US20030003997A1 - Intelligent casino management system and method for managing real-time networked interactive gaming systems - Google Patents

Intelligent casino management system and method for managing real-time networked interactive gaming systems Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20030003997A1
US20030003997A1 US10/179,605 US17960502A US2003003997A1 US 20030003997 A1 US20030003997 A1 US 20030003997A1 US 17960502 A US17960502 A US 17960502A US 2003003997 A1 US2003003997 A1 US 2003003997A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
casino
player
manager
remote
players
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/179,605
Inventor
Son Vuong
Binh Vuong
Vinh Vuong
Liem Vuong
Craig Shinners
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
VT Tech Corp
Original Assignee
VT Tech Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by VT Tech Corp filed Critical VT Tech Corp
Priority to US10/179,605 priority Critical patent/US20030003997A1/en
Publication of US20030003997A1 publication Critical patent/US20030003997A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3225Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users
    • G07F17/3232Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users wherein the operator is informed
    • G07F17/3234Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users wherein the operator is informed about the performance of a gaming system, e.g. revenue, diagnosis of the gaming system
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3225Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users
    • G07F17/3232Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users wherein the operator is informed
    • G07F17/3237Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users wherein the operator is informed about the players, e.g. profiling, responsible gaming, strategy/behavior of players, location of players
    • G07F17/3239Tracking of individual players
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3244Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
    • G07F17/3255Incentive, loyalty and/or promotion schemes, e.g. comps, gaming associated with a purchase, gaming funded by advertisements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system and method for intelligent management of remote and local gaming played at a casino and more specifically a method and system for managing the play of both remote and local players participating in a casino game.
  • Casino games are a popular form of adult entertainment. While such games have been played for centuries, playing casino games over the Internet is a relatively recent phenomenon. Indeed a recent report indicates that more than 1,200 “on-line” casinos attract a large number of players who are unable to travel to a physical casino to play their desired casino game on-site.
  • These Internet casinos comprise one or more computers that execute computer software replicating a casino game for remote players. For example, the computer software could replicate the game of roulette, baccarat, craps, blackjack or pai gow (an Asian poker game) depending on what each player desires to play. Thus, when the player requests to play, the player is playing one-on-one against a computer program.
  • IGS interactive gaming system
  • a remote player selects a game server, which may be a table game located on the floor of a casino.
  • a game server in the IGS environment may either be a card table with a live dealer or banker, a craps table or a roulette table that permits players to place a wager on either the table or a virtual bet board.
  • the game server may be a computer program that generates a sequence of plays of the selected game of a chance with the results conveyed to a plurality of players, many of whom may be playing at a position remote from the casino.
  • the IGS transmits a broadcast quality signal to the remote player to monitor play at the selected table.
  • the IGS is particularly well suited to games of chance such as baccarat, roulette and craps where a virtually unlimited number of players may place electronic bets on a virtual bet board with the outcome determined by the cards opened on the baccarat table, the play of the roulette wheel or the roll of the die on the crap table.
  • the baccarat table, the roulette wheel and the craps table are all located on the casino floor, so the remote player is provided with the same game just as if they were at the gaming table in the casino.
  • the IGS is also well suited for other games of chance, such as a slot machine or for other card games such as blackjack or poker, by way of example.
  • casinos In addition to automatic detection of game results, casinos must also be able to monitor play of both local and remote players.
  • local players are players who are physically present at a game server while remote players are players who participate from a location remote from the game server.
  • What is needed is a system and method that enables automatic detection of gaming objects (chips, cards, dices, roulette balls, by way of example), the value of wagers placed by both local and remote players and that associates wagering information with specific players, dealers and other casino employees.
  • casino management is interested in identifying players who generate the most profit for the casino.
  • casinos typically employ a pit boss to monitor the size of the bet that each player is making.
  • the pit boss it is not possible for the pit boss to accurately determine the size of the bets and the duration of play for each and every player.
  • an intelligent automated management system that automatically tracks the play of both local and remote players. Further the intelligent management system needs to maximize utilization of casino resources, minimize management time and cost, improve reliability and quality of service, make available valuable data for improving gaming and gaming business strategy and customer service.
  • What is also needed is a system and method for gaming service and management that is scalable and secure that provides the casino management with a real-time data indicative of the operation of the casino.
  • the present invention relates to a system and method for intelligent management of an interactive gaming system and casino games played by local and remote players.
  • the present invention tracks the play of players, both local and remote, and dealers, provides a real-time inventory of casino chips and players stakes, and provides casino management and regulators visibility of real-time play throughout the casino.
  • the present invention enables casinos to identify and reward loyal players regardless of whether the player is on-site or remote.
  • the intelligent casino management system of the present invention comprises a plurality of smart tables, a plurality of table controllers that interface the smart tables to a local (wireless or wireline) network, and a gaming network manager for data collection.
  • the smart tables comprise a plurality of tables each configured for play of one of a variety of casino games and adapted for both local and remote play of both live or virtual casino games.
  • each smart table includes the familiar bet board for one of a variety of different casino games and at least one detector for detecting the value of each gaming object on the table.
  • Gaming objects on a smart table may include: (i) the game generation object for generating game result, e.g.
  • Each gaming object provides a unique value that, upon detection, is communicated to the table controller.
  • One preferred non-contact method of gaming object detection is disclosed in a related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/782,833 (filed Feb. 14, 2001), and assigned to VT TECH Corp., the assignee of the present invention, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein for all purposes.
  • Gaming objects will vary depending on the selected casino game. For example, if the casino game is a casino card game, the gaming objects comprise a deck of cards having 54 unique values. If the casino game requires dice, as in the craps game, the gaming object comprises the dice. Each die has six unique values corresponding to the six sides of die. If the casino game is roulette, the gaming generation object is the steel, ceramic or plastic ball whose position on the roulette wheel will determine one of the 38 (or 37) values. Each gaming object is adapted to generate at least one unique signal that is detected by a detector (e.g. non-contact reader) that relays the signal to the smart table controller.
  • a detector e.g. non-contact reader
  • the table controller is responsible for transmitting detected values to 1) the network manager over the casino local network, 2) a game result display, 3) a local table monitor display and/or 4) a pit monitor display configured to monitor a group of smart tables.
  • the local table monitor allows the dealer to verify the correct amount of chip collection and payout for each player for each game.
  • the pit monitor enables the pit boss to automatically monitor all gaming activities in the pit, including instantaneous tracking and rating of all players, correct play of the game by the dealers and the instantaneous amounts and the statistics of wins and losses at each table in a pit.
  • the present invention detects the value of gaming objects at each table or game server during play of each game.
  • the present invention also tracks the manner and rate of play for each player, tracks the efficiency of each dealer, verifies the correct calculation of payouts, maintains chip inventory, and enables a higher degree of real-time operational management (by way of example, cash management and resource management) throughout the casino.
  • the tracking and management system advantageously enables interactive gaming for an unlimited number of players without degrading the rate of play or increasing errors by casino employees.
  • the casino operator may load balance, that is distribute remote players among the available tables and also to distribute the average amount wagered so that new players are assigned to tables having a low average wager for each of the previous “n” games.
  • the system and method of the present invention integrates the management of internal functions relating to operation of a casino encompassing both real-time interactive gaming and traditional gaming business.
  • the present invention enables the efficient, reliable and secure management of a casino's operation thereby saving costs and increasing revenue. Further, the present invention allows reduction in overhead and maximizes the utilization of the gaming resources resulting in improved customer service. Further still, the present invention expands potential marketing strategies based on the higher degree of visibility afforded by the information generated by play by local and remote players.
  • the casino management system and method of the present invention is more clearly described in the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of one embodiment of an exemplary prior art computer-based networked system for practicing the invention.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a gaming table in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a user console associated with the gaming table of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a table controller associated with the smart gaming table of FIG. 2 and coupled to a plurality of non-contact readers
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a method for monitoring the play of a player of a casino game.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of an intelligent casino management network system architecture.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of shared memory configuration.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a three-level casino management network system architecture in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrates one embodiment of a database and network map, respectively, associated with the casino network environment for monitoring play of a plurality of casino games by a plurality of players.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates an operational flow diagram for play of a casino game in the casino network environment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates an operational flow diagram for the table controller.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates an operational flow diagram for operation of the pit manager and floor manager.
  • the present invention relates to a system for enabling remote play of a live action casino game. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved gaming table that incorporates a plurality of gaming objects in a manner that enables an unlimited number of players to participate in a live action casino game.
  • the present invention relates to an improved gaming table that incorporates a plurality of gaming objects in a manner that enables an unlimited number of players to participate in a live action casino game.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates the hardware components of an exemplary computer-based networked system 110 for practicing the invention.
  • the present invention comprises a plurality of smart gaming tables 112 at a first casino 114 .
  • a sequence of plays of a particular casino game is conducted.
  • Each table 112 is connected to a local area network 116 .
  • a plurality of gaming machines 118 is also connected to network 116 .
  • a remote player (not shown) positioned at one of the gaming machines 118 can participate in the play of the casino game conducted at the selected table.
  • Other players may play while physically present at the smart table. Such players are referred to herein as local players.
  • a network manager 120 is also connected to network 116 .
  • Network manager 120 acts as a portal to a public or private network 122 , which may be a telephone, satellite or Internet network or any other worldwide communication network.
  • Additional casinos or gaming sites, such as casino 124 may be coupled to network 122 via network manager 126 .
  • Casino 124 is essentially a mirror image of casino 114 in that it comprises a plurality of gaming tables 128 and gaming machines 130 each of which are coupled by a local area network 132 to network manager 126 .
  • Gaming machines 130 are identical to gaming machines 118 except that they is located at a site remote from casino 114 .
  • gaming tables 128 are identical to gaming tables 112 except that they too are located at a different site.
  • Additional gaming machines 134 may couple into either casino 114 or 124 directly through the network 122 .
  • Gaming machines 134 may be, by way of example, web enabled cell phones, home or portable computers or other such devices. Since such devices are typically mobile and outside the control of a casino, it is preferred that gaming machines 134 include circuitry such as global positioning system (GPS). With GPS, the casino may interrogate gaming machines 134 to determine the location of the gaming machine so that the casinos may limit remote access to the casino to those jurisdictions where such play is legal.
  • GPS global positioning system
  • FIG. 2 a top view of a smart gaming table 112 is illustrated
  • the smart gaming table system 112 and gaming objects are described more fully described in a related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/782,833 (filed Feb. 14, 2001), and assigned to VT TECH Corp., the assignee of the present invention, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein for all purposes.
  • Table 112 comprises a flat playing surface covered with felt on which is typically printed a bet board for a particular game.
  • the printed felt could delineate where the cards are dealt and where the bets are positioned.
  • Other card games may have more or fewer playing positions or may omit the dealer's position.
  • Associated with each playing position 202 is a bet slot 206 where a player may place a bet for the next to occur casino game. Also associated is a defined position 208 where the cards are dealt.
  • each playing position 202 a reader 210 is coupled to table 112 closely proximate to at least one of the playing positions 202 .
  • each playing position 202 is provided with a reader 210 although it has been eliminated from one position in FIG. 2 so as to more clearly illustrate additional features of each position 202 .
  • each table may have any number of playing positions 202 and is not limited to merely the six positions 202 that are illustrated.
  • Each reader 210 is configured to have a relatively short range as indicated by the dashed lines 212 surrounding each player position 202 . Again, the range indicator has been omitted from two positions to more clearly illustrate the reader and other features at these positions.
  • Table 112 also includes a reader 214 positioned proximate to the dealer position 204 and more particularly proximate to the defined position 216 where the dealer's cards are initially positioned.
  • readers 214 are configured with a relatively short range, as indicated by dashed lines 218 so that there is no overlap in detection field with the other readers. It will be further appreciated that a single reader 214 may be positioned proximate to a card shoe to detect the value of each card as it is dealt. This configuration is particularly useful for card games such as baccarat because readers 210 need not necessarily be accessed.
  • Each table 112 includes a reader network 220 that couples a table manager 222 to each of the readers. Specifically, each reader 210 and 214 is coupled to reader network 220 so that information from readers 210 and 214 may be transferred to table manager 222 .
  • Table manager 222 is responsible for coupling reader network 220 to a local area network (LAN) 224 .
  • Table manager 222 is the local manager responsible for linking and managing access to the network manager 120 (FIG. 1) via LAN 224 .
  • Table 112 further comprises in one embodiment a chip tray 230 proximate to the dealer's position 204 .
  • the chip tray 230 is coupled to reader network 220 such that the total number of chips in the tray may be counted and the value transmitted to a monitoring server coupled to LAN 224 .
  • Gaming objects will vary depending on the selected casino game. For example, if the casino game is a casino card game, the gaming object is a deck of cards having 54 unique values. If the casino game requires dice as in the craps game, the gaming object comprise the dice, each having six unique values corresponding to the six sides of die. If the casino game is roulette, the gaming generation object is the steel or plastic ball whose position on the roulette wheel will determine one of the 38 (or 37) values. Each gaming object is adapted to generate at least one unique signal that may be detected by readers 210 or 214 .
  • each playing position 202 includes not only a bet slot 206 , defined position 208 for the cards and at least one reader having a reading range indicated by dashed lines 302 but also a user console 304 .
  • the casino may treat the player as a “remote” player with the player's hand and bets determined automatically by the casino.
  • the smart playing position can display instructions to teach players how to play a casino game, increase the rate of play by suggesting possible strategies or implement casino management functions such as the display of casino advertising, discounts to shows or game statistics.
  • User console 304 may be a LCD display having a touch sensitive screen for entry of information by the local player.
  • user console 304 may be an array of LEDs, a CRT or other display device together with an optional keyboard 306
  • the results such as the value of the cards in position 208
  • the user console may also receive determinations or instructions from the remote players on user console associated with the dealer's position. The determination, collection and pay-off are automatic for remote players thereby relieving the casino employees from having to manually settle their wagers.
  • the present invention provides additional significant benefits for operators of a casino. Specifically, the ability to automatically determine the value of a stack of chips, tokens or playing card enables the automatic counting of all bets played at a gaming table with instantaneous monitoring of the play at the gaming table via the IGS.
  • the present invention also enables the broadcast of a casino game and the outcome for each player and the dealer via the IGS without requiring the dealer to assume additional tasks during play.
  • the present invention contributes to detecting counterfeit cards or chips and minimizes mistakes in calculating the value of the outcome of a casino game or the proper payoff of a wager. Because the gaming object includes a memory area in the embedded semiconductor circuit, it can be reprogrammed and encrypted by the casino to thwart counterfeiters or cheats. Finally, use of the gaming objects enables an automated audit trail for both dealer and players at the gaming table so that game results, historical wins and losses, and as a training system can be readily implemented by the present invention.
  • a player may automatically log into a player's position to begin play of a casino game. Specifically, the player may place a player's identification card over the reader to establish their identity and access their stake or credit line. The player uses keyboard 306 to enter any private codes or passwords to verify their identity. Alternatively, the player places a credit card over the reader to establish a stake. Rather than using physical casino chips or tokens, the player may place bets by moving tokens displayed on user console 304 from a stakes region to a wager region displayed on the user console 304 .
  • table controller 222 comprises a reader driver interface 402 that manages the local reader network 220 .
  • Interface 402 is responsible for acquiring the value of each card (or RFID chip) positioned within the detection range of each reader 210 and 214 .
  • CPU 404 executes control instructions stored in memory 406 to interpret the information.
  • Memory 406 also serves as a local store for the information acquired by each reader 210 and 214 .
  • Memory 406 may comprise a combination of both volatile (RAM) for data storage and non-volatile memory (ROM or Flash, a type of updateable read only memory) for program storage.
  • a LAN driver interface 408 operates under control of CPU 404 and couples table manager 222 to LAN 224 .
  • each controller 222 is responsible for indicating to network manager 120 intermediate results and completion of each casino game.
  • Table controller 222 further comprises a universal power supply 410 dedicated to the operation of network controller and reader network 220 .
  • each new player begins play by opening their personal account and establishing a stake.
  • players use a casino player identification card to quickly identify themselves.
  • identification cards are well known in the art and are widely used by casinos to collect information regarding their players. If the player wishes to begin play without using an identification card, the player must either be on-site so that they can buy casino chips or tokens for use at the game server or use an approved credit card.
  • Casino employees may identify themselves by logging onto the system using their employee identification card as indicated at step 504 .
  • the table manager is responsible for executing code to establish player accounts for local players.
  • the table manager conveys this information to the network manager as indicated at step 506 .
  • Remote players establish their account directly with the network manager using either a gaming machine 118 , 130 or 134 .
  • the accounts for remote players are established using a credit card or a previously established casino account.
  • the network manager uses the information to establish and maintain a separate real-time account for every player regarding his or her play.
  • network manager and the table controller pass the account information to a protected or secure server. This server maintains the player's and employee accounts in real-time. Since the secure server is not directly accessible from outside the casino internal network, it is more difficult to gain access to the accounting information.
  • the account includes identifying information, such as the name, address, age of the player, player preferences for food, lodging and entertainment and other information the casino may deem of value for their marketing efforts.
  • a log file that lists the game server (or servers) played by the player, the amount of each wager, the amount of the players' stake and the average size of the wager.
  • the network manager may maintain this log file.
  • Network manager also collects statistical information regarding the location of the player, the won/lost percentage and the duration of play for each player and on a cumulative basis. This information is updated while the player plays at the game server (or servers) by logging the information to the log file.
  • the network manager closes the player's account by crediting winnings, deducting losses and saving the log file as indicated at step 510 .
  • the statistical information may be updated at this time or at selected intervals throughout the day. When the player subsequently returns, the player's account may be re-opened so that new information may be added to the log file.
  • the network manager can initiate an alarm as indicated at step 512 .
  • This alarm alerts casino employees that the player should pay the appropriate withholding amount for tax purposes or be monitored for improper playing techniques.
  • the casino may provide an account statement to each registered player on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis as indicated at step 514 .
  • the account statement may be useful for the player when calculating their personal income tax return.
  • a casino pit boss and the marketing staff will be able to determine in real time whether the player is eligible for casino comps. Since the log file contains significant information regarding each player, the casino may sort the information to determine their most loyal players for purpose of providing casino comps. By way of example, casino comps may include discounts on food, entertainment, lodging, travel to the casino and the like. By associating each player's log file with account information, the comps can be tailored to the specific needs or desires of the player. Further, the information may be used to automatically rate the play of each player in terms of wagered amounts, duration of play or individual strategies/habits for each player.
  • the accumulated statistical information provides a comprehensive database that is useful in determining game odds and strategy simulations. Further use of the accumulated statistical information may also be useful in training casino employees in a manner where performances of dealers and players can be tracked in real-time.
  • the present system also provides information regarding the casino employee or employees conducting the casino game.
  • the log file can include a field to associate a casino employee conducting each casino game with each wager.
  • the casino can readily mine real-time information to verify that the game is being played properly, wagers are settled correctly and that their employee is properly conducting the game.
  • smart table 112 tracks the casino chips wagered and the casino chips in the dealer's tray to generate a real-time audit trail.
  • Smart table 112 also tracks the cards to verify that no card has been removed from the table or that no additional cards have been injected surreptitiously into play.
  • each gaming object includes an encrypted security code so that the table controller is able to verify that a gaming object is genuine.
  • Security information is preferably maintained at a computer that is separate from the table controller, such as by way of example, the network manager.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of an intelligent casino management network system.
  • the casino management network system is hierarchical in nature so that separate computer systems are responsible for various tasks associated with conducting a game of chance with both local and remote players or with just remote players.
  • This hierarchical structure provides important safeguards that are necessary due to the public's access to casino computer and the risk of hackers or cyber-criminals improperly manipulating accounting information, wager amounts or game results.
  • network manager 602 provides a public portal through which players are provided access to casino environment 600 . More specifically, remote players access network manager 602 over a public or private communication network 604 , which may be the Internet, public telephone network, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN).
  • a public or private communication network 604 which may be the Internet, public telephone network, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN).
  • LAN local area network
  • WAN wide area network
  • Players who are remote from casino environment 600 access network 604 using a telephone, such as a web-enabled cell phone, computer or some other computer-based communication device (not shown).
  • Network manager 602 is responsible for maintaining the exchange of information between the remote players and the casino environment 600 .
  • the casino environment will comprise at least one game of chance played at a smart table.
  • Network manager 602 is preferably a computer server system configured to maintain communication threads with a plurality of remote players. Information transferred over network 604 by each remote player is received and interpreted by network manager 602 placing the information in shared memory 606 .
  • a casino backend manager 608 and a pit manager 610 access the information stored in shared memory 606 . In this manner, information flow from network manager 502 is restricted to transferring information between remote players and shared memory 606 . This restriction isolates the casino environment 600 from outside attacks.
  • Network manager 602 does not have any direct communication with either pit manager 610 or casino backend manager 608 to minimize the ability of hackers to infiltrate the casino environment 600 .
  • network manager 602 When network manager 602 receives information from a remote player, it does not have access to information databases to verify the player's identity or authorization to participate in a game of chance. Accordingly, network manager 602 writes information received from the remote player to shared memory and requests casino backend manager 608 to authorize the player. Preferably, backend manager 608 periodically verifies that each player currently playing is authorized to do so. If a previously unauthorized player is detected, appropriate security measures are instituted. By way of example, the player's authorization is suspended and the player's accounts frozen pending resolution of the security issue.
  • backend manager 608 verifies the remote player, the pit manager 610 is notified of a new remote player. Simultaneously, backend manager 508 posts acceptance of the remote player to shared memory 606 .
  • Network manager 502 acknowledges acceptance by reading shared memory 504 and sets up a remote player's account in either shared memory or in other memory associated with network manager 602 .
  • backend manager 608 maintains a detailed log of play by each authorized player until that player terminates play.
  • Backend manager 608 may include a set of rules, embodied in a rules engine 614 , to determine how to arbitrate play, suspend play or terminate play should there be a disruption of communications or if unauthorized activity is detected.
  • Backend manager 608 is also responsible for notifying network manager 602 and pit manager 610 of the status for each remote player.
  • a remote player's status may be either authorized to play, currently playing one or more games of chance, inactive, terminated.
  • Backend manager 608 maintains a separate list log file 616 for each remote player together with the status of the player and each wager placed at a game of chance.
  • the advantage of list log file 616 is that it enables revenue sharing between different casino properties. This is particularly advantageous if a player begins play at a first casino but then, by way of the IGS of the present invention, selects a game at a different casino property. To encourage a large number of casino properties to link to the IGS and provide a vast array of available casino games, it is desirable to provide a means for casinos to share revenue.
  • backend manager 608 may periodically transfer to a second casino account information regarding play of a remote player affiliated with the second casino. Based on this information, the two casinos may share both the profit and the loss associated with this remote player.
  • backend manager 608 A To minimize disruption due to failure of the backend manager 608 or a component thereof, one or more computer systems, represented as backend manager 608 A, are provided.
  • Backend manager 608 A operates in parallel with backup manager 608 so there is always on-line redundancy.
  • a third redundant backend manager (not illustrated) enables the collective backend managers to conduct periodic votes as to whether the plurality of list logs is in agreement. If there is a disagreement between the plurality of backend managers: (1) the majority will prevail; (2) the losing system will be flagged as operating in an error state; and (3) system administrators will be notified of the error.
  • Pit manager 610 is a computer server system responsible for monitoring shared memory 604 to determine if one or more remote players have timely placed a wager on a next to occur game of chance. Pit manager 610 may only accept wagers from players authorized by backend manager 608 to place such wagers. Thus, when network manager 604 places a bet in shared memory, a flag is set to notify pit manager 601 that a new wager has arrived. Pit manager 610 is responsible for passing the wager to the appropriate table controller (that is, table 6-1, table 6-2 or table 6-3) and resetting the wager flag. During the transfer operation, pit manager 610 verifies that the player is listed on log list 618 and updates list log 618 to reflect the new wager. Also associated with pit manager 610 is a rules engine 620 so that pit manager 610 can respond to a variety of situations regarding the rules of play at each game of chance.
  • pit manager 610 A As with the backend manager 608 , redundant pit managers, illustrated as pit manager 610 A, are provided. Pit manger 610 A is responsible for minimizing disruption due to failure of the pit manager 610 or a component thereof. Pit manager 610 A operates in parallel with pit manager 610 so there is always on-line redundancy. For higher levels of reliability and to minimize the likelihood of improper manipulation of data in real-time, a third redundant pit manager (not illustrated) enables the collective backend managers to conduct periodic votes as to whether the plurality of list logs 618 are in agreement. If there is a disagreement between the plurality of pit managers: (1) the majority will prevail; (2) the losing system will be flagged as operating in an error state; and (3) system administrators will be notified of the error.
  • Table controller 612 is responsible for monitoring each play of the game of chance at a table, illustrated as table 6-1.
  • Other table controllers 612 A and 612 B, associated with tables 6-2 and 6-3, respectively, are also coupled to pit manager 610 , with each having a selected game of chance being played on the respective table.
  • pit manager 610 there may be a mix of both local and remote players playing at any given table as well as a plurality of proxy players. Accordingly, table controller 612 recognizes if a player is local or remote and, if remote, whether playing by way of a proxy.
  • the concept of proxy players is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/283,807, filed Apr. 13, 2001 and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein for all purposes.
  • table controller 612 passes the result for each remote player to pit manager 610 together with an accounting for each wager made by each remote player. If an intermediate result is required, table controller passes intermediate results to pit manager 610 and waits for a selected period of time for instructions from the remote player. To track the plurality of wagers, table controller 612 maintains a list log for each player, whether local or remote, and their respective wagers. Pit manager 610 transfers final or intermediate results for each play of a game of chance received from each table controller 612 to shared memory 604 and notifies network manager 602 that action is required.
  • shared memory 604 comprises a list of players 702 , a list of their current status 704 , a list of wagers associated with each player 706 and a list of pending action or actions 708 . These lists may be maintained either as a flat file or in a plurality of linked hierarchical files.
  • Flag list 710 is maintained to indicate which manager is responsible for acting on the information in shared memory 604 .
  • Flag list 710 is maintained to indicate which manager is responsible for acting on the information in shared memory 604 .
  • a ‘snap-shot’ in time of representative real-time information is illustrated.
  • the flag value “n” associated with the first pending wager for “player-52” indicates that the network manager 602 has a pending result from table 6-1 that needs to be transmitted to the identified remote player. Once this result is forwarded to the remote player, the pit will transfer wagering information to shared memory 604 and set the flag to notify network manager 602 that new information has arrived. While network manager 602 services this transaction, other managers process information from shared memory.
