Abstract:
A dual wheel roulette game apparatus and method of use is disclosed. An apparatus for facilitating a roulette game includes two distinct, independent roulette wheels. Numbered compartments on each wheel designate conventional roulette numbers (e.g., 1-36) such that a number has two chances to occur. Additional compartments are added to each wheel to increase the number of wagering opportunities. One wheel may have more compartments than the other such that a jackpot wager and payout may be based on outcomes associated with lower probability outcomes.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The embodiments of the present invention relate to a dual wheel roulette game apparatus and method of using the same to play a roulette game. 
   BACKGROUND 
   As gaming continues to enjoy widespread acceptance, casinos are in constant need of new games of chance to retain experienced patrons and to attract new patrons. Even though electronic gaming devices (e.g., slot machines) now account for more revenue than table games, many players continue to prefer the skill requirements and personal interaction of live gaming. Therefore, live gaming is an integral part of the success of any casino. 
   Nonetheless, as floor space for table games continues to be encroached by electronic gaming machines, casinos must be very selective with the new live games they place on their casino floor. Accordingly, because players prefer games with familiar concepts, casinos are more apt to consider new games which are based, at least in part, on existing popular games (e.g., Roulette). 
   More particularly, roulette is a game that has been around for decades and continues to command large crowds. One drawback to roulette is the inability to generate large payouts without the necessity of large wagers. Another drawback is the lack of excitement associated with the current roulette wheel mechanism. 
   Consequently, there continues to be a need for new roulette game apparatus for facilitating a roulette-style game and which provides players with a small jackpot wager and which is otherwise more exciting than conventional roulette. 
   SUMMARY 
   Accordingly, a first embodiment of the present invention is a method of conducting a roulette game comprising: a method of conducting a roulette game comprising: allowing players to place wagers on outcomes of the roulette game as generated by a first roulette wheel and a second roulette wheel forming a single unit; once wagers have been placed, spinning a roulette ball about said first roulette wheel and said second roulette wheel; and resolving said wagers based on a roulette wheel compartment on either said first roulette wheel or said second roulette wheel into which said roulette ball lands. 
   One apparatus embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first roulette wheel; a second roulette wheel; and wherein the first and second roulette wheels form a single unit and are independent of one another such that the first and second roulette wheels may spin independently, the first roulette wheel and second roulette wheel having a series of numbered and/or colored compartments adapted to receive a roulette ball. In one embodiment, the first roulette wheel is centrally positioned relative to said second roulette wheel such that said second wheel has a greater diameter than the first roulette wheel. 
   Another apparatus embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first roulette wheel centrally positioned relative to a second roulette wheel, said first and second roulette wheels configured to spin independently of one another; and a series of roulette ball compartments on each roulette wheel, said compartments of said first roulette and said second roulette wheel positioned adjacent to one another such that a roulette ball is able to land in any compartment on either said first roulette wheel or said second roulette wheel. 
   In one embodiment of the present invention, the dual roulette wheels include additional compartments not found on conventional roulette wheels thereby creating more wagering opportunities for players and, as detailed below, a jackpot wager and payout. In one embodiment of the present invention, players have two chances to win on the same number assuming it is on both wheels. 
   Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description, drawings and claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  shows a conventional prior art roulette game table comprising a wheel and layout for a double zero roulette game; 
       FIG. 2  shows an upper view of a system having two independent roulette wheels according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  show cross-sectional views of two exemplary configurations of the apparatus having two independent roulette wheels; and 
       FIG. 4  shows a modified layout according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive feature illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention claimed. 
   Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred to by like numerals throughout.  FIG. 1  shows a conventional prior art roulette game table  100  comprising a wheel  110 , having 38 numbered compartments  115  (1-36, “0” and “00”), and layout  135  for a double zero roulette game. The popularity of roulette is in part based on its simplicity. Players first make wagers by placing chips, cheques or cash on the layout  130  at locations identifying their desired wagers. Wagers can be made on single numbers  121 , red numbers  122 , black numbers  123 , green numbers  124 , odd numbers  125 , even numbers  126 , blocks of 12 numbers  127 , blocks of 18 numbers  128  and/or columns of 12 numbers  129 . Players may also place wagers on two numbers by placing a chip between the two numbers  130 ; on three numbers by placing a chip at the end of a row  131 ; on four numbers by placing a chip at the corner of four numbers  132 ; and/or on six numbers by placing the chip between the end of two rows  133 . Once all wagers are placed, the dealer or croupier spins the roulette ball around a wall and rim circumscribing the roulette wheel  110 . If necessary, the dealer or croupier also spins the roulette wheel  110  in the opposite direction. Initially, the roulette ball spins around the wall, prevented from exiting the apparatus by the rim along an upper edge of the wall. Eventually the roulette ball lands in a numbered compartment  115  which determines the roulette game outcome. Wagers are resolved based on the number and color combination and the corresponding payouts. Other than the incorporation of the green “0” and “00” compartments on the roulette wheel  110 , the conventional game of roulette has not changed significantly during its long history. 
     FIGS. 2 and 3  show an upper view and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a roulette wheel apparatus  200  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A first roulette wheel  210  is centrally positioned within a second roulette wheel  220 . The two roulette wheels  210 ,  230  are independent of one another such that each roulette wheel  210 ,  230  may be spun separately in the same or opposite directions. The inner, first roulette wheel  210  is generally in the form of a conventional roulette wheel albeit with additional compartments as discussed in more detail below. The outer, second roulette wheel  230 , circumscribes the inner, first roulette wheel  210 . Like the first roulette wheel  210 , the second roulette wheel  230  is generally in the form of a conventional roulette wheel albeit with additional compartments as discussed in more detail below. 
   In a first embodiment, the inner roulette wheel  210  is generally a conventional roulette wheel having a rotatable roulette surface defining a series of numbered compartments  220  into which a roulette ball may land thereby identifying a roulette number and color  225 . A spinning means  215  extends upward from the first roulette wheel  210  in a conventional fashion. The second, outer roulette wheel  230  has a roulette surface defining a series of numbered compartments  240  into which the roulette ball may land thereby identifying a roulette number and color  245 . A small wall or barrier  250  divides the numbered compartments  220  of the inner roulette wheel  210  from the numbered compartments  240  of the outer roulette wheel  230 . Spinning the second, outer roulette wheel  230  may be accomplished by using a finger against one of the spacers  241  separating the compartments  240 . 
   A housing  255 , which retains the roulette wheels  210 ,  230 , defines an inner wall  260  and rim  265  along a top edge thereof. The inner wall  260  and rim  265  allows a roulette ball to be spun in a conventional manner. A series of ball-bearings  270  or similar rotational members permit the roulette surface to spin freely within the housing  255  and about the inner roulette wheel  210 . In this configuration the two roulette wheels  210 ,  230  can be spun independently in the same or opposite directions. Once the roulette ball loses momentum, the roulette ball falls into the portions of the roulette wheels  210 ,  230  having the numbered compartments  220 ,  240  and eventually one of said compartments  220 ,  240 . To maintain equal probabilities, the compartments  220 ,  240  should be the same size. Consequently, the compartments of the roulette wheel  230  may include wider spacers  241  than the spacers  221  of roulette wheel  210 . In other words, as the circumference of the roulette wheel  230  is larger than the circumference of the roulette wheel  230  it is necessary to fill in the additional area without increasing the size of the compartments  240  relative to compartments  220 . As set forth below, in one embodiment of the present invention, the outer wheel  230  includes one more compartment than the inner wheel  210  such that the size of the spacers  241  may not need to be modified. Moreover, an inner wall  260  of the housing  255  may be more acutely angled than with conventional roulette wheels to provide the roulette ball with additional speed as it contacts the outer roulette wheel  230  so that the roulette ball is able to jump the barrier  250  to reach the first roulette wheel  210 . The surface supporting the compartments  220 ,  240  may also be sloped or angled (as shown) rather than horizontal to further facilitate equally likely outcomes.  FIG. 3   a  shows an embodiment with the roulette wheels  210 ,  230  sloped in the same direction downward from where the roulette ball will enter. Accordingly, the roulette ball is free to land in any of the compartments  220 ,  240 . As shown, in  FIG. 3   b , the roulette wheels  210 ,  230  are sloped or angled downward towards one another to form a kind of trough for the roulette ball to bounce around in such it can land in compartments  220 ,  240  on either wheel  210 ,  230 . The wheels  210 ,  230  may also be horizontal or oppositely sloped. 
