Abstract:
A method for providing a poker-related game related broadcast show, comprising selecting players, providing each player with a medal indicative of a gaming position order, positioning the players at respective gaming surfaces according to the order associated with the medal provided at step, playing hands of the poker-related game until at least one player is eliminated, handing over the medal of the at least one eliminated player to a winning player and eliminating prizes in accordance with random selections made by the eliminated at least one eliminated player until only one player remains, the remaining player being identified as the grand winner, allowing the grand winner to bring back into play an eliminated prize for each medal possessed by the grand winner and allowing the grand winner to randomly select a prize.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This application claims the benefits of U.S. provisional patent applications No. 61/006,598 filed Jan. 23, 2008; which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a table game related broadcast show and lottery. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Game shows have always been present since the beginnings of television broadcasting. With ever increasing competition, producers try to come up with new concepts so has to capture a bigger share of viewers. 
     However, most concepts do not involve the viewer. Thus, there is a need for an innovative game show concept that involves the viewer so as to increase viewer loyalty. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to the present invention, there is provided a method for providing a poker-related game related broadcast show, comprising:
         a) selecting players;   b) providing each player with a medal indicative of a gaming position order;   c) positioning the players at respective gaming surfaces according to the order associated with the medal provided at step b);   d) playing hands of the poker-related game until at least one player is eliminated;   e) handing over the medal of the at least one eliminated player to a winning player;   f) eliminating prizes in accordance with random selections made by the eliminated at least one eliminated player;   g) repeating steps e) and f) until only one player remains, the remaining player being identified as the grand winner; and   h) allowing the grand winner to bring back into play an eliminated prize for each medal possessed by the grand winner; and   i) allowing the grand winner to randomly select a prize.       

     According to the present invention, there is also provided a method of conducting a table game related broadcast show based lottery, comprising:
         a) providing lottery tickets having thereon at least one series of symbols, each symbol being associated with a players of the table game related broadcast show;   b) conducting the table game related broadcast show;   c) producing a wining series of symbols from the order in which the players are eliminated during the table game related broadcast show and the grand winner; and   d) attributing prizes to the lottery tickets in accordance with a number of correct symbols in the at least one series of symbols thereon.       

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       Embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIGS. 1   a,    1   b  and  1   c  is a flow diagram depicting an illustrative example of a procedure representing the course of the table game related broadcast show based on Texas Hold&#39;Em poker; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of an illustrative example of a set for use in conjunction with the table game related broadcast show procedure of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of an illustrative example of a complimentary gains display for use in conjunction with the set of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an illustrative example of a lottery ticket that may be used in associations with the table game related broadcast show; and 
         FIG. 5  is an illustrative example of an alternative series of digits or symbols for the lottery ticket of  FIG. 4 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Generally stated, the non-limitative illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a table game related broadcast show and lottery based on Texas Hold&#39;Em poker. 
     Broadcast Show 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b  and  1   c,  there is shown a flow diagram of an illustrative example of a procedure  100  representing the course of a table game related broadcast show based on Texas Hold&#39;Em poker. The steps of the procedure  100  are indicated by blocks  102  to  144 . 
     In the following description of procedure  100 , references will be made to  FIG. 2 , which shows a schematic view of an illustrative example of a set  200  which may be used in conjunction with the procedure  100  of  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b  and  1   c.    
