Patent Publication Number: US-2006019742-A1

Title: Video gaming device and method of wagering on a virtual football game

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE  
      This is a non-provisional application of co-pending provisional application 60/678,984 filed May 9, 2005 that is a continuation-in-part of non-provisional application Ser. No. 10/675,500 filed Sep. 30, 2003. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      A video gaming device and method for wagering on a virtual football game.  
      2. Description of the Prior Art  
      Slot machines, video poker machines and similar gaming device have been at the core of the gaming industry. Players enjoy such machines because of the prospect of winning money and the entertainment from playing the game(s) associated with particular machines. Consequently, gaming establishments seek new and more entertaining and exciting machines because such machines attract more frequent play and increased profitability. Traditional gaming machines with mechanical slot reels or video depictions of such reels to display games and outcomes to players and simulated casino games such as cards, dice, bingo and the like to attract players have become staid to many players. Thus, innovative displays and game play features available to players provide more interesting and exciting alternatives to traditional games. Accordingly, in the competitive gaming machine industry, there is a constant desire with gaming machine manufacturers to produce new types of games, or enhancements to existing games, to attract frequent play by increasing the entertainment value and excitement associated with the game.  
      In particular, there is a need for engaging and entertaining games that create a competitive interactive play between the player and gaming machine to hold the player&#39;s interest. The present invention is such a video gaming device and method for wagering.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,885 describes a method for the player to play a wagering sports game such as football. The player makes a wager and defensive and offensive formations are selected and displayed. The play is run and based upon the outcome obtained the player either wins or loses their wager. The method includes providing the player with an opportunity to double their wager.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,123 shows a method of playing a game including a plurality of events depicted in a series of sequential, non-identical images identified as a first image, a second image and so forth. A first image selected from the plurality of first images is displayed in a frame, such as a frame on a video monitor. Likewise, a selected one of the second images from the plurality of second images is displayed in a second frame. If the images displayed in the frames sequentially depict the first and second images of the event, then a winning condition is achieved. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,568 relates to an interactive gaming process and system. Comprising a plurality of gaming machines to be played by plurality of players. The system can be configured such that the gaming machines are either located in a casino or at internet locations. Each gaming machine comprises a wagering game and a theme game, respectively. The wagering game has features that correspond to the theme game wherein the results of the wagering game influence the results of the theme game as the wagering game is being played. The system also includes a controller for electronically linking the gaming machines and providing stimuli to the gaming machines so as to effect gaming machine outputs that are impartial and random. In one embodiment, the plurality of players play the wagering game as a group wherein if one player&#39;s theme game results meet predetermined criteria, that particular player will play for the group. The group will then have the opportunity to split a jackpot. In another embodiment, the plurality of players play as a group wherein activation of each player&#39;s wagering game either helps or hinders the group as a whole in its effort to achieve a predetermined goal. In a further embodiment, the players play their respective wagering game so as to directly compete against each other in the theme game. The results of the wagering games determines the winnings of each player, the eventual winner of the theme game and/or any predetermined jackpot.  
      2001/0046893 describes a game of chance involving a progression of events is conducted on one or more gaming machines. After receiving a wager from a player at a gaming machine, play of the game is initiated. To continue play of the game beginning from a point at which the game was paused, the personal identifier is provided to the central database via the same or another gaming machine and the game status associated with the personal identifier is retrieved from the central database.  
      2003/0060255 describes a gaming device having a processor and a display device connected to the processor. The display device displays a plurality of choices to a player, whereby each choice has an associated number of points. The processor provides an initial number of picks to the player. The processor also maintains a regeneration amount, whereby the player receives a new number of picks if the points associated with the player&#39;s choices accumulate at least to the regeneration amount, within the provided number of picks. In one embodiment accumulating points includes accumulating awards. If the player accumulates a predetermined goal amount of points, the player also wins a goal award. 
      2003/0060277 teaches an apparatus and method for operating a gaming device that enables a player to obtain an award based upon the number of goals the player is able to achieve during game play. The goals advance in difficulty as the player achieves each goal. The game terminates automatically when the player fails to achieve a goal.     2003/0119578 shows a gaming machine and a method of operation such a gaming machine. Comprising a video screen adapted to display a game of chance involving game events having random outcomes including winning outcomes and losing outcomes; and means adapted to display a range of video clips, each video clip being designated as either a winning video clip or a losing video clip; wherein the machine displays one of the winning video clips in response to one of the winning outcomes of a game event, and displays one of the losing video clips in response to one of the losing outcome of a game event.    

