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Title:
GAMING APPARATUS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2015/107356
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A gaming apparatus comprising: a plurality of concentric wheels adapted to independently rotate around a common axis of rotation, each of the concentric wheels having a plurality of sections for selection; and wheel control means adapted to apply a force to at least one of the concentric wheels so as to alter a rotational speed of the at least one concentric wheels. The wheel control means are adapted to vary the applied force.

Inventors:
MEDDICK LESLIE DOUGLAS (GB)
DAVIES ANDREW GEORGE (GB)
ANDREWS GARETH (GB)
CHALK ROBERT CLIFFORD (GB)
ANDREWS MATTHEW LEWIS (GB)
CHALMERS RONALD (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2015/050092
Publication Date:
July 23, 2015
Filing Date:
January 16, 2015
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
CENTRAL GAMING LTD (GB)
RANDOM GAMES LTD (GB)
International Classes:
A63F5/04
Foreign References:
US20080214264A12008-09-04
US20100109237A12010-05-06
DE202010011575U12010-12-02
KR20060104741A2006-10-09
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
ELKINGTON AND FIFE LLP (8 Pembroke Road, Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1XR, GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1 . A gaming apparatus comprising:

a plurality of concentric wheels adapted to independently rotate around a common axis of rotation, each of the concentric wheels having a plurality of sections for selection; and

wheel control means adapted to apply a force to at least one of the concentric wheels so as to alter a rotational speed of the at least one concentric wheels,

wherein the wheel control means are adapted to vary the applied force.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the each of the plurality of concentric wheels is adapted to rotate independently of the other concentric wheels.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of concentric wheels is adapted to rotate in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions, and wherein the wheel control means are adapted to alter the rotational speed in either of the clockwise and anti-clockwise directions.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the wheel control means are adapted to vary the applied force between spins of the wheels.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a control unit adapted to control the motor control means.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising speed detector adapted to detect the rotational speed of at least one of the concentric wheels, wherein an output of the speed detector is arranged to be provided to the control unit.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the wheel control means comprise:

a pulley arrangement

8. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the wheel control means comprise:

a frictional pad movable between first and second positions, wherein the frictional pad contacts at least one of the concentric wheels when in the first position and wherein the frictional pad does not contact the at least one of the concentric wheels when in the second position.

9. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wheel control means comprise:

a roller movable been first and second positions, wherein the roller contacts at least one of the concentric wheels when in the first position and wherein the roller does not contact the at least one of the concentric wheels when in the second position. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a motor adapted to rotate the roller about a drive axis so as to increase or decrease the rotational speed of the rotor when in the first position.

1 1 . The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the concentric wheels comprises a magnet, and wherein the wheel control means comprise at least one electromagnet adapted to create an electromagnetic field through which the magnet is adapted to pass as the at least one wheel rotates. 12. The apparatus of any preceding claim wherein the wheel control means are adapted to alter a rotational speed by less than ττ/4 rads/s2.

13. A gaming apparatus substantially as herein described above with reference to the accompanying figures.

14. A wheel control device for a gaming apparatus comprising a plurality of concentric wheels adapted to independently rotate around a common axis of rotation, each of the concentric wheels having a plurality of sections for selection, wherein the wheel control device is adapted to apply a force to at least one of the concentric wheels so as to alter a rotational speed of the at least one concentric wheels,

wherein the wheel control device is adapted to vary the applied force.

Description:
Gaming Apparatus

The present invention relates to gaming apparatus, more particularly it relates to a gaming apparatus employing concentrically arranged rotatable wheels for selecting an outcome.

Background

Use of gaming apparatus employing concentrically arranged rotatable wheels for selecting an outcome is known in the general field of gaming and, more particularly, in the field of roulette gaming. [Indeed, this is only setting the background and uses roulette as an example but does not limit us in any way]

Roulette is a well-known casino game which has been played for many years. A typical roulette wheel includes a number ring bearing a circular array of numbered segments bearing numbers 1 through 36. In addition, the number ring typically includes the numbers 0 and 00 disposed at diametrically opposite locations on the number ring, or a "0" on its own. The numbers 1 through 36 are not disposed in numerical order, but are typically disposed in a predetermined arrangement, such that roulette wheels located in different casinos will have the same standard predetermined number ring arrangement. The numbers disposed in a circular array in the number ring region of the wheel bear the alternating colours of red and black, with the exception of the 0 and 00 numbers, which are typically coloured green. A ring of pockets corresponding in number to the plurality of numbers of the circular number ring lies adjacent, but radially inward of the number ring, on the typical roulette wheel. In addition, a typical roulette wheel includes a circular, inclined ball track, disposed above, and radially outwardly of the number ring.

In operation of a typical roulette game, players place chips or tokens on a betting layout located on a roulette table, and then the croupier or dealer manually spins the roulette wheel and then places the ball in motion about the circular ball track. As the wheel slows, the ball moves radially inwardly and comes to rest in one of the pockets associated with a particular number of the number ring. After the ball comes to rest in one of the pockets, the croupier or dealer settles the various wagers placed on the table layout in accordance with predetermined rules and wager odds and the process is repeated.

One of the reasons roulette has had enjoyed enduring success is the unpredictability of the outcome of the roulette wheel. This is now under threat since prediction devices have been devised which are capable of being taken into casinos and giving a dynamic prediction of which sector of the wheel rotor the ball will land in. Such prediction devices work in a variety of ways but a general underlying principle of these devices relies on measuring the rotation speed of the rotor or wheel(s), decelerating slowly, and the speed of the ball, which decelerates more rapidly on the ball track in a predictable manner, and calculating a predicted finishing position of the ball based on a relationship between the speed of the rotor and the speed of the ball. Because the house odds on a standard European roulette wheel are approximately 2.7%, a small number of accurate predictions can rapidly move the odds in the advantage of the player.

Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a gaming apparatus comprising: a plurality of concentric wheels adapted to independently rotate around a common axis of rotation, each of the concentric wheels having a plurality of sections for selection; and wheel control means adapted to apply a force to at least one of the concentric wheels so as to alter a rotational speed of the at least one concentric wheels, wherein the wheel control means are adapted to vary the applied force.

The apparatus is particularly suitable for use in playing a game based on the outcome of spinning a plurality of concentric wheels.

Each of the plurality of concentric wheels may be adapted to rotate independently of the other concentric wheels, and so the wheel control means may be adapted to alter a rotation speed in either direction. To incorporate random effects, the direction and/or amplitude of an external force applied to at least one of the wheels by the wheel control means may be varied in each game or randomised so there is reduced predictability about wheel speed. These random effects may vary dependant on the various game sequences or types.

The operation of the wheel control means may be computer controlled. There may be a fixed outer rim peripherally outward and at the top of the apparatus which can incorporate a detector so that the position of the wheels is automatically noted and recorded. Alternatively, one or more detectors for determining the position of the wheels may be provided at other locations, such as at the rear of the device and associated with the wheel control means. Sensors may also be provided to detect the presence of wheel movements and/or the measure the speed of wheel rotation.

Graphics, symbols, letters, numbers or colours associated with the sections for selection may be adapted to be interchangeable so as enable different games to be played with a single gaming apparatus according to an embodiment. For example, electronic (e.g. LCD, LED, OLED, etc.) displays or light arrays may be provided on the wheels so that they can display different graphics, symbols, letters, numbers or colours in the sections for selection. The gaming apparatus may comprise manually spun concentric wheels. Such a manual apparatus may comprise a motor drive and automatic engagement/disengagement mechanism enabling the concentric wheels to come under motor control during the course of a game. In another aspect, techniques disclosed in this specification may be implemented as a computer program product, encoded on a computer- readable medium, designed to cause a data processing apparatus to perform operations including accepting a bet from one or more participants. In addition, the computer program product may be designed to cause the data processing apparatus to spin a plurality of concentric wheels. The computer program product may also be designed to cause a data processing apparatus to determine whether to accept one or more late bets from the one or more participants based on a policy of a casino or an online betting establishment. The computer program product may be further designed to cause a data processing apparatus to determine whether to accept one or more late bets based on the policy that includes real time calculations, such as the speed of rotation of at least one on the concentric wheels for example. The computer program product of claim can also be designed to cause a data processing apparatus to accept one or more late bets from the one or more participants before a 'no more bets' time has been announced.

In another aspect, embodiments may be implemented as a system that includes a user interface designed to accept a first bet from one or more participants, and a data processing unit communicatively coupled to the user interface. The data processing unit is designed to spin a plurality of concentric wheels. The data processing unit is also designed to determine an outcome of spinning the plurality of concentric wheels. The subject matter of this disclosure can be implemented as computer program products, tangibly embodied in a computer or machine readable medium. Such computer program products may cause a data processing apparatus to conduct one or more operations described herein. Similarly, systems are also described that may include a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory may encode one or more programs that cause the processor to perform one or more of the method acts described herein. Further, features described in this specification can be implemented as one or more methods or processes. Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 depicts that layout of three concentrically arranged wheels in accordance with an embodiment of the subject-matter;

Figure 2 is a flow diagram of a process for playing a game in accordance with an embodiment of the subject-matter;

Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of a computer system according to an embodiment of the subject-matter;

Figure 4 depicts a pictorial representation of an example distributed data processing system in which aspects of the illustrative embodiments may be implemented;

Figure 5 is a block diagram of an example data processing system in which aspects of the illustrative embodiments may be implemented;

Figure 6 is an example diagram of a table betting layout which accommodates a game played with the concentrically arranged wheels shown in Figure 1 in accordance with an embodiment;

Figure 7 is a front elevation of a gaming apparatus according to an embodiment;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the gaming apparatus of Figure 7 taken through the line A-A of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a front elevation of the central spindle of the gaming apparatus of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the central spindle of Figure 9 taken through the line A-A of Figure 9;

Figure 1 1 is a rear elevation of the gaming apparatus of Figure 7;

Figure 12 depicts that layout of three concentrically arranged wheels in accordance with another embodiment;

Figure 13 is an example diagram of a table betting layout which accommodates a game played with the concentrically arranged wheels shown in Figure 12 in accordance with an embodiment;

Figure 14 depicts that layout of three concentrically arranged wheels in accordance with yet another embodiment of the subject-matter; Figure 15 is an example diagram of a table betting layout which accommodates a game played with the concentrically arranged wheels shown in Figure 14 in accordance with an embodiment;

Figure 16 depicts a modification to the three concentrically arranged wheels shown in Figure 1 ; and

Figure 17 an example diagram of a table betting layout which accommodates a game played with the concentrically arranged wheels shown in Figure 16.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

Techniques for implementing a game using a plurality of concentrically arranged wheels are disclosed.

One such example of concentrically arranged wheels according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 1 . Here, first to third wheels are arranged concentrically and are rotatable about a central axis of rotation. Each wheel can be rotated independently, and may rotate in a direction opposite to its neighbouring or adjacent wheel(s). Thus, the first and second wheels may rotate in a clockwise direction, whereas the second wheel rotates in an anti-clockwise direction, or vice versa. Of course, in other embodiments all of the wheels may rotate in the same direction about the central axis, or any combination thereof.

Each of the first to third wheels in the depicted embodiment comprises a circular array of fifty-two (52) winning areas or pockets which are adapted to be selected by one or more balls or pointers. Each winning area or pocket on the each wheel is associated with one of eight colours. Here, the winning areas on each wheel are not arranged in any numerical or coloured order, but are instead arranged in a mixed-up arrangement or order. This mixed-up arrangement of colours may be random, or may be specifically arranged as per predetermined requirements. Furthermore, in this example, the eight colours are not shared/allocated equally between the fifty-two (52) winning areas of each wheel. Instead, the number of pockets associated with each colour is as follows:

- 8 red, 8 yellow, 7 orange, 7 green, 6 purple, 6 blue, 5 black, 5 white.

