Patent Application
20160175699
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of gaming technology, and especially an advance in the field of roulette-type games and gaming systems.
2. Background of the Art
Roulette is a well-known game of chance enjoyed throughout the world. The equipment used for playing roulette generally comprises a roulette wheel and a game surface.
The roulette wheel generally comprises a horizontally disposed wheel mounted in a bowl-shaped housing. The wheel is adapted to rotate about a vertical axis and includes a plurality of pockets disposed around its periphery. Each pocket has a unique number associated with the pocket, as well as a color associated therewith. Each pocket is adapted to receive a small ball, which is introduced into the bowl-shaped housing by an operator or croupier as the wheel is set in motion. The wheel is typically spun in one direction and the ball projected around the circumference of the housing in an opposite direction. As the ball loses speed, it rolls down the concave housing wall, eventually coming to rest in one of the pockets. The outcome or result of the spin is the number and color associated with the pocket in which the ball comes to rest.
The game surface includes a plurality of wagering areas indicating various numbers, colors, parities (the odd or even quality of a number) and groupings of numbers. One or more players make wagers on a predicted outcome of a spin of the roulette wheel. A players indicates his or her wager by placing one or more wagering devices, such as chips or markers representing an amount of the wager, at a predetermined location on the game surface corresponding to a predicted outcome of a spin of the roulette wheel. There are several types of wagers possible in the traditional Roulette game. For example, one may place a wager on a single number, or two numbers (by placing your chip so it straddles the line on the game board surface between any two numbers). There are red, black, odd and even bets, and, a “dozens” bet made on the 12 consecutive numbers where wagers are placed in boxes marked 1-12, 13-24 or 25-36, for example, for a 36 number roulette game.
As disclosed in describing prior art basic roulette systems, U.S. Pat. No. 7,566,056 (Sorge) describes the roulette wheel generally as having a horizontally disposed wheel mounted in a bowl-shaped housing. The wheel is adapted to rotate about a vertical axis and includes a plurality of pockets disposed around its periphery. Each pocket has a unique number associated with the pocket, as well as a color associated therewith. Each pocket is adapted to receive a small ball which is introduced into the bowl-shaped housing by an operator or croupier as the wheel is set in motion. The wheel is typically spun in one direction and the ball projected around the circumference of the housing in an opposite direction. As the ball loses speed, it rolls down the concave housing wall, eventually coming to rest in one of the pockets. The outcome or result of the spin is the number and color associated with the pocket in which the ball comes to rest.
The game surface includes a plurality of wagering areas indicating various numbers, colors, parities (the odd or even quality of a number) and groupings of numbers. One or more players make wagers on a predicted outcome of a spin of the roulette wheel. A players indicates his or her wager by placing one or more wagering devices, such as chips or markers representing an amount of the wager, at a predetermined location on the game surface corresponding to a predicted outcome of a spin of the roulette wheel.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,566,056 FIGURES A prior art roulette game surface or board is shown in
A player may place a wager on a particular number by placing one or more chips or markers within the wagering area corresponding to that number. In addition, players can wager on groupings of individual numbers. For example, a player can wager on a column of numbers by placing one or more chips or markers adjacent to the column of numbers, on a row of numbers by placing one or more chips or markers adjacent to the row of numbers, on two rows of numbers by placing one or more chips or markers adjacent to the two rows of numbers, and on four adjoining numbers by placing one or more chips or markers at the intersection of the four adjoining numbers.
As shown in
Winning wagers in the game of roulette are paid out at predetermined multiples based on the probability of the particular predicted outcome. For example, a winning wager for an individual number may pay out at a ratio of 35 to 1; a winning wager for a row of three numbers may pay out at a ratio of 11 to 1; a winning wager for a group of four adjacent numbers may pay out at a ratio of 8 to 1; a winning wager for two adjacent rows of number may pay out at a ratio of 5 to 1; a winning wager for the combination of numbers 1 to 18 or the combination of numbers from 19 to 36 may pay out at a ratio of 1 to 1; a winning wager on a column of numbers may pay out at a ratio of 2 to 1; a winning wager on a block of twelve consecutive numbers (first twelve, second twelve or last twelve) may pay out at a ratio of 2 to 1, and a winning wager on an odd number; an even number, a red number or a black number may pay out even money. Other wager combinations and associated payout ratios may also be used.
