Abstract:
A method of playing a casino game is played in conjunction with common casino table games. The game employs two identical dice and a third different colored dice called the “Dragon&#39;s Eye”. Wagers are placed on the cumulative numbers of the thrown dice and on the “Dragon&#39;s Eye”. A unique casino table into which wager sensors and indicator lights are imbedded, is used to facilitate the measurement and calculation of wagers and game results. Game activity data is inputted into a microprocessor and processed to identify winning wagers. The game is designed to be played at any number of casino tables prior to the play of the primary casino game. Tables are linked electronically to establish a progressive jackpot. This results in players both playing against the dealer and other players to see who wins the bonus, and against other tables to see who hits the interlinked jackpot first.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The herein application claims the benefit of non-provisional utility application Ser. No. 12/592,763 filed on Dec. 2, 2009. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is generally directed to casino wagering games. More particularly, the invention discloses a method of playing a casino table wagering game, determined by the rolling of dice, which can be played prior to engaging in commonly played casino table games. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Casino games of chance have specific features which make them attractive, both to the players and the house. Such games must be interesting, fun, easy to learn, understand, and play, and most importantly, present the players with a fair expectation of winning. That is, games of chance should have reasonable odds which only slightly favor the house. Betting games should also be exciting in pitting each player against the other players, as well as the house. In addition, games which have a large progressive jackpot payout create even more player excitement and interest. 
         [0004]    Of course, the house has a keen interest in the types of games of chance it offers. There must be an acceptable house advantage and a quick turnaround time between waging games to allow as many games to be played as possible during a given period of time. The house is also interested in attracting a large number of players at each table. In addition, progressive pots are lucrative for the house in that they result in more players and increased wagering. Of course, these objectives must be accomplished with relatively low overhead and, consequently the gaming equipment must be basic, economical to manufacture, and easy to maintain. 
       SUMMARY INVENTION 
       [0005]    It is thus the object of the present invention to provide a method of playing a casino game and/or electronic game, e.g. machine or interact game, which can be played in conjunction with primary common casino table games such as Blackjack, Poker, Pai Gow games, Baccarat, Acey-Deucey, and any game with six player locations. The game of the present invention employs two identical dice and a third different colored dice called the “Dragon&#39;s Eye”. Wagers are put down and payments made based on the cumulative numbers of the thrown dice and the numbers shown on the “Dragon&#39;s Eye”. Players actually become involved in rolling the dice based on the numbers shown on the dice themselves. A uniquely designed casino table, into which wager sensors are imbedded, is utilized to facilitate the measuring and calculation of wagers. Game activity data is inputted into a microprocessor and processed to identify winning wagers by means of winning player LED light indicators, also incorporated within the casino table. The “Dragon&#39;s Eye” dice game is designed to be played at any number of casino tables prior to the play, or being a casino game within itself, of the primary casino game. The results of the various tables can be linked to a central computer and shown on jackpot and progressive display boards. 
         [0006]    The wager sensors, winning player LED light indicators, computer and electronic circuitry and controls included in this casino game are intended to make the game operate quickly while validating every transaction. These components make the game more interesting and exciting for the players, while allowing the dealer to focus more closely on the gaming table itself. The system described herein will monitor every transaction, record the information, and store the data locally while simultaneously providing batch uploads to a central storage site. The real-time results are posted on electronic displays and simultaneously posted to display bonus status. 
         [0007]    The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention, itself, however, both as to its design, construction and use, together with additional features and advantages thereof, are best understood upon review of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  shows the top of the casino table for the gaming method of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  shows a representative player table location. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  shows the shaker and dice used in the gaming method of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  shows the keypad used in the gaming method of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  shows the progressive display which ay be used with the gaming method of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  shows the jackpot display board which may be used with the gaming method of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  shows a representative wager sensor used in the gaming method of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a flow chart depicting the steps of the gaming method of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    The gaming method of the present invention, the “Dragon&#39;s Eye” dice game, employs casino table  100  on which there are six designated player locations  1 - 6 . As seen more particularly in  FIG. 2  with regard to player location  3 , each player location comprises a designated area for placing even bets  20 , odd bets  22 , double dice roll bets  24 , triple dice roil bets  26 , bonus bets  27 , match wagers  28 , and bonus board bets  39  for the game. Winning player indicator LED lights  23 ,  25 ,  29 ,  31 ,  33 ,  35 , and  41  are imbedded within table  100 . Player location LED light  37  is located at player location  3 . Each of the LED lights operates in conjunction with wage sensors  104  (see  FIG. 7 ), also located within the table. Wager sensor  104  can, for example, be a capacitive proximity sensor which produces an electrostatic field. Such devices have a sensor face  105  and will sense metal and nonmetallic materials like those found in casino chips  107 . The electronic circuitry and components which are utilized in the operation of the sensor and illumination of the LED lights is well known and are not, independently and, in and of themselves, unique to the present invention. 
         [0017]    Each player location is provided with two cumulative dice numbers, based on the cumulative total sum of three rolled dice. That is, player location  1  is given cumulative dice numbers 10 and 18, player location  2  is given cumulative dice numbers 3 and 11, player location  3  is given cumulative dice numbers 4 and 12, player location  4  is given cumulative dice numbers 5 and 13, player location  5  is given cumulative dice numbers 6 and 14, and player location  6  is given cumulative dice numbers 7 and 15. In the alternative, the house may choose to assign the numbers 1 through 6 at each player location in place of using the cumulative dice numbers above. The house or the dealer is assigned cumulative dice numbers 8, 9, 16 and 17, 8 and 9 being “kill numbers” shown on table  100 . The significance of the kill numbers is addressed hereinafter. Table  100  also comprises dealer check tray  30  with keypad  32 , for inputting the bonus bets of six players and the rolls of the dice and drop box or money tray  34 . 
         [0018]      FIG. 3  shows the three dice used in the gaming method: two identical, standard one to six numbered dice of the same color  40  and  42 , and the “Dragon&#39;s Eye” die  44 , also with standard numbering, but of a different color, preferably red. Shaker  46  with base  47  and removeable cover  48  is employed for shaking and rolling the dice. 
         [0019]    Keypad  32 , shown in detail in  FIG. 4 , comprises column  60 , for inputting the results of the “Dragon&#39;s Eye” die  44 , and columns  62  and  64  for inputting the results of the same color dice  40  and  42 . Start key  66 , end key  68 , and reset key  70  are also provided. 
         [0020]    The gaming method of the present invention is illustrated by means of the flow chart shown in  FIG. 8 . The game begins with each player located in player locations  1 - 6 , making wagers  102 . Again by reference to player location  3  in  FIG. 2 , bets are placed on match wagers location  28 , and, optionally, on locations for even bets  20  or odd bets  22 , double dice roll bets  24 , triple dice roll bets  26 , and bonus bets  27 , as described hereinafter. Once the bets are made, wage sensor  104  electronically inputs the bets into microprocessor  106 , which stores the wager information, including the player locations of the wagers. 
         [0021]    The dealer will shake shaker  46 , optimally five times,  108  in  FIG. 8 , before revealing the shaken dice  110  on dealer locations  8  or  9  on table  100 . The dealer inputs the resulting dice numbers by color into keypad  32  and presses start on the keypad to lock out additional wagers  112 . This causes the dice results to be inputted into microprocessor  106 , where the winning wagers are determined. For example, if the “Dragon&#39;s Eye” dice  44  shows 3 and the other two dice  40  and  42  show 4 and 5, the total is 12. LED light  37  is illuminated at player location  3 , which has the cumulative dice number 12. This is depicted at  114  in  FIG. 8 . The house may choose to use player locations  1  through  6  in lieu of the cumulative dice numbers above, in which case the illuminated player location shall correspond to the numeric value of the single (red) die  44 . The player at this player location will be the next person to shake and roll the dice during the following round of play. 
         [0022]    In conjunction with the illumination of the player location indicator LED light, as reflected at  116  in  FIG. 8  the winning table LED lights corresponding to the winning wagers are illuminated, the dealer pays off on the winning wagers  118 , and the dealer collects the losing wagers from those player locations which are not lit  120 . The round is over and the end key  68  on keyboard  32  is pressed  122 . 
         [0023]    In the above example, when “Dragon&#39;s Eye” die  44  shows a 3, LED light  37  beneath player location  3  lights up. The player in location  3  is paid straight up, i.e. 1 to 1, Because “Dragon&#39;s Eye” shows an odd number, all odd bets  22  win and their respective LED lights illuminate, and all even bets  20  lose. These bets are then paid out and/or collected by the dealer, as appropriate. Here, for example, odd bets are paid 1 to 1 and all even bets are collected by the house. Since, in the example, identical dice  40  and  42  show different numbers, all double dice roll bets  24  lose and are collected by the dealer. As the three dice,  40 ,  42  and  44 , are not identical, all triple dice roll bets  26  lose and the dealer collects these bets. The dealer does this for each player at each player locations  1 - 6 . 
