Abstract:
An otherwise conventional craps table is provided with one or more unique wagering opportunities each comprising odds which are more favorable to the craps player as compare with the odds associated with traditional craps wagers. Utilization of the wager opportunities comprising the present invention attracts more players to the craps table and thereby ultimately benefits the craps table operator.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 11/292,663 filed Dec. 2, 2005, currently pending, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference; and of application Ser. No. 11/055,765 filed Feb. 11, 2005, currently pending, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference; which is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 11/039,181 filed Jan. 20, 2005, currently pending, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference; which is a which is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 10/860,398 filed Jun. 3, 2004, abandoned, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference; which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/403,275 filed Apr. 1, 2003, abandoned, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.  
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     This invention relates generally to games of chance and more particularly to improvements in the gaming activity known as craps.  
       BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     As is well known to those skilled in the art, the gaming activity known as craps is a table game, that is, craps is played on a gaming table as opposed to a gaming machine. Gaming machines which emulate the craps table game are also known, and the present invention is equally applicable thereto.  
         [0004]     Craps differs from other table games in that the bets or wagers which are available to the player are clearly delineated on the craps table. Stated conversely, the only bets that can be made in the game of craps are identified with and stated on segregated areas of the craps table. In order to make a bet, a craps player places a selected number of chips on the segment of the craps table corresponding to the selected bet, whereupon the bet is made.  
         [0005]     Referring to  FIG. 1  of the drawings, there is shown a conventional craps table  10 . As stated above, all of the bets or wagers that are possible in the game of craps are clearly stated on the craps table  10  and are associated with a particular designated segment thereof. Thus, if a player wishes to place a “COME” bet, the player places one or more chips in one of the segments  12  of the craps table  10  at the designated time during play of the craps game.  
         [0006]     Having particular reference to the segments  14  of the craps table  10 , two of the bets which are disfavored by craps players are known as “Big 6” and “Big 8”. The “Big 6” and “Big 8” bets are generally referred to in the industry as “sucker bets” because the odds of winning these bets favor the house to a much greater extent as compared to other bets or wagers which are available on the craps table  10 . Also, the payout resulting from a winning “BIG 6” or “BIG 8” is considered inadequate by most craps players.  
         [0007]     Although a wager favoring the house might at first seem advantageous to the operator of the craps table  10 , in the long run this is not the case. Thus, although a novice might occasionally make a “Big 6” or “Big 8” wager, the player will not do so again upon learning that the odds pertaining to such a bet so strongly favor the house. Therefore, because the areas of the craps table  10  associated with the “Big 6” and “Big 8” wagers go virtually unused, the areas  14  of the crap table  10  represent wasted space which does not earn revenue for the operator of the craps table  10 .  
         [0008]     The present invention comprises an improvement in the game of craps which overcomes the foregoing and other difficulties which have long since characterized the prior art. In accordance with the invention, one or more segments of the craps table heretofore associated with the bets known as “Big 6” and “Big 8” are replaced with different betting or waging opportunities which are much more favorable to the player. Alternatively, some craps tables may already have the “Big 6” and “Big 8” betting options removed, in which case the present invention comprises betting opportunities in addition to those already presented on the craps table.  
         [0009]     The assignment of portions of the craps table to betting opportunities more favorable to the player is ultimately advantageous to the operator of the craps table in that craps tables incorporating the present invention will attract additional players as compared with conventional craps tables not incorporating the present invention. Thus, because all bets or wagers available in the game of craps ultimately favor the house to a greater or lesser degree, operators of craps tables incorporating the present invention will ultimately realize increased revenues as opposed to operators of conventional craps tables.  
         [0010]     Having particular reference to the segment  16  of the craps table  10 , another bet with odds favoring the house, but popular among craps players is betting the “Hardways.” A “Hardways” player wagers that the Shooter will roll either a double two, a double three, a double four, or a double five, resulting in a hard four, six, eight, or ten respectively, before a seven is rolled. If the shooter rolls the selected “hard” number in doubles, the payoff is high for the player, specifically a ten-to-one payout. However, if the selected number is rolled in a combination other than doubles, the player loses the bet.  