During the operation of a game (using the concentrically arranged wheels shown in Figure 1 ), players place bets on the outcome of the game. Various bets may be placed, including (but not limited to):

- A colour being selected by any of the wheels;

- The number of times a particular colour is selected in a single game.

For the example shown in Figure 1 , this allows a player to bet that a specific colour (e.g. red) is selected on: any one of the wheels; any two of the wheels; or all three of the wheels;

- Either of two colours being selected by more than one wheel. For the example shown in Figure 1 , this allows a player to bet that one of two selected colours (e.g. red, yellow) will be selected on two or three of the wheels; and

- Any of the same colour being selected by more than one wheel. For the example shown in Figure 1 , this allows a player to bet that any of the colours will be selected on two or three of the wheels; and

- Any colour being selected by all wheels. For the example shown in

Figure 1 , this allows a player to bet that any of the same colour is selected on all three of the wheels.

The croupier or dealer spins the all three of the wheels (manually or by activation of a wheel spinning system or automatically under computer control). Each of the wheels comes to rest with a selection object (such as a ball of pointer) aligned with (or in) one of the winning areas associated with a colour. After all of the wheels have come to rest, the croupier or dealer settles the various bets placed by the players in accordance with predetermined rules and betting odds and the process is repeated.

Figure 2 is a process flow diagram showing a process 30 for implementing a game according to an embodiment of the invention. The game starts with one or more participants placing a (e.g., bet on selected colour(s), bet on selected colour(s) being selected by more than one wheel, etc.). This first bet is received from one or more of the participants at step 32.

The first 10 to third 14 concentric wheels shown in Figure 1 are then spun around a common central axis of rotation X in step 34. In this example, the wheels 10, 12, 14 are rotated by one or more motors (that may or may not be controlled by the croupier, for example). The wheels may be spun and left running until their result is required or spun after the previous wheel in a sequence has halted and an additional phase of betting may be allowed between the halting of one wheel and the subsequent halting of the next accounting for the legitimate betting periods.

After the wheels 10, 12, 14 have begun rotation, similarly to the rules of conventional Roulette, one or more late bets may be placed by the participant(s), provided that a "No More Bets" timing threshold has not been passed/exceeded. Use of the expression "late bets" is simply meant to refer to a bet that is placed after game has commenced (i.e. after at least one of the wheels has begun rotation). In some embodiments, such late bets may not be allowed at all. The "No More Bets" timing threshold may be set, by way of example, based on an established policy of the game operator (e.g. casino or the online gaming site). For example, the "No More Bets" timing threshold may be set as a predetermined amount of time after rotation of the wheels 10, 12, 14 has commenced, or after a predetermined number of the wheels has come to rest (i.e. stopped rotation). Alternatively, the "No More Bets" timing threshold may be generated by a human (e.g. the croupier), by pressing a button or by announcement for example.

Thus, in step 36, a determination is made whether one or more late bets may be accepted by considering whether or not the "No More Bets" timing threshold has not been passed/exceeded.

When the determination at step 36 is that one or more late bets can be accepted, the late bet(s) are accepted in step 38. When the determination at step 36 is that one or more late bets cannot be accepted, the late bet(s) are not accepted and the method, instead, proceeds directly to step 40.

Since accepting the late bets at step 36 may depend on the established policy of the casino or the online gaming site, the game can proceed to the end (in step 42) with zero or more rounds of late bets being accepted.

The process 30 moves to determine the outcome the game in step 40 once each of the wheels comes to rest (i.e. stops rotating) with a selection object aligned with (or in) a winning area(s) (associated with a colour in the example of Figure 1 ) of each wheel. After all of the wheels have come to rest, the croupier or dealer settles the various bets placed by the players in accordance with predetermined rules and betting odds and the process is repeated. Finally, the placed bet(s) is/are settled in step 42 game in accordance with predetermined rules and betting odds. The game then ends, and the process 30 may be repeated all over again to play a new game.

Figure 3 is a block diagram of a system 50 for implementing a game according to an embodiment of the invention. The system 50 includes a user interface 55, a processing unit 60 and an output unit 65. The user interface 55 is communicatively coupled to the processing unit 60 through a communication link 70. Likewise, the output unit 65 is communicatively coupled to the processing unit 60 through a communication link 75.

The communication links 70 and 75 can provide either unidirectional or bidirectional communications, and can be combined into a single, shared communication channel (e.g. , a bus network). The communication links 70 and 75 can be implemented using a wired protocol, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), FireWire, or other suitable connections. Alternatively, the communication links 70 and 75 can be implemented using a wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth, WiFi, WiMax, etc. Embodiments (such as the system 50 of Figure 3) may be utilized in many different types of data processing environments and/or computer systems.

In order to provide a context for the description of elements and functionality of the illustrative embodiments, Figures 4 and 5 are provided hereafter as example environments in which aspects of the illustrative embodiments may be implemented. It should be appreciated that Figures 4 and 5 are only examples and are not intended to assert or imply any limitation with regard to the environments in which aspects or embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. Many modifications to the depicted environments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Figure 4 depicts a pictorial representation of an example distributed data processing system in which aspects of the illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Distributed data processing system 100 may include a network of computers in which aspects of the illustrative embodiments may be implemented. The distributed data processing system 100 contains at least one network 102, which is the medium used to provide communication links between various devices and computers connected together within distributed data processing system 100. The network 102 may include connections, such as wire, wireless communication links, or fiber optic cables.

In the depicted example, a first 104 and second 106 servers are connected to the network 102 along with a storage unit 108. In addition, clients 1 10, 1 12, and 1 14 are also connected to the network 102. The clients 1 10, 1 12, and

1 14 may be, for example, personal computers, network computers, or the like.

In the depicted example, the first server 104 provides data, such as boot files, operating system images, and applications to the clients 1 10, 1 12, and 1 14.

Clients 1 10, 1 12, and 1 14 are clients to the first server 104 in the depicted example. The distributed data processing system 100 may include additional servers, clients, and other devices not shown.

