended.

9. A casino table game in accordance with claim 7 in which at least a portion of any wagers made in the third is allocated to said progressive jackpot.

10. A method of playing a dice game on a game surface using ten dice including a dice throw box having a first wagering area for wagering on the highest ranking and number of like kind indicia dice resulting from a first dice roll, a second wagering area for wagering on the actual number of like kind indicia dice that will result from the first dice roll, and a third wagering area for indicating an intent to be eligible to wager on the results of a second dice roll and wagering on the additional number of like kind dice that will result from the second dice roll, the method comprising the following steps:

a. receiving at least one wager on the game surface from each player in the first wagering area, wagering in an initial roll of the ten dice on the highest ranking and highest number of like kind indicia dice that will result from said initial roll, and in addition optionally receiving at least one wager in the second wagering area wagering on the actual number of highest ranking and highest number of like kind indicia dice that will result from the initial dice roll, and in addition optionally receiving a wager in said third wagering zone making the player potentially eligible for betting on a second dice roll;

b. making the initial dice roll by rolling the ten dice in the dice throw box;

c. determining the group of highest ranking and highest number of like kind indicia dice resulting from the first roll, and removing said dice from further game play;

d. resolving said at least one wager from each player made in the first wagering area, including collecting losing wagers and paying out winning wagers according to a payout schedule,

e. resolving any wagers made in the second wagering area, including collecting losing wagers and paying out winning wagers according to a payout schedule, and for those players who made a wager in the third wagering area determining if any of the wagers made on the actual number of highest ranking and highest number of like kind indicia dice resulting from the first roll is greater than the actual number, in which case any such wagers are left on the game surface, and collecting any wagers made in the third wagering area;

f. rolling the remaining dice not removed from game play a second time in the dice box;

g. determining if any of dice rolled in the second roll match the highest ranking and highest number of like kind indicia resulting from the first roll; and

h. resolving any wagers made on the results of the second dice roll, including collecting losing wagers and paying out all winning wagers.

11. The method of playing a dice table game as in claim 10 in which at least one of the players made two or more wagers in either the first or second wagering zones.

12. The method of playing a dice table game as in claim 10 in which at least one of the players made two or more wagers in both the first and second wagering zones.

13. The method of playing a dice table game as in claim 10 in which during steps (c) or (g) the dice are moved to a dice sorting area, and the highest ranking and highest number indicia dice are then moved to a separate display area.

14. The method of playing a dice table game as in claim 10 in which during the steps of wagering on the results of the first or second roll, any player can place a wager which if successful said player will receive a jackpot payout.