         [0011]     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a different wagering opportunity for a player to wager that a “hard” number will be thrown, the difference being that the bet is not lost if the selected number is thrown in a combination other than doubles. This provides a better betting alternative to the player because the only throw that defeats the bet is a seven, and may be referred to as a “Softways” bet.  
         [0012]     As well become more apparent hereinafter, the present invention comprises other and further modifications of and additions to conventional craps table layouts all of which favor the craps player and therefore ultimately benefit the craps table operator.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in connection with the accompanying Drawings, wherein:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a prior art craps table;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of novel craps wagering opportunities comprising the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of a craps table incorporating the wagering opportunity shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of another novel craps wagering opportunities comprising the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of a craps table incorporating the wagering opportunity shown in  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of yet another novel craps wagering opportunity comprising the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is an illustration of a craps table incorporating the wagering opportunity shown in  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of yet another novel craps wagering opportunity comprising the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  is an illustration of a craps table incorporating the wagering opportunity shown in  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 10  is an illustration of a variation of the novel craps wagering opportunity shown in  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 10A  is an illustration of a variation of the novel craps wagering opportunity shown in  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 11  is an illustration of yet another novel craps wagering opportunity comprising the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 12  is an illustration of a craps table incorporating the wagering opportunity shown in  FIG. 11 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 13  is an illustration of yet another novel craps wagering opportunity comprising the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 14  is an illustration of a craps table incorporating the wagering opportunity shown in  FIG. 13 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 15  is an illustration of yet another novel craps wagering opportunity comprising the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 16  is an illustration of a craps table incorporating the wagering opportunity shown in  FIG. 15 ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 17  is an illustration of yet another novel craps wagering opportunity comprising the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 18  is an illustration of a craps table incorporating the wagering opportunity shown in  FIG. 17 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 19  is an illustration of yet another novel craps wagering opportunity comprising the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 20  is an illustration of a craps table incorporating the wagering opportunity of  FIG. 19 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 21  is an illustration of yet another novel craps wagering opportunity comprising the present invention;  
         [0036]      FIG. 22  is an illustration of a variation of the craps wagering opportunity of  FIG. 21 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 23  is an illustration of another variation of the wagering opportunity of  FIG. 21 ;  
         [0038]      FIG. 24  is an illustration of yet another variation of the wagering opportunity of  FIG. 21 ;  
         [0039]      FIG. 25  is an illustration of a craps table incorporating the wagering opportunity of  FIG. 21 ;  
         [0040]      FIG. 26  is an illustration of a novel craps table layout comprising yet another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0041]      FIG. 27  is an illustration of yet another novel craps wagering opportunity comprising the present invention;  
         [0042]      FIG. 28  is an illustration of a craps table incorporating the wagering opportunity of  FIG. 27 ;  
         [0043]      FIG. 29  is an illustration of yet another novel craps wagering opportunity comprising the present invention;  
         [0044]      FIG. 30  is an illustration of a craps table incorporating the wagering opportunity of  FIG. 29 ;  
         [0045]      FIG. 31  is an illustration of yet another novel craps wagering opportunity comprising the present invention; and  
         [0046]      FIG. 32  is an illustration of a craps table incorporating the wagering opportunity of  FIG. 31 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0047]     Referring now to the Drawings, and particularly to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a craps table segment  20  incorporating the present invention. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the craps table segment  20  is intended as a replacement for the segments  14  of the craps table  10  shown in  FIG. 1  whereby the wagering opportunities afforded by means of the present invention replace the Big 6 and Big 8 wagers of a conventional craps table. Alternatively, some craps tables may already have the “Big 6” and “Big 8” betting options removed, in which case the present invention comprises betting opportunities in addition to those already presented on the craps table.  
         [0048]     The segment  20  includes an odd portion  22  and an even portion  24 . By placing one or more chips on the odd portion  22  the player wagers that a five, seven, nine, or eleven will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If an odd number is thrown the player receives a payout equal to one time the original bet while retaining the original bet. If an even number is thrown the player loses the original bet. If a three is thrown the player does not receive a payout nor does the player lose the original bet. The bet remains for the next throw of the dice unless the player opts to take down the bet.  