      Despite these efforts, there is a need for new entertaining interactive gaming devices to maintain players interest level in wagering on gaming devices or machines.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to a video gaming device and method for wagering on a virtual football game. The video gaming device comprises a game cabinet to support a video screen or display, a selector control panel and a wager/payment mechanism and to house a microprocessor.  
      The selector control panel comprises a plurality of selector control keys to generate game selections signals including play selections and wagering selections; while the wager/payment mechanism comprises a plurality of apertures to receive payment by the game player and means to generate a payment signal.  
      The microprocessor includes game data comprising a plurality of wager selections and a plurality of play selections. A data processing section including logic receives the game selection signals from the selector control keys and payment signals from the wage/payment mechanism and to generate display signals in response to the game selection signals and payment signals to be displayed on the video screen or display in response to operator input from the selector control keys and wage information in response to input from the wager/payment mechanism, and to generate game play images on the video screen or display of individual selected play executed against the preprogrammed game plan of offensive or defensive plays and a preprogrammed game situation profile and display the wagering results.  
      The plurality of wager selections comprises a first and second set of wagers wherein the first set of wagers is a plurality of game period wager selections and the second set of wagers is a plurality of play wager selections; while the plurality of play selections comprises a first and second set of individual or proposition play selections wherein the first set of individual or proposition play selections comprises a plurality of sets of selectable plays and the second set of individual of proposition play selections comprises a selectable plays from the first set, and a game plan and game situation profile.  
      The player is on offense or defense as determined by a virtual coin toss. As the virtual game progresses, the player selects wagers to be bet on each play against the predetermined game plan. The data processing section records the player&#39;s bank, wagers and calculates winnings/losses against predetermined odds. These amounts are displayed on the video screen or display along with the available play selections, selected plays and executed interactive play pitting the selected proposition play against the preprogrammed game plan of offensive or defensive plays and a preprogrammed game situation profile.  
      The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts that will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      For a fuller understanding of the nature and object of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention displaying selection of an offensive/defensive proposition play set.  
       FIG. 3  is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention displaying selection of an individual offensive/defensive play from the selected offensive/defensive proposition play set.  
       FIG. 4  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention.  
       FIG. 5  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention depicting the coin toss.  
       FIG. 6  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention depicting the coin toss results.  
       FIG. 7  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention depicting kick or receive selection.  
       FIG. 8  is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention depicting kickoff play selection.  
       FIG. 9  is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention depicting kickoff and runback.  
       FIG. 10  is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention depicting bet result of the runback.  
       FIG. 11  is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention depicting sarcastic comments on loosing individual bet.  
       FIG. 12  is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention depicting play selections.  
       FIG. 13  is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention depicting play from scrimmage.  
       FIG. 14  is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention depicting bet result on play from scrimmage.  
       FIG. 15  is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention depicting play sets.  
       FIG. 16  is a front view of the gaming device of the present invention depicting offensive odds for field goal. 
    