In the depicted example, the distributed data processing system 100 is the Internet with the network 102 representing a worldwide collection of networks and gateways that use the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite of protocols to communicate with one another. At the heart of the Internet is a backbone of high-speed data communication lines between major nodes or host computers, consisting of thousands of commercial, governmental, educational and other computer systems that route data and messages. Of course, the distributed data processing system 100 may also be implemented to include a number of different types of networks, such as for example, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or the like. As stated above, Figure 1 is intended as an example, not as an architectural limitation for different embodiments of the present invention, and therefore, the particular elements shown in Figure 1 should not be considered limiting with regard to the environments in which the illustrative embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. Figure 5 is a block diagram of an example data processing system 200 in which aspects of the illustrative embodiments may be implemented. The data processing system 200 is an example of a computer, such as client 1 10 in Figure 4, in which computer usable code or instructions implementing the processes for illustrative embodiments of the present invention may be located.

In the depicted example, the data processing system 200 employs a hub architecture including a north bridge and memory controller hub (NB/MCH) 202 and a south bridge and input/output (I/O) controller hub (SB/ICH) 204. A processing unit 206, a main memory 208, and a graphics processor 210 are connected to NB/MCH 202. The graphics processor 210 may be connected to the NB/MCH 202 through an accelerated graphics port (AGP).

In the depicted example, a local area network (LAN) adapter 212 connects to SB/ICH 204. An audio adapter 216, a keyboard and a mouse adapter 220, a modem 222, a read only memory (ROM) 224, a hard disk drive (HDD) 226, a CD-ROM drive 230, a universal serial bus (USB) ports and other communication ports 232, and PCI/PCIe devices 234 connect to the SB/ICH 204 through first bus 238 and second bus 240. PCI/PCIe devices may include, for example, Ethernet adapters, add-in cards, and PC cards for notebook computers. PCI uses a card bus controller, while PCIe does not. ROM 224 may be, for example, a flash basic input/output system (BIOS). The HDD 226 and CD-ROM drive 230 connect to the SB/ICH 204 through second bus 240. The HDD 226 and CD-ROM drive 230 may use, for example, an integrated drive electronics (IDE) or serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) interface. Super I/O (SIO) device 236 may be connected to SB/ICH 204.

An operating system runs on the processing unit 206. The operating system coordinates and provides control of various components within the data processing system 200 in Figure 5. As a client, the operating system may be a commercially available operating system. An object-oriented programming system, such as the JavaTM programming system, may run in conjunction with the operating system and provides calls to the operating system from JavaTM programs or applications executing on data processing system 200.

As a server, data processing system 200 may be, for example, an IBM® eServer™ System p® computer system, running the Advanced Interactive Executive (AIX®) operating system or the LINUX® operating system. The data processing system 200 may be a symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) system including a plurality of processors in processing unit 206. Alternatively, a single processor system may be employed.

Instructions for the operating system, the object-oriented programming system, and applications or programs are located on storage devices, such as HDD 226, and may be loaded into main memory 208 for execution by processing unit 206. The processes for illustrative embodiments of the present invention may be performed by processing unit 206 using computer usable program code, which may be located in a memory such as, for example, main memory 208, ROM 224, or in one or more peripheral devices 226 and 230, for example. For example, one or more steps of the process 30 detailed in Figure 2 may be executed by the processing unit(s) 206 of the system 200 in Figure 5.

A bus system , such as first bus 238 or second bus 240 as shown in Figure 5, may be comprised of one or more buses. Of course, the bus system may be implemented using any type of communication fabric or architecture that provides for a transfer of data between different components or devices attached to the fabric or architecture. A communication unit, such as the modem 222 or the network adapter 212 of Figure 5, may include one or more devices used to transmit and receive data. A memory may be, for example, main memory 208, ROM 224, or a cache such as found in NB/MCH 202 in Figure 5.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardware in Figures 4 and 5 may vary depending on the implementation. Other internal hardware or peripheral devices, such as flash memory, equivalent non-volatile memory, or optical disk drives and the like, may be used in addition to or in place of the hardware depicted in Figures 4 and 5. Also, the processes of the illustrative embodiments may be applied to a multiprocessor data processing system, other than the SMP system mentioned previously, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Moreover, the data processing system 200 may take the form of any of a number of different data processing systems including client computing devices, server computing devices, a tablet computer, a stand-alone gaming machine, a laptop computer, telephone or other communication device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like. In some illustrative examples, the data processing system 200 may be a portable computing device that is configured with flash memory to provide non-volatile memory for storing operating system files and/or user-generated data, for example. Thus, the data processing system 200 may essentially be any known or later-developed data processing system without architectural limitation. The subject matter described herein may be implemented in a computing system that includes a back-end component (e.g., as a data server), or that includes a middleware component (e.g., an application server), or that includes a front-end component (e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user may interact with an implementation of the subject matter described herein), or any combination of such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of the system may be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication (e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks include a local area network ("LAN"), a wide area network ("WAN"), and the Internet.

Figure 6 is an example diagram of a table betting layout which accommodates a game played with the concentrically arranged wheels shown in Figure 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

The betting layout essentially comprises a semi-circle 300 that is separated into a plurality of selection areas 302. Each selection area 302 is associated with an outcome of a game played with the concentrically arranged wheels shown in Figure 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Here, the selection areas 302 are formed from first to sixth concentrically arranged semi-circular rings. However, the semi-circular third ring is split into 4 equally sized segments, and the fourth to sixth semi-circular rings are each split into 8 equally sized segments.

Players place bets on the outcome of a game by positioning a chip, token, or the like, in a respective selection area 302. The layout thus accommodates various bets.

For ease of identification, the selection areas 302 are indicated by dashed lines. The first semi-circular ring 304 is associated with the outcome that any colour is selected by all wheels. For the example shown in Figure 1 , this selection area 304 allows a player to bet that a specific colour is selected on all three of the wheels.

