Abstract:
Systems and methods for providing wagering games associated with an underlying game of craps include receiving a wager relating to the associated wagering game; receiving a dice roll result from an instance of playing the game of craps, the dice roll result being one of a possible plurality of dice roll results in a series, wherein the number of dice roll results in the series depends on the dice roll result according to the rules of craps; determining if the series ends according to the rules of craps or continues; comparing the number of dice roll results in the series if the series continues with a preset number of dice roll results; providing a payout if the number of dice roll results is equal or greater than the preset number; and collecting the wager if the series ends.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/503,393 filed Jun. 3, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/484,863 filed May 11, 2011, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to systems and methods of modifying, providing and conducting wagering games, and more particularly, multilayered wagering games. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The invention relates to the field of casino table wagering games, particularly casino table dice games related to the play of the game of craps, and most particularly to side bet wagers that may be placed in the underlying game of craps. 
         [0004]    The game of craps is a popular and long established casino table wagering game. In Craps, each player places at least one of the various wagers indicated below before the dice are thrown by the shooter. Since the pair of dice provides 36 possible outcomes for a single roll of one standard pair of dice, there are 36 possible outcomes on each and every roll of the dice in the standard game of craps. 
         [0005]    The standard wagers include a “Pass Line” wager. The player will lose this wager on a shooter opening throw totaling 2, 3, or 12, and will lose all money wagered on this area. The player will win the Pass Line wager on a shooter opening throw totaling 7 or 11. Thus, a player either wins or loses the Pass Line wager on an opening throw of 2, 3, 7, 11, or 12. If these values do not appear on the opening roll, then a “Point” is established. The possible Point numbers are therefore 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10. Once the Point is established, if the shooter throws the same Point number in a subsequent throw, then the Pass Line wager wins. However if the shooter throws a 7, then the Pass Line wager loses and the series ends. This occurrence is commonly referred to as a “seven out.” After a seven out, the dice are typically passed to a new shooter. 
         [0006]    Craps has been an established part of the casino environment for over a hundred years, in spite of the fact that it is a labor intensive game, with a minimum of four personnel present at the table during play. It is believed that the excitement of the game, some relatively favorable wagers/odds and the camaraderie of the game have required major casinos to continue offering the game. 
         [0007]    It would be desirable for the casinos to increase their revenue in the game, particularly by providing new profitable wagers with a potential for high odds that would attract more wagers and even attract new players. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The invention relates generally to systems and methods of modifying, providing and conducting wagering games, and more particularly, multi-layered wagering games having an underlying game and one or more associated games. 
         [0009]    Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of providing a wagering game associated with the underlying game of craps, comprising the steps of: receiving a wager relating to the associated wagering game; conducting the underlying game of craps until an underlying game outcome is achieved through the roll of the dice, simulation thereof, or otherwise receiving underlying game outcome data relating to an instance of conducting the underlying game of craps, wherein the underlying game outcome includes data relating to the roll result, the particular shooter rolling the dice and roll number for the shooter; comparing the underlying game outcome data with preset criteria, wherein the preset criteria relates to achieving a preset roll number for the particular shooter; facilitating the provision of or providing a payout if the preset criteria is satisfied by the underlying game outcome data; and facilitating the collection of or collecting the wager if the preset criteria is not satisfied by the underlying game outcome data. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments of the aforementioned method, the step of providing a payout differs if the wager is received from the shooter rolling the dice. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments of the aforementioned method, the step of conducting the underlying game until an underlying game outcome is achieved further comprises using a program with a random number generator. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments of the aforementioned method, the step of conducting the underlying game until an underlying game outcome is achieved further comprises using physical dice. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments of the aforementioned method, the wagers are received electronically. 
         [0014]    Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a system for providing the methods described above. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the aforementioned system provides an associated wagering game with an underlying game of craps, which includes a device, apparatus or method such as a communication interface for receiving outcome data relating to an instance of conducting the underlying game of craps until a craps outcome is achieved according to the rules of the craps game, wherein the craps outcome includes data relating to a roll number for the shooter; a processor configured for comparing the craps outcome data with preset criteria, wherein the preset criteria includes at least one specific roll number. The communication interface may also be configured for (i) receiving a wager relating to the associated wagering game; (ii) indicating that the wager is collected if the preset criteria is not satisfied by the craps outcome data; and (iii) providing a payout if the preset criteria is satisfied by the craps outcome data. 