     The set  200  includes:
         players 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10;   a master of ceremonies  202 , which is responsible for the game show following its intended course and interacting with the players 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, such as interviewing them during the game and/or as they are eliminated;   10 cases  203 , each containing a medal with a letter inscribed thereon, seven letters (S, U, P, E, R, O, K) of a first color, for example red, and three letters (P, E, R) of a second color, for example blue;   a hostess  204 , which assist the master of ceremonies;   a safe box  205  containing 26 chips with the letters A to Z inscribed thereon, the seven letters “S”, “U”, “P”, “E”, “R”, “O” and “K” (these letters spell “SUPER OK” and are the unique letters from the term “SUPER POKER”) inscribed in the first color, e.g. red, and being designated as “super letters”, the remaining 19 letters being inscribed in the second color, e.g. blue and being designated as regular letters;   one or more cameraman  206  with an associated video camera  207 ;   a tournament director  208 , which is responsible for enforcing the rules of the game;   a dealer  210 ;   an audience  220 ;   a display panel  300  having a prize section  302 , a card section  304  with a “SUPER” and a “POKER” sub-sections  304   a  and  304   b,  respectively, and a probability section  306 ; and   a gaming table  400  including gaming surfaces  410  for each of the players 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, the gaming table  400  may have therein cameras, lighting, sound, electronic displays, etc.       

     All of the above elements will be further detailed as the procedure  100  is described. 
     It is to be understood that the appearance of the set  200  and the number of players and/or cast may be different than illustrated. It is also to be understood that some elements may be added or omitted. For example, the set  200  may or may not include an audience  220 , other displays may be added and the safe box  205  may be replaced by a vase or other opaque container. 
     Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the gaming table  400  may include a betting surface  410  and a playing surface  420  on two different levels, the playing surface being positioned lower than the betting surface  410 , at the center of the gaming table  400 . The betting surface  410  being used to receive the gaming chips while the playing surface  420  is used to display the hands of each player 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 (either through an electronic display or by displaying the actual cards). 
     In its alternative embodiment, the dimensions of the gaming table  400 , and in particular the height difference between the betting surface  410  and the playing surface  420 , should be such as to allow the audience  220  to see the hands of each player 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 while preventing the players themselves from seeing each other&#39;s hands. Each player 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 may have an electronic display or a stand to hold physical cards in order to see their respective hands. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the procedure  100  starts at block  102  where the broadcast show is set up. This includes the identification of the prizes on the prize section  302  of the display panel  300  (either electronically, manually, etc., depending on the type of panel used) and the random assignment of a letter and card with each prize. The chips with the 19 regular and 7 super letters inscribed thereon are placed into the safe box  205 . Gaming chips may be placed at each of the players 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 position around the gaming table  400 , for example in the amount of 100,000 (although other numbers of gaming chips may be used). The audience  220  takes its place, the one or more cameraman  206  with their associated video camera  207 , as well as the other personnel  202 ,  204 ,  208  and  210 , take their positions. Any other actions required in order for the show to proceed, such as lighting, television broadcast, etc., may be initiated at this time. 
     At block  104 , the players are selected. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, the procedure  100  will be described, as previously mentioned, using 10 players 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. However, it is to be understood that a different number of players may be used as well, in which case the gaming table  400  would have a number of gaming surfaces  410  equivalent to the number of players. The players may be selected in various ways. For example, the players 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 may be selected randomly, winners of a lottery or draw, selected after an interview, celebrities, reality TV contestants, from a studio or casino audience or winners of a tournament. It is to be understood that the players may also be selected previous to the broadcasting of the show, in which case this step may simply be the presentation of the players 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. 
     At block  106 , the players 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 selected (or presented) at block  104 , each select one of the cases  203  and reveal which medal is contained therein. 
     Then, at block  108 , the players 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are positioned at the playing table  400  at respective gaming surfaces  410  according to the medals contained in the case  203  they have selected at block  106 . It is to be noted that the letters “P”, “E” and “R” are inscribed on two medals each, accordingly the red ones correspond to players 3, 4 and 5, respectively, while the blue ones correspond to players 6, 9 and 10, respectively. 
     At block  110 , poker-related game hands are played until at least one of the players 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 is eliminated. In the illustrative embodiment, the poker-related game follows the Texas Hold&#39;Em rules, which rules are described further below. However, as a broadcast show is commonly bound by time constrains, the first and second blinds may be increased at given time intervals, each round, when a player is eliminated, etc. For example, in the case where each player has 100,000 chips, the first and second blinds may start at 500 and 1,000 chips, respectively, and increased by 500 and 1,000 chips, respectively, each round. It is to be understood that in alternative embodiments, other poker-related games may be used. 