The second semi-circular ring 306 is associated with the outcome that any colour is selected by more than one wheel. For the example shown in Figure 1 , this selection area 306 allows a player to bet that a specific colour will be selected on two or three of the wheels.

Each segment 308 of the third semi-circular ring is associated with either of two specific colours being selected by more than one wheel. For the example shown in Figure 1 , this selection area 308 allows a player to bet that one of two selected colours (e.g. colour A and colour B) will be selected on two or three of the wheels.

Each segment 310 of the fourth semi-circular ring is associated with a number of times a particular colour is selected in a single game. For the example shown in Figure 1 , this selection area 310 allows a player to bet that a specific colour (e.g. colour D) is selected on: any one of the wheels; any two of the wheels; or all three of the wheels.

Provided around the edge of the curved side of the semi-circular area 300 are eight equally spaced arrays 312 of eight circles. Each linear array 312 is associated with a respective player. Further, each circle of an array 312 is then associated with a respective colour being selected in a single game. An array thus enables a respective player to bet that a specific colour (e.g. Colour D) is selected on: any one of the wheels; any two of the wheels; or all three of the wheels).

Referring to Figures 7-1 1 there is shown a gaming apparatus 400 according to an embodiment. First 402 to third 406 wheels are arranged concentrically and are rotatable about a central axis of rotation on a central spindle 408. Each wheel can be rotated in either direction (e.g. clockwise or anti-clockwise) and independently from the other wheels. Thus, a first wheel 402 may rotate in a direction opposite to its neighbouring or adjacent second wheel 402. Of course, in other embodiments all of the wheels may rotate in the same direction about the central axis, or any combination thereof.

A plurality of pockets 410 are defined around on the periphery of each wheel, and each pocket is adapted to be associated with a number, colour, symbol, image, or the like. Such associations may be fixed or may be variable (for example, by using replaceable stickers in the pockets or electronic screens).

At the top of the apparatus, there is a selection window 412 covering a portion of each wheel. The selection window 412 defines a selection location or area for each wheel, and this is used to select a pocket 410 of each wheel. For example, when each of the wheels comes to rest, the pocket of each wheel that is aligned with the selection window 412 is deemed to be selected. In this way, one or more pockets 410 of each wheel may be selected.

Each of the first 402 to third 406 wheels is adapted to be rotated about the central axis by a respective pulley arrangement 414.

Pulley control means 416 are provided behind the wheels to that the pulley control means 416 are not visible from the front side of the wheels. The pulley control means 416 are adapted to control a motor 418 of each pulley arrangement 414 so as to alter a speed of the motor (and thus the associated pulley) in a controlled manner.

The wheels are also adapted to be spun by a manually applied force. For example, a croupier can spin each wheel in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction by turning the wheel by hand. When a wheel is rotating, the pulley control means 416 may be are controlled so as to apply a force to the respective pulley arrangement 414 which may alter or maintain the rotation speed of the wheel. Preferably, the pulley control means 416 are adapted to alter the rotation speed in a gradual and controlled manner so that it is difficult for a user of the apparatus to visually perceive the change in rotation speed of the wheel(s) caused by the pulley control means 416.

On each pulley, there is a printed graphic which may be read optically to determine the absolute position of each wheel and the centre for each "pocket". This printed graphic may be aligned with the graphics on the wheels 402,404,406 so as to enable accurate alignment of a pocket with the selection window 421 when a wheel comes to rest. In other words, detection means may be employed to detect the position of each wheel and provide a signal to the control means to ensure that a pocket lines up with the selection window when a wheel stops rotation. By aligning marks on a pulley with respective pockets, optical detection of the pulley marks can be used to determine the position of the wheel (and therefore the pockets). Thus, by changing the main wheel graphic the game can be changed but the number of "pockets" remains the same. Also, by changing the pulley graphics the number of pockets may be changed. Embodiments may therefore be programmable for a multitude of games, thus minimising an operator's capital expenditure to offer a range of game options. The outermost (i.e. largest) wheel 406 reel is fitted (from the left direction in Figure 10) onto outer shaft 420, and the associated pulley graphic is fitted from the right direction in Figure 10. There are indexing details on each end of the shaft 420 to ensure that the wheels and encoder graphics can only be fitted in one position.

The second (i.e. middle) wheel 404 is fitted to middle shaft 422, and the first (i.e. smallest) wheel 402 is fitted onto the inner shaft 424. Each shaft 420,422,424 is supported on a pair of bearings 426 to allow the shafts to rotate freely and concentrically.

An outer bearing arrangement 426A holding the entire assembly Into the main body of the apparatus. Thus, it will be appreciated that the apparatus comprises; three concentrically arranged wheels that may be either manually or automatically spun; and wheel control means adapted to alter a rotation speed of at least one of the three wheels in a controlled manner. The wheels may therefore have the visual appearance of a conventional spun wheel-based game.

An operator may operate the apparatus by turning the wheels by hand. However, unlike conventional manually operated gaming wheels (like a roulette, for example), embodiments of the present subject-matter include wheel control means which may alter the rotational speed of the wheels so as to introduce variability and/or randomness into the rate of deceleration of the wheels. Such variation in rotational speed or deceleration may help to prevent prediction devices making accurate predictions about which pocket or section of the wheel will be selected.

The wheel can be driven manually by an operator. When the operator moves the wheel an electronic sensor (the same one that measures the slot position) detects the movement and the motors take over driving the wheel through the cycle above.

The force applied to a wheel by the wheel control means may be controlled so as to increase or decrease the angular velocity V of the wheel, and to do so in a varying manner with respect to time T. Taking the initial angular velocity of a wheel at time T=0 (T 0 ) as V 0 , the wheel control means may be controlled so as to monotonically increase the angular velocity V of the wheel time T so that, when a force applied to the wheel by the wheel control means is removed at time T R , the angular velocity of the wheel has a value V A , where V A > V 0 .

