Abstract:
An electronic gaming system has a plurality of tables each having a plurality of electronic player interaction areas (EPIA&#39;s) spaced preferably about a table periphery so that a gaming player locates oneself in front of a respective EPIA to play a game. A controller of the system assigns any one of preferably a variety of games to any one table. The player is then free to choose what game he/she desires to play by picking a particular table. When playing of a game is being conducted by the controller at a particular table, the table is considered to be active. When a table is without players and thus a game is not being played, the table is considered to be inactive. The gaming system has a host console that communicates with each EPIA via the controller for managerial control of the plurality of tables. A host interface of the host console enables input by a host to move a game and the respective players from an active table to an inactive table.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/683,810, filed May 23, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application (Ser. No. Not Available; Atty. Docket No. 60,667-091), both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to an electronic gaming system and method of operation and more particularly to a host console of the system and method of moving a game controlled by the electronic gaming system.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Gaming is an increasingly popular form of entertainment. Games, particularly, games of chance and skill where one or more players play and place wagers on a desired and/or predicted outcome can be played in a variety of ways and in a variety of places, including at a casino or other venue or on the Internet. Of the various forms of games that are available for play, many utilize playing cards. Of these, poker is arguably the most popular.  
         [0004]     Traditionally, poker is played at a table with several players wagering paper or coin money on a series of playing cards dealt from a deck of fifty-two cards. This deck is comprised of four suits at thirteen cards per suit. This form of poker requires a human dealer to coordinate the game, including dealing, wagering, folding, and the like. In “social” card games, especially poker, the players take turns acting as the dealer, but in licensed commercial gaming establishments, such as casinos, the dealer is typically a non-playing employee. Unfortunately, traditional poker is potentially prone to human dealer error. Moreover, human dealers in casino type establishments must be trained and paid a salary sufficient to retain them.  
         [0005]     One alternative form of gaming, with particular reference to poker, has flourished on the internet. Internet gaming has become quite successful in that it provides many choices for the players. In particular, internet gaming is fast and convenient, with registration, betting and payouts available from almost any computer with internet access and with payments typically arranged via a credit card. Yet further, poker or other card games may also be provided by stand-alone machines similar to slot machines.  
         [0006]     One major drawback of internet and stand-alone type games is the lack of the human element. Many people prefer to play poker against other players face-to-face, because of the drama associated with “live” gaming. Undoubtedly, an elevated level of competition exists when people compete directly against one another and face-to-face. In gaming establishments, experienced players are trying to hone strategy and read other players&#39; intentions through their movements and style of play to be more competitive.  
         [0007]     In U.S. Patent Application Publication number US 2005/0090304 A1, filed Sep. 13, 2004, and disclosed herein by reference in its entirety, an electronic gaming system and method of displaying and obscuring electronic playing cards is disclosed and assigned to the same assignee of the present invention. Generally, this electronic gaming system replaces the human dealer with a computer capable of simulating the deal and simulating the playing cards via video displays. The system has a plurality of tables with each table having a plurality of electronic player interaction areas or stations (EPIA&#39;s). An individual interested in playing a particular game can locate oneself in front of a particular station of a table (or can be assigned) and upon logging-in, can play the game. Unfortunately, if an EPIA breaks down or any portion of the table becomes undesirable for further play of the game, the electronic gaming system is not capable of efficiently and conveniently relocating the players to another inactive table. Players well into a game and players holding good cards for a particular hand can be inconvenienced without the ability to resume play where the game left-off at the time of malfunction or when play at the table became undesirable.  
         [0008]     The present invention is aimed at one or more of the problems set forth above.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     An electronic gaming system has a plurality of tables each having a plurality of electronic player interaction areas (EPIA&#39;s) spaced preferably about a table periphery so that a gaming player is free to locate oneself in front of a respective EPIA to play a particular game. A controller of the system assigns any one of preferably a variety of games to any one table. Generally, the current system assigns players to seat off the wait list. The player is then free to choose what game he/she desires to play by picking a particular table. When playing of a game is being conducted by the controller at a particular table, the table is considered to be active. When a table is without players and thus a game is not being played, the table is considered to be inactive. The gaming system has a host console that communicates with each EPIA via the controller for managerial control of the plurality of tables. A host interface of the host console enables input by a host to move a game and the respective players from an active table to an inactive table.  
         [0010]     A method of moving a game controlled by the electronic gaming system, and in mid-play, is enabled by the host console. A host interface of the host console preferably displays a plurality of table representations associated with the tables and their current status. From the table representations, the host selects an inactive destination table of the plurality of tables then also from the host console deactivates the active table that the players are to move from. Once the players have moved, the host activates the destination table to resume play of the game with the same players.  
         [0011]     Benefits and advantages of the present invention include an automated electronic gaming system that does not require a human dealer of cards that could be prone to mistakes and other human frailties such as sickness. Yet another advantage is the ability to efficiently switch electronic tables should a table break down or become otherwise undesirable with minimal gaming interruption and minimal or no trouble for the players. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]     Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic illustration of a gaming system embodying the present invention and in a casino environment;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an electronic poker table of the gaming system;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the electronic poker table of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a front and back view of an electronic playing card;  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of a player interface of an electronic player interaction area of the system with hole cards of the electronic playing cards hidden;  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of the player interface of  FIG. 5  with the hole cards revealed;  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a partial block diagram of the gaming system associated with one poker table;  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  is a partial block diagram of the gaming system associated with a plurality of poker tables;  
         [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the electronic player interaction area in a module form with headphones;  
         [0022]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a modified electronic player interaction area embodied in a hand-held module with headphones;  
         [0023]      FIG. 11  is a block diagram of software components of the gaming system;  
         [0024]      FIG. 12  is a simplified block diagram of the gaming system;  
         [0025]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram of the gaming system with a host console;  
         [0026]      FIG. 14  is a flow diagram of a method of operating the gaming system;  
         [0027]      FIG. 15  is a first table tab image displayed on a video screen of the host console;  
         [0028]      FIG. 16  is a second table tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;  
         [0029]      FIG. 17  is a third table tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;  
         [0030]      FIG. 18  is a fourth table tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;  
         [0031]      FIG. 19  is a fifth table tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;  
         [0032]      FIG. 20  is a hand dialog displayed on the video screen of the host console;  
         [0033]      FIG. 21  is a minutes dialog displayed on the video screen of the host console;  
         [0034]      FIG. 22  is a sixth table tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;  
         [0035]      FIG. 23  is a seventh table tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;  
         [0036]      FIG. 24  is an eighth table tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;  
         [0037]      FIG. 25  is a ninth table tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;  
         [0038]      FIG. 26  is a tenth table tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;  
         [0039]      FIG. 27  is an eleventh table tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;  
         [0040]      FIG. 28  is a first wait list tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;  
         [0041]      FIG. 29  is a twelfth table tab image displayed on the video screen of the host console;  
         [0042]      FIG. 30  is an account number dialog displayed on the video screen of the host console;  
         [0043]      FIG. 31  is a time limit dialog displayed on the video screen of the host console;  
         [0044]      FIG. 32  is a tournament chop page image displayed on the video screen of the host console; and  
         [0045]      FIG. 33  is a flow diagram of a method of moving a game controlled by the gaming system. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION  
       [0046]     In the illustrated embodiment and as best shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , an electronic gaming system  10  and method of operation embodies the present invention. The system  10  utilizes electronic cards  76  or electronic chips and electronic playing cards  76  to provide an automated card game for play by one or more players. It should be noted that the description that follows is directed towards a gaming system  10  which utilizes electronic cards and chips (for wagering). However, the system  10  may also provide a non-wagering (without electronic chips) automated card game. Preferably, a human dealer is not required, thus the system  10  handles all dealer functions. For the purposes of illustration, the system will be described as applied to an electronic poker game known as Texas Hold&#39;em. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular card game.  
