Patent Publication Number: US-2011049805-A1

Title: Dice Game and Apparatus

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS &amp; PRIORITY CLAIMS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/942,637, filed Nov. 9, 2010, which is a continuation (CON) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/577,413, filed Oct. 12, 2009, which is an application claiming the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/106,459, filed Oct. 17, 2008, the entire contents of each of which are hereby fully incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a dice game and apparatus. In particular, aspects of the invention reside in a table shape on which betting games, particularly dice games, may be played. Use of the table is exemplified in a game that involves wagering on the outcome of a throw of a pair of dice that may be played on the table of the invention, and a marking system that obviates the use of colored betting chips. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Dice games have been popular in many cultures since antiquity, both as gambling games and as games played purely for fun. The reason is that the die introduces uncertainty into the game, which is the basis of gambling games. When the dice are rolled it is impossible to predict which numbers will appear face up and the underlying concept of all dice games is wagering on the outcome of the roll of the die or dice. 
     The two most popular dice games in the world are Craps and Sic bo. Craps has originated and evolved in the Western world and is played with two dice, with players predicting the total of the two numbers appearing face up on the dice after they have been rolled. The different bets available are displayed and wagers can be placed by transferring betting chips to the betting area. 
     Sic bo is an ancient Chinese game that offers certain advantages for new players compared to craps. It is played with three dice which offers a larger number of outcomes. The more important factor is that all the bets are decided in one roll only and this eliminates the complexities that are found in craps. Players can bet on either the total of the three dice or on the dice combination. 
     Another popular dice game is Chuck-a-luck, also known as birdcage, which is a game of chance derived from a game known as Grand Hazard. Both Chuck-a-luck and Grand Hazard are considered to be a variant of Sic bo. Chuck-a-luck is played with three standard dice that are kept in a device shaped like an hourglass that resembles a wire-framed bird cage and that pivots about its centre. The dealer rotates the cage end over end, with the dice landing on the bottom. Wagers are placed based on possible combinations that can appear on the three dice. The possible wagers are usually fewer than the wagers that are possible in Sic bo and, in that sense, Chuck-a-luck can be considered to be a simpler game. 
     However, there is always a need for new games, particularly in casinos, to encourage and maintain interest at dice game tables. Ideally, new games are easy to learn, fast to play and have sufficient returns for the players, while retaining a suitable house advantage. A game that has a short cycle is preferred so that more rounds of the game can be played in any given period of time. In addition, a player should not be required to make too many decisions and the game should be easy to administrate. The present invention provides, in some aspects, a new game, ideally played with a pair of dice, that meets all the advantages and requirements set out above. In addition, casinos are mindful of the costs for running and maintaining games and so the present invention also provides, in some aspects, a table shape that enables fewer game operatives to run a game, as well as a betting marking system that obviates the need for the use of colored betting chips. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIGS. 1A-1D  show a table on which the game of the present invention may be played, where  FIG. 1A  is a top plan view of the table,  FIG. 1B  is a front view,  FIG. 1C  is a perspective side view and  FIG. 1D  is a front plan view. 
         FIG. 2  shows the “Inside” betting area with all possible outcomes of a throw of a pair of dice. 
         FIG. 3  shows an “Outside” betting area for betting on the outcome of one of a pair of dice. 
         FIGS. 4A-4B  show alternative arrangements of the “Inside” and “Outside” betting areas when the two areas are combined in a single betting display. 
         FIG. 5  shows a track betting area for displaying all possible “Cozy” bets. 
         FIG. 6  shows a track betting area for wagering on the sum of two dice. 
         FIG. 7  shows an alternative track betting area for wagering on the sum of two dice. 
         FIGS. 8A-8B  shows further alternative track betting areas that provides a combination of track betting areas. 
         FIGS. 9A-9D  show alternative ways of displaying betting areas so that the use of colored betting chips by each player is obviated. 
         FIG. 10  shows the “Inside” and “Outside” betting areas displayed using the color marking system of  FIG. 9B . 
         FIGS. 11A-11B  show various possible betting areas displayed on the surface of  FIG. 1B . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTLY PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     In one aspect, there is provided a table on which a betting game may be played. The table is particularly suitable for use with dice. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  1 C, the table  20  has a flat upper surface  22  on which a betting game is played and either a plinth  24  or a number of legs  26  supporting the playing surface  22 . In essence, the surface  22  resembles a face with two rounded ears on top of the face. The surface has a curved portion  30 . Two semi-circular shapes  32  extend from each end of the curved portion and arc to complete the circumference of the surface  22 . A straight portion  34  links the bases of the two semi-circular shapes  32  (ears). 