For reference, a wheel having been manually rotated and remaining uninfluenced by any external forces or influences will have an initial angular velocity V 0 and final velocity V E where V E is less than V 0 and the deceleration will have been nominally constant as a result of bearing friction etc. The wheel control means may also be controlled so as to maintain the angular velocity V of a wheel over time T so that, when the force applied to the wheel by the wheel control means is removed at time T R , the angular velocity of the wheel still has a value V B , where V B is substantially equal to V 0 .

The wheel control means may also be controlled so as to monotonically decrease the angular velocity V of a wheel over time T so that, when the force applied to the wheel by the wheel control means is removed at time T R , the angular velocity of the rotor has a value V D , where V D < V 0 .

The wheel control means may also be controlled so as to decrease and then increase the angular velocity V of a wheel over time T so that, when the force applied to the wheel by the wheel control means is removed at time T R , the angular velocity of the wheel has a value V c , where V c ≠ V 0 . Of course, it will be understood that the angular velocity V of a wheel may alternatively be increased first and then decreased. It will be appreciated that other variations of the angular velocity V of a wheel may be obtained by controlling the force applied to the wheel by the wheel control means appropriately, and such alternative variations will be readily apparent.

An increased level of randomness may be achieved in a number of ways, including the following exemplary concepts: (i) On start-up (e.g. upon initial rotation of the wheels) the rotational speed of the wheels may be accelerated at a random rate to a target speed;

(ii) The target speed of the wheels may be random.

(iii) The wheels may be controlled to maintain the target speed for a random amount of time;

(iv) The wheels may be decelerated at a random rate to a "creep" speed;

(v) The wheels may measure a random number of "pockets" at creep speed and then stop in the centre of a final pocket. In an embodiment of the invention, the wheel control means may comprise a friction roller arrangement having a roller connected to a motor for each wheel. Each roller may be movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the roller contacts the edge of a respective wheel so as to impart a frictional force on the wheel. In the second position, the roller is displaced from the first position so that the roller does not contact the wheel.

When in the first position, the roller may exert a frictional force on the edge of the respective wheel, the frictional force being sufficient to substantially eliminate slippage between the roller and the wheel so that the respective motor can be used to increase or decrease the angular velocity of the wheel, and may even reverse the direction of rotation of the wheel. To measure the angular velocity of each wheel, an encoder may be employed. Such an encoder may be preferably connected to a computer control system which is in turn arranged to control the wheel control means.

The encoder may be used to provide angular velocity feedback to the wheel control means, such that the linear velocity of a roller surface may be initially synchronised to the linear velocity of a wheel edge prior to engagement of the two parts by movement the first, contacted, position, for example. This is so that engagement of the roller with the wheel does not cause a visible change to the rotation velocity of the already rotating wheel.

After engagement of a roller, the respective motor may be controlled by a computer to effect minor change to the velocity of the rotor as required.

The wheel control means of an alternative embodiment may comprise an arrangement of electromagnets which are controlled so as to apply a magnetic force to magnets spaced around the circumference of a wheel. In more detail, magnets may be provided near the edge of each wheel and may be spaced apart around the circumference of the wheel. Electromagnets may then be provided at intervals around the edge of each wheel adjacent to and surrounding the circumferential edge of each wheel. Each electromagnet may be connected to an electrical supply and the electrical supply to each electromagnet controlled by a computer control system so that an electromagnetic field can be produced by each of the electromagnets and appropriately controlled in both electromagnetic field strength and timing. An encoder may be mounted to each wheel to provide angular velocity feedback and to facilitate timing of the electromagnet energisation relevant to the passing magnets on each wheel. By applying an electrical current to one or more of the electromagnets while each wheel rotates about its axis, a resultant electromagnetic field produced by the respective electromagnet(s) causes the magnets to experience a directional force as they move past the electromagnet(s) and through the corresponding electromagnetic field. The directional force experienced by the magnets alters the angular velocity V of the wheel(s), depending on the direction of rotation of the wheel(s) and the direction of the force experienced by the magnet(s). Thus, by controlling of the currents applied to the electromagnets, and on/off timing thereof, a force can be exerted on each wheel so as to alter its angular velocity.

The wheel control means in yet another embodiment of the invention may comprise a braking pad arrangement having friction pad (for each wheel) on the end of an arm which is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the friction pad contacts the associated wheel so as to impart a frictional braking force on the wheel. In the second position, the arm is displaced from the first position so that the friction pad does not contact the wheel.

When in the first position, the friction pad may exert a frictional force on the wheel so as reduce the angular velocity of the wheel, in a similar fashion to a frictional brake. In this way, the friction pad can be used to decrease the angular velocity of the wheel, and the resultant decrease in angular velocity V may be controlled by controlling the pressure exerted on the wheel by the friction pad when in the first position. The arm can be made movable between first and second positions by means of a lever which is operated by the croupier for example. In this way, embodiments may be purely mechanical and not require electrical power to operate, therefore enabling installation and use in areas where an electrical power supply is unavailable or difficult/costly to provide.

Similarly to an embodiment described above, an encoder may provided to measure the angular velocity of the wheel(s). The encoder may be connected to a computer control system which is, in turn, arranged to control the braking pad arrangement.

A sequence for one embodiment of the invention is:- (i) The dealer invites new bets to be placed for the next game.

(ii) The dealer spins the each of the plurality of concentric wheels by turning them by hand in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.

(iii) One or more encoders of the apparatus detects that the wheels are spinning and the associated angular velocity of each wheel. Based on signals from the encoder(s), the wheel control means are operated and controlled so as to apply a force to one or more of the wheels which alters the rotational speed of the wheel(s) in a way which introduces variability and/or randomness into the angular velocity of the wheel(s). Such variation in rotational speed or deceleration may prevent prediction devices making accurate predictions about which section of the wheels will be selected when they come to rest.

(iv) Whilst the wheels are turning, and after a predetermined amount of time, the dealer indicates that no more bets are permitted.

