Patent Application
20220274007
This invention relates to a craps game, either permanent or portable, and one that incorporates a color-coding system or other means of identification for application during wagering, wherein each player is identified by a unique indicia to have an interactive system of wagering. The game can be provided upon a table, or a portable sheet, in preparation for play. Bets are made by the players, and when the dice is thrown, the pay grid provided upon the surface of the game table indicates the amount of increased payout, to a winning party or parties, after each accumulative roll, and/or whether said pay grid multiplier increases the reward. The game tables are available in both a digital and non-digital format. A screen provided behind the table and its roll area displays data for the pay grid multipliers and the multiple bonus bets. Also, a pair of tables may be installed back-to-back, for usage.
The story goes that, the game of Craps was invented by Sir Williams of Tyre, in 1125 AD during the Crusades. Sir Williams and his troops came upon a castle which was named “Asart” or “Hazarth.” While laying siege to the castle, they played the dice game called Hazarth.
The game of Hazarth started to catch on throughout the world by the end of the 18th century. The French embraced the game, and brought it to New Orleans in the US for gamblers to enjoy. “7” was the most common number, but when the two dice were rolled representing a 1 and a 1, it was called “crabs eyes.” This is now the modern day “snake eyes.” Through poor translation, “crabs eyes” became “craps.” (Hence, the Bonus Bet being called Crab Run.) The original game was very complicated with different odds and payouts.
The most modern game of craps we have all come to know and love was designed by John W. Winn (Hence the Bonus Bet now being called the Winnfall or Combination Bet). He introduced the ability to bet against the shooter, which changed the layout and the selection of bets available. Betting with the house “the do nots” often creates a poor atmosphere at the table, with players betting against one another. This simplified game eliminates this style of play. It was thought that having more choices for making wagers translated to more fun. However, our simplified craps game will prove that easy to understand, simplified, knowing where to place wagers, interactive game will be more entertaining and enjoyable.
The final evolution of the game from Winn was known as Bank Craps, more commonly known today in casinos as Craps. Today Craps has become probably the most popular and exciting games in American casinos. The casino games continue to evolve and have numerous bonus bets and different bets depending on which casino you are in.
Oddly enough, craps is not as popular in Europe as it was 500 years ago. However with its increased popularity, it will probably go full circle and become popular once again. The irony is that this game will help it go full circle from the early Castle to your Castle. Meaning also a portable and simplified game you can play with friends in your own home.
This invention will address the two main limitations of playing craps:
From a patent standpoint, the prior art does disclose U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,404, that shows a portable gaming table. This is a gaming table that is applied as a craps table, but not near as complex nor structurally assembled as the craps game as played in a casino.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,689, shows another craps game improvement. It is generally played in the manner of a craps game, wherein other players place their bets before the shooter throws the dice during performance of the game.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,960, shows a table for playing a game of Chance. While this game apparently includes the throw of a dice during its application, the layout of its board appears to be somewhat similar to that for the playing of Black Jack, as known in the art.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,225, shows a further method and apparatus for playing a dice game. It does utilize the conventional aspects of playing a game of craps, while simplifying the betting options for the participants.
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,247,114, shows a board game, wherein its playing surface includes a center area, wherein dice may be rolled, and various spaces around its periphery for establishing the betting areas for the participants. While the dice are rolled within the center section, there is an aspect of the various betting areas being identified by the color of one of the dice, during its usage and application.
This invention relates primarily to a Simplified Craps Game with a Color Coded and or Related Coded System of Wagering, Utilizing a Pay Grid Multiplier Payout and Bonus Bets. Simplified, and interactive as players are able to place their own wagers with their unique identifier, and with a limited number of ways of betting from a traditional craps game. This will be easier for players to see what bets are available, and to better understand their payout. Because of the simplification, the game will be easily monitored using 1-2 dealers. Because of the pay grid multiplier, placed wagers can be paid out at the end versus after every roll, keeping a simpler, better, and faster flow of play. Some knowledge of the game of craps is beneficial, but not necessary.