The prior art American roulette wheel arrangement is shown in
The numbers from 1 to 36 are arranged at standardized positions on the prior art American wheel as shown. Black and red numbers alternate and directly across the wheel from each odd number is the next highest even number (for example the number 10 is directly across the wheel from the number 9).
The arrangement of numbers and colors on the prior art roulette game surface shown in
As shown in
In the prior art roulette game surface arrangement, the first column consists of six red numbers (1, 7, 16, 19, 25 and 34). Of these six red numbers, however, four numbers are odd (1, 7, 19 and 25) and only two numbers are even (16 and 34). Moreover, two of the odd red numbers (1 and 7) are in the first dozen wagering area, whereas the second and third dozen wagering areas each have one red odd and one red even number in the first column (16, 19 and 25, 34, respectively). Thus, the first column includes one even red number (16) in the second dozen wagering area, one even red number (34) in the third dozen wagering area, but no even red numbers in the first dozen wagering area.
The first column in the prior art roulette game surface further includes six black numbers (4, 10, 13, 22, 28, and 31). Of these six black numbers, however, four numbers are even (4, 10, 22, and 28) and only two numbers are odd (13 and 31). Moreover, two of the black even numbers (4 and 10) are in the first dozen wagering area, whereas the second and third dozen wagering areas each have one black odd and one black even number in the first column (13, 22 and 28, 31, respectively). Thus the first column includes one odd black number (13) in the second dozen wagering area, one odd black number (31) in the third dozen wagering area, but no odd black numbers in the first dozen wagering area.
In the prior art roulette game surface arrangement, the second column consists of four red numbers (5, 14, 23 and 32). Of these four red numbers, two are in the second dozen wagering area (14 and 23) while the first and third dozen wagering areas have only one red number each (5 and 32, respectively). Additionally, the first dozen wagering area includes no even red numbers in the second column and the third dozen wagering area includes no odd red numbers in the second column.
The second column in the prior art roulette game surface further includes eight black numbers (2, 8, 11, 17, 20, 26, 29 and 35). Of these eight black numbers, three (2, 8 and 11) are in the first dozen wagering area and three (26, 29 and 35) are in the third dozen wagering area, while the second dozen wagering area only includes two black numbers (17 and 20). Morever, the first dozen wagering area includes two even black numbers (2 and 8) and only one odd black number (11) in the second column. The third dozen wagering area includes two black odd numbers (29 and 35) and only one black even number (26) in the second column. The second wagering area includes one black odd number (17) and one black even number (20) in the second column.
In the prior art roulette game surface arrangement, the third column consists of eight red numbers (3, 9, 12, 18, 21, 27, 30 and 36). Of these eight red numbers, three (3, 9 and 12) are in the first dozen wagering area and three (27, 30 and 36) are in the third dozen wagering area, while the second dozen wagering area includes only two red numbers (18 and 21). Moreover, the first dozen wagering area includes two odd red numbers (3 and 9) and only one even red number (12) in the second column. The third dozen wagering area includes two red even numbers (30 and 36) and only one red odd number (27) in the second column. The second wagering area includes one red even number (18) and one red odd number (21) in the second column.
The third column in the prior art roulette wheel arrangement further includes four black numbers. Of these four black numbers, two are in the second dozen wagering area (15 and 24) while the first and third dozen wagering areas have only one black number each (6 and 33, respectively). Additionally, the first dozen wagering area includes no odd black numbers in the third column and the third dozen wagering area includes no even black numbers in the third column.
Turning to the dozen wagering areas or groups on the prior art roulette game surface, the first dozen wagering area (1-12) includes six red numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12) and six black numbers (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 11). However of the six red numbers, five are odd (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9) and only one is even (12). Moreover, of the six black numbers in the first dozen wagering area, five are even (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10) and only one is odd (11). Accordingly, the first dozen wagering area of the prior art roulette game surface is unbalanced with respect to the distribution of red, black, odd and even numbers.
The second dozen wagering area (13-24) of the prior art roulette game surface arrangement includes six red numbers (14, 16, 18, 19, 21 and 23), three of which are even (14, 16 and 18) and the remaining three (19, 21 and 23) of which are odd. This represents a balanced arrangement. Moreover, the second dozen wagering area includes six black numbers (13, 15, 17, 20, 22 and 24), three of which are odd (13, 15 and 17) and the remaining three of which are even (20, 22 and 24). This represents a balanced arrangement.