         [0049]     By placing one or more chips on the even portion  24  the player wagers that a four, six, eight, or ten will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If an even number is thrown the player receives a payout equal to one time the original bet while retaining the original bet. If an odd number is thrown the player loses the original bet. If a two or twelve is thrown the player does not receive a payout nor does the player lose the original bet. The bet remains for the next throw of the dice unless the player opts to take the bet down. As will therefore be understood by those skilled in the art the bets provided to the craps player by this embodiment of the present invention resemble, in some respects, the conventional “field” bet.  
         [0050]      FIG. 3  illustrates a craps table  30  incorporating the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The craps table  30  is identical to the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1  except that the craps table segment  20  shown in  FIG. 2  replaces both of the craps table segments  14  shown in  FIG. 1 . The use of the craps table  30  of  FIG. 3  is highly advantageous both to the player and to the table operator as compared with the use of the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1 . With respect to the craps player the use of the segment  20  and the wagering opportunities afforded by means of the present invention provides better odds and more payout opportunities. With respect to the craps table operator the use of the segment  20  and the wagering opportunities of the present invention attracts more players to the craps table which ultimately results in a larger return to the table operator.  
         [0051]      FIG. 4  illustrates a craps table segment  40  intended as a replacement for the segments  14  of the craps table  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . The segment  40  includes a low portion  44  and a high portion  46 . By placing one or more chips on the low portion  44  the player wagers that a two, a three, a four, or a five will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If a two is thrown on the next roll the player receives a payout equal to two times the original bet while retaining the original bet. If a three, a four, or a five is thrown on the next roll, the player receives a payout equal to two times the original bet while retaining the original bet.  
         [0052]     If a player places one or more chips on the high portion  46  of the segment  40  the player wagers that a nine, a ten, an eleven, or a twelve will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If a twelve is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game the player receives a payout equal to two times the original wager while retaining the original wager. If a nine, a ten, or an eleven is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game the player receives a payout equal to two times the original wager while retaining the original wager. As will therefore be understood by those skilled in the art the bets provided to the craps player by this embodiment of the present invention resemble, in some respects, the conventional “field” bet.  
         [0053]      FIG. 5  illustrates a craps table  50  incorporating the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The craps table  50  is identical to the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1  except that the craps table segment  40  shown in  FIG. 4  replaces both of the craps table segments  14  shown in  FIG. 1 . The use of the craps table  50  of  FIG. 5  is highly advantageous both to the player and to the table operator as compared with the use of the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1 . The advantages to both the player and table operator are substantially similar to the advantages gained by operating the craps table  30  shown in  FIG. 3  and described hereinabove in conjunction therewith.  
         [0054]      FIG. 6  illustrates a craps table segment  60  similar to the craps table segment  40  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Many of the portions of the craps table segment  60  are substantially identical in construction and function to the segments of the craps table segment  40  illustrated in  FIG. 4  described hereinabove in conjunction therewith. Such identical component parts are designated in  FIG. 6  with the same reference numerals utilized above in the description of the craps table segment  60 , but are differentiated therefrom by means of a prime (′) designation.  
         [0055]     The craps table segment  60  differs from the craps table segment  40  of  FIG. 4  in that the craps table segment  60  offers two additional betting options. Below the low portion  44 ′ is an alternate low portion  64  allowing the player to wager that a two, three, four, five, or six will be thrown on the next roll of the dice. If a two is thrown the player receives a payout equal to five times the original bet while retaining the original bet. If a three, four, five, or six is thrown on the next roll of the dice the player receives a payout equal to the original bet while retaining the original bet. Below the high portion  46 ′ is an alternate high portion  66  allowing the player to wager that an eight, nine, ten, eleven, or twelve will be thrown on the next roll of the dice. If a twelve is thrown the player receives a payout equal to five times the original bet while retaining the original bet. If an eight, nine, ten, or eleven is thrown on the next roll of the dice the player receives a payout equal to the original bet while retaining the original bet. As will therefore be understood by those skilled in the art the bets provided to the craps player by this embodiment of the present invention resemble, in some respects, the conventional “field” bet.  
         [0056]      FIG. 7  illustrates a craps table  70  incorporating the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The craps table  70  is identical to the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1  except that the craps table segment  60  shown in  FIG. 6  replaces both of the craps table segments  14  shown in  FIG. 1 . The use of the craps table  70  of  FIG. 7  is highly advantageous both to the player and to the table operator as compared with the use of the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1 . The advantages to both the player and table operator are substantially similar to the advantages gained by operating the craps table  30  shown in  FIG. 3  and described hereinabove in conjunction therewith.  