  • pit manager 610 currently has a player response waiting to be transferred to table controller 612 B for table 6-2. Further, a wager in the amount of $8 placed by “player-52” is ready to be placed at table 6-3.
  • Pit manager 610 also monitors shared memory waiting for a response from “player-645” and since the flag is still set to an “n”, it indicates that the network manager has not yet received the response from the player. Similarly, a player request has gone out to “player-10679” who has not responded in a reasonable period of time. Thus, the network manager has requested backend manager 608 to intervene and resolve the request in accordance with the rules set associated with backend manager 608 .
  • Shared memory 606 also indicates that “player-75” is inactive and “player-129” is in the process of terminating play.
  • the backend processor is responsible for updating the status of these players (either removing them from the list log or permitting them to remain on the list log). Specifically, when backend processor finishes the termination process for “player-129” the list in shared memory 604 will be updated to remove reference to this player. Concurrently therewith list log 614 for this player will be updated by moving the information in the log to long-term storage, which by way of example may be a disk drive or a storage area network (SAN) (not shown). Long-term storage permits the sequence of plays to be retained for analysis or for resolving disputes raised at a later period of time.
  • SAN storage area network
  • backend manager 608 Concurrent with the termination process for the player, backend manager 608 notifies pit manager 610 that player-129 is no longer approved for play. Accordingly, pit manager 610 moves the information associated with player-129 to long-term storage, which again may be a disk drive or a storage area network (SAN) (not shown).
  • SAN storage area network
  • backend manager 608 may also initiate the termination process for “player-75” or, if the player places another wager prior to completion of the termination process, the backend processor 608 will permit pit manager 610 to accept the wager.
  • a three-level network architecture utilizes a scaled approach to achieve a casino network environment that can process communication with a large number of remote players while maintaining the security to ensure proper results are achieved for both the players and the casino.
  • This embodiment includes network manager 602 as the portal through which remote players access the casino environment over network 604 .
  • network manager 602 acts an intermediary reporting each communication out to the first level network 802 in the present embodiment.
  • network manager includes a secure socket layer 804 to provide players a secure environment to transfer account and wager information over network 604 .
  • secure socket layer 804 is common in the art of network communications and will not be further discussed herein.
  • Network manager 602 may include data storage space for retaining a record of the communication traffic with each remote player in a list log file (not shown).
  • network manager 602 may comprise a plurality of computer server systems configured to balance the number of players on each system. Further, network manager may include a plurality of redundant computer servers configured to operate in tandem so as to provide a high degree of fault tolerance and reliability.
  • network manager 602 communicates over network 802 through a secure socket layer and firewall 806 to maximize secure communications with backend manager 608 , floor managers 808 and video manager 810 .
  • backend manager 608 , floor managers 808 and video manager 810 are each provided with a firewall and means for establishing a secure socket layer 812 .
  • Floor managers 808 and video managers need not be physically present in a single casino. Rather, each floor manager 808 may consist of a plurality of games of chance at a particular casino with a plurality of casinos coupled together by the networks.
  • Backend manager 608 When network manager 602 receives communication from a remote user, the information is transmitted to the backend manager 608 and floor managers 808 .
  • Backend manager 608 generates a log file maintained on a storage area network (SAN) 814 of every message sent by network manager 608 to one or both of the floor managers 808 . Further, backend manager 608 also maintains a copy of every message sent by floor managers 808 to network manager 608 .
  • backend manager 608 maintains a set of rules, stored on SAN 814 so that when either network manager or floor managers 808 detect a problem, backend manager 608 may resolve the problem in real-time in accordance with the rules.
  • Video manager 810 is a computer server system dedicated to managing the stream of video data captured by a plurality of video cameras (not shown) distributed throughout the casino environment. Typically, video data is saved to a tape backup system 816 associated with video manager 810 . It will be appreciated that the video data will include the ambient noise of the casino environment although some video data may be associated with a specific microphone (not shown) positioned to capture audio associated with a specific dealer or casino employee. Video manager 810 also transmits video data to floor managers where segments of video data are selectively stored on SANs 818 and 820 and matched with wagers placed by each remote player.
  • Floor managers are responsible for conveying communications from network manager 602 to a selected game of chance associated with one of a plurality of pit managers 624 A- 624 F.
  • the respective pit manager transfers the result to the respective floor manager where it is associated with one or a plurality of the video data provided by video manager 810 .
  • the result and the video data are provided to network manager 602 for transmission to the remote players.
  • the results may be transferred without the video data.
  • the video data may be transmitted at the maximum rate together with a displayable warning that the video is not real-time and that the remote player should not depend on the video data to determine the rate of play at a selected game of chance.
  • the video warning is a video overlay displayed in combination with the video data at the remote player's video display.
  • each pit manager communicates with a plurality of table controllers.
  • the actual number of table controllers reporting to a particular pit manager depends on many engineering factors and will vary from casino to casino.
  • the number of tables that a pit manager can interface with depends on (but is not limited to) the number of players at each table, the rate of play, the number of unique wagers that must be processed for each play, the communication bandwidth, the response rate of remote players and the processing capability of the table controller and the pit manager.
  • Rules engines 826 comprise an executable module of computer code executed by floor manager 808 in response to specific operational circumstances. For example, when play at a table requires a response from a remote player that has not arrived at network manager 602 within a predetermined time period, floor manager 808 invokes the rules engine 826 . Rules engine 826 accepts status input from the pit manager associated with the table, communication status from the network manager and the average response time for the remote player on a historical basis. Rules engine 826 determines how to proceed, using the available status information. For example, in some circumstances, the wager may be withdrawn and the remote player is flagged as being inactive. In other circumstances, the rules engine may complete play for the remote player using a set of “house rules” that dictate the response in the player's absence.
  • Each player may be associated with a personalized set of rules based on their individual preference.
  • the rules engine may be invoked to determine whether to accept an additional card, double down, or stand with the current cards. The decision may be based on the player's cards and the dealer's up card.
  • the rules engine may select a manner of completing play that is dependant on many factors, such as the size of the remote player's stake, the size of the current wager, the recent result history or other individualized criteria.
  • One significant advantage of enabling the rules engine is that a remote player may remotely place wagers on more than one game of chance without having to remain accessible for providing intermediate instructions. Another significant advantage arises from the ability of a remote player to quickly transfer instructions to a selected floor manager to place wagers for a sequence of plays at one or more games of chance and then log off prior to the start of the individual games. At a subsequent time, the remote player may return and request the floor manager to display the results, including a video replay of one or more selected games.
  • the embodiment FIG. 8 may further include a casino network control manager 828 .
  • Network control center 828 is responsible for system administration functions associated with the networks 802 and 822 within the casino environment. Specifically, each active table controller must register with its assigned pit manager prior to operation. Each pit manager then informs network control center 828 , network manager 602 , backend manger 608 and the respective floor manager.
  • Network control center provides the capability to instruct network manager to assign new players to a specific table or tables so as to spread the number of players over a larger number of tables. Further network manger continuously monitors network and system load factors to minimize loading on a particular floor manager or pit manager. Load balancing enables the casino to spread the risk associated with having a disproportionate number of players at a single table.
  • Network control center may also monitor the total value of the wagers (or average wager value) to determine if the players at a particular table are betting at a rate that approaches the casino's upper limit. Again, if the wagered amount is too high at one table, network control center may instruct network manager and the floor managers to restrict entry of new players to that particular table.
  • database 900 associated with the casino environment of the present invention is illustrated. More particularly, the database is preferably maintained with either the backend manager or the network control center depending on the allocation of computer resources for the various tasks.
  • database 900 is maintained on SAN 814 and shared among network control center 828 , floor managers 808 and backend manager 608 .
  • database 900 may be distributed among SANs 814 , 818 and 820 in a redundant manner so that loss of access to one SAN permits continued operation.
  • Database 900 comprises data 902 associated with each player, whether remote or local, data 904 associated with each play of each game of chance at every active table, performance monitoring data 906 , statistical data collection and analysis associated with games played over a period of time 908 , data made available to national, state and internal regulators 910 and video library 912 .
  • Data 902 includes a Player ID to uniquely identify each player. Personalized data associated with each Player ID includes personal information such as name, address and age. Data 902 includes casino credit information which may include player deposits or may be based on the casino's historical association with the player or on the player's credit information obtained from a third party financial institution by way of a credit card charge or bank draft. With this information, casino may selectively provide a player with a credit line during the course of play. Data 902 also includes a rating factor assigned by the casino to identify its valuable repeat customers.
  • Personalization information is collected and retained as a part of data 902 so that the casino will know the player's preferences in terms of promotional interests or in the particular games of chance that he or she likes to play.
  • Personalization information also includes a set of instructions that are invoked by the rules engine to generate gaming results should the player be unable to participate.
  • Personalization information is collected either on-line using a profile form collected from each player or information derived by analyzing the player's play over a period of time.
  • Data 902 may also include a historical summary of each visit the player has made to the casino, either in person or by using the IGS such as described herein. Historical information includes data indicative of the player's average rate of play for each game of chance and for each visit.
  • Data 902 further includes a stake for each player. This amount will increase or decrease as the player participates in one or more games of chance. When a wager is placed, a portion of the stake must be allocated to cover the wager in the event of a loss. A wager list is maintained to trace each wager place, the game ID and the result. Winning wagers are credited to the stake and losing wagers are deducted therefrom. It will be apparent to one familiar with database management that data 902 will include the above-described information associated with literally millions of individual players.
  • Data 904 includes a Game ID to uniquely identify each game played at a particular smart table 112 .
  • Data also includes a table ID that relates to a specific table controller.
  • Data 904 further includes the pit ID and the floor manager ID associated with the table ID. This information is useful in managing loading information and for reconstructing wagers placed for each play of a game.
  • Data 904 further includes a casino ID because it is possible that a remote player could enter the casino environment at a first casino and then transfer to a second casino to play at a different table. The casino ID is useful to determine revenue allocation when a remote player at one casino places a bet at another casino.
  • Game Status data indicates the current status of the play of the game of chance at the related table controller.
  • Network manager determines if wagers may be placed on the next to occur game of chance using this data in real-time. For example, if the game status is currently “Waiting for Next Game” then wagers may be accepted. If the game status is “Play In Progress” then new wagers will be held for the next to occur game.
  • a dealer ID and a Pit ID are stored as a part of data 904 together with Players IDs for both the physical and remote players.
  • an available stake and wager amount is also associated with each game ID. The stake amount must be verified prior to each wager being accepted because the player may be playing at more than one game of chance.
  • Performance monitor data 906 comprises data useful for managing casino operations. More specifically, data 906 includes casino staff member IDs, an average rate of play rating for the staff members conducting the game of chance, for example, the dealers, bankers, croupier, pit bosses, a summary of how well the casino staff conducts the game and the number of players served at the table. A portion of the performance monitor data 906 includes information that is useful for providing a high level of customer service, such as efficiently approving and providing casino comps, and for marketing new games and services to the players. Finally, performance monitor data 906 also includes real-time accounting information that is useful for determining profit or loss for each table for each game or for a period of time.
  • the data retained in database 900 represents comprehensive fine grain statistical data that enables the casino to drill down to obtain complete perspective of casino operations in real-time including the average response time of dealers and players. Alternatively, the collected information enables a broader perspective for refining casino operations based on a complete set of data.
  • the data in database 900 is useful for verifying that both casino staff members and the players properly conduct the games of chance.
  • Network control manager 828 can set alarm points indicative of potential fraudulent conditions and link to corresponding video clips so that casino security can match statistical data with the relevant video images.
  • the data retained in database 900 provides governmental regulators and internal casino security staff an improved perspective on the conduct of each game of chance, detection of illegal strategies and identification of suspicious players.
  • a network map 912 is illustrated.
  • the network map is useful for load balancing and game monitoring.
  • the map provides an address for each table on the network as illustrated in column “Address Map” 914 .
  • T 1 there is a table referred to as T 1 that is associated with pit manager P 2 and floor manager F 1 .
  • T 2 , T 3 and T 4 that are also associated with pit manager P 2 .
  • T 2 there are three tables associated with pit manager P 1 and floor manager F 2 .
  • Floor manager F 2 may be at a second casino physical remote from the casino where floor manager F 1 is located.
  • a plurality of additional tables, represented as Tn is illustrated as being associated with pit manager Pm and floor manager Fx.
  • table T 1 P 2 F 1 is an active table, which means that it is currently conducting a casino game such as Blackjack.
  • Other tables such as T 4 P 2 F 1 , T 2 P 1 F 2 and TnPmF 2 , are also active.
  • the network map 912 also denotes that some tables, such as T 2 P 2 F 1 , T 3 P 2 F 1 , T 1 P 1 F 2 and TnPmFx, are inactive, which means that these tables are not presently available for play.
  • the “Player Status” 918 column denotes the players currently playing at a table.
  • the “Player Status” 918 column denotes the players currently playing at a table.
  • p1-ID-L p2-ID-R
  • p3-ID-R p4-ID-R
  • p5-ID-L where p1 denotes a player, the ID denotes a unique player identification code, and the letter R or L denotes whether the player is a remote or local player.
  • a wager is denoted in the “Wager” 920 column.
  • each wager is associated with a time stamp as illustrated in the “Tme Stamp” 922 column. The time stamp indicates when each wager was received either at the network manager by the remote players or by the local players.
  • Game ID a unique game identification number is associated with the table, pit manager and the floor manager. The game ID is assigned for each play of a game.
  • Game Object ID a list of each gaming object associated with each game and each player is identified.
  • the gaming object comprises, at a minimum, the two initial cards dealt to each player. This is indicated by the “2-Card-ID” for player p1-ID-L. This means that the player has elected to stay with the initial cards.
  • Other players such as p2-ID-R, p3-ID-R and p5-ID-L, have all elected to draw additional cards, which are indicated as having four, three and three cards respectively.
  • Each gaming object has a unique encoded identification number.
  • the gaming objects are denoted as 2P-Card-ID (i.e., the player cards) and 2B-Card-ID (i.e., the banker cards).
  • 2P-Card-ID i.e., the player cards
  • 2B-Card-ID i.e., the banker cards
  • each of the cards is encoded with a unique identification number.
  • the player wagers are denoted as being placed on the Player's cards, the banker cards or on a tie.
  • TnPmF2 where Pai Gow Poker is being played, each player is dealt seven cards, each with a unique identification number.
  • each table Associated with each table is a video segment obtained from a video camera.
  • Each camera has a unique identification number as indicated in the “Video Segment ID” 928 column. Although only one camera is illustrated, it will be appreciated that each table may have a plurality of cameras associated therewith.
  • the network control manager 828 can detect when additional tables need to be brought on-line. Based on the loading illustrated in network map 912 , it appears that table T1P2F1 is operating at about 5 ⁇ 6 th capacity. Accordingly, network control manager will issue an alarm to casino staff to activate an additional blackjack table. Since the other two active tables are lightly loaded, several additional players may begin playing the respective games before a capacity limit is reached. It should be apparent that the present invention provides real-time view of casino operations.
  • FIG. 10 where, in conjunction with FIGS. 2, 6 and 8 , an operational flow diagram for play of a casino game in the casino environment of the present invention is illustrated.
  • the table controller registers with its pit manager as indicated at step 1002 .
  • the table controller and pit manager will verify the operational status of the components of the table and the communication channel.
  • the pit manager broadcasts to network manager, backend manager and network control manager that the new table controller is on-line and available for accepting wagers for the particular game of chance played at the table as indicated at step 1004 .
  • the table remains quiescent until a player selects the table for play by registering for play as indicated at step 1006 .
  • the player may be either remote or physical. If the player is physical, registration may be as simple as placing a bet in the indicated bet slot 206 on the table, in which case the player is playing as an anonymous player. Alternatively, the local player may place a casino identification card over the bet slot 206 to automatically establish their identity. Local players may wish to establish their identity in order to qualify for casino comps based on their rate of play and the aggregate amount wagered.
  • the table controller notifies its pit manager of the local player so that the pit manager may monitor their play. As part of the registration process, pit manager notifies the backend manager and the network manager of the local player. When a remote player selects the table, the network manager passes the registration request to the pit manager, the backend manger and the network controller so that each manager may monitor subsequent play.
  • the casino staff member When players are registered, the casino staff member (for example, the dealer or the banker) initiates play of the game of chance, as indicated at step 1008 by requesting players to place a wager. Simultaneously, a game ID is generated by the table controller and communicated to the pit manager. Once a first wager is placed, the pit manager generates a request to remote players and local players with a count down indicator of the time available to place a bet. The remote players view the count down indicator on their respective game machine while local players view the count down indicator on user console 304 .
  • pit manager While the count down indicator is decreasing, pit manager checks with network manager for receipt of wagers from remote players. When the count down indicator reaches zero, the pit manager will not accept late arriving wagers for the current game ID. Instead, the wager will be reserved for the next to occur game at the table. If a wager is timely received, the pit manager transfers the wager to the table controller.
  • the table controller is tasked with generating a wager list of all accepted wagers (both physical and remote) as indicated at step 1010 . This information is combined with the wager information distributed by pit manager to the other managers (other than network manager).
  • the table controller is tasked with detecting game results, either intermediate or final. If the game result is intermediate, the table controller transmits the intermediate result for each remote player to the pit manager. The intermediate result is tagged with a time stamp. This information is then transferred to the remote player via the network manager. The pit manager notifies the backend manager of the pending response due from one or more remote players. The backend manager watches for a response from the remote player by monitoring shared memory 606 or floor manager 808 . If no response is timely received, the backend manager authorizes a response, generated by the rules engine, to be sent to the table controller. The rules engine response is tagged to indicate that the remote player did not provide it. When the game result is a final result it is tagged with a time stamp, staff ID, current player IDs and a list of current wagers. This information is transferred to the pit manager and to the other managers on the network as indicated at step 1012 .
  • step 1014 play continues at the table by beginning play of the next to occur game of chance. If new players have been previously registered, they will be authorized to place a wager on this play of the game. When several of the players terminate play and the system load factor is low, the table may be decommissioned, as indicated at step 1016 .
  • Decommissioning means that the table is removed from the list of tables available to accept wagers.
  • Network control manager is responsible for initiating the decommissioning process and for verifying with each manager that the table is no longer considered an active table.
  • FIG. 11 Operation of the table controller is illustrated in FIG. 11. Specifically, after the table controller has registered with its respective pit manager, the casino staff member initiates play by requesting wagers to be placed as indicated at step 1102 . If no local player places a wager, play will only start when a remote player places a wager. Once a wager is placed, the table controller will initiate a timer that determines how long to wait before activating the gaming objects. More specifically, activating the gaming object means that the cards are dealt, the dice tossed or the roulette wheel activated. Simultaneous with activating the timer, the table controller generates a status message that is transmitted to all registered players whether local or remote.
  • table controller detects the wagers placed by each local and remote player and generates a wager list.
  • the wager list is transmitted to the pit manager.
  • the pit manager passes the wager list to the floor manager, the backend manager and a partial list of wagers associated with remote players is transmitted to the network manager.
  • the list is distributed to the managers to minimize the likelihood that a remote hacker can infiltrate each manager and modify the respective wager lists.
  • the table controller detects intermediate decision points during play of the game. For example, if the game of chance is black jack each player must make an intermediate decision based on their cards and the cards of the other players. Accordingly, at step 1110 , table controller pauses for a decision to be made by the player. For local players, the casino staff member can directly solicit the player's instructions. However, for remote players, it may be difficult to solicit a response due to the remoteness of the player where visual signals may not be exchanged, language difficulties or the like. Further, remote players may not even be present when the request for input is solicited or the communication connection may have been lost.
  • table controller starts a countdown timer and notifies pit manager that a request for instructions has been issued.
  • Pit manager passes the request to the network manager and the backend manager. If a response is not timely received, the backend manager invokes the rules engine to determine a response.
  • the remote player submits their instructions that are received at the network manager prior to the termination of the response period, the remote player's instructions will be accepted.
  • the table controller continues the play of the game, detects the outcome and provides the information for display to remote players. Finally, the table controller at step 1114 settles the wagers and updates the wager list. This information is distributed to the pit manager and, in turn, to the backend manager, network manager and to the network control manager.
  • pit manager establishes a communication link with the floor manager that in turn maintains a communication link with network manager over the internal casino network. This link is maintained for so long as the pit manager is active, which means that at least one table controller is active.
  • the floor manager monitors the network manager for new remote players or wagers from previously registered remote players as indicated at step 1204 . The floor manager then passes new wagers to the selected pit manager. When the pit manager receives a new wager, the time stamps applied by the network manager and the floor manager to verify that it was timely delivered relative to the status of the table controller as indicated at step 1206 .
  • the pit manager monitors play at each table controller assigned to the pit manager.
  • the pit manager remains in communication with floor manager so that when floor manager detects activity directed to a specific table, the appropriate pit manager will be promptly notified. This activity is illustrated at step 1208 .
  • the floor manger monitors wagering patterns for each player or for groups of players to identify inappropriate wagers.
  • the floor manager also generates statistical data based on the information gathered from the plurality of pit managers.
  • the pit manager transmits game outcomes to the floor manager, the backend manager and the network manager. This information is then transmitted to remote users.
  • game statistics are transferred to long-term storage and linked to the video stream obtained from the plurality of cameras located throughout the casino.
  • the present invention is readily adaptable to use within a casino environment that may include adjoining restaurants, lounges, hotel rooms or special gaming arenas. Further the present invention implements an interactive gaming system that is secure, redundant and distributed in a manner that permits load balancing among a plurality of tables. Due to the distributed nature of the casino network environment, a wide variety of casino games (such as slots, roulette, craps, card games etc.) may be adapted for play by both local and remote players without degrading the playing experience for either.
  • casino games such as slots, roulette, craps, card games etc.
  • the above-described aspects of the present invention enable the casino to operate at a level that provides a higher degree of service to the player regardless of where located.
  • the present invention also enables the casino to manage operations more efficiently and to identify games, players or staff employees that are acting in an improper manner and to generate substantive evidence to support subsequent investigations.
  • the method comprises the steps of: 1) Detecting the value of all gaming objects associated with each selected game; 2) Identifying players participating in each casino game; 3) Monitoring the performance of said casino staff member; 4) Transmitting the final results of each of said casino games to each participating player; and 5) Maintaining a historical database for each play of said casino game, said historical database having a time stamp, the value of all gaming objects, associating at least one gaming object with each of said participating players, associating said wager by each of said participating players and a video/audio stream displaying the play of said casino game.
  • the present invention further includes a method for determining when at least one of said participating player qualifies for a casino comps.
  • the present invention further includes a determining a profile for each player and for updating said profile for each player in real-time.
  • the present invention further includes a periodically or on-demand determining whether said player owes income taxes based on said historical wagers.
  • the present invention further includes a method for conducting an interactive casino game having a plurality of local and remote players, said method comprising the steps of establishing a communication link between a smart table, a pit manager and a network manager; Initiating play of a casino game; Transmitting a request for wagers to each remote player; Initiating a wager period that may or may not depend on detection of a first wager; Determining the end of said wager period; Detecting the value of said gaming object associated with each player; Determining the result of said play; Communicating the result of said play to each remote player; and Retaining a historical list of each player's wager, the gaming objects associated with each player and the result of said play.
  • the present invention further includes a method for transmitting a request for an intermediate decision from at least one of said remote players; Initiating a response period; Detecting whether a response to said request is received; If said response is timely received, continue play of said game; and If said response is not received, determining the end of said response period and invoking a rules engine for generating a response for said remote player.
  • the present invention further includes a method for associating a video and/or audio stream with said play; and Transmitting said video/audio stream with said result to each of said remote players.
  • the present invention further describes a method of transmitting video/audio from at least one remote player to the pit manager or dealer as well as other remote players to support of interactivity and/or player verification.
  • the present invention further includes establishing communication means such as an Internet-based network for exchanging text messages and/or video/audio images between each remote player and the dealer.
  • communication means such as an Internet-based network for exchanging text messages and/or video/audio images between each remote player and the dealer.
  • the present invention further includes a method for determining a profile for each dealer (or casino staff) and for updating said profile for each dealer (or casino staff) in real-time.
  • the present invention further includes a method for periodically or on-demand generating a corporate report and for updating said corporate report in real-time.
  • the present invention further includes a method for periodically or on-demand generating a casino gaming network status report and for updating said casino gaming network status report in real-time.
  • the present invention further includes a method for generating in real-time appropriate alarms that require immediate attention from the casino staff, on exceptional win, e.g. Jackpot, excessively high wager or total wagers, request for increase in wager limits or credit, or security concern.
  • exceptional win e.g. Jackpot
  • excessively high wager or total wagers request for increase in wager limits or credit, or security concern.
  • the present invention further includes a method for periodically or on-demand monitoring selected games and collecting game statistics for various games to verify the odds and payout decisions as well as planning for new games and for updating said corporate report in real-time.
  • the present invention further includes a method for automatically or manually configuring the casino gaming management system so as to monitor user-selectable subsystems and parameters for data collection, filtering, real-time online and offline analysis and report.
  • the present invention further includes a method for providing an environment for the players to chat, socialize and to exchange ideas on gaming, e.g. games strategy, game selection, wagering, and proxy play.
  • gaming e.g. games strategy, game selection, wagering, and proxy play.
  • the present invention further includes a method for providing an environment for the players to chat, socialize and to exchange ideas on gaming, e.g. games strategy, game selection, wagering, and proxy play.
  • gaming e.g. games strategy, game selection, wagering, and proxy play.
  • the present invention further includes a method for collecting game statistics and making the statistics available in real-time to the players to help in determining their gaming decisions, possibly at some charge.
  • the present invention further includes a method for allowing each remote player to give tip at each game to be deducted from the player's credit and of determining and displaying said tips to the dealer and maintaining a tip inventory to enable management to determine a tip amount to pay to each dealer from the pool, and to monitor which dealer earns the most tips from the players.
  • the present invention further includes a method for enabling proxy play in which a remote player can select a physical player or another previously registered remote player to represent his/her betting decision and for allowing the network manager or backend manager (or other server) to regulate the proxy play so as to limit the total amount of wager and to perform load balancing in terms of the number of players and the amount wagered on each play of a game of chance.
  • a remote player can select a physical player or another previously registered remote player to represent his/her betting decision and for allowing the network manager or backend manager (or other server) to regulate the proxy play so as to limit the total amount of wager and to perform load balancing in terms of the number of players and the amount wagered on each play of a game of chance.
  • the network manager or backend manager or other server
  • the present invention further includes a method for periodically or on-demand determining the inventory of chips at each game table and verifying against the expected figures calculated from total payout in the interval, in real-time without interrupting ongoing games.