(v) The wheels come to rest with a selection object (such as a ball of pointer) aligned with (or in) an area of each wheel. The selected areas are detected by a sensor or determined by the dealer. Payouts etc. can then be made. (vi) The sequence is then repeated. The force applied to the wheels by the wheel control means in the next and subsequent games can be modified so as to reduce predictability of the roulette wheel. Embodiments provide a multi-wheel gaming apparatus where variability in the angular velocity of the wheels may be achieved. Preferably, the angular velocity of the wheels may be modified in such a way that a user of the gaming apparatus is unable to see, hear or perceive that rotation of the wheels is being altered by a force other than those expected to slow the wheels as they rotate.

In essence, for an embodiment of the invention to combat the use of prediction devices, the rotational speed of the wheels may be adjusted to such a degree that the apparatus selects a different section of each wheel from what would have otherwise been selected if the wheels speeds were not altered. Thus, the rotation of the wheels should preferably be modified so that they come to rest between 1/4 -1/2 of a revolution offset compared to an unmodified position. Thus, over the course of one game (i.e. from the time when the wheels are set in motion to the time when the wheels come to rest) the adjustment of the wheels should preferably be within the range of ττ/2 to π radians (90° to 180°) to completely neutralize any bias deliberately created by a dealer or as calculated by a clocking device. In other words, it may be desirable that the end point of each wheel is modified by (plus or minus) 180° from its natural finishing position. Such an adjustment may be made gradually over the duration of a single game, say 10-30 seconds, or may be made in a short time period, say ½-1 second. Thus, in embodiments of the invention, the magnitude of the acceleration/deceleration rate is less than ττ/4 rads/s 2 , preferably less than ττ/8 rads/s 2 , more preferably less than ττ/16 rads/s 2 , and even more preferably less than ττ/32 rads/s 2 .

While specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications will be apparent to a person skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the gaming apparatus can be adapted to cater for gaming different numbers of winning areas, and can be also be used with identifiers other than numbers, such as symbols, letters, logos, colours, patterns and the like.

For example, another version of concentrically arranged wheels 500 according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 12. Here, first 502 to third wheels 506 are arranged concentrically and are rotatable about a central axis of rotation. Each wheel can be rotated independently, and may rotate in a direction opposite to its neighbouring or adjacent wheel(s). Thus, the first and second wheels may rotate in a clockwise direction, whereas the second wheel rotates in an anti-clockwise direction, or vice versa. Of course, in other embodiments all of the wheels may rotate in the same direction about the central axis, or any combination thereof.

Each of the first to third wheels in the depicted embodiment comprises a circular array of fifty-two (52) winning areas or pockets which are adapted to be selected by a ball or pointer. Each winning area or pocket on the each wheel is associated with one side of a four-sided dice having sides numbered 1 to 4. Here, the winning areas on each wheel are not arranged in any numerical order, but are instead arranged in a mixed-up arrangement or order. This mixed-up arrangement of colours may be random, or may be specifically arranged as per predetermined requirements.

Furthermore, in this example, the four sides of a four-sided dice are shared/allocated equally between the fifty-two (52) winning areas of each wheel. Thus, the number of pockets associated with each number of 1 to 4 is thirteen (13).

During the operation of a game (using the concentrically arranged wheels shown in Figure 12), players place bets on the outcome of the game. Various bets may be placed, including (but not limited to):

- A selected specific total of all three wheels; - Either of two totals being selected by the three wheels. For the example shown in Figure 13, this allows a player to bet that one of two selected number (e.g. 3 or 12) will be selected (in total) by the three wheels;

- Any number being selected by all three wheels. For the example shown in Figure 13, this allows a player to bet that any of the numbers will be selected on all three wheels; and

- A specific number being selected by all wheels. For the example shown in Figure 13, this allows a player to bet that any number is selected on all three of the wheels.

The croupier or dealer spins all three of the wheels (manually or by activation of a wheel spinning system). Each of the wheels comes to rest with a selection object (such as a ball of pointer) aligned with (or in) one of the winning areas associated with a side of a four-sided dice. After all of the wheels have come to rest, the croupier or dealer settles the various bets placed by the players in accordance with predetermined rules and betting odds and the process is repeated.

Figure 13 is an example diagram of a table betting layout which accommodates a game played with the concentrically arranged wheels shown in Figure 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

The betting layout essentially comprises a semi-circle 550 that is separated into a plurality of selection areas 552. Each selection area 552 is associated with an outcome of a game played with the concentrically arranged wheels shown in Figure 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Here, the selection areas 552 are essentially formed from first to fourth concentrically arranged semi-circular rings. However, the second semi- circular ring is split into 4 equally sized segments, the third semi-circular ring is split into 5 equally sized segments, and the fourth semi-circular ring is split into 10 equally sized segments. Players place bets on the outcome of a game by positioning a chip, token, or the like, in a respective selection area 552. The layout thus accommodates various bets. For ease of identification, the selection areas 552 are indicated by dashed lines.

The first semi-circular ring 554 is associated with the outcome that any number (i.e. side of a four-sided dice) is selected by all wheels. For the example shown in Figure 13, this selection area 554 allows a player to bet that a side of a four-sided dice is selected on all three of the wheels (in other words, three matching sides).

Each segment of the second semi-circular ring 556 is associated with the outcome that a specific side of a four-sided dice is selected all three wheels. For the example shown in Figure 13, this selection area 556 allows a player to bet that a specific side of a four-sided dice will be selected on all three of the wheels (in other words, three matching sides). Each segment 558 of the third semi-circular ring is associated with either of two corresponding totals being selected by the three wheels. For the example shown in Figure 13, this selection area 558 allows a player to bet that one of two selected totals (e.g. 4 or 1 1 ) will be selected by the three wheels. Each segment 560 of the fourth semi-circular ring is associated with a total selected in a single game. For the example shown in Figure 13, this selection area 560 allows a player to bet that a specific total is selected by the three wheels. Yet another version of concentrically arranged wheels 600 according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 14. Here, first 602 to third wheels 606 are arranged concentrically and are rotatable about a central axis of rotation. Each wheel can be rotated independently, and may rotate in a direction opposite to its neighbouring or adjacent wheel(s). Thus, the first and second wheels may rotate in a clockwise direction, whereas the second wheel rotates in an anti-clockwise direction, or vice versa. Of course, in other embodiments all of the wheels may rotate in the same direction about the central axis, or any combination thereof.