         [0057]      FIG. 8  illustrates a craps table segment  80  intended as a replacement for the segments  14  of the craps table  10  shown in  FIG. 1  whereby the wagering opportunities afforded by means of the present invention replace the Big 6 and Big 8 wagers of a conventional craps table. The segment  80  includes six “Softways” segments wherein a player can wager that a hard number will be thrown before a seven is thrown. A “Hard” number is thrown by rolling doubles. Distinct from the “Hardways” segment  16  of the craps table  10  shown in  FIG. 1  the “Softways” segment allows the player to wager that a “hard” number will be thrown but the wager is not lost if the selected number is thrown in a combination other than doubles.  
         [0058]     Specifically, the segment  80  includes a multi-number portion  82  that allows the player to wager that a double two, double three, double four, or double five, resulting in a hard four, six, eight, or ten, will be thrown in doubles on the next roll of the dice. If doubles are thrown the player receives a 7 to 5 payout while retaining the amount of the original bet. If a four, six, eight, or ten is thrown in a combination other than doubles, or any other number besides a seven is thrown, the player neither wins nor loses their bet. The player may keep the bet posted for the next roll of dice or opt to take the bet down. Only the roll of a seven results in the player losing the bet.  
         [0059]     In addition to the multi-number portion  82  the segment  80  includes a four-ten portion  84  and a six-eight portion  86 . The four-ten portion  84  is similar to the multi-number portion  82  with the only difference being that the bet is narrowed to only a four or ten being thrown. Similarly, the six-eight portion  86  wagers only for a six or an eight to be thrown in doubles. For both the four-ten portion  84  and the six-eight portion  86  the player wins if the selected numbers are thrown in doubles. The payout is 14 to 5 while retaining the amount of the original bet.  
         [0060]     Finally, the segment  80  includes individual portions  88 ,  90 ,  92 , and  94  for each of the hard numbers four, ten, six, and eight  94 , respectively, allowing the player to wager only one number being thrown in doubles. Only the roll of a seven causes a player to lose a bet on any portion of the segment  80 . As will therefore be understood by those skilled in the art the bets provided to the craps player by this embodiment of the present invention resemble, in some respects, the conventional “place” bet.  
         [0061]      FIG. 9  illustrates a craps table  96  incorporating the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The craps table  96  is identical to the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1  except that the craps table segment  80  shown in  FIG. 8  replaces both of the craps table segments  14  shown in  FIG. 1 . The use of the craps table  96  of  FIG. 9  is highly advantageous both to the player and to the table operator as compared with the use of the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1 . The advantages to both the player and table operator are substantially similar to the advantages gained by operating the craps table  30  shown in  FIG. 3  and described hereinabove in conjunction therewith.  
         [0062]      FIG. 10  illustrates a craps table segment  100  similar to the craps table segment  80  illustrated in  FIG. 8 . Many of the portions of the craps table segment  100  are substantially identical in construction and function to the portions of the craps table segment  80  illustrated in  FIG. 8  described hereinabove in conjunction therewith. Such identical component parts are designated in  FIG. 10  with the same reference numerals utilized above in the description of the craps table segment  80 , but are differentiated therefrom by means of a prime (′) designation.  
         [0063]     The craps table segment  100  differs from the craps table segment  80  of  FIG. 8  in that the craps table segment  100  offers two additional betting options. The portion  102  allows the player to wager that the number two will be rolled via double ones before a seven is thrown. The portion  104  allows the player to wager that a twelve will be rolled via double sixes before a seven is thrown. Both the portion  102  and portion  104  awards a 28 to 5 payout plus the amount of the original bet if the chosen number and dice combination is thrown before the shooter throws a seven. As will therefore be understood by those skilled in the art the bets provided to the craps player by this embodiment of the present invention resemble, in some respects, the conventional “place” bet.  