         [0000]     I. The Game  
         [0047]     Referring to  FIGS. 3-6 , in Texas Hold&#39;em, each player at an electronic gaming or poker table  18  is electronically dealt a number of cards, e.g., two cards, face down. These are known as a player&#39;s “hole” cards  28  and are generally placed directly in front of the respective players. A number of cards, e.g., three or five, are dealt face-up and displayed in a common display area  26 . These are known as the common cards  30 . A player&#39;s hand, thus, consists of the player&#39;s hole cards  28  and the common cards  30 . At the end of play of a particular hand, whichever player holds the highest poker hand is the winner of that round or hand of poker.  
         [0048]     The electronic playing cards  76  may be used in any sort of electronic card game, and even in such games where the player chooses when to reveal their hole cards  28  to themselves or to the other players. The electronic poker tables  18  are preferably capable of playing any variety of card games. Each card game, whether poker or otherwise, will generally have its own set of rules, including the number of cards, how the cards are dealt, the number of betting rounds, the structure of permissible wagers, and the like. Thus, while the present invention may be described below in the context of an electronic poker game (and more specifically, with respect to a player&#39;s hole cards  28  in a Hold&#39;em style poker game), the present invention is not limited to such a card game.  
         [0049]     Furthermore, the poker or card game can be a timed game, i.e., the player&#39;s have a predetermined time period to complete each turn. For example, the player&#39;s have a set period of one minute to complete each turn, or, the period of time may vary. For instance, the first turn may have a period of completion of one minute, while the second turn may have a shorter or longer period of completion. During a given betting round, the players have a predetermined period of time to either fold, check, or make a wager. If no action is taken during the predetermined time period, a default action is taken where the player preferably must fold or check. Generally, the time period for response during a betting round will decrease as the hand of the electronic poker game progresses. Parameters, such as the predetermined time period for each betting round may be automatically modified by the system  10 .  
         [0050]     More specific to the electronic playing cards  76 , as best shown in  FIG. 4 , each card has visual image or graphical representation of a front side  76 A and a back side  76 B. The back side  76 B of each card  76  has an identical pattern or image such that the cards cannot be individually identified with respect to any other card when viewing the back side  76 B. The electronic playing card  76  is typically one of a set or deck of standard playing cards. The deck may be a standard deck of fifty-two cards, with each card having an individual designation. The designations have a first component being assigned values of two through ACE, and the second component being four groupings or suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades). The value and suit of each card is indicated on the front side  76 A of each playing card  76 .  
         [0051]     In a traditional card game with physical cards, the player&#39;s hole cards are dealt “face-down” so that they are not revealed to any other player. The dealt player must then discretely view their own hole cards without revealing them to other players. To do this, the player typically lifts the hole cards close to their bodies, fanning them out, and shielding them with their hands, so only the dealt player can see the front side of their cards. Alternatively, the dealt player may leave the cards face down on the table and lift one side or corner revealing at least a portion of the front side, while shielding the cards with their hands. Similarly, and with electronic hole cards  28  of cards  76  (as best shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ), lifting of the corners of the cards  28  can be computer simulated upon a triggering event initiated by the respective player.  
         [0052]     The image displayed on the back side  76 B of the playing cards may be a logo, a random image (chosen from a set of predetermined images), or may be advertising directed at the player. The image may include a video or a cycling through of a set of predetermined images. Alternatively, the image may be selectable by either a player or an employee of a casino  12 .  
         [0000]     II. The Casino  
         [0053]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the gaming system  10  is preferably situated in a gaming environment, such as a casino  12 . Typically, the casino  12  is divided into specialized or designated areas such as a poker room or poker area  14  each containing a plurality of tables  18 , or five tables as illustrated. The poker area  14  is often cordoned off by, for example, a railing  16 . While the casino  12  is one example of an environment for the gaming system  10 , the present invention is not limited to any such location or environment and may also include a generally virtual casino environment and the like.  
         [0000]     III. The Table  
         [0054]     Referring to  FIGS. 2-3 , each table  18  has a table top  20  supported by at least one base  42  at floor level, and a plurality of substantially vertical legs  44  projecting between the base  42  and the table top  20 . The table top  20  includes a playing surface  22  and a plurality of electronic player interaction areas (EPIA)  24  for in-part the display of the respective hole cards  28 . Each table  18  seats a plurality of players, and for example and as illustrated, is preferably capable of seating a maximum of ten players, hence, each table includes ten EPIA&#39;s  24 A- 24 J and ten chairs  40  (see  FIG. 1 ). For the game of Texas Hold&#39;em, the table top  20  also preferably includes one central or common display area (CDA)  26  for the display of the common cards  30 .  
         [0055]     Although the EPIA&#39;s  24  and CDA  26  are generally computer generated visual displays, thus authentic playing cards are not utilized, the electronic poker tables of the gaming system  10  are aesthetically designed to convey and retain the overall sense and ambience of a standard poker room with non-electrical poker tables. The playing surface area not taken up by the EPIA&#39;s  24  and the CDA  26  is preferably covered in a traditional material such as felt having any variety of colors. Moreover, logos, game information, or other information may be printed on the material. Alternatively, the EPIA&#39;s  24  and the CDA  26  is a single display that covers a substantial portion or all of the table top  20 . The EPIA&#39;s  24  and the CDA  26  can be set apart from the rest of the table top  20  by virtual or computer generated borders. The areas of the display around the EPIA&#39;s  24  and the CDA  26  are preferably used to simulate the playing surface  22  of a standard poker table by, for example, providing an electronic image of a felt material. Furthermore, logos, game information, other information, advertisements, announcements, pictures, videos, or other information may be displayed and rotated, cycled, or shown for a limited period of time on the table top  20 .  
