Dice Game and Apparatus

Abstract

A table for playing a betting game, the table having a playing surface, the surface having a curved portion, two semi-circular areas extending from each end of the curved portion, the semi-circles arcing to complete the circumference of the surface, and a straight portion linking the bases of the two semi-circular shapes. Also described is a method of playing a game comprising (a) throwing a pair of dice once and (b) placing a wager on the outcome of the throw, as well as a method of marking betting areas that obviates the need for the use of colored betting chips.

Description

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dice game and apparatus. In particular, aspects of the invention reside in a table shape on which betting games, particularly dice games, may be played. Use of the table is exemplified in a game that involves wagering on the outcome of a throw of a pair of dice that may be played on the table of the invention, and a marking system that obviates the use of colored betting chips.

BACKGROUND

Dice games have been popular in many cultures since antiquity, both as gambling games and as games played purely for fun. The reason is that the die introduces uncertainty into the game, which is the basis of gambling games. When the dice are rolled it is impossible to predict which numbers will appear face up and the underlying concept of all dice games is wagering on the outcome of the roll of the die or dice.

The two most popular dice games in the world are Craps and Sic bo. Craps has originated and evolved in the Western world and is played with two dice, with players predicting the total of the two numbers appearing face up on the dice after they have been rolled. The different bets available are displayed and wagers can be placed by transferring betting chips to the betting area.

Sic bo is an ancient Chinese game that offers certain advantages for new players compared to craps. It is played with three dice which offers a larger number of outcomes. The more important factor is that all the bets are decided in one roll only and this eliminates the complexities that are found in craps. Players can bet on either the total of the three dice or on the dice combination.

Another popular dice game is Chuck-a-luck, also known as birdcage, which is a game of chance derived from a game known as Grand Hazard. Both Chuck-a-luck and Grand Hazard are considered to be a variant of Sic bo. Chuck-a-luck is played with three standard dice that are kept in a device shaped like an hourglass that resembles a wire-framed bird cage and that pivots about its centre. The dealer rotates the cage end over end, with the dice landing on the bottom. Wagers are placed based on possible combinations that can appear on the three dice. The possible wagers are usually fewer than the wagers that are possible in Sic bo and, in that sense, Chuck-a-luck can be considered to be a simpler game.

However, there is always a need for new games, particularly in casinos, to encourage and maintain interest at dice game tables. Ideally, new games are easy to learn, fast to play and have sufficient returns for the players, while retaining a suitable house advantage. A game that has a short cycle is preferred so that more rounds of the game can be played in any given period of time. In addition, a player should not be required to make too many decisions and the game should be easy to administrate. The present invention provides, in some aspects, a new game, ideally played with a pair of dice, that meets all the advantages and requirements set out above. In addition, casinos are mindful of the costs for running and maintaining games and so the present invention also provides, in some aspects, a table shape that enables fewer game operatives to run a game, as well as a betting marking system that obviates the need for the use of colored betting chips.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1D show a table on which the game of the present invention may be played, where FIG. 1A is a top plan view of the table, FIG. 1B is a front view, FIG. 1C is a perspective side view and FIG. 1D is a front plan view.

FIG. 2 shows the “Inside” betting area with all possible outcomes of a throw of a pair of dice.

FIG. 3 shows an “Outside” betting area for betting on the outcome of one of a pair of dice.

FIGS. 4A-4B show alternative arrangements of the “Inside” and “Outside” betting areas when the two areas are combined in a single betting display.

FIG. 5 shows a track betting area for displaying all possible “Cozy” bets.

FIG. 6 shows a track betting area for wagering on the sum of two dice.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative track betting area for wagering on the sum of two dice.

FIGS. 8A-8B shows further alternative track betting areas that provides a combination of track betting areas.

FIGS. 9A-9D show alternative ways of displaying betting areas so that the use of colored betting chips by each player is obviated.

FIG. 10 shows the “Inside” and “Outside” betting areas displayed using the color marking system of FIG. 9B.

FIGS. 11A-11B show various possible betting areas displayed on the surface of FIG. 1B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTLY PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In one aspect, there is provided a table on which a betting game may be played. The table is particularly suitable for use with dice.

