Abstract:
An improved table game system includes a first shuffling machine for randomly selecting a first card from among a first defined set of cards. The system also includes a second shuffling machine for randomly selecting a second card from among a second defined set of cards. A first card reader is associated with the first shuffling machine for communicating with the selected card to obtain relevant information thereabout. A second card reader is associated with the second shuffling machine for communicating with the selected card to obtain information thereabout. The system includes a first display in communication with the first card reader to display the obtained information about the first card. The system also includes a second display in communication with the second card reader to display the obtained information about the second card. A computer is in communication with the first card reader to process the obtained information and communicate it to the first display. The computer is also in communication with the second card reader to process the obtained information and communicate it to the second display. The computer also resolves any wagers associated with the outcome of the first game and the second game.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/565,057, entitled “Turbo Card Table Game and RFID Card and Tip Button”, and filed on Nov. 30, 2011, which disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference as though set forth fully herein. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a machine for randomly selecting a single card from among a set of cards in a game of chance, which minimizes the need for operator input. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system involving a plurality of devices that each randomly selects a single card from among a set of cards for multiple games of chance that minimizes the costs normally associated with live Dealers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Games of chance are well known activities whose outcomes are strongly influenced by randomizing devices, and upon which contestants may or may not wager money as they forecast outcomes. Common randomizing devices include dice, spinning tops, playing cards, roulette wheels, prize wheels, and numbered balls drawn from containers. Games of chance have been played throughout all of human history, and are considered to be a popular pastime by many. Players of games of chance are attracted to new and exciting methods of game play, as well as new and exciting randomizing devices. For this reason, the gaming industry is continuously developing new games, and new randomizing devices to maintain player interest and attract new players. 
     Games of chance that include money wagers are typically regulated by governing authorities. These governing authorities enforce laws and regulations that are enacted to curtail certain kinds of games, as well as certain kinds of randomizing devices. For example, in some jurisdictions, the use of dice or roulette wheels to resolve a game outcome, i.e., as the randomizing device, have been curtailed while other randomizing devices such as playing cards are permitted. More frequently, playing cards enjoy a less restrictive use in games of chance played for money, whereas dice and roulette wheel randomizing devices are subject to greater restrictions. 
     Additionally, table games managers are continually looking for ways to improve the efficiency of their Dealers in connection with all games, thereby reducing labor costs in the long run. Unlike slot managers, who do not have to worry about employee mistakes that cost the casino money (known as bleed), table games managers face these issues on a daily basis. As casinos gets busier and the tables get fuller, the decisions per hour can decrease dramatically and the potential for bleed increases significantly. 
     Therefore, there is a desire within the gaming industry to develop new and interesting methods of game play and randomizing devices which utilize playing cards in unique and interesting ways, suited to fast-paced, high-volume activity and which minimize the opportunity for bleed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an advantage of the present disclosure to provide a table game system that can improve the efficiency of the casino dealers. 
     It is another advantage of the present disclosure to provide a table game system that can reduce the labor costs attributable to the operation of the game. 
     It is still another advantage of the present disclosure to provide a table game system that can minimize dealer errors and bleed. 
     It is yet another advantage of the present disclosure to provide a table game system that can increase security measures. 
     It is a further advantage of the present disclosure to provide a table game system that can provide increased player entertainment and enjoyment. 
     In accordance with the above and the other advantages of the present disclosure, an improved table game system is provided. The table game system includes a first shuffling machine for randomly selecting a first card from among a first defined set of cards. The first shuffling machine is configured to determine an outcome for a first game of chance. The system also includes a second shuffling machine for randomly selecting a second card from among a second defined set of cards. The second shuffling machine is configured to determine an outcome for a second game of chance. A first card reader is associated with the first shuffling machine for communicating with the selected card to obtain relevant information thereabout. A second card reader is associated with the second shuffling machine for communicating with the selected card to obtain information thereabout. The system includes a first display in communication with the first card reader to display the obtained information about the first card. The system also includes a second display in communication with the second card reader to display the obtained information about the second card. A computer is in communication with the first card reader to process the obtained information and communicate it to the first display. The computer is also in communication with the second card reader to process the obtained information and communicate it to the second display. The computer also resolves any wagers associated with the outcome of the first game and the second game. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated when considered in connection with the following detailed description and appended drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a table game system, including a plurality of shuffling machines, according to an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a top schematic view of the table game system having a plurality of shuffling machines of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of a shuffling machine in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of the detent mechanism as depicted by the circumscribed region in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is schematic view of a table game system, including a plurality of player positions and associated screens, in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a method of operating of a game of chance in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of an exemplary playing card in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for identifying a specific playing card in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram of another exemplary playing card in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic illustration of the front sides of a set of playing cards in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic illustration of the back sides of the set of playing cards of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic illustration of a set of playing cards in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure; and 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic illustration of a game of chance having a tip button in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present disclosure relates to a table game system  10  including two separate shuffling machines  12 ,  14 . The utilization of two shuffling machines  12 ,  14  allows the system to operate as a double apparatus game, such as a roulette game, where a single dealer can operate 2 roulette games (distinguished from one another in the Figures as “A” and “B” respectively) at the same time with zero Dealer errors, high game security integrity, large numbers of decisions per hour and requiring almost no management supervision. According to an aspect, trained Dealers may be replaced with relatively unskilled operators because they are not required to make game decisions. 