The third dozen wagering area (25-36) of the prior art roulette game surface arrangement includes six red numbers (25, 27, 30, 32, 34 and 36) and six black numbers (26, 29, 31, 33 and 35). However of the six red numbers, four are even (30, 32, 34 and 36) and only two are odd (25 and 27). Moreover, of the six black numbers in the third dozen wagering area, four are odd (29, 31, 33 and 35) and only two are even (26 and 28). Accordingly, the third dozen wagering area of the prior art roulette game surface is also unbalanced with respect to the distribution of red, black, odd and even numbers.
In addition to the uneven distribution of red, black, odd and even numbers on the prior art roulette game surface, it has been observed that the arrangement of corresponding numbers on the prior art roulette wheels (both American and European) has a relationship to various arrangements of colors, odds, evens, columns and groups on the roulette game surface as set forth below.
The relationships among adjacent numbers on the prior art roulette wheels and their corresponding positions, groupings and characteristics on the prior art roulette game surface may allow experienced players to combine bets on red, black, even and odd numbers, columns and dozen groups to increase the player's chances of winning. For example in the prior art arrangements, players may “flower” the wheel by placing bets corresponding to a group of numbers positioned on the roulette wheel adjacent or in close proximity to one another. By utilizing progressive betting techniques and taking advantage of the relationship between the positions of the numbers on the roulette wheel and the various betting schemes (red, black, odd, even, column, dozen group) a professional or experienced player may increase his or her odds of winning.
As shown in
Moreover, the three numbers 18, 6 and 21 are arranged consecutively on the wheel, and all are in the same column, namely the third column, on the game surface. The numbers 18 and 21 are also in the same group, the second dozen wagering area, and adjacent to one another on the game surface (18 is positioned directly above 21).
The four numbers 18, 6, 21 and 33 are arranged consecutively on the wheel, and all are in the same column, namely the third column, on the game surface. The numbers 18 and 21 are adjacent one another on the game surface, and 18 and 6 are both even numbers and adjacent to one another on the wheel. The numbers 21 and 33 are both odd numbers and adjacent on the wheel. Two of the numbers from this grouping (18 and 21) are in the second dozen wagering area, wherein 6 is in the first dozen wagering area and 33 is in the third wagering area. Accordingly, this grouping of numbers is unbalanced.
The numbers 16 and 4 are adjacent to one another on the wheel, are both even and are in the same column, namely the first column, on the game surface. The numbers 23 and 35 are adjacent to one another on the wheel, are both odd and are in the same column, namely the second column, on the game surface.
The three numbers 23, 35 and 14 are arranged consecutively on the wheel, and all three are in the same column, namely the second column, on the game surface. Two of the numbers from this group (23, 35) are odd numbers.
The four numbers 23, 35, 14 and 2 are arranged consecutively on the wheel and all four are in the same column, namely the second column of the game surface. Two of the numbers from this grouping (14 and 23) are in the second dozen wagering area, wherein 2 is in the first dozen wagering area and 35 is in the third wagering area. Accordingly, this grouping of numbers is unbalanced.
The groups of four consecutive numbers on the wheel consisting of first group 18, 6, 21 and 33, which are all in the third column on the game surface, and second group 23, 35, 14 and 2, which are all in the second column on the game surface, are only separated on the prior art wheel by a single pair of adjacent numbers, 16 and 4. This grouping of ten consecutive numbers on the prior art American roulette wheel is not balanced by any corresponding grouping on the other side of the wheel.
Moving clockwise from the single zero (0) house number of the prior art American roulette wheel layout shown in
The three numbers 20, 32 and 17 are arranged consecutively on the wheel, and all three are in the same column, namely the second column, on the game surface.
Two of the numbers from this group (20 and 32) are even numbers. The numbers 20 and 17 are adjacent to each other on the game surface and both in the second dozen wagering area. The four numbers 20, 32, 17 and 5 are arranged consecutively on the wheel, and all four are in the same column, namely the second column, on the game surface. The numbers 20 and 32are both even. Two numbers from this grouping (17 and 20) are in the second dozen wagering area, one number (5) is in the first dozen wagering area and one number (32) is in the third dozen wagering area. Accordingly, this grouping of numbers is unbalanced.