As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, the table 20 has a flat upper surface 22 on which a betting game is played and either a plinth 24 or a number of legs 26 supporting the playing surface 22. In essence, the surface 22 resembles a face with two rounded ears on top of the face. The surface has a curved portion 30. Two semi-circular shapes 32 extend from each end of the curved portion and arc to complete the circumference of the surface 22. A straight portion 34 links the bases of the two semi-circular shapes 32 (ears).

Suitable dimensions for the table 20 are typically approximately 2483 mm by 1812 mm at the widest or longest points. The table 20 may be 740 mm in height to offer a surface 22 at which play is comfortable, either standing up or sitting down. Those of skill in the art will understand that the dimensions of the table 20 are only provided by way of example and are not intended to be limiting.

The two semi-circular shapes 32 provide one or more areas 40 where dice are thrown.

The straight linking portion 34 provides an area 42 for a croupier to operate, while the curved part of the table provides an area 44 for players to make their bets. The table 20 is preferably arranged so that it may be operated by a single croupier and incorporates all the functions required by the players to place wagers and the single croupier to control the game. If the game requires an inspector, the table 20 may include an indentation in roughly the middle of the curved portion 30 to enable a second person to stand and observe play.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1B, 1C and 1D, the outside edges of the dice throwing areas 40 each include a raised wall 46 against which the dice may be thrown. The raised walls 46 stand perpendicular to the plane of the table and serve to retain the dice (not shown) on the table.

The straight portion 34 between the dice-throwing areas 40 (ears) provides space for the croupier or dealer to operate. This area 34 may include a covered area for valuable cash chips to be stored during operation of the table (not shown), an optional chipping machine for sorting the chips into colour, an opening 48 through which lost chips that are removed from the table are passed, and sufficient space for a number of rolls of betting chips 50 to be stored.

The playing area 44 takes up the majority of the table surface 22 and is where players place their wagers. The playing area 44 has a number of possible game outcomes and betting options displayed on it. The display 52 is suitably large that it may be read easily from any side of or angle to the table and provide sufficient space on each outcome to carry one or more betting chips.

It will be appreciated that the table 20 may be used to play any suitable betting game, except roulette which requires the inclusion of a rotatable wheel. The table 20 is particularly suitable for betting games based on rolling one or more dice, such as Craps, Sic bo and Chuck-a-luck.

In another aspect, there is provided a betting game suitable for playing on the table described above, wherein wagers are placed on the outcome of a single throw of a pair of dice. The game requires a pair of dice, each die having six sides and each side bearing indicia that is different to that of the other five sides. While indicia on dice are typically spots from one to six, it will be appreciated that the indicia may take any form or shape, such as an image, icon, graphic and/or colour. It is preferred that each die has six sides, each side being marked with a unique indicia and each die being visually different from the other. While dice having any kind or type of indicia may be used, conventional dice with spots denoting numbers from 1 to 6 are preferred.

Two dice are used to increase the odds of the game while their function is to provide a random outcome. This may be achieved by the players or a croupier/dealer rolling the dice. The dice may be shaken and rolled in a hand or placed in a container that is shaken. In an alternative, a dice cage may be used. In this instance, a pair of dice is locked inside the cage which is either turned or spun. In a yet further alternative, the dice may be thrown by digital and/or electronic means.

The aim of the game is to bet on the outcome of a single throw of a pair of dice. Each roll of the dice is an independent event and is not affected by what has already been rolled.

The outcomes of the dice are displayed on the table surface 22 in the playing area 44. While the outcomes may be displayed in any way, a particular layout will now be described that, the inventor believes, makes playing of the game as aesthetic, simple and fun as possible.

Using two conventional six sided numerical dice, there are a total of twenty one possible outcomes, ranging from 1-1 to 6-6. Because all twenty-one betting areas are independent, there is no limit to how these may be arranged on the playing surface. However, as shown in FIG. 2, a particularly suitable arrangement displays these outcomes arranged in a grid in the shape of an equilateral triangle 60. The outcomes where both dice show the same number form a row 62 along one edge of the triangle with 6-6 at one end and 1-1 at the opposite end of the row. Each subsequent row of the triangle has one fewer polygon than the previous row, until the triangle ends at a single polygon in which the outcome 6-1 is depicted. The particular embodiment shown in FIG. 2 illustrates the grid as tessellated hexagons but other shapes may be used.

