WO2010060157A1

WO2010060157A1 - Method and apparatus for conducting a wagering process

Info

Publication number: WO2010060157A1
Application number: PCT/AU2009/001558
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kahn Paul Barlow; Arran Harvey Hodkinson
Original assignee: Jupiters Limited
Priority date: 2008-11-28
Filing date: 2009-11-27
Publication date: 2010-06-03
Also published as: AU2009240870A1; CN102231999A; AU2009240870B2

Abstract

Method and apparatus are provided for conducting a wagering process using a playfield in connection with least one die. The playfield has a main game area and a progressive side bet area, in relation to which bets may be placed on the outcome of the roll of the die or dice. Bets placed in relation to the progressive side bet area are paid out with a payout ratio dependent on the extent to which the outcome(s) of one or more successive rolls of the die or dice match a predetermined winning sequence. The method and apparatus are suitable for commercial use in gaming establishments, using actual dice in connection with a physical playfield on a gaming table, or a simulated dice game on an electronic gaming machine or multiple linked gaming machines. The method and apparatus may also be embodied in portable electronic devices or programmed computers for individual use.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDUCTING A WAGERING PROCESS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for conducting a wagering process or gambling using dice. The invention may be implemented using actual physical dice, or simulated on electronic gaming machines, computers or other electronic devices. The invention is suitable for commercial use in casinos or other gaming establishments, or for individual use.

BACKGROUND

Dice have been used for gaming and fortune telling since prehistoric times. The game of Hazard is mentioned in Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales' written in the 14^lh century and its derivative, craps, is played in gaming houses to this day.

In the modern era, dice games have been simulated on electronic devices, such as gaming machines in casinos. For example, US Patent No. 5,934,676 describes an electronic crap game simulator. Il has been found that players of gaming machines tire relatively quickly of available games and/or seek games which give them greater or more opportunities to win. It is therefore desirable to introduce new ways of wagering in order to maintain or increase custom in casinos, or to promote sales of personal computer game devices or software. However, many of the older dice and card games do not readily transfer to the electronic format.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide an improved method and apparatus for conducting a wagering process using a die or dice, or simulations thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of conducting a wagering process comprising the steps of: (i) providing a playfield for at least one die, the playfield having associated therewith a main game area and a progressive side bet area;

(ii) accepting placement of a bet in relation to at least the progressive side bet area of the playfield;

(iii) ascertaining the outcome of a roll of said at least one die; (iv) determining whether the outcome matches a portion of a predetermined winning sequence of outcomes for the progressive side bet area; and

(v) • repeating at least steps (iii) and (iv); wherein the method comprises the step of paying out bets placed in relation to the progressive side bet area with a payout dependent on the extent to which the outcome(s) of one or more successive rolls of said at least one die match said predetermined winning sequence.

The term 'playfield' is intended to mean a zone or area depicting different betting options for a player or players. It may be a part of a physical gaming table, or depicted on an electronic display. Typically, the playfield has associated therewith a main game area, a straight side bet area and a progressive side bet area. Each area depicts at least one outcome of a roll of a die or dice, in relation to which the player(s) may place bets.

Throughout the specification, reference to the term 'die' or 'dice' is meant to be interpreted as a reference either to a physical die or dice or, where the context permits, a simulation of a die or dice such as an image on a video display. The die or dice may be in the standard cube form, or other suitable three dimensional polygon.

Similarly, reference to .a 'roll' of a die or dice is meant to be interpreted as a reference either to an actual throw or cast of a physical die or dice to produce a random outcome, or a simulation thereof e.g. by a computer or electronic gaming device.

The 'outcome' of a roll may be determined to be the number or symbol on a predetermined side, typically the uppermost side, of the or each physical die when it comes to rest after a roll, or a simulation thereof, for example using an electronic random number or outcome generator in the computer or electronic gaming device.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of noting bets in the progressive side bet area upon the outcome matching a portion of the predetermined winning sequence. The bets may be noted by putting a marker upon the bets in the progressive side bet area. A bet in the progressive side bet area cannot be increased while there is a marker on it. If the outcome of more than one successive roll matching a portion of the predetermined winning dice sequence is determined, a further (or different) marker can be placed upon the bets in the progressive side bet area.