    
      Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.  
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      The present invention relates to a video gaming device and method for wagering on a virtual football game. As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 3 , the video gaming device generally indicated as  10  comprises a game cabinet and base or stand generally indicated as  12  to operatively support a video screen or display generally indicated as  14  and a selector control panel generally indicated as  16  and a wager/payout mechanism generally indicated as  18  and to house a microprocessor generally indicated as  20 .  
      The video screen or display  14  may comprise a CRT; plasma screen or other device to visually display wagers, wagering results, player credit balance, game instructions, game period and individual play payoffs or odds, set and individual play selections, and selected offense and defense game play images. The video screen or display  14  is coupled to the microprocessor  20  to receive signals therefrom to create or generate the various visual displays.  
      The selector control panel  16  includes a plurality of selector control keys to selectively generate a corresponding plurality of game selection, wagering and display or viewing control signals fed to the microprocessor  20 . The plurality of selector control keys comprises a plurality of game control keys to control the game, a plurality of wagering keys to select the amount of wagers and a plurality of display keys to selectively display a corresponding plurality of menus or game information/data and a game pointer control key.  
      Specifically, the plurality of game control keys comprises a start/enter key, a clear key and a cash out key indicated as  22 ,  24  and  26  respectively. The plurality of wagering keys comprises a $0.05/5¢ key, a $0.25/25¢key, a $1.00 key, a $5.00 key, a $25.00 key and a $100.00 key indicated as  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  and  40  respectively. The plurality of display keys comprises a payoff or odds menu key, a money available/pending wager status key, a proposition wager menu key and a money wagered key indicated as  42 ,  44 ,  46  and  48  respectively. The game pointer key comprises a tracker ball  50 , mouse or similar cursor control.  
      The wager/payment mechanism comprises a currency receptacle  60 , coin receptacles  62  and  64 , a credit card slot  66  and a credit card key pad generally indicated as  68  and a cash return payout including a coin return/payout receptacle generally indicated as  70  and a currency return payout slot  72 . The various wagering section components are coupled to state of the art mechanical and electrical mechanisms and devices to receive, record, calculate, account and payout for the game transactions and plays.  
      The video gaming device  10  is connected to a power source by an electric cord  74 .  
      The microprocessor includes game data comprising a plurality of wager selections and a plurality of play selections. A data processing section including logic receives the game selection signals from the selector control keys and the payment signals from the wage/payment mechanism and to generate display signals in response to the game selection signals and the payment signals to be displayed on the video screen or display in response to operator input from the selector control keys and wage information in response to input from the wager/payment mechanism, and to generate game play images on the video screen or display of individual selected play executed against the predetermined or programmed game plan of offensive or defensive plays and the predetermined or programmed game situation profile and display the wagering results.  
      The programmed game situation profile comprises a plurality of sets of offensive and defensive plays wherein the plays within each set are determined by the game situation including down, distance to first down, field position, score, time left in period, period and time outs. The programmed game situation profile selects an offensive or defensive play from the plurality of preselected offensive or defensive plays in the selected set of offensive or defensive plays to play against the play selected by the player.  
      The plurality of wager selections comprises a first and second set of wagers wherein the first set of wagers is a plurality of game period wager selections and the second set of wagers is a plurality of play wager selections; while the plurality of play selections comprises a first and second set of proposition play selections wherein the first set of proposition play selections comprises a plurality of sets of selectable plays each set of selectable plays including a plurality of individual offensive or defensive plays and the second set of proposition play selections comprises a plurality of individual selectable offensive or defensive plays to be selected and played against the predetermined game plan and predetermined game situation profile.  
      The player is on offense or defense as determined by a virtual coin toss. As the virtual game progresses, the player selects wagers to be bet on each play against the predetermined game plan and predetermined game situation profile. The data processing section records the player&#39;s bank or balance, wagers and calculates winnings/losses against the predetermined odds. These amounts are displayed on the video screen or display along with the available play selections, selected plays and executed interactive play pitting the selected proposition play against the programmed game plan of offensive or defensive plays and the programmed game situation profile.  
      The microprocessor  20  contains several tables to control the game play and display certain information/data. In particular, Tables 1 through 4 show game period payoffs, offensive play payoffs, defensive play payoffs and wager limits respectively.  
               TABLE 1                       Game Period Payoffs                                                Win 1 st  Quarter   1 to 1 payoff           Win 2 nd  Quarter   1 to 1 payoff           Win 1 st  Half   2 to 1 payoff           Win 3 rd  Quarter   1 to 1 payoff           Win 4 th  Quarter   1 to 1 payoff           Win 2 nd  Half   2 to 1 payoff           Win game   6 to 1 payoff           Win game by 11-20 points   9 to 1 payoff           Win game by 21 +  points or more   15 to 1 payoff                       
 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Offensive Play Payoffs 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Return a kickoff to own 20-29 yard line 
                 Wager returned 
               
               
                   
                 Return a kickoff back to own 30-39 yard line 
                 1 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                   
                 Return a kickoff back to own 40-49 yard line 
                 2 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                   
                 Return a kickoff back to between 50 yard line and 
                 3 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                   
                 opponent&#39;s 35 yard line 
               
               
                   
                 Return a kickoff back to between opponent&#39;s 34 
                 5 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                   
                 yard line and opponent&#39;s 1 yard line 
               
               
                   
                 Return a kickoff for a Touchdown 
                 10 to 1 payoff  
               
               
                   
                 Gain 1-3 yards 
                 Wager returned 
               
               
                   
                 Gain 4 +  yards 
                 1 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                   
                 On 4 th  down, if you gain 4 or more yards and do 
                 Wager lost 
               
               
                   
                 not make 1 st  Down 
               
               
                   
                 A 1 st  down regardless of yardage gained 
                 1 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                   
                 If the offense makes a 1 st  Down, even if the play 
                 Push 
               
               
                   
                 didn&#39;t go for 3 yards 
               
               
                   
                 Offense scores a Touchdown 
                 4 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                   
                 Offense misses Extra Point 
                 Push 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Defensive Play Payoffs 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 Hold kick returner between own goal line and 19 
                 1 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                 yard line 
               
               
                 Hold kick returner between own 20-29 yard line 
                 Wager returned 
               
               
                 Kick returner reaches own 30 yard line 
                 Wager lost 
               
               
                 Hold offense to 0 yards or less 
                 1 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                 Hold offense to 1-3 yards 
                 1 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                 Sack Quarterback 
                 2 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                 Recover Fumble or Intercept Pass 
                 2 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                 Return Fumble or Interception for Touchdown 
                 7 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                 Score Safety 
                 5 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                 Offense misses Extra Point or Field Goal 
                 2 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                 Block Punt of Field Goal 
                 2 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                 Block Punt of Field Goal and return for Touchdown 
                 7 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                 Force Offense to loose ball on Downs 
                 1 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                 Punt ball inside opponent&#39;s 5 yard line 
                 2 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                 Blocked Punt 
                 Wager lost 
               