The game will be played as a single table game, or casinos will have the option to convert one existing craps table into two separate games and tables with a middle divider and slight table modifications, to have two table games in the same footprint. As mentioned, this game will be available in both a digital and non-digital versions. Differences between the two will be how the multiplier is recorded, and differences in bonus bets.
The non-digital table will utilize a pay grid directly on the surface of the game table, which is adjusted by the dealer who moves acrylic or other markers down the grid accordingly, as each number is rolled. For this non-digital version, the multiplier may also be recorded through other mechanical or manual means such as dials, pegs, rollers, cards, etc., with future designs of the existing concept to keep track of rolled numbers. Think of it as how some baseball stadiums still record hits, outs, runs, etc. on a score board versus electronically. The bonus bet may include a 4-10 before 7 bonus bet, or other specified numbers.
The digital table will utilize a digital or electronic screen behind or above the roll area, and will be populated with data for the pay grid multipliers and bonus bets. All data will be entered electronically by a dealer after each roll from an electronic device alongside the table. The bonus bets may include a Streak bonus bet, and a Combination bonus bet, which will be discussed in greater detail following. Other bonus bets may be added in the future.
The game will follow similar rules to the traditional game of craps with some differences. The following bets are available in this simplified craps game: Pass Line, Placed Bets, Hard Ways, Field Bets, and Bonus Bets. This game does not utilize the “Don't” as all players have the same agenda of beating the house. Players will place their own wagers when given the opportunity to do so at the dealer's discretion. When the dealer gives the okay, players will place their own bets on their unique color and/or unique icon using actual casino chips. Similar to how they would place bets in the game of roulette, but differing in that the chips being placed are actual casino chips versus chips representing a dollar amount. Dealers may also assist in placing bets for participants that are unable to reach certain bets on the table. Bonus bets are always placed by the dealer only.
Also, this invention relates to primarily a simplified craps game, which may also be portable. Portable from the standpoint that everything needed to play the game is enclosed in a lightweight and easy to carry 3″ diameter by 24″ long plastic tube, more or less. (Game mat, poker chips, spacers, and dice included). Simplified, with a unique color-coded or indicia system of wagering where each player has a unique color or code to have an interactive system of wagering. Simplified also with a limited number of ways of betting from the real craps game in casinos, which is easier for the player to understand, and allow for a single person to act as the dealer (House), and maintain a better flow of play. Some knowledge of the game of Craps is beneficial but not necessary. This is a fun game for beginners and experienced players alike. Suggested for two to six players, or more, one of which would be the dealer (House). Never has a portable craps game been so much fun and easy to play at home or on the go.
The game is established as a structural mat, or formed for application to a table, having the indicia for playing this modified game of craps thereon, and which includes its game mat, generally in the category of a 24″×36″ sheet. The mat includes a pay grid, that provides for movement of various spacers downwardly, each time a number, through the roll of the dice, is established. The mat also includes a roll area, in its upper corner reaches, but obviously, the dice rolling areas could be located anywhere around the periphery of the mat. The mat includes a place bets area, wherein the participating players and the option to bet various numbers, represented by the roll of dice, and to achieve an early payout, during participation in the game. There is also a past bet area, wherein if select numbers come up during an initial roll, funds are paid out to the participant, that have placed their bets at these locations.
The board also includes provision for participating in bonus bets, in field bets, in the roll of aces, such as snake eyes, or box cars, comprising a roll of the number 12. Other areas provide for one time wagering, anytime wagering, during participation within the play of the game.
This simplified game improves several key limitations of the traditional game of craps:
This invention further relates to a simplified craps game, one that focuses on the most common wagers in craps, while eliminating other more confusing betting options. This invention incorporates a color coded and, or unique icon system of wagering, where each player is identified with their own unique color or icon to have an interactive system of wagering. Players will place their wagers accordingly to this color/icon appropriately across the playing surface. This simplified layout is played on a table roughly ½ the size of a traditional craps table. Table dimensions vary from 42′-50′ wide to 72′-84′ long. Depending on the size of the table, the game will accommodate 1-8 players. In the existing layout, 6 players are available. (More players depending on the size of the table, where additional spots may be added, and 1 to 2 dealers).