The triangular display 60 aids both the players and the croupier in identifying specific bets quickly. For example, if the winning outcome was 5-3, the betting area 5-3 may be found by mentally forming an equilateral triangle with double 3 at one corner and double 5 at another corner. The outcome 5-3 is found at the apex of the resulting triangle.

Bets placed on the row 62 showing the outcomes where both dice show the same number may be called “Doubles”. On a statistically perfect average, each of the six bets will win once in every thirty-six rolls of the dice. The player will then receive a pay off according to a pay table that is decided by the house. For example, the odds for rolling a double may be 35 to 1, or 34 to 1, or 33 to 1, depending on how much advantage the house wishes to add.

Bets placed on the remaining rows 64 may be called “Middle” bets and will, on a statistically perfect average, win four times in every thirty-six rolls of the dice. Bets placed in one of these fifteen outcomes will win if the dice, after being rolled, match exactly to the outcome on which the player has placed a bet, or the dice show a double that matches one of the dice values on which the player has bet. For example, if a bet is placed on the 1-6 outcome, the dice must either be 1-6 exactly, a double 1 or a double 6 to receive a pay off. In the event of a winning bet, the player will receive a pay off according to a pay table set by the house. For example, the odds may be 14 to 1 for an exact match and 2 to 1, 3 to 2 or 1 to 1 where one of the numbers is rolled as a double.

Together, the “Middle” and “Double” bets 62, 64 make up the “Inside” betting area 60 and the display of FIG. 2 will be termed the “Inside” area 60 from here on in.

In addition or as an alternative to the “Inside” area 60, players may be offered the option of betting that at least one of the dice with be a specific value. Such a bet may be termed an “Outside” bet. It will be appreciated that, because all six bets are independent of each other there are many possible arrangements of displaying such outcomes. For example, FIG. 3 shows a row 66 illustrating six individual dice, each die showing one of each of the six sides, from 1 to 6. Any bets placed in this betting area will win if one of the two dice thrown matches the outcome where the bet is placed. Bets are paid according to a pay table determined by the house. For example, the odds may be 2 to 1. A winning bet may receive a higher pay off if both dice match the outcome of the winning bet, i.e. a double is thrown. For example, odds of 5 to 1, 4 to 1 or 3 to 1 may be applicable.

Examples of displays showing both “Inside” and “Outside” betting areas 60, 66 combined are illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 4B shows an alternative format for the “Inside” betting area 60, the hexagons being replaced with squares.

In another addition or alternative, players may be offered so-called “Cozy” bets. As illustrated in FIG. 5, six betting options are illustrated with each separate bet corresponding to six individual betting positions on the “Inside” betting area. For example, a player wishing to place a bet on 6-6, 6-5, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 and 6-1 could make use of the betting area 68 depicted in FIG. 5 by passing six chips of minimum table value or higher to the croupier. To identify the individual betting value the player is seeking to bet, the player uses a predetermined phrase such as the phrase “SIX COZY” to instruct the croupier to place the entire bet on the area designated “six” within the group of bets in FIG. 5. In the event of any of these outcomes winning, the appropriate chip(s) will be moved from the “Cozy” betting area 68 and placed on the appropriate “Inside” position(s) 60 and the player then receives a pay off according to a pay table.

The triangular display of the “Inside” bets 60 makes the identification of these “Cozy” bets 68 quick and simple. For example, if a winning bet is placed on 3, this encompasses a dice outcome of 1-3, 2-3, 3-3, 4-3, 5-3 and 6-3. By finding the double 3 outcome on the grid, the rest of the outcomes radiate diagonally out to the other two sides of the triangular display.

An alternative or additional betting area is illustrated in FIG. 6, which shows a track betting area 70 allowing bets to be placed on the total of the two dice. Again, it will be appreciated that there are many possible arrangements of displaying such totals. FIG. 6 offers eleven betting options, representing every possible total of two dice from double 1, which gives a total of 2, to double 6, which gives a total of 12. The number of chips needed to play these bets will vary depending on how many “Inside” bets equal the value the player wishes to play.