The numbers 22 and 34 are adjacent to one another on the wheel, both are even and both are in the same column, namely the first column, on the game surface. The numbers 15 and 3 are adjacent to one another on the wheel, both are odd and both are in the same column, namely the third column, on the game surface.
The three numbers 15, 3 and 24 are arranged consecutively on the wheel and are all in the same column, namely the third column, on the game surface. Two of the numbers (15 and 3) are odd numbers. The four numbers 15, 3, 24 and 36 are arranged consecutively on the wheel and all four numbers are in the same column, namely the third column, on the game surface. Two numbers from this grouping (15 and 24) are in the second dozen wagering area, one number (3) is in the first dozen wagering area and one number (36) is in the third dozen wagering area. Accordingly, this grouping of numbers is unbalanced.
The groups of four consecutive numbers on the wheel consisting of first group 20, 32, 17 and 5, which are all in the second column on the game surface, and second group 15, 3, 24 and 36, which are all in the third column on the game surface, are only separated on the wheel by a single pair of adjacent numbers, 22 and 34. This grouping of ten consecutive numbers on the prior art American roulette wheel is not balanced by any corresponding grouping on the other side of the wheel. In particular, there are two numbers (13 and 1) between this grouping of ten numbers (20, 32, 17, 5, 22, 43, 15, 3, 24, and 36) and the house number 00, while the grouping of ten numbers 18, 6, 21, 33, 16, 4, 23, 35, 14 and 2 on the other half of the wheel is adjacent to the house number 0. Thus the groupings are not balanced or symmetric with respect to their arrangement on the wheel.
Additionally, the numbers 13 and 1 are adjacent to one another on the wheel, are both odd and are in the same column, namely the first column, on the game surface.
As shown in
Additionally, on the prior art European roulette wheel, the numbers 10 and 5 are adjacent to one another and both numbers are in the first dozen wagering area on the game surface. The numbers 16 and 24 are adjacent to one another on the wheel, are both even and are both in the second dozen wagering area on the game surface. The numbers 14 and 20 are adjacent to one another on the wheel, are both even, are both in the second column and are both in the second dozen wagering area on the game surface.
The numbers 22 and 18 are adjacent to one another on the wheel, are both even and are both in the second dozen wagering area on the game surface. The numbers 7 and 28 are adjacent to one another on the wheel and are both in the same column, namely the first column, on the game surface. The numbers 26 and 32 are separated only by the house number 0, are both even, are both in the second column and in the third dozen wagering area of the game surface.
Accordingly there exists a need for improved roulette board game surface and wheel arrangements having a balanced layout wherein red and black and even and odd numbers are evenly distributed. Moreover, the need exists for an improved roulette game surface and wheel arrangement wherein relationships between adjacent pairs or groups of numbers on the wheel and the arrangement and characteristics of numbers on the game surface are improved.
In attempts to enhance the betting opportunities of the traditional Roulette game including a board game surface and roulette wheel, besides providing the ability to place traditional wagers, e.g., wager on a particular number by placing one or more chips or markers within the wagering area(s) corresponding to that number, or, wager on groupings of individual numbers, additional novel wagering areas have been proposed for additional “side betting.”
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,442 describes a modified roulette game offering an additional betting opportunity. When a winning bet in the conventional layout is determined by the operation of the roulette wheel, a random number generator also generates and displays one of the conventional roulette numbers, i.e., 1-36, 0 or 00. If the number displayed by the random number generator is the same as the winning number that is determined by the roulette wheel spin outcome, the side bet on that number is an additional winning bet.
Published US Patent Document No. 20100164172 (Au-Yeung) describes a method of playing a game, including roulette using a gaming apparatus to generate one of a plurality of specified outcomes upon which a player of the game may place a bet upon that outcome occurring. The method has the steps of: a. providing a gaming apparatus capable of generating one of a plurality of specified outcomes; b. providing a layout having a plurality of betting areas corresponding to said specified outcomes generated by the gaming apparatus, whereby a player may place a bet on the outcome of a play of the gaming apparatus; c. providing a random generator device to produce one or more random events; d. providing a plurality of separate multi-choice random event betting areas corresponding to the random events produced by the random generator device, each separate multi-choice random event betting area being associated with one or more different betting areas corresponding to a specified outcome of the gaming machine, whereby a player may place a bet forecasting separately; the specified outcome generated by the gaming apparatus and a random event produced by the random generator device; e. allowing a player to place a bet on at least one on: a specified outcome generated by the gaming apparatus, and/or the specified outcome generated by the gaming apparatus and a random event of the random event generator device; f. playing the gaming apparatus and at the same time generating a random event via the random event generator device; g. determining whether a player has placed a winning bet; and h. paying on a winning bet.