     Suitable dimensions for the table  20  are typically approximately 2483 mm by 1812 mm at the widest or longest points. The table  20  may be 740 mm in height to offer a surface  22  at which play is comfortable, either standing up or sitting down. Those of skill in the art will understand that the dimensions of the table  20  are only provided by way of example and are not intended to be limiting. 
     The two semi-circular shapes  32  provide one or more areas  40  where dice are thrown. 
     The straight linking portion  34  provides an area  42  for a croupier to operate, while the curved part of the table provides an area  44  for players to make their bets. The table  20  is preferably arranged so that it may be operated by a single croupier and incorporates all the functions required by the players to place wagers and the single croupier to control the game. If the game requires an inspector, the table  20  may include an indentation in roughly the middle of the curved portion  30  to enable a second person to stand and observe play. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1B ,  1 C and  1 D, the outside edges of the dice throwing areas  40  each include a raised wall  46  against which the dice may be thrown. The raised walls  46  stand perpendicular to the plane of the table and serve to retain the dice (not shown) on the table. 
     The straight portion  34  between the dice-throwing areas  40  (ears) provides space for the croupier or dealer to operate. This area  34  may include a covered area for valuable cash chips to be stored during operation of the table (not shown), an optional chipping machine for sorting the chips into colour, an opening  48  through which lost chips that are removed from the table are passed, and sufficient space for a number of rolls of betting chips  50  to be stored. 
     The playing area  44  takes up the majority of the table surface  22  and is where players place their wagers. The playing area  44  has a number of possible game outcomes and betting options displayed on it. The display  52  is suitably large that it may be read easily from any side of or angle to the table and provide sufficient space on each outcome to carry one or more betting chips. 
     It will be appreciated that the table  20  may be used to play any suitable betting game, except roulette which requires the inclusion of a rotatable wheel. The table  20  is particularly suitable for betting games based on rolling one or more dice, such as Craps, Sic bo and Chuck-a-luck. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a betting game suitable for playing on the table described above, wherein wagers are placed on the outcome of a single throw of a pair of dice. The game requires a pair of dice, each die having six sides and each side bearing indicia that is different to that of the other five sides. While indicia on dice are typically spots from one to six, it will be appreciated that the indicia may take any form or shape, such as an image, icon, graphic and/or colour. It is preferred that each die has six sides, each side being marked with a unique indicia and each die being visually different from the other. While dice having any kind or type of indicia may be used, conventional dice with spots denoting numbers from 1 to 6 are preferred. 
     Two dice are used to increase the odds of the game while their function is to provide a random outcome. This may be achieved by the players or a croupier/dealer rolling the dice. The dice may be shaken and rolled in a hand or placed in a container that is shaken. In an alternative, a dice cage may be used. In this instance, a pair of dice is locked inside the cage which is either turned or spun. In a yet further alternative, the dice may be thrown by digital and/or electronic means. 
     The aim of the game is to bet on the outcome of a single throw of a pair of dice. Each roll of the dice is an independent event and is not affected by what has already been rolled. 
     The outcomes of the dice are displayed on the table surface  22  in the playing area  44 . While the outcomes may be displayed in any way, a particular layout will now be described that, the inventor believes, makes playing of the game as aesthetic, simple and fun as possible. 
     Using two conventional six sided numerical dice, there are a total of twenty one possible outcomes, ranging from 1-1 to 6-6. Because all twenty-one betting areas are independent, there is no limit to how these may be arranged on the playing surface. However, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a particularly suitable arrangement displays these outcomes arranged in a grid in the shape of an equilateral triangle  60 . The outcomes where both dice show the same number form a row  62  along one edge of the triangle with 6-6 at one end and 1-1 at the opposite end of the row. Each subsequent row of the triangle has one fewer polygon than the previous row, until the triangle ends at a single polygon in which the outcome 6-1 is depicted. The particular embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  illustrates the grid as tessellated hexagons but other shapes may be used. 
     The triangular display  60  aids both the players and the croupier in identifying specific bets quickly. For example, if the winning outcome was 5-3, the betting area 5-3 may be found by mentally forming an equilateral triangle with double 3 at one corner and double 5 at another corner. The outcome 5-3 is found at the apex of the resulting triangle. 