         [0024]    If the two identical dice  40  and  42  show identical numbers, the player who has taken and rolled the dice will win 4 to 1 if that player has wagered a double. That player will win 30 to 1 if he has wagered on the triple and the three dice come up identical. Commissions to the house in such games as no commission baccarat and Pai Gow will be paid on triple dice rolls. This gives the house a 2.77 advantage. The commission will be taken out by removing all 1 to 1 money bets as even, odd, banker, and player. 
         [0025]    Bonus betting is displayed on table  100  at display section  50 . If the sum of rolled dice  40 ,  42 , and  44  is a cumulative dice number of 10 or 18, keypad  32  is appropriately inputted and circled location  51  reflecting player location  1 , lights up. If the sum is a cumulative dice number of 3 or 11, circled location  52  reflecting player location  2  lights up. If the sum is a cumulative dice number of 4 or 12, circled location  53  reflecting player location  3  lights up. If the sum is a cumulative dice number of 5 or 13, circled location  54  reflecting player location  4  lights up. If the sum is a cumulative dice number of 6 or 14, circled location  55  reflecting player location  5  lights up. If the sum is a cumulative dice number of 7 or 15, circled location  56  reflecting player location  6  lights up. The house may choose to use player locations  1  through  6  in lieu of the cumulative dice numbers above, in which case the illuminated player location  51  through  56  shall correspond to the numeric value of the single (red) die  44 . If at least four of locations  51 - 56  hit before the roll of the three dice shows a cumulative dice number of 8 or 9, the “kill numbers”, there is a bonus payout to those players who have made a bonus wager. If a cumulative dice kill number of 8 or 9 is rolled before four of the locations  51 - 56  hit, the bonus wagers are lost to the house. Larger bonus will be paid out if five of six or all six locations  51 - 56  hit. For this optional bonus betting, it is evident that a minimum of four consecutive rolls of the dice are required before any bonus can be paid. That is, four circled locations  51 - 56  must be lit up before there can be a bonus winner. 
         [0026]    As an additional option, provision can be made on table  100  to allow for wagers to be made based on rolls of dice  40 ,  42 , and  44  showing a straight, i.e. 1, 2, 3; 2, 3, 4; 3, 4, 5; and 4, 5, 6. A further variation would employ wagers based on the roll of three different colored dice, e.g. red, white and blue, which would increase the number of straight possibilities. Wagers could also be made based on comparisons of the sum of the two identical dice  40  and  42  to the “Dragon&#39;s Eye” dice  44 . Other wagering options based on rolls of the three dice are contemplated and the invention is not be considered restricted to that which is particularly disclosed herein. 
         [0027]    After the bets have been paid out and the dealer collects the winnings for the house, players will proceed to play the primary games of the table, i.e., Blackjack, Poker, Pai Gow games, etc. After the respective hand is played at each table, the gaming method of the present invention can proceed once again, this time, as described previously, with the player with the lit player location being given the opportunity to shake and roll identical dice  40  and  42  and the “Dragon&#39;s Eye” dice  44  to start the next round. 
         [0028]    All tables employing the gaming method of the present invention will be linked to progressive display board  124 ,  FIG. 5 , and a jackpot bonus board  126 ,  FIG. 6 , via the respective table keypads. Progressive display board  124  is provided so that players at each table can continually be apprised of the results of the dice rolls. Jackpot bonus board  126  shows the status of a number of gaming activities, including the actual individual bonus levels of each player, the consecutive double and triple status, and the next shaker. As depicted in  FIG. 8 , computer  106 , having stored the game activity data, inputs the relevant data both to progressive display board  124 , which tracks the dice rolls, and to jackpot display board  126 , which illuminates bonus levels of the players. 
         [0029]    With particular reference to  FIG. 5 , progressive display board  124  has columns  130 ,  132 , and  134 , reflecting player dice rolls. A player&#39;s most recent roll, e.g. 3, 4, and 5, is displayed on first row  136  of board  124 . Each subsequent dice roll result takes its place on the first row, with each later roll result moving down one row. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the numbers 6, 2, and 4 were the rolls inputted to board  124  just prior to 3, 4, and 5. As rows move down, the rolled numbers in the bottommost row  138  disappear. 
         [0030]    Particular reference is made to  FIG. 6 , which shows electronic jackpot bonus board  126  which is to be used for the progressive jackpot, based on rolls of dice  40 ,  42  and “Dragon&#39;s Eye” bonus dice  44 . Players who place optional dice bets on dice area  28  for match play and bonus board  39  may participate in this jackpot bonus board action. Bonus board  126  has designated player sections  1 A,  2 A,  3 A,  4 A,  5 A, and  6 A, corresponding to player locations  1 - 6  on table  100 . Each section is divided into seven LEVELS, with appropriately colored lights labeled  1 - 7 . 