Typically, the payout for a winning bet in relation to the progressive side bet area increases exponentially or nonlinearly as the outcomes of successive rolls of the die or dice match the predetermined winning sequence to a greater extent, up to a maximum payout if the entire predetermined winning dice sequence is rolled.

In a preferred embodiment, a pair of dice are rolled at each roll of the dice.

Preferably, the playfield also has associated therewith a straight side bet area. The straight side bet area preferably includes an area for betting on the sum of the pair of dice. Furthermore, the straight side bet area may include an area for betting on low pairs and high pairs of the pair of dice. The straight side bet area may also include an area for betting that the pair of dice have matching outcomes.

Players may place bets in relation to the main area and/or a straight side bet area even while a marker is on bets in the progressive side bet area.

Preferably, the method also includes the step of collecting all bets in the main game area if the outcome of successive rolls of the dice match a predetermined main bet losing sequence.

Preferably, the playfield comprises: a first set of indicia representing a main game area; a second set of indicia representing a progressive side bet area; and a third set of indicia representing a straight side bet area.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus adapted to carry out the method of conducting a wagering process, the apparatus comprising a playfield having: a first set of indicia representing the main bet area; and a second set of indicia representing a progressive side bet area.

The playfield may also have a third set of indicia representing a straight side bet area. In one embodiment, the playfield is located on a table having a tub formation to receive the die or dice thrown by a shooter during gameplay.

The apparatus may include electronic apparatus having an input by which a game supervisor may enter the outcome of a roll of the die or dice, and a display for displaying winning bet information or other game parameters such as markers.

The wagering process of the invention may be implemented as a simulated dice game in at least one electronic device. According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for conducting a wagering process, the apparatus including: electronic processing means adapted to simulate the roll of at least one die, a display controlled by the electronic processing means, the display operatively depicting a playfield having a main game area and a progressive side bet area, and an input device in operative communication with the electronic processing means by which a player may place bets in relation to at least the progressive side bet area of the playfield, wherein the electronic processing means is programmed to pay out bets placed in relation to the progressive side bet area with a payout dependent on the extent to which the outcome(s) of one or more successive rolls of said at least one die match said predetermined winning sequence.

Typically, the display operatively depicts at least one die. The electronic processing means may use a random number generator to simulate the roll of the die or dice.

The apparatus may be a portable electronic device or a personal computer.

Preferably however, the apparatus is a dedicated electronic gaming machine. A plurality of such electronic gaming machines may be operably linked by a local area network, or wider network such as the internet, to form a linked gaming system.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practice, one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

Figure 1 depicts a playfield of a gaming table according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a gaming machine including a software product containing instructions for the machine to execute a method of conducting a wagering process.

Figure 3 is a flowchart of a software product for executing a method of conducting a wagering process. Figure 4 is a flowchart of a subroutine of the flowchart of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a chart showing the progressive status of variables used in the software product.

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic representation illustrating a gaming machine network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure I is a plan view of the layout of a playfield on a gaming table for conducting a wagering process or gambling, using a die or dice. The actual table may be similar in size to a roulette table, or may be similar in size and design to a Craps table with a 'tub'. The table may have electronic circuitry and LEDs (or a display such as an LCD) built into it in order to indicate winning combinations of dice. In the illustrated embodiment, a moulded dragon's head is installed at one end to provide a theme to the game which is marketed as 'Dragon Fire'. The dragon's head may be formed with an opening or mouth to receive dice thrown during the roll of the dice.

In one embodiment of the method, a dealer initially nominates a player to be a 'shooter¹, and gives the shooter a pair of dice. The shooter stands on a raised platform located on one side of the dice tub. The dice are tossed to the end of the tub that is furthest away from the player, where they preferably hit the end of the table prior to coming to rest. The game is preferably played with a pair of standard six-sided dice, although it may also be played with a single die, preferably having more than six sides, or with more than two dice.