Abstract

A system and method for intelligent management of an interactive gaming system and casino games played by both local and remote players is described. The present invention tracks the play of local and remote players and dealers, provides a real-time inventory of wagers and players stakes, and provides casino management and regulators visibility of real-time play throughout the casino. The present invention also enables casinos to identify and reward loyal players regardless of whether the player is on-site or remote or playing a table game or a slot machine.

Description

    (1) PRIORITY APPLICATION
  • This application claims priority under pending Provisional patent application Ser. No. 06/301,939 filed Jun. 29, 2001 entitled Intelligent Casino Management System and Method for Managing Real-Time Networked Interactive Gaming System, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein for all purposes. [0001]
  • (2) RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/782,833 filed Feb. 14, 2001 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application serial No. 60/283,807 filed Apr. 13, 2001 (both of which are assigned to VT TECH Corp., the assignee of the present invention) the disclosures of which are incorporated herein for all purposes.[0002]
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1 . Field of the Invention [0003]
  • The present invention relates to a system and method for intelligent management of remote and local gaming played at a casino and more specifically a method and system for managing the play of both remote and local players participating in a casino game. [0004]
  • 2 .Background [0005]
  • Casino games, often referred to as games of chance, are a popular form of adult entertainment. While such games have been played for centuries, playing casino games over the Internet is a relatively recent phenomenon. Indeed a recent report indicates that more than 1,200 “on-line” casinos attract a large number of players who are unable to travel to a physical casino to play their desired casino game on-site. These Internet casinos comprise one or more computers that execute computer software replicating a casino game for remote players. For example, the computer software could replicate the game of roulette, baccarat, craps, blackjack or pai gow (an Asian poker game) depending on what each player desires to play. Thus, when the player requests to play, the player is playing one-on-one against a computer program. [0006]
  • While software generated casino games may closely replicate the odds of winning, many players would prefer to play at an actual casino. For this reason, an interactive gaming system (IGS) was described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,552, assigned to VT TECH Corp., the assignee of the present invention. This IGS permits remote players to participate in live action games of chance. By way of example, a remote player selects a game server, which may be a table game located on the floor of a casino. A game server in the IGS environment may either be a card table with a live dealer or banker, a craps table or a roulette table that permits players to place a wager on either the table or a virtual bet board. Alternatively, the game server may be a computer program that generates a sequence of plays of the selected game of a chance with the results conveyed to a plurality of players, many of whom may be playing at a position remote from the casino. The IGS transmits a broadcast quality signal to the remote player to monitor play at the selected table. The IGS is particularly well suited to games of chance such as baccarat, roulette and craps where a virtually unlimited number of players may place electronic bets on a virtual bet board with the outcome determined by the cards opened on the baccarat table, the play of the roulette wheel or the roll of the die on the crap table. Advantageously, the baccarat table, the roulette wheel and the craps table are all located on the casino floor, so the remote player is provided with the same game just as if they were at the gaming table in the casino. The IGS is also well suited for other games of chance, such as a slot machine or for other card games such as blackjack or poker, by way of example. [0007]
  • For casino card games, such as black jack, Pai gow poker, poker, craps and others, it is necessary to detect certain intermediate results. However, when cards are dealt face down, it is difficult to determine the value of the cards for remote players. Accordingly, a system for detecting the value of a gaming object (for example, the value of a card, the value of a die) was described in a related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/782,833 filed Feb. 14, 2001 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein for all purposes. This application is also assigned to VT TECH Corp., the assignee of the present invention. [0008]
  • The automatic detection of both intermediate and final outcome of the game eliminates the need for a casino employee to view the result and manually enter the value into the IGS for distribution to remote players. Automatic detection also enables a large number of remote players to participate in a casino game conducted at a casino with live players. However, what is needed is an improved system and method to monitor the play of the large numbers of remote and local players without disrupting the game's results or rate of play. [0009]
  • In addition to automatic detection of game results, casinos must also be able to monitor play of both local and remote players. As used herein, local players are players who are physically present at a game server while remote players are players who participate from a location remote from the game server. What is needed is a system and method that enables automatic detection of gaming objects (chips, cards, dices, roulette balls, by way of example), the value of wagers placed by both local and remote players and that associates wagering information with specific players, dealers and other casino employees. [0010]
  • As will be appreciated by one familiar with the operation of a casino, casino management is interested in identifying players who generate the most profit for the casino. To obtain this information, casinos typically employ a pit boss to monitor the size of the bet that each player is making. However, it is not possible for the pit boss to accurately determine the size of the bets and the duration of play for each and every player. Accordingly, what is further needed is an intelligent automated management system that automatically tracks the play of both local and remote players. Further the intelligent management system needs to maximize utilization of casino resources, minimize management time and cost, improve reliability and quality of service, make available valuable data for improving gaming and gaming business strategy and customer service. What is also needed is a system and method for gaming service and management that is scalable and secure that provides the casino management with a real-time data indicative of the operation of the casino. [0011]
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to a system and method for intelligent management of an interactive gaming system and casino games played by local and remote players. The present invention tracks the play of players, both local and remote, and dealers, provides a real-time inventory of casino chips and players stakes, and provides casino management and regulators visibility of real-time play throughout the casino. The present invention enables casinos to identify and reward loyal players regardless of whether the player is on-site or remote. [0012]
  • In one preferred embodiment, the intelligent casino management system of the present invention comprises a plurality of smart tables, a plurality of table controllers that interface the smart tables to a local (wireless or wireline) network, and a gaming network manager for data collection. The smart tables comprise a plurality of tables each configured for play of one of a variety of casino games and adapted for both local and remote play of both live or virtual casino games. Typically, each smart table includes the familiar bet board for one of a variety of different casino games and at least one detector for detecting the value of each gaming object on the table. Gaming objects on a smart table may include: (i) the game generation object for generating game result, e.g. playing cards, roulette ball, or dice; (ii) the chips in the dealer's tray, (iii) the chips for each player's bet and accumulated chips maintained by each player. Each gaming object provides a unique value that, upon detection, is communicated to the table controller. One preferred non-contact method of gaming object detection is disclosed in a related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/782,833 (filed Feb. 14, 2001), and assigned to VT TECH Corp., the assignee of the present invention, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein for all purposes. [0013]
  • Gaming objects will vary depending on the selected casino game. For example, if the casino game is a casino card game, the gaming objects comprise a deck of cards having 54 unique values. If the casino game requires dice, as in the craps game, the gaming object comprises the dice. Each die has six unique values corresponding to the six sides of die. If the casino game is roulette, the gaming generation object is the steel, ceramic or plastic ball whose position on the roulette wheel will determine one of the 38 (or 37) values. Each gaming object is adapted to generate at least one unique signal that is detected by a detector (e.g. non-contact reader) that relays the signal to the smart table controller. [0014]
  • The table controller is responsible for transmitting detected values to 1) the network manager over the casino local network, 2) a game result display, 3) a local table monitor display and/or 4) a pit monitor display configured to monitor a group of smart tables. The local table monitor allows the dealer to verify the correct amount of chip collection and payout for each player for each game. The pit monitor enables the pit boss to automatically monitor all gaming activities in the pit, including instantaneous tracking and rating of all players, correct play of the game by the dealers and the instantaneous amounts and the statistics of wins and losses at each table in a pit. [0015]
  • The present invention detects the value of gaming objects at each table or game server during play of each game. The present invention also tracks the manner and rate of play for each player, tracks the efficiency of each dealer, verifies the correct calculation of payouts, maintains chip inventory, and enables a higher degree of real-time operational management (by way of example, cash management and resource management) throughout the casino. The tracking and management system advantageously enables interactive gaming for an unlimited number of players without degrading the rate of play or increasing errors by casino employees. Advantageously, with the present invention, it is possible to implement the use of casino-based proxies for remote players in the manner described in pending U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/283,807 filed Apr. 13, 2001 now pending U.S. non-provisional application Serial No. 10/121,621 filed Apr. 11, 2002. Further, with the present invention, the casino operator may load balance, that is distribute remote players among the available tables and also to distribute the average amount wagered so that new players are assigned to tables having a low average wager for each of the previous “n” games. [0016]
  • The system and method of the present invention integrates the management of internal functions relating to operation of a casino encompassing both real-time interactive gaming and traditional gaming business. [0017]
  • Advantageously, the present invention enables the efficient, reliable and secure management of a casino's operation thereby saving costs and increasing revenue. Further, the present invention allows reduction in overhead and maximizes the utilization of the gaming resources resulting in improved customer service. Further still, the present invention expands potential marketing strategies based on the higher degree of visibility afforded by the information generated by play by local and remote players. The casino management system and method of the present invention is more clearly described in the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment. [0018]
  • DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of one embodiment of an exemplary prior art computer-based networked system for practicing the invention. [0019]
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a gaming table in accordance with the present invention. [0020]
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a user console associated with the gaming table of FIG. 2. [0021]
  • FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a table controller associated with the smart gaming table of FIG. 2 and coupled to a plurality of non-contact readers [0022]
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a method for monitoring the play of a player of a casino game. [0023]
  • FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of an intelligent casino management network system architecture. [0024]
  • FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of shared memory configuration. [0025]
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a three-level casino management network system architecture in accordance with the present invention. [0026]
  • FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrates one embodiment of a database and network map, respectively, associated with the casino network environment for monitoring play of a plurality of casino games by a plurality of players. [0027]
  • FIG. 10 illustrates an operational flow diagram for play of a casino game in the casino network environment of the present invention. [0028]
  • FIG. 11 illustrates an operational flow diagram for the table controller. [0029]
  • FIG. 12 illustrates an operational flow diagram for operation of the pit manager and floor manager. [0030]
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • The present invention relates to a system for enabling remote play of a live action casino game. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved gaming table that incorporates a plurality of gaming objects in a manner that enables an unlimited number of players to participate in a live action casino game. In the following description of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. [0031]
  • Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout in the drawings to refer to the same or like components. [0032]
  • FIG. 1 illustrates the hardware components of an exemplary computer-based networked system [0033] 110 for practicing the invention. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a plurality of smart gaming tables 112 at a first casino 114. At each table 112, a sequence of plays of a particular casino game is conducted. Each table 112 is connected to a local area network 116. A plurality of gaming machines 118 is also connected to network 116. By selecting one of said plurality of tables 112, a remote player (not shown) positioned at one of the gaming machines 118 can participate in the play of the casino game conducted at the selected table. Other players may play while physically present at the smart table. Such players are referred to herein as local players. Thus, at any smart table, there may be both remote local players playing the game of chance. In some embodiments, the number of players at each smart table 112 may far exceed the number of seats or player positions around the table A network manager 120 is also connected to network 116. Network manager 120 acts as a portal to a public or private network 122, which may be a telephone, satellite or Internet network or any other worldwide communication network. Additional casinos or gaming sites, such as casino 124, may be coupled to network 122 via network manager 126. Casino 124 is essentially a mirror image of casino 114 in that it comprises a plurality of gaming tables 128 and gaming machines 130 each of which are coupled by a local area network 132 to network manager 126. Gaming machines 130 are identical to gaming machines 118 except that they is located at a site remote from casino 114. Similarly, gaming tables 128 are identical to gaming tables 112 except that they too are located at a different site. Additional gaming machines 134 may couple into either casino 114 or 124 directly through the network 122. Gaming machines 134 may be, by way of example, web enabled cell phones, home or portable computers or other such devices. Since such devices are typically mobile and outside the control of a casino, it is preferred that gaming machines 134 include circuitry such as global positioning system (GPS). With GPS, the casino may interrogate gaming machines 134 to determine the location of the gaming machine so that the casinos may limit remote access to the casino to those jurisdictions where such play is legal.
  • Referring now to FIG. 2, a top view of a smart gaming table [0034] 112 is illustrated The smart gaming table system 112 and gaming objects are described more fully described in a related U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/782,833 (filed Feb. 14, 2001), and assigned to VT TECH Corp., the assignee of the present invention, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein for all purposes.
  • Table [0035] 112 comprises a flat playing surface covered with felt on which is typically printed a bet board for a particular game. The printed felt could delineate where the cards are dealt and where the bets are positioned. Typically there are a total of six playing positions 202 if the table is used for blackjack or pai gow poker and a dealer position 204. Other card games may have more or fewer playing positions or may omit the dealer's position. Associated with each playing position 202 is a bet slot 206 where a player may place a bet for the next to occur casino game. Also associated is a defined position 208 where the cards are dealt.
  • At each playing [0036] position 202, a reader 210 is coupled to table 112 closely proximate to at least one of the playing positions 202. In the illustrated embodiment, each playing position 202 is provided with a reader 210 although it has been eliminated from one position in FIG. 2 so as to more clearly illustrate additional features of each position 202. One skilled in the art will appreciate that each table may have any number of playing positions 202 and is not limited to merely the six positions 202 that are illustrated.
  • Each [0037] reader 210 is configured to have a relatively short range as indicated by the dashed lines 212 surrounding each player position 202. Again, the range indicator has been omitted from two positions to more clearly illustrate the reader and other features at these positions.
  • Table [0038] 112 also includes a reader 214 positioned proximate to the dealer position 204 and more particularly proximate to the defined position 216 where the dealer's cards are initially positioned. As with readers 210, readers 214 are configured with a relatively short range, as indicated by dashed lines 218 so that there is no overlap in detection field with the other readers. It will be further appreciated that a single reader 214 may be positioned proximate to a card shoe to detect the value of each card as it is dealt. This configuration is particularly useful for card games such as baccarat because readers 210 need not necessarily be accessed.
  • Each table [0039] 112 includes a reader network 220 that couples a table manager 222 to each of the readers. Specifically, each reader 210 and 214 is coupled to reader network 220 so that information from readers 210 and 214 may be transferred to table manager 222. Table manager 222 is responsible for coupling reader network 220 to a local area network (LAN) 224. Table manager 222 is the local manager responsible for linking and managing access to the network manager 120 (FIG. 1) via LAN 224.
  • Table [0040] 112 further comprises in one embodiment a chip tray 230 proximate to the dealer's position 204. The chip tray 230 is coupled to reader network 220 such that the total number of chips in the tray may be counted and the value transmitted to a monitoring server coupled to LAN 224.
  • Gaming objects will vary depending on the selected casino game. For example, if the casino game is a casino card game, the gaming object is a deck of cards having 54 unique values. If the casino game requires dice as in the craps game, the gaming object comprise the dice, each having six unique values corresponding to the six sides of die. If the casino game is roulette, the gaming generation object is the steel or plastic ball whose position on the roulette wheel will determine one of the 38 (or 37) values. Each gaming object is adapted to generate at least one unique signal that may be detected by [0041] readers 210 or 214.
  • It is to be understood that the smart table [0042] 112 may be useful to a local player (one who is playing on-site) who is not otherwise comfortable with playing a live action card game, roulette or craps. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3 and as an aid to such players who are physically present at the gaming table 112, each playing position 202 includes not only a bet slot 206, defined position 208 for the cards and at least one reader having a reading range indicated by dashed lines 302 but also a user console 304. In this manner, even though physically present at the gaming table, the casino may treat the player as a “remote” player with the player's hand and bets determined automatically by the casino. Advantageously, the smart playing position can display instructions to teach players how to play a casino game, increase the rate of play by suggesting possible strategies or implement casino management functions such as the display of casino advertising, discounts to shows or game statistics.
  • [0043] User console 304 may be a LCD display having a touch sensitive screen for entry of information by the local player. Alternatively user console 304 may be an array of LEDs, a CRT or other display device together with an optional keyboard 306 When cards or other gaming objects are positioned in defined position 208 with a bet positioned in bet slot 206, the results, such as the value of the cards in position 208, may be obtained from table manager 222. Thus, a local player may obtain visual confirmation of the value of their cards and their bet from the user console. The dealer may also receive determinations or instructions from the remote players on user console associated with the dealer's position. The determination, collection and pay-off are automatic for remote players thereby relieving the casino employees from having to manually settle their wagers.
  • The present invention provides additional significant benefits for operators of a casino. Specifically, the ability to automatically determine the value of a stack of chips, tokens or playing card enables the automatic counting of all bets played at a gaming table with instantaneous monitoring of the play at the gaming table via the IGS. The present invention also enables the broadcast of a casino game and the outcome for each player and the dealer via the IGS without requiring the dealer to assume additional tasks during play. The present invention contributes to detecting counterfeit cards or chips and minimizes mistakes in calculating the value of the outcome of a casino game or the proper payoff of a wager. Because the gaming object includes a memory area in the embedded semiconductor circuit, it can be reprogrammed and encrypted by the casino to thwart counterfeiters or cheats. Finally, use of the gaming objects enables an automated audit trail for both dealer and players at the gaming table so that game results, historical wins and losses, and as a training system can be readily implemented by the present invention. [0044]
  • Using [0045] user console 304, a player may automatically log into a player's position to begin play of a casino game. Specifically, the player may place a player's identification card over the reader to establish their identity and access their stake or credit line. The player uses keyboard 306 to enter any private codes or passwords to verify their identity. Alternatively, the player places a credit card over the reader to establish a stake. Rather than using physical casino chips or tokens, the player may place bets by moving tokens displayed on user console 304 from a stakes region to a wager region displayed on the user console 304.
  • As shown in FIG. 4, [0046] table controller 222 comprises a reader driver interface 402 that manages the local reader network 220. Interface 402 is responsible for acquiring the value of each card (or RFID chip) positioned within the detection range of each reader 210 and 214. Once acquired, CPU 404 executes control instructions stored in memory 406 to interpret the information. Memory 406 also serves as a local store for the information acquired by each reader 210 and 214. Memory 406 may comprise a combination of both volatile (RAM) for data storage and non-volatile memory (ROM or Flash, a type of updateable read only memory) for program storage. A LAN driver interface 408 operates under control of CPU 404 and couples table manager 222 to LAN 224. As will be appreciated, since a plurality of tables 112 are coupled by LAN 224 to network manager 120, each controller 222 is responsible for indicating to network manager 120 intermediate results and completion of each casino game. Table controller 222 further comprises a universal power supply 410 dedicated to the operation of network controller and reader network 220.
  • Referring now to FIG. 5, a method for monitoring the play of a player is illustrated. Initially, as indicated at [0047] step 502, each new player begins play by opening their personal account and establishing a stake. In one preferred embodiment, players use a casino player identification card to quickly identify themselves. Such identification cards are well known in the art and are widely used by casinos to collect information regarding their players. If the player wishes to begin play without using an identification card, the player must either be on-site so that they can buy casino chips or tokens for use at the game server or use an approved credit card. Casino employees may identify themselves by logging onto the system using their employee identification card as indicated at step 504. The table manager is responsible for executing code to establish player accounts for local players.
  • Once a local player has established a stake, the table manager conveys this information to the network manager as indicated at [0048] step 506. Remote players establish their account directly with the network manager using either a gaming machine 118, 130 or 134. Typically, the accounts for remote players are established using a credit card or a previously established casino account. The network manager uses the information to establish and maintain a separate real-time account for every player regarding his or her play. In an alternative embodiment, network manager and the table controller pass the account information to a protected or secure server. This server maintains the player's and employee accounts in real-time. Since the secure server is not directly accessible from outside the casino internal network, it is more difficult to gain access to the accounting information. For each player, the account includes identifying information, such as the name, address, age of the player, player preferences for food, lodging and entertainment and other information the casino may deem of value for their marketing efforts.
  • As indicated at [0049] step 508, a log file that lists the game server (or servers) played by the player, the amount of each wager, the amount of the players' stake and the average size of the wager. The network manager, the secure server or other managers in the casino environment, may maintain this log file. Network manager also collects statistical information regarding the location of the player, the won/lost percentage and the duration of play for each player and on a cumulative basis. This information is updated while the player plays at the game server (or servers) by logging the information to the log file. As each player terminates play, the network manager closes the player's account by crediting winnings, deducting losses and saving the log file as indicated at step 510. The statistical information may be updated at this time or at selected intervals throughout the day. When the player subsequently returns, the player's account may be re-opened so that new information may be added to the log file.
  • With smart table [0050] 112, maintaining the history log associated with each player is greatly facilitated compared to manual entry casinos currently use for rating play by each player at a table game. The log files and the statistical information may be mined for information for calculating casino profit or loss information in real time. If the log file indicates that the anonymous player has won a substantial amount of money, the network manager can initiate an alarm as indicated at step 512. This alarm alerts casino employees that the player should pay the appropriate withholding amount for tax purposes or be monitored for improper playing techniques. At the end of each accounting period, the casino may provide an account statement to each registered player on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis as indicated at step 514. The account statement may be useful for the player when calculating their personal income tax return.
  • By accessing a selected player's log file detailing the series of plays for the player, a casino pit boss and the marketing staff will be able to determine in real time whether the player is eligible for casino comps. Since the log file contains significant information regarding each player, the casino may sort the information to determine their most loyal players for purpose of providing casino comps. By way of example, casino comps may include discounts on food, entertainment, lodging, travel to the casino and the like. By associating each player's log file with account information, the comps can be tailored to the specific needs or desires of the player. Further, the information may be used to automatically rate the play of each player in terms of wagered amounts, duration of play or individual strategies/habits for each player. [0051]
  • The accumulated statistical information provides a comprehensive database that is useful in determining game odds and strategy simulations. Further use of the accumulated statistical information may also be useful in training casino employees in a manner where performances of dealers and players can be tracked in real-time. [0052]
  • In addition to tracking players while they are playing a casino game, the present system also provides information regarding the casino employee or employees conducting the casino game. For example, with smart table [0053] 112 and the smart gaming objects, the log file can include a field to associate a casino employee conducting each casino game with each wager. Thus, the casino can readily mine real-time information to verify that the game is being played properly, wagers are settled correctly and that their employee is properly conducting the game. By way of example, smart table 112 tracks the casino chips wagered and the casino chips in the dealer's tray to generate a real-time audit trail. Smart table 112 also tracks the cards to verify that no card has been removed from the table or that no additional cards have been injected surreptitiously into play. Further, each gaming object includes an encrypted security code so that the table controller is able to verify that a gaming object is genuine. Security information is preferably maintained at a computer that is separate from the table controller, such as by way of example, the network manager.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of an intelligent casino management network system. The casino management network system is hierarchical in nature so that separate computer systems are responsible for various tasks associated with conducting a game of chance with both local and remote players or with just remote players. This hierarchical structure provides important safeguards that are necessary due to the public's access to casino computer and the risk of hackers or cyber-criminals improperly manipulating accounting information, wager amounts or game results. [0054]
  • In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, [0055] network manager 602 provides a public portal through which players are provided access to casino environment 600. More specifically, remote players access network manager 602 over a public or private communication network 604, which may be the Internet, public telephone network, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). Players who are remote from casino environment 600 access network 604 using a telephone, such as a web-enabled cell phone, computer or some other computer-based communication device (not shown).
  • [0056] Network manager 602 is responsible for maintaining the exchange of information between the remote players and the casino environment 600. Typically, the casino environment will comprise at least one game of chance played at a smart table. Network manager 602 is preferably a computer server system configured to maintain communication threads with a plurality of remote players. Information transferred over network 604 by each remote player is received and interpreted by network manager 602 placing the information in shared memory 606. A casino backend manager 608 and a pit manager 610 access the information stored in shared memory 606. In this manner, information flow from network manager 502 is restricted to transferring information between remote players and shared memory 606. This restriction isolates the casino environment 600 from outside attacks. Network manager 602 does not have any direct communication with either pit manager 610 or casino backend manager 608 to minimize the ability of hackers to infiltrate the casino environment 600.
  • When [0057] network manager 602 receives information from a remote player, it does not have access to information databases to verify the player's identity or authorization to participate in a game of chance. Accordingly, network manager 602 writes information received from the remote player to shared memory and requests casino backend manager 608 to authorize the player. Preferably, backend manager 608 periodically verifies that each player currently playing is authorized to do so. If a previously unauthorized player is detected, appropriate security measures are instituted. By way of example, the player's authorization is suspended and the player's accounts frozen pending resolution of the security issue.
  • If [0058] backend manager 608 verifies the remote player, the pit manager 610 is notified of a new remote player. Simultaneously, backend manager 508 posts acceptance of the remote player to shared memory 606. Network manager 502 acknowledges acceptance by reading shared memory 504 and sets up a remote player's account in either shared memory or in other memory associated with network manager 602. During the course of play, backend manager 608 maintains a detailed log of play by each authorized player until that player terminates play. Backend manager 608 may include a set of rules, embodied in a rules engine 614, to determine how to arbitrate play, suspend play or terminate play should there be a disruption of communications or if unauthorized activity is detected. Backend manager 608 is also responsible for notifying network manager 602 and pit manager 610 of the status for each remote player. By way of example, a remote player's status may be either authorized to play, currently playing one or more games of chance, inactive, terminated.
  • [0059] Backend manager 608 maintains a separate list log file 616 for each remote player together with the status of the player and each wager placed at a game of chance. The advantage of list log file 616 is that it enables revenue sharing between different casino properties. This is particularly advantageous if a player begins play at a first casino but then, by way of the IGS of the present invention, selects a game at a different casino property. To encourage a large number of casino properties to link to the IGS and provide a vast array of available casino games, it is desirable to provide a means for casinos to share revenue. Thus, backend manager 608 may periodically transfer to a second casino account information regarding play of a remote player affiliated with the second casino. Based on this information, the two casinos may share both the profit and the loss associated with this remote player.
  • To minimize disruption due to failure of the [0060] backend manager 608 or a component thereof, one or more computer systems, represented as backend manager 608A, are provided. Backend manager 608A operates in parallel with backup manager 608 so there is always on-line redundancy. For higher levels of reliability (and to minimize the likelihood of improper manipulation of data in real-time), a third redundant backend manager (not illustrated) enables the collective backend managers to conduct periodic votes as to whether the plurality of list logs is in agreement. If there is a disagreement between the plurality of backend managers: (1) the majority will prevail; (2) the losing system will be flagged as operating in an error state; and (3) system administrators will be notified of the error.
  • [0061] Pit manager 610 is a computer server system responsible for monitoring shared memory 604 to determine if one or more remote players have timely placed a wager on a next to occur game of chance. Pit manager 610 may only accept wagers from players authorized by backend manager 608 to place such wagers. Thus, when network manager 604 places a bet in shared memory, a flag is set to notify pit manager 601 that a new wager has arrived. Pit manager 610 is responsible for passing the wager to the appropriate table controller (that is, table 6-1, table 6-2 or table 6-3) and resetting the wager flag. During the transfer operation, pit manager 610 verifies that the player is listed on log list 618 and updates list log 618 to reflect the new wager. Also associated with pit manager 610 is a rules engine 620 so that pit manager 610 can respond to a variety of situations regarding the rules of play at each game of chance.
  • As with the [0062] backend manager 608, redundant pit managers, illustrated as pit manager 610A, are provided. Pit manger 610A is responsible for minimizing disruption due to failure of the pit manager 610 or a component thereof. Pit manager 610A operates in parallel with pit manager 610 so there is always on-line redundancy. For higher levels of reliability and to minimize the likelihood of improper manipulation of data in real-time, a third redundant pit manager (not illustrated) enables the collective backend managers to conduct periodic votes as to whether the plurality of list logs 618 are in agreement. If there is a disagreement between the plurality of pit managers: (1) the majority will prevail; (2) the losing system will be flagged as operating in an error state; and (3) system administrators will be notified of the error.
  • [0063] Table controller 612 is responsible for monitoring each play of the game of chance at a table, illustrated as table 6-1. Other table controllers 612A and 612B, associated with tables 6-2 and 6-3, respectively, are also coupled to pit manager 610, with each having a selected game of chance being played on the respective table. It will be appreciated that there may be a mix of both local and remote players playing at any given table as well as a plurality of proxy players. Accordingly, table controller 612 recognizes if a player is local or remote and, if remote, whether playing by way of a proxy. The concept of proxy players is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/283,807, filed Apr. 13, 2001 and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein for all purposes.
  • Once the play of the game is complete, [0064] table controller 612 passes the result for each remote player to pit manager 610 together with an accounting for each wager made by each remote player. If an intermediate result is required, table controller passes intermediate results to pit manager 610 and waits for a selected period of time for instructions from the remote player. To track the plurality of wagers, table controller 612 maintains a list log for each player, whether local or remote, and their respective wagers. Pit manager 610 transfers final or intermediate results for each play of a game of chance received from each table controller 612 to shared memory 604 and notifies network manager 602 that action is required.