This simplified version has also created the ability for the first time ever to convert one existing craps table on a casino floor to two separate games, with simple modifications such as adding a divider in the middle of the table and replacing the existing felt layout. Dice will be thrown in one direction down the table towards the middle. We also have the option to create a stand alone table, roughly half the length of a traditional table.
Placed bets are paid out using a pay grid multiplier. This pay grid multiplier is a unique and significant improvement of the existing game of craps. Traditionally players are confused when and where to place their bets, and have a difficult time understanding their payout such as traditional 7 to 6, 7 to 5, 9 to 5 for placed bets. Players through the implementation of the pay grid will simply multiply their placed bet on their unique spot times the multiplier achieved through the successful rolling of a number before a 7 comes up. Payouts will be at the end of the roll versus after each individual roll, keeping a more consistent flow of play.
Three unique bonus bets may be incorporated onto the playing surface, which will be discussed in the body of this patent. (4-10 Before 7, Streak Bet and Combination Bet). Other additional bonus bets may be added in the future.
Game tables are available in both a digital and non-digital format. The non-digital table utilizes a pay grid directly on the surface of the game table, that is adjusted by a dealer by moving acrylic markers, under each number 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 & 10, down the grid accordingly, as numbers are rolled. Other mechanical measures such as pegs, dials, flip cards, sliders, etc. may be incorporated to keep track of rolled numbers with future manual devices. The digital table will utilize a digital/electronic screen behind the roll area that will be populated with data for the pay grid multipliers and bonus bets. A dealer will be responsible for inputting rolled dice results from a device alongside of the table.
This simplified and improved game improves several key limitations of the traditional game of craps. The original provisional patent for this simplified version of craps has been expanded upon while keeping the original intellectual property. The provisional patent was for a craps game layout, incorporating a portable, at home version. The same key benefits and improvements can be applied to any layout applicable in a casino, home, or even a digital screen such as a phone or computer application. The same significant improvements from the original patent application are:
It is, therefore, the principal object of this invention where a portable craps game is provided with a color-coded game of wagering, where each player is identified by its own coloration or indicia, during participation in a series of differing types of wagering that can be made, depending upon the positioning of the chips, upon the game mat, and the location of the wagering of valued chips, upon the surface of the mat during participation in the roll of dice during playing of the portable craps game.
Another object of this invention Is to provide a pay grid area upon a game mat, where the dealer may initially add at the beginning the introduction of a spacer upon the grid, and then advance through various elevated degrees of payment, as continued participation in the game and roll of the dice is undertaken.
A further object is to present an improved craps game that can be applied onto a standard game table.
Another advantage of this craps game is the application of electronics and digital applications to the game table.
A further object of this invention is to provide a simplified craps game focusing on the most common wagers of a traditional table, and eliminating others, with a modified layout for ease of understanding and play.
Another object of this invention is to utilize a coding system of wagering. Whereas, players can easily understand what bets are available to them around the play surface base of their unique icon, or color coded chip, and is interactive for them in placing their own wagers. This is similar to how they would traditionally place a Field Bet on their own.
A further object of the invention is to provide a pay grid multiplier that is used to keep track of rolled numbers, based off a rounded percentage of traditional craps odds for placed bets. Instead of using 7-6, 6-5, and 9-5, a multiplier is used to calculate their winnings at the end of a roll, versus after every roll, to keep a smooth consistent flow of play. Players will be paid out at the end of the roll by multiplying the dollars wagered times the multiplier achieved through the successive rolling of a number before a 7 comes up, on the dice.
A further object is to provide for the first time a game that allows the conversion of one existing craps table on a casino floor to two separate games that can or cannot be played simultaneously. This can be achieved with simple modifications such as adding a divider in the middle of the table and replacing the existing table felt. Dice will be thrown in one direction down the table towards the middle. A divider may or may not have a digital monitor built into it, depending upon if it is a digital layout or not.