               
                 Punt ball inside opponent&#39;s 10 yard line 
                 1 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                 Hold punt returner to 0-4 yards or less (Punt must 
                 1 to 1 payoff 
               
               
                 travel 42 yards or more) 
               
               
                 Punt returner gains 4 +  yards 
                 Wager lost 
               
               
                 **Punt returner holds you to 4 yards or less 
                 Wager lost 
               
               
                 Hold punt returner to 5-9 yards (Punt must travel 
                 Wager returned 
               
               
                 42 yards or more) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Wager Limits 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Player can wager up 50% of total amount wagered on the game on 
               
               
                   
                 each half. 
               
               
                   
                 Player can wager up to 25% of total amount wagered on the game on 
               
               
                   
                 each quarter. 
               
               
                   
                 Player can wager up to 10% of the total amount wager on the game 
               
               
                   
                 on each proposition wager. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
      During game play, before each play, a message will appear on the video screen or display  14  such as You can wager up to X amount for each game proposition wager. A wager up to the amount given on the video screen or display  14  is placed before every play.  
      The menu for all game proposition wager can be displayed. If the player does not have the funds to make the wagers necessary to move the game along, a message will appear asking the player to deposit more cash or credit.  
      Before the 2 nd , 3 rd  and 4 th  quarters start, a message will appear on the screen asking the player how much he would like to wager for that particular QTR.  
      Before the 2 nd  half starts, a message will appear asking the player how much the player would like to wager for the second half.  
      If a player quits after a game starts, the player forfeits any money already wagered.  
      Wagers are entered by pressing the desired wagering keys  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  and  40  to choose, a 5¢, a 25¢, $1, $5, $25, or $100. For example, if the player wants to wager $175, the player would touch the $100 key  40  once and the $25 key  38  three times. A game wager, half wager and a quarter wager can be cleared by depressing the clear key  24  as long as the video screen or display  14  displays the wager placed as stated above.  
      Once the dollar amount has been established, the start/enter key  22  is pressed indicating the amount wagered. The amount wagered will appear on the video screen or display  14 . By pressing the start/enter key  22 , the “Play Call” screen appears. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the player uses the game pointer key  50  to move the cursor arrow to select a set of plays from the 16 sets available and then and presses the start/enter key  22 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the player then selects a play from the set selected by placing the cursor on the desired play and depressing the strat/enter key  22 . The football players will appear at the “line of scrimmage” and a 40 second play clock will run. The play clock will only run when the “Play Call” screen is visible.  
      The start/enter key  22  is depressed to snap the ball or execute the selected offensive or defensive play.  
      When a play is finished, the result of the play will appear on the video screen or display  14 . For instance, if a four yard gain is made on a running play, a message will appear and say, “Joe Smith runs for a gain of four yards, you earned “x” amount.” The dollar amount available will appear on the screen along with the amount of money pending. The player depresses the start/enter key  22  to move to the next screen. The next screen will notify the player how much can be wagered. The player then presses the appropriate wagering keys  30  through  40  to select the amount of money the player wishes to wager on the play. The start/enter key  22  is pressed to enter or set amount to be wagered.  
      Prior to commencement of play, the player may review a tutorial of how the game is played. For example, the following guide or instruction may be viewed. 
          Welcome to the casino football interactive tutorial. The “hand” on the right will show you what keys to press and for what functions. The “information screen” you are reading will give you directions and information as we move forward through this tutorial.     A message will appear and ask, “Which game would you like to play, you will have three choices: The $5.99 (5) minute qtr. game, the $100-249 (10) minute quarter game or the $250+(15) minute game.     Now use the “trackball” below to select one of the 3 game options on the main screen, then press the start/enter key to lock in your game selection.     Insert either money or a credit card in the machine.     If money is inserted, a message will appear showing the amount available for wagering. If a credit card is used, instructions will be given on what to do. Once the transaction has taken place, a message will appear showing the amount available for wagering.     Next use the wagering keys to select how much you would like to wager, then press the start/enter key to lock in your decision.     After the start/enter key has been pressed your full authorized wager amount with the new total will show.        