         [0000]     IV. Electronic Player interaction Areas  
         [0056]     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 5 - 6 , each EPIA  24  has a player interface  54  used to convey game information directly to a player assigned to the respective EPIA  24 , and to effectuate interaction or input from the player to the system  10 . Each EPIA  24  can be part of one large display monitor, such as a LCD or plasma monitor, that includes the CDA  26 , or the EPIA&#39;s preferably have separate and distinct monitors and computers networked together as required to play the game. The player interfaces  54  can be implemented on the table top  20  or in a module  34  (see  FIG. 9 ). Alternatively, the player interface  54  may be implemented on a hand-held device  58 , such as a personal data assistant (see  FIG. 10 ).  
         [0057]     With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 5 - 6 , the player interface  54  of the EPIA  24  is preferably a touch-screen display. Each display  54  is preferably housed in respective modules  34 . In one embodiment, each module  34  incorporates a fully-functional computer (not shown) and is thus easily removable and replaced from the poker table  18 . The computer includes a processor capable of running an operating system, such as Windows XP or Windows CE, both available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash. Alternatively, the EPIA&#39;s  24  may be driven by one or more computers (not shown) located in the proximity of the table  18  with a server or server computer  50  or within the table  18 .  
         [0058]     a) Card Reader and Player Account:  
         [0059]     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the module  34  preferably has a card reader  36  for reading a player tracking card (not shown). A player may log into the gaming system  10  through the EPIA  24  preferably by swiping the card through the card reader  36 . Additionally, the card reader  36  may be integrated into the bezel (not shown) located around the module  34 . The EPIA  24  may also require entry of a personal identification number into an attached keypad or virtual keypad displayed on the player interface  54 . Alternatively or in addition, the player may log-in using a biometric parameter, such as a fingerprint, sensed by a sensor and a RFID card or chip. Once a player&#39;s identity is established, the player can access a preferably required player account and purchase chips using an account balance communicated over a network. The player account may have an associated balance that contains a dollar amount based on an amount of money deposited by the player and/or any winnings that they have collected, either through poker or some other game. Additionally, information regarding the player&#39;s play at the table  18  may be tracked and recorded to the player&#39;s account.  
         [0060]     In one aspect of the present invention, the gaming system  10  may utilize a cashless system, such as Ticket-In Ticket-Out (TITO), that is constructed and arranged into each EPIA  24 . Alternatively, a preferably bar-coded ticket, magnetic card, RFID card, or some other media (jointly referred to as a TICKET) may be inserted in the EPIA  24 . The TICKET may have an associated value that is either printed and/or encoded thereon or that is associated with the TICKET in the gaming system  10 . Additionally, once the player decides to leave the table  18 , any remaining chips they have, may be instantly converted back into dollars and stored in their player account and/or a new Ticket preferably generated at the table  18 .  
         [0061]     b) Controller  
         [0062]     A controller that is either the module  34 , the personal computer (not shown), the hand-held device  58 , the server  50  or a combination thereof, controls the player interface  54  (i.e. controls the information components of the player interface  54 ), detects touches if the player interface  54  is a touch-screen display device, and interprets the touches as trigger or touch events. The controller preferably controls the display device  54  including obscuring or hiding the player&#39;s hole cards  28  such that the player may controllably display and view the cards, while maintaining them secret from the other players.  
         [0063]     c) Visual Player Interface  
         [0064]     Referring to  FIGS. 5-6 , preferably the player interface  54  includes a graphical representation  56  of a poker table. Each player in the poker game is represented by a user graphic or icon  62  that lists their names as well as their chip totals. The pot of the current hand may be represented in the center of the poker table representation  56  by stack(s) of chips  64  and/or a number  66  representing the value of the current pot. Each player&#39;s contribution to the pot may be represented by stack(s) of chips  68  and/or a number  70  adjacent their user graphic  62 .  
         [0065]     In one embodiment, not only is the EPIA  24  capable of controllably displaying and/or obscuring a player&#39;s hole cards, the EPIA  24  is also capable of providing an indication of the player&#39;s current highest hand based on the player&#39;s current hand and the community cards  30 . The highest hand may be shown textually, e.g., two-pairs, and/or graphically, pictures of the five cards which make of the highest hand. The highest hand may be triggered and shown using the same trigger event associated with the hole cards  28 . Alternatively, a separate trigger event, such as a touch-event on another location on the EPIA  24  may be used to show the highest hand.  
         [0066]     The player interface  54  preferably includes a series of player buttons  72  and a series of game buttons  74 . The player buttons  72  include, for example, a sit-in button  72 A, a leave table button  72 B, and an options button  72 C. Generally, only one of the sit in button  72 A and the leave table button  72 B would be active at any time. The options button  72 C allows the player to access an option menu or screen (not shown) that allows the player to modify certain parameters of the player interface  54 , such as for example, to choose between different formats of the player interface  54  (i.e. graphical display or text display). The player buttons  72  are preferably implemented on the touch screen display  54 , or alternatively, can be embodied in electromechanical switches or buttons (not shown).  
         [0067]     Regarding the leave table button  72 B, a player may decide to activate this feature when the player decides to change seats or move to another table altogether. For example, if another player or players have left the table  18  leaving fewer players at the table and the player does not like to play at a table with that few of players, the player may request through the EPIA  24  another seat assignment.  
         [0068]     The series of game buttons  74  allow the player to signal their game play decisions to the gaming system  10  during the play of the game, and thus preferably include a fold button  74 A, a call button  74 B and a raise button  74 C. The game buttons  74  are active when it is a player&#39;s turn in the poker game and preferably inactive when it is not. Moreover, the EPIA  24  only activates those buttons  74  that are appropriate, given the rules of the game being played, during the current turn. For example, if the maximum number of raises for a particular game has already been made, then the wager or raise button would be inactive. The raise button  74 C may be replaced with one or more buttons (not shown) which allow the player to make a wager of a predetermined or allowed amount, e.g. $10. In addition or alternatively, a keypad (not shown) may be provided which allows the player to key in a wager amount.  
         [0069]     Preferably, the EPIA  24  provides a player with virtual buttons that summon or direct specific employees of the casino  12 . For example the player may request a host/hostess to order a drink. Additionally, the player may anonymously request that an employee review something that occurred or is occurring at the table  18  (e.g. possible collusion).  
         [0070]     Preferably, the player interface  54  also displays the community cards  30 . Other information that can be displayed on the player interface include, but is not limited to, an indication (visual icon and/or audio) of the player whose turn it is to act, a total of chips for each player, any cards of the other players that are face-up, and/or messages to the player, such as advertising.  