Prior to the shooter tossing the dice, the players have the opportunity to place bets by putting chips representing bet amounts onto delineated sections of the playfield layout as follows: Main Game

The playfield has a main game area 3 for receiving normal bets. For example, players have the opportunity of placing their bets in the main game area 3 in order to bet that the ^• outcome of a roll of two dice will be either 'DRAGON' or 'FIRE'. A DRAGON outcome is achieved if the sum of the total of the two dice is 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 whereas a FIRE outcome is achieved if the total of the two dice is 8, 9, 10, 1 1 or 12. It will be noted that a total of 7 indicates neither a DRAGON nor a FIRE outcome, i.e. no main bet has won, which provides a winning margin for the house.

Side Bets

The playfield also has a side bet area 7 for receiving side bets. For example, two types of side bet may be placed, namely a straight side bet, which is played on the rectangles in area 7, and a progressive^' side bet, which is played in area 5.

Straight Side Bet

Within the straight side bet, there are three different bets that can be made - a dice total, placed in one of the row of squares 9, a low pair / high pair placed in one of the row of squares 11, or a specific pair placed in one of the row of squares 13. The winning combinations are shown in the respective squares of the playfield.

Each side bet has a range of payout odds depending on the outcome and probability as indicated in the respective square.

- Progressive Side Bet

In a progressive side bet, players have an opportunity to win a higher payout if the outcomes of successive rolls of the dice match one or more predetermined series of outcomes. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a winning bet placed in the progressive side bet area 5 pays out at 100:1 in the event of three consecutive dice totals of 8 being rolled.

A player may place a wager on the progressive side bet area 5 while placing bets in the two other play areas. If the shooter rolls an 8, all bets in the progressive side bet area are frozen and the bets can be noted by placing a marker on top of the bets in that area to indicate that no further bets can be placed. All other bets are paid or lost as for the normal round of play. No additional wagers can be placed on the marked bets until a total other than 8 is thrown. Once that occurs the marker on each bet is removed.

If, on the next round of play, another 8 is thrown then a second marker is placed on top of the first marker to denote the second consecutive 8 (alternatively, a different marker, such as a marker of a different colour, may be placed). If any other total is thrown, the players with the side bet are paid at payout odds of 2:1 for the single outcome of 8 and the markers are removed.

If, following the second consecutive outcome of 8, a third consecutive outcome of 8 is thrown, then all side bet wagers are paid at payout odds of 100: 1. If any other total outcome is thrown, then the players with the side bet are paid at payout odds of 10:1 for the double outcome of 8 and the markers are removed.

Game Play

In a typical game play using the illustrated playfield, a dealer invites players to place their bets on the main and/or side bet areas. After all bets have been placed, the shooter rolls two dice into the tub. When the dice come to rest, the total of the numbers on the uppermost sides of the two dice is declared by the dealer as the outcome of the roll, and is entered into an electronic key pad, if applicable. So long as the shooter does not roll a total of 7, the dealer resolves the bets that were placed on DRAGON and FIRE; winning bets are paid by the dealer at a payout ratio of 1 :1, while losing bets are taken.

In the event of the shooter rolling a 7 then all bets in the main game area 3 are frozen. Any side bets that were placed on 7 in the side bet row 9 are paid, with all other side bets losing. Players are then prompted to place any further side bets that they may wish to place, even though they cannot place a main game bet.

The shooter then rolls the dice again. If the shooter rolls a second consecutive 7 then all main game bets are lost. All other outcomes and side bets are paid or lost as appropriate, and the marker is removed. _g

If the shooter rolls an 8 then all progressive side bets in area 5 are frozen and a marker is placed on top of the progressive side bet area. All other bets are paid or lost as for the normal round of play. No additional wagers can be placed on this bet until a total other than 8 is rolled. If on the next round of play another 8 is rolled then a second marker is placed on top of the first marker to denote the second consecutive 8. If any other total is thrown, players are paid at a payout ratio of 2: 1 as a consolation and the markers removed. If, following the second consecutive 8, a third consecutive 8 is thrown, all wagers will be paid at 100:1. If any other total is thrown, players are paid at 10:1 as a consolation and the markers removed.