         [0031]    When the cumulative total for the three dice  40 ,  42 , and  44  corresponds to a given player location, a light on the first LEVEL 1 of that location will light up. See, e.g. light  150  in  FIG. 6 , which lights up in section  3 A when the total of the three dice totals either a 4 or a 12. If the total of the three dice totals either a 3 or an 11, light  152  in section  2 A will light up. If the dice total a 3 or 11 a second time, light  154  will light up. In illustrative  FIG. 6 , board  126  shows that the dice have hit the corresponding numbers for sections  1 A and  2 A (i.e. a 10 and 18, and 3 and 11 respectively) twice, the corresponding numbers for section  3 A once, the corresponding numbers for section  4 A five times, the corresponding numbers for section  5 A three times, and the corresponding numbers for section  6 A seven times. The board is reset if one player section, here  6 A, reaches the seventh LEVEL. 
         [0032]    In addition to the method of play noted above, a single die representation such as die  44  can be used when the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 on the roll of single dice  44  hits and corresponds to a given player location. A light on the first LEVEL 1 of that location will light up. See, e.g. light  150  in  FIG. 6 , which lights up in section  3 A when dice  44  hits on 3. If the roll of dice  44  hits 2 once, light  152  in section  2 A will light up. If it hits 2 a second time, light  154  will light up. In illustrative  FIG. 6 , board  126  shows that dice  44  has hit the numbers 1 and 2 twice, the number 3 once, the number 4 five times, the number 5 three times, and the number 6 seven times. The board is reset if one player section, here  6 A, reaches the seventh LEVEL. 
         [0033]    When the first level light in a given player section comes on, the player in that location is paid straight up, i.e. 1 to 1. If the player section hits a second time, there will be a bonus payout, e.g. $5.00. It is anticipated that, for example, the third LEVEL payout will be $25.00; the fourth LEVEL payout will be $100.00; the fifth LEVEL payout will be $500.00; the sixth LEVEL payout will be $2,500.00; and the seventh LEVEL payout will be $5,000.00. 
         [0034]    If upon the roil of dice  40 ,  42 , and  44 , there is a triple, that is all dice show the same number, light  156  is lit and those players who have placed a wager on dice area  27  for bonus board action and on triple area  26  will be paid 30 to 1 for the shaker, plus the other players wagering in area  27  will win 25 to 1 for playing along. If a triple is rolled, whatever is shown on die  44  will determine the next shaker for the bonus. Wagers cannot be adjusted at this time. Back to back triple rolls will cause light  158  to be lit and will pay 500 to 1 to the shaker, plus the other players wagering in area  27  will win 50 to 1 for playing along. Again, if a triple is rolled, whatever is shown on die  44  will determine the next shaker for the bonus. Three consecutive triple rolls will cause light  160  to be lit and pay 10,000 to 1, plus the other players wagering in area  27  will win 1000 to 1 for playing along. All odds are examples and can be set by the house as desired. 
         [0035]    In the event there is a progressive jackpot, a bonus will be paid on a fourth consecutive triple. Any bonus wagers can be made into a progressive bonus. For instance, three cycles of designated player sections  1 A- 6 A can win a progressive bonus. If a designated player section hits eight times before a kill number (discussed below) is rolled, there also can be a progressive winner. 
         [0036]    Most critical to the jackpot and progressive games bonus boards is that all action and payouts must occur before a “kill” number, that is numbers 8 or 9, derived from the cumulative sum of dice  40 ,  42 , and  44 , is rolled, and/or doubles on dice  40  and  42 . If a kill number comes up, bonus board  300  is reset. The only exception is that the triple bonus does not get reset. 
         [0037]    After dice  40 ,  42 , and  44  have been rolled and their sums announced for bonus board location, odd and even wagers will be acted upon based on the seat number of  40 ,  42 , and  44 , and/or the result of die  44  as discussed with regard to  FIG. 6 . Odd wagers will lose their dice bets from area  25 , if the seat number of the dice is even, and those who made even bets will win their even bets, area  20 . In like manner, those players who wagered even will lose their dice bets from area  20 , if the seat number of the dice is odd, and those who made odd bets will win their odd bets. Dice odd and even bets will pay 1 to 1. All even money wagers will lose if, upon rolling the dice, all three dice display the same number (triples). 
         [0038]    Similarly, players Who wagered on the occurrences of doubles and triples on areas  26  and  29  showing on the rolled dice will have their bets collected or paid out, as appropriate. Doubles payout 4 to 1 and triples 30 to 1. 
         [0039]    While the gaming method of the present invention is not to be considered restrictive to particular odds, contemplated payouts for the various wagers for match bets, doubles upon the roll of the dice, triples upon the roll of the dice and jackpots when triples repeat upon separate rolls of the dice are as follows: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Payouts on Match Wagers: 
                   