      Next, you are told your total wagering amount and asked to press the start/enter key to continue with the game. 
          Next, you are told your total wagering amount and asked to press the start/enter key to continue with the game.     Next, you will be asked if you would like to wager on the first half? Use the “trackball” to select yes or no. Now press the start/enter” key to lock in your answer.     After the start/enter key has been pressed you will be told the total amount you will be allowed to wager on the 1 st  half.     After the start/enter key has been pressed you will be asked to select the amount you wish to wager on the 1 st  half. Use the wagering keys to choose the amount of your wager. Next, use the “enter/start” key to authorize your wager.     Next, you are told your total wagering amount and asked to press the start/enter key to continue with the game.     Next, you will be asked if you would like to wager on the 1 st  quarter. Use the “trackball” to select yes or no. Now press the start/enter key to lock in your decision.     After the start/enter key has been pressed you will be told the maximun amount allowed to wager on the 1 st  quarter.     After the start/enter key has been pressed, you will be asked to select the amount of you wish to wager on the 1 st  quarter. Use the wager keys to choose the amount. Next, use the start/enter key to authorize the amount of your wager.     Next, you are told your total wagering amount and asked to press the start/enter key to continue with the game.     Next, you will be asked to select heads or tails on the coin toss. Use the “trackball” to make your call. Next, press the start/enter key to lock in your decision.     Now you will be asked to make a wager on the kick off with a limited amount. Select the wager keys for the amount of the wager. Next, depresses the enter/start key to authorize the amount.     Next, you are told your total wagering amount and asked to press the start/enter key to continue the game.     Next, the play call screen will be displayed. Use the “trackball” to select a “play-set” number. Then press start/enter to continue. Note: each number represents as set 4 plays.     Next, use the “trackball” to select one of the four plays from below the “play-set” numbers. Next, press the start/enter key to secure your play decision and watch the play run.     You now see the play results. The screen also displays the wagering condition and whether you had a win or loss. You will to press the start/enter key to continue with the game.     Now you will be asked to wager on a new play. Use the wager keys to choose your wager amount.     Now press the start/enter key to authorize your amount.     Next, you are told your total wagering amount and prompted to press the start/enter key to continue with the game.     Next, the game&#39;s play call screen will show. Use the “trackball” to select a “play-set” number. Then press start/enter key to continue.     Next, use the “trackball” to select one of the 4 plays from below the “play-set” numbers. Next, press the start/enter key to secure your play decision and watch the play executed.     You now see the play results. The screen also displays the wagering condition and whether you had a win or loss. You will be prompted to press the start/enter key to continue with the game.        

      Certain information can be selected for display on the video screen or display  14 . Specifically, the player can select to view the odds menu, money available, pending proposition menu and money wagered by pressing keys  42 ,  44 ,  46  and  48  respectively. The clear key  24  allows the player to eliminate a selection before execution when pressing the start/enter key  22 . At the end of the game, the player can cash out by pressing the cash out key  26 .  
      As the play progresses, the player is guided through the game by instructions displayed on the video screen or display  14  such as: 
      Which game would you like to play?    $5-99 (5) minute quarter game     $100-249 (10) minute quarter game     $250+ (15) minute quarter game     Please insert cash or credit card for wagering.     You have $200.00 for wagering. How much would you like to wager on this game?    Total: $200.00     Use the wager keys below to select how much you&#39;d like to wager.     You have selected $100.00. If this is what you wish to wager then press the start/enter key now.     Total: $100.00     Use the wagering keys below to select how much more you&#39;d like to wager now.     You have authorized $100.00 as a wager on this game. Good luck!    You now have $100.00 available for wagering.     Please press start/enter to continue.     Do you wish to wager on the 1 st  half ? yes or no.     You may wager up to $50.00 on the first half.     Select the amount you wish to wager?    Total: $100.00     Use the wagering keys below to select how much you&#39;d like to wager now.     You have selected $25.00. If this is what you wish to wager then press the start/enter key now.     You now have $75.00 available for wagering.     Please press start/enter to continue.     Do you wish to wager on the 1 st  quarter ? yes or no     Do you wish to wager on the 1 st  quarter ? yes or no     You may wager up to $25.00 on the 1 st  quarter.     Select the amount you wish to wager?    Total: $75.00     Use the wagering keys below to select how much you&#39;d like to wager now.     You have selected $10.00. If this is what you wish to wager then press the start/enter key now.     You now have $65.00 available for wagering.     Please press start/enter key to continue.     Use the trackball to select a call on either heads or tails.     Heads! Your team receives the ball! Good luck!    You may wager up to $10.00 on the kick off.     Use the wagering keys below to select how much you&#39;d like to wager.     Total: $65.00     Use the wagering keys below to select how much you&#39;d like to wager now.     You have selected $5.00. If this is what you wish to wager then press the start/enter key now.     Total: $60.00     Use the wagering keys below to select how much more you&#39;d like to wager now.     You have authorized $5.00 as a wager on the 1 st  quarter. Good luck!    You now have $60.00 available for wagering.     Please press start/enter to continue.     Use the trackball to select a number from the list below.     Each number represents a play set of 4 individual plays.     Use the trackball to select a number from the list below.     Each number represents a play set of 4 individual plays.     Use the trackball to select a number from the list below.     Each number represents a play set of 4 individual plays.     Jackson Davis—number 14 stopped on the 27 yard line.     A “push” resulted and no money exchanged hands.     You now have $65.00 available     Please press start/enter key to continue game.     You may wager up to $10.00 on the play.     Select the amount you wish to wager.     Total: $65.00     Use the wagering keys below to select how much you&#39;d like to wager now.     You have selected $5.00. If this is what you wish to wager then press the start/enter key now.     Total: $60.00     Use the wagering keys below to select how much you&#39;d like to wager now.     You have authorized $5.00 as a wager on the 1 st  quarter. Good luck!    You now have $60.00 available for wagering.     Please press start/enter to continue.     Use the trackball to select a number from the list below.     Each number represents a play set of 4 individual plays.     Use the trackball to select a number from the list below.     Each number represents a play set of 4 individual plays.     Dan White—number 85 gains 20 yards on the pass to stop on the 45 yard line. It is now second down in the 1 st  quarter.     You win $5.00+your wager back ! totaling $10.00! You now have $70.00 available.     Please press start/enter key to continue your game.    