Electronic Implementation

Referring now to Figure 2, there is depicted a block diagram of electronic apparatus 6, such as a personal computer, portable electronic device, or dedicated electronic gaming machine (EGM) that runs a software product which implements the previously described method of wagering. The apparatus 6 includes a case 2 which houses a processor 8 (or one or more processors) that accesses RAM 12, ROM 14 and various secondary data storage devices 16. The apparatus 6 also has a display 26 which can show a representation of a playfield.

By means of conventional interfacing circuitry located on a mainboard 10 within case 2, the processor 8 receives user commands from one or more input devices, such as keyboard 4 and mouse 20. Processor 8 is also able to communicate with remote computers via a network support module such as a LAN switch or Internet gateway.

In use, the processor 8 executes software that contains instructions for implementing a method according to the present invention. The software may be a software product 18 stored in storage device 16, though it might also be provided in read only memory in a memory chip or other electronic circuit as firmware or downloaded over a computer network such as the Internet. The software can also be provided on a portable optical medium such as a CD-ROM 28, and the computer includes a disk reader 22 for reading the software product instructions from the CD-ROM 28. Alternatively, the software can be provided on an electronic or magnetic medium such as portable flash memory or floppy disc. The software may also run on a dedicated electronic gaming machine having an appearance similar to the ones shown networked together in Figure 6. The software includes instructions for the processor 8 to implement the method described in the flowchart of Figures 3 and 4.

Referring to Figure 3, at the start of a game, all variables used in the software product are initialized or cleared at box 41. These variables include integer variables:

R (short for 'Roll') - the current value of the sum of the two simulated dice, RL ('Roll Last') - the value of the sum of the dice on the last roll, RBL ('Roll Before Last') - the value of the sum of the dice on the before last roll, and Boolean variables PSBMarker, SSBMarker and MainBetMarker.

A sub-routine is then called (at box 43) that contains instructions for the apparatus to request, or at least permit, bet placement in the Progressive Side Bet, Straight Side Bet and Main Bet playfield areas so long as the corresponding Boolean variables PSBMarker, SSBMarker and MainBetMarker are all clear.

A sub-routine is (at box 45) accepts and records the placed bets. The software includes instructions to cause the apparatus to display a representation of the bet placements on the playfield on display 26 at this point. Similarly, it will be understood that software can include instructions to cause the apparatus to display on display 26 other steps of the method, including the simulated rolling of dice, placing of bets, payout of bets and the like.

At box 47, the dice roll variables RBL and RL are updated in preparation for the fresh roll of a dice (at box 49). At box 49, a function RollDice is called that randomly generates a new value for the sum of a pair of rolled dice and stores this new value in the integer variable R. The value of each of the die is also recorded in global integer variables Dl and D2. It will be realized that R=D1+D2.

At box 51 , a routine ProcessBets is called and wining bets are paid out and losing bets are taken. A flowchart for the ProcessBets routine appears in Figure 4. This routine will be explained in light of a number of examples as documented in Figure 5. Initially we assume that on the first roll of the dice (at box 49 of Figure 3) the outcome is a '5', i.e. the sum of the two dice is 5. Accordingly, variable R, which along with the variables RBL and RL had been initialized to zero at box 41, now takes the value '5'. ^

At box 52, the variable MainBetMarker is cleared. This is done in case the MainBetMarker had been previously set during an earlier run of the ProcessBets subroutine, to prevent new bets being placed in boxes 43 and 45.

In decision box 53, the process diverts to decision box 57 (since both of the other output paths require that R=7). At decision box 57 control diverts to box 73 (since each of the other three output branches from box 57 require that R=8). At box 73 main bets are paid at a payout ratio of 1 : 1 and losing bets are collected. At box 77 winning side bets are paid and losing side bets are taken. Step 73 and step 77 are made with reference to the register of bet placements that was previously established at box 45 (Figure 3).