         [0071]     Moreover, in the casino  12  environment, preferably a portion of each pot goes to the house for running the poker game. This portion of the pot is known as the rake and is preferably displayed on each EPIA  24 . The rake may be shown as an amount in dollars and may include a graphical representation of virtual chips. Similarly, the EPIA  24  preferably displays a graphical representation of the chips and/or a dollar amount indicative of the amount of chips each player at the table has remaining and the amount of the current pot.  
         [0072]     In addition, or alternatively, to the common cards  30  displayed by the CDA  26 , each EPIA preferably includes a graphical representation of the community cards in the middle of the graphical representation  56  of the poker table  18 . Graphical representations of the other player&#39;s card may also be shown (face-down during the current hand and face-up at the end of the hand). The common card  30  displayed in the graphical representation  56  are preferably smaller than the display of the hole cards  28  for the player of the specific EPIA  24 . The display of the common cards  30  in the CDA  26  are preferably larger than the display of the common cards  30  in the EPIA representation  56 .  
         [0073]     Other attributes of the EPIA&#39;s  24  may include: 
        utilization of Surface Acoustic Wave touch screen technology     utilization of Multi Touch touch screen technology     a secure process for returning a player to a game after missing a number of blinds by pressing the button that temporarily removes the player from the game     method to obscure player pre-selection of one or several bet options (Poker is a sequential game. Situations exist where a player will know what action they want to take prior to it being there turn. Allowing the player to make that decision in advance of their turn in a way that allows players seating close to observe this action would provide an unfair advantage to some players and not others. This feature allows a player to make a pre-selection while observing his hole cards in such a way that other players will not be able to observe that pre-selection.),     ability to display live and pre-recorded video, and     ability to replay a previous hand (may be limited to showing the end result of the last hand and may only be available for a short period of time).        
 
         [0080]     d) Audio Player Interface:  
         [0081]     Preferably, the EPIA  24  includes a player sound generation device that generates sounds audible to the player assigned to the EPIA  24 . The player sound generation device may be implemented as an earpiece ( 60 ) or headphones (see  FIGS. 9 and 10 ) or one or more speakers. Player sounds are generally meant to be heard by a specific player alone and may include a reminder or indication of a player&#39;s turn or if the game is timed, an indication of the time remaining or that time is running out, an audible signal indicating the player&#39;s hole cards  28  or the highest hand of the player or a winning percentage associated with the player&#39;s hand. The audio signals or sounds can be any series of beeps, chimes, a simulated voice, and the like.  
         [0082]     e) Physical Structure of the EPIA:  
         [0083]     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the modules  34  are removably mounted to the table top  20 , and preferably such that the touch-screen display  54  is substantially parallel and relatively flush with the playing surface  22  of the table top  20 . Moreover, the playing surface  22  of the table top  20  can be an overlay with selected cut-outs or openings for exposing the player interface or touch-screen display  54 . The overlay preferably covers the outer edge of the display for aesthetic appearances. Moreover, the touch-screen display  54  can be mounted at an angle with respect to the table top  20  and below the playing surface  22  thus partially shielding the player&#39;s hole cards  28  from adjacent players. Similarly, the display  54  can be mounted at an angle with respect to and above the table top  20  wherein the angle can be adjustable for player viewing convenience.  
         [0000]     V. Central Display Area and Audio  
         [0084]     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 5 - 6 , the CDA  26  is used to display information such as common cards  30  for all players to see and is thus located further from the players than their respective EPIA&#39;s  24 . Consequently, the display of the common cards  30  is preferably larger than the display of the hole cards  28 . That is, the hole cards  28  are displayed at a first predetermined ratio from the standard size playing card, and the common cards  30  are displayed at a second predetermined ratio from the standard size playing card. Preferably, the first and second ratios may be defined such that the common cards  30  are displayed larger than the hole cards  28 . Alternatively, the first and second ratios can be the same.  
         [0085]     As previously described, the CDA  26  is preferably separate from the plurality of EPIA&#39;s  24 , and is implemented preferably utilizing a LCD or plasma monitor or similar device. The CDA  26  preferably indicates which player&#39;s turn it is and which player is the designated “dealer” for the current hand. These indications are provided by respective visual signals such as an icon, arrow or the like, and/or an audio signal such as a beep, musical tone, and/or voice message. This indication of a player&#39;s turn and dealer designation CDA  26  can also be in addition to the indication provided on the respective EPIA  24 . With audio indication, the CDA  26  can utilize integrated “transducer sound emitting technology” thus eliminating the need for separate speakers.  
         [0086]     In other card games other than Texas Hold&#39;em, community cards  30  may not exist, hence, during play of these games, the CDA  26  can be used to display advertising messages instead. The advertising messages may be from the casino or third parties and may consist of graphics, pictures, animations, video and/or audio. The advertising may be presented at predetermined locations on the central display  38  for varied durations as the CDA cycles through a plurality of advertising messages.  
         [0087]     In general, the CDA  26  is preferably capable of displaying and/or animating: 
        blinds,     community cards  30 ,     bets placed and player chip stacks,     an indication of players who have folded and not folded,     winning hands,     wining hand percentage estimates in situations where all remaining player hold cards are exposed, and     rake in dollars or virtual chips.        
 
         [0095]     Preferably, the gaming table  18  includes a table or system sound generation device (as oppose to the player sound generation device previously described) that is used to generate sounds audible to all the players. The table sound generation device may be implemented by one or more speakers mounted to the table  18 . Alternatively, the table sound generation device may include one or more speakers adjacent to or integral with each EPIA  24  as previously described. For example, system sounds may include sounds imitating the shuffling of cards, the dealing of cards, chips thrown into the pot, sounds related to the winning of the jackpot. Player sounds may include a reminder or indication of a player&#39;s turn or if the game is timed, an indication of the time remaining or that time is running out. Generally, player exclusive sounds will not be played through the system sound generation device.  
         [0000]     VI. Server Computer  
         [0096]     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , each EPIA  24 , in the illustrated embodiment, preferably includes a dedicated computer (not shown), and the CDA  26  has a dedicated computer  52 . Both the EPIA computer and the CDA computer  52  for any given table  18  communicate with the server computer  50  that preferably plays/controls the card game, and preferably over an Ethernet network  48 . The same server  50  communicates or is networked in a like manner to preferably all of the tables  18 . One skilled in the art would now know that more than one EPIA  24  could operate off of one computer or that the computer  52  for the CDA  26  could also control the EPIA&#39;s  24  and/or replace the server  50  altogether. However, having a multitude of dedicated computers simplifies software and maintenance issues and due to the relatively inexpensive costs of computers, reduces manufacturing costs of the gaming system  10 .  