     According to an aspect, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the pair of shuffler machines  12 ,  14  sit on a table  16  and can be spaced generally an arms-spread distance apart. The spacing of the shufflers is advantageous so that a single dealer/operator can simultaneously attend to both shuffler machines  12 ,  14 . It will be appreciated that the shuffler machines  12 ,  14  may be spaced different distances apart and be disposed in various different arrangements. According to an aspect, the configuration of the table game system  10  allows for the simultaneous play of two games of roulette. According to another aspect, the system  10  includes no physical game layout, no chips and is operable with only one dealer/operator. Alternatively, each shuffler machine  12 ,  14  could allow for the play of a different game such that two different games could be manned by a single dealer. 
     According to a further aspect, the table game system  10  includes a pair of card readers  18 ,  20  and a pair of display screens  22 ,  24 . According to an aspect, the card readers  18 ,  20  may be RFID card readers, as discussed in more detail below. Alternatively, other suitable electronic scanning devices may be used to input the selected card from each shuffler into a suitably programmed electronic game server configured to execute the game being played by each respective shuffler machine A and B. The results of the game and/or other information may be displayed on the display screens  22 ,  24 , which are visible to the players. The table game system  10  may also include a live Dealer  26 . According to an aspect, one or more game layouts could be disposed on the table  16 . According to an aspect, betting terminals are located at or adjacent to table  16  and are associated with the shuffling machines  12 ,  14  for use by the Dealer to control the game. 
     The shuffling machines  12 ,  14  are now discussed with reference to  FIG. 3 . According to an aspect, the first shuffling machine  12  and the second shuffling machine  14  have the same configuration and thus only one will be described as that description applies equally to both. The shuffler machine  12  randomly selects a single card from among a set of cards and includes a stationary base  30  which is effective to establish a generally vertical central axis A. In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, the base  30  is shown as a squat, generally cylindrical member. However, this configuration can be varied as desired. A turntable  32  is movably supported above the base  30  for free rotation within a generally horizontal plane about the central axis A. The turntable  32  has a generally circular outer periphery  34 , and in this embodiment, is configured with multiple levels forming a hat-like construction. More specifically, an outer rim section  36  is circumscribed by the outer periphery  34  and rests directly above the stationary base  30 . An elevated stage section  38  is centrally located therein. A decorative crown piece  40  may be affixed centrally within the stage section  38  for purely aesthetic purposes. 
     According to an aspect, the stage section  38  of the turntable  32  can include a plurality of trays  42 . In one example, the defined plurality of trays  42  may consist of exactly thirty-eight trays. Depending upon the game of chance to be played, however, the defined plurality of trays  42  can be varied to include more than or less than the exemplary thirty-eight trays illustrated here. The trays  42  can be equally circumferentially spaced apart one from another about the central axis A. In other words, in this exemplary aspect where thirty-eight trays  42  are provided, each tray occupies a sector of approximately 9.47 degrees. If the number of trays  42  were decreased to thirty-six, for example, each tray  42  would occupy a sector of exactly 10 degrees, and so forth. The trays  42  may, as shown in the FIGs., comprise narrow slots arranged along radials extending from the central axis A. Each slot is sized, shaped and oriented so as to hold a single playing card  44  in a vertically upstanding orientation. It will be appreciated that the configuration of the slots may vary. Also, the cards can be retained in a variety of other suitable ways. 