         [0016]    The information received regarding the underlying game of craps may be received upon the game being conducted via a processor or through physical dice rolled by a shooter at a craps table. 
         [0017]    The system may further include a display device configured for displaying the results of the wager in the associated wagering game. 
         [0018]    The communication interface may be a data input and/or data output device or a remote computer terminal, such as a home computer or mobile device with access to local or global network. The system and communication interface may be configured for providing the associated wagering game to players via an online system or the Internet. The processor may also be remotely located from the player interface. In some embodiments, the communication interface, processor and display device may be mounted within a unitary housing, and the aforementioned system may be an electronic gaming machine or electronic platform including multiple data input devices providing player positions. 
         [0019]    Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of providing a wagering game associated with an underlying game of craps, which includes a first event of receiving a wager relating to the associated wagering game; a second event of conducting the underlying game until an underlying game outcome is achieved according to the rules of the underlying game, wherein the underlying game outcome includes data relating to a first hand rank, a second hand rank, the composition of cards in the first hand, and the composition of cards in the second hand; a third event of comparing the underlying game outcome data with preset criteria, wherein the preset criteria includes at least a characteristic relating to the composition of playing cards for at least one of the respective first and second hands, a rank for at least one of the respective first or second hands, and a relationship between the first hand and the second hand; and a fourth event of either providing a payout if the preset criteria is satisfied by the underlying game outcome data or collecting the wager if the preset criteria is not satisfied by the underlying game outcome data. 
         [0020]    Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method of providing a wagering game associated with an underlying game of craps, which includes the steps of receiving a wager relating to the associated wagering game; receiving a dice roll result from an instance of playing the game of craps, the dice roll result being one of a possible plurality of dice roll results in a series, wherein the number of dice roll results in the series depends on the dice roll result according to the rules of craps; determining if the series ends according to the rules of craps or continues; comparing the number of dice roll results in the series if the series continues with a preset number of dice roll results; providing a payout if the number of dice roll results is equal or greater than the preset number; and collecting the wager if the series ends. 
         [0021]    A system for providing a wagering game associated with an underlying game of craps, such as those described above may include a communication interface configured for receiving a wager relating to the associated wagering game and receiving a dice roll result from an instance of playing the game of craps, the dice roll result being one of a possible plurality of dice roll results in a series, wherein the number of dice roll results in the series depends on the dice roll result according to the rules of craps. The system may further include a processor configured for determining if the series ends according to the rules of craps or continues and comparing the number of dice roll results in the series if the series continues with a preset number of dice roll results. In some embodiments, the communication interface is further configured for providing notification of a payout if the number of dice roll results is equal or greater than the preset number and providing notification that the wager is collected if the processor determines that the series ends. 
         [0022]    Some embodiments of the invention are also directed to a machine readable media for providing a wagering game associated with craps that includes code and/or data segments as necessary to provide any of the methods described herein on one or more machines. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a process flow chart depicting an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of exemplary system components configured for use with methods according to some embodiments of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    The exemplary embodiments herein relate to wagering games such as craps or variants and modifications thereof in which additional or side wagers other than the underlying game wagers for such games are placed by players and received by the house or casino, or a person or entity acting as a banker of the game, to be subsequently resolved in a secondary or associated wagering game which is resolved at least in part by the randomly generated outcomes of the underlying game. 
         [0026]    It should be understood that each of the methods and individual steps recited herein may be partially or wholly carried out in a variety of ways and/or systems, which may include, but are not limited to, a live game being played in a casino with dice or cards (as is required in certain jurisdictions), an electronic gaming machine (EGM) for use by one or more players, a multiplayer platform which may include a player interface such as a touchscreen display and involve physical or virtual dice, a home computer or portable computing device, such as a tablet computer or mobile phone capable of communicating with a network or over the Internet, global telecommunication network or world wide web. It should further be understood that the methods and systems of the invention are described herein in connection with a conventional craps game for illustrative purposes only, as the methods and systems of the invention may be employed, combined or integrated with modified, variant or otherwise non-conventional craps games, such as craps variants with modified rules and additional wagers. 
         [0027]    All references herein that are made to “dice” or “rolling the dice” other such expressions that are ordinarily used in describing a wagering game that is played with physical dice in a casino are also meant to describe and capture all associated electronic, video and online representations of said physical dice and the rolling thereof. 