The triangular array of “Inside” bets 60 provides a further advantage when multiple bets are placed on “Track” betting areas as the triangular layout makes the identification of all possible outcomes equaling a specific total may be readily found by eye. For example, a double 1 provides a total of two. The next vertical row will contain 2-1 giving a total of three. The next vertical row contains all combinations that total four and so on until the opposite side of the display is reached where double 6 gives a total of twelve.

Note that all combinations that total seven are found running straight down the center of the triangular layout. While 7 is not a particularly important number, it represents the mid-point between 2 and 12. In addition, it known that in dice games, 7 has the most chance of being rolled.

To identify the individual betting value the player is seeking to bet, the player may use a predetermined phrase such as the phrase “SIX SOLO” when announcing the bet, whereby the croupier places the entire bet on the outcome designated “six” within the group of bets in FIG. 6. In this example, the player will need to surrender a minimum of three chips of table value, or multiples of three chips, to the croupier because there are three betting areas on the “Inside” layout that add up to the total of six: 3-3, 4-2 and 5-1. Were the player to chose a different “Solo” value, perhaps the number “ten”, the player would need only surrender two chips of table value, or multiples of two chips, to the dealer because there are only two betting areas on the “Inside” layout that add up to the total of ten: 5-5 and 6-4.

In the event of any of these positions winning the appropriate chip(s) will be moved from the track area 70 and placed on the appropriate “Inside” position(s) 60 and the appropriate pay off calculated and made according to a pay table. This group of bets may be called the “Solo” bets and allow a player to play all of the “Inside” bets that are of a certain total in one straightforward bet.

FIG. 7 shows a yet further additional or alternative betting option, providing five groups of totals. Bets placed on these areas 72 may be termed “Bevy” bets and allow a player to play a portion of or the entire “Inside” betting area 60 that contain certain groups of totals in one or multiple straightforward bets. The layout illustrated is in a track format but it will be appreciated that other layouts, formats and groupings may be displayed.

The “Bevy” bet area 72 displaying outcome totals of 2, 3, 11 and 12 is a four chip minimum bet because each number represents one “Inside” betting area. A player must place four chips, or multiples thereof, on this betting area 72 to reach the minimum required chips for the bet to be accepted by the croupier. Likewise, the “Bevy” bet area 72 displaying the outcome totals of 4, 5, 9 and 10 require a minimum of eight betting chips as each number represents two “Inside” betting areas 60. A player must place eight chips, or multiples of eight chips, on this betting area 72 to reach the minimum chips required for the bet to be accepted by the croupier. The “Bevy” bet area 72 displaying outcomes 6, 7 and 8 are nine chip minimum bets as each number represents three “Inside” betting areas 60. A player must place nine chips, or multiples of nine chips, on this betting area 72 to reach the minimum required chips for the bet to be accepted by the croupier. The “Bevy” bet areas (72) 2-3-4-5-6 and 8-9-10-11-12 are also nine chip minimum bets for the same reasons explained for the 6-7-8 “Bevy” bet area 72.

All track bets may be passed to the croupier with the respective “Bevy” bet being called verbally by the player before the dealer accepts the bet. For example, if the player wishes to place a bet on the group betting area numbered 2-3-11-12, the player calls “BEVY 2 TO 12”. Providing sufficient chips have been passed to the croupier, the bet will be accepted and placed on the track signified as 2-3-11-12 in FIG. 7. Each “Bevy” bet called by the player should begin with the word “BEVY” followed with the lowest number of the group desired and ending with the highest number from within the same group to identify the group of bets requested.

All the twenty-two track bets depicted in FIGS. 5 to 7 are independent betting areas, so there is no limit to the shape of the track and how the betting areas are contained there within. There is also no need for a track to contain all twenty-two betting options, FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 may be displayed as independent tracks or any combination of groups of inside bets could be used to create a track. FIG. 8A illustrates a possible layout combining the three track areas 74 exemplified above while FIG. 8B shows the same layout as FIG. 8A but with an alternative way of displaying the low and high bets. Bets placed on the track will be called “Track” bets and, as explained above, all the “Track” bets represent groups of “Inside” bets.