   In one embodiment, the probability of the roulette ball landing in any given compartment  220 ,  240  is equal. However, it is conceivable that the roulette wheel apparatus  200  may be constructed such that the roulette ball may land in the compartments of one wheel  210 ,  230  a greater percentage of the time. With such embodiment, the payouts must be adjusted accordingly. 
   In one embodiment, each roulette wheel  210 ,  230  is modified to include additional compartments. In a first embodiment, the inner roulette wheel  210  includes the conventional 1-36, “0” and “00” compartments, but is modified to include a “000” compartment  220 - 1 , Gold compartment  220 - 2  and Silver compartment  220 - 3 . Accordingly, the inner roulette wheel  210  is comprised of 41 compartments  220 . The outer roulette wheel  230  includes the conventional 1-36, “0” and “00” compartments, but is modified to include a “000” compartment  240 - 1 , Silver compartment  240 - 2 , Gold compartment  240 - 3  and Diamond compartment  240 - 4 . Accordingly, the outer roulette wheel  230  is comprised of 42 compartments  240 . Alternatively, the inner roulette wheel  210  includes the Diamond compartment  240 - 4  rather than the outer roulette wheel  230 . The additional compartments create more outcomes and allows a jackpot wager and payout to be implemented. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different compartments may be incorporated and they can be color-coded or designated in any manner. The added compartments and corresponding designations may be added to the conventional roulette wheel in any fashion desired. In other words, the new compartments may be spaced such that the conventional roulette numbers are in the same general order albeit with the new compartments interspersed or the conventional numbers may be scrambled into an entirely new order. 
   In one embodiment, the compartments  220 ,  240  which are adjacent to one another, are separated by an elevated, stationary, separating barrier  250  positioned between the two roulette wheels  210 ,  230 . Alternatively, outer walls of each compartment  220 ,  240  are fabricated of high tolerances such that the roulette wheels  210 ,  230  spin independently without interference from one another. 
     FIG. 4  shows a layout  300  corresponding to the inclusion of the new compartments. The layout  300  includes the conventional 1-36 numbered wager areas  305 , “0” wager area  310  and “00” wager area  315 . Additional wager areas, include the “000” wager area  320 , Silver wager area  325 , Gold wager area  330  and Diamond wager area  335 . There is also an added green wager area  340  covering “0,” “00,” and “000” outcomes. The wager may also be placed as a line wager by placing a chip partially in the “000” wager area  320  or “00” wager area in a conventional line wager manner. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the layout  300  may take many forms as long as the additional wager areas  320 - 335  are available for the placement of wagers. As detailed below, each outcome, expect for the Diamond outcome, is possible on either roulette wheel  210 ,  230 . 
   In one embodiment, all single number (1-36, “0,” “00” and “000”) or color wager (Gold, Silver) areas, except for the Diamond wager area, result in the same payout. That is, the probability of the roulette ball landing in each numbered compartment, Gold compartment and Silver compartment is identical at 2/83 or 2.41%. In one embodiment, the payout for a wager on any single number or color outcome is in a range of 36-1 to 41-1. The exact payout to be determined by casinos offering the game. The probability of the ball landing in the Diamond compartment is 1/83 or 1.20%. In one embodiment, a payout range of 70-1 to 82-1 corresponds to a non-jackpot wager placed in the Diamond wager area  335 . 
   Because of the low probability of the ball landing in the single Diamond compartment  240 - 4 , the Diamond compartment  240 - 4  can be used to implement a jackpot feature. The jackpot feature is based on the roulette ball landing in the Diamond compartment  240 - 4  on two or more consecutive spins of the roulette wheels  210 ,  230 . For reference, the probability of the roulette ball landing in the Diamond compartment  2404  on consecutive spins is calculated as: 1/83× 1/83= 1/6889 or 0.015%. 