     At block  112 , the player(s) eliminated at block  110  hand over their medal to the winning player of the hand. However, the eliminated player(s) only hand over the medal they picked at block  106 , any other medals won during the game are handed over to the master of ceremonies  202 . 
     At block  114 , each of the eliminated player(s) from block  110  picks a letter from the safe box  205  and the prize associated with the picked letter is highlighted in the prize section  302  of the display panel  300 , indicating that this prize is to be eliminated. For example, assumed letter “J” has been picked, then the letter “J” and corresponding prize  303  (e.g. the sailboat worth $50,000) are highlighted. If the letter is a “super letter” (e.g. a red letter), then the eliminated player has the option of picking another letter instead, resulting in the prize remaining in the game (the highlight is taken off) and the prize associated with the newly picked letter being highlighted in the prize section  302  of the display panel  300 . 
     At block  116 , the prize highlighted in the prize section  302  of the display panel  300  is eliminated from play. 
     Then, at block  118 , the envelope containing a card associated with the eliminated prize at block  116  is placed, for example by the hostess  204 , on the card section  304  of the display panel  300  in the space corresponding to the letter inscribed on the eliminated player&#39;s medal. 
     At block  120 , if there remains more than one player, then the procedure  100  goes back to block  110  where another round of poker hands is played until at least one player is eliminated. If there remains only one player, then the procedure  110  proceeds to block  122  where the grand winner, e.g. the last remaining player, picks a letter from the safe box  205  and the prize associated with the picked letter is highlighted in the prize section  302  of the display panel  300  indicating that this prize is to be eliminated. If the letter is a “super letter” (e.g. a red letter), then the grand winner has the option of picking another letter instead, resulting in the prize remaining in the game (the highlight is taken off) and the prize associated with the newly picked letter being highlighted in the prize section  302  of the display panel  300 . 
     At block  124 , the prize highlighted in the prize section  302  of the display panel  300  is eliminated from play. 
     Then, at block  126 , the envelope containing a card associated with the eliminated prize at block  124  is placed, for example by the hostess  204 , on the card section  304  of the display panel  300  in the space corresponding to the letter inscribed on the grand winner&#39;s medal. 
     At block  128 , the grand winner has the option to bring back the eliminated prizes, e.g. the prizes that are highlighted in the prize section  302  of the display panel  300 , or to keep them out of play. 
     At block  130 , the “POKER” hand is played. Amongst the remaining 26 cards, the dealer  210  deals two cards to the grand winner and two cards to the House, which may be represented, for example, by the master of ceremonies  202 . The probabilities of having a winning hand for the grand winner and the House may then be displayed in the probability section  306  of the display panel  300 . The “flop” is played by turning the first three cards of the POKER sub-section  304   b  of the card section  304  of the display panel  300 , e.g. in positions “P”, “O” and “K”, after which the probability section  306  is updated. The “turn” is then played, the fourth card of the POKER sub-section  304   b  is turned, i.e. “E”, after which the probability section  306  is updated. Finally, the “river” is then played, the fifth card of the POKER sub-section  304   b  is turned, i.e. “R”, and the winner is discovered. Should the hand of the grand winner and the House be equal, additional cards may be dealt, for example two, to determine the winner. Alternatively, the House may concede victory to the grand winner as the master of ceremonies  202  has failed to beat the grand winner. 
     Then, at block  132 , if the winner of the “POKER” hand is the grand winner, the procedure  100  proceeds to block  134 , if not, the procedure  100  proceeds to block  136 . 
     At block  134 , the eliminated prizes are either brought back (e.g. the corresponding letters are put back into the safe box  205 ) or kept out of play, depending on the decision that the grand winner took at block  128 , while at block  136 , eliminated prizes are either brought back (e.g. the corresponding letters are put back into the safe box  205 ) or kept out of play, contrary to the decision that the grand winner took at block  128 . In either case, the procedure  100  then proceeds to block  138 . 