A further object is to provide an improved table layout that adds the option for a single stand alone table, roughly half the length of a traditional craps table, similar to a craps tub.
A further object is to provide a new layout that creates the opportunity for a play at home version, which is much easier for the single dealer to manage, when employed.
Another object is to provide a new layout that creates the opportunity for an easier to understand and play digital version online and in a phone app.
Yet another object is to provide a primary bet of 4-10 before 7 bonus bet. On a come out roll, if the player rolls each of the 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, before a 7, the player achieves success. Players betting this type of bonus are paid out at 11-1 odds.
A further object is to provide a Streak Bonus Bet. This bet can be made after any 7. This bonus bet is simply how many rolls can be made before a 7 comes up. A streak. Players are paid out accordingly for reaching higher levels, by the roller rolling other numbers than 7. This bet is explained in greater detail in the body of the specification.
Finally, another object is to provide a Combination Bonus Bet. This bet can be made only after any 7. This bonus bet is achieved by individually rolling all 18 combinations of dice before a 7 is rolled. This bet is usually kept track of on a digital screen version. For success of all 18 combinations, players have the opportunity to win 5,000 to 1. Other variations to this bet may include payouts at different levels of achievement, such as 3-18 levels.
These and other objects may become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the summary of the invention as provided herein, and upon undertaken a study of the description of its preferred embodiments, in view of the drawings.
In referring to the drawings:
The various components that make up the structure of this simplified craps game can be readily identified upon review of the various drawings provided herein. The game mat can be seen upon its surface, and the various sections that compose it, where the participants apply their various bets with casino chips on their own identifying color or unique icon. Betting options are surrounded by a color or unique icon. Availability of the betting locations are easily identified during participation in the simplified craps game of this invention. Payouts and the payout multiplier are clearly posted on the game mat for each optional bet for ease of understanding. Size and location of the bets available in this craps layout may vary in size, location, color, etc., depending on the table design.
In the various figures, select numbers correspond to various locations and sections upon the game mat, board, or felt, identifying the various betting options and categories available to the participant in the craps game. For example, the letter 101 relates to the pay grid multiplier area, where noted.
Hard Ways. (One roll bet). This area, as noted at in
Hard Ways. (On until a seven, or number comes easy). The hard 6 & 8 as noted at 202, are paid out at 9-1, while the hard 4 & 10 are paid out at 7-1. This is shown in
Field. (One roll bet) 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 pay even money. 2 & 12 pay double. This may be made before any roll. This is shown also in
Pass Bet. Players place a bet here at the start of the game. (Come out roll). If a 7 or 11 comes up on the initial roll, they are paid even money. If a 2, 3, or 12 come up, bet is lost. Once a point has been established (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) that becomes the number to hit before a 7. The points are paid out as follows: 6 & 8—×1, 5 & 9×1.5, and 4 & 10×2. Backing the pass bet is not available in this simplified game. This is shown in
Placed Bets. After a point has been established, players can make a bet on these numbers. Players can bet these numbers up until the time the number has been rolled and reaches the pay grid. These bets are paid out according to a multiplier of how many times that particular number is rolled. These bets are paid out only after a point is made, 7 out, or reaching the end of the pay grid. These bets should always be made in even increments, as multipliers are not paid out in cents, and if necessary, are rounded down to the nearest dollar. See
Crab Run Bonus Bet. This bet can be made only after any 7. See
Actual odds are: (Needs verification from gambling board)
Windfall Bonus Bet. This bet can be made only after any 7. See
Actual odds are: 1-7,431. (Needs verification from gambling board).