The procedure then proceeds to box 75. Since the last roll of the dice (stored in variable RL) was not '8' the sub-routine terminates and control diverts back to box 43 (Figure 3). Once again, a prompt is issued for bets to be placed at box 43 and at box 45 the bet placements are registered. At box 47 the RBL and RL variables are shuffled so that the RBL variable ('Roll Before Last') takes on the RL ('Roll Last') variable value, which is zero. The RL variable takes on the R variable (which is '5'). At box 49 the dice is rolled again and as shown in Figure 5, takes the value of '7' for the purposes of the present example. At decision box 53, control diverts to box 55, since R=7 and RL=5 (i.e. not equal to '7'). At box 55 straight side bets on '7' are paid. AU other bets are deemed to be lost and are collected. At box 63 the variable MainBetMarker is flagged, i.e. turned on, as indicated by the tick in the 2^nd roll column of Figure 5.

At decision box 75, since RL≠8 and RBL≠8, the subroutine terminates and the process returns to the start at box 43. At box 43 a prompt is issued for bets to be placed, however, since the MainBetMarker is flagged, the prompt indicates that bets cannot be placed on the main bet area. At box 45 new bet placements are registered and at box 47 the values of RBL and .RL are updated. A new value of R is generated at box 49. For the purposes of this example, the new value is R=7. At box 51 the sub-routine ProcessBets is called and so control diverts to box 52 where the MainBetMarker variable is cleared. Since R-7 and RL=7, the procedure proceeds through decision box 53 to box 61 and all main bets are collected this is as a consequence of two '7's having been rolled consecutively. It will be ^ ^

understood that the rolling of the consecutive '7's matches a predetermined main game losing sequence, namely '7, 7'.

At box 67 all winning side bets are paid and losing side bets collected as appropriate. The process then proceeds through decision box 75 straight back up to box 43 since neither R₁ nor RL have the value '8'.

At box 43 a prompt is issued for bet placement. Since the MainBetMarker variable has now been cleared all betting areas are available. At box 45 bet placements are registered and at box 47 the RBL and RL variables are updated. At box 49 the RollDice subroutine is called which sets the value of R, for purposes of this example, to '3'. The ProcessBets subroutine is then called at box 51. Since R=3 and RL=7, the process proceeds through decision boxes 53 and 57 directly to box 73. At box 73 winning main bets are paid at a payout ratio of 1 :1 and losing bets are collected. Similarly, at box 77 side bets are paid and collected. The process then proceeds through decision box 75 (since RL ≠ 8) back to box 43 where a prompt is issued for bets to be placed in all areas. At box 45 the bet placements are registered and at box 47 the roll before last and last roll variables RBL and RL are updated. The output of function RollDice is then allocated to the current dice roll variable R. For the purposes of the present example the variable R is allocated a '7'. Accordingly, R=7, RL=3 and RBL=7 at the time that the ProcessBets subroutine is called at box 51. Consequently, the pro,cess proceeds to box 55 where straight side bets are paid on ]7' and all other bets are collected. At box 63 the MainBetMarker is turned on. The process then diverts back to box 43, via decision box 75.

At box 43 a prompt is issued for bet placement (except in the main bet area since the MainBetMarker is turned on). The bet placements are then registered at box 45 and RBL and RL variables updated at box 47. At box 49 the RollDice function allocates a new value to R which in the present instance is '8'.

The MainBetMarker variable is cleared at box 52 and at box 53 control diverts to decision box 57. At decision box 57, since R=8 and RL≠8), the process proceeds to box 59. At box 59 the PSBMarker is flagged to indicate the rolling of an '8' and the placement of a marker on the progressive side bet portion of the playing field. At box 65, winning main bets are paid and losing main bets are collected. At box 69 winning and losing straight side bets are paid and collected. The process then proceeds to box 43.