     At block  138 , the “SUPER” hand is played. Amongst the remaining 31 cards (e.g. the initial 26 cards plus the five cards from the “POKER” hand), the dealer  210  deals two cards the grand winner and two cards to the House, which may be represented, for example, by the master of ceremonies  202 . The probabilities of having a winning hand for the grand winner and the House may then be displayed in the probability section  306  of the display panel  300 . The “flop” is played by turning the first three cards of the SUPER sub-section  304   a  of the card section  304  of the display panel  300 , e.g. in positions “S”, “U” and “P”, after which the probability section  306  is updated. The “turn” is then played, the fourth card of the SUPER sub-section  304   a  is turned, i.e. “E”, after which the probability section  306  is updated. Finally, the “river” is then played, the fifth card of the POKER sub-section  304   a  is turned, i.e. “R”, and the winner is discovered. Should the hand of the grand winner and the House be equal, additional cards may be dealt, for example two, to determine the winner. Alternatively, the House may concede victory to the grand winner as the master of ceremonies  202  has failed to beat the grand winner. 
     Then, at block  140 , if the winner of the “SUPER” hand is the grand winner, the procedure  100  proceeds to block  142 , if not, the procedure  100  proceeds to block  144 . 
     At block  142 , the grand winner is given the opportunity to exchange any of the prizes that have not been eliminated with a prize that has been eliminated, e.g. prizes highlighted in the prize section  302  of the display panel  300 , for each medal in its possession. This is accomplished by removing/putting back the letter corresponding to the prize from/into the safe box  205 . However, should none of the prizes be eliminated, the grand winner may select prizes to be excluded (e.g. the corresponding letter is taken out of the safe box  205 ), thus giving him/her better odds of winning one of the bigger prizes. 
     Finally, at block  144 , the grand winner picks a letter from the safe box  205  and wins the prize associated with the picked letter. 
     Complimentary Gains 
     In an alternative embodiment, complimentary gains may be offered to the players 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. This is accomplished in conjunction with blocks  114  and  122  of procedure  100  (see  FIG. 1 ) by assigning a prize or cash amount with each picked letter from the safe box  205 . The prizes or cash amounts may be divided in seven value levels, the number of levels corresponding to the number of “super letters” (e.g. red letters), with each level having an increasing prize or cash amount assigned for blue and red letters. 
     When an eliminated player picks a letter at block  114 , it is awarded the prize or cash amount assigned for the current level to the color of the picked letter (the prizes or cash amounts initially starting at the first level for the first eliminated player). If the color of the picked letter is blue, the procedure executes blocks  116  and  118 , and then proceeds to block  120 . However, if the color of the picked letter is red, the player is allowed to pick another letter and is further awarded the prize or cash amount assigned for the next level to the color of the picked letter. Blocks  116  and  118  are executed for each additional letter picked and this process continues until the player picks a blue letter. The next eliminated player is awarded prizes or cash amounts starting at the level of the last eliminated player. 
     In the case of the grand winner, it is awarded prizes or cash amounts as for the eliminated players but it may also be given the opportunity to pick extra letters in the event that a blue letter is picked. The grand winner may be allowed to do so a number of times equal to the number of medals in its possession, discarding one of the medals on each occasion. 
     Should a player complete the seventh level, it is then awarded a grand prize. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , there is shown an illustrative example of a complimentary gains display  500  for use in conjunction with the set  200  of  FIG. 2 . The complimentary gains display  500  includes seven levels  502 , player indicators  504 , a blue letter prize or cash amount  506  and a red letter prize or cash amount  508  assigned to each level  502 , a grand prize indicator  510  and individual prize or cash amount displays associated with each player indicator  504  for each level  502 . 