         [0064]      FIG. 10   a  illustrates a craps table segment  110  similar to the craps table segment  100  illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Many of the portions of the craps table segment  110  are substantially identical in construction and function to the portions of the craps table segment  100  illustrated in  FIG. 10  described hereinabove in conjunction therewith. Such identical component parts are designated in  FIG. 10   a  with the same reference numerals utilized above in the description of the craps table segment  100 , but are differentiated therefrom by means of a double prime (″) designation.  
         [0065]     The craps table segment  110  differs from the craps table segment  100  of  FIG. 10  in that the craps table segment  110  illustrates the numeral two in the portion  102 ″ with each die showing the number one, and the portion  104 ″ illustrates the number twelve with each die showing the number six.  
         [0066]      FIG. 11  illustrates a craps table segment  120  intended as a replacement for the segments  14  of the craps table  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . The segment  120  includes a low portion  122  and a high portion  124  By placing one or more chips on the low portion  122  the player wagers that a two, a three, a four, a five, or a six will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If a two is thrown on the next roll the player receives a payout equal to six times the original wager while retaining the original wager. If a three, a four, a five, or a six is thrown on the next roll, the player receives a payout equal to the amount of the original wager.  
         [0067]     If a player places one or more chips on the high portion  124  of the segment  120  the player wagers that an eight, a nine, a ten, an eleven, or a twelve will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If a twelve is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game the player receives a payout equal to six times the original wager while retaining the original wager. If an eight, a nine, a ten, or an eleven is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game, the player receives a payout equal to the amount of the original wager. As will therefore be understood by those skilled in the art the bets provided to the craps player by this embodiment of the present invention resemble, in some respects, the conventional “field” bet.  
         [0068]      FIG. 12  illustrates a craps table  126  incorporating the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The craps table  126  is identical to the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1  except that the craps table segment  120  shown in  FIG. 11  replaces both of the craps table segments  14  shown in  FIG. 1 . The use of the craps table  126  of  FIG. 12  is highly advantageous both to the player and to the table operator as compared with the use of the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1 . The advantages to both the player and table operator are substantially similar to the advantages gained by operating the craps table  30  shown in  FIG. 3  and described hereinabove in conjunction therewith.  
         [0069]      FIG. 13  illustrates a craps table segment  130  intended as a replacement for the segments  14  of the craps table  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . The segment  130  includes a low six portion  132  and a high eight portion  134  By placing one or more chips on the low six portion  132  the player wagers that a two, a three, a four, a five, or a six will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If a six is thrown on the next roll, the player receives a payout equal to two times the original bet while retaining the original bet. If a two, three, a four, or a five is thrown on the next roll, the player receives a payout equal to the amount of the original bet.  
         [0070]     If a player places one or more chips on the high eight portion  134  of the segment  130 , the player wagers that an eight, nine, a ten, an eleven, or a twelve will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If an eight is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game, the player receives a payout equal to two times the original bet while retaining the original bet. If a nine, a ten, an eleven, or a twelve is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game, the player receives a payout equal to the amount of the original bet.  
         [0071]      FIG. 14  illustrates a craps table  136  incorporating the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 13 . The craps table  136  is identical to the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1  except that the craps table segment  130  shown in  FIG. 13  replaces both of the craps table segments  14  shown in  FIG. 1 . The use of the craps table  136  of  FIG. 13  is highly advantageous both to the player and to the table operator as compared with the use of the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1 . The advantages to both the player and table operator are substantially similar to the advantages gained by operating the craps table  30  shown in  FIG. 3  and described hereinabove in conjunction therewith.  
         [0072]      FIG. 15  illustrates a craps table segment  140  intended as a replacement for the segments  14  of the craps table  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . The segment  140  includes a low portion  142  and a high portion  144  By placing one or more chips on the low portion  142  the player wagers that a two, a three, a four, a five, or a six will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If a six is thrown on the next roll by throwing doubles, the player receives a payout equal to five times the original bet while retaining the original bet. If a two, a three, a four, a five, or a six is thrown on the next roll, the player receives a payout equal to the amount of the original bet.  
         [0073]     If a player places one or more chips on the high portion  144  of the segment  140 , the player wagers that an eight, nine, a ten, an eleven, or a twelve will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If an eight is thrown on the next roll by throwing doubles during play of the craps game, the player receives a payout equal to five times the original bet while retaining the original bet. If an eight, a nine, a ten, an eleven, or a twelve is thrown on the next roll during play of the craps game, the player receives a payout equal to the amount of the original bet.  