         [0028]    It should further be understood that the invention is directed to, among other things, methods of providing, conducting and resolving multi-layered wagering games that include a sequence of controlled and concrete transformative events. Some of these events may involve wagering and resolving a wager, or the generation and application of random data to predefined rules and determination of a final outcome in a first or underlying game. The generation of random data may be facilitated by computerized and/or physical implements. The transformative events may also include parsing of the data from the underlying game outcome for comparative purposes with preset criteria to determine an outcome in a second or associated wagering game. 
         [0029]    A method of conducting a wagering game associated with an underlying game of craps, according to some embodiments of the invention is generally referred to by the reference numeral  10  in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0030]    In step  12 , a wager is received by a player interested in playing the associated game prior to a shooter&#39;s first or “come out” roll. In some embodiments, the wager may only be received by the player who is the shooter, that is, the player who is rolling the dice in the craps game. In other embodiments, anyone may place a wager on the associated game. 
         [0031]    In step  14 , the underlying game is operated or played so that a roll outcome is obtained to begin or continue a series of roll outcomes in the underlying game of craps, which may be obtained through the dice being rolled by the shooter. 
         [0032]    The roll outcome is compared with the underlying game rules to determine if the roll outcome is a seven out. If the roll outcome is a seven out, then as shown in steps  16  and  18  the series ends and the wager is resolved as a loss and collected unless the preset criterion for a payout is satisfied as discussed herein below. If the roll outcome is not a seven out, then as shown in step  16 , a value is added to the current roll number in step  20  to form a new roll number. 
         [0033]    For example, if the shooter rolls a two, three, or twelve as the outcome on the come out roll, then as shown in step  18  the associated game is resolved as a loss and the wager placed in step  12  is collected. However, if the shooter rolls a seven on the come out roll then as shown by steps  16  and  20 , a value is added to the roll number. 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, the value added to the roll number depends on the roll outcome or events in the underlying game. For example, if a point is made then the value may differ than the value if a point is not made as a result of the roll, or if the roll outcome is seven after a point is made (but not a seven out) then the value may differ. In another example, the value to be added to the roll number may be partially based on the odds of achieving the roll outcome, such as the value being one unless the roll outcome is a two or twelve, in which case the value added to the roll number may be two. In yet another example, the value may be higher if the roll outcome is a double, that is, each die yielding the same number to form the roll outcome. 
         [0035]    For sake of simplicity the value added to the roll number will be one for the embodiment discussed herein regardless of the roll outcome or its relative effect in the underlying game. Thus, in step  20 , a value of one will be added to the roll number to set a new roll number. Thus, if the roll number for the series was zero, as is the case for the first come out roll for the shooter, then the new roll number becomes one in step  20  if the come out roll was anything other than a two, three or twelve. 
         [0036]    In step  22 , the new roll number is compared with preset criterion. In this embodiment, the preset criterion is a winning number. Thus, in step  24 , if the preset criterion is satisfied, that is, if the new roll number is equal to the winning number, then as shown in step  26  the wager is won and a payout is provided, which may be provided upon a seven out as shown in step  18 . In some embodiments, the payout is provided immediately. 
         [0037]    As shown by steps  24  and  28 , if the preset criterion is not satisfied, that is, the new roll number is not equal to the winning number, then the new roll number for the series becomes the roll number for the series and play continues in the underlying game with method  10  returning to step  14 . 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, the preset criterion may include multiple preset criteria. Preset criteria may relate to any information relating to the underlying roll outcome, such as whether a point was made, the number is even or odd, or each of the two die had the same number of pips, for example. Each preset criteria may be associated with a different payout amount. 
         [0039]    In other embodiments, the preset criteria may include more than one winning number, such as consecutive numbers associated with increasing payout amounts or multiples of the wager placed in step  12 . While the wager may be won when the first winning roll number is achieved, a payout may not be made until the highest payout amount achieved is determinable which would happen upon a seven out. Alternatively, a payout may be made upon each sequential roll number after the winning roll number is achieved, with each roll number thus satisfying the preset criterion in step  24 . 
         [0040]    It should be readily apparent that the preset criterion or criteria may vary and be modified in accordance with the invention and depending on the data obtainable from the underlying game outcome. 
         [0041]    Payouts in step  26  may be anything of value, including one or a combination of a fixed amount, a multiple of the wager received in step  12 , an odds-based payout, and all or a portion of an incremented progressive jackpot award or a prize. 
         [0042]    Table 1 illustrates payouts in an exemplary embodiment in which payouts will be made to any player who placed a wager in step  12  upon each new roll number in the series satisfying the preset criterion. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Preset Criterion Satisfied 
                 Payout 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Roll Number is 35-49 
                 $25 
               