  • One embodiment of shared [0065] memory 604 is shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, shared memory 604 comprises a list of players 702, a list of their current status 704, a list of wagers associated with each player 706 and a list of pending action or actions 708. These lists may be maintained either as a flat file or in a plurality of linked hierarchical files.
  • One or more flags may be associated with each player and maintained in a [0066] flag list 710. Flag list 710 is maintained to indicate which manager is responsible for acting on the information in shared memory 604. By way of example, a ‘snap-shot’ in time of representative real-time information is illustrated. Specifically, the flag value “n” associated with the first pending wager for “player-52” indicates that the network manager 602 has a pending result from table 6-1 that needs to be transmitted to the identified remote player. Once this result is forwarded to the remote player, the pit will transfer wagering information to shared memory 604 and set the flag to notify network manager 602 that new information has arrived. While network manager 602 services this transaction, other managers process information from shared memory. By way of further illustration, other information in shared memory indicates that pit manager 610 currently has a player response waiting to be transferred to table controller 612B for table 6-2. Further, a wager in the amount of $8 placed by “player-52” is ready to be placed at table 6-3. Pit manager 610 also monitors shared memory waiting for a response from “player-645” and since the flag is still set to an “n”, it indicates that the network manager has not yet received the response from the player. Similarly, a player request has gone out to “player-10679” who has not responded in a reasonable period of time. Thus, the network manager has requested backend manager 608 to intervene and resolve the request in accordance with the rules set associated with backend manager 608.
  • Shared [0067] memory 606 also indicates that “player-75” is inactive and “player-129” is in the process of terminating play. The backend processor is responsible for updating the status of these players (either removing them from the list log or permitting them to remain on the list log). Specifically, when backend processor finishes the termination process for “player-129” the list in shared memory 604 will be updated to remove reference to this player. Concurrently therewith list log 614 for this player will be updated by moving the information in the log to long-term storage, which by way of example may be a disk drive or a storage area network (SAN) (not shown). Long-term storage permits the sequence of plays to be retained for analysis or for resolving disputes raised at a later period of time. Concurrent with the termination process for the player, backend manager 608 notifies pit manager 610 that player-129 is no longer approved for play. Accordingly, pit manager 610 moves the information associated with player-129 to long-term storage, which again may be a disk drive or a storage area network (SAN) (not shown).
  • Depending on the rules set, [0068] backend manager 608 may also initiate the termination process for “player-75” or, if the player places another wager prior to completion of the termination process, the backend processor 608 will permit pit manager 610 to accept the wager.
  • Referring now to FIG. 8, another preferred embodiment of a casino network environment in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, a three-level network architecture utilizes a scaled approach to achieve a casino network environment that can process communication with a large number of remote players while maintaining the security to ensure proper results are achieved for both the players and the casino. This embodiment includes [0069] network manager 602 as the portal through which remote players access the casino environment over network 604. However, instead of reporting communications to a shared memory as illustrated in FIG. 6, network manager 602 acts an intermediary reporting each communication out to the first level network 802 in the present embodiment.
  • As illustrated, network manager includes a [0070] secure socket layer 804 to provide players a secure environment to transfer account and wager information over network 604. The use of secure socket layer 804 is common in the art of network communications and will not be further discussed herein. Network manager 602 may include data storage space for retaining a record of the communication traffic with each remote player in a list log file (not shown).
  • Although not illustrated, [0071] network manager 602 may comprise a plurality of computer server systems configured to balance the number of players on each system. Further, network manager may include a plurality of redundant computer servers configured to operate in tandem so as to provide a high degree of fault tolerance and reliability.
  • On the casino environment side, [0072] network manager 602 communicates over network 802 through a secure socket layer and firewall 806 to maximize secure communications with backend manager 608, floor managers 808 and video manager 810. In the preferred embodiment, backend manager 608, floor managers 808 and video manager 810 are each provided with a firewall and means for establishing a secure socket layer 812. Floor managers 808 and video managers need not be physically present in a single casino. Rather, each floor manager 808 may consist of a plurality of games of chance at a particular casino with a plurality of casinos coupled together by the networks.
  • When [0073] network manager 602 receives communication from a remote user, the information is transmitted to the backend manager 608 and floor managers 808. Backend manager 608 generates a log file maintained on a storage area network (SAN) 814 of every message sent by network manager 608 to one or both of the floor managers 808. Further, backend manager 608 also maintains a copy of every message sent by floor managers 808 to network manager 608. As in the embodiment of FIG. 6, backend manager 608 maintains a set of rules, stored on SAN 814 so that when either network manager or floor managers 808 detect a problem, backend manager 608 may resolve the problem in real-time in accordance with the rules.
  • [0074] Video manager 810 is a computer server system dedicated to managing the stream of video data captured by a plurality of video cameras (not shown) distributed throughout the casino environment. Typically, video data is saved to a tape backup system 816 associated with video manager 810. It will be appreciated that the video data will include the ambient noise of the casino environment although some video data may be associated with a specific microphone (not shown) positioned to capture audio associated with a specific dealer or casino employee. Video manager 810 also transmits video data to floor managers where segments of video data are selectively stored on SANs 818 and 820 and matched with wagers placed by each remote player.
  • Floor managers are responsible for conveying communications from [0075] network manager 602 to a selected game of chance associated with one of a plurality of pit managers 624A-624F. When a result is available from the selected game of chance, the respective pit manager transfers the result to the respective floor manager where it is associated with one or a plurality of the video data provided by video manager 810. The result and the video data are provided to network manager 602 for transmission to the remote players. In some embodiments, where communications bandwidth limits the ability to transmit video data in real time without buffering, the results may be transferred without the video data. The video data may be transmitted at the maximum rate together with a displayable warning that the video is not real-time and that the remote player should not depend on the video data to determine the rate of play at a selected game of chance. In one preferred embodiment, the video warning is a video overlay displayed in combination with the video data at the remote player's video display.
  • Although not shown in FIG. 8, it is to be understood that each pit manager communicates with a plurality of table controllers. The actual number of table controllers reporting to a particular pit manager depends on many engineering factors and will vary from casino to casino. By way of illustration, the number of tables that a pit manager can interface with depends on (but is not limited to) the number of players at each table, the rate of play, the number of unique wagers that must be processed for each play, the communication bandwidth, the response rate of remote players and the processing capability of the table controller and the pit manager. [0076]
  • [0077] Rules engines 826 comprise an executable module of computer code executed by floor manager 808 in response to specific operational circumstances. For example, when play at a table requires a response from a remote player that has not arrived at network manager 602 within a predetermined time period, floor manager 808 invokes the rules engine 826. Rules engine 826 accepts status input from the pit manager associated with the table, communication status from the network manager and the average response time for the remote player on a historical basis. Rules engine 826 determines how to proceed, using the available status information. For example, in some circumstances, the wager may be withdrawn and the remote player is flagged as being inactive. In other circumstances, the rules engine may complete play for the remote player using a set of “house rules” that dictate the response in the player's absence. Each player may be associated with a personalized set of rules based on their individual preference. By way of example, if the remote player is non-responsive in a game of black jack, the rules engine may be invoked to determine whether to accept an additional card, double down, or stand with the current cards. The decision may be based on the player's cards and the dealer's up card. The rules engine may select a manner of completing play that is dependant on many factors, such as the size of the remote player's stake, the size of the current wager, the recent result history or other individualized criteria.
  • One significant advantage of enabling the rules engine is that a remote player may remotely place wagers on more than one game of chance without having to remain accessible for providing intermediate instructions. Another significant advantage arises from the ability of a remote player to quickly transfer instructions to a selected floor manager to place wagers for a sequence of plays at one or more games of chance and then log off prior to the start of the individual games. At a subsequent time, the remote player may return and request the floor manager to display the results, including a video replay of one or more selected games. [0078]
  • The embodiment FIG. 8 may further include a casino [0079] network control manager 828. Network control center 828 is responsible for system administration functions associated with the networks 802 and 822 within the casino environment. Specifically, each active table controller must register with its assigned pit manager prior to operation. Each pit manager then informs network control center 828, network manager 602, backend manger 608 and the respective floor manager. Network control center provides the capability to instruct network manager to assign new players to a specific table or tables so as to spread the number of players over a larger number of tables. Further network manger continuously monitors network and system load factors to minimize loading on a particular floor manager or pit manager. Load balancing enables the casino to spread the risk associated with having a disproportionate number of players at a single table. Network control center may also monitor the total value of the wagers (or average wager value) to determine if the players at a particular table are betting at a rate that approaches the casino's upper limit. Again, if the wagered amount is too high at one table, network control center may instruct network manager and the floor managers to restrict entry of new players to that particular table.
  • Refer now to FIG. 9A where one embodiment of a database [0080] 900 associated with the casino environment of the present invention is illustrated. More particularly, the database is preferably maintained with either the backend manager or the network control center depending on the allocation of computer resources for the various tasks. In one embodiment, database 900 is maintained on SAN 814 and shared among network control center 828, floor managers 808 and backend manager 608. In alternative embodiment, database 900 may be distributed among SANs 814, 818 and 820 in a redundant manner so that loss of access to one SAN permits continued operation.
  • Database [0081] 900 comprises data 902 associated with each player, whether remote or local, data 904 associated with each play of each game of chance at every active table, performance monitoring data 906, statistical data collection and analysis associated with games played over a period of time 908, data made available to national, state and internal regulators 910 and video library 912.
  • [0082] Data 902 includes a Player ID to uniquely identify each player. Personalized data associated with each Player ID includes personal information such as name, address and age. Data 902 includes casino credit information which may include player deposits or may be based on the casino's historical association with the player or on the player's credit information obtained from a third party financial institution by way of a credit card charge or bank draft. With this information, casino may selectively provide a player with a credit line during the course of play. Data 902 also includes a rating factor assigned by the casino to identify its valuable repeat customers.
  • For each player, personalization information is collected and retained as a part of [0083] data 902 so that the casino will know the player's preferences in terms of promotional interests or in the particular games of chance that he or she likes to play. Personalization information also includes a set of instructions that are invoked by the rules engine to generate gaming results should the player be unable to participate. Personalization information is collected either on-line using a profile form collected from each player or information derived by analyzing the player's play over a period of time.
  • [0084] Data 902 may also include a historical summary of each visit the player has made to the casino, either in person or by using the IGS such as described herein. Historical information includes data indicative of the player's average rate of play for each game of chance and for each visit.
  • [0085] Data 902 further includes a stake for each player. This amount will increase or decrease as the player participates in one or more games of chance. When a wager is placed, a portion of the stake must be allocated to cover the wager in the event of a loss. A wager list is maintained to trace each wager place, the game ID and the result. Winning wagers are credited to the stake and losing wagers are deducted therefrom. It will be apparent to one familiar with database management that data 902 will include the above-described information associated with literally millions of individual players.
  • [0086] Data 904 includes a Game ID to uniquely identify each game played at a particular smart table 112. Data also includes a table ID that relates to a specific table controller. Data 904 further includes the pit ID and the floor manager ID associated with the table ID. This information is useful in managing loading information and for reconstructing wagers placed for each play of a game. Data 904 further includes a casino ID because it is possible that a remote player could enter the casino environment at a first casino and then transfer to a second casino to play at a different table. The casino ID is useful to determine revenue allocation when a remote player at one casino places a bet at another casino.
  • Game Status data indicates the current status of the play of the game of chance at the related table controller. Network manager determines if wagers may be placed on the next to occur game of chance using this data in real-time. For example, if the game status is currently “Waiting for Next Game” then wagers may be accepted. If the game status is “Play In Progress” then new wagers will be held for the next to occur game. [0087]
  • In order to track the efficiency of casino staff associated with each play of the game of chance. Specifically, a dealer ID and a Pit ID are stored as a part of [0088] data 904 together with Players IDs for both the physical and remote players. For each player, an available stake and wager amount is also associated with each game ID. The stake amount must be verified prior to each wager being accepted because the player may be playing at more than one game of chance.
  • [0089] Performance monitor data 906 comprises data useful for managing casino operations. More specifically, data 906 includes casino staff member IDs, an average rate of play rating for the staff members conducting the game of chance, for example, the dealers, bankers, croupier, pit bosses, a summary of how well the casino staff conducts the game and the number of players served at the table. A portion of the performance monitor data 906 includes information that is useful for providing a high level of customer service, such as efficiently approving and providing casino comps, and for marketing new games and services to the players. Finally, performance monitor data 906 also includes real-time accounting information that is useful for determining profit or loss for each table for each game or for a period of time.
  • The data retained in database [0090] 900 represents comprehensive fine grain statistical data that enables the casino to drill down to obtain complete perspective of casino operations in real-time including the average response time of dealers and players. Alternatively, the collected information enables a broader perspective for refining casino operations based on a complete set of data. The data in database 900 is useful for verifying that both casino staff members and the players properly conduct the games of chance. Network control manager 828 can set alarm points indicative of potential fraudulent conditions and link to corresponding video clips so that casino security can match statistical data with the relevant video images.
  • The data retained in database [0091] 900 provides governmental regulators and internal casino security staff an improved perspective on the conduct of each game of chance, detection of illegal strategies and identification of suspicious players.
  • In FIG. 9B, a network map [0092] 912 is illustrated. The network map is useful for load balancing and game monitoring. The map provides an address for each table on the network as illustrated in column “Address Map” 914. For example, there is a table referred to as T1 that is associated with pit manager P2 and floor manager F1. There are three additional tables T2, T3 and T4 that are also associated with pit manager P2. Further, as illustrated in map 912, there are three tables associated with pit manager P1 and floor manager F2. Floor manager F2 may be at a second casino physical remote from the casino where floor manager F1 is located. In addition, a plurality of additional tables, represented as Tn, is illustrated as being associated with pit manager Pm and floor manager Fx.
  • In column “Table Status” [0093] 916, the status of each table is maintained. As illustrated, table T1P2F1 is an active table, which means that it is currently conducting a casino game such as Blackjack. Other tables, such as T4P2F1, T2P1F2 and TnPmF2, are also active. The network map 912 also denotes that some tables, such as T2P2F1, T3P2F1, T1P1F2 and TnPmFx, are inactive, which means that these tables are not presently available for play.
  • With respect to the active tables, the “Player Status” [0094] 918 column denotes the players currently playing at a table. By way of illustration, at table T1 P2F1 there are currently five players, p1-ID-L, p2-ID-R, p3-ID-R, p4-ID-R and p5-ID-L where p1 denotes a player, the ID denotes a unique player identification code, and the letter R or L denotes whether the player is a remote or local player. For each player, a wager is denoted in the “Wager” 920 column. Further, each wager is associated with a time stamp as illustrated in the “Tme Stamp” 922 column. The time stamp indicates when each wager was received either at the network manager by the remote players or by the local players.
  • In the “Game ID” [0095] 924 column, a unique game identification number is associated with the table, pit manager and the floor manager. The game ID is assigned for each play of a game. In the “Game Object ID” 926 column, a list of each gaming object associated with each game and each player is identified. By way of example, if the casino game at table T1P2F1 is blackjack, the gaming object comprises, at a minimum, the two initial cards dealt to each player. This is indicated by the “2-Card-ID” for player p1-ID-L. This means that the player has elected to stay with the initial cards. Other players, such as p2-ID-R, p3-ID-R and p5-ID-L, have all elected to draw additional cards, which are indicated as having four, three and three cards respectively. Each gaming object has a unique encoded identification number.
  • At the other active tables, such as table T4P2F1 where Baccarat is being played, the gaming objects are denoted as 2P-Card-ID (i.e., the player cards) and 2B-Card-ID (i.e., the banker cards). As with the blackjack table, each of the cards is encoded with a unique identification number. Referring back to the “Wager” column, the player wagers are denoted as being placed on the Player's cards, the banker cards or on a tie. At table TnPmF2 where Pai Gow Poker is being played, each player is dealt seven cards, each with a unique identification number. [0096]
  • Associated with each table is a video segment obtained from a video camera. Each camera has a unique identification number as indicated in the “Video Segment ID” [0097] 928 column. Although only one camera is illustrated, it will be appreciated that each table may have a plurality of cameras associated therewith.
  • Using the information in network map [0098] 912, the network control manager 828 can detect when additional tables need to be brought on-line. Based on the loading illustrated in network map 912, it appears that table T1P2F1 is operating at about ⅚th capacity. Accordingly, network control manager will issue an alarm to casino staff to activate an additional blackjack table. Since the other two active tables are lightly loaded, several additional players may begin playing the respective games before a capacity limit is reached. It should be apparent that the present invention provides real-time view of casino operations.
  • Refer now to FIG. 10 where, in conjunction with FIGS. 2, 6 and [0099] 8, an operational flow diagram for play of a casino game in the casino environment of the present invention is illustrated. When a table is first activated, the table controller registers with its pit manager as indicated at step 1002. As part of the registration process, the table controller and pit manager will verify the operational status of the components of the table and the communication channel. Once the initialization process is complete, the pit manager then broadcasts to network manager, backend manager and network control manager that the new table controller is on-line and available for accepting wagers for the particular game of chance played at the table as indicated at step 1004.
  • The table remains quiescent until a player selects the table for play by registering for play as indicated at [0100] step 1006. The player may be either remote or physical. If the player is physical, registration may be as simple as placing a bet in the indicated bet slot 206 on the table, in which case the player is playing as an anonymous player. Alternatively, the local player may place a casino identification card over the bet slot 206 to automatically establish their identity. Local players may wish to establish their identity in order to qualify for casino comps based on their rate of play and the aggregate amount wagered. The table controller notifies its pit manager of the local player so that the pit manager may monitor their play. As part of the registration process, pit manager notifies the backend manager and the network manager of the local player. When a remote player selects the table, the network manager passes the registration request to the pit manager, the backend manger and the network controller so that each manager may monitor subsequent play.
  • When players are registered, the casino staff member (for example, the dealer or the banker) initiates play of the game of chance, as indicated at [0101] step 1008 by requesting players to place a wager. Simultaneously, a game ID is generated by the table controller and communicated to the pit manager. Once a first wager is placed, the pit manager generates a request to remote players and local players with a count down indicator of the time available to place a bet. The remote players view the count down indicator on their respective game machine while local players view the count down indicator on user console 304.
  • While the count down indicator is decreasing, pit manager checks with network manager for receipt of wagers from remote players. When the count down indicator reaches zero, the pit manager will not accept late arriving wagers for the current game ID. Instead, the wager will be reserved for the next to occur game at the table. If a wager is timely received, the pit manager transfers the wager to the table controller. [0102]
  • The table controller is tasked with generating a wager list of all accepted wagers (both physical and remote) as indicated at [0103] step 1010. This information is combined with the wager information distributed by pit manager to the other managers (other than network manager).
  • The table controller is tasked with detecting game results, either intermediate or final. If the game result is intermediate, the table controller transmits the intermediate result for each remote player to the pit manager. The intermediate result is tagged with a time stamp. This information is then transferred to the remote player via the network manager. The pit manager notifies the backend manager of the pending response due from one or more remote players. The backend manager watches for a response from the remote player by monitoring shared [0104] memory 606 or floor manager 808. If no response is timely received, the backend manager authorizes a response, generated by the rules engine, to be sent to the table controller. The rules engine response is tagged to indicate that the remote player did not provide it. When the game result is a final result it is tagged with a time stamp, staff ID, current player IDs and a list of current wagers. This information is transferred to the pit manager and to the other managers on the network as indicated at step 1012.
  • As indicated at [0105] step 1014, play continues at the table by beginning play of the next to occur game of chance. If new players have been previously registered, they will be authorized to place a wager on this play of the game. When several of the players terminate play and the system load factor is low, the table may be decommissioned, as indicated at step 1016. Decommissioning means that the table is removed from the list of tables available to accept wagers. Network control manager is responsible for initiating the decommissioning process and for verifying with each manager that the table is no longer considered an active table.
  • Operation of the table controller is illustrated in FIG. 11. Specifically, after the table controller has registered with its respective pit manager, the casino staff member initiates play by requesting wagers to be placed as indicated at [0106] step 1102. If no local player places a wager, play will only start when a remote player places a wager. Once a wager is placed, the table controller will initiate a timer that determines how long to wait before activating the gaming objects. More specifically, activating the gaming object means that the cards are dealt, the dice tossed or the roulette wheel activated. Simultaneous with activating the timer, the table controller generates a status message that is transmitted to all registered players whether local or remote.
  • Once the timer times out, pit manager will not accept any additional remote wagers and the table controller will not accept any additional local wagers. As indicated at [0107] step 1106, table controller detects the wagers placed by each local and remote player and generates a wager list. The wager list is transmitted to the pit manager. In turn, the pit manager passes the wager list to the floor manager, the backend manager and a partial list of wagers associated with remote players is transmitted to the network manager. The list is distributed to the managers to minimize the likelihood that a remote hacker can infiltrate each manager and modify the respective wager lists.
  • As indicated at [0108] step 1108, the table controller detects intermediate decision points during play of the game. For example, if the game of chance is black jack each player must make an intermediate decision based on their cards and the cards of the other players. Accordingly, at step 1110, table controller pauses for a decision to be made by the player. For local players, the casino staff member can directly solicit the player's instructions. However, for remote players, it may be difficult to solicit a response due to the remoteness of the player where visual signals may not be exchanged, language difficulties or the like. Further, remote players may not even be present when the request for input is solicited or the communication connection may have been lost. In such instances, table controller starts a countdown timer and notifies pit manager that a request for instructions has been issued. Pit manager passes the request to the network manager and the backend manager. If a response is not timely received, the backend manager invokes the rules engine to determine a response. Of course, if the remote player submits their instructions that are received at the network manager prior to the termination of the response period, the remote player's instructions will be accepted.
  • Thereafter, as indicated at [0109] step 1112, the table controller continues the play of the game, detects the outcome and provides the information for display to remote players. Finally, the table controller at step 1114 settles the wagers and updates the wager list. This information is distributed to the pit manager and, in turn, to the backend manager, network manager and to the network control manager.
  • Operation of the pit manager and floor manager are illustrated in FIG. 12. As indicated at [0110] step 1202, pit manager establishes a communication link with the floor manager that in turn maintains a communication link with network manager over the internal casino network. This link is maintained for so long as the pit manager is active, which means that at least one table controller is active. The floor manager monitors the network manager for new remote players or wagers from previously registered remote players as indicated at step 1204. The floor manager then passes new wagers to the selected pit manager. When the pit manager receives a new wager, the time stamps applied by the network manager and the floor manager to verify that it was timely delivered relative to the status of the table controller as indicated at step 1206.
  • The pit manager monitors play at each table controller assigned to the pit manager. The pit manager remains in communication with floor manager so that when floor manager detects activity directed to a specific table, the appropriate pit manager will be promptly notified. This activity is illustrated at [0111] step 1208.
  • In [0112] step 1210, the floor manger monitors wagering patterns for each player or for groups of players to identify inappropriate wagers. The floor manager also generates statistical data based on the information gathered from the plurality of pit managers.
  • As indicated at [0113] step 1212, the pit manager transmits game outcomes to the floor manager, the backend manager and the network manager. This information is then transmitted to remote users. Finally, as indicated at step 1214, game statistics are transferred to long-term storage and linked to the video stream obtained from the plurality of cameras located throughout the casino.
  • It should be apparent to one skilled in the art of casino operations that the present invention is readily adaptable to use within a casino environment that may include adjoining restaurants, lounges, hotel rooms or special gaming arenas. Further the present invention implements an interactive gaming system that is secure, redundant and distributed in a manner that permits load balancing among a plurality of tables. Due to the distributed nature of the casino network environment, a wide variety of casino games (such as slots, roulette, craps, card games etc.) may be adapted for play by both local and remote players without degrading the playing experience for either. [0114]
  • In summary, the above-described aspects of the present invention enable the casino to operate at a level that provides a higher degree of service to the player regardless of where located. The present invention also enables the casino to manage operations more efficiently and to identify games, players or staff employees that are acting in an improper manner and to generate substantive evidence to support subsequent investigations. These and other advantages are described below and in the claims. Specifically, the present invention describes a method for conducting interactive gaming where a plurality of local and remote players may participate in selected casino games conducted by a casino staff member. The method comprises the steps of: 1) Detecting the value of all gaming objects associated with each selected game; 2) Identifying players participating in each casino game; 3) Monitoring the performance of said casino staff member; 4) Transmitting the final results of each of said casino games to each participating player; and 5) Maintaining a historical database for each play of said casino game, said historical database having a time stamp, the value of all gaming objects, associating at least one gaming object with each of said participating players, associating said wager by each of said participating players and a video/audio stream displaying the play of said casino game. [0115]
  • The present invention further includes a method for determining when at least one of said participating player qualifies for a casino comps. [0116]
  • The present invention further includes a determining a profile for each player and for updating said profile for each player in real-time. [0117]
  • The present invention further includes a periodically or on-demand determining whether said player owes income taxes based on said historical wagers. [0118]
  • The present invention further includes a method for conducting an interactive casino game having a plurality of local and remote players, said method comprising the steps of establishing a communication link between a smart table, a pit manager and a network manager; Initiating play of a casino game; Transmitting a request for wagers to each remote player; Initiating a wager period that may or may not depend on detection of a first wager; Determining the end of said wager period; Detecting the value of said gaming object associated with each player; Determining the result of said play; Communicating the result of said play to each remote player; and Retaining a historical list of each player's wager, the gaming objects associated with each player and the result of said play. [0119]
  • The present invention further includes a method for transmitting a request for an intermediate decision from at least one of said remote players; Initiating a response period; Detecting whether a response to said request is received; If said response is timely received, continue play of said game; and If said response is not received, determining the end of said response period and invoking a rules engine for generating a response for said remote player. [0120]
  • The present invention further includes a method for associating a video and/or audio stream with said play; and Transmitting said video/audio stream with said result to each of said remote players. The present invention further describes a method of transmitting video/audio from at least one remote player to the pit manager or dealer as well as other remote players to support of interactivity and/or player verification. [0121]
  • The present invention further includes establishing communication means such as an Internet-based network for exchanging text messages and/or video/audio images between each remote player and the dealer. [0122]
  • The present invention further includes a method for determining a profile for each dealer (or casino staff) and for updating said profile for each dealer (or casino staff) in real-time. [0123]
  • The present invention further includes a method for periodically or on-demand generating a corporate report and for updating said corporate report in real-time. [0124]
  • The present invention further includes a method for periodically or on-demand generating a casino gaming network status report and for updating said casino gaming network status report in real-time. [0125]
  • The present invention further includes a method for generating in real-time appropriate alarms that require immediate attention from the casino staff, on exceptional win, e.g. Jackpot, excessively high wager or total wagers, request for increase in wager limits or credit, or security concern. [0126]
  • The present invention further includes a method for periodically or on-demand monitoring selected games and collecting game statistics for various games to verify the odds and payout decisions as well as planning for new games and for updating said corporate report in real-time. [0127]
  • The present invention further includes a method for automatically or manually configuring the casino gaming management system so as to monitor user-selectable subsystems and parameters for data collection, filtering, real-time online and offline analysis and report. [0128]
  • The present invention further includes a method for providing an environment for the players to chat, socialize and to exchange ideas on gaming, e.g. games strategy, game selection, wagering, and proxy play. [0129]
  • The present invention further includes a method for providing an environment for the players to chat, socialize and to exchange ideas on gaming, e.g. games strategy, game selection, wagering, and proxy play. [0130]
  • The present invention further includes a method for collecting game statistics and making the statistics available in real-time to the players to help in determining their gaming decisions, possibly at some charge. [0131]
  • The present invention further includes a method for allowing each remote player to give tip at each game to be deducted from the player's credit and of determining and displaying said tips to the dealer and maintaining a tip inventory to enable management to determine a tip amount to pay to each dealer from the pool, and to monitor which dealer earns the most tips from the players. [0132]
  • The present invention further includes a method for enabling proxy play in which a remote player can select a physical player or another previously registered remote player to represent his/her betting decision and for allowing the network manager or backend manager (or other server) to regulate the proxy play so as to limit the total amount of wager and to perform load balancing in terms of the number of players and the amount wagered on each play of a game of chance. (Note that in the case fixed non-interactivity as in PaiGow Poker, where there may be multiple options of arranging the two hands, remote players associated with a proxy should be allowed to select his/her own option. For interactive game such as Blackjack where different classes of remote players can be established depending on their different choices of decisions; in order to avoid remote players affecting the card outcomes, we can provide an option to allow remote players to draw random virtual cards.) [0133]
  • The present invention further includes a method for periodically or on-demand determining the inventory of chips at each game table and verifying against the expected figures calculated from total payout in the interval, in real-time without interrupting ongoing games. [0134]
  • While certain exemplary preferred embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention. Further, it is to be understood that this invention shall not be limited to the specific construction and arrangements shown and described since various modifications or changes may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. [0135]