         [0097]     The server  50  is preferably used to implement and facilitate player tracking, ticket in ticket out (cashless) wagering, assigning player&#39;s to the seat  40  at a particular table  18 , tournament play, table set-up (including turning the tables on and off and modifying table parameters), and progressive jackpots. In general, the server  50  runs the game wherein the server  50  electronically “shuffles” the playing cards, deals the cards, controls the players&#39; turns, receives the player&#39;s inputs and acts accordingly; tracks, manages, and awards the pot, and tracks the rake. Game data is stored in a database preferably of the server  50  with each input, wager, play, and the like stored in the database. Other functions implemented by the server  50  are: 
        electronically shuffling the playing cards  76      dealing cards,     controlling players&#39; turns,     receives the player&#39;s data input,     player tracking,     cashless wagering,     defining and modifying table parameters, including, turning the tables  18  on and off, setting the poker game being played at the table  18 , setting wager parameters, and the like,     defining and managing jackpots, including the house percentage or rake,     defining and managing progressive jackpots,     establishing and managing a queue for players and assigning players to seats  40  and/or specific tables  18  from the queue, and     establishing and managing tournament play, including assigning player seats, collapsing tables, and the like.        
 
         [0109]     In addition, other devices may be connected to the server  50  for providing additional features and/or functions. For example, a queuing system can be provided utilizing its own dedicated computer. However, in some systems these additional features or function could be provided, at least in part, by the server(s)  50 .  
         [0000]     VII. Host Console  
         [0110]     With particular reference to  FIGS. 7-8  and  13 , the system  10  preferably has a host console  102  in electrical communication with the server computer  50  for configuring the EPIA&#39;s  24  and/or the CDA  26  and for establishing parameters of the electronic poker game. Preferably, the host console  102  is embodied in a separate computer, such as a personal computer, connected or networked (wired or wirelessly) to the server computer  50 . The host console  102  may be integrated into a console, such as a kiosk. The host console  102  may also be embodied in any type of suitable device, such as a handheld computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), notebook or laptop computer, or tablet computer. Preferably, the host console  102  provides interaction with a host or floor manager of the casino  12  via a host interface  120  of the host console  120  that is preferably a touch-screen similar to the player interface  54 .  
         [0111]     In general, the host console  102  is an administration device that can be used to create and edit game profiles including setting the game type, limits, play timing, and/or number of required players. The host console  102  allows the host or casino employee to start, pause, and stop games and to monitor table play. Additional electronic tables  18  can be activated or opened, and ring or tournament games (see below) can be easily started. Preferably, the host console  102  provides the ability to turn any one or all of the poker tables  18  on and off by communicating with the EPIA computers and CDA computer  52  via the server  50 .  
         [0112]     The host console  102  may enable a casino employee or host to: 
        select or change one of the plurality of poker games to be played on one or more of the electronic poker tables  18 ,     select the betting or wager structure to be used, (For example, the poker games may have one of a limit, no-limit, or pot-limit wagering structure. The host console  102  enables the employee set the wagering structure for a given electronic poker table  18 .)     select or change other parameters of the electronic poker games, including, but not limited to time parameters, wager limits, amounts associated with a big blind and a little blind,     select whether the electronic poker game is a timed game or a non-timed game,     modify the predetermined time period for each betting round in a timed game,     monitor the number of drinks ordered by a player through the EPIA  24 ,     add notes with information related to a specific player,     initiate a replay of a previous hand graphically, textually or numerically,     lock out and remove one of the players from the electronic poker table  18 ,     adjust the stack of electronic chips for one or more of the players (Possibly for correcting any deficiencies and/or settle any disputes with regard to operation of the electronic poker table  18  or play of one of the other players)        
 
         [0123]     Other functions may be provided by the host console  102 . For example, as discussed above, players may be assigned to one of the EPIAs  24 . The system  10  may require that the assigned player log-in to the assigned EPIA  24 . The system  10 , possibly through the host console  102  or the server computer  50  allows the host to define a trigger event based on a particular player. The host console  102  may monitor the players who log on, and produce a signal if a designated player logs on. Thus, an employee, in response to the signal is aware that the designated player is currently located and playing at the respective EPIA  24 .  
         [0124]     The host console  102  is preferably used to monitor play at any one of the electronic poker tables  18  and establishes a value associated with the rate of play of hands at the associated table  18 . This may be done by establishing when a hand of the electronic poker game is dealt and the time a winner is determined and the pot awarded to the winner. If the rate of play of hands is below a predetermined value, then the employee via the host console  102  can be signaled via a message or alert (audio and/or visual) on the host console  102 . In response, the host may wish to observe play at the electronic poker table  18 .  
         [0125]     Additionally, the host console  102  allows the casino host to pause play at one of the electronic poker tables  18 , for example, to allow the host to discuss any issues any of the players have with regard to the electronic poker game and/or one of the other players. The employee may re-start the electronic poker game when finished. In another aspect of the present invention, the host console  102  may allow the host to restart the electronic poker table  18  after a fault or fault condition. For example, the host console  102  may allow the host to restart the EPIA&#39;s  24  and/or the CDA  26 . Additionally if the EPIA&#39;s  24  include a separate computer or a separate computer is provided to drive the central display area  36 , the host console  102  may be adapted to restart or reboot these computers.  
         [0126]     Preferably, a player may create an alert to the host console  102  through their EPIA  24 . The alert may be anonymous, and is a request for the host to come and observe a table  18 . The alert appears on the host console  102 . If the alert is anonymous, there will be no indication of which player created the alert on the host console  102 . Preferably, the host console  102  enables the host to “hibernate” a game. This may be used for example, to pause a game until the next day. A hibernated game may be re-started at the same or any other table.  
         [0127]     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the host console  102  is programmed with two main sections referred to on the touch screen  120  of the host console  102  as a table tab  122  and a wait list tab  124 . When activating or booting-up the host console  102 , or when the host selects the table tab  122  if the console is already activated, a default or home screen of the system  10  generally depicts graphically the tables  18  as table representations  180  (see  FIG. 18 ). This depiction generally marks the beginning of all the table pages  128  generally programmed under the table tab  122  option. Selection of the wait list tab  124  displays a wait list page  128  (see  FIG. 28 ). Each one of the pages  126 ,  128  on the touch-screen  120  provides a multitude of options for the host to select. When selected, the home pages  126 ,  128  will generally change the display configuration providing additional information for the host and often additional options to choose from. For the sake of explanation, and although each page  126 ,  128  may have a multitude of screen displays, all the screen displays with respect to the table tab  122  will be referred to as one common table page  126 . Similarly, each screen with respect to the wait list tab  124  will be referred to as one common wait list page  128 .  