Published US Patent Document No. 2008258383 describes a roulette game including a board game surface and roulette wheel, wherein besides the traditional roulette wheel wagering opportunities, an additional novel wagering area is provided for additional “side betting.” That is, a side wagering area comprising ten individual wagering areas corresponding to a digit value 0, . . . , 9, is provided for the game board surface. A bettor may conduct a wager by placing a chip or marker on a particular digit value of the side wagering area for indicating a wager that a resulting digit of a one digit or two digit whole number roulette spin outcome will match that digit value being wagered. The payout odds for a winning side bet adheres to house advantages established for both American and European style roulette games.
Published US Patent Document No. 20090098921 (Manning et al.) describes apparatus having a computing device operable to: determine 21 symbols; cause the 21 symbols to be displayed in a grid pattern in which there are three rows with seven symbols per row, and seven columns with three symbols per column; determine a first outcome based on only a first subset of the 21 symbols, the first subset containing 15 symbols; determine a second outcome based on only a second subset of the 21 symbols, the second subset containing 15 symbols; determine a third outcome based on only a third subset of the 21 symbols, the third subset containing 15 symbols; and cause a payment to be provided to a player based on at least one of the first outcome, the second outcome, and the third outcome.
Published US Patent Document 20140210164 (MacDonald) shows two modified roulette wheels are used to generate a pair of cards for a card game. Players may wager on one or more outcomes selected from a group of predetermined outcomes including one of the wheels producing a winning card value, the wheels producing equal card values, one or more of the wheels producing a card value below a first predetermined value, and one or more of the wheels producing a card value above a second predetermined value. The wheels are spun to produce one or more game outcomes from the group of predetermined outcomes, and the wagers are settled.
Published US Patent Document 20080006996 (Frankel) describes a method of playing a roulette game using the steps of: (a) establishing rules of play for a roulette game that may be played in a series of rounds, (b) affording a player an opportunity to make a primary wager on each round of the roulette game in accordance with the established rules of the roulette game, (c) establishing rules of play for a secondary wager to be played substantially concurrently with the roulette game wherein a chip is wagered, and the odds of receiving a favorable outcome of the secondary wager depend upon the current number of favorable outcomes of the secondary wager and the outcome of the secondary wager is determined independently of the outcome of the roulette game, wherein (i) if the outcome of the secondary wager is unfavorable, then the current number of favorable outcomes is set to an initial value and the chip is confiscated, (ii) if the outcome of the secondary wager is favorable, then the current number of favorable outcomes is incremented and the chip is either: (1) exchanged for an incremented chip which is used in a subsequent round of secondary wagering, or (2) surrendered for a payout which is dependent upon the current number of favorable outcomes and reinitializing the number of favorable outcomes, (d) affording a player an opportunity to make a secondary wager on a series of rounds of play of the roulette game, the player of the secondary wager selecting criteria of the secondary wager in accordance with the established rules of the secondary wager, (e) playing a series of rounds of the roulette game in accordance with the established rules, (f) determining if a secondary wager was made, wherein if the secondary wager was made, determining the outcome of the secondary wager.
Other forms of side bets in gaming systems that are shown to enhance a game of chance are listed below. To win the secondary wager one must often win a sequence of games in a row and thus qualify for a bonus jackpot. U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,810 to Williams (Roulette Apparatus) discloses a roulette wheel that includes such a bonus jackpot. The roulette apparatus of Williams may pay a bonus jackpot to the winner of the primary game (e.g. roulette) upon the occurrence of a specified condition (e.g. when a number occurs three times in a row). A similar game is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,161 to Boylan et al. (Wagering Game with a Set of Rounds and Bets) wherein a player makes a secondary wager on a predetermined number of rounds of a primary game. If the player wins all of the rounds, the player is rewarded with a bonus jackpot. Another roulette game with a bonus jackpot is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,798 to Adams et al. (Apparatus for Playing a Roulette Game Including a Progressive Jackpot). In each of the aforementioned games, if the player is to win the bonus jackpot, the player must also win the primary game. Thus, winning of the jackpot is dependent upon winning the primary game.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,833 to Lamie (Apparatus for Detecting a Series of Game Outcomes) teaches a similar method for accumulating a bonus jackpot. Lamie discloses a slot machine that determines the odds of successfully completing a number of hypothetical games. During play, if the actual outcome falls to match the hypothetical outcome, then the jackpot is increased. If the actual outcome meets the hypothetical outcome, then the bonus jackpot is paid out. Much like Williams, the player cannot win the bonus jackpot unless the player also wins the primary game.