     Bets placed on the row  62  showing the outcomes where both dice show the same number may be called “Doubles”. On a statistically perfect average, each of the six bets will win once in every thirty-six rolls of the dice. The player will then receive a pay off according to a pay table that is decided by the house. For example, the odds for rolling a double may be 35 to 1, or 34 to 1, or 33 to 1, depending on how much advantage the house wishes to add. 
     Bets placed on the remaining rows  64  may be called “Middle” bets and will, on a statistically perfect average, win four times in every thirty-six rolls of the dice. Bets placed in one of these fifteen outcomes will win if the dice, after being rolled, match exactly to the outcome on which the player has placed a bet, or the dice show a double that matches one of the dice values on which the player has bet. For example, if a bet is placed on the 1-6 outcome, the dice must either be 1-6 exactly, a double 1 or a double 6 to receive a pay off. In the event of a winning bet, the player will receive a pay off according to a pay table set by the house. For example, the odds may be 14 to 1 for an exact match and 2 to 1, 3 to 2 or 1 to 1 where one of the numbers is rolled as a double. 
     Together, the “Middle” and “Double” bets  62 ,  64  make up the “Inside” betting area  60  and the display of  FIG. 2  will be termed the “Inside” area  60  from here on in. 
     In addition or as an alternative to the “Inside” area  60 , players may be offered the option of betting that at least one of the dice with be a specific value. Such a bet may be termed an “Outside” bet. It will be appreciated that, because all six bets are independent of each other there are many possible arrangements of displaying such outcomes. For example,  FIG. 3  shows a row  66  illustrating six individual dice, each die showing one of each of the six sides, from 1 to 6. Any bets placed in this betting area will win if one of the two dice thrown matches the outcome where the bet is placed. Bets are paid according to a pay table determined by the house. For example, the odds may be 2 to 1. A winning bet may receive a higher pay off if both dice match the outcome of the winning bet, i.e. a double is thrown. For example, odds of 5 to 1, 4 to 1 or 3 to 1 may be applicable. 
     Examples of displays showing both “Inside” and “Outside” betting areas  60 ,  66  combined are illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B .  FIG. 4B  shows an alternative format for the “Inside” betting area  60 , the hexagons being replaced with squares. 
     In another addition or alternative, players may be offered so-called “Cozy” bets. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , six betting options are illustrated with each separate bet corresponding to six individual betting positions on the “Inside” betting area. For example, a player wishing to place a bet on 6-6, 6-5, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 and 6-1 could make use of the betting area  68  depicted in  FIG. 5  by passing six chips of minimum table value or higher to the croupier. To identify the individual betting value the player is seeking to bet, the player uses a predetermined phrase such as the phrase “SIX COZY” to instruct the croupier to place the entire bet on the area designated “six” within the group of bets in  FIG. 5 . In the event of any of these outcomes winning, the appropriate chip(s) will be moved from the “Cozy” betting area  68  and placed on the appropriate “Inside” position(s)  60  and the player then receives a pay off according to a pay table. 
     The triangular display of the “Inside” bets  60  makes the identification of these “Cozy” bets  68  quick and simple. For example, if a winning bet is placed on 3, this encompasses a dice outcome of 1-3, 2-3, 3-3, 4-3, 5-3 and 6-3. By finding the double 3 outcome on the grid, the rest of the outcomes radiate diagonally out to the other two sides of the triangular display. 
     An alternative or additional betting area is illustrated in  FIG. 6 , which shows a track betting area  70  allowing bets to be placed on the total of the two dice. Again, it will be appreciated that there are many possible arrangements of displaying such totals.  FIG. 6  offers eleven betting options, representing every possible total of two dice from double 1, which gives a total of 2, to double 6, which gives a total of 12. The number of chips needed to play these bets will vary depending on how many “Inside” bets equal the value the player wishes to play. 
     The triangular array of “Inside” bets  60  provides a further advantage when multiple bets are placed on “Track” betting areas as the triangular layout makes the identification of all possible outcomes equaling a specific total may be readily found by eye. For example, a double  1  provides a total of two. The next vertical row will contain 2-1 giving a total of three. The next vertical row contains all combinations that total four and so on until the opposite side of the display is reached where double 6 gives a total of twelve. 