         [0128]     With particular reference to  FIG. 15 , each table  18  may be selected and diagnostic information and options are shown on the table page  126  that includes a table component list  130 , a component parameter list  132 , a reset button  134 , a restart software button  136 , a reboot button  138 , a calibrate screen button  140 , a back button  142 , and a refresh button  144 . Because the table page  126  is preferably one of many screen displays linked to that illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the back and refresh buttons  142 ,  144  provide the host with the ability to generally scroll through various screen displays of the table page  126  such as that also illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17 .  
         [0129]     The table component list  130  includes a list of all components of the selected table  18 , each personal computer  50  (i.e., the “Table Client”) and each module  34  (i.e., the individual seats). Table Client 2 is a backup to Table Client 1 and is optional. Selection of one of the components of the table  18  in the table component list  130  displays information regarding the selected component in the component parameter list  132 .  
         [0130]     The able component list parameter list  132  preferably includes a:  
         [0131]     1. Description Field (e.g., “Table  13 , Seat  4 ”);  
         [0132]     2. Client Type Field (e.g., Player or Table);  
         [0133]     3. Client Status: (Active or Inactive);  
         [0134]     4. Connection Status: (Connected or Disconnected);  
         [0135]     5. Seat Number (where appropriate);  
         [0136]     6. Seat Status (e.g., Open, Reserved, Active);  
         [0137]     7. Player Name (when available); and,  
         [0138]     8. Player Status (e.g., Active or In-Active).  
         [0139]     The reset connection button  134  is active when the connection between the server computer  50  and the component selected in the component list  130  is disconnected. Selection of the reset connection  134  may be used to “ping” the selected component and attempt to restart the connection therebetween. The restart software button  136  may be used to restart the software on the selected component if the component is inactive. For example, either the client software or the operating software may be restarted, i.e., a soft reboot. The reboot hardware button  138  may be used to restart the selected component, i.e., turn off the selected component and turn the selected component back on.  
         [0140]     Because the player interface  54  of the EPIA  24  is preferably a touch-screen display, it requires running of a calibration routine for first time use and periodic calibration routine re-runs thereafter. The selection of the calibrate screen button  140  will run the calibration routine for the selected EPIA  24 . Selection of the back button  142  will return the screen  120  to a previous state or view. Selection of the refresh button  144  will refresh all of the information contained on the current screen.  
         [0141]     The table page  126  also includes a stop/pause parameter selection area  146 , a move game button  148 , a pause game button  150 , a stop game button  152 , an auto deal check button  154 , a closed seating check button  156 , a use wait list check button  158 , an information/status area, a pair of navigation buttons, and a clear alert button  164 . The stop/pause parameter selection area  146 , located toward the lower left hand corner of the screen, is used with either of the pause game button  156  or the stop game button  158  if the host wants to pause a game or electronic table  18  to make a change or perform some other function. The stop/pause parameter selection area  146  includes the three options of “No Delay,” “Minutes,” and “Hands.” The game or table will be resumed when the host is finished. A stopped game ends the play at the table typically at the end of the day.  
         [0142]     In the lower right hand corner of the screen illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the auto deal check button  154 , the closed seating check button  156 , and the use wait list check button  158  are used to turn on/off the corresponding function. The information/status area  160  provides additional information about the selected component or a just completed action. The navigation buttons  162  may be used to cross between messages in the information/status area  160 . The clear alert button  164  is used to clear alerts generated by players at their respective EPIA&#39;s  24 A- 24 J.  
         [0143]     Referring to  FIG. 16 , the table page  126  displays the game history of a selected table of the plurality of tables  18 A- 18 J preferably displayed in a list  166 . The list  166  includes a line item for each action that has occurred on the selected table with a time stamp.  
         [0144]     Referring to  FIG. 17 , the table page  126  also displays information regarding the game being played at the selected table of the plurality of tables  18 A- 18 J. Preferably, the tables  18 A- 18 J are used to provide a variety of electronic card games, such as poker, and the host console  102  provides a list of the predefined or selected card games. When providing game information, the table page  126  preferably has a general section  168 , a game play section  170 , a rake section  172 , and a live action setting section  174 . The general section  168  includes the current game and a description of the current game being played on the selected table of the plurality of tables  18 A- 18 J and any other needed information associated with the current game. In  FIG. 17 , the selected game is “Limit Hold&#39;em $1/$2”. The general section  168  includes: type, variation, stakes, and jackpots. The game play section  170  describes parameters that affect game play. In the illustrated embodiment, the game play section  170  includes: maximum raises per hand, action time limit, minimum number of players, and maximum number of players. The rake section  172  includes information regarding the current rake. The live action section  174  includes information regarding wagering. For example, the defined game is “Limit Hold&#39;em $1/$2” and the live action section  174  includes information related to the blinds, permissible wagers, and the minimum and maximum stakes allowed.  
         [0145]     Referring to  FIG. 18 , the seven table representations  180 A- 80 G of the table page  126  is illustrated and preferably includes: 
        1. The name of the table shown;     2. The game being played at the table (e.g., Limit Hold&#39;em $1/$2 or no game);     3. The number of hands being played per hour.        
 
         [0149]     Each graphical table representation  180 A- 180 G may also include the status of each EPIA  24 , for example inactive (indicated by a red “X” or marked as “No Game”), active, reserved or out. A reserved EPIA  24  or seat, means that it has been assigned to a player and can only be used by that player. The player must log in to the reserved or assigned EPIA  24  to begin playing. Typically, the player has a predetermined amount of time to log-in to the assigned EPIA  24  or the seat  40  becomes available again.  
         [0150]     Referring to  FIG. 26  and more particularly to pausing and/or stopping a game via the host console  102 , the stop/pause parameter selection area  146  is used to select how the game will be stopped or paused. To do so, there are three options: “no delay,” “by minutes,” and “by hands.” If “no delay” is first selected, then if the pause button  150  or the stop game button  152  is selected, the game is immediately paused or stopped, respectively. Once a game has been paused, the pause button  150  will be replaced with a resume button  150 ′. Alternatively, if “by minutes” is selected, then a minute dialog  184  is displayed (see  FIG. 21 ). The minute dialog  184  allows the host to enter when the game will be paused or stopped (in minutes) after the appropriate buttons are selected. Yet again, if “by hands” is selected, then a hands dialog  186  is displayed (see  FIG. 20 ). The hands dialog  186  allows the host to enter when the game will be paused or stopped (in number of hands of play) after the appropriate buttons are selected.  
         [0151]     Referring to  FIGS. 19 and 33 , and more particular to the present invention, the gaming system  10  via the host console  102  has the capability to move a game in mid-play from one table  18  to another previously inactive table. When an electronic game is so moved, the game in it&#39;s current state along with the players are relocated in their totality from one electronic table to another. Preferably, the seating arrangement of the players remain the same when moving games in mid-play between tables.  