Claims (27)

We claim:
1. A method for conducting interactive gaming where a plurality of local and remote players may participate in at least one selected casino game conducted by a casino staff member, said method comprising the steps of:
Establishing a stake for said remote players who are participating in said selected casino game;
Accepting a wager from each of said local and remote players;
Detecting the value of at least one gaming object associated with said selected casino game to determine winning and losing wagers for each of said local and remote players who are participating in said selected casino game;
Remotely monitoring a series of plays of said selected casino game, said remote monitoring including monitoring the rate of play, the wagered amount and the results of each play of said selected casino game; and
Maintaining a historical database for each play of said casino game, said historical database having a time stamp, the value of all gaming objects for completion of said play, associating a wager determination with each of said participating players, associating a video signal displaying the play of said casino game with said time stamp.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of determining when at least one of said participating player qualifies for a casino comp.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of maintaining a player profile up-dated in real-time for each of said local and remote players.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of establishing a stake for at least one of said local players.
5. The method of claim 4 further comprising the step of determining whether said local and remote players owe income taxes based on a change in said stake.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of determining whether said remote players owe income taxes based on a change in said stake.
7. A method for conducting an interactive casino game having a plurality of local and remote players, said method comprising the steps of:
Establishing a communication link between a smart table and a network manager;
Initiating play of said interactive casino game;
Transmitting a request for wagers to each remote player to initiate a period for placing wagers;
Determining and announcing the end of said wager period; and
Detecting the value of said gaming object associated with each player;
Determining the result of said play;
Communicating the result of said play to each remote player; and
Retaining a historical record of each player's wager, the gaming objects associated with each player and the result of said play.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of:
Transmitting a request for an intermediate decision from at least one of said remote players;
Initiating a response period;
Detecting whether a response to said request is received;
If said response is timely received, continue play of said game; and
If said response is not received, determining the end of said response period and invoking a rules engine for generating a response for said remote player.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein said recording step further comprises the step of retaining a historical record of from said at least one of said remote player's intermediate decision; said historical record associated with said at least one said remote player.
10. The method of claim 8 wherein said rules engine invoking step includes the step of determining a profile for from at least one of said remote player.
11. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of generating an alarm in response to an alert condition.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein said alert condition includes an increase in the amount wagered, a wager settlement above a selected threshold, a request for credit, winning wagers in excess of a selected threshold or a security concern.
13. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of monitoring a plurality of casino games;
Collecting statistics for said plurality of monitored casino games; and
Verifying the odds and payouts for said monitored casino games.
14. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of providing a communication network for exchange of video, text and audio signals between said plurality of remote players.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the steps of:
Providing a communication network for the exchange of video, text and audio signals between said plurality of remote players; and
Distributing said collected statistics to said plurality of remote players.
16. The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of:
Transferring an amount from said stake to an account associated with said casino employee, said amount selected by said player as a gratuity for said casino employee; and
Displaying said gratuity to said casino employee.
17. In a casino environment, a casino network management system for monitoring the play of casino games by local and remote players, said system comprising:
A network manager coupled to a public communication network for establishing a secure communication link with remotely located players;
A first level network coupled to said network manager;
A backend manager coupled to said network manager by said first level network, said backend manager adapted to maintaining a log file of all communication between said network manager and said floor manager and a rules engine to detect and resolve problems encountered in playing said game of chance in accordance with a set of rules;
A video manager coupled to said network manager by said first level network for managing a stream of video data captured by a plurality of video cameras distributed throughout said casino environment; said video manager adapted to transmit selected video data to said floor manager, said selected video data associated with wagers placed by said remote players.
A plurality of casino game servers; and
A floor manager coupled to said network manger by said first level network for conveying communications between said network manager and a selected one of said casino game servers; said floor manager adapted to associate wager information for said remote players with said video data.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein video date is transmitted as a series of discrete frames of video.
19. The system of claim 17 wherein said rules engines comprises an executable module of computer code executed in response to a selected operational event.
20. The system of claim 19 wherein said rules engine is coupled to said casino game server; said rules engine invoked when status information from said casino game server indicates a non-responsive remote player.
21. The system of claim 19 wherein said rules engine withdraws said non-responsive remote player's pending wager.
22. The system of claim 19 wherein said rules engine completes the play for said non-responsive remote player using a set rules to determine a response.
23. The system of claim 22 wherein said remote player may define a personalized set of rules.
24. The system of claim 17 wherein said remote player may place a plurality of wagers on more than one of said games of chance and said rules engine determines the outcome.
25. The system of claim 24 wherein said remote player may communicate a request to said floor manager to display the results of said plurality of wagers.
26. The system of claim 17 wherein said network manager further comprises means for monitoring the operation of said network management system, monitoring the total value of the wagers at each of said plurality of casino games and assigning new players to a selected one of said plurality of casino games.
27. The system of claim 17 further comprising a second network, independent from said first network, coupling said floor manager with said plurality of casino game servers.
US10/179,605 2001-06-29 2002-06-25 Intelligent casino management system and method for managing real-time networked interactive gaming systems Abandoned US20030003997A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/179,605 US20030003997A1 (en) 2001-06-29 2002-06-25 Intelligent casino management system and method for managing real-time networked interactive gaming systems

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US30193901P 2001-06-29 2001-06-29
US10/179,605 US20030003997A1 (en) 2001-06-29 2002-06-25 Intelligent casino management system and method for managing real-time networked interactive gaming systems

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20030003997A1 true US20030003997A1 (en) 2003-01-02

Family

ID=26875476

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/179,605 Abandoned US20030003997A1 (en) 2001-06-29 2002-06-25 Intelligent casino management system and method for managing real-time networked interactive gaming systems

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US20030003997A1 (en)

Cited By (231)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030064774A1 (en) * 2001-09-07 2003-04-03 Aruze Corporation Game monitoring system, game playing table and monitoring method
US20030064712A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-03 Jason Gaston Interactive real world event system via computer networks
US20030064798A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-03 Shuffle Master, Inc. Method and apparatus for using upstream communication in a card shuffler
US20040002375A1 (en) * 2002-06-26 2004-01-01 Yoshio Ogawa Game machine to be connected to network, method of playing game and game system with use of the machine
US20040082385A1 (en) * 2001-08-03 2004-04-29 Igt Wireless input/output and peripheral devices on a gaming machine
US20050003890A1 (en) * 2001-08-03 2005-01-06 Igt Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machine
US20050040006A1 (en) * 2002-02-20 2005-02-24 Prashanth Kodela Table game validation and event audit system
US20050044535A1 (en) * 2003-08-20 2005-02-24 Acres Gaming Incorporated Method and apparatus for monitoring and updating system software
US20050054448A1 (en) * 2003-09-08 2005-03-10 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty, Ltd. N-tier architecture for a casino management system and method
US20050054446A1 (en) * 2003-09-08 2005-03-10 Kammler Keith Donald Gaming system for tracking player activity during virtual sessions at a gaming machine
US20050059485A1 (en) * 2002-02-01 2005-03-17 Igt, A Nevada Corporation Gaming system and gaming method
US20050082750A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2005-04-21 Shuffle Master, Inc. Round of play counting in playing card shuffling system
US20050125244A1 (en) * 2003-12-08 2005-06-09 Schneider Richard J. System for hot machine notification
US20050239546A1 (en) * 2001-08-03 2005-10-27 Igt Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machine
US20050255919A1 (en) * 2002-02-06 2005-11-17 Dwayne Nelson Method and apparatus for machine location
US20050288083A1 (en) * 2004-06-28 2005-12-29 Shuffle Master, Inc. Distributed intelligent data collection system for casino table games
US20050288085A1 (en) * 2004-06-28 2005-12-29 Shuffle Master, Inc. Dealer identification system
US20060058086A1 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-16 Pokertek, Inc. System and method for providing electronic card game at a plurality of electronic poker tables
US20060058090A1 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-16 Pokertek, Inc. System and method for playing an electronic card game
US20060058089A1 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-16 Pokertek, Inc. Electronic card table and method with player tracking
US20060058087A1 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-16 Pokertek, Inc. Electronic card table and method with variable rake
US20060063577A1 (en) * 2003-07-17 2006-03-23 Shuffle Master, Inc. System for monitoring the game of baccarat
US20060073885A1 (en) * 2004-10-04 2006-04-06 Igt Method and apparatus for delivering a bonus award and/or bonus game to players of a gaming table
WO2006039306A2 (en) * 2004-10-01 2006-04-13 Shuffle Master, Inc. Thin client user interface for gaming systems
US20060092014A1 (en) * 2004-10-29 2006-05-04 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Self-adjusting portals with movable data tag readers for improved reading of data tags
WO2006065952A2 (en) * 2004-12-14 2006-06-22 Wagerworks, Inc. Casino card game
US20060166726A1 (en) * 2005-01-24 2006-07-27 Jay Chun Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot
US20060172803A1 (en) * 2005-01-10 2006-08-03 Dow Hardy Method and apparatus for conducting event betting
US20060178181A1 (en) * 2005-01-24 2006-08-10 Jay Chun Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot
US20060183540A1 (en) * 2005-02-15 2006-08-17 Shuffle Master, Inc. Casino table gaming system with round counting system
US20060214907A1 (en) * 2005-03-23 2006-09-28 Devos John A Token configured to interact
US20060217185A1 (en) * 2005-03-23 2006-09-28 Cavagna Phillip B Method and system for allocating loyalty reward points to gaming players
US20060252529A1 (en) * 2001-08-03 2006-11-09 Igt Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machine
US20060258427A1 (en) * 2005-05-13 2006-11-16 Igt Wide area table gaming monitor and control system
US20060266844A1 (en) * 2005-03-29 2006-11-30 Aruze Corp. Game card
US20060290472A1 (en) * 2004-10-29 2006-12-28 Kimberly Clark Worldwide, Inc. Adjusting data tag readers with feed-forward data
WO2007008845A2 (en) * 2005-07-08 2007-01-18 Wms Gaming Inc. Fault tolerant gaming systems
WO2007011437A2 (en) * 2005-04-06 2007-01-25 Daniel Kromer A method and system for scoring games played at home via use of a computer program or the internet
US20070026947A1 (en) * 2005-01-24 2007-02-01 Jay Chun Betting terminal and system
US20070032283A1 (en) * 2005-08-05 2007-02-08 Jay Chun Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot with an option for insurance betting
US20070057469A1 (en) * 2005-09-09 2007-03-15 Shuffle Master, Inc. Gaming table activity sensing and communication matrix
US20070060362A1 (en) * 2005-09-12 2007-03-15 Randy Osgood Network gaming system with a distribution server
US20070066401A1 (en) * 2004-02-25 2007-03-22 Cfph, Llc System and Method for Convenience Gaming
US20070099696A1 (en) * 2002-02-28 2007-05-03 Igt, A Nevada Corporation Method for distributing large payouts with minimal interruption of a gaming session
US20070099697A1 (en) * 2002-02-06 2007-05-03 Igt Configuration of gaming machines based on gaming machine location
US20070173318A1 (en) * 2006-01-20 2007-07-26 Abbott Eric L Player ranking for tournament play
WO2007100725A2 (en) * 2006-02-24 2007-09-07 Wms Gaming Inc. Suspending wagering game play on wagering game machines
WO2007111640A1 (en) * 2006-03-24 2007-10-04 Maurice Mills Land-based, on-line poker system
US20070293311A1 (en) * 2005-12-02 2007-12-20 Walker Jay S Problem gambling detection in tabletop games
US20070292824A1 (en) * 2006-03-29 2007-12-20 James Ueltschi Method of teaching gaming in a casino environment
US20080015013A1 (en) * 2006-05-05 2008-01-17 Gelman Geoffrey M Game access device with time varying signal
US20080020814A1 (en) * 2006-06-02 2008-01-24 Nicolas Kernene Broadband gaming system and method
US20080064488A1 (en) * 2006-05-25 2008-03-13 Global Interactive Games Llc Game wagering system and method
US20080108400A1 (en) * 2005-01-24 2008-05-08 Jay Chun Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot
US20080108404A1 (en) * 2006-11-06 2008-05-08 Igt Server based gaming system and method for providing one or more tournaments at gaming tables
US20080113783A1 (en) * 2006-11-10 2008-05-15 Zbigniew Czyzewski Casino table game monitoring system
US20080113786A1 (en) * 2006-11-14 2008-05-15 Alderucci Dean P Biometric access data encryption
US20080113785A1 (en) * 2006-11-14 2008-05-15 Alderucci Dean P Conditional biometric access in a gaming environment
US20080113787A1 (en) * 2006-11-15 2008-05-15 Alderucci Dean P Biometric access sensitivity
US20080113778A1 (en) * 2005-01-24 2008-05-15 Jay Chun Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot
US20080113781A1 (en) * 2006-08-17 2008-05-15 Bally Gaming, Inc. Systems, methods and articles to enhance play at gaming tables with bonuses
US20080161104A1 (en) * 2002-12-16 2008-07-03 Aruze Corp. Game management system
US20080200260A1 (en) * 2005-09-12 2008-08-21 Bally Gaming, Inc. System for managing an electronic gaming maching group
WO2008103578A1 (en) * 2007-02-23 2008-08-28 Wms Gaming, Inc. Serving patrons in a wagering game environment
US20080207295A1 (en) * 1993-02-25 2008-08-28 Yoseloff Mark L Interactive simulated stud poker apparatus and method
US20080218312A1 (en) * 2007-03-08 2008-09-11 Asher Joseph M Game access device with privileges
US20080230993A1 (en) * 2007-03-19 2008-09-25 Jay Chun Paradise baccarat table
US20080280668A1 (en) * 2007-05-07 2008-11-13 Jay Chun Paradise box gaming center
US20080311994A1 (en) * 2004-02-25 2008-12-18 Amaitis Lee M System and method for wireless gaming with location determination
US20080318658A1 (en) * 2005-08-23 2008-12-25 Sylla Craig J Remote Management of a Gaming Machine
US20090017888A1 (en) * 1998-03-11 2009-01-15 Kuhn Michael J Electronic gaming system with real playing cards and multiple player displays for virtual card and betting images
EP2016536A2 (en) * 2006-04-18 2009-01-21 Cfph, L.L.C. Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices
US20090029755A1 (en) * 2005-01-24 2009-01-29 Jay Chun Jackpot method and system
US20090048023A1 (en) * 2006-04-19 2009-02-19 Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Company Ltd. Method and apparatus for recording and replaying network game
US20090075729A1 (en) * 2006-05-05 2009-03-19 Dean Alderucci Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices
US20090091078A1 (en) * 2003-07-17 2009-04-09 Shuffle Master, Inc. Intelligent baccarat shoe
WO2009049124A1 (en) * 2007-10-12 2009-04-16 Cfph, Llc Game with chance element and tax indicator
GB2453983A (en) * 2007-10-24 2009-04-29 Victoria Holdings Ltd Remote participation in a card game
US20090121883A1 (en) * 2007-11-13 2009-05-14 Genesis Gaming Solutions Card and Chip Detection System for a Gaming Table
US20090156179A1 (en) * 2007-12-17 2009-06-18 Play Megaphone System And Method For Managing Interaction Between A User And An Interactive System
US20090158312A1 (en) * 2007-08-08 2009-06-18 Nicolas Kernene System and method for securely transmitting data using video validation
US20090215528A1 (en) * 2005-09-09 2009-08-27 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming network with remote file system for storing game content
US20090258688A1 (en) * 2008-03-12 2009-10-15 Aruze Corp. Gaming Machine and Card Game Machine
US20090275377A1 (en) * 2006-09-15 2009-11-05 Wms Gaming, Inc. Processing wagering game events
US20100016050A1 (en) * 2008-07-15 2010-01-21 Snow Roger M Chipless table split screen feature
US20100048303A1 (en) * 2006-12-20 2010-02-25 Yoshihiko Narita Game system, game apparatus therefor, communication apparatus therefor, computer program therefor, and data management method therefor
US20100062851A1 (en) * 2008-09-10 2010-03-11 Aruze Gaming America, Inc. Gaming machine that displays instruction image of game input operation on display
US20100090405A1 (en) * 2008-07-15 2010-04-15 Snow Roger M Automated House Way Indicator and Activator
WO2010045333A1 (en) * 2008-10-14 2010-04-22 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming system having virtual assets and achievements
US20100113120A1 (en) * 2008-11-06 2010-05-06 Snow Roger M Egregious error mitigation system
US7730215B1 (en) * 2005-04-08 2010-06-01 Symantec Corporation Detecting entry-portal-only network connections
US20100190554A1 (en) * 2007-08-03 2010-07-29 Wms Gaming, Inc. Wagering game history features
US20100244382A1 (en) * 2008-07-15 2010-09-30 Snow Roger M Automated house way indicator and commission indicator
US20110003642A1 (en) * 2003-09-15 2011-01-06 Igt Player specific network
US20110118007A1 (en) * 2009-11-16 2011-05-19 Tangam Technologies Inc.. Casino table game yield management system
US20110151978A1 (en) * 2006-06-20 2011-06-23 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd. System and method for managing transfer of player rights
US8113935B2 (en) 1997-03-12 2012-02-14 Igt System and method for presenting payout ranges and audiovisual clips at a gaming device
US20120083324A1 (en) * 2010-09-30 2012-04-05 Jesus Perea-Ochoa Method and system of playing game through communication tool
US8185404B1 (en) * 2002-06-25 2012-05-22 Ncr Corporation System and method for tracking currency at a self-checkout station
US8187073B2 (en) 2002-08-05 2012-05-29 Igt Personalized gaming apparatus and gaming method
US8292741B2 (en) 2006-10-26 2012-10-23 Cfph, Llc Apparatus, processes and articles for facilitating mobile gaming
US8319601B2 (en) 2007-03-14 2012-11-27 Cfph, Llc Game account access device
US20120309507A1 (en) * 2005-07-08 2012-12-06 Amaitis Lee M Gaming system with identity verification
US20130029741A1 (en) * 2011-07-28 2013-01-31 Digideal Corporation Inc Virtual roulette game
US20130058622A1 (en) * 2011-09-07 2013-03-07 Vesstech, Inc. Video warning systems for devices, products, containers and other items
US8403214B2 (en) 2006-04-18 2013-03-26 Bgc Partners, Inc. Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices
US8490973B2 (en) 2004-10-04 2013-07-23 Shfl Entertainment, Inc. Card reading shoe with card stop feature and systems utilizing the same
US20130190075A1 (en) * 2005-01-24 2013-07-25 Jay Chun System for monitoring and playing a plurality of live casino table games
US8506400B2 (en) 2005-07-08 2013-08-13 Cfph, Llc System and method for wireless gaming system with alerts
US8511684B2 (en) 2004-10-04 2013-08-20 Shfl Entertainment, Inc. Card-reading shoe with inventory correction feature and methods of correcting inventory
US20130277911A1 (en) * 2007-08-09 2013-10-24 Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd. System and method for delivering playing cards
US8616552B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2013-12-31 Shfl Entertainment, Inc. Methods and apparatuses for an automatic card handling device and communication networks including same
US20140051514A1 (en) * 2010-06-03 2014-02-20 Ntn Buzztime, Inc. Interactive Gaming Via Mobile Playmaker
US8657658B2 (en) 2003-12-09 2014-02-25 Kenichi Okujyo Baccarat game system, method of using baccarat game system, baccarat game program and recording medium
US8690679B2 (en) 2005-08-09 2014-04-08 Cfph, Llc System and method for providing wireless gaming as a service application
WO2014067911A1 (en) * 2012-10-29 2014-05-08 Net Entertainment Ne Ab Architecture for multi-player, multi-game, multi- table, multi-operator & multi-jurisdiction live casino gaming
US8753194B2 (en) 2010-11-11 2014-06-17 Igt Escrow accounts for use in distributing payouts with minimal interruption to game play
US8851980B2 (en) 2011-06-24 2014-10-07 Intertaintech Corporation System and method for conducting online video game tournaments
US8896444B1 (en) 2007-11-13 2014-11-25 Genesis Gaming Solutions, Inc. System and method for casino table operation
US8919775B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2014-12-30 Bally Gaming, Inc. System for billing usage of an automatic card handling device
US20150018080A1 (en) * 2013-07-09 2015-01-15 Tapcentive, Inc. Secure distributed gambling
US20150046586A1 (en) * 2010-02-03 2015-02-12 Vmware, Inc. System and method for automatically optimizing capacity between server clusters
US8956210B2 (en) 2005-01-24 2015-02-17 Solution Champion Limited Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot
US8956231B2 (en) 2010-08-13 2015-02-17 Cfph, Llc Multi-process communication regarding gaming information
US20150065239A1 (en) * 2013-09-04 2015-03-05 Tien-Shu Hsu Casino system displaying instant monitoring images
US8974302B2 (en) 2010-08-13 2015-03-10 Cfph, Llc Multi-process communication regarding gaming information
US9087431B2 (en) 2013-08-06 2015-07-21 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Method for creating an electronic log for documenting entries into gaming machines
US9165420B1 (en) 2007-11-13 2015-10-20 Genesis Gaming Solutions, Inc. Bet spot indicator on a gaming table
US9174114B1 (en) 2007-11-13 2015-11-03 Genesis Gaming Solutions, Inc. System and method for generating reports associated with casino table operation
US9183693B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2015-11-10 Cfph, Llc Game access device
US9214060B2 (en) 2005-08-05 2015-12-15 Fresh Idea Global Limited Gaming center allowing switching between games based upon historical results
US9224260B2 (en) 2012-04-12 2015-12-29 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Method of apparatus for communicating information about networked gaming machines to prospective players
US9220972B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2015-12-29 Bally Gaming, Inc. Multiple mode card shuffler and card reading device
US9220971B2 (en) 2006-05-31 2015-12-29 Bally Gaming, Inc. Automatic system and methods for accurate card handling
US20150375095A1 (en) * 2004-03-19 2015-12-31 Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd System and method for delivering playing cards
US9233298B2 (en) 2009-04-07 2016-01-12 Bally Gaming, Inc. Playing card shuffler
US9259640B2 (en) 2007-06-06 2016-02-16 Bally Gaming, Inc. Apparatus, system, method, and computer-readable medium for casino card handling with multiple hand recall feature
US9266012B2 (en) 1998-04-15 2016-02-23 Bally Gaming, Inc. Methods of randomizing cards
US9266011B2 (en) 1997-03-13 2016-02-23 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card-handling devices and methods of using such devices
US9289677B2 (en) 2003-07-17 2016-03-22 Bally Gaming, Inc. Modular dealing shoe for casino table card games
US9333415B2 (en) 2002-02-08 2016-05-10 Bally Gaming, Inc. Methods for handling playing cards with a card handling device
US9345952B2 (en) 2006-03-24 2016-05-24 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Card handling apparatus
US9370710B2 (en) 1998-04-15 2016-06-21 Bally Gaming, Inc. Methods for shuffling cards and rack assemblies for use in automatic card shufflers
US9378766B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2016-06-28 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card recognition system, card handling device, and method for tuning a card handling device
US9390580B2 (en) 2011-06-02 2016-07-12 Bally Gaming, Inc. Integrating wagering games and player communities
US9387390B2 (en) 2005-06-13 2016-07-12 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card shuffling apparatus and card handling device
USD764599S1 (en) 2014-08-01 2016-08-23 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card shuffler device
US9430898B2 (en) 2007-04-30 2016-08-30 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Gaming device with personality
US9474957B2 (en) 2014-05-15 2016-10-25 Bally Gaming, Inc. Playing card handling devices, systems, and methods for verifying sets of cards
US9504905B2 (en) 2014-09-19 2016-11-29 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card shuffling device and calibration method
US9511274B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2016-12-06 Bally Gaming Inc. Methods for automatically generating a card deck library and master images for a deck of cards, and a related card processing apparatus
US9539494B2 (en) 2009-04-07 2017-01-10 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card shuffling apparatuses and related methods
US20170024975A1 (en) * 2015-07-22 2017-01-26 Igt Remote gaming cash voucher printing system
US9566501B2 (en) 2014-08-01 2017-02-14 Bally Gaming, Inc. Hand-forming card shuffling apparatuses including multi-card storage compartments, and related methods
US9616324B2 (en) 2004-09-14 2017-04-11 Bally Gaming, Inc. Shuffling devices including one or more sensors for detecting operational parameters and related methods
US9623317B2 (en) 2006-07-05 2017-04-18 Bally Gaming, Inc. Method of readying a card shuffler
US9630087B2 (en) 2004-03-19 2017-04-25 Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd. Card reader
US9649550B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2017-05-16 Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd. Card shooter device and method
US20170148260A1 (en) * 2015-11-23 2017-05-25 William T. Dunn Gaming Machine Location Optimization
US9697697B2 (en) 2014-02-06 2017-07-04 Cfph, Llc Card game
US9704348B2 (en) 2005-01-24 2017-07-11 Igt Jackpot method and system
US9713761B2 (en) 2011-07-29 2017-07-25 Bally Gaming, Inc. Method for shuffling and dealing cards
US9731190B2 (en) 2011-07-29 2017-08-15 Bally Gaming, Inc. Method and apparatus for shuffling and handling cards
US9764221B2 (en) 2006-05-31 2017-09-19 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card-feeding device for a card-handling device including a pivotable arm
US9802114B2 (en) 2010-10-14 2017-10-31 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Card handling systems, devices for use in card handling systems and related methods
US9842467B2 (en) 2006-10-06 2017-12-12 Cfph, Llc Card picks for progressive prize
US9849368B2 (en) 2012-07-27 2017-12-26 Bally Gaming, Inc. Batch card shuffling apparatuses including multi card storage compartments
US9905078B2 (en) 2013-12-28 2018-02-27 Cfph, Llc Submission of pre-authorized tax-related documents relating to game payouts
US20180075696A1 (en) * 2010-07-19 2018-03-15 Bally Gaming, Inc. Uses of location tracking in mobile devices
US9997022B2 (en) 2006-08-24 2018-06-12 Cfph, Llc Secondary game
US9993719B2 (en) 2015-12-04 2018-06-12 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Card handling devices and related assemblies and components
US10026260B2 (en) 2006-12-04 2018-07-17 Igt Determining and selling outcomes for table games to be viewed remotely
US10022617B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2018-07-17 Bally Gaming, Inc. Shuffler and method of shuffling cards
US10046230B1 (en) 2012-10-01 2018-08-14 Genesis Gaming Solutions, Inc. Tabletop insert for gaming table
US10096197B2 (en) 2007-02-22 2018-10-09 Igt Methods and apparatus for facilitating flat rate play sessions
US10102707B2 (en) 2007-04-05 2018-10-16 Cfph, Llc Sorting games of chance
US10124242B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2018-11-13 Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd Card shoe apparatus and table game system
US20190005768A1 (en) * 2017-06-30 2019-01-03 Michael Wilkinson Systems and methods for automatically tracking tokens dropped into a drop box
JP2019005565A (en) * 2015-08-03 2019-01-17 エンゼルプレイングカード株式会社 Game management system
US10183214B2 (en) * 2017-05-01 2019-01-22 Howard B. Katz Table game multiplier system and method therefor
US10235834B2 (en) 2006-08-31 2019-03-19 Cfph, Llc Game of chance systems and methods
US10235844B1 (en) * 2012-03-25 2019-03-19 Charles Barksdale Networked gaming system enabling a plurality of player stations to play independent games with online play
US10279245B2 (en) 2014-04-11 2019-05-07 Bally Gaming, Inc. Method and apparatus for handling cards
US10319184B2 (en) 2015-04-03 2019-06-11 Cfph, Llc Aggregate tax liability in wagering
US10339762B2 (en) 2007-08-29 2019-07-02 Cfph, Llc Game with chance element and strategy component that can be copied
US10339765B2 (en) 2016-09-26 2019-07-02 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Devices, systems, and related methods for real-time monitoring and display of related data for casino gaming devices
US10460567B2 (en) 2008-08-20 2019-10-29 Cfph, Llc Game of chance systems and methods
US10456659B2 (en) 2000-04-12 2019-10-29 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Card handling devices and systems
US10460566B2 (en) 2005-07-08 2019-10-29 Cfph, Llc System and method for peer-to-peer wireless gaming
US10515517B2 (en) 2006-08-31 2019-12-24 Cfph, Llc Game of chance systems and methods
US10535230B2 (en) 2008-08-20 2020-01-14 Cfph, Llc Game of chance systems and methods
US10535221B2 (en) 2006-10-26 2020-01-14 Interactive Games Llc System and method for wireless gaming with location determination
US10532272B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2020-01-14 Bally Gaming, Inc. Flush mounted card shuffler that elevates cards
US10593153B2 (en) 2013-07-09 2020-03-17 Tapcentive, Inc. System and method for allowing a consumer to play a plurality of virtual instant tickets that are loaded into a microprocessor and that is physically provided to the consumer
US10593151B2 (en) 2013-06-13 2020-03-17 Patent Investment & Licensing Company System to dispatch casino agents to an electronic gaming machine in response to a predefined event at the electronic gaming machine
US10607435B2 (en) 2007-04-11 2020-03-31 Cfph, Llc Game of chance display
CN111265824A (en) * 2020-01-13 2020-06-12 北京布袋森林科技有限责任公司 Cross-domain competitive fitness method, device and system based on Internet of things
US10726664B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2020-07-28 Interactive Games Llc System and method for convenience gaming
US10799787B2 (en) 2006-12-29 2020-10-13 Cfph, Llc Top performers
US10909803B2 (en) 2013-08-06 2021-02-02 Acres Technology Method and system for dispatching casino personnel and tracking interactions with players
US10933300B2 (en) 2016-09-26 2021-03-02 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Card handling devices and related assemblies and components
US11017639B2 (en) 2014-01-24 2021-05-25 Cfph, Llc Quick draw stud
US11017630B2 (en) 2012-02-28 2021-05-25 Cfph, Llc Gaming through mobile or other devices
US20210350663A1 (en) * 2005-07-14 2021-11-11 Ag 18, Llc Mechanisms For Detection Of Gambling Rule Violations Including Assisted Or Automated Gameplay
US11173383B2 (en) 2019-10-07 2021-11-16 Sg Gaming, Inc. Card-handling devices and related methods, assemblies, and components
US11244539B2 (en) 2007-03-01 2022-02-08 Cfph, Llc Automatic game play
US11298621B2 (en) 2006-01-10 2022-04-12 Winview, Inc. Method of and system for conducting multiple contests of skill with a single performance
US11308765B2 (en) 2018-10-08 2022-04-19 Winview, Inc. Method and systems for reducing risk in setting odds for single fixed in-play propositions utilizing real time input
US11338189B2 (en) 2006-01-10 2022-05-24 Winview, Inc. Method of and system for conducting multiple contests of skill with a single performance
US11338194B2 (en) 2018-09-28 2022-05-24 Sg Gaming, Inc. Automatic card shufflers and related methods of automatic jam recovery
US11361627B1 (en) * 2020-12-01 2022-06-14 Adrenalineip Method of verifying that a wager was placed before market close
US11358064B2 (en) 2006-01-10 2022-06-14 Winview, Inc. Method of and system for conducting multiple contests of skill with a single performance
US11376489B2 (en) 2018-09-14 2022-07-05 Sg Gaming, Inc. Card-handling devices and related methods, assemblies, and components
US11400379B2 (en) 2004-06-28 2022-08-02 Winview, Inc. Methods and apparatus for distributed gaming over a mobile device
US11410494B2 (en) 2016-08-02 2022-08-09 Angel Group Co., Ltd. Game management system
US20220277252A1 (en) * 2019-05-21 2022-09-01 Paolo Adriano SERAFINA Casino management system and method of managing and evaluating casino staff
US11451883B2 (en) 2005-06-20 2022-09-20 Winview, Inc. Method of and system for managing client resources and assets for activities on computing devices
US11482072B2 (en) * 2020-12-01 2022-10-25 Adrenalineip Location-based user interface
US11538307B1 (en) * 2020-06-10 2022-12-27 Kathryn S. Lever Systems and methods for remote gameplay management
US11551529B2 (en) 2016-07-20 2023-01-10 Winview, Inc. Method of generating separate contests of skill or chance from two independent events
US11601727B2 (en) 2008-11-10 2023-03-07 Winview, Inc. Interactive advertising system
US11654368B2 (en) 2004-06-28 2023-05-23 Winview, Inc. Methods and apparatus for distributed gaming over a mobile device
US11678020B2 (en) 2006-04-12 2023-06-13 Winview, Inc. Methodology for equalizing systemic latencies in television reception in connection with games of skill played in connection with live television programming
US11722743B2 (en) 2006-04-12 2023-08-08 Winview, Inc. Synchronized gaming and programming
US11741779B2 (en) * 2019-11-27 2023-08-29 Playtech Software Limited System and method for executing a remote interactive live game
US11786813B2 (en) 2004-07-14 2023-10-17 Winview, Inc. Game of skill played by remote participants utilizing wireless devices in connection with a common game event
US11875638B2 (en) 2005-07-14 2024-01-16 Ag 18, Llc Systems and methods for interactive electronic gaming with rule violation detection
US11875636B2 (en) 2005-07-14 2024-01-16 Ag 18, Llc Systems and methods for multi-player electronic card game play
US11896891B2 (en) 2018-09-14 2024-02-13 Sg Gaming, Inc. Card-handling devices and related methods, assemblies, and components
US11898837B2 (en) 2019-09-10 2024-02-13 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Card-handling devices with defect detection and related methods
US11908285B2 (en) 2008-06-20 2024-02-20 Ag 18, Llc Location based restrictions on networked gaming