   In one embodiment, players are able to place a jackpot wager by placing chips, cheques or cash on the Diamond wager area  335 . There may be minimum wager amounts (e.g., in minimal increments of $5) required for the jackpot wager. If on the next spin, the roulette ball lands in the Diamond wager compartment  240 - 4 , the jackpot wager remains active and the dealer identifies or marks the jackpot wager with a jackpot disc/marker depicting a numeral “1” signifying a first Diamond outcome so that the dealer and players know which wagers are active for the following spin and to separate the active jackpot wagers from new jackpot wagers which are not identified or marked. Other means for identifying or marking the wagers are conceivable. If on the next spin the roulette ball lands in the Diamond compartment  240 - 4 , the players having placed the initial jackpot wagers receive a jackpot payout. In one embodiment, the jackpot results in a fixed odds payout (e.g., 100 to 1). In an alternative embodiment, the jackpot results in payout based on an ever-increasing progressive figure. Progressive jackpots are well known in the industry and essentially grow from a base amount until they are won at which point they reset to the base amount. The progressive jackpots are typically funded using a percentage of jackpot wagers placed during play of the underlying game. In this embodiment, if multiple players win the jackpot, they win an equal share of the current progressive figure. In either embodiment, there may be a smaller, non-jackpot payout responsive to the roulette ball landing in the Silver compartment  240 - 2  and Gold compartment  240 - 3  on the spin after the roulette ball landed in the Diamond compartment  240 - 4 . For example, the payout may be based on smaller fixed odds (e.g., 3 to 1) or a percentage (e.g., 5%) of the current progressive figure. In one embodiment, a wager placed in the Diamond wager area  335  is also subject to a non-jackpot payout based on a Diamond outcome. If, the Diamond outcome occurs on the first spin, the non-jackpot payout (e.g., 50-1) may be deferred until after the next spin to determine if the jackpot is won. If the jackpot is won, the non-jackpot payout may be forfeited in lieu of the jackpot payout and if the jackpot is not won, the non-jackpot payout is made. 
   If the roulette ball lands in the Diamond compartment  240 - 4  on two consecutive spins, the players are paid the jackpot and any progressive is reset, and the initial jackpot wagers placed immediately prior to the first Diamond outcome remain active and are identified or marked with a disc depicting a numeral “2” signifying a second consecutive Diamond outcome while jackpot wagers placed immediately prior to the second Diamond outcome are identified or marked with the disc depicting the numeral “1,” such that the jackpot wagers may be tracked. The same procedure occurs responsive to three or more consecutive Diamond outcomes. In other words, jackpot wagers remain active for each consecutive Diamond outcome such that a player may win successive jackpots. If the successive jackpots are based on a progressive, a first jackpot payout would be based on the current progressive amount and a second jackpot would be for the reset amount. 
   It is also possible with the embodiments of the present invention to create a network of apparatuses  200  to generate more excitement and even larger progressive jackpots. The network may be limited to commonly owned casino properties or may extend across multiple casino properties having different owners. For example, a network may include one hundred linked apparatuses  200  across 20 casinos having different owners. Accordingly, a progressive jackpot can be funded by jackpot wagers placed on any of the apparatuses  200  across the network such that a large progressive jackpot may be built quickly. 
   The embodiments of the present invention generate additional excitement to roulette which has remained essentially unchanged for centuries. The excitement is generated by adding two wheels and two chances to win on most number outcomes, adding additional wager options, increasing payouts and facilitating a jackpot feature. 
   While a physical roulette game apparatus is detailed above, those skilled in the art will recognize that the roulette game apparatus and method of using the same may be used to facilitate an electronic games of chance and online games of chance. For example, an electronic game of chance (processor driven) premised on the embodiments of the present invention may include a simulated apparatus and layout as detailed herein. The player is then able to place the same wagers as the live game by inserting cash, coupons or the like. Once the wagers are placed, the player activates the game such that a random outcome is simulated. The outcome is used to resolve wagers. The jackpot feature can similarly be implemented. An online version is generally operated in the same manner. A hand-held device (e.g., cellular telephone) may also be used to deliver the game to players. 
   Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to several embodiments, additional variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.