         [0152]     When the host desires to move a game in mid-play from one table to another, the host first selects the active table  18  where the game shall be moved from. As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the table selected is identified as “Table  14 ” or table representation  180 F and is highlighted as having been selected by a colored (i.e. yellow) border or band  182 . Next, the host selects the No Delay button  183  of the stop/pause parameter selection area  146 . This selection activates the Pause Game button  150  (see  FIG. 22 ), thus enabling the host to select the Pause Game button  150 . Once selected, the host then selects the Move Game button  148  that causes the host console  102  to automatically display an overlay screen or destination dialog  188  of the table page  126  that preferably is a list of inactive tables available for game play. With the destination dialog  188  displayed, the host can then choose the desired alternative or destination table to move the game to. When the destination table is chosen, the host selects the Move Now button  148  and the game substantially moves instantly to the destination table. Once the players are seated at the destination table, the host then selects the Resume Game button  150  and the game is resumed with minimal or no interruption.  
         [0153]     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 22-25 , each table representation  180 A- 180 G of the tables  18  can generally be zoomed in upon to display additional or more particular information. The screen  120  has a zoom button  188  and a second set of navigation buttons  190 . With particular reference to  FIG. 22 , with the graphical table representations  180  being displayed, a selected table is highlighted by a colored or yellow banding  182 . The navigation buttons  190  may be used to cycle or move through the table representations  180 . To zoom in on a table representation  180  of a table  18 , the host preferably double-clicks on the desired table representation  180  or selects the zoom button  188  to zoom in on the selected table representation  180 .  
         [0154]     Referring to  FIG. 23 , once a table representation is zoomed in on, the table page  126  displays a larger and more detailed graphical table representation or table enlargement  192 . The table enlargement  192  has a central information area  192 A and a plurality of player information areas  192 B. The central information area  192 A generally includes information about the actual table  18 , which may include: table identifier, status, game type, pending status, average pot, hands per hour, average wait time to get a seat at the table, and a start time of the current game. The player information areas  192 B generally include the seat number, the status (reserved, occupied, etc), player name (where appropriate), the player&#39;s stake, the player&#39;s wins/losses for the current game, and the time player entered the current game.  
         [0155]     Referring to  FIG. 29 , the table page  126  preferably includes a reserve (or reserve for player) button  194 , a game info button  198 , a history button  200  and a diagnostics button  202 . Selection of the game info button  198 , the history button  200 , and the diagnostics button  202 , will result in game information, history information, and diagnostics information being displayed. As shown in  FIGS. 29-31 , the table page  126  may also include a reserve empty button  204 , an unseat button  206 , and a penalize button  208 . The reserve empty button  204  may be used to reserve a seat without designative a specific person. The unseat button  206  may be used to remove a player. The penalize button  208  may be used to adjust a player&#39;s stack or otherwise penalize a player. An adjust pot button  230  may be used to adjust the pot of the current hand.  
         [0156]     The reserve button  194  allows the host via utilization of the host console  102  to reserve a seat  40  for a specific player. In order to use this button, the use wait list check box has to be off and the restricted seating check box has to checked. This allows the host to place the specific player ahead of those players on the wait list, while not opening the seat  40  to anyone who may attempt to log-in or use the unoccupied seat. When the reserve button  194  is selected, an account number dialog  210  is displayed (see  FIG. 30 ). The account number dialog  210  allows the host to enter the account number of the person for whom they are reserving the seat  40 . After the account number has been entered, a time limit dialog  212  is shown. The time limit dialog  212  (see  FIG. 31 ) allows the host to designate how long the reservation will last before the player logs into the EPIA  24  to secure the seat  40 . Once a seat has been reserved, the reservation and the player&#39;s name will be reflected at the corresponding graphical representation (see  FIG. 29  that shows seat  7  reserved for “Greg”).  
         [0157]     Typically, a player who has left the table to take or break or for any reason may return as long as they pay any missed blinds. However, the other players may want another player to sit in. The unseat button  206  allows the host to remove a player from the table after the player has left their seat for an amount of time or a number of hands (without logging out).  
         [0158]     With particular reference to  FIG. 27 , the screen  120  includes a drop down list  214 . The drop down list  214  includes a list of all games which may be played on the tables  18 . Selecting “all” on the drop down list will display graphical representations of all of the tables  18 . Selecting one of the games in the drop down list  214  will display graphical representations of only those tables which are playing that selected game.  
         [0159]     With particular reference to  FIG. 28 , the wait list page  128  includes an information section  216  for each type of game that may be played on the tables  18 . Each information section  216  includes information related to the game and the wait list for that game. In the illustrated embodiment, the information section includes:  
         [0160]     1. the number of tables playing the game;  
         [0161]     2. the number of players sat in a given interval; and,  
         [0162]     3. the number of players in the queue (i.e., the wait list).  
         [0163]     The information section  216  may also include a queue active check box and an allow entry check box, which allow the employee to turn the wait list on/off for given game and to allow/disallow additional players to be added to the wait list for a given game, respectively.  
         [0164]     With particular reference to  FIG. 32 , a tournament chop page  218  is illustrated which is used only during tournaments and allows the host to stop tournament play prematurely, i.e., before only one player is left, and split the remaining pot or table stakes. The tournament chop page  218  includes a series of check boxes  220  that allow the host to designate how the pot or jackpot will be split. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three options: split manually, split even, or split by table stakes. If split manually is chosen, the corresponding amounts are entered in a virtual key pad  222 . The tournament chop page  218  may also include a refund rake check box  224 . A cancel button  224  allows the employee to cancel the current operation and return to a previous screen. A stop &amp; chop now button  226  stops the current tournament and splits the pot as designated.  
         [0165]     Additional features of the host console  102  are described in the following concurrently filed U.S. Patent Applications all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety:  
         [0166]     US patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No. 60,667-062);  
         [0167]     US patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No. 60,667-063);  
         [0168]     US patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No. 60,667-064);  
         [0169]     US patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No. 60,667-065);  
         [0170]     US patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No. 60,667-066); and,  
         [0171]     US patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No. 60,667-068).  
         [0000]     VIII. General Process and Software  
         [0172]     With particular reference to  FIG. 14 , in another aspect of the present invention, a method  110  provides an electronic poker game to a plurality of players on at the electronic poker table  18  using the host console  102  and the server computer  50 . In a first step  112 , the host console  102  preferably configures the EPIA&#39;s  24  and the central display area  26  and establishes parameters of the electronic poker game. In a second step  14 , the electronic poker game is administered by the server computer  50  using electronic cards and chips.  