     EXAMPLE 
     In the illustrated example of  FIG. 3 , the following sequence of events is represented:
         player 4 was eliminated and picked a blue letter, winning $50;   player 8 was eliminated, picked a red letter, winning $100, proceeded to the second level and then picked a blue letter, winning and additional $75;   player 9 was eliminated, picked a blue letter, winning $75;   player 10 was eliminated, picked a red letter, winning $150, proceeded to the third level, picked another red letter, winning an additional $200, proceeded to the fourth level and then picked a blue letter, winning and additional $125;   player 7 was eliminated, picked a blue letter, winning $125;   player 1 was eliminated, picked a red letter, winning $250, proceeded to the fifth level and then picked a blue letter, winning and additional $150;   player 3 was eliminated, picked a blue letter, winning $150;   player 6 was eliminated, picked a red letter, winning $300, proceeded to the sixth level and then picked a blue letter, winning and additional $175;   player 2 was eliminated, picked a blue letter, winning $175; and   player 10, the grand winner, picked a red letter, winning $350, proceeded to the seventh level, picked another red letter, winning an additional $400 and, having completed the seventh level, the grand prize  510 .       

     In another alternative embodiment, the grand winner may be allowed to exchange one of the medals in its possession for a chance to pick an extra letter in the case where a blue letter is picked, thus giving the grand winner better probabilities of winning the grand prize. This may be repeated a number of times equals to the number of medals in the possession of the grand winner. 
     In a further alternative embodiment, if none of the eliminated players have completed the seventh level, the grand prize may be automatically awarded to the grand winner. 
     It is to be understood that the display panel  300  and the complimentary gain display may be mechanical or electronic (e.g. with LEDs, one or more video screens, etc.) 
     Lottery 
     A lottery may also be associated with the table game related broadcast show. This creates as sense of belonging for the audience playing the lottery as well as heightening the suspense during a game and thus encourages viewers to watch the table game related broadcast show until the end. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is shown an illustrative embodiment of a lottery ticket  600  to be used with the lottery, the lottery ticket  600  having a broadcasting date  601 , one or more series of digits or symbols  602 , a column of winner categories  606  with a corresponding list of prizes  608 . 
     In the illustrative embodiment, the number of digits or symbols  602  is equal to the number of players playing in the table game related broadcast show. For the sake of clarity and conciseness it will be assumed that the number of players in the table game related broadcast show is 10, as per the previous description of procedure  100  of  FIGS. 1   a,    1   b  and  1   c.  However, it is to be understood that if a different number of players is used in the table game related broadcast show, the number of digits or symbols  602  on the lottery ticket  600  would be in the same number as the number of players. Furthermore, it will also be assumed that the digits 0 to 9 are used, each digit representing a player in the table game related broadcast show with digit 0 representing player 10. 
     As the players 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are eliminated during the course of the table game related broadcast show, a unique sequence of digits is created, to which corresponds the series of digits or symbols  602 . Since each series of digits or symbols  602  comprises 10 unique digits, there exist 10! unique series of such digits, e.g. 3,628,000. Each lottery ticket  600  may comprise, for example, five unique series of digits for a total of 725,760 lottery tickets  600 . Of course, other groupings of unique series may be used. 
     Assuming a cost of $1 per unique series of digits, e.g. $5 per lottery ticket  600 , the total possible revenue is $3,628,000. Of this revenue, 50% may be, for example, distributed as prizes. 
     Of this 50%, prizes may be awarded to lottery ticket  600  holders having a given number of correct consecutive digits, as indicated by the winner categories  606  column. The prizes associated with each of the winner categories  606  are listed in the list of prizes  608  column. In the illustrative embodiment, the prizes listed in the list of prizes  608  include cash amounts, invitations to participate in the table game related broadcast show (identified as “TV”) and invitations to participate in a draw to be invited to the table game related broadcast show (identified as “DRAW”). It is to be understood that the amounts may vary and that the invitations may be omitted or replaced. Furthermore, a number of drawing tickets may be provided to winning players as a function of the winner category they belong to. 