         [0074]      FIG. 16  illustrates a craps table  146  incorporating the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 15 . The craps table  146  is identical to the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1  except that the craps table segment  140  shown in  FIG. 15  replaces both of the craps table segments  14  shown in  FIG. 1 . The use of the craps table  146  of  FIG. 15  is highly advantageous both to the player and to the table operator as compared with the use of the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1 . The advantages to both the player and table operator are substantially similar to the advantages gained by operating the craps table  30  shown in  FIG. 3  and described hereinabove in conjunction therewith.  
         [0075]      FIG. 17  illustrates a craps table segment  150  intended as a replacement for the segments  14  of the craps table  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . The segment  150  includes a low portion  152  and a high portion  154 . By placing one or more chips on the low portion  152  the player wagers that a two, a three, a four, a five, or a six will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If a two, a four, or a six is thrown on the next roll by throwing doubles the player receives a payout equal to two times the original bet while retaining the original bet. If a three or a five is thrown on the next roll, the player receives a payout equal to the amount of the original bet. If a four or six is thrown on the next roll in a form other than by throwing doubles, the player receives a payout equal to the amount of the original bet.  
         [0076]     If a player places one or more chips on the high portion  154  of the segment  150  the player wagers that an eight, nine, a ten, an eleven, or a twelve will be thrown on the next roll of the dice during the play of the craps game. If an eight, ten, or twelve is thrown on the next roll by throwing doubles the player receives a payout equal to two times the original bet while retaining the original bet. If a nine or eleven is thrown on the next roll the player receives a payout equal to the amount of the original bet. If an eight or ten is thrown on the next roll in a form other than by throwing doubles the player receives a payout equal to the amount of the original bet.  
         [0077]      FIG. 18  illustrates a craps table  156  incorporating the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 17 . The craps table  156  is identical to the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1  except that the craps table segment  150  shown in  FIG. 17  replaces both of the craps table segments  14  shown in  FIG. 1 . The use of the craps table  156  of  FIG. 18  is highly advantageous both to the player and to the table operator as compared with the use of the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1 . The advantages to both the player and table operator are substantially similar to the advantages gained by operating the craps table  30  shown in  FIG. 3  and described hereinabove in conjunction therewith.  
         [0078]      FIG. 19  illustrates a craps table segment  160  intended as a replacement for the segments  14  of the craps table  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . The segment  60  comprises six subparts each illustrating one face of a conventional die used in the game of craps. The segment  160  allows a craps player to wager that at least one die comprising the two dice that will be thrown on the next roll in the craps game will display the selected number. If a craps player places one or more chips on the segment  160 A the player wagers that at least one of the two dice thrown on the next roll of the craps game will display a “3”. If in fact one of the two dice thrown on the next roll comprising the craps game is a “3” the player wins the wager. If not, the player loses the wager.  
         [0079]      FIG. 20  illustrates a craps table  162  incorporating the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 19 . The craps table  162  is identical to the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1  except that the craps table segment  160  shown in  FIG. 19  replaces both of the craps table segments  14  shown in  FIG. 1 . The use of the craps table  162  of  FIG. 20  is highly advantageous to both the player and to the operator as compared with the use of the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1 . The advantages to both the player and the table operator are substantially similar to the advantages gained by operating the craps table  30  shown in  FIG. 3  and described hereinabove in conjunction therewith.  
         [0080]      FIG. 21  illustrates a tracking grid  170  comprising an aspect of the present invention that is highly advantageous to the craps table operator. At the completion of each roll of the dice an employee of the craps table operator that is responsible for operation of the craps table places a marker on the segment of the tracking grid  170  corresponding to the combination of dice that was just rolled. For example, if a particular roll of the dice causes a 6 and a 4 to be displayed the employee places a marker on tracking grid segment  170 A. In this manner arguments between one or more craps players and the employees of the table operator that are responsible for managing the craps table are completely eliminated.  
         [0081]     The tracking grid  170  is also useful in the management of “hop bets”. As is well known to those skilled in the art a hop bet comprises a wager that a specific combination of dice will be thrown on the next roll of the dice.  