     The card  44  may be dimensionally similar to those used for playing card games like poker, blackjack and the like. Instead of the traditional rectangular configuration, the cards  44  may be shaped in other interesting or effective geometries. In accordance with one example, a set of cards  44  is equal in number to the defined plurality of trays  42 . Thus, in keeping with the previously proposed example of thirty-eight trays, a set of cards would consist of thirty-eight distinct cards.  FIGS. 7 , and  9 - 11  illustrate exemplary cards according to aspects where the game of chance is roulette.  FIG. 12  illustrates another aspect, wherein thirty-eight cards  44 , which comprise a distinct set of cards, are suitable for the game of craps. It will be appreciated that the cards may be configured for other games and more or less cards may be employed. 
     According to an aspect, the trays  42  are arranged so as to hold each card  44  so that its long edges are oriented horizontally, and its short edges are oriented vertically. The depth of each slot in the trays  42  is less than the narrow width of each card  44 , so that a noticeable, protruding portion of each card  44  extends above the stage section  38  of the turntable  32 . This protruding portion may allow the dealer or operator of a game of chance using the shuffling machine  12  to easily remove a card  44  from its tray  42 . Thus, each card  44  is loosely contained in its respective tray  42  without the use of fastening devices, spring clips, or any other fixation medium. Other configurations may be employed as desired. 
     The rim section  36  of the turntable  32  may be provided with a plurality of dividers  46 . The plurality of dividers  46  are equal in number to the defined plurality of trays  42 . Thus, in the exemplary embodiment where thirty-eight trays are provided, the number of dividers  46  is also thirty-eight. The dividers  46 , like the trays  42 , are also spaced one from another in equal circumferentially-spaced increments about the central axis A. Thus, if the trays  42  are spaced one from another 9.47 degrees, the dividers  48  are likewise spaced one from another 9.47 degrees. Accordingly, the space between each divider  46 , as measured from center-line to center-line, occupies a sector equal to 9.47 degrees, or whatever accurate measure is achieved when the number  360  is divided by the number of dividers  46 . Preferably, although by no means necessarily, the dividers  46  are oriented so as to perfectly bisect the angular sector between each adjacent tray  42 . Put another way, a radial extending from each divider  46  to the central axis A is preferably, but not necessarily, offset from the center-line of each adjacent tray  42  by an angular measure equal to the total number of trays  42  divided by 720. In this manner, the space or gap between each divider  46  may be exclusively associated with one specific tray  42 . It will be appreciated that other arrangements may be employed. 
     As best show in  FIG. 4 , a detent  50  is fixed relative to the base  30  and operatively interacts with the dividers  46 . The detent  50  functions to apply a pulsating resistance to the free rotation of the turntable  32  and thereby progressively slow the turntable  32  to a stopped condition relative to the base  30 . According to an aspect, the detent  50  comprises a resiliently flexible tongue  52  supported in a retractable clamping holder  54  so that the tongue  52  can be withdrawn from the movement path of the dividers  46 . In this example, the dividers  46  comprise upstanding pegs which are fixed to the rim section  36  of the turntable  32  at exactly equally radially spaced measurements from the central axis A. It will be appreciated that the divider can take on a variety of different configurations. Thus, as the turntable  32  is rotated in the direction of the arrow in  FIG. 3 , the tongue-like detent is moved to a position that interferes with the paths of the dividers  46 . When spun forcefully, the angular momentum of the turntable  32  is sufficient to deflect the detent  50  out of the way in a flipper-like fashion typical of prize wheel type randomizing devices known in the prior art. The tongue  52  of the detent  50  may be made of a felt-like material, or other suitable material. Each sequential impact and deflection of the detent  50  caused by the rotating dividers  46  results in a pulsating resistance which slows the turntable  32  and eventually brings it to a complete stop. 
     The clamping holder  54  is provided with clamping screws  56  used to tighten or loosen the clamping force upon the detent  50 . Preferably, the clamping force is set so that an operator of the card shuffling machine  12  can manually withdraw the detent  50  out of the path of the rotating dividers  46 , thereby allowing the turntable  32  to freewheel. When the detent  50  is returned to its position within the path of the moving dividers  46 , the detent  50  is operative to frictionally encounter the dividers  46 , with each frictional encounter retarding the spin of the turntable  32  until there are enough such encounters to stop the turntable  32 . However, those with skill in the art will readily appreciate that many alternative detent type mechanisms, both mechanical and electromagnetic, may be employed to achieve substantially similar results from that of the example just described. 