     For example, a lottery ticket  600  having 10 correct digits (e.g. 10/10 in the winner categories  606  column) will earn its owner an invitation to participate in the table game related broadcast show as well as a total of $103,000 (e.g. corresponding entry in the prizes  608  column). In another example, a lottery ticket  600  having 6 correct digits (e.g. 6/10 in the winner categories  606  column) will earn its owner an invitation to participate in a draw for an invitation to the table game related broadcast show as well as a total of $4,000 (e.g. corresponding entry in the prizes  508  column). 
     The remaining amount of the 50% of the revenues may be used toward providing prizes, for example cash amounts, during the next table game related broadcast show. 
     The number of available lottery tickets  600  may be increased in various ways by adding digits or symbols to the series of digits or symbols  602 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is shown examples of series of digits or symbols  602 ′ which may be used to increase the number of lottery tickets  600 . For example, one or more extra symbol  604  such as a playing card, a digit, a letter, a suit, or any other symbol, may be added to each series of digits or symbols  602 ′. These extra symbols  604  may be selected, for example, randomly. The number of unique lottery tickets is then multiplied by 52, 10, 26 or 4 when adding, respectively, a playing card, a digit, a letter or a suit. 
     As discussed previously, another way to increase the number of available lottery tickets  600  is to increase the number of players in the table game related broadcast show. For example, if 11 players are used, then the series of digits or symbols  602 ′ will comprise 11 numbers (in this case 1-11). This results in 11! unique series, e.g. 39,916,800. 
     The lottery ticket  600  may be purchased, for example, via a distribution service, lottery terminals, the internet, or any other appropriate means. 
     Furthermore, the lottery may be either local or global. By global it is meant that the lottery tickets  600  may be sold in various countries in which the table game related broadcast show is broadcasted. In order to do so, the number of available lottery tickets  600  may be increased as previously discussed and provide for even more interesting prizes. 
     It is to be understood that the amounts, prizes, ratios of distributed revenues discussed above are for illustrative purposes only and may vary. 
     Texas Hold&#39;Em Poker Rules 
     The dealer  210  shuffles a standard 52-card deck. The dealer  210  never plays. A round disc—known as a “dealer button”—moves clockwise from player to player with each hand. The button marks which player 1-10 would be the dealer if the deal were advanced from player to player as the game went along. 
     Usually, the game starts with the two players 1, 2 to the left of the dealer  210  (the button) putting a predetermined amount of money into the pot before any cards are dealt, ensuring that there&#39;s something to play for on every hand. 
     This is called “posting the blinds.” Most often, the “first blind”—the player 1 to the left of the dealer  210 —puts up half the minimum bet, and the “second blind” puts up the full minimum bet. 
     Each player 1-10 is dealt two cards, face down. These are known as the “hole cards.” 
     Betting Begins 
     A round of betting takes place, beginning with the player to the left of the two who posted the blinds. Players 1-10 can call, raise, or fold when it&#39;s their turn to bet. 
     The Flop 
     After the first betting round, the dealer  210  discards the top card of the deck. This is called burning the card and is done to ensure that no one accidentally saw the top card, and to help prevent cheating. 
     The dealer  210  then flips the next three cards face up on the table  400 . These cards are called the “flop.” 
     NOTE: Eventually, a total of five community cards will be placed face up on the table. Players 1-10 can use any combination of the community cards and their own two hole cards to form the best possible five-card Poker hand. 
     After the flop, another round of betting takes place, beginning with the player to the left of the dealer  210  (the button). During this and all future rounds of betting, players 1-10 can check, call, raise, or fold when it&#39;s their turn to bet. 
     The Turn 
     The dealer  210  burns another card and plays one more face up onto the table  400 . This, the fourth community card, is called the “turn” or “Fourth Street.” 