It will be appreciated that the display of “Inside” and “Outside” bet areas 60, 66 may be combined with one or more displays of the “Track” bets 68, 70, 72, 74 described above.

Embodiments of the present game may require the use of different colored betting chips to identify where a player is placing his/her bets. Such a system is a well established feature in betting games such as Roulette and Sic bo. However, when there are more than a few players at a table, the use of colored chips and their placing on the betting display can easily become confusing and disorganized.

Thus, in a further aspect is provided a method of marking betting areas, the method comprising marking each betting area with a number of colors or indicia and assigning a different color or indicia to each player. In this way, a player simply places his/her bet on the appropriate color or indicia on a betting area, using any type or color of betting chip, thereby providing a marking system for betting that does not require the use of colored betting chips. An economic advantage of finding an alternative to colored chips is the removal of the ongoing cost of replacing color chips coupled with the removal of automated chip processing machines that are needed to separate mixed lots of color chips.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D show examples of four different betting schemes. Each display 100 has eight colour markings in which:

101=Green

102=Brown

103=Yellow

104=Light blue

105=Red

106=Grey

107=Orange

108=Dark blue.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, a betting option, say 6-1, is outlined with an octagon. Within the outline are eight areas, depicted as circles, each circle being a different color to the remaining seven circles. In FIG. 9B, the individual colored circles are replaced by partial circles, with one colored area designed to a corner of the octagon. In FIG. 9C, each corner of the betting outcome outline is assigned to a color while in FIG. 9D, the outline is replaced by a suitable number of colored arrows, the arrow heads pointing in towards the depicted outcome.

It will be appreciated that the betting display 52 may be shaped or illustrated to cater for any number of players. Eight is believed to be an optimal number of players and thus colors or indicia, as this represents a manageable and profitable number of players for a table. Therefore, outlining each betting area with an eight-sided polygon is presently considered to be an optimal solution.

Colors or indicia representing each player may take any form or shape. To maximize space, the ideal layout is for each betting area to be outlined and the marking scheme to be illustrated in the corner or along the edge of the outline.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a layout that will function with many players for the game described above without the need for color chips. In particular, while the triangular format has been maintained, the markings illustrated in FIG. 9B surround all twenty-seven betting options of the game layout.

A method of playing the game described above will now be made with reference to FIG. 11A (or FIG. 11B). To play the game, a player is positioned at one of the colored areas 110 marked on the playing area 44 around the table circumference shown in FIG. 11A (or FIG. 11B). If playing chips are required, monies are passed to the croupier in exchange for chips from the chip storage area. The player then places any desired bets on the “Inside” game layout 60, the “Track” layout or both 74. The croupier then offers a number of dice to the/a player who selects two dice. The dice are thrown into the dice throwing area 40, against either the side or back walls 46. The croupier calls out the winning combination, retrieves the dice using a dice stick (not shown) and places the dice on the playing area 44, next to the betting display 52. The croupier places a dolly (not shown) onto the winning outcome on the “Inside” betting area 60. All losing bets are removed from the betting area 60 and placed in the chip area 42. If the “Track” betting area 74 is in use, all losing “Track” bets are cleared and any winning bets are placed onto the winning outcome(s) on the “Inside” game layout 60. Winning bets receive a payoff, the dolly is removed from the betting area and the next round of betting begins.

In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of playing a game as described above, wherein the method is embodied in a computer program product for use with a computer system, the computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having computer readable program means embodied in the medium for performing the steps of the method.

While the present invention has been described with reference to play on a table, it will be appreciate that the game is also suitable for an electronic format or on-line. In such an embodiment, the playing surface is depicted on a screen and the outcomes of each dice throw (or equivalent thereof) are generated randomly, preferably by electronic means.

While embodiments of the present invention have been described using various terms such as “Doubles”, “Middle”, “Inside”, “Outside”, “Cozy”, “Track,” “Solo,” “Bevy,” those of skill in the art will realize and understand, upon reading this description, that different and/or other terms may be used instead of or in addition to any or all of these terms.