         [0082]     As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art the tracking grid  170  is utilized when placing a hop bet prior to the roll of the dice. A player wishing to make a hop bet places one or more chips on the segment of the tracking grid  170  corresponding to the wager that he or she wishes to make. Assuming that the combination of dice that is displayed on the next roll of the dice matches the hop bet the employees of the table operator make the appropriate payout to the player that made the wager, remove all of the chips from the tracking grid  170 , and place a marker on the segment, and place marker on the segment of the tracking grid  170  corresponding to the combination of dice that was just rolled. The marker remains in place until the next roll of the dice thereby eliminating confusion and arguments over exactly what combination of die was thrown on a previous roll.  
         [0083]      FIG. 22  illustrates a tracking grid  172  which is similar to the tracking grid  170  shown in  FIG. 21  and described hereinabove but comprising a different arrangement of the segments comprising the tracking grid.  FIG. 23  illustrates a tracking grid  174  which is similar to the tracking grid  170  shown in  FIG. 21  and described hereinabove but comprising a different arrangement of the segments comprising the tracking grid.  FIG. 24  illustrates a tracking grid  176  which is similar to the tracking grid  170  shown in  FIG. 21  and described hereinabove but comprising a different arrangement of the segments comprising the tracking grid.  
         [0084]      FIG. 25  illustrates a craps table  180  equipped with the tracking grid  170  of  FIG. 21 . As described in detail above the use of the tracking grid  170  in conjunction with the craps table  180  is advantageous in eliminating confusion and arguments as to the specific combination of numerals that was thrown on the last roll of the dice and in facilitating hop bets. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art the tracking grids  172 ,  174  and  176  illustrated in  FIGS. 22, 23 , and  24 , respectively, can be used in combination with the craps table  180  in lieu of the tracking grid  170  depending upon the requirements of particular applications of the invention.  
         [0085]      FIG. 26  illustrates a craps table layout  190  that is both highly convenient to craps players and highly advantageous to the operator of the craps table. The craps table layout  190  places the wagering opportunities most favored by craps players close to the front  192  and the sides  194  of the craps table. Craps players to place their own wagers as opposed to having wagers placed on their behalf by employees of the craps table operator as is the case in the operation of conventional craps table layouts.  
         [0086]     Because the craps table  190  allows craps players to place their own wagers in the vast majority of cases a craps table incorporating the craps table layout  190  can be operated by three employees of the craps table operator as opposed to the usual four employee requirement. Thus, the craps table operator enjoys a 25% reduction in employee costs when utilizing the craps table layout  190  as opposed to conventional craps table layouts. The craps table layout  190  also allows a substantially greater number of craps players to position themselves around a craps table incorporating the craps table layout  190  as compared with craps tables incorporating traditional craps table layouts the revenues received and profits earned by the craps table operator.  
         [0087]     Referring to  FIG. 27  there is shown a craps table segment  200  incorporating the present invention. As will appreciated by those skilled in the art, the craps table segment  200  is intended as a replacement for the segment  16  of the craps table  10  shown in  FIG. 1  whereby additional wagering opportunities are afforded by means of the present invention.  
         [0088]     The segment  200  contains a segment  202  in the middle that contains two sets of numbers. The left portion  204  comprises the numbers 1 through 10. The right portion  206  comprises the numbers 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40, 75, 150, 250, and 500. Portion  204  represents the number of consecutive passes. Portion  206  represents the multiplying number used to determine the value of a wager at that time. Example: A $5 wager after 4 consecutive passes would have a value of ($5×10) or ($50)+original $5 wager returned. The multiplying number of 10 is determined by looking at the segment  202  and the multiplier in the portion  206  adjacent to the number 4 in the portion  204  representing four consecutive passes.  
         [0089]     Segment  202  is the area incorporating the present invention. In placing the wager the dealer places a marker that identifies the player that the wager belongs to. If a pass is made the marker is moved up one section to the number that represents the current number of passes that have been made, and the corresponding multiplying number is used to determine the value of the wager. At any time before a point is established the wager can be collected for its current value. After a point is established a win or loss for that pass is determined before the wager can be collected with failure to make a pass resulting in the loss of the wager. The addition of the wager comprising  FIG. 27  does not affect the normal play of a craps game but does make the game more exciting with a potential payoff that exceeds all other payoffs on the table.  