U.S. Pat. No. RE38,982 (Gambling Game System and Methods) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,998 (Blackjack Game System and Methods), both to Forte et al., disclose multiple bonus jackpots that are paid out at certain frequencies—the larger the jackpot, the less frequently the payout is made. The bonus jackpots are paid out upon the occurrence of a certain condition, and the player does not make a secondary wager or choose the conditions to be wagered upon. The player is often detached from the wagering process, and as such the game is less enjoyable than a game with more player involvement.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,885 (Electronic Gaming System and Method for Multiple Play Wagering) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,431 (Gaming System and Method for Multiple Play Wagering), both to Ornstein, teach a method of placing a secondary wager on consecutive wins of a primary game. To win the secondary wager, the player must necessarily win the primary game. A similar wagering system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,492 to Markowiak (Method of Playing a Better Game Using Special Payoff Tables) that uses special “win buttons” to track the number of consecutive wins. Markowiak's invention changes the house edge in each round of play to favor the player by increasing the payout. It is important to note that the chance of winning each individual round remains constant. Such an arrangement attempts to induce the player to continue betting. Unfortunately, this same arrangement also increases the chances that a player will strike a large jackpot, and thus reduces the casino's profit. Furthermore, like most of the prior art, to win the secondary wager the player must also win the primary game.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,501,479 (Smith) describes an apparatus and method of playing a side bet wager in a roulette game allow for a significant reward on the side bet. The side bet is on the appearance of three consecutive events where the number provided in the roulette game falls within three consecutively selected sets of numbers. The apparatus may be a standard roulette table with appropriate wager markings on the felt, a partially electronic table with wagering terminals and physical roulette wheel, or a completely electronic roulette table with virtual roulette wheel.
Electronic wheel and wagering systems may be used, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,152,171 (Miltenberger); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,866 (Frost); and published U.S. Patent Application Documents Nos. 20110065513 (Nordahl); 20100148442 (Walker); 20050255904 and 20090005148 (Duhamel); 20090227310 (Yoshizawa). A gaming device including at least one wagering station and a rotor. The rotor supports a series of symbols arranged about a center. The rotor also supports a series of landings arranged adjacent to the series of symbols. In operation, at least one ball travels along the rotor and eventually reaches a landing. One or more of the elements of the gaming device has a designated shape, construction or function to enable designated operations of a primary game, a secondary outcome determiner or a combination thereof.
A roulette gaming system and method of playing on that system include:
A roulette gaming system and method of playing on that system include:
In one method of the invention, remaining symbols outside of the first and second sets of numbers 1-36 are provided in pairs (2 each of a first symbol or 4 symbols, as two each of two symbols) each independent for wagering purposes of the 2 colors used for the first set and second set of numbers 1-36.
A roulette gaming system and method of playing on that system include:
In one method and system of the invention, the remaining symbols outside of the 2 sets of numbers 1-36 are provided in pairs of symbols or numbers (2 symbols or 4) each representing a non-color representing symbol such that wagering on one of the 2 colors used for the sets of 1-36 cannot win a “color” wager if a non-color representing symbol is a random event outcome.
b) A wagering outcome defining system is used in which available wager positions are visually provided; and
The gaming system and method of play may be performed with a purely physical construction, a purely electronic system or a blend of physical game elements and electronic components. Among the structural embodiments are included a roulette gaming system having a single wheel with either a single set of 36-38 numbers (e.g., 1-36 and either 0, 00, or a single symbol or two symbols other than a number between 1-36) or two sets of 36-38 numbers (e.g., two sets of 1-36 and either one or two sets of 0, 00, or two sets of either a single symbol or two symbols other than a number between 1-36). The latter forms a wheel with 73, 74, 75 or 76ball receptor positions (or potential random outcomes) and there would be exactly two distinct positions for each number 1-36 inclusively between 1 and 36, each distinct position of the exactly two distinct positions having a different color from the other. Remaining distinct positions having symbols or numbers other than between 1 and 36 with each symbol represented in 2 distinct positions each having a wagering effect independent of the color of the remaining distinct positions (e.g., 0 or 00 or other symbol) and a track along which a ball may be spun and randomly decelerate to randomly fall into a single ball receptor position.