At box 43 bets are prompted for placement except for the progressive side bet portion of the playing field due to the activation of the PSBMarker. At box 45 bet placements are registered and at boxes 47 and 49 variables are updated and a new value allocated to R, being '5' for the purposes of the present explanation. Accordingly, the current values of the dice roll variables are R=5, RL=8 and RBL=7. The subroutine ProcessBets is then called at box 51 and in the first box of that subroutine (box 52) the MainBetMarker is cleared as usual.

I

At box 53, since R≠7, control diverts to box 57. At box 57 since R≠8 the procedure passes to box 73 and thence box 77 with main and side bets being paid and collected as appropriate. Then at box 75, since RL=8 and RBL≠8, the progressive side bets (PSBs) are paid at a payout ratio of 2:1 as a consolation. The PSBMarker variable is then cleared at box 83 and the process diverts back to box 43. Assuming that an '8' is then thrown in box 49, the process enters decision box 53 with R=8, RL=5, RBL=8. Since R≠7 control diverts to box 57 and thence to box 59 where the PSBMarker variable is flagged. At boxes 65 and 69 the main bets and straight side bets are paid and collected as appropriate. The process then proceeds back to box 43 where prompts are issued for the placement of new bets except on the progressive side bet area (due to the PSBMarker being flagged).

Assuming that a further '8' is subsequently rolled at box 49, the process proceeds to box 52, at which the MainBetMarker is cleared, and then through to decision box 57 with R=8, RL=8 and RBL=5. Consequently control diverts from decision box 57 to box 86 where the variable 2ndPSBMarker is flagged. The flagging of the 2ndPSBMarker variable in turn causes a suitable graphic to be shown on the display to indicate that a second marker is now on the bets in the progressive side bet area. At box 87 the main bets are paid and collected as appropriate. Similarly at box 89 the straight side bets are paid and collected. The process then proceeds again to box 43. Since the PSBMarker remains flagged the prompt for new bets does not allow for further bets to be placed on the progressive side bet play area. If, at box 49 a T was now thrown then the process would proceed through boxes 52, 53, 57, 73 and 77 to box 75. At box 75, since RL=8 and RBL=8 the progressive side bets would be paid at 10: 1 in box 81 and the PSBMarker cleared at box 83. However, assuming for the purposes of the example that a further and third '8' is thrown at box 49, then R=8, RL=8 and RBL=8 so that the process proceeds through boxes 51, 52, 53, 57 to box 85, wherein the PSBMarker is cleared. It will be realized that the sequence '8, 8, 8' has been predetermined as a winning progressive side bet winning sequence. The payout ratio increases from 2: 1 for a single '8', to 10: 1 , for '8, 8' to 100: 1 for '8, 8, 8'. That is, the payout ratio is dependent on the extent to which consecutive rolls of the dice match the winning dice sequence.

At box 91 the progressive side bets are paid at 100:1 and at box 93 the main bets are paid and collected appropriately. Similarly, at box 95 the straight side bets are paid and collected. The process then proceeds back to box 43 to commence the next iteration.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION The method and apparatus of this invention are suitable for commercial use in casinos or other gaming establishments. For example, the invention may be used with actual dice on a physical playfield on a gaming table in a casino, or embodied in a simulated game on an electronic gaming machine of the type illustrated in Figure 2A. Alternatively, it may be played amongst a number of electronic gaming machines linked by a local area network.

The method and apparatus of this invention are also suitable for individual use, e.g. embodied in portable electronic devices or executed on a personal computer. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the method of the invention may be played amongst a large number of players on networked electronic devices, for example personal computers 100A-100F, interconnected over a wide area network such as the internet, in which case the apparatus includes a controller 101. In yet another application, the method may be played amongst a plurality of players on mobile telephones communicating via a cellular network.

The foregoing embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the exact construction and operation described and illustrated, but only by the following claims which are intended to include all suitable modifications and equivalents permitted by the applicable law.