     The player to the left of the dealer  210  (the button) begins the third round of betting. 
     The River 
     The dealer  210  burns another card before placing the final face-up card on the table  400 . This card is called the “river” or “Fifth Street.” 
     Final Betting and The Winner 
     Players 1-10 can now use any combination of seven cards—the five community cards and the two hole cards known only to them—to form the best possible five-card Poker hand. 
     The fourth and final round of betting starts with the player to the left of the dealer  210  (the button). 
     After the final betting round, all players who remain in the game reveal their hands. The player who made the initial bet or the player who made the last raise shows their hand first. 
     The player with the best hand wins. 
     Ranking of Poker Hands From Royal Flush to High Card 
     Royal Flush 
     This is the best possible hand in standard five-card Poker. Ace, King, Queen, Jack and 10, all of the same suit. 
     Straight Flush 
     Any five-card sequence in the same suit (e.g.: 8, 9, 10, Jack and Queen of clubs; or 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of diamonds). 
     Four of a Kind 
     All four cards of the same value (e.g.: 8, 8, 8, 8; or Queen, Queen, Queen, Queen). 
     Full House 
     Three of a kind combined with a pair (e.g.: 10, 10, 10 with 6, 6; or King, King, King with 5, 5). 
     Flush 
     Any five cards of the same suit, but not in sequence (e.g.: 4, 5, 7, 10 and King of spades). 
     Straight 
     Five cards in sequence, but not in the same suit (e.g.: 7 of clubs, 8 of clubs, 9 of diamonds, 10 of spades and Jack of diamonds). 
     Three of a Kind 
     Three cards of the same value (e.g.: 3, 3, 3; or Jack, Jack, Jack). 
     Two Pair 
     Two separate pairs (e.g.: 2, 2, Queen, Queen). 
     Pair 
     Two cards of the same value (e.g.: 7, 7). 
     High Card 
     If a Poker hand contains none of the above combinations, it&#39;s valued by the highest card in it. 
     Simplified Poker-Related Card Game Rules 
     In yet another alternative embodiment, simplified poker-related card game rules may be used at block  110  of procedure  100  (see  FIGS. 1   a,    1   b  and  1   c ) in order to simplify and expedite the table game related broadcast show in order to, for example, respect broadcast time constraints. 
     The simplified poker-related card game rules are generally based on the Texas Hold&#39;Em poker rules, the player positioned at the left of the table being assigned the “button”, while the second and third players are assigned the “first blind” and “second blind”, respectively. 
     Each player starts the game with a given number of chips representing “lives”, for example three. During a hand, each player is dealt two cards, face down, after which, the player decides to either stay in or folds; there is no betting of arbitrary number of chips or raise. 
     The hidden cards are then turned and the winning probabilities of each hand, whether the player stayed in or folded, are displayed using, for example, the display panel  300 . The “flop” is then revealed and the players who are still in decide whether or no to stay in or fold and the winning probabilities are updated. The same process is repeated for the “turn” and the “river”. 
     At the end of the hand, the loosing players each loose a “life” (i.e. a chip). Furthermore, if one of the folding playing has a hand that beats the winning hand, that player also looses a life. This is to encourage players to takes chances and not be overly defensive, especially amateur players or people with no experience playing poker. 
     A player is eliminated when it looses all of its “lives”. The medal of the eliminated player is then handed over to the winning player. In the case where there is more than one winning player, i.e. a tie, the medal of the eliminated player is simply removed from play. 
     It should be noted that at least two players should remain at the end of each hand. This may be ensured by forcing the last two betting players to stay in if all the other players have folded. 
     Although the present invention has been described by way of particular embodiments and examples thereof, it should be understood that it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that modifications may be applied to the present particular embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, although the Texas Hold&#39;Em Poker rules have been used in the description of the table game related broadcast show, it is to be understood that other rules may be used as well. Furthermore, it is to be understood that reference to colors, e.g. red and blue, may be substituted for other colors.