Another physical embodiment may be described as a single wheel having 37 or 38 ball receptor positions and there is exactly one distinct position for each number inclusively between 1 and 36 (and 0 or 00, or a first or two non-number symbols), each distinct position having a single inactive color and remaining distinct positions having symbols or numbers other than exclusively between 1 and 36 and an inactive color and a track along which a ball may be spun and randomly decelerate to randomly fall into a single ball receptor position, and a second random outcome generator that determines one of two outcomes, each of the two outcomes having a 50/50 probability, each of the two outcomes representing a distinct color. The term inactive color means that even if there is a color or tone on the number or canoe or numbered or symboled slot (e.g., black, gray, white, pink, green, yellow, gold, silver, magenta, cyan, blue, red, etc.) the inactive color or tone is not by itself used in determination of outcomes. A separate indicator element (a wheel, a video display, a die, a random number generator with visual display, a spinner, a coin (virtual or physical), or any other indicator that provides exactly two outcomes (e.g., red or black)) can be used to provide an indication of the color outcome. Thus, in a single wheel, all normal outcomes in a roulette system may be wagered upon and new outcomes can be wagered upon. For example, a wager may be placed on any 17, 17-black (the normal roulette identification of the outcome for 17), or 17-RED. The odds on 17-black and 17-red would be about double the standard 30:1, or up to 35:1 (60:1 or u-p to 70:1), and the odds on any 17 would be approximately 30:1, the standard odds on 17. The odds on any color (red or black) would remain the same, the incidence of 0, 00 or other “color inactive” positions, numbers or symbols still retaining the house hold and odds in favor of the house for that wager. Many more wagers can be used that are variations of standard roulette wagers. For example, a wager may be placed on a “black” column of twelve numbers at 4:1 odds (as opposed to the standard 2:1 odds for a roulette column wager). A line wager may be placed on a red 4-5-6 line paying 20:1 or up to 22:1 (as opposed to the standard 10:1 odds for a roulette column wager). In an electronic wagering system, more complex wagers with significant freedom to operate may be made on the system. A wager such as red-odd; red-even; black-odd; black-even; 0-red; 00-black; 0,00-black; corner (four number overlap) black; corner with odd-red and even-black; etc. may be made, and the processor can rapidly assess and resolve the wager and account for appropriate odds.
The roulette gaming system may be a system including electronic components such as one having a player input system on which at least one wager is placed on at least one wager outcome position and recognized by the processor at a single player position and the processor configured to provide image data on a display screen of a single virtual wheel having 73, 74, 75 or 76 virtual ball receptor positions and there are exactly two distinct virtual positions for each number inclusively between 1 and 36, each distinct virtual position of the exactly two distinct virtual positions having a different displayed color from the other and remaining distinct virtual positions having symbols or numbers other than any numbers between 1 and 36 with each symbol represented in 2 distinct positions each having a different color and the processor is configured to randomly select a final outcome of a random single ball receptor position and to display an image of the random single ball receptor position and the processor being configured to resolve the at least one wager at the player input position.
The roulette gaming system may be a system including electronic components such as one having a player input system on which at least one wager is placed on at least one wager outcome position and recognized by the processor at a single player position and the processor configured to provide image data on a display screen of a single virtual wheel having 37 or 38 virtual ball receptor positions and there is exactly one distinct virtual position for each number inclusively between 1 and 36, each distinct virtual position having a single inactive color and remaining distinct virtual positions having symbols or numbers other than exclusively between 1 and 36 and an inactive color and the processor is configured to randomly select a final outcome of a random single ball receptor position and to display both a) an image of the random single ball receptor position and b) a second random outcome that determines one of two outcomes, each of the two outcomes having a 50/50 probability, each of the two outcomes representing a distinct color and the processor being configured to resolve the at least one wager at the player input position.
