DICE GAME AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

A dice game includes a unique play action, which is simplified with respect to conventional craps. Each dice roll or throw constitutes a decision. All wagers either win or lose in accordance with a designated payout. A bonus Fill the Field play option is provided for increased player excitement, game interest and operator profitability.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to gaming, and in particular to a dice game comprising a variation on craps.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various games are based on rolling (shooting) a die or dice. Players can easily participate in the game action and enjoy the excitement of rolling dice to determine an uncertain outcome in a game of chance. Such player excitement and fast-paced action are attractive to players. Moreover, casinos, online gaming websites and other gaming-betting establishments commonly offer craps, where legal, to attract customers.

However, conventional craps can be intimidating to beginner players. Conventional crap games start with “pass line” bets or “don't pass bar.” If the dice roll results in a 7 or 11 on the “come out” roll, pass line bets win instantly. Don't pass bets win instantly if the dice roll results in a 2 or 3 and if a 12 rolls, the bet will “push”, not win or lose. If the die lands on any other number, the pass and don't pass bets remain in play for subsequent rolls.

Any other number (i.e., 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) that rolls on the come out roll establishes the “point” on the traditional craps table. Game play continues (as well as the pass and don't pass bets) until the point number is rolled again or a 7 is rolled.

Once the point has been established, players have the option of “backing up” their pass line bet with an additional wager or “laying” odds against the point, betting that a 7 will roll before the point. Players may bet on other numbers, a “place” bet, in addition to the point (expecting that number to roll), or “lay” (expecting a 7 to roll). The shooter will keep rolling the dice (and players may keep betting) until a 7 or the point is rolled.

If the point is rolled before a 7, all pass line bets will win. If a 7 is rolled before the point, all pass line bets will lose, and all don't pass bets will win instead.

Craps players, especially beginners, are often confused and intimidated by these rules. Such intimidation increases with rapid gameplay and greater monetary stakes. Casinos, on the other hand, prefer fast-moving, high-stakes games for greater profit potential. As with all games of chance, the odds favor the gaming establishment (i.e., the house).

Heretofore there has not been available a dice game with the advantages and features of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The dice game of the present invention generally provides simplicity, easy comprehension and reduced floorspace requirements. Designed to be played on a half-tub table, less floorspace is required, as compared to conventional craps gaming tables. Moreover, fewer dealers are necessary for comparable levels of dice gaming, as compared to conventional craps operations. Profit potential can thus be enhanced, as compared to conventional craps games.

Still further, the game action of the present invention is attractive to players, whose goal is to participate in fast-moving games with the excitement of rolling dice, but without the necessity to learn and comprehend more complex game rule sets.

Another advantage of the present invention is that dealers are easier to train. Tables tend to be more productive because players quickly grasp the simpler rules and are less likely to require explanations. Such interruptions and explanations can slow gameplay and reduce table productivity. Still further, the potential player base is increased due to the attraction of a relatively simple game involving relatively few rules.

Yet another advantage relates to the fast-moving pace of the Play the Field dice game comprising the present invention, wherein each game is concluded with a single dice roll. Relatively fast turnover and efficient gameplay generally result in greater revenue for gaming establishments.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is adaptability to automated gameplay, e.g.: on a standalone machine (which can be located in a casino); online, on a personal computer; or on a suitable “smart” device. Additional, optional play action can be incorporated in the basic dice game. For example, a “Fill the Field” bonus option can be provided whereby players can effectively place side bets with predefined payouts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a gaming table, configured for accommodating multiple players engaged in the dice game according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Introduction and Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right, and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Dice Game

Without limitation on the generality of suitable table configurations, FIG. 1 shows a generally rectangular table 2 with a dealer station 4 along one side, a first row of multiple player stations 6 along a table side across from the dealer station 4, and a second row of multiple player stations of player stations 8 along an end of the table 2. The player station first and second rows 6, 8 form a generally L-shaped configuration. Although other table configurations can be utilized with the dice game of the present invention, such as U-shaped, the L-shaped configuration shown enables a dealer to devote more attention to the players because both rows of players are generally within the dealer's field-of-vision. The betting areas are comprised of the traditional craps betting areas, e.g.: Field Area; Any Red; Hop Bets; etc.

The dice game of the present invention commences with players placing field wagers on appropriate picture bets 10. The shooter must have a field wager. All other wagers are optional for the shooter. All betting areas (picture bets 10) are optional for each player. Each roll constitutes a decision and all wagers either win or lose in accordance with a designated payout.

III. Optional Fill the Field Bonus 12

The dice game 2 includes an optional Fill the Field the Bonus feature 12, which accommodates optional wagers or side bets that players may place. A player wins when all of the numbers in the Field are rolled. Rolling any combination of 7 results in a loss. The calculations for the Fill the Field bonus side bets are as follows in Table 1:

	TABLE 1
				Odds
	Event	#(Event)	P(Event)	(1-in)
	Field is Filled	64,529,969	0.006453	154.97
	Seven Rolled	9,935,470,031	0.993547	1.01
	Totals	10,000,000,000	1
Payout		House
(FOR 1)	RTP %	Edge %
150	96.79	3.21
140	90.34	9.66
130	83.89	16.11
125	80.66	19.34
120	77.44	22.56

IV. CONCLUSION

It is to be understood that the invention can be embodied in various forms and is not to be limited to the examples specifically discussed above. The range of components and configurations which can be utilized in the practice of the present invention is virtually unlimited.

Claims

1. A dice game, including: a table with a row of player stations and picture bets;the picture bets corresponding to player dice rolls; andgame rules including the steps of: players placing field wagers; a shooter placing a field wager; the shooter rolling the dice; the dice roll determining a win-loss in accordance with a designated payout; paying wins; and collecting losses.

2. The dice game according to claim 1, which includes: a Fill the Field bonus side bet configured for players wagering on whether or not all of a predetermined field will be filled before a “7” is rolled.