               
               
                   
                 One Die Matches a Player&#39;s Location 
                 1 to 1 
               
               
                   
                 Same Number on the Two Dice and the 
                 2 to 1 
               
               
                   
                 Number Matches a Player&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                 Location 
               
               
                   
                 Same Number on All Three Dice and 
                 3 to 1 
               
               
                   
                 the Number Matches a Player&#39;s 
               
               
                   
                 Location 
               
               
                   
                 Match Wagers Lose when “Dragon&#39;s 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 Eye” Dice Does Not Match a 
               
               
                   
                 Player&#39;s Location 
               
               
                   
                 Payouts on Doubles: 
               
               
                   
                 Same Number on the Two Identical 
                 4 to 1 
               
               
                   
                 Color Dice 
               
               
                   
                 Same Number on the Two Identical 
                 2 to 1 
               
               
                   
                 Color Dice - All Other Player 
               
               
                   
                 Locations 
               
               
                   
                 Payouts on Triples: 
               
               
                   
                 Any Triple Dice Roll (not consecutive) 
                 30 to 1  
               
               
                   
                 Any Doubles Receive a Payout 
                 4 to 1 
               
               
                   
                 Payouts on Progressive Jackpots 
               
               
                   
                 First Triple Shaker 
                 30 to 1  
               
               
                   
                 Non-Shaker 
                 25 to 1  
               
               
                   
                 Any Second Consecutive Triple Shaker 
                 500 to 1  
               
               
                   
                 Non-Shaker 
                 50 to 1  
               
               
                   
                 Any Third Consecutive Triple Shaker 
                 10,000 to 1    
               
               
                   
                 Non-Shaker 
                 1,000 to 1    
               
               
                   
                 Any Fourth Consecutive Triple Shaker 
                  10% of Jackpot 
               
               
                   
                 Back to Back Identical Triples 
                  5% of Jackpot 
               
               
                   
                 Any Fifth Consecutive Triple Shaker 
                 100% of Jackpot 
               
               
                   
                 Back to Back to Back Identical Triples 
                 100% of Jackpot 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0040]    Another jackpot can be established by the number of times a complete rotation hits player locations  1 - 6 , before 8 or 9, the kill numbers, hit. Three rotations can be 10% and four rotations can be the balance of a separate jackpot. 
         [0041]    Jackpots can also be established based on how many times the dice roll cycle continues before kill numbers 8 and 9 are hit. This bonus game can also have winning steps based on how many times a player location hits before the kill numbers of 8 and 9 are rolled. 
         [0042]    Thus, the casino gaming method of the present invention provides a most interesting, very exciting and attractive game, not only for players, but also for the house. Players are given multiple, favorable options to win from placing simple match bets to jackpot payouts, with the odds still very much favoring the house. 
         [0043]    Certain novel features and components of this invention are disclosed in detail in order to make the invention clear in at least one form thereof. However, it is to be clearly understood that the invention as disclosed is not necessarily limited to the exact form and details as disclosed, since it is apparent that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.