While various payouts have been described above for the various kinds of bets, those skilled in the art will know and understand that different payouts can be allocated to different bets, and that the payouts may be a function of various factors including the number of dice and the number of sides of each dice.

The present invention has been described using throws of a pair of dice, but it will be appreciated that other random, but finite, outcomes may be used instead, for example cards or tiles. The invention is also suitable for electronic playing so that wagers are made on the outcome of digitally or electronically generated icons. Those of skill in the art will understand that this game can be programmed into an electronic device for use at a casino, at home or over a network.

What has been described and illustrated herein are presently preferred embodiments, along with some variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention in which all terms are meant in their broadest, reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

The words “first,” “second,” and “third” used herein, including in the claims, are used to distinguish or identify, and not to show a serial or numerical limitation.

Claims

1. A table for playing a betting game, the table comprising: a playing surface, the surface having a curved portion, two semi-circular areas extending from each end of the curved portion, the semi-circles arcing to complete the circumference of the surface, and a straight portion linking the bases of the two semi-circular shapes.

2. A table according to claim 1, wherein the curved portion provides a playing area, the playing area including markings depicting a plurality of independent betting areas for placing bets.

3. A table according to claim 1, wherein the semi-circular areas provide one or more dice throwing areas.

4. A table according to claim 1, wherein the semi-circular areas include upstanding walls around at least part of their circumference.

5. A table according to claim 1, wherein the linking portion provides a betting chip storage area and an area for a croupier to stand, between the two semi-circular areas.

6. A table according to claim 1, wherein the surface further includes an indentation in its circumference providing an area for inspection of a game being played on the surface.

7. A table according to claim 1, wherein the curved portion includes markings arranged around the circumference and displayed on the surface indicating areas for one or more players to stand or sit.

8. A method of playing a game comprising: (a) throwing a pair of dice once and(b) placing at least one wager on the outcome of the throw, wherein the at least one wager is one or more of: (i) a first wager based on the exact outcome of the throw;(ii) a second wager based on the sum of the final throw of the dice; and(iii) a third wager based on whether a single die or the sum of the dice is odd or even.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein each die has six sides, each side being marked with a unique indicia.

10. A method according to claim 8, wherein the two dice are identical.

11. A method according to claim 8, wherein step (b) comprises placing at least two wagers on the outcome of the throw, wherein at least one of said wagers is selected from the first wager, the second wager, and the third wager.

12. A method according to claim 8 wherein step (b) comprises: (b1) placing the first wager, and(b2) placing one or more of the second and third wagers.

13. A method according to claim 8 wherein step (b) comprises: (b3) placing the second wager, and(b4) placing one or more of the first and third wagers.

14. A method according to claim 8 wherein step (b) comprises: (b5) placing the third wager, and(b6) placing one or more of the first and second wagers.

15. A method according to claim 8, wherein the game is played on a table having a playing surface, the surface having a curved portion, two semi-circular areas extending from each end of the curved portion, the semi-circles arcing to complete the circumference of the surface, and a straight portion linking the bases of the two semi-circular shapes

16. A method according to claim 8, wherein the table provides a playing area including markings depicting a plurality of independent betting areas for placing bets on the outcome of the throw corresponding to the at least one wager.

17. A system for playing a game, the system comprising: (a) a pair of dice; and(b) a table surface, the surface having a curved portion, two semi-circular areas extending from each end of the curved portion, the semi-circles arcing to complete the circumference of the surface, and a straight portion linking the bases of the two semi-circular shapes, the surface having a playing area including multiple regions thereon for placing bets on the outcomes of a single throw of the dice.

18. A system according to claim 17, wherein the curved portion provides a playing area, the playing area including markings depicting a plurality of independent betting areas for placing bets.

19. A system according to claim 17, wherein the multiple regions include one or more of: a region for placing a wager on the exact outcome of a throw of the dice;a region for placing a wager on the sum of a throw of the dice;a region for placing a wager based on whether the throw of a particular die or the sum of the dice is odd or even.

20. A system according to claim 17, wherein: the dice are each six sided, each die having specific distinct indicia on each side thereof, and wherein the multiple regions include one or more regions for placing wagers based on the indicia on a die.