     Note that all combinations that total seven are found running straight down the center of the triangular layout. While 7 is not a particularly important number, it represents the mid-point between 2 and 12. In addition, it known that in dice games, 7 has the most chance of being rolled. 
     To identify the individual betting value the player is seeking to bet, the player may use a predetermined phrase such as the phrase “SIX SOLO” when announcing the bet, whereby the croupier places the entire bet on the outcome designated “six” within the group of bets in  FIG. 6 . In this example, the player will need to surrender a minimum of three chips of table value, or multiples of three chips, to the croupier because there are three betting areas on the “Inside” layout that add up to the total of six: 3-3, 4-2 and 5-1. Were the player to chose a different “Solo” value, perhaps the number “ten”, the player would need only surrender two chips of table value, or multiples of two chips, to the dealer because there are only two betting areas on the “Inside” layout that add up to the total of ten: 5-5 and 6-4. 
     In the event of any of these positions winning the appropriate chip(s) will be moved from the track area  70  and placed on the appropriate “Inside” position(s)  60  and the appropriate pay off calculated and made according to a pay table. This group of bets may be called the “Solo” bets and allow a player to play all of the “Inside” bets that are of a certain total in one straightforward bet. 
       FIG. 7  shows a yet further additional or alternative betting option, providing five groups of totals. Bets placed on these areas  72  may be termed “Bevy” bets and allow a player to play a portion of or the entire “Inside” betting area  60  that contain certain groups of totals in one or multiple straightforward bets. The layout illustrated is in a track format but it will be appreciated that other layouts, formats and groupings may be displayed. 
     The “Bevy” bet area  72  displaying outcome totals of 2, 3, 11 and 12 is a four chip minimum bet because each number represents one “Inside” betting area. A player must place four chips, or multiples thereof, on this betting area  72  to reach the minimum required chips for the bet to be accepted by the croupier. Likewise, the “Bevy” bet area  72  displaying the outcome totals of 4, 5, 9 and 10 require a minimum of eight betting chips as each number represents two “Inside” betting areas  60 . A player must place eight chips, or multiples of eight chips, on this betting area  72  to reach the minimum chips required for the bet to be accepted by the croupier. The “Bevy” bet area  72  displaying outcomes 6, 7 and 8 are nine chip minimum bets as each number represents three “Inside” betting areas  60 . A player must place nine chips, or multiples of nine chips, on this betting area  72  to reach the minimum required chips for the bet to be accepted by the croupier. The “Bevy” bet areas ( 72 ) 2-3-4-5-6 and 8-9-10-11-12 are also nine chip minimum bets for the same reasons explained for the 6-7-8 “Bevy” bet area  72 . 
     All track bets may be passed to the croupier with the respective “Bevy” bet being called verbally by the player before the dealer accepts the bet. For example, if the player wishes to place a bet on the group betting area numbered 2-3-11-12, the player calls “BEVY  2  TO  12 ”. Providing sufficient chips have been passed to the croupier, the bet will be accepted and placed on the track signified as 2-3-11-12 in  FIG. 7 . Each “Bevy” bet called by the player should begin with the word “BEVY” followed with the lowest number of the group desired and ending with the highest number from within the same group to identify the group of bets requested. 
     All the twenty-two track bets depicted in  FIGS. 5 to 7  are independent betting areas, so there is no limit to the shape of the track and how the betting areas are contained there within. There is also no need for a track to contain all twenty-two betting options,  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  7  may be displayed as independent tracks or any combination of groups of inside bets could be used to create a track.  FIG. 8A  illustrates a possible layout combining the three track areas  74  exemplified above while  FIG. 8B  shows the same layout as  FIG. 8A  but with an alternative way of displaying the low and high bets. Bets placed on the track will be called “Track” bets and, as explained above, all the “Track” bets represent groups of “Inside” bets. 
     It will be appreciated that the display of “Inside” and “Outside” bet areas  60 ,  66  may be combined with one or more displays of the “Track” bets  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74  described above. 
     Embodiments of the present game may require the use of different colored betting chips to identify where a player is placing his/her bets. Such a system is a well established feature in betting games such as Roulette and Sic bo. However, when there are more than a few players at a table, the use of colored chips and their placing on the betting display can easily become confusing and disorganized. 