         [0173]     In operation, the gaming system  10  will implement a player-account based cash in/cash out system. The system  10  will create a user account for each player. Once an account is established for the player, the player is issued a Player Card having an associated personal identification number or PIN. Once the player has been issued a Player Card, their account may be funded. The Player Card is used to identify the player at the tables  18 . The player may fund their account by bringing cash to a cage, where the cash is accepted and credited to the player&#39;s account. Printed receipts are given to the player and maintained by the casino  12 . To bring electronic chips to the table  18 , the player sits down at a seat  40 , swipes their Player Card and enters their PIN. The system  10  informs the player of their account balance and allows them to convert all or a portion of the account balance to electronic chips to bring to the game.  
         [0174]     From a software perspective, the gaming system  10  may be implemented using six program groups: a table server, a game engine, a table client, a player client, a table manager, and a cage manager. The table server implements the network communication, control and authentication as well as inter-table functions (seat reservations, multi-table tournaments). The game engine is responsible for all game functions, e.g., electronic playing card deck generation, dealing, betting, determining winners and awarding pots. The table client is the graphical control for the CDA  26 . The player client implements the user interface for the EPIA  24  and the logic for capturing player input and communication the player input to the table client server. The table manager contains the host interface for setting user, network, and game parameters, for starting, pausing, and stopping games, and for monitoring game activity and responding to system or user generated alerts. The cage manager provides the ability to create and fund player accounts and to create the Player Cards.  
         [0175]     If there are no seats  40  available, the player is placed in a queue, until a seat opens up. In one embodiment, players are taken off of the queue and assigned a seat on a first come, first served basis. However, the system  10  may allow the casino  12  to implement special rules for players to bypass the queue or list. For example, the casino may present vouchers to players under certain conditions, such as a win in a tournament, to be placed at the head of a queue.  
         [0176]     In one aspect of the present invention and as stated above, the system  10  tracks each transaction, wager, card dealt in a database. The system  10  also tracks the players which are playing at each table  18 . This information is stored in the database, summarized, and may be presented in any numerous forms of reporting formats. Any information regarding the player&#39;s, the games, and how each hand is played may be tracked. This available data may also be analyzed for purposes of determining the frequency of poker hands (per hour) for a table or all games in which a particular player or players played or detecting, e.g., collusion between players.  
         [0177]     The system  10  allows jackpots, i.e., progressive jackpots, to be generated by and won across multiple hands and/or multiple tables. A progressive jackpot may increase based on the amounts wagered and/or won at the included tables. The progressive jackpot may continue to increase until won under a set of predetermined conditions. Alternatively, it may be active until only for a predetermined time period. The conditions for winning the jackpot that it is won by one or more players at the end of the time period.  
         [0178]     The system  10  allows a progressive jackpot to be funded in multiple ways. The way in which a progressive jackpot is funded may be funded through a computer program application on the server  50  or other device. For example, the progressive jackpot may be funded by taking a set percentage from every jackpot, every other jackpot, or every n th  jackpot. The amount of the progressive jackpot may be displayed on the CDA  26  and/or a remote display.  
         [0179]     The progressive jackpot may be initiated randomly, under certain definable conditions, and/or for a specific event, i.e., a marketing event. The progressive jackpot may be a single hand, a predetermined number of hands at one table or across multiple hands, for a predetermined time period, and the like.  
         [0180]     Preferably, after a jackpot is won by a player, one or more government reporting forms may be presented to the player on their EPIA  24 . The form may accept the player&#39;s electronic signature (if permissible) or may notify the player of the requirements and direct them to a location where they can fill out the form. The device may be a personal, notebook, or tablet computer, handheld computer, PDA, or other suitable device.  
         [0000]     IX. Tournament Play  
         [0181]     The system  10  facilitates tournament play. In a tournament, a predetermined number of tables  18  having a predetermined number of players are involved. A buy-in, e.g., $100 is required. Typically, after a player loses all of their money, they are eliminated from the tournament.  
         [0182]     Under predetermined rules, players may register for a tournament and be assigned to seats at a table. During play, under predetermined rules, tables may be broken down and the players distributed to other tables. The system  10  facilitates the tournament by providing one or more of the following features: 
        a) registration     b) tracking tournament information     c) display of tournament information on central display and/or remote display     d) tournament set-up, e.g., buy-in     e) re buy-in     f) tournament jackpot, cash or entry voucher for entry another tournament (specific tournament or expiration date)     g) Process for breaking tables: 
            (1) message that table is breaking     (2) convey new seat assignment     (3) determination of breaking order     (4) display of breaking order    
            h) display information on status of other tables and players at other tables     i) System to monitor and adjust hands per hour of an individual table during a tournament: During a poker tournament it is important that each table play roughly the same number of hands per hour as all other tables. This can be accomplished by pausing a game and/or slowing a game down with out pausing.     j) multi-site tournaments     k) system for automatically paying players tournament winnings based on tournament pay tables and their final position in the tournament     l) automatic posting of blinds and method to turn on and off of automatic posting of blinds/missed blinds     m) method for automatically calculating allowed bet amounts in pot-limit and no-limit betting structures     n) automatic varying of rake based upon number of players, time of day, type of game and/or other criteria     o) ability to offer rake discounts to individual players     p) transferring a player from one seat to another at the same table, or to another: Situations exist where are forced to (“must move”) or desire to move seats. This feature provides automatic notification and movement of player information from one seat to another.     q) database and network architecture allowing single and multi-site networking and management of a plurality of automated poker     r) tracking and reporting of player statistics: Data and method of display over the internet and/or other methods for player to analyze their previous play statistics. In another embodiment date and method of display is utilized to determine player rankings for a given game and/or over a given time period     s) ability to view available tables and register for live tables and/or tournaments via a remote connection such as the internet or an automated voice response unit     t) options adjust speed of play (speed of card shuffling, dealing, discarding, betting, etc.)     u) electronically transfer money from an account to the table     v) electronically transfer money to another     w) use of “cash card” to bring money to the table     x) ability for operator to view details of any and all tables     y) ability for operator to view details of any and all players 
 
 X. Virtual Gaming 
       
 
         [0212]     In one aspect of the present invention, remote or virtual games may be provided by the system  10 . The remote or virtual games may be provided on wireless devices and may be played at predetermined locations.  
         [0213]     Virtual games may also be provided through the EPIAs  24 . For example, the virtual or remote games may be played by the poker players when it is not their turn. The virtual or remote games may be another poker hand, played against other players, at the table or at other tables, or played against virtual players. Alternatively, the remote or virtual games may be other types of games, including, but not limited to blackjack, keno, slot machines, and the like.  
         [0214]     In addition to running other casino games on EPIA  24  or other terminals, system can be run on other gaming devices throughout the casino. For example, a virtual poker game can be run on an existing electronic bingo terminal or an electronic race book terminal.  
         [0215]     While the forms of the invention herein disclosed constitute presently preferred embodiments, many others are possible. It is not intended to mention all the possible equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms used herein are merely descriptive rather than limiting, and that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.