       FIGS. 4 through 16  show an alternate embodiment of the video gaming device generally indicated as  110  comprising a game cabinet generally indicated as  112  to operatively support or house a video touch screen or display generally indicated as  114 , a selector control panel generally indicated as  116 , an information or game status panel generally indicated as  118  and a payment/payout mechanism generally indicated as  120  and to house a microprocessor generally indicated as  122 .  
      The video touch screen or display  114  may comprise a CRT; plasma screen or other device to visually display wagers, wagering results, player credit balance, game instructions, game period and individual play payoffs or odds, group and individual offensive and defensive play selections, and selected offense and defense game play images. The video touch screen or display  114  is coupled to the microprocessor  122  to transmit and receive signals therefrom to make play selections and to create or generate the various visual displays.  
      The selector control panel  116  includes a plurality of selector control keys to selectively generate a corresponding plurality of game selections, wagering and display or viewing control signals fed to the microprocessor  122 . The plurality of selector control keys comprises a plurality of game control keys to control the game, a plurality of wagering keys to select the amount of wagers and a plurality of odds display keys to selectively display a corresponding plurality of situation odds key.  
      Specifically, the plurality of game control keys comprises a start/enter key, a clear key and a cash out key indicated as  124 ,  126  and  128  respectively. The plurality of wagering keys comprises a BET 1× key, BET 2× key, BET 3× key, BET 4× key, BET 5× key, BET 6× key, BET 7× key, BET 8× key, BET 9× key, BET 10× key, BET 15× key, BET 20× key, BET 50× key, and a MAXBET key indicated as  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154  and  156  respectively. A specific video gaming device  110  may be set for a $0.25, $0.50, $1.00 bet or other denomination such that the selected or actuated wagering key is the multiple of the set denomination shown on the wagering key. The plurality of odds display keys comprises a view offensive odds key, a view defensive odds key, a view game odds key and a view points odds key indicated as  158 ,  160 ,  162  and  164  respectively.  
      The wager/payment mechanism  120  comprises an insert tickets or bills receptacle  166 , insert coin receptacles  168  and  170 , a deposit display  172 , an insert card slot  174  and a credit card key pad generally indicated as  176  and a cash return payout section including a coin return/payout receptacle  178  and a currency return payout slot  180 .  
      The video gaming device  10  is connected to a power source by an electric cord  188 .  
      The information or game status panel  118  comprises an instructions legend  182 , a game status display  184  and a wage status display  186 . The game status display  184  and the wage status display  186  are coupled to the microprocessor  122  to receive display signals therefrom to display various game and wages data. The game status display  184  can display real time game clock, play clock, time outs, quarter, down, yards to go, ball position and score of both teams—player and casino. The wager status display  186  can display the player&#39;s balance, amount wagered on current bet or play and points accumulated by the player.  
      The video touch screen or display  114 , the selector control panel  116 , the information or game status panel  118 , the wager/payment mechanism  120  and the information or game status panel  118  are coupled to the microprocessor  122  and to state of the art mechanical and electrical mechanisms and devices to receive, record, calculate, account, payout and display the game transactions and plays.  
      The microprocessor  122  includes game data comprising a plurality of wager selections and a plurality of offensive and defensive play selections, a plurality of game control selections and a plurality of payment selections. A data processing section including logic to receive game control signals from the game control keys  124 ,  126  and  128 , wage selection signals from the plurality of wagering keys  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154  and  156 , situation odds displays from keys  158 ,  160 ,  162  and  164 , payment signals from the payment/payout mechanism  120  and offensive and defensive play selections from the video touch screen or display  114  and to generate display signals in response to the play selection signals, odds viewing signals and the payment signals to be displayed on the video screen or display  114  in response to operator input from the selector control keys and wager information in response to input from the wager/payment mechanism, and to generate game play images on the video screen or display  114  of individual selected play executed against the predetermined or programmed game plan of offensive or defensive plays and the predetermined or programmed game situation profile and display the wagering results.  