         [0090]      FIG. 28  illustrates a craps table  208  incorporating the present invention. The craps table  208  is identical to the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1  except that the craps table segment  200  shown in  FIG. 27  replaces the craps table segment  16  shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0091]     The use of the craps table  208  of  FIG. 28  is highly advantageous both to the player and to the operator as compared with the use of the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1 . With respect to the craps player, the use of the segment  200  and the wagering opportunities afforded by means of the present invention provides higher payout opportunities. With respect to the craps table operator the use of the segment  200  and the wagering opportunities of the present invention attract more players to the craps table which ultimately results in a larger return to the table operator.  
         [0092]     Referring to  FIG. 29  segment  210  illustrates additional waging opportunities that allow a player to wager that a 3 or an 11 will be rolled before a 7 is rolled. Segment  212  provides waging opportunities that allow a player to wager on any of the possible combinations of dice in which the number on top of one die is equal to the number on top of the other die. Example: a 4 being rolled with a 2 on one die and a 2 on the other die. This differs from the hardways bet in that only a 7 results in a loss of the wager. The payoff is less, but the lower percentage return for the craps table operator and is lower, with the end result being more advantageous for the player. This results in more wagers and ultimately more profit for the craps table operator.  
         [0093]      FIG. 29  also includes segments  214  and  216  each containing a set of numbers. If a player wagers in either segment  214  or  216  and one of the numbers contained therein is rolled the payout comprises an amount equal to the amount wagered less 5%. The wager is lost if any number other than the numbers comprising the selected segment is rolled on the next roll of the dice.  
         [0094]      FIG. 30  illustrates a craps table  218  incorporating the present invention. The craps table  218  is identical to the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1  except that the craps table segment  218  shown in  FIG. 29  replaces the craps table segment  16  shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0095]     The use of the craps table  218  of  FIG. 28  is highly advantageous both to the player and to the operator as compared with the use of the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1 . With respect to the craps player, the use of the segment  218  and the wagering opportunities afforded by means of the present invention provides higher payout opportunities. With respect to the craps table operator the use of the segment  218  and the wagering opportunities of the present invention attract more players to the craps table which ultimately results in a larger return to the table operator.  
         [0096]     Referring to  FIG. 31 , segment  220  contains a set of numbers comprising 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, and 11. A wager made in either segment  220  wins if any one of the numbers in the set is rolled before a seven, but if a seven is rolled the wager is lost. The roll of a 2 or a 12 has no effect on the wager. To make this wager a player has to lay 5 to 1. Example: $5 is wagered, and one of the numbers in that set is rolled. The player wins and is paid $1, but if a seven is rolled the wager is lost and the player loses the $5.  
         [0097]     Still referring to  FIG. 31  segment  222  on the craps table an opportunity to wager for car. Other jackpot type prizes offered in lieu of a car. The craps table operator selects the prize. Segment  226  of segment  220  is used to track of the bet that is offered by the craps table operator depending on the cost of the car or other jackpot prize that is offered in segment  224 . Example: To win a Chevrolet truck the craps table operator might require a shooter to roll 5 consecutive elevens. A Porsche would require that ten consecutive elevens are rolled. The wager would vary but in any event several consecutive rolls would be required to win the prize designated in segment  224 .  
         [0098]     Although the present invention is described in conjunction with a game of chance played using a pair of dice, the present invention is equally applicable to a craps game of chance played with playing cards instead of dice wherein the player&#39;s wager and payout depend on the next cards dealt rather than the next roll of the dice.  
         [0099]      FIG. 32  illustrates a craps table  224  incorporating the present invention. The craps table  224  is identical to the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1  except that the craps table segment  224  shown in  FIG. 29  replaces the craps table segment  16  shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0100]     The use of the craps table  208  of  FIG. 28  is highly advantageous both to the player and to the operator as compared with the use of the craps table  10  of  FIG. 1 . With respect to the craps player, the use of the segment  224  and the wagering opportunities afforded by means of the present invention provides higher payout opportunities. With respect to the craps table operator the use of the segment  224  and the wagering opportunities of the present invention attract more players to the craps table which ultimately results in a larger return to the table operator.  
         [0101]     Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the spirit of the invention.