               
                   
                 Roll Number is 50-59 
                 $50 
               
               
                   
                 Roll Number is 60-79 
                 $100  
               
               
                   
                 Roll Number is 80-99 
                 10% of the progressive jackpot 
               
               
                   
                 Roll Number is 100-over 
                 100% of progressive jackpot 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0043]    In some embodiments incorporating Table 1, a payout of $25 will be made by achieving a roll number which is equal to 35, and then again for roll numbers which equal 36 through 49. Thus, if a seven out occurs when the current roll number in the series is 49, fifteen payouts of $25 would have been made. 
         [0044]    In other embodiments incorporating Table 1, a payout of $25 is made if the roll number upon a seven out is a number within the range of 35 through 49 Likewise, a payout of $100 will be made if the roll number is a number within the range of 60 through 79. 
         [0045]    In some embodiments, anyone who places a wager on the associated game in step  12  is entitled to a payout. In other embodiments, the shooter is the only player placing a wager in step  12  who is entitled to any winning payout. In other embodiments, the shooter is the only player placing a wager in step  12  who is entitled to 100% of the progressive jackpot if a seven out occurs with the roll number equal to or greater than 100. 
         [0046]    Other tables of exemplary preset criterion which may be used in connection with the embodiments of the inventions may be in the form of a paytable listing roll numbers and corresponding odds payouts as multiples of the unit wagered. 
         [0047]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary system  50  constructed in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. System  50  includes processing device  52  in communication with a database or memory device  54 , communication or data input/output device  56  and a display device  58 . In some embodiments, display device  58  is a touch-enabled device and includes a data input device component. Memory device  54  may include data relating to the underlying game and embodiments of the invention as described herein, such as the preset criterion. Game and roll outcomes, as well as the associated wager outcome or roll number, may be displayed and on display device  58 . Processing device  52  compares the roll number with the preset criterion, storing information relating to the roll number and satisfaction of the preset criteria in memory  54 , in the manner exemplified above by method  10 . The dice roll may be actual, as in a live table game, or simulated, either electronically or through mechanical dice being made to provide a random result. Should the preset criteria be satisfied, a payout will be determined by processing device  52  and indicated on display device  58 . If the preset criteria are not satisfied, the same is indicated on display device  58 . 
         [0048]    Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the methods described herein may be facilitated by table layouts with wagering locations and other implements for illustrating and tracking the associated wager and roll number. 
         [0049]    A system of the invention may include various computer and network related software and hardware, such as programs, operating systems, memory storage devices, data input/output devices, data processors, servers with links to data communication systems, wireless or otherwise, and data transceiving terminals. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the precise types of software and hardware used are not vital to the full implementation of the methods of the invention so long as players and operators thereof are provided with useful access thereto. 
         [0050]    While exemplary systems and methods, and applications of methods of the invention, have been described herein, it should also be understood that the foregoing is only illustrative of a few particular embodiments with exemplary and/or preferred features, as well as principles of the invention, and that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the described embodiments should not be considered as limiting of the scope of the invention in any way. Accordingly, the invention embraces alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims and equivalents thereto.