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4669730A (en) * 1984-11-05 1987-06-02 Small Maynard E Automated sweepstakes-type game
US5800268A (en) * 1995-10-20 1998-09-01 Molnick; Melvin Method of participating in a live casino game from a remote location
US20020022510A1 (en) * 1997-11-21 2002-02-21 Baerlocher Anthony J. Slot-table game apparatus and method of playing slot-table game
US20020147047A1 (en) * 2000-11-01 2002-10-10 Howard Letovsky Method and system for remote gaming
US6575834B1 (en) * 2000-08-10 2003-06-10 Kenilworth Systems Corporation System and method for remote roulette and other game play using game table at a casino
US6626757B2 (en) * 2001-05-21 2003-09-30 R. Martin Oliveras Poker playing system using real cards and electronic chips
US6712696B2 (en) * 1999-04-21 2004-03-30 Mindplay Llc Method and apparatus for monitoring casinos and gaming

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4669730A (en) * 1984-11-05 1987-06-02 Small Maynard E Automated sweepstakes-type game
US5800268A (en) * 1995-10-20 1998-09-01 Molnick; Melvin Method of participating in a live casino game from a remote location
US20020022510A1 (en) * 1997-11-21 2002-02-21 Baerlocher Anthony J. Slot-table game apparatus and method of playing slot-table game
US6712696B2 (en) * 1999-04-21 2004-03-30 Mindplay Llc Method and apparatus for monitoring casinos and gaming
US6575834B1 (en) * 2000-08-10 2003-06-10 Kenilworth Systems Corporation System and method for remote roulette and other game play using game table at a casino
US20020147047A1 (en) * 2000-11-01 2002-10-10 Howard Letovsky Method and system for remote gaming
US6626757B2 (en) * 2001-05-21 2003-09-30 R. Martin Oliveras Poker playing system using real cards and electronic chips