Each of the first to third wheels in the depicted embodiment comprises a circular array of fifty-two (52) winning areas or pockets which are adapted to be selected by a ball or pointer. Each winning area or pocket on the each wheel is associated with one card of a deck of cards (which comprises 52 cards in total). Here, the winning areas on each wheel are not arranged in any numerical or suit order, but are instead arranged in a mixed-up arrangement or order. This mixed-up arrangement of cards may be random, or may be specifically arranged as per predetermined requirements. During the operation of a game (using the concentrically arranged wheels shown in Figure 14), players place bets on the outcome of the game.

Both 'Luck' and 'Fortune's score is based on the outcome of the sum of the three selected winning areas or pockets (or 'cards'). The final score for 'Luck' is created by the value of a card selected from each of the three wheels of the 'triple wheel' arrangement of Figure 14. The same applies to attain the final score for 'Fortune' on a second 'triple wheel' arrangement of Figure 14 (or second spin of the same 'triple wheel' arrangement). Card value may be assigned as detailed in Table 1 below:

Table 1 If the total of the cards selected from the three wheels is more than 9, only the right hand digit is counted. For example - if the result from the three wheels was 8, 8 and 8, total 24, the result is counted as "4". Another example would be if the result of the three wheels was Q, 9, and 7, total 16, the result is counted as "6".

Both 'Luck' and 'Fortune' are paid at even money with the exception of when either 'Luck' or 'Fortune' wins and the other side has zero, then they are paid at the odds of 1 to 2.

In addition, players may bet on the result as a 'Standoff, which is when both the final scores for 'Luck' and 'Fortune' are equal. 'Standoff is paid at 8 to 1 .

Players may also bet on the actual winning score. Here, to win, the player must place a bet on one or more of the three betting positions (on either 'Luck' or 'Fortune'). Here, the bets may cover three possible outcomes - a win with a score of 1 , 2, or 3, a win with a score of 4, 5 or 6, and a win with a score of 7, 8 or 9. Another bet players may make is whether the 'cards' selected for either 'Luck' or 'Fortune' score were all of the same suit. Players may select which, or indeed both if they choose, of the two results ('Luck' or 'Fortune') they wish to bet on. Figure 15 is an example diagram of a table betting layout which accommodates a game of "Luck & Fortune" played with two sets of the concentrically arranged wheels shown in Figure 14 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The betting layout essentially comprises a semi-circle 650 that is separated into a plurality of selection areas 652. Each selection area 652 is associated with an outcome of a game played with two instances of the concentrically arranged wheels shown in Figure 14 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Here, the selection areas 652 are essentially formed from first to fourth concentrically arranged semi-circular rings 652. However, the second semicircular ring is split into two equally sized segments, the third semi-circular ring is split into six equally sized segments, and the fourth semi-circular ring is split into two equally sized segments.

Players place bets on the outcome of a game by positioning a chip, token, or the like, in a respective selection area 652. The layout thus accommodates various bets.

For ease of identification, selection areas 652 are indicated by dashed lines.

The first semi-circular ring 654 is associated with the outcome referred to as a 'Standoff . For the example shown in Figure 15, this selection area 654 allows a player to bet that the final scores for 'Luck' and 'Fortune' are equal. Winning 'Standoff bets may be paid at 8 to 1 .

Each segment of the second semi-circular ring 656 is associated with the outcome that the 'Luck' or 'Fortune' result contains three cards that are of the same suit. For the example shown in Figure 15, this selection area 656 allows a player to bet that the 'Luck' result contains three cards from the same suit. This is irrespective of whether the side has won, lost or is a standoff. Winning bets may paid at 14 to 1 .

Each segment 658 of the third semi-circular ring is associated with a set of winning scores. For the example shown in Figure 15, this selection area 658 allows a player to bet that 'Fortune' wins with a score of 4, 5, or 6. The bet will win if it has been placed on the winning side and the bet includes the winning score. Bets that win with a score of 1 , 2 or 3 may be paid at 13 to 1 . Bets that win with a score of 4, 5 or 6 may be paid at 5 to 1 . Bets that win with score of 7, 8 or 9 may be paid at 3 to 1 . Each segment 660 of the fourth semi-circular ring is associated with a winning side, 'Luck' or 'Fortune'. For the example shown in Figure 15, this selection area 660 allows a player to bet that a specific side wins (e.g. attains the highest total score). The winning side of either Luck or Fortune may be paid at even money with the exception of when the losing side has zero (or another losing score depending on the pay table used to give a higher or lower house edge), when they may be paid at the odds of 1 to 2.

It will be appreciated that although embodiments have been described above in relation to the use of three concentrically arranged wheels, other embodiments may employ any number of concentrically arranged wheels (greater than one). For example, embodiments employing two concentrically arranged wheels are envisaged, just as embodiments employing four or five concentrically arranged wheels are also envisaged.

Also, embodiments of the games described above may be adapted to be played in conjunction with other selection apparatus such as playing cards, dice, etc. In other words, embodiments need not be played with concentrically arranged wheels, but may instead be played with any suitable selection apparatus that permits the selection of an outcome.

Also, although not depicted, other bet options and/or features may be included in alternative embodiments. For example, an additional feature could be implemented in with the Colours and Dice games, whereby when three of the same colour or three of the same dice are the result all losing bets standoff (i.e. do not lose or win).

The skilled reader will also appreciate that other modifications to the embodiments described above may be made. For example, Figure 16 depicts a modification to the three concentrically arranged wheels shown in Figure 1 , and Figure 17 an example diagram of a table betting layout which accommodates a game played with the concentrically arranged wheels shown in Figure 16.