      The programmed game situation profile comprises a plurality of sets and subsets of offensive and defensive plays shown in Table 5 from which the player selects a specific play as depicted in  FIG. 8  whether on offense or defense and determined by the game situation such as down, distance to first down, field position, score, time left in period, period and time outs. The programmed game situation profile then selects an offensive or defensive play from the plurality of preselected offensive or defensive plays in response to the set and subset of plays selected or the selected play to play against the set of plays selected or the play selected by the player.  
      The plurality of wager selections correspond to the first of wagering keys  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154  and  156 ; while the plurality of play selections comprises a plurality of sets of selectable plays, Table 5 including a plurality of individual offensive or defensive plays displayed and selected on the video touch screen or display  114  as seen in  FIG. 8  and played against the predetermined game plan and predetermined game situation profile.  
      The player is on offense or defense as determined by a virtual coin toss as described hereinafter. As the virtual game progresses, the player selects wagers to be bet on each play against the predetermined game plan and predetermined game situation profile. The data processing section records the player&#39;s bank or balance, wagers and calculates winnings/losses against the predetermined odds. These amounts are displayed on the video touch screen or display  114  and/or wage status  186  along with the available play sets and play selections, selected plays and executed interactive play pitting the selected play against the programmed game plan of offensive or defensive plays and the programmed game situation profile.  
      The microprocessor  20  contains several tables to control the game play and display certain information/data. In particular, Tables 5 through 7 show play selection sets, offensive play odds or payoffs and defensive play odds or payoffs respectively.  
      The plurality of play selection sets comprises a pass set including subsets short, medium, long, and goal line pass plays; run set including subsets right, left, medium and goal line running plays; kickoff set including subsets kickoff return, onside return and squib return; and field goal.  
                           TABLE 5                                   Offense Play   Defense Play           Set and Subsets   Set and Subsets                                        Kick Set                             Kickoff Return   Kickoff Return           Onside Return   Onside Return           Squib Return   Squib Return                 Pass Play Set                             Short Pass   Short Pass           Short Pass Right   Short Pass Right           Short Pass Left   Short Pass Left           Short Pass Middle   Short Pass Middle           Medium Pass   Medium Pass           Medium Pass Right   Medium Pass Right           Medium Pass Left   Medium Pass Left           Medium Pass Middle   Medium Pass Middle           Long Pass   Long Pass           Long Pass Right   Long Pass Right           Long Pass Left   Long Pass Left           Long Pass Middle   Long Pass Middle           Goal Line Pass   Goal Line Pass                 Run Play Set                             Run Right   Run Right           Run Left   Run Left           Run Middle   Run Middle           Goal Line Run   Goal Line Run           Field Goal   Field Goal                      
 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 6 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Offense Odds 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Kick Return: 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Return Kick between own: 
                 30-39 Yard Line 
                 1-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 40-49 Yard Line 
                 2-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 50-41 Yard Line 
                 5-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 40-31 Yard Line 
                 10-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 30-21 Yard Line 
                 25-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 20-11 Yard Line 
                 50-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 10-TD 
                 100-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 Any Return Not Returned 
               
               
                   
                 To The 30 Yard Line Is A 
               
               
                   
                 Loss 
               
               
                 Onside Kick Return 
                   
                 2-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Run From Scrimmage 
                  4-14 Yards 
                 1-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 15-29 Yards 
                 2-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 30-44 Yards 
                 5-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 45-59 Yards 
                 10-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 60-74 Yards 
                 25-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 75-89 Yards 
                 50-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 90-99 Yards 
                 100-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 *3 Yards or Less Loss 
               
               
                 Pass From Scrimmage 
                  4-14 Yards 
                 1-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 15-29 Yards 
                 2-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 30-44 Yards 
                 5-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 45-59 Yards 
                 10-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 60-74 Yards 
                 20-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 75-89 Yards 
                 40-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 90-99 Yards 
                 75-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 *3 Yards or Less Loss 
               
               
                 Field Goal 
                 17-29 Yards 
                 1-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 30-39 Yards 
                 2-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 40-44 Yards 
                 3-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 45-49 Yards 
                 4-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 50-54 Yards 
                 10-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 55-59 Yards 
                 25-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 60+   Yards 
                 50-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Point After TD 
                   
                 1-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Punt Return 
                  6-19 Yard 
                 1-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 20-29 Yards 
                 2-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 30-39 Yards 
                 5-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 40-49 Yards 
                 10-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 50-59 Yards 
                 25-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 60-69 Yards 
                 50-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 70-79 Yards 
                 100-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 80-89 Yards 
                 200-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 90-99 Yards 
                 300-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
                 100+  Yards 
                 500-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 7 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Defense Odds 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Recover Onside Kick 
                 1-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Kick Returns - Hold Kick Return To 3 Yards Or Less 
               
               
                 Hold Ball Carrier To −2 Yards 
                 1-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Throw Ball Carrier For Loss 
                 2-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Sack Quarterback 
                 3-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Interception 
                 10-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Fumble Recovery 
                 10-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Interception For TD 
                 50-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Safety 
                 50-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Blocked Punt 
                 25-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Blocked Punt For TD 
                 50-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Punt Ball Inside 20-11 Yard Line 
                 1-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Punt Ball Inside 1-5 Yard Line 
                 5-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Opponent Missed Field Goal 
                 1-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Block Opponent Field Goal 
                 10-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Block Field Goal For TD 
                 250-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Hold Opposition On Point After TD 
                 1-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Score On Opposition Point After TD 
                 500-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                 Make Opposition Turn Over On Downs 
                 3-1 
                 Odds 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
      To begin play, the player inserts money, club or credit card into the payment/payout seen in  FIG. 4 .  
      Once the ‘bank’ is established, the player presses one of the bet keys to wager on the coin toss. As previously described, the video gaming device  110  is preset to a specific denomination such as a quarter or dollar. Thus, touching the BET 1× key  130  would result in a $0.25 or $1.00 depending upon the preset or predetermined denomination.  
      The player next chooses either heads or tails by touching the video touch screen or display  114  as shown in  FIG. 5 . Having selected the BET 1× key  130 , if the player wins the toss, the video touch screen or display  114  will display “HEADS! You win $0.25” as depicted in  FIG. 6 . Correspondingly, if the player looses the toss, the video touch screen or display  114  will display “TAILS! YOU LOOSE $0.25!”.  
      The player then chooses either to kick or receive by touching the video touch screen or display  114  as shown in  FIG. 7 .  
       FIG. 8  shows the kickoff return set and kickoff return, onside return and squib return subsets include the kickoff play selections on the video touch screen or display  114 . Having selected a bet by touching one of the bet keys  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154  or  156  to wager on the kickoff, the player selects the kickoff play and executes by touching the start/enter key  124 . A player can clear a play or bet before executing by depressing a clear key  126 .  
      Once the play is selected, the video gaming device  110  will execute the selected offensive or defensive play and game profile generated counter-play. The play is visually and audibly played out on the video touch screen or display  114 . In the example depicted in  FIG. 9  the player or offensive returns the ball to the 27 yard line.  
      Reference to Table 6 shows that the player looses bet. The result is depicted in  FIG. 10  as “YOU LOOSE $2.50!”.  
       FIG. 11  indicates a caustic or sarcastic comment from the Mail Call Guy following a losing play. The Coach can scold the player, for example, “You can do better than that maggot!” or “Is that all you got Missy!” or “My Grandmother hits harder than that!” 
       FIG. 12  displays the passing sets and subsets from which the player selects an individual key whether on offense or defense to be executed or played out against the game profile. Also displayed on the video touch screen or display  114  are a VIEW MORE PLAYS window  210  and a REVIEW PREVIOUS PLAYS window  212  that allow a player to view additional pass and run plays that can similarly be selected for execution.  
      The player again selects one of the bet keys to wager on the play and selects the play on the visual touch screen or display  114 .  
       FIG. 13  visually displays the play accompanied by a sound byte from the sports announcer voice describing the play which lasts approximately 6 seconds. For example: “Quarterback hikes it! He&#39;s looking! Here they come! He throws . . . ! Oh . . . #85 catches it! He&#39;s down on the 44”. Based upon the predetermined odds as seen in Table 6, the player wins the bet.  
      The video touch screen and display  114  as shown on  FIG. 14  can display “YOU WIN $1.00!!”.  
       FIG. 15  illustrates the offensive odds choices or categories by play sets; while,  FIG. 16  shows the specific offense odds for field goals. Display screens for the offensive and defensive situations are pulled-up or selected by depressing or engaging view offensive odds key  158  or view defensive odds key  160  and desired play set by touching the corresponding indicator on the video touch screen or display  114  as shown in  FIG. 15 . In addition, game odds and point odds may be viewed on the video touch screen or display  114  by touching view game odds key  162  or view point odds  164  respectively.  
      It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description are efficiently attained and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.  
      It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.  
      Now that the invention has been described,