Cited By (552)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080207295A1 (en) * 1993-02-25 2008-08-28 Yoseloff Mark L Interactive simulated stud poker apparatus and method
US8113935B2 (en) 1997-03-12 2012-02-14 Igt System and method for presenting payout ranges and audiovisual clips at a gaming device
US9266011B2 (en) 1997-03-13 2016-02-23 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card-handling devices and methods of using such devices
US8142271B2 (en) * 1998-03-11 2012-03-27 Digideal Corporation Electronic gaming system with real playing cards and multiple player displays for virtual card and betting images
US20090017888A1 (en) * 1998-03-11 2009-01-15 Kuhn Michael J Electronic gaming system with real playing cards and multiple player displays for virtual card and betting images
US9266012B2 (en) 1998-04-15 2016-02-23 Bally Gaming, Inc. Methods of randomizing cards
US9861881B2 (en) 1998-04-15 2018-01-09 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card handling apparatuses and methods for handling cards
US9561426B2 (en) 1998-04-15 2017-02-07 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card-handling devices
US9370710B2 (en) 1998-04-15 2016-06-21 Bally Gaming, Inc. Methods for shuffling cards and rack assemblies for use in automatic card shufflers
US10456659B2 (en) 2000-04-12 2019-10-29 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Card handling devices and systems
US20050003890A1 (en) * 2001-08-03 2005-01-06 Igt Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machine
US7927212B2 (en) 2001-08-03 2011-04-19 Igt Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machine
US8784211B2 (en) 2001-08-03 2014-07-22 Igt Wireless input/output and peripheral devices on a gaming machine
US8678912B2 (en) 2001-08-03 2014-03-25 Igt Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machine
US20050239546A1 (en) * 2001-08-03 2005-10-27 Igt Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machine
US8632406B2 (en) 2001-08-03 2014-01-21 Igt Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machine
US20060252529A1 (en) * 2001-08-03 2006-11-09 Igt Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machine
US20040082385A1 (en) * 2001-08-03 2004-04-29 Igt Wireless input/output and peripheral devices on a gaming machine
US8622838B2 (en) 2001-08-03 2014-01-07 Igt Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machine
US8210927B2 (en) 2001-08-03 2012-07-03 Igt Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machine
US20080051195A1 (en) * 2001-08-03 2008-02-28 Igt Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machine
US7422522B2 (en) * 2001-09-07 2008-09-09 Aruze Corp. Game monitoring system, game playing table and monitoring method
US20030064774A1 (en) * 2001-09-07 2003-04-03 Aruze Corporation Game monitoring system, game playing table and monitoring method
US9452346B2 (en) * 2001-09-28 2016-09-27 Bally Gaming, Inc. Method and apparatus for using upstream communication in a card shuffler
US20130109455A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2013-05-02 Shfl Entertainment, Inc. Method and apparatus for using upstream communication in a card shuffler
US8337296B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2012-12-25 SHFL entertaiment, Inc. Method and apparatus for using upstream communication in a card shuffler
US10569159B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2020-02-25 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card shufflers and gaming tables having shufflers
US10532272B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2020-01-14 Bally Gaming, Inc. Flush mounted card shuffler that elevates cards
US9220972B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2015-12-29 Bally Gaming, Inc. Multiple mode card shuffler and card reading device
US9345951B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2016-05-24 Bally Gaming, Inc. Methods and apparatuses for an automatic card handling device and communication networks including same
US20030064712A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-03 Jason Gaston Interactive real world event system via computer networks
US10343054B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2019-07-09 Bally Gaming, Inc. Systems including automatic card handling apparatuses and related methods
US10022617B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2018-07-17 Bally Gaming, Inc. Shuffler and method of shuffling cards
US20050082750A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2005-04-21 Shuffle Master, Inc. Round of play counting in playing card shuffling system
US10004976B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2018-06-26 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card handling devices and related methods
US8616552B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2013-12-31 Shfl Entertainment, Inc. Methods and apparatuses for an automatic card handling device and communication networks including same
US10226687B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2019-03-12 Bally Gaming, Inc. Method and apparatus for using upstream communication in a card shuffler
US10549177B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2020-02-04 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card handling devices comprising angled support surfaces
US10086260B2 (en) 2001-09-28 2018-10-02 Bally Gaming, Inc. Method and apparatus for using upstream communication in a card shuffler
US20030064798A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-03 Shuffle Master, Inc. Method and apparatus for using upstream communication in a card shuffler
US7874919B2 (en) 2002-02-01 2011-01-25 Igt Gaming system and gaming method
US20050059485A1 (en) * 2002-02-01 2005-03-17 Igt, A Nevada Corporation Gaming system and gaming method
US8870657B2 (en) * 2002-02-06 2014-10-28 Igt Configuration of gaming machines based on gaming machine location
US20080051198A1 (en) * 2002-02-06 2008-02-28 Igt Configuration of gaming machines based on gaming machine location
US8235816B2 (en) 2002-02-06 2012-08-07 Igt Configuration of gaming machines based on gaming machine location
US20070099697A1 (en) * 2002-02-06 2007-05-03 Igt Configuration of gaming machines based on gaming machine location
US20050255919A1 (en) * 2002-02-06 2005-11-17 Dwayne Nelson Method and apparatus for machine location
US8267789B2 (en) * 2002-02-06 2012-09-18 Igt Method and apparatus for machine location
US9700785B2 (en) 2002-02-08 2017-07-11 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card-handling device and method of operation
US9333415B2 (en) 2002-02-08 2016-05-10 Bally Gaming, Inc. Methods for handling playing cards with a card handling device
US10092821B2 (en) 2002-02-08 2018-10-09 Bally Technology, Inc. Card-handling device and method of operation
US20050040006A1 (en) * 2002-02-20 2005-02-24 Prashanth Kodela Table game validation and event audit system
US8221224B2 (en) * 2002-02-28 2012-07-17 Igt Method for distributing large payouts with minimal interruption of a gaming session
US8246450B2 (en) 2002-02-28 2012-08-21 Igt Method for distributing large payouts with minimal interruption of a gaming session
US20070099696A1 (en) * 2002-02-28 2007-05-03 Igt, A Nevada Corporation Method for distributing large payouts with minimal interruption of a gaming session
US8185404B1 (en) * 2002-06-25 2012-05-22 Ncr Corporation System and method for tracking currency at a self-checkout station
US20040002375A1 (en) * 2002-06-26 2004-01-01 Yoshio Ogawa Game machine to be connected to network, method of playing game and game system with use of the machine
US8187073B2 (en) 2002-08-05 2012-05-29 Igt Personalized gaming apparatus and gaming method
US20080161104A1 (en) * 2002-12-16 2008-07-03 Aruze Corp. Game management system
US8915782B2 (en) * 2002-12-16 2014-12-23 Universal Entertainment Corporation Game management system
US9289677B2 (en) 2003-07-17 2016-03-22 Bally Gaming, Inc. Modular dealing shoe for casino table card games
US9452349B2 (en) 2003-07-17 2016-09-27 Bally Gaming, Inc. Modular dealing shoe for casino table card games
US20090091078A1 (en) * 2003-07-17 2009-04-09 Shuffle Master, Inc. Intelligent baccarat shoe
US20060063577A1 (en) * 2003-07-17 2006-03-23 Shuffle Master, Inc. System for monitoring the game of baccarat
US7712083B2 (en) * 2003-08-20 2010-05-04 Igt Method and apparatus for monitoring and updating system software
US20050044535A1 (en) * 2003-08-20 2005-02-24 Acres Gaming Incorporated Method and apparatus for monitoring and updating system software
US20050054448A1 (en) * 2003-09-08 2005-03-10 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty, Ltd. N-tier architecture for a casino management system and method
AU2004272182B2 (en) * 2003-09-08 2010-06-24 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty,Ltd. N-tier architecture for a casino management system and method
US9697681B2 (en) 2003-09-08 2017-07-04 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system for tracking player activity during virtual sessions at a gaming machine
WO2005026909A3 (en) * 2003-09-08 2006-03-23 Aristocrat Technologies Au N-tier architecture for a casino management system and method
US20050054446A1 (en) * 2003-09-08 2005-03-10 Kammler Keith Donald Gaming system for tracking player activity during virtual sessions at a gaming machine
WO2005026906A2 (en) * 2003-09-08 2005-03-24 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty., Ltd. Gaming system for tracking player activity during virtual sessions at a gaming machine
US20070202955A1 (en) * 2003-09-08 2007-08-30 Gary Frerking N-tier architecture for a casino management system and method
AU2004273529B2 (en) * 2003-09-08 2009-10-01 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty., Ltd. Gaming system for tracking player activity during virtual sessions at a gaming machine
US8597110B2 (en) 2003-09-08 2013-12-03 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system for tracking player activity during virtual sessions at a gaming machine
US20110136576A1 (en) * 2003-09-08 2011-06-09 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd. Gaming system for tracking player activity during virtual sessions at a gaming machine
US9384625B2 (en) 2003-09-08 2016-07-05 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Gaming system for tracking player activity during virtual sessions at a gaming machine
AU2009227843B2 (en) * 2003-09-08 2011-07-14 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd Gaming system for tracking player activity during virtual sessions at a gaming machine
WO2005026906A3 (en) * 2003-09-08 2006-08-03 Aristocrat Technologies Au Gaming system for tracking player activity during virtual sessions at a gaming machine
US7909693B2 (en) 2003-09-08 2011-03-22 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd. Gaming system for tracking player activity during virtual sessions at a gaming machine
US20110003642A1 (en) * 2003-09-15 2011-01-06 Igt Player specific network
US9508224B2 (en) 2003-09-15 2016-11-29 Igt Player specific network
US9786120B2 (en) 2003-09-15 2017-10-10 Igt Player specific network
US20050125244A1 (en) * 2003-12-08 2005-06-09 Schneider Richard J. System for hot machine notification
US8657658B2 (en) 2003-12-09 2014-02-25 Kenichi Okujyo Baccarat game system, method of using baccarat game system, baccarat game program and recording medium
US20080311994A1 (en) * 2004-02-25 2008-12-18 Amaitis Lee M System and method for wireless gaming with location determination
US8162756B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2012-04-24 Cfph, Llc Time and location based gaming
US20070275779A1 (en) * 2004-02-25 2007-11-29 Amaitis Lee M System and method for convenience gaming
US20070281792A1 (en) * 2004-02-25 2007-12-06 Amaitis Lee M System and method for convenience gaming
US9355518B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2016-05-31 Interactive Games Llc Gaming system with location determination
US10347076B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2019-07-09 Interactive Games Llc Network based control of remote system for enabling, disabling, and controlling gaming
US8696443B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2014-04-15 Cfph, Llc System and method for convenience gaming
US10360755B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2019-07-23 Interactive Games Llc Time and location based gaming
US9430901B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2016-08-30 Interactive Games Llc System and method for wireless gaming with location determination
US10391397B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2019-08-27 Interactive Games, Llc System and method for wireless gaming with location determination
US20070066401A1 (en) * 2004-02-25 2007-03-22 Cfph, Llc System and Method for Convenience Gaming
US11514748B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2022-11-29 Interactive Games Llc System and method for convenience gaming
US10653952B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2020-05-19 Interactive Games Llc System and method for wireless gaming with location determination
US11024115B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2021-06-01 Interactive Games Llc Network based control of remote system for enabling, disabling, and controlling gaming
US8616967B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2013-12-31 Cfph, Llc System and method for convenience gaming
US10726664B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2020-07-28 Interactive Games Llc System and method for convenience gaming
US10515511B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2019-12-24 Interactive Games Llc Network based control of electronic devices for gaming
US20070281785A1 (en) * 2004-02-25 2007-12-06 Amaitis Lee M System and method for convenience gaming
US8504617B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2013-08-06 Cfph, Llc System and method for wireless gaming with location determination
US8308568B2 (en) 2004-02-25 2012-11-13 Cfph, Llc Time and location based gaming
US20150375095A1 (en) * 2004-03-19 2015-12-31 Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd System and method for delivering playing cards
US11491391B2 (en) 2004-03-19 2022-11-08 Angel Group Co., Ltd. System and method for delivering playing cards
US9630087B2 (en) 2004-03-19 2017-04-25 Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd. Card reader
US10238955B2 (en) * 2004-03-19 2019-03-26 Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd System and method for delivering playing cards
US11654368B2 (en) 2004-06-28 2023-05-23 Winview, Inc. Methods and apparatus for distributed gaming over a mobile device
US20050288085A1 (en) * 2004-06-28 2005-12-29 Shuffle Master, Inc. Dealer identification system
US11400379B2 (en) 2004-06-28 2022-08-02 Winview, Inc. Methods and apparatus for distributed gaming over a mobile device
US20050288083A1 (en) * 2004-06-28 2005-12-29 Shuffle Master, Inc. Distributed intelligent data collection system for casino table games
US11786813B2 (en) 2004-07-14 2023-10-17 Winview, Inc. Game of skill played by remote participants utilizing wireless devices in connection with a common game event
US20060058087A1 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-16 Pokertek, Inc. Electronic card table and method with variable rake
US20060058090A1 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-16 Pokertek, Inc. System and method for playing an electronic card game
US20060058086A1 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-16 Pokertek, Inc. System and method for providing electronic card game at a plurality of electronic poker tables
US20060058089A1 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-16 Pokertek, Inc. Electronic card table and method with player tracking
US7699695B2 (en) * 2004-09-13 2010-04-20 Pokertek, Inc. Electronic card table and method with variable rake
US9616324B2 (en) 2004-09-14 2017-04-11 Bally Gaming, Inc. Shuffling devices including one or more sensors for detecting operational parameters and related methods
WO2006036460A2 (en) * 2004-09-24 2006-04-06 Shuffle Master, Inc. Round of play counting in playing card shuffling system
WO2006036460A3 (en) * 2004-09-24 2007-03-01 Shuffle Master Inc Round of play counting in playing card shuffling system
WO2006039306A3 (en) * 2004-10-01 2006-12-14 Shuffle Master Inc Thin client user interface for gaming systems
WO2006039306A2 (en) * 2004-10-01 2006-04-13 Shuffle Master, Inc. Thin client user interface for gaming systems
US20060084502A1 (en) * 2004-10-01 2006-04-20 Shuffle Master, Inc. Thin client user interface for gaming systems
US7758419B2 (en) 2004-10-04 2010-07-20 Igt Method and apparatus for delivering information and/or a bonus award to players of a gaming table
US8511684B2 (en) 2004-10-04 2013-08-20 Shfl Entertainment, Inc. Card-reading shoe with inventory correction feature and methods of correcting inventory
WO2006041614A1 (en) * 2004-10-04 2006-04-20 Igt Method and apparatus for delivering a bonus award and/or bonus game to players of a gaming table
US9162138B2 (en) 2004-10-04 2015-10-20 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card-reading shoe with inventory correction feature and methods of correcting inventory
US8490973B2 (en) 2004-10-04 2013-07-23 Shfl Entertainment, Inc. Card reading shoe with card stop feature and systems utilizing the same
US20060073885A1 (en) * 2004-10-04 2006-04-06 Igt Method and apparatus for delivering a bonus award and/or bonus game to players of a gaming table
US20060290472A1 (en) * 2004-10-29 2006-12-28 Kimberly Clark Worldwide, Inc. Adjusting data tag readers with feed-forward data
US7221269B2 (en) 2004-10-29 2007-05-22 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Self-adjusting portals with movable data tag readers for improved reading of data tags
US7623036B2 (en) 2004-10-29 2009-11-24 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Adjusting data tag readers with feed-forward data
US20060092014A1 (en) * 2004-10-29 2006-05-04 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Self-adjusting portals with movable data tag readers for improved reading of data tags
US7748714B2 (en) * 2004-12-14 2010-07-06 Igt Casino card game
WO2006065952A3 (en) * 2004-12-14 2007-08-02 Wagerworks Inc Casino card game
WO2006065952A2 (en) * 2004-12-14 2006-06-22 Wagerworks, Inc. Casino card game
US20060131810A1 (en) * 2004-12-14 2006-06-22 Nicely Mark C Casino card game
US8465368B2 (en) * 2005-01-10 2013-06-18 Scientific Games Holdings Limited Method and apparatus for conducting event betting
US20060172803A1 (en) * 2005-01-10 2006-08-03 Dow Hardy Method and apparatus for conducting event betting
US7922587B2 (en) * 2005-01-24 2011-04-12 Jay Chun Betting terminal and system
US20130190075A1 (en) * 2005-01-24 2013-07-25 Jay Chun System for monitoring and playing a plurality of live casino table games
US9710995B2 (en) 2005-01-24 2017-07-18 Igt Methods and systems for playing Sic Bo jackpot
US20080113778A1 (en) * 2005-01-24 2008-05-15 Jay Chun Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot
US7918723B2 (en) * 2005-01-24 2011-04-05 Jay Chun Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot
US9704348B2 (en) 2005-01-24 2017-07-11 Igt Jackpot method and system
US9940777B2 (en) * 2005-01-24 2018-04-10 Igt Betting terminal and system
US20070026947A1 (en) * 2005-01-24 2007-02-01 Jay Chun Betting terminal and system
US20090029755A1 (en) * 2005-01-24 2009-01-29 Jay Chun Jackpot method and system
US10198893B2 (en) 2005-01-24 2019-02-05 Igt Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot
US10204490B2 (en) 2005-01-24 2019-02-12 Igt Jackpot method and system
US8182321B2 (en) 2005-01-24 2012-05-22 Jay Chun Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot
US20110159965A1 (en) * 2005-01-24 2011-06-30 Jay Chun Betting terminal and system
US10702763B2 (en) 2005-01-24 2020-07-07 Igt Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot
US10204475B2 (en) 2005-01-24 2019-02-12 Igt Methods and systems for playing for a jackpot
US8668564B2 (en) * 2005-01-24 2014-03-11 Solution Champion Limited Jackpot method and system
US9940778B2 (en) * 2005-01-24 2018-04-10 Igt System for monitoring and playing a plurality of live casino table games
US8210920B2 (en) 2005-01-24 2012-07-03 Jay Chun Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot
US20080108400A1 (en) * 2005-01-24 2008-05-08 Jay Chun Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot
US10467848B2 (en) 2005-01-24 2019-11-05 Igt System for monitoring and playing a plurality of live casino table games
US20060166726A1 (en) * 2005-01-24 2006-07-27 Jay Chun Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot
US8956210B2 (en) 2005-01-24 2015-02-17 Solution Champion Limited Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot
US20060178181A1 (en) * 2005-01-24 2006-08-10 Jay Chun Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot
US20060183540A1 (en) * 2005-02-15 2006-08-17 Shuffle Master, Inc. Casino table gaming system with round counting system
US20060217185A1 (en) * 2005-03-23 2006-09-28 Cavagna Phillip B Method and system for allocating loyalty reward points to gaming players
US7862425B2 (en) * 2005-03-23 2011-01-04 Phillip Cavagna Method and system for allocating loyalty reward points to gaming players
US9266021B2 (en) 2005-03-23 2016-02-23 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Token configured to interact
US20060214907A1 (en) * 2005-03-23 2006-09-28 Devos John A Token configured to interact
US8702503B2 (en) * 2005-03-23 2014-04-22 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Token configured to interact
US20060266844A1 (en) * 2005-03-29 2006-11-30 Aruze Corp. Game card
WO2006105182A3 (en) * 2005-03-30 2007-01-04 Igt Reno Nev Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machine
WO2006105182A2 (en) * 2005-03-30 2006-10-05 Igt Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machine
WO2007011437A2 (en) * 2005-04-06 2007-01-25 Daniel Kromer A method and system for scoring games played at home via use of a computer program or the internet
WO2007011437A3 (en) * 2005-04-06 2007-06-14 Daniel Kromer A method and system for scoring games played at home via use of a computer program or the internet
US7730215B1 (en) * 2005-04-08 2010-06-01 Symantec Corporation Detecting entry-portal-only network connections
WO2006124516A1 (en) * 2005-05-13 2006-11-23 Igt Wide area table gaming monitor and control system
US20060258427A1 (en) * 2005-05-13 2006-11-16 Igt Wide area table gaming monitor and control system
US10576363B2 (en) 2005-06-13 2020-03-03 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card shuffling apparatus and card handling device
US9387390B2 (en) 2005-06-13 2016-07-12 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card shuffling apparatus and card handling device
US9908034B2 (en) 2005-06-13 2018-03-06 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card shuffling apparatus and card handling device
US11451883B2 (en) 2005-06-20 2022-09-20 Winview, Inc. Method of and system for managing client resources and assets for activities on computing devices
US10460566B2 (en) 2005-07-08 2019-10-29 Cfph, Llc System and method for peer-to-peer wireless gaming
US20120309507A1 (en) * 2005-07-08 2012-12-06 Amaitis Lee M Gaming system with identity verification
US8613658B2 (en) 2005-07-08 2013-12-24 Cfph, Llc System and method for wireless gaming system with user profiles
US8708805B2 (en) * 2005-07-08 2014-04-29 Cfph, Llc Gaming system with identity verification
US10510214B2 (en) 2005-07-08 2019-12-17 Cfph, Llc System and method for peer-to-peer wireless gaming
WO2007008845A2 (en) * 2005-07-08 2007-01-18 Wms Gaming Inc. Fault tolerant gaming systems
US20090042640A1 (en) * 2005-07-08 2009-02-12 Gagner Mark B Fault tolerant gaming systems
US9171417B2 (en) 2005-07-08 2015-10-27 Bally Gaming, Inc. Fault tolerant gaming systems
WO2007008845A3 (en) * 2005-07-08 2007-04-19 Wms Gaming Inc Fault tolerant gaming systems
US11069185B2 (en) 2005-07-08 2021-07-20 Interactive Games Llc System and method for wireless gaming system with user profiles
US10733847B2 (en) 2005-07-08 2020-08-04 Cfph, Llc System and method for gaming
US8506400B2 (en) 2005-07-08 2013-08-13 Cfph, Llc System and method for wireless gaming system with alerts
US11875636B2 (en) 2005-07-14 2024-01-16 Ag 18, Llc Systems and methods for multi-player electronic card game play
US20210350663A1 (en) * 2005-07-14 2021-11-11 Ag 18, Llc Mechanisms For Detection Of Gambling Rule Violations Including Assisted Or Automated Gameplay
US11875638B2 (en) 2005-07-14 2024-01-16 Ag 18, Llc Systems and methods for interactive electronic gaming with rule violation detection
US20110140362A1 (en) * 2005-08-05 2011-06-16 Jay Chun Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot with an option for insurance betting
US9240095B2 (en) 2005-08-05 2016-01-19 Solution Champion Limited Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot with an option for insurance betting
US10147279B2 (en) * 2005-08-05 2018-12-04 Igt Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot with an option for insurance betting
US20070032283A1 (en) * 2005-08-05 2007-02-08 Jay Chun Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot with an option for insurance betting
US20160171837A1 (en) * 2005-08-05 2016-06-16 Solution Champion Limited Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot with an option for insurance betting
US9214060B2 (en) 2005-08-05 2015-12-15 Fresh Idea Global Limited Gaming center allowing switching between games based upon historical results
US7914368B2 (en) 2005-08-05 2011-03-29 Jay Chun Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot with an option for insurance betting
US11636727B2 (en) 2005-08-09 2023-04-25 Cfph, Llc System and method for providing wireless gaming as a service application
US8690679B2 (en) 2005-08-09 2014-04-08 Cfph, Llc System and method for providing wireless gaming as a service application
US20080318658A1 (en) * 2005-08-23 2008-12-25 Sylla Craig J Remote Management of a Gaming Machine
US8663015B2 (en) 2005-08-23 2014-03-04 Wms Gaming Inc. Remote management of a gaming machine through error notification and execution of a repair application
US8192288B2 (en) * 2005-08-23 2012-06-05 Wms Gaming Inc. Remote management of a gaming machine through retrieval of an inventory of assets
US20090215528A1 (en) * 2005-09-09 2009-08-27 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming network with remote file system for storing game content
US20070057469A1 (en) * 2005-09-09 2007-03-15 Shuffle Master, Inc. Gaming table activity sensing and communication matrix
US20080200260A1 (en) * 2005-09-12 2008-08-21 Bally Gaming, Inc. System for managing an electronic gaming maching group
WO2007032980A2 (en) * 2005-09-12 2007-03-22 Shuffle Master, Inc. System for monitoring the game of baccarat
WO2007033006A2 (en) * 2005-09-12 2007-03-22 Bally Gaming, Inc. Network gaming system with a distribution server
US20070060362A1 (en) * 2005-09-12 2007-03-15 Randy Osgood Network gaming system with a distribution server
WO2007033006A3 (en) * 2005-09-12 2007-11-08 Bally Gaming Inc Network gaming system with a distribution server
WO2007032980A3 (en) * 2005-09-12 2008-10-09 Shuffle Master Inc System for monitoring the game of baccarat
US9305424B2 (en) * 2005-09-12 2016-04-05 Bally Gaming, Inc. System for managing an electronic gaming machine group
US7846020B2 (en) 2005-12-02 2010-12-07 Walker Digital, Llc Problem gambling detection in tabletop games
US20100279765A9 (en) * 2005-12-02 2010-11-04 Walker Jay S Problem gambling detection in tabletop games
US20070293311A1 (en) * 2005-12-02 2007-12-20 Walker Jay S Problem gambling detection in tabletop games
US8021231B2 (en) 2005-12-02 2011-09-20 Walker Digital, Llc Problem gambling detection in tabletop games
US11298621B2 (en) 2006-01-10 2022-04-12 Winview, Inc. Method of and system for conducting multiple contests of skill with a single performance
US11358064B2 (en) 2006-01-10 2022-06-14 Winview, Inc. Method of and system for conducting multiple contests of skill with a single performance
US11918880B2 (en) 2006-01-10 2024-03-05 Winview Ip Holdings, Llc Method of and system for conducting multiple contests of skill with a single performance
US11338189B2 (en) 2006-01-10 2022-05-24 Winview, Inc. Method of and system for conducting multiple contests of skill with a single performance
US20070173318A1 (en) * 2006-01-20 2007-07-26 Abbott Eric L Player ranking for tournament play
US7704144B2 (en) 2006-01-20 2010-04-27 Igt Player ranking for tournament play
US20100167810A1 (en) * 2006-02-24 2010-07-01 Wms Gaming Inc. Suspending wagering game play on wagering game machines
WO2007100725A2 (en) * 2006-02-24 2007-09-07 Wms Gaming Inc. Suspending wagering game play on wagering game machines
WO2007100725A3 (en) * 2006-02-24 2008-08-14 Wms Gaming Inc Suspending wagering game play on wagering game machines
US8197338B2 (en) * 2006-02-24 2012-06-12 Wms Gaming Inc. Suspending wagering game play on wagering game machines
US10220297B2 (en) 2006-03-24 2019-03-05 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Card handling apparatus and associated methods
WO2007111640A1 (en) * 2006-03-24 2007-10-04 Maurice Mills Land-based, on-line poker system
US9789385B2 (en) 2006-03-24 2017-10-17 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Card handling apparatus
US9345952B2 (en) 2006-03-24 2016-05-24 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Card handling apparatus
US20070292824A1 (en) * 2006-03-29 2007-12-20 James Ueltschi Method of teaching gaming in a casino environment
US11678020B2 (en) 2006-04-12 2023-06-13 Winview, Inc. Methodology for equalizing systemic latencies in television reception in connection with games of skill played in connection with live television programming
US11889157B2 (en) 2006-04-12 2024-01-30 Winview Ip Holdings, Llc Methodology for equalizing systemic latencies in television reception in connection with games of skill played in connection with live television programming
US11917254B2 (en) 2006-04-12 2024-02-27 Winview Ip Holdings, Llc Methodology for equalizing systemic latencies in television reception in connection with games of skill played in connection with live television programming
US11716515B2 (en) 2006-04-12 2023-08-01 Winview, Inc. Methodology for equalizing systemic latencies in television reception in connection with games of skill played in connection with live television programming
US11736771B2 (en) 2006-04-12 2023-08-22 Winview, Inc. Methodology for equalizing systemic latencies in television reception in connection with games of skill played in connection with live television programming
US11825168B2 (en) 2006-04-12 2023-11-21 Winview Ip Holdings, Llc Eception in connection with games of skill played in connection with live television programming
US11722743B2 (en) 2006-04-12 2023-08-08 Winview, Inc. Synchronized gaming and programming
US8403214B2 (en) 2006-04-18 2013-03-26 Bgc Partners, Inc. Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices
US10957150B2 (en) 2006-04-18 2021-03-23 Cfph, Llc Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices
EP2016536A2 (en) * 2006-04-18 2009-01-21 Cfph, L.L.C. Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices
EP2016536A4 (en) * 2006-04-18 2011-06-29 Cfph Llc Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices
US10460557B2 (en) 2006-04-18 2019-10-29 Cfph, Llc Systems and methods for providing access to a system
US20090048023A1 (en) * 2006-04-19 2009-02-19 Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Company Ltd. Method and apparatus for recording and replaying network game
US8862658B2 (en) * 2006-04-19 2014-10-14 Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Company Ltd. Method and apparatus for recording and replaying network game
US20090082098A1 (en) * 2006-05-05 2009-03-26 Dean Alderucci Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices
US8939359B2 (en) 2006-05-05 2015-01-27 Cfph, Llc Game access device with time varying signal
US10751607B2 (en) 2006-05-05 2020-08-25 Cfph, Llc Systems and methods for providing access to locations and services
US11024120B2 (en) 2006-05-05 2021-06-01 Cfph, Llc Game access device with time varying signal
US8840018B2 (en) 2006-05-05 2014-09-23 Cfph, Llc Device with time varying signal
US20090075729A1 (en) * 2006-05-05 2009-03-19 Dean Alderucci Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices
US10535223B2 (en) 2006-05-05 2020-01-14 Cfph, Llc Game access device with time varying signal
US20100304850A1 (en) * 2006-05-05 2010-12-02 Gelman Geoffrey M Game access device with time varying signal
US10286300B2 (en) 2006-05-05 2019-05-14 Cfph, Llc Systems and methods for providing access to locations and services
US8740065B2 (en) 2006-05-05 2014-06-03 Cfph, Llc Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices
US8695876B2 (en) 2006-05-05 2014-04-15 Cfph, Llc Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices
US8397985B2 (en) 2006-05-05 2013-03-19 Cfph, Llc Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices
US11229835B2 (en) 2006-05-05 2022-01-25 Cfph, Llc Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices
US20080015013A1 (en) * 2006-05-05 2008-01-17 Gelman Geoffrey M Game access device with time varying signal
US8899477B2 (en) 2006-05-05 2014-12-02 Cfph, Llc Device detection
US20080064488A1 (en) * 2006-05-25 2008-03-13 Global Interactive Games Llc Game wagering system and method
US9220971B2 (en) 2006-05-31 2015-12-29 Bally Gaming, Inc. Automatic system and methods for accurate card handling
US9764221B2 (en) 2006-05-31 2017-09-19 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card-feeding device for a card-handling device including a pivotable arm
US10525329B2 (en) 2006-05-31 2020-01-07 Bally Gaming, Inc. Methods of feeding cards
US9901810B2 (en) 2006-05-31 2018-02-27 Bally Gaming, Inc. Playing card shuffling devices and related methods
US10926164B2 (en) 2006-05-31 2021-02-23 Sg Gaming, Inc. Playing card handling devices and related methods
US20080020814A1 (en) * 2006-06-02 2008-01-24 Nicolas Kernene Broadband gaming system and method
US20110151978A1 (en) * 2006-06-20 2011-06-23 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd. System and method for managing transfer of player rights
US9623317B2 (en) 2006-07-05 2017-04-18 Bally Gaming, Inc. Method of readying a card shuffler
US10639542B2 (en) 2006-07-05 2020-05-05 Sg Gaming, Inc. Ergonomic card-shuffling devices
US10226686B2 (en) 2006-07-05 2019-03-12 Bally Gaming, Inc. Automatic card shuffler with pivotal card weight and divider gate
US8192277B2 (en) * 2006-08-17 2012-06-05 Bally Gaming, Inc. Systems, methods and articles to enhance play at gaming tables with bonuses
US20080113781A1 (en) * 2006-08-17 2008-05-15 Bally Gaming, Inc. Systems, methods and articles to enhance play at gaming tables with bonuses
US11615673B2 (en) 2006-08-24 2023-03-28 Cfph, Llc Secondary game
US10748383B2 (en) 2006-08-24 2020-08-18 Cfph, Llc Secondary game
US9997022B2 (en) 2006-08-24 2018-06-12 Cfph, Llc Secondary game