     According to an aspect, the card shuffling machine  12  may also include some type of pointing device, which is fixed relative to the base  30 , for indicating one of the pluralities of trays  42  when the turntable  32  comes to rest. In accordance with this aspect, the pointer is integral with the detent  50  such that when the turntable  32  comes to rest, it will determine which card  44  is to be selected for the purpose of determining game outcome. Alternatively, a separate and distinct pointer may be used, spaced from the detent  50 , to indicate one of the plurality of trays  42  when the turntable  32  stops rotating. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a table game system  100  in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the table game system  100  includes a pair of shuffling machines  102 ,  104  disposed on a table  106 . The pair of shuffling machines  102 ,  104  can each select a single card from a full set of cards. The system  100  also includes a pair of card readers  108 ,  110  and a pair of display screens  112 ,  114 . According to an aspect, a Dealer  116  is also present. The system  100  also can include a computer  118 . Additionally, the system  100  can include a first group of player terminals  120  and a second group of player terminals  122 . Each of the groups of player terminals  120 ,  122  can include a plurality of individual terminals  124 . According to an aspect, players stationed at the respective electronic betting terminals  124  may choose to play either or both games associated with the shuffling machines  102 ,  104 . According to another aspect, the players may switch back and forth between playing first from the Shuffler A  102  and then next from Shuffler B  104 , and back again, or may play both concurrently as desired. According to an aspect, the players do not need to alert the dealer/operator which game they are playing at any given moment, as the electronic gaming terminal keeps track of this information—including the resolution of wagers placed. 
     In operation, a card that is selected by the shuffling machine  102  will be read by the card reader  108 . The information read from the selected card will be transmitted by the card reader  108  to the computer  118  for processing and also will be displayed on the display screen  112 . The players participating in the game of chance will be watching and interacting with the game from the first group of player terminals  120  and/or the second group of player terminals  122 . The players can place their bets as well as receive their winnings at the first group of player terminals  120  and/or the second group player terminals  124 . 
     Similarly, a card that is selected by the shuffling machine  104  can be read by the card reader  110 . The information read from the selected card can be transmitted by the card reader  110  to the computer  118  for processing and also may be displayed on the display screen  114 . The players participating in the game of chance may watch and interact with the game from each of the first group of player terminals  120  and/or the second group player terminals  124 . The players can place their bets as well as receive their winnings at the first group of player terminals  120  and/or the second group player terminals  124 . The ability to operate a double shuffler with a single operator provides significant advantages over prior systems that only play a single game at a time. 
     A simplified flow chart illustrating the operation of the system is depicted in  FIG. 6 . As shown, according to an aspect, the first step of the method is to spin shuffler A, as generally depicted by reference number  200 . Next, the flapper of the detent may be engaged such that it begins to slow the turntable of shuffler A, as designated by reference number  202 . Then, at step  206 , shuffler B  104  is spun. The selected card can then be pulled from shuffler A, such as by the Dealer as reflected at step  208 . The RFID tag of the selected card can be read by the card reader, as indicated by reference number  210 . All wagers associated with shuffler A can then be resolved automatically, as indicated by reference number  212 . The selected card is then returned to shuffler A as generally represented by reference number  213 . The flapper of the detent of shuffler B may then be engaged at step  214  so that the turntable of shuffler B begins to slow. Shuffler A may then be spun again, as designated by reference number  216 . Then, the selected card can be pulled from shuffler B, as indicated by reference number  218 . At step  220 , the RFID tag of the selected card from shuffler B may then be read by the second card reader. The wagers associated with shuffler B are then resolved automatically, as generally indicated by reference number  222 . The selected card is then returned to shuffler B as generally represented by reference number  224 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a card  300  bearing an indicia related to a decision for a game of chance. This exemplary card  300  reflects one of the numbers or results associated with the game of roulette. As shown, the card  300  bears indicia for the number “00” and the color green. According to an aspect, the card  300  also includes an RFID tag  302  associated therewith. According to an aspect, the RFID tag can be embedded in the card  300 . As will be understood, the RFID tag  302  contains the information about the card indica, i.e., color and number thereon. 
       FIG. 8  schematically illustrates the steps of reading a card  310  according to an aspect of the disclosure. As shown, the card  310  bears indicia related to the game of roulette, specifically the number 2 and the color black. An RFID tag  312  associated therewith may have information stored thereon. When the card  310  is brought into proximity with an RFID card reader  314 , which includes a wireless antenna  316  to communicate with the RFID tag  312 , the RFID card reader  314  reads the information about the card that is stored on the RFID tag  312 . The information is then transmitted to a computer database  318  so that it can be utilized to settle wagers and display it on the monitors and terminals. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates another exemplary card  320  in accordance with the game of roulette. As shown, the card  320  also bears indicia reflecting a number and a color which are associated with the game outcome. The card  320  has a front side  324  that contains the card indicia and a back side  326 . The card  320  can also include an RFID tag  322  embedded therein, which contains the indicia from the card  320  stored thereon for reading by an RFID card reader. According to another aspect, the card  320  may alternatively have a bar code  328  printed on the back side  326  of the card, which also contains the information about the card indicia. According to this aspect, the card reader would have capabilities to read information from the bar code  328  and send it to an associated computer. 
     As discussed previously, according to an aspect, almost any of the known games of chance can be played using the shuffling machines of the disclosed system, so long as the number of cards and the number of their represented indicia result in a probability of decision which is equivalent to the traditionally played game. For example, it has been discussed that is possible to play a game of chance which conforms substantially to the traditional rules of roulette using a set of cards bearing indicia substantially as depicted in  FIGS. 10-11 . Illustrated in  FIG. 10  are thirty-six cards that are marked with distinct indicia selected from the group consisting of the whole numbers 1 to 36. Also, in keeping with the traditional rules of roulette, eighteen of the cards may be marked with the color red indicia, while eighteen different cards are marked with the color black indicia. This corresponds to the red and black colors used in traditional roulette. Two additional cards are colored with the green indicia and marked 0 and 00, respectively. When these cards are arranged in the trays of the card shuffling machines, any single one of these cards can be selected from the set of cards, and its particular indicia used to decide the game of chance. 
     According to another aspect, the card shuffling machines can be used to play a game according to the traditional rules of craps. The randomizing device used in the traditional game of craps consists of a pair of six-sided dice, each side of the dice bearing a dot representative of the whole numbers 1 to 6. Considering the pair of dice together, thirty-six possible combinations can be achieved by the two dice. In accordance with another aspect, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the set of cards  400  may be marked with indicia representing the whole numbers 2 to 12 in the following combinations: one number 2, two number 3&#39;s, three number 4&#39;s, four number 5&#39;s, five number 6&#39;s, six number 7&#39;s, five number 8&#39;s, four number 9&#39;s, three number 10&#39;s, two number 11&#39;s, and one number 12. These cards may also be imprinted with indicia which pictorially represents all thirty-six available combinations of a pair of six-sided dice. When arranged in a turntable consisting of thirty-six equally spaced trays, complete odds parity with the traditional game of craps can be achieved through use of the subject card shuffling machine. To add variety to the traditional game of craps, one or two additional cards bearing the indicia 0 and 00 can be added. Likewise, other games of chance can be played using the card shuffling machine of this invention as the randomizing device. Such games may include blackjack, war, and many others. 
     According to an aspect, the cards may be constructed of a hard plastic. The back sides of the cards as shown in  FIG. 11  can also include the game logo on the back of the card. The shuffler machines are configured to hold the RFID-enabled hard plastic custom cards shown in  FIGS. 7-12 . According to an aspect, several advantages can be achieved using these custom cards. First, they provide a huge increase in game security as the cards can be memorized by the computer system one at a time when they are placed into the shuffler. If an unauthorized person tries to insert a card that was not one originally placed in the shuffler, it will not be read therefore it will not communicate with the game server which settles wagers at the terminals. This can eliminate one cheating threat. By using these custom cards, the system can also eliminate the need for the operator to manually input the decision number. Instead, the operator can remove the card from one of the shufflers (A or B) and lay it on the associated reader (A or B). The pre-programmed software running on the linked computer server can display the card # which allows the operator to confirm that these match before proceeding. The information can then be posted on the game terminal and public display and all wagers are settled based on this confirmation. The software will not allow the operator to enter the wrong number. This also eliminates Dealer/Customer collusion which is a major problem on live table games. 
     Unlike conventional shufflers, the cards may stay in a stationary position while the shuffler moves to create the random card selection. The operator can keep both shufflers moving and move back and forth from one game to the other (as suggested in  FIG. 6 ). According to an aspect, the players can have 2 game layouts available on their game monitors. Instead of A and B, it may be preferable to distinguish the games in other easily identifiable ways, such as by using two different layout colors (Red and Blue for example) to make it simple for the player to see which game is currently in the decision mode. The player can play either of the games or both, based on their desired risk acceptance and the size of their bank role. 
     In a standard dealer dealt game, as more players join the game, the casino&#39;s decisions per hour decreases as it takes the Dealer longer to make the payouts. A full standard Roulette game will play about 39 hands per hour with an experienced dealer. According to an aspect, the disclosed system using the double apparatus game (whether a standard wheel, ball blowers or shufflers are utilized) can generate on average 120 decisions per hour no matter how many players join into the game. This can provide a major increase in potential revenue to the casino. According to an aspect, the disclosed system can accommodate a large number of individual player terminals. By adding a router which provides unlimited connectivity, the number is significantly higher. The current invention also gives the casino unlimited flexibility in floor configuration. 
     According to an aspect, the advent of the double apparatus game with its huge increase in decisions per hour can allow the casino the ability to reduce the minimum wager a customer must place to be in action. This can enhance the player&#39;s entertainment value as they should be able to play for a longer period of time on their fixed bankroll. This added value comes at no cost to the casino and is a built in value to the casino. 
     The system allows the casino the ability to place wagering terminals in multiple locations in the casino utilizing the same single operator by broadcasting the game using live feeds from the local betting terminals. When the operator touches the “no more bets” option on the local betting terminal screen, a live feed will be broadcasted to the terminals and public displays so that the players can view the dealer removing the card and seeing the number drawn. This will provide the players with a warm and fuzzy feeling that all is on the up and up. 
     The system can provide significant advantages in that it can give the casino the opportunity to eliminate dealer training, surveillance training, dealer error, casino bleed and reduced supervision while increasing decisions per hour not seen before and at the same time passing on benefits to the players by allowing them to stretch their bankroll by offering smaller minimums and longer potential time on device. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a further enhanced feature that can be used alone or in combination with this present system. Specifically, the player terminals can include a “Tip” button feature  500  on the user interface screen. With this feature, a player can easily and discretely provide the dealer/operator with a gratuity by simply touching the “TIP” icon on their screen. Doing so, according to an aspect, can activate a confirmation screen that the player must address in order to consummate the tip transaction. Such tips are aggregated and remitted to the dealer/operator at a convenient time. The Tip button  500  can be particularly useful in situations where there is a substantial distance between the dealer/operator and the player. In other words, the Tip button  500  can enable players to tip the Dealer/Operator from satellite wagering stations. 
     According to an aspect, the tip button feature is not limited to the dual wheel shuffler system. In fact, the tip button feature could be incorporated into any electronic game player interface, including for slot machines, electronic table games or any other wagering system to award the dealer or operator. The ability to transfer credits to an individual&#39;s account of a pool can help a new game become successful as the employees will help promote the game. The button can be a virtual button on the touch screen (software) or a physical button (hardware). 
     According to another aspect, the card reading device may be in the form of a laser scanner, that is capable of recognizing the machine readable indicia on the one selected card  44  and then publishing the identity of the indicia upon a video monitor. In an even more sophisticated extension of this concept, a plurality of such video monitors may be provided in the form of computerized consoles. These consoles may be of the touch screen variety commonly known for the casino games of video poker and the like. It is intended that one computerized console would be associated with each individual player of the game of chance. Seats may be arranged directly opposite each computerized console. In this embodiment, a bet selection region is projected on to the computerized consoles which, for the example of a roulette type game, may take the graphical appearance of a traditional roulette table. Players make their forecast of the game outcome by associating a marker on the bet selection region of the computer console. Many such computerized consoles may be operated simultaneously, and each communicates directly, or indirectly, with a digital processor. At the start of each game, each player wagers according to the game rules and makes a forecast on the game outcome. A dealer places the turntable  32  into rotation and, at the appropriate time, engages the detent  50  to progressively slow the turntable  32  to a stop condition. Thereupon, a pointer identifies one tray  42 , from which the associated card  44  is withdrawn, i.e., selected. The dealer then passes the one selected card  44  in view of the card reader  42 , causing the digital processor to recognize the game decision and resolve each individual player&#39;s game via their computerized consoles. In situations where wagers are resolved at each game console, as in ticket in-ticket out (TITO) and other such systems, there is no requirement for the dealer or game operator to handle chips, tokens or cheques. The dealer may also be provided with a graphical user interface (GUI) to be of the touch screen variety. Through such a GUI, the dealer may effectively administer the game and the wagering process. 
     According to an aspect, electronic posting of the selected card  44  can flow through both a reader board and game processing software to add speed, certainty and enjoyment to the game play. Of course, other card reading formats and card recognition techniques may be employed with, or without, any visible markings on the cards  44 . Alternatively, a dealer can manually input the card value, i.e., indicia, manually to the digital processor via the GUI. 
     The foregoing invention has been described in accordance with the relevant legal standards, thus the description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiment may become apparent to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly the scope of legal protection afforded this invention can only be determined by studying the following claims.