Roll Area. Usually divided from the rest of the table with an acrylic shield, but not mandatory. See
Pay Grid. Already established digital multiplier for numbers rolled. Multiplier is established from a rounded percentage, similar to the payout of the existing game of craps. See
Windfall Bonus Bet. Digital representation of 18 different combinations of dice to be rolled for a payout. See
Pay Grid Multiplier Explanation. Pay grid is established using rounded numbers from actual craps odds to provide simplification. Some numbers are rounded up or down depending on the calculated odds. The number combinations of 6 & 8 are calculated at a 7 to 6 payout (1.17%) multiplier payout. The number combinations of 5 & 9 are calculated at a 7 to 5 payout (1.40%) multiplier payout. The number combinations of 4 & 10 are calculated at a 9 to 5 payout (1.80%) multiplier payout. If you take the number of rolls × the %, it gives you a number that is either rounded up or down. Multipliers may be adjusted up or down with review and/or permission from the gambling board. Because of the complicated payout structure of craps, this simplified version if the first to express it in an easy to understand multiplier payout.
This particular figure shows the payout, through the pay grid, where the number combinations are 5 & 9, as noted.
(Additional color, unique icons, or indicia for additional players may be added for larger tables).
The various components that make up the structure of this shown modification for the “portable” craps game can be readily identified upon review of the various drawings provided herein. For example, a list of its components, and the identification of the components through alphabet reference characters, can be seen in
The make up of the game mat can be seen upon its surface, and the various sections that compose it, where the participants apply their various spacers, betting chips, and the availability of the locations where these components can be applied, during participation in the portable craps game of this invention.
The Game Mat 24″×36″ (approximate) cloth or felt top with game design and rubber backing, (similar to a thick computer mouse pad), can be seen in
Roll Area. There are 2 option locations for this, depending on what side of the game mat you are playing from. Either one is fine. Players must roll in this designated area, and make every attempt to keep dice in these areas to keep form disrupting other chips on the table. See 401.
Placed Bets. Once a point has been established, players have the option to bet these numbers. (Should be made in even dollar increments to maximize payout. Payouts are always rounded down to the nearest dollar). See 402.
Pass Bet. See 403. Players place a wager here at the start of the game. If 7 or 11 comes up on the initial roll they are paid even money. If 2, 3, or 12, come up, they lose this bet, and may replace their bet. Once a point has been established, if the number is rolled, they are paid 1.5 times. PortaCraps does not offer the option to bet against the table or backing of their bet.
4-10 before 7 bonus bet. See 404. This is an optional wager that must be placed at the beginning of any round. If each of the 4-10 numbers come up before a 7 is rolled, players are paid 14-1. This can only be won once a round. (If a player rolls a 7 on the come out roll, this bet may be replaced).
Field Bet. See 405. Optional bet to place at any time. See 405. 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 pay even money. 2 and 12 pay double.
Aces (Snake Eyes). See 406. One time wager may be placed at any time. Pays 30-1.
Twelves (Box Cars). See 407. One time wager may be placed at any time. Pays 30-1.
3. One time wager may be placed at any time. Pays 15-1. Shown at I1 through I5. See 408.
11 (Yo). J1 through J5. One time wager may be placed at any time. Pays 15-1. See 409.
Hard 6. Anytime wager, comes down when the number comes easy or a crap out. Pays 9-1. See 410.
Hard 8. Anytime wager, comes down when the number comes easy or a crap out. Pays 9-1. See 411.
Hard 4. See 412. Anytime wager, comes down when the number comes easy or a crap out. Pays 7-1.
N. Hard 10. See 413. Anytime wager, comes down when the number comes easy or a crap out. Pays 7-1.
The various game components, including the portable game mat, can all be compactly assembled in packaging generally as shown in said
Packaging
The play of the game, and its system of usage and application, which may lead to rewards, or otherwise, can be best identified as follows.
Game is played with 2-6 players. 1 dealer (House) and up to 5 players.
For the purpose of the “game”, a player win when:
The suggested dollar amount allotment or rules may be changed depending on your wants as a group. Additional players can be part of the house, to assist the dealer. A “buy in”, or percentage “buy in” is discouraged unless you are in a location that allows gambling.
Each player starts with $100: 15 white $1 poker chips, 7 red $5 poker chips and 2 green $25 poker chips.