For example, an electronic keypad and associated circuitry, including a display, microprocessor and memory containing a suitable software product similar to that previously described, can be incorporated into a playing table for a game supervisor to enter the result of each toss of the dice. After the result has been entered the microprocessor, executing a suitable software program, calculates winning areas of the playfield and lights them up correspondingly. The indication of the wining and losing playfield areas may be done, for example, by means of tri-color LEDs embedded in the playing surface and coupled to driver circuitry under control of the microprocessor.

Claims

1. A method of conducting a wagering process, comprising the steps of:

(i) providing a playfield for use in connection with least one die, the playfield having associated therewith a main game area and a progressive side bet area;

(iii) ascertaining the outcome of a roll of said at least one die;

(iv) determining whether the outcome matches a portion of a predetermined winning sequence of outcomes for the progressive side bet area; and

(v) repeating at least steps (iii) and (iv); wherein the method comprises the step of paying out bets placed in relation to the progressive side bet area with a payout dependent on the extent to which the outcome(s) of one or more successive rolls of said at least one die match said predetermined winning sequence.

2. A method of conducting a wagering process according to claim 1, further comprising the step of noting bets in the progressive side bet area upon the outcome matching a portion of the predetermined winning sequence, and preventing further bets in the progressive side bet area until an outcome which does not match a portion of the predetermined winning sequence.

3. A method of conducting a wagering process according to claim 2, wherein the step of noting bets in the progressive side bet area includes placing a marker upon the bets. ;

4. A method of conducting a wagering process according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the method includes accepting placement of a bet in relation to the main game area of the playfield, further comprising the step of collecting all bets in the main game area in the event the outcome of successive rolls of the die match a predetermined main bet losing sequence.

5. A method of conducting a wagering process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the payout for a winning bet in relation to the progressive side bet area increases as the outcomes of successive rolls of said at least one die match said predetermined winning sequence to a greater extent.

6. A. method of conducting a wagering process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method is implemented as a simulated dice game in at least one electronic device.

I. A method of conducting a wagering process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one die comprises a pair of dice.

8. A method of conducting a wagering process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the playfield also has associated therewith a straight side bet area.

9. An apparatus adapted to carry out the method of conducting a wagering process as claimed in claim 1 , the apparatus comprising a playfield having: a first set of indicia representing the main bet area; and a second set of indicia representing a progressive side bet area.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a table upon which the playfield is located, the table having comprising a tub formation to receive the at least one die thrown by a shooter during gameplay.

I I. An apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, the apparatus further comprising electronic apparatus having an input by which a game supervisor may enter the outcome of a roll of said at least one die, and a display for displaying winning bet information.

12. Apparatus for conducting a wagering process, the apparatus including: electronic processing means adapted to simulate the roll of at least one die, a display controlled by the electronic processing means, the display operatively depicting a playfield having a main game area and a progressive side bet area, and an input device in operative communication with the electronic processing means by which a player may place bets in relation to at least the progressive side bet area of the playfield, wherein the electronic processing means is programmed to pay out bets placed in relation to the progressive side bet area with a payout dependent on the extent to which the outcome(s) of one or more successive rolls of said at least one die match said predetermined winning sequence.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the display operatively depicts at least one die.

14. Apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the apparatus is a portable electronic device or a personal computer.

15. Apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the apparatus is a dedicated electronic gaming machine.

16. Apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein electronic processing means includes a random number generator to simulate the roll of at least one die.

17. A gaming machine network comprising a plurality of operably linked electronic gaming machines, wherein each gaming machine comprises: electronic processing means adapted to simulate the roll of at least one die, a display controlled by the electronic processing means, the display operatively depicting a playfield having a main game area and a progressive side bet area, and an input device in operative communication with the electronic processing means by which a player at that machine may place bets in relation to at least the progressive side bet area of the playfield, wherein the electronic processing means is programmed to pay out bets placed in relation to the progressive side bet area with a payout dependent on the extent to which the outcome(s) of one or more successive rolls of said at least one die match said predetermined winning sequence.