     Thus, in a further aspect is provided a method of marking betting areas, the method comprising marking each betting area with a number of colors or indicia and assigning a different color or indicia to each player. In this way, a player simply places his/her bet on the appropriate color or indicia on a betting area, using any type or color of betting chip, thereby providing a marking system for betting that does not require the use of colored betting chips. An economic advantage of finding an alternative to colored chips is the removal of the ongoing cost of replacing color chips coupled with the removal of automated chip processing machines that are needed to separate mixed lots of color chips. 
       FIGS. 9A ,  9 B,  9 C and  9 D show examples of four different betting schemes. Each display  100  has eight colour markings in which: 
       101 =Green 
       102 =Brown 
       103 =Yellow 
       104 =Light blue 
       105 =Red 
       106 =Grey 
       107 =Orange 
       108 =Dark blue. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 9A , a betting option, say 6-1, is outlined with an octagon. Within the outline are eight areas, depicted as circles, each circle being a different color to the remaining seven circles. In  FIG. 9B , the individual colored circles are replaced by partial circles, with one colored area designed to a corner of the octagon. In  FIG. 9C , each corner of the betting outcome outline is assigned to a color while in  FIG. 9D , the outline is replaced by a suitable number of colored arrows, the arrow heads pointing in towards the depicted outcome. 
     It will be appreciated that the betting display  52  may be shaped or illustrated to cater for any number of players. Eight is believed to be an optimal number of players and thus colors or indicia, as this represents a manageable and profitable number of players for a table. Therefore, outlining each betting area with an eight-sided polygon is presently considered to be an optimal solution. 
     Colors or indicia representing each player may take any form or shape. To maximize space, the ideal layout is for each betting area to be outlined and the marking scheme to be illustrated in the corner or along the edge of the outline. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an example of a layout that will function with many players for the game described above without the need for color chips. In particular, while the triangular format has been maintained, the markings illustrated in  FIG. 9B  surround all twenty-seven betting options of the game layout. 
     A method of playing the game described above will now be made with reference to  FIG. 11A  (or  FIG. 11B ). To play the game, a player is positioned at one of the colored areas  110  marked on the playing area  44  around the table circumference shown in  FIG. 11A  (or  FIG. 11B ). If playing chips are required, monies are passed to the croupier in exchange for chips from the chip storage area. The player then places any desired bets on the “Inside” game layout  60 , the “Track” layout or both  74 . The croupier then offers a number of dice to the/a player who selects two dice. The dice are thrown into the dice throwing area  40 , against either the side or back walls  46 . The croupier calls out the winning combination, retrieves the dice using a dice stick (not shown) and places the dice on the playing area  44 , next to the betting display  52 . The croupier places a dolly (not shown) onto the winning outcome on the “Inside” betting area  60 . All losing bets are removed from the betting area  60  and placed in the chip area  42 . If the “Track” betting area  74  is in use, all losing “Track” bets are cleared and any winning bets are placed onto the winning outcome(s) on the “Inside” game layout  60 . Winning bets receive a payoff, the dolly is removed from the betting area and the next round of betting begins. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of playing a game as described above, wherein the method is embodied in a computer program product for use with a computer system, the computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having computer readable program means embodied in the medium for performing the steps of the method. 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to play on a table, it will be appreciate that the game is also suitable for an electronic format or on-line. In such an embodiment, the playing surface is depicted on a screen and the outcomes of each dice throw (or equivalent thereof) are generated randomly, preferably by electronic means. 
     While embodiments of the present invention have been described using various terms such as “Doubles”, “Middle”, “Inside”, “Outside”, “Cozy”, “Track,” “Solo,” “Bevy,” those of skill in the art will realize and understand, upon reading this description, that different and/or other terms may be used instead of or in addition to any or all of these terms. 
     While various payouts have been described above for the various kinds of bets, those skilled in the art will know and understand that different payouts can be allocated to different bets, and that the payouts may be a function of various factors including the number of dice and the number of sides of each dice. 
     The present invention has been described using throws of a pair of dice, but it will be appreciated that other random, but finite, outcomes may be used instead, for example cards or tiles. The invention is also suitable for electronic playing so that wagers are made on the outcome of digitally or electronically generated icons. Those of skill in the art will understand that this game can be programmed into an electronic device for use at a casino, at home or over a network. 
     What has been described and illustrated herein are presently preferred embodiments, along with some variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention in which all terms are meant in their broadest, reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect. 
     The words “first,” “second,” and “third” used herein, including in the claims, are used to distinguish or identify, and not to show a serial or numerical limitation.