To start the game, each player commits to a color in front of them, which represents all their placed bets. A player must commit to playing the round table by placing a bet in the “pass” circle of their color. (Don't Pass and several other bets are not available in PortaCraps).
Dealer will let you know “Place your bets” when it is time to have hands on the mat to place your bets. Players should not have their hands on the table any time after dealer acknowledges “No more bets”! Dealer may also allow 1 color (Player) at a time if he so chooses.
Outside numbers “Placed” bets cannot be made until a point has been established. (Example: 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10).
Dice travel in a clockwise direction beginning with the yellow location. Roller should place dice in vinyl end cap 303 from large plastic tube. Cover with their hand and shake 4-5 times, and roll dice at a minimum of 6″ from the game mat, within one of the two “Roll” areas. Both dice need to be rolled at the same time. Roller should make every attempt to keep dice within “Roll” area to avoid disrupting chips on the game mat. If one or both dice do not end up on mat, it is considered a bad roll and both dice are to be rolled again. (Note: dice do not have to end up in “Roll” area, but both must be somewhere on the mat when they come to rest).
In addition to any applicable inside bets, if a 7 or 11 is rolled on the come out roll, the “Pass” spot pays even money. (If the 7 comes up, player loses their 4-10 before 7 bonus bet). This bet can be replaced at this time before the next roll. If a 2, 3 or 12 is rolled on the come out roll, player loses their “Pass” spot bet, but their 4-10 before 7 bonus bet remains. Player has the option to place another “Pass” bet at this time, and must do so to still be eligible for their bonus bet.
If a point has been established (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) players can then make their color coded outside “Placed” bets. (Backing your “Pass” bet is not allowed in PortaCraps, but the point is paid at 1.5×). Once you make a “Placed” bet, these bets cannot be removed, increased, or decreased until the point is made. Dealer will place acrylic chip with translucent color on the payout grid as the point to make. As additional numbers are rolled within the payout grid, a clear chip is moved down accordingly. Reminder: inside wagers are made and paid from roll to roll. Outside wagers are paid when a point is made, the number is rolled 4 times (Needs to be reset at the top, or roller craps out (7). When an acrylic chips needs to be reset at the top of the payout grid again by the dealer, a while dollar chip will be placed under the acrylic chip acknowledging that number has been rolled. The purpose of this, is for the 4-10 before 7 bonus bet. The 4-10 before 7 bonus bet, is only paid out once within a round. (Sorry house odds, but you do get your bet back)!
For the purpose of clarification, a “round” is as long as the same roller has the dice.
When a point is rolled, it is a reset and all inside and outside bets are paid accordingly. Placed bets are paid accordingly to the multiplier established and already calculated on the pay grid. Points are paid at 1.5× your “Pass” wager. As a reminder for the come out roll, the only bet that should remain in the outside bets is the bonus bet. (These bets stay until bonus is made or a 7 comes up). See above for bets appropriate at the come out roll. The round ends when a roller craps out. Applicable bets are paid before table is clear.
A new rounds begins with the next roller.
For the Dealer
Pay or take any of the hard way 4, 6, 8, 10 bets depending on if they hit or come up easy. Easy way the bet comes down and may be bet again by the player.
Reminders that the players are not to adjust their bets at this time.
Note that there will be a frequent change of chips between dealer and players
Variations or modifications to the subject matter of this invention may occur to those skilled in the art upon review of the invention as described herein. Such variations, if within the spirit of this invention, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of any claims to patent protection issuing hereon. The review of the invention in the Summary, its detailed description in the Specification, and its depiction in the Drawings, are primarily set forth for illustrative purposes only.
This is a continuation application to the application having Ser. No. 16/602,651, filed on Nov. 15, 2019, which is a continuation of the application having Ser. No. 15/998,267, filed on Jul. 26, 2018, which is the non-provisional patent application that claims priority to the provisional patent application having Ser. No. 62/605,101 filed on Aug. 1, 2017.