Among variations in structure that can be used are, by way of non-limiting examples, all numbers on a standard wheel would be the same color (no red or black). A second wheel or other random outcome indicating device, preferably specialized to approximately 50/50 outcomes (black and white, odd or even, spade or heart etc.) would be used that is marked with no numbers but colors only red and black. The term approximately 50/50 is quantifiable. As there may be, for example, 1,000 pseudo random outcomes available (or more or fewer), a non-color determining outcome (e.g., green, joker, diamond, letter, etc.) may be present within the collection of available pseudo-random outcomes so that within the group of say 1,000 outcomes, 1-20 of the outcomes are removed from the approximately 50/50 determination, making it within the probability range of at least 45/45/10, with the 10 a non-color outcome, more preferably within the probability range of 47/47/6, or 48/48/4, or 49/49/2 which more closely approximates the color outcomes in a standard roulette wheel with a) or a 0 and 00. Therefore, “approximately 50/50” is defined as within the probability range of three outcomes of at least 45/45/10, with each 45 being a distinct color and the 10 being a non-color outcome (as between, for example, black and red). Alternatively, all numbers on a standard wheel would be the same color (no red or black) and an electronic device is used to select the color, red or black. Further alternatives would include a system where all numbers on a standard wheel would be the same color (no red or black) and a die (like in craps) or a deck of cards (modified or standard) is used to select the color. Other alternatives include a system where all numbers on a standard wheel would be the same color (no red or black) and a ball or other triggered 50/50 indicating device that changes colors is used.
Further alternatives include a system where all numbers on a standard wheel would be the same color (e.g., no red or black) in the slots that the ball landed in (the canoes). Two balls would be used which would be colored red or black (randomly selected if used by an automatic machine) and the 2 balls can be used one for number and one for color.
A double roulette wheel (two roulette wheels also) can be used one for numbers with no color and one for color selection. All numbers and colors selections are preferably wagered upon through an electronic wagering system.
THE RED BET-PAYS 1:1 ON ALL RED NUMBERS 1-36
THE BLACK BET-PAYS 1:1 ON ALL BLACK NUMBERS 1-36
THE COLUMNS BETS NOW HAVE AN OPTION OF 9 BETS INSTEAD OF 3
186 NEW BETS ARE CREATED AND ONLY 24 ARE POSSIBLY LOST (e.g., Playing 2 side by side numbers such as 1&2, 2&3, 4&5, 5&6, etc.)
IN A PHYSICAL LAYOUT, BUT MAY BE MAINTAINED IN THE MORE FLEXIBLE ELECTRONIC LAYOUT [PLEASE IDENTIFY THESE LOST BETS] FROM THE STANDARD GAME OF ROULETTE.
PICKING A NUMBER BY COLOR WILL DOUBLE ALL PAY OUTS EXCEPT A RED OR BLACK BET.
1 NUMBER 72 for 1
2 NUMBERS 36 for 1
4 NUMBERS 18 for 1
6 NUMBERS 12 for 1
12 NUMBERS 6 for 1
24 NUMBERS 3 for 1
PAYS
1-12 both 3 for 1
1-12 red 6 for 1
1-12 black 6 for 1
13-24 both 3 for 1
13-24 red 6 for 1
13-24 black 6 for 1
25-36 both 3 for 1
25-36 red 6 for 1
25-36 black 6 for 1
EVEN both 2 for 1
EVEN red 4 for 1
EVEN black 4 for 1
ODD both 2 for 1
ODD red 4 for 1
ODD black 4 for 1
RED 2 for 1
BLACK 2 for 1
PAYS 1-18 both 2 for 1
1-18 red 4 for 1
1-18 black 4 for 1
19-36 both 2 for 1
19-36 red 4 for 1
19-36 black 4 for 1
COLUMN 1 6 for 1
COLUMN 2 6 for 1
COLUMN 3 6 for 1
COLUMN 4 6 for 1
COLUMN 5 6 for 1
COLUMN 6 6 for 1
COLUMN 1&2 3 for 1
COLUMN 3&4 3 for 1
COLUMN 5&6 3 for 1
In the play of the present technology, a wager on groups of numbers such as odd numbers, even numbers, 1-18 numbers, 19-36 numbers, 1-12 numbers, 13-24 numbers, 25-36 numbers or individual numbers 1-36 or a set/pair of symbols other than 1-36 offers as many or at least 3 wagering options instead of just a standard single outcome. Players place that wager for the first of 2 color outcomes only, place the wager for the second of 2 color outcomes only, or place the wager on both colors.
These and other variations may be used in the practice of the present technology.