US11030852B2 (en) 2006-08-31 2021-06-08 Cfph, Llc Game of chance systems and methods
US10235834B2 (en) 2006-08-31 2019-03-19 Cfph, Llc Game of chance systems and methods
US11210907B2 (en) 2006-08-31 2021-12-28 Cfph, Llc Game of chance systems and methods
US10515517B2 (en) 2006-08-31 2019-12-24 Cfph, Llc Game of chance systems and methods
US20090275377A1 (en) * 2006-09-15 2009-11-05 Wms Gaming, Inc. Processing wagering game events
US8512135B2 (en) * 2006-09-15 2013-08-20 Wms Gaming, Inc. Processing wagering game events
US10777041B2 (en) 2006-10-06 2020-09-15 Cfph, Llc Card picks for progressive prize
US11501609B2 (en) 2006-10-06 2022-11-15 Cfph, Llc Card picks for progressive prize
US9842467B2 (en) 2006-10-06 2017-12-12 Cfph, Llc Card picks for progressive prize
US8292741B2 (en) 2006-10-26 2012-10-23 Cfph, Llc Apparatus, processes and articles for facilitating mobile gaming
US10535221B2 (en) 2006-10-26 2020-01-14 Interactive Games Llc System and method for wireless gaming with location determination
US11017628B2 (en) 2006-10-26 2021-05-25 Interactive Games Llc System and method for wireless gaming with location determination
US7690996B2 (en) * 2006-11-06 2010-04-06 Igt Server based gaming system and method for providing one or more tournaments at gaming tables
US20080108404A1 (en) * 2006-11-06 2008-05-08 Igt Server based gaming system and method for providing one or more tournaments at gaming tables
US10286291B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2019-05-14 Bally Gaming, Inc. Remotely serviceable card-handling devices and related systems and methods
US9320964B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2016-04-26 Bally Gaming, Inc. System for billing usage of a card handling device
US20080113783A1 (en) * 2006-11-10 2008-05-15 Zbigniew Czyzewski Casino table game monitoring system
US8919775B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2014-12-30 Bally Gaming, Inc. System for billing usage of an automatic card handling device
US10706673B2 (en) 2006-11-14 2020-07-07 Cfph, Llc Biometric access data encryption
US8645709B2 (en) 2006-11-14 2014-02-04 Cfph, Llc Biometric access data encryption
US20080113786A1 (en) * 2006-11-14 2008-05-15 Alderucci Dean P Biometric access data encryption
US9280648B2 (en) 2006-11-14 2016-03-08 Cfph, Llc Conditional biometric access in a gaming environment
US8510567B2 (en) 2006-11-14 2013-08-13 Cfph, Llc Conditional biometric access in a gaming environment
US20080113785A1 (en) * 2006-11-14 2008-05-15 Alderucci Dean P Conditional biometric access in a gaming environment
US20080113787A1 (en) * 2006-11-15 2008-05-15 Alderucci Dean P Biometric access sensitivity
US8784197B2 (en) 2006-11-15 2014-07-22 Cfph, Llc Biometric access sensitivity
US11182462B2 (en) 2006-11-15 2021-11-23 Cfph, Llc Biometric access sensitivity
US10546107B2 (en) 2006-11-15 2020-01-28 Cfph, Llc Biometric access sensitivity
US9411944B2 (en) 2006-11-15 2016-08-09 Cfph, Llc Biometric access sensitivity
US10026260B2 (en) 2006-12-04 2018-07-17 Igt Determining and selling outcomes for table games to be viewed remotely
US20100048303A1 (en) * 2006-12-20 2010-02-25 Yoshihiko Narita Game system, game apparatus therefor, communication apparatus therefor, computer program therefor, and data management method therefor
US8360889B2 (en) * 2006-12-20 2013-01-29 Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. Game system, game apparatus therefor, communication apparatus therefor, computer program therefor, and data management method therefor
US11583758B2 (en) 2006-12-29 2023-02-21 Cfph, Llc Top performers
US10799787B2 (en) 2006-12-29 2020-10-13 Cfph, Llc Top performers
US10096197B2 (en) 2007-02-22 2018-10-09 Igt Methods and apparatus for facilitating flat rate play sessions
US9536390B2 (en) * 2007-02-23 2017-01-03 Bally Gaming, Inc. Serving patrons in a wagering game environment
US20110045908A1 (en) * 2007-02-23 2011-02-24 Wms Gaming, Inc. Serving patrons in a wagering game environment
US10403081B2 (en) 2007-02-23 2019-09-03 Bally Gaming, Inc. Serving patrons in a wagering game environment
WO2008103578A1 (en) * 2007-02-23 2008-08-28 Wms Gaming, Inc. Serving patrons in a wagering game environment
US11244539B2 (en) 2007-03-01 2022-02-08 Cfph, Llc Automatic game play
US11055958B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2021-07-06 Cfph, Llc Game access device with privileges
US20080218312A1 (en) * 2007-03-08 2008-09-11 Asher Joseph M Game access device with privileges
US10332155B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2019-06-25 Cfph, Llc Systems and methods for determining an amount of time an object is worn
US8581721B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2013-11-12 Cfph, Llc Game access device with privileges
US10424153B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2019-09-24 Cfph, Llc Game access device with privileges
US9183693B2 (en) 2007-03-08 2015-11-10 Cfph, Llc Game access device
US8319601B2 (en) 2007-03-14 2012-11-27 Cfph, Llc Game account access device
US10366562B2 (en) 2007-03-14 2019-07-30 Cfph, Llc Multi-account access device
US11055954B2 (en) 2007-03-14 2021-07-06 Cfph, Llc Game account access device
US20080230993A1 (en) * 2007-03-19 2008-09-25 Jay Chun Paradise baccarat table
US10102707B2 (en) 2007-04-05 2018-10-16 Cfph, Llc Sorting games of chance
US10769880B2 (en) 2007-04-05 2020-09-08 Cfph, Llc Sporting game of chance
US11398126B2 (en) 2007-04-05 2022-07-26 Cfph, Llc Sorting games of chance
US10607435B2 (en) 2007-04-11 2020-03-31 Cfph, Llc Game of chance display
US11361610B2 (en) 2007-04-11 2022-06-14 Cfph, Llc Game of chance display
US9430898B2 (en) 2007-04-30 2016-08-30 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Gaming device with personality
US10037648B2 (en) 2007-04-30 2018-07-31 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Gaming device with personality
US10657758B2 (en) 2007-04-30 2020-05-19 Acres Technology Gaming device with personality
US11482068B2 (en) 2007-04-30 2022-10-25 Acres Technology Gaming device with personality
US9697677B2 (en) 2007-04-30 2017-07-04 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Gaming device with personality
US8308559B2 (en) 2007-05-07 2012-11-13 Jay Chun Paradise box gaming system
US8323105B2 (en) 2007-05-07 2012-12-04 Jay Chun Paradise box gaming center
US9098981B2 (en) 2007-05-07 2015-08-04 Fresh Idea Global Limited Paradise box gaming system
US20080280668A1 (en) * 2007-05-07 2008-11-13 Jay Chun Paradise box gaming center
US20080280667A1 (en) * 2007-05-07 2008-11-13 Jay Chun Paradise box gaming system
US9071642B2 (en) 2007-06-04 2015-06-30 Nicolas Kernene System and method for securely transmitting data using video validation
US10410475B2 (en) 2007-06-06 2019-09-10 Bally Gaming, Inc. Apparatus, system, method, and computer-readable medium for casino card handling with multiple hand recall feature
US10504337B2 (en) 2007-06-06 2019-12-10 Bally Gaming, Inc. Casino card handling system with game play feed
US9259640B2 (en) 2007-06-06 2016-02-16 Bally Gaming, Inc. Apparatus, system, method, and computer-readable medium for casino card handling with multiple hand recall feature
US9922502B2 (en) 2007-06-06 2018-03-20 Balley Gaming, Inc. Apparatus, system, method, and computer-readable medium for casino card handling with multiple hand recall feature
US9633523B2 (en) 2007-06-06 2017-04-25 Bally Gaming, Inc. Apparatus, system, method, and computer-readable medium for casino card handling with multiple hand recall feature
US9552695B2 (en) 2007-08-03 2017-01-24 Bally Gaming, Inc. Wagering game history features
US8727884B2 (en) 2007-08-03 2014-05-20 Wms Gaming, Inc. Wagering game history features
US20100190554A1 (en) * 2007-08-03 2010-07-29 Wms Gaming, Inc. Wagering game history features
US8132252B2 (en) 2007-08-08 2012-03-06 Nicolas Kernene System and method for securely transmitting data using video validation
US20090158312A1 (en) * 2007-08-08 2009-06-18 Nicolas Kernene System and method for securely transmitting data using video validation
US9656155B2 (en) * 2007-08-09 2017-05-23 Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd. System and method for delivering playing cards
US20130277911A1 (en) * 2007-08-09 2013-10-24 Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd. System and method for delivering playing cards
US10997826B2 (en) 2007-08-29 2021-05-04 Cfph, Llc Game with chance element and strategy component that can be copied
US10339762B2 (en) 2007-08-29 2019-07-02 Cfph, Llc Game with chance element and strategy component that can be copied
US20090239650A1 (en) * 2007-10-12 2009-09-24 Alderucci Dean P Game with chance element and tax indicator
US8210931B2 (en) 2007-10-12 2012-07-03 Cfph, Llc Game with chance element and tax indicator
WO2009049124A1 (en) * 2007-10-12 2009-04-16 Cfph, Llc Game with chance element and tax indicator
US11030854B2 (en) 2007-10-12 2021-06-08 Cfph, Llc Game with chance element and tax indicator
GB2453983A (en) * 2007-10-24 2009-04-29 Victoria Holdings Ltd Remote participation in a card game
US10242525B1 (en) 2007-11-13 2019-03-26 Genesis Gaming Solutions, Inc. System and method for casino table operation
US9174114B1 (en) 2007-11-13 2015-11-03 Genesis Gaming Solutions, Inc. System and method for generating reports associated with casino table operation
US9511275B1 (en) 2007-11-13 2016-12-06 Genesis Gaming Solutions, Inc. Bet spot indicator on a gaming table
US10825288B1 (en) 2007-11-13 2020-11-03 Genesis Gaming Solutions, Inc. System and method for casino table operation
US9889371B1 (en) 2007-11-13 2018-02-13 Genesis Gaming Solutions, Inc. Bet spot indicator on a gaming table
US11538304B1 (en) 2007-11-13 2022-12-27 Genesis Gaming Solutions, Inc System and method for casino table operation
US8896444B1 (en) 2007-11-13 2014-11-25 Genesis Gaming Solutions, Inc. System and method for casino table operation
US20090121883A1 (en) * 2007-11-13 2009-05-14 Genesis Gaming Solutions Card and Chip Detection System for a Gaming Table
US8130097B2 (en) 2007-11-13 2012-03-06 Genesis Gaming Solutions, Inc. Card and chip detection system for a gaming table
US9165420B1 (en) 2007-11-13 2015-10-20 Genesis Gaming Solutions, Inc. Bet spot indicator on a gaming table
US8897737B2 (en) * 2007-12-17 2014-11-25 Play Megaphone System and method for managing interaction between a user and an interactive system
US20090156179A1 (en) * 2007-12-17 2009-06-18 Play Megaphone System And Method For Managing Interaction Between A User And An Interactive System
US20090258688A1 (en) * 2008-03-12 2009-10-15 Aruze Corp. Gaming Machine and Card Game Machine
US8221205B2 (en) * 2008-03-12 2012-07-17 Universal Entertainment Corporation Gaming machine and card game machine
US11908285B2 (en) 2008-06-20 2024-02-20 Ag 18, Llc Location based restrictions on networked gaming
US10410465B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2019-09-10 Bally Gaming, Inc. Physical playing card gaming systems and related methods
US20100090405A1 (en) * 2008-07-15 2010-04-15 Snow Roger M Automated House Way Indicator and Activator
WO2010009143A1 (en) * 2008-07-15 2010-01-21 Shuffle Master, Inc. Chipless table split screen feature
US20100016050A1 (en) * 2008-07-15 2010-01-21 Snow Roger M Chipless table split screen feature
US8251802B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2012-08-28 Shuffle Master, Inc. Automated house way indicator and commission indicator
US8597114B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2013-12-03 Shfl Entertainment, Inc. Systems and methods for assisting players in arranging hands for table games
US9159185B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2015-10-13 Bally Gaming, Inc. Physical playing card gaming systems and related methods
US9569924B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2017-02-14 Bally Gaming, Inc. Systems and methods for play of casino table card games
US20100244382A1 (en) * 2008-07-15 2010-09-30 Snow Roger M Automated house way indicator and commission indicator
AU2009271007B2 (en) * 2008-07-15 2014-12-18 Bally Gaming, Inc. Chipless table split screen feature
US9101821B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2015-08-11 Bally Gaming, Inc. Systems and methods for play of casino table card games
US9649549B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2017-05-16 Bally Gaming, Inc. Physical playing card gaming systems and related methods
US8262475B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2012-09-11 Shuffle Master, Inc. Chipless table split screen feature
US8342529B2 (en) 2008-07-15 2013-01-01 Shuffle Master, Inc. Automated house way indicator and activator
US10535230B2 (en) 2008-08-20 2020-01-14 Cfph, Llc Game of chance systems and methods
US10460567B2 (en) 2008-08-20 2019-10-29 Cfph, Llc Game of chance systems and methods
US11132870B2 (en) 2008-08-20 2021-09-28 Cfph, Llc Game of chance systems and methods
US8187091B2 (en) * 2008-09-10 2012-05-29 Aruze Gaming America, Inc. Gaming machine that displays instruction image of game input operation on display
US8376848B2 (en) * 2008-09-10 2013-02-19 Aruze Gaming America, Inc. Gaming machine that displays instruction image of game input operation on display
US20120225714A1 (en) * 2008-09-10 2012-09-06 Aruze Gaming America, Inc. Gaming machine that displays instruction image of game input operation on display
US8435116B2 (en) * 2008-09-10 2013-05-07 Aruze Gaming America, Inc. Gaming machine that displays instruction image of game input operation on display
US20120231874A1 (en) * 2008-09-10 2012-09-13 Aruze Gaming America, Inc. Gaming machine that displays instruction image of game input operation on display
US20100062851A1 (en) * 2008-09-10 2010-03-11 Aruze Gaming America, Inc. Gaming machine that displays instruction image of game input operation on display
US8628422B2 (en) 2008-10-14 2014-01-14 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming system having virtual assets and achievements
WO2010045333A1 (en) * 2008-10-14 2010-04-22 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming system having virtual assets and achievements
US20110207525A1 (en) * 2008-10-14 2011-08-25 Allen Jeffrey L Gaming System Having Virtual Assets and Achievements
AU2009303380B2 (en) * 2008-10-14 2012-08-30 Bally Gaming, Inc. Gaming system having virtual assets and achievements
US20100113120A1 (en) * 2008-11-06 2010-05-06 Snow Roger M Egregious error mitigation system
US8287347B2 (en) * 2008-11-06 2012-10-16 Shuffle Master, Inc. Method, apparatus and system for egregious error mitigation
US8591305B2 (en) 2008-11-06 2013-11-26 Shfl Entertainment, Inc. Method, apparatus and system for egregious error mitigation
US11601727B2 (en) 2008-11-10 2023-03-07 Winview, Inc. Interactive advertising system
US10137359B2 (en) 2009-04-07 2018-11-27 Bally Gaming, Inc. Playing card shufflers and related methods
US10166461B2 (en) 2009-04-07 2019-01-01 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card shuffling apparatuses and related methods
US9744436B2 (en) 2009-04-07 2017-08-29 Bally Gaming, Inc. Playing card shuffler
US9539494B2 (en) 2009-04-07 2017-01-10 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card shuffling apparatuses and related methods
US9233298B2 (en) 2009-04-07 2016-01-12 Bally Gaming, Inc. Playing card shuffler
US20110118007A1 (en) * 2009-11-16 2011-05-19 Tangam Technologies Inc.. Casino table game yield management system
US8512146B2 (en) * 2009-11-16 2013-08-20 Tangam Technologies Inc. Casino table game yield management system
US10116568B2 (en) * 2010-02-03 2018-10-30 Vmware, Inc. System and method for automatically optimizing capacity between server clusters
US20150046586A1 (en) * 2010-02-03 2015-02-12 Vmware, Inc. System and method for automatically optimizing capacity between server clusters
US20190068506A1 (en) * 2010-02-03 2019-02-28 Vmware, Inc. System and method for automatically optimizing capacity between server clusters
US11336576B2 (en) * 2010-02-03 2022-05-17 Vmware, Inc. System and method for automatically optimizing capacity between server clusters
US20160279528A1 (en) * 2010-06-03 2016-09-29 Ntn Buzztime, Inc. Interactive Gaming Via Mobile Playmaker
US20140051514A1 (en) * 2010-06-03 2014-02-20 Ntn Buzztime, Inc. Interactive Gaming Via Mobile Playmaker
US10821367B2 (en) * 2010-06-03 2020-11-03 Ntn Buzztime, Inc. Interactive gaming via mobile playmaker
US9358463B2 (en) * 2010-06-03 2016-06-07 Ntn Buzztime, Inc. Interactive gaming via mobile playmaker
US11376511B2 (en) * 2010-06-03 2022-07-05 Egames.Com Holdings Llc Interactive gaming via mobile playmaker
US20180075696A1 (en) * 2010-07-19 2018-03-15 Bally Gaming, Inc. Uses of location tracking in mobile devices
US10529178B2 (en) * 2010-07-19 2020-01-07 Bally Gaming, Inc. Uses of mobile devices in transmitting activities of a player in a wagering establishment to a social network
US10818132B2 (en) 2010-07-19 2020-10-27 Sg Gaming, Inc. Location tracking in mobile devices
US10406446B2 (en) 2010-08-13 2019-09-10 Interactive Games Llc Multi-process communication regarding gaming information
US8956231B2 (en) 2010-08-13 2015-02-17 Cfph, Llc Multi-process communication regarding gaming information
US8974302B2 (en) 2010-08-13 2015-03-10 Cfph, Llc Multi-process communication regarding gaming information
US10744416B2 (en) 2010-08-13 2020-08-18 Interactive Games Llc Multi-process communication regarding gaming information
US20120083324A1 (en) * 2010-09-30 2012-04-05 Jesus Perea-Ochoa Method and system of playing game through communication tool
US10583349B2 (en) 2010-10-14 2020-03-10 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Card handling systems, devices for use in card handling systems and related methods
US9802114B2 (en) 2010-10-14 2017-10-31 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Card handling systems, devices for use in card handling systems and related methods
US10814212B2 (en) 2010-10-14 2020-10-27 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Shoe devices and card handling systems
US10722779B2 (en) 2010-10-14 2020-07-28 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Methods of operating card handling devices of card handling systems
US8753194B2 (en) 2010-11-11 2014-06-17 Igt Escrow accounts for use in distributing payouts with minimal interruption to game play
US9390580B2 (en) 2011-06-02 2016-07-12 Bally Gaming, Inc. Integrating wagering games and player communities
US8851980B2 (en) 2011-06-24 2014-10-07 Intertaintech Corporation System and method for conducting online video game tournaments
US20130029741A1 (en) * 2011-07-28 2013-01-31 Digideal Corporation Inc Virtual roulette game
US9731190B2 (en) 2011-07-29 2017-08-15 Bally Gaming, Inc. Method and apparatus for shuffling and handling cards
US9713761B2 (en) 2011-07-29 2017-07-25 Bally Gaming, Inc. Method for shuffling and dealing cards
US10668362B2 (en) 2011-07-29 2020-06-02 Sg Gaming, Inc. Method for shuffling and dealing cards
US10933301B2 (en) 2011-07-29 2021-03-02 Sg Gaming, Inc. Method for shuffling and dealing cards
US20130058622A1 (en) * 2011-09-07 2013-03-07 Vesstech, Inc. Video warning systems for devices, products, containers and other items
US11017630B2 (en) 2012-02-28 2021-05-25 Cfph, Llc Gaming through mobile or other devices
US11107330B1 (en) * 2012-03-25 2021-08-31 Dynamic Gaming Systems LLC Networked gaming system enabling a plurality of player stations to play independent games with online play
US10235844B1 (en) * 2012-03-25 2019-03-19 Charles Barksdale Networked gaming system enabling a plurality of player stations to play independent games with online play
US9224260B2 (en) 2012-04-12 2015-12-29 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Method of apparatus for communicating information about networked gaming machines to prospective players
US11676449B2 (en) 2012-04-12 2023-06-13 Acres Technology Communicating information about networked gaming machines to prospective players
US11373477B2 (en) 2012-04-12 2022-06-28 Acres Technology Communicating information about networked gaming machines to prospective players
US9640030B2 (en) 2012-04-12 2017-05-02 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Method and apparatus for communicating information about networked gaming machines to prospective players
US9472052B2 (en) 2012-04-12 2016-10-18 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Method and apparatus for communicating information about networked gaming machines to prospective players
US10229554B2 (en) 2012-04-12 2019-03-12 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Method and apparatus for communicating information about networked gaming machines to prospective players
US10832518B2 (en) 2012-04-12 2020-11-10 Acres Technology Communicating information about networked gaming machines to prospective players
US9972167B2 (en) 2012-04-12 2018-05-15 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Method and apparatus for communicating information about networked gaming machines to prospective players
US10668364B2 (en) 2012-07-27 2020-06-02 Sg Gaming, Inc. Automatic card shufflers and related methods
US9861880B2 (en) 2012-07-27 2018-01-09 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card-handling methods with simultaneous removal
US9849368B2 (en) 2012-07-27 2017-12-26 Bally Gaming, Inc. Batch card shuffling apparatuses including multi card storage compartments
US10668361B2 (en) 2012-07-27 2020-06-02 Sg Gaming, Inc. Batch card shuffling apparatuses including multi-card storage compartments, and related methods
US10124241B2 (en) 2012-07-27 2018-11-13 Bally Gaming, Inc. Batch card shuffling apparatuses including multi card storage compartments, and related methods
US11007422B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2021-05-18 Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd. Card show apparatus and table game system
US10335670B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2019-07-02 Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd Card shoe apparatus and table game system
US11596856B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2023-03-07 Angel Group Co., Ltd. Card show apparatus and table game system
US10124242B2 (en) 2012-09-25 2018-11-13 Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd Card shoe apparatus and table game system
US10343055B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2019-07-09 Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd Card shooter device and method
US9679603B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2017-06-13 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card recognition system, card handling device, and method for tuning a card handling device
US9378766B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2016-06-28 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card recognition system, card handling device, and method for tuning a card handling device
US10549178B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2020-02-04 Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd. Card shooter device and method
US9511274B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2016-12-06 Bally Gaming Inc. Methods for automatically generating a card deck library and master images for a deck of cards, and a related card processing apparatus
US9649550B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2017-05-16 Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd. Card shooter device and method
US10403324B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2019-09-03 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card recognition system, card handling device, and method for tuning a card handling device
US10398966B2 (en) 2012-09-28 2019-09-03 Bally Gaming, Inc. Methods for automatically generating a card deck library and master images for a deck of cards, and a related card processing apparatus
US10046230B1 (en) 2012-10-01 2018-08-14 Genesis Gaming Solutions, Inc. Tabletop insert for gaming table
US10471337B2 (en) 2012-10-01 2019-11-12 Genesis Gaming Solutions, Inc. Tabletop insert for gaming table
EP3324376A1 (en) * 2012-10-29 2018-05-23 NetEnt Product Services Ltd. Architecture for multi-player, multi-game, multi- table, multi-operator & multi-jurisdiction live casino gaming
US20190197821A1 (en) * 2012-10-29 2019-06-27 Netent Product Services Ltd. Architecture for multi-player, multi-game, multi- table, multi-operator & multi-jurisdiction live casino gaming
WO2014067911A1 (en) * 2012-10-29 2014-05-08 Net Entertainment Ne Ab Architecture for multi-player, multi-game, multi- table, multi-operator & multi-jurisdiction live casino gaming
US10249132B2 (en) 2012-10-29 2019-04-02 Netent Product Services Ltd. Architecture for multi-player, multi-game, multi-table, multi-operator and multi-jurisdiction live casino gaming
US11183011B2 (en) 2013-06-13 2021-11-23 Acres Technology System to dispatch casino agents to an electronic gaming machine in response to a predefined event at the electronic gaming machine
US10593151B2 (en) 2013-06-13 2020-03-17 Patent Investment & Licensing Company System to dispatch casino agents to an electronic gaming machine in response to a predefined event at the electronic gaming machine
US11810420B2 (en) 2013-06-13 2023-11-07 Acres Technology Dispatching casino agents to an electronic gaming machine
US10593153B2 (en) 2013-07-09 2020-03-17 Tapcentive, Inc. System and method for allowing a consumer to play a plurality of virtual instant tickets that are loaded into a microprocessor and that is physically provided to the consumer
US20150018080A1 (en) * 2013-07-09 2015-01-15 Tapcentive, Inc. Secure distributed gambling
US9911274B2 (en) * 2013-07-09 2018-03-06 Tapcentive, Inc. Secure distributed gambling using stand-alone gambling platforms formed by independently operating coupled pairs of gambling microprocessors and mobile computing devices
US10909803B2 (en) 2013-08-06 2021-02-02 Acres Technology Method and system for dispatching casino personnel and tracking interactions with players
US10354487B2 (en) 2013-08-06 2019-07-16 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Automated method for servicing electronic gaming machines
US9087431B2 (en) 2013-08-06 2015-07-21 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Method for creating an electronic log for documenting entries into gaming machines
US10997820B2 (en) 2013-08-06 2021-05-04 Acres Technology Automated method for servicing electronic gaming machines
US11699324B2 (en) 2013-08-06 2023-07-11 Acres Technology Automated method for servicing electronic gaming machines
US9367991B2 (en) 2013-08-06 2016-06-14 Patent Investment & Licensing Company Method for retrieving an identity card associated with an electronic gaming machine
US9204110B2 (en) * 2013-09-04 2015-12-01 Tien-Shu Hsu Casino system displaying instant monitoring images
US20150065239A1 (en) * 2013-09-04 2015-03-05 Tien-Shu Hsu Casino system displaying instant monitoring images
US9905078B2 (en) 2013-12-28 2018-02-27 Cfph, Llc Submission of pre-authorized tax-related documents relating to game payouts
US10878659B2 (en) 2013-12-28 2020-12-29 Cfph, Llc Submission of pre-authorized tax-related documents relating to game payouts
US10255757B2 (en) 2013-12-28 2019-04-09 Cfph, Llc Submission of pre-authorized tax-related documents relating to game payouts
US11403915B2 (en) 2013-12-28 2022-08-02 Cfph, Llc Submission of pre-authorized tax-related documents relating to game payouts
US11017639B2 (en) 2014-01-24 2021-05-25 Cfph, Llc Quick draw stud
US9697697B2 (en) 2014-02-06 2017-07-04 Cfph, Llc Card game
US10279245B2 (en) 2014-04-11 2019-05-07 Bally Gaming, Inc. Method and apparatus for handling cards
US9474957B2 (en) 2014-05-15 2016-10-25 Bally Gaming, Inc. Playing card handling devices, systems, and methods for verifying sets of cards
US10092819B2 (en) 2014-05-15 2018-10-09 Bally Gaming, Inc. Playing card handling devices, systems, and methods for verifying sets of cards
US10238954B2 (en) 2014-08-01 2019-03-26 Bally Gaming, Inc. Hand-forming card shuffling apparatuses including multi-card storage compartments, and related methods
US10864431B2 (en) 2014-08-01 2020-12-15 Sg Gaming, Inc. Methods of making and using hand-forming card shufflers
USD764599S1 (en) 2014-08-01 2016-08-23 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card shuffler device
US9566501B2 (en) 2014-08-01 2017-02-14 Bally Gaming, Inc. Hand-forming card shuffling apparatuses including multi-card storage compartments, and related methods
US10486055B2 (en) 2014-09-19 2019-11-26 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card handling devices and methods of randomizing playing cards
US11358051B2 (en) 2014-09-19 2022-06-14 Sg Gaming, Inc. Card handling devices and associated methods
US10857448B2 (en) 2014-09-19 2020-12-08 Sg Gaming, Inc. Card handling devices and associated methods
US9504905B2 (en) 2014-09-19 2016-11-29 Bally Gaming, Inc. Card shuffling device and calibration method
US10319184B2 (en) 2015-04-03 2019-06-11 Cfph, Llc Aggregate tax liability in wagering
US11069188B2 (en) 2015-04-03 2021-07-20 Cfph, Llc Aggregate tax liability in wagering
US9916735B2 (en) * 2015-07-22 2018-03-13 Igt Remote gaming cash voucher printing system
US20170024975A1 (en) * 2015-07-22 2017-01-26 Igt Remote gaming cash voucher printing system
US11158161B2 (en) 2015-08-03 2021-10-26 Angel Group Co., Ltd. Game management system
US11783670B2 (en) 2015-08-03 2023-10-10 Angel Group Co., Ltd. Game management system
JP2019005565A (en) * 2015-08-03 2019-01-17 エンゼルプレイングカード株式会社 Game management system
US10580254B2 (en) 2015-08-03 2020-03-03 Angel Playing Cards Co., Ltd. Game management system
US11810423B2 (en) 2015-08-03 2023-11-07 Angel Group Co., Ltd. Game management system
US20170148260A1 (en) * 2015-11-23 2017-05-25 William T. Dunn Gaming Machine Location Optimization
US9993719B2 (en) 2015-12-04 2018-06-12 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Card handling devices and related assemblies and components
US10668363B2 (en) 2015-12-04 2020-06-02 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Card handling devices and related assemblies and components
US10632363B2 (en) 2015-12-04 2020-04-28 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Card handling devices and related assemblies and components
US11551529B2 (en) 2016-07-20 2023-01-10 Winview, Inc. Method of generating separate contests of skill or chance from two independent events
US11410494B2 (en) 2016-08-02 2022-08-09 Angel Group Co., Ltd. Game management system
US11577151B2 (en) 2016-09-26 2023-02-14 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Methods for operating card handling devices and detecting card feed errors
US11462079B2 (en) 2016-09-26 2022-10-04 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Devices, systems, and related methods for real-time monitoring and display of related data for casino gaming devices
US10933300B2 (en) 2016-09-26 2021-03-02 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Card handling devices and related assemblies and components
US10339765B2 (en) 2016-09-26 2019-07-02 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Devices, systems, and related methods for real-time monitoring and display of related data for casino gaming devices
US10885748B2 (en) 2016-09-26 2021-01-05 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Devices, systems, and related methods for real time monitoring and display of related data for casino gaming devices
US10183214B2 (en) * 2017-05-01 2019-01-22 Howard B. Katz Table game multiplier system and method therefor
US20190005768A1 (en) * 2017-06-30 2019-01-03 Michael Wilkinson Systems and methods for automatically tracking tokens dropped into a drop box
US10522002B2 (en) * 2017-06-30 2019-12-31 Michael Wilkinson Systems and methods for automatically tracking tokens dropped into a drop box
US11896891B2 (en) 2018-09-14 2024-02-13 Sg Gaming, Inc. Card-handling devices and related methods, assemblies, and components
US11376489B2 (en) 2018-09-14 2022-07-05 Sg Gaming, Inc. Card-handling devices and related methods, assemblies, and components
US11338194B2 (en) 2018-09-28 2022-05-24 Sg Gaming, Inc. Automatic card shufflers and related methods of automatic jam recovery
US11308765B2 (en) 2018-10-08 2022-04-19 Winview, Inc. Method and systems for reducing risk in setting odds for single fixed in-play propositions utilizing real time input
US20220277252A1 (en) * 2019-05-21 2022-09-01 Paolo Adriano SERAFINA Casino management system and method of managing and evaluating casino staff
US11898837B2 (en) 2019-09-10 2024-02-13 Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg Card-handling devices with defect detection and related methods
US11173383B2 (en) 2019-10-07 2021-11-16 Sg Gaming, Inc. Card-handling devices and related methods, assemblies, and components
US11741779B2 (en) * 2019-11-27 2023-08-29 Playtech Software Limited System and method for executing a remote interactive live game
CN111265824A (en) * 2020-01-13 2020-06-12 北京布袋森林科技有限责任公司 Cross-domain competitive fitness method, device and system based on Internet of things
US11538307B1 (en) * 2020-06-10 2022-12-27 Kathryn S. Lever Systems and methods for remote gameplay management
US11727762B2 (en) * 2020-12-01 2023-08-15 Adrenalineip Method of verifying that a wager was placed before market close
US20220284776A1 (en) * 2020-12-01 2022-09-08 Adrenalineip Method of verifying that a wager was placed before market close
US11482072B2 (en) * 2020-12-01 2022-10-25 Adrenalineip Location-based user interface
US11361627B1 (en) * 2020-12-01 2022-06-14 Adrenalineip Method of verifying that a wager was placed before market close

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20030003997A1 (en) Intelligent casino management system and method for managing real-time networked interactive gaming systems
JP7438276B2 (en) Computing devices and methods for users to play games
US6450887B1 (en) Methods and apparatus for parimutuel historical gaming
US7766744B2 (en) Method and apparatus for providing customizable player bonuses
CN104245065B (en) Network gaming architecture, gaming systems, and related methods
AU2013311319B2 (en) Pool wagering apparatus, methods and systems
CA2611977C (en) Retro-fit responsible gaming system
US20020103028A1 (en) Networked casino gaming system and method of participation
US10255748B2 (en) Database and server for automatic wagering
CN101156989A (en) Wireless gaming environment
US8229755B2 (en) System and method of networked wagering
US10769881B1 (en) Augmented reality game system and method thereof
US9747753B2 (en) Team gaming system and method therefor
US20200134971A1 (en) Online gaming platform using a grid configuration
JP2018038828A (en) Device and method for determining game machine communicating with game server
US20150072764A1 (en) Systems and Methods for Providing, Accessing and Reporting for a Group eWallet
US11600142B1 (en) Secure poker gaming methods and systems
KR20020038987A (en) Method of providing casino game through internet

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION