Field of the Invention.

The present invention relates to card games on which a wager can be placed and particularly relates to side wagering in card games such as Texas Hold'em poker.

Background Art.

The present invention will be described with particular reference to the game of Texas Hold'em. However it will be appreciated that the game of the present invention can be used as a variation of similar types of games such that players are dealt individual cards and no limitation is intended thereby.

Texas Hold'em is a popular card game played in casinos, at tournaments, privately and online. In a conventional game of Texas Hold'em each player is typically dealt two cards, (hole cards) and the dealer typically deals five community cards face up in series. Typically a player wins if the rank of any five card combination of his hole cards and the five community cards is higher than the rank of any five card combination of other players. Alternatively a player wins if all other players fold.

Part of the appeal of Texas Hold'em is that the players all view the community cards. This adds to the excitement of the game as the community cards are known to all players and are in effect not held in the player's hole cards.

Variations of the game of Texas Hold'em have been proposed to increase excitement and appeal. Such variations may allow a player to make an optional bet on whether the rank of his hole cards is higher than the rank of the hole cards of other players. Such variations are often referred to as side bets.

Such side bets are placed against other players, rather than being placed against the house.

An advantage of placing a side bet is that the side bet allows a player to win the side bet even if the player loses the primary Texas Hold'em game. The disadvantage with placing a side bet is that resolution of the side bet occurs concurrently with resolution of the primary Texas Hold'em game. A player may lose interest in the primary game of Texas Hold'em whilst waiting for the community cards to be revealed or other players to place wagers.

A further disadvantage with placing such side bets is that the side bets are resolved according to the rank of the player's hole cards according to normal poker ranking.

A further disadvantage of the primary Texas Hold' em game is that the game is resolved according to standard poker ranking rules and the house does not act as a player. Therefore, the house cannot win the primary Texas Hold'em game but must still make takings, which are typically a reasonable percentage of the wagers. With Texas Hold'em side bets the house also takes a percentage. It is desirable that the side bets provide the house with a percentage or an income but do not complicate the primary game of Texas Hold'em.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Summary of the Invention.

The present invention is directed to method of playing a card game and a game apparatus, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a method for providing side betting opportunities on a main game, the main game including the steps of:

a) a dealer dealing one or more cards to one or more players playing the main game;

b) a dealer dealing one or more community cards for use by the one or more players in the main game; and

c) resolving an outcome in the main game for one or more players based on the rules of the main game; the method including the steps of:

d) placing a side wager before or after any one or more of the cards are dealt in. the main game, with odds offered for the side wager dependant upon at least one of the cards dealt in the main game, the wager independent of the outcome in the main game;

e) determining the side wager to establish a result for each side wager; and f) paying out on the result if the side wager is won and collecting if the side wager is lost. Preferably, the side wager may be placed on one of or any combination of cards dealt to one or more of the players or the dealer in the main game, and/or the community cards.

Preferably the side wager is placed before or after one or more of the community cards are dealt.

The side wager may be made by a player in the main game or a spectator based on one or more player's hands in the main game.

In a further alternative form, the present invention resides broadly in a game apparatus used to play a card game, the game apparatus including a playing surface upon which a dealer deals one or more cards to one or more players playing the game, the playing surface having at least one first indicium indicating a position for the cards of each player, at least one second indicium indicating a position for a side wager to be placed on at least one of the cards in a particular combination of cards before or after the cards are dealt, but not after any or all of the cards are revealed, with an indication on the playing surface adjacent the at least one second indicium of the odds offered for the side wager dependant upon at least one of the cards in the particular combination of cards.

One or more community cards may be dealt and the side wager may be placed on one of or any combination of cards dealt to one or more of the players or the dealer in the main game, and/or the community cards.

A player is a person playing the main game of poker. A spectator is a person watching the main game of poker, watching the side wagering or placing side wages on the main game of poker. A player can become a spectator, if they were to fold or discontinue the main game of poker.

Typically, an administrator is a person or entity who takes wagers and/or pays out winnings on the side bets. This may be the house (in a typical casino environment). However it would also include people not connected to the main poker game, such as a person who telecasts a poker game and allows spectators to place wagers on the outcome of side bets placed against the telecasted poker game.

It will be understood that players of the main game of poker, may, on occasion act as a dealer.

The playing surface will typically include at least one indicium indicating a position for a wager to be placed on at least one of the cards in a particular combination of cards according to the rules of the main game. A player of the present invention may place a side wager amount on the playing surface to indicate that they wish to place a side wager.

It will be clearly understood that the indicium indicating a position for a wager or side wager to be placed may extend across the playing surface or only part of it. The at least one second indicium can be placed in various positions on the playing surface including in a position proximal to the player or to the at least one second indicium for each player indicating a position to which cards are dealt or moved. Alternatively, it may be placed close to a dealer or in any other position on the playing surface.

It will also be understood that the playing surfaces of the present invention can be displayed at any stage in the game. Similarly, it will be understood that the player can place all bets before the start of the main poker game.

The present invention may be implemented in a "live" format in which a physical playing surface is provided. In this embodiment, the physical playing surface is typically a table about which the players and the dealer are positioned and which can be viewed by spectators, either physically present or remote from the physical playing surface.

The method of the present invention may be implemented electronically. It will be understood that when the method is implemented electronically, the playing surface could be a physical playing surface, for example a spectator electronically watching a live game and placing wagers on the live game. It will also be understood that a live game may be a live "as it happens" game, a prerecorded game or delayed telecast game. Alternatively, the player may be playing an electronic game wherein the playing surface is produced and represented on a screen such as a computer screen.

In such an embodiment it will be understood that the "dealer" may be a computer or a player who is "electronically" dealing cards. It will also be understood that when the playing surface is produced and represented on a screen the player may not physically place wagers onto the screen but rather they may electronically place wagers or undertake other actions. Appropriate communications networks will preferably be provided in order to allow wagers to be placed electronically.

In an alternative form of the invention, the playing surface upon which the side wagers are placed is not located near the playing surface for the main poker game.

In an alternative form, the playing surface includes at least one second indicium indicating a position for a wager to be placed and related indicium indicating the odds of a particular combination of cards. Alternatively, a plurality of second indicium may be provided for each player, each indicating different card combinations and a player may place a wager into any one or more of the plurality of second indicium indicating their desire to wager on that outcome. A player of the present invention may place a side wager in any one or more of the at least one second indicium on the playing surface to indicate that they wish to place a side wager.

In an alternative form, the playing surface includes indicia indicating the odds of combinations of cards and indicia indicating positions for one or more wagers to be placed on the odds of particular combinations of cards. A player of the present invention may place a side wager on the playing surface to indicate that they wish to place a side wager.

In an alternative form, the playing surface includes at least one indicium indicating the odds of a particular combination of cards not being dealt and at least one second indicium indicating a position for a wager to be placed on the odds of a particular combination of cards not being dealt. A player of the present invention may place a side wager on the playing surface to indicate that they wish to place a side wager.

In an alternative form, the playing surface typically includes:

• at least one indicium indicating the odds of a particular combination of cards, being dealt or not being dealt; and

• at least one second indicium indicating a position for a wager to be placed against the odds of a particular combination of cards; and

• at least one third indicium indicating a position for a wager to be placed against the odds of a particular combination of cards not being dealt; and · A player of the present invention may place a side wager on the playing surface relative to the required indicium to indicate that they wish to place a side wager.

In a typical form of the invention, players playing the main poker game place wagers on the odds of certain cards, being dealt, or not being dealt into their own hole cards, the hole cards of other players or any combination thereof.

In a typical form of the invention, players playing the main poker game place wagers on the odds of certain cards, being dealt, or not being dealt into community cards.

In a typical form of the invention, players playing the main poker game place wagers on the odds of certain cards, being dealt, or not being dealt into their own hole cards, the hole cards of other players or the community cards or any combination thereof.

In another form of the invention, spectators place wagers on the odds of certain cards, being dealt, or not being dealt into the hole cards of other players.

In another form of the invention, spectators place wagers on the odds of certain cards, being dealt, or not being dealt into the community cards.

In another form of the invention, spectators place wagers on the odds of certain cards, being dealt, or not being dealt into the hole cards, the community cards or any combination thereof.

Another form of the invention allows players to place wagers on the odds of certain cards being dealt, or not being dealt into the hole cards of other players.

Indicium may be provided on the playing surface indicating a position for a wager to be placed by spectators. Spectators wagering on the game being played may be able to wager on the chance that one or more cards will be dealt to a player or to the community cards or the chance that one or more cards will not be dealt to a player or to the community cards.

It will be clearly understood that the method of the present invention may be utilized by players in the primary Texas Hold 'em game or alternatively, or in addition by spectators.

A wager may be placed on the odds of certain cards being dealt or not being dealt into any, some or all (or any combination thereof) of the hole cards or any one or more of the players. That is, one player of the present invention may place a wager on the odds of cards being dealt into another player's hole cards or their own or into the community cards. Alternative, or in addition the player may also place a wager on the odds of cards being dealt into a combination of another player's hole caxds or their own or into the community cards. Alternatively, or in addition, the player of the present invention may place a wager on the odds of a particular card being dealt into another player's hole cards or their own or into the community cards.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a wager may be placed on the odds of certain cards being dealt or not being dealt into any, some or all (or any combination thereof) of the hole and/or community cards.

It will be further understood that if a player discontinues the primary card game they may continue to place wagers on certain cards being dealt, or not being dealt, into the flop cards, the turn cards and the river cards (or a combination thereof) dealt in the primary poker game.

Odds can be offered by the administrator of the primary game of Texas Hold'em (normally the dealer or dealer employer such as a casino or "house") or by an independent bookmaker which may or may not be connected to the primary game. Furthermore, better or worse payout odds may be provided by the administrator.

, In a further embodiment of the present invention, the side bet options in the invention can be used by the players and spectators to offer wagers against each other using the invention's playing surfaces.

It is preferred that the side wager be placed at any time before the cards being wagered on are revealed to the player or spectator placing the wager. This enables ongoing wagering during the primary game. It will be understood that players or spectators can place a wager at any stage of the game, so long as the cards being wagered upon have not been revealed to the person placing the wager.

The winning payments may be altered according to the odds of certain cards or card combinations being dealt. This alteration may occur in real time. The wager is typically determined before any other cards are dealt. The payouts are preferably determined according to set odds for different combinations, such as:

A pair: 16: 1

Suited connectors (or runs) 24: 1

Suited Cards: 3.2:1

AA or KK 1 10: 1

Ace King: 82:1

1 Ace: 5.25:1

Both hole cards higher than a Jack: 10:1 Alternatively, a player may choose to place a wager on any other combination of cards being dealt into his hole cards.

An advantage of the present invention is that resolution of the side bet is determined by odds or probabilities and can be played against the house. Alternatively the side bet can be placed against an administrator. Thus the house or an administrator can receive an income from the side wager without the need to take a percentage of the wager from the main game or the side wager. The house or administrator may also vary the payout odds to increase or decrease payout figures.

The game of the present invention may typically be played in a casino environment with a dealer and one or more players. However, the game can also be played using mechanical or electronic methods of dealing and/or also for the resolution, payment and/or collection of wagers. The game can also be adapted to be played on a video screen with a single player.

An advantage of paying the game of the present invention using electronic methods for resolution of the side wagers is that the side wager can be resolved during the primary game of Texas Hold'em without interfering with the integrity of the primary Texas Hold'em game. A further advantage is . the psychological effect on players when other players have side bets paid out.

The game of the present invention allows players or spectators to place a wager on any, some or all (or any combination thereof) of the community cards before any, some or all (or any combination thereof) of the community cards are revealed.

It will also be understood that in the game of the present invention allows the players or spectators to place a wager before the flop cards are revealed, but after resolution of the hole card bets ("first community card bet"). Similarly players or spectators may place a wager before the turn card is revealed but after the first community card bet (the flop) is resolved ("second community card bet"). Similarly players or spectators may place a wager before the river card is revealed but after the second community cards bet (the turn) is resolved ("third community card bet").

By way of example, only, the present invention will be described in terms of flow of play.

• a player or spectator places a side wager on the odds of certain cards being de'alt into a player's hole cards ("hole card side bet");

• The hole card side bet is resolved;

• Players and spectators are given the opportunity to place a side wager on the flop cards ("flop card side bet");

· The flop card side bet is resolved;

• Players and spectators are given the opportunity to place a side wager on the turn card ("turn card side bet");

• The turn card side bet is resolved;

• Players and spectators are given the opportunity to place a side wager on the river card ("river card side bet");

• The river card side bet is resolved;

It must also be understood that the odds of being dealt particular cards would be altered when certain cards have been revealed. It will be understood that the hole card bets, individual card bets and community cards bets payout odds may vary accordingly throughout the primary game.

An additional psychological effect on both players and spectators would be created by revealing, during or after game play, that player's or spectator's hole card bets or community card bets have been successful before resolution of the primary game.

Furthermore, an additional psychological effect would be created if the hole cards of players are revealed. This could be by revealing the hole cards of players who have folded or discontinued play. Or by revealing hole cards of players who are still in play (to spectators for example).

In a preferred embodiment, wagers would be placed against the house, rather than against a fellow player. However, it is foreseeable that if a player or spectator is aware of a bet placed by another player, they may place a wager on that other player losing the wager or otherwise wagering to mitigate their loss.

The game of the present invention provides a method of side-betting which is interesting to the player without being unduly complicated and it provides a player with a reasonable expectation of success whilst maintaining an acceptable house advantage. Still further, the game provides a variation of side betting in a Texas Hold'em game without interfering or influencing the primary Texas Hold'em game. In an alternative form, the invention resides in a method for playing a game in which at least one winner is determined by the number of value tokens collected, the method including the steps of:

1. a dealer dealing one or more cards to one or more players playing the game; 2. a dealer dealing one or more community cards for use by the one or more ' players in the game;

3. an entrant indicating involvement in a chance option before or after any one or more of the cards are dealt, with odds offered for the chance option dependant upon at least one of the cards dealt in the game, the determination of the chance option independent of the outcome of the game;

4. determining a result for each chance option; and

providing an entrant in the chance option with one or more value tokens if the determination is positive in the favour of the entrant and one or more value tokens if the determination is not in the favour of the entrant.

It will be understood that the playing surface changes to accommodate the odds and wagering options ^" after the initial side wager is resolved. The playing surface in this instance can be 1 generic play surface or in a preferred embodiment display bet options that are customised to the individuals own circumstance and/or tailored to what that player may be able to bet on in terms of what are the players hole cards and the possibility of certain combinations of cards hitting on the flop with regards to these hole cards and flop cards

The present invention also offers every player the opportunity to bet on the combinations of community cards and hole cards which might occur at various stages of the main poker game.

The invention provides players/spectators the opportunity to place side wagers before the deal, before the flop, before the turn and before the river also on each of the community cards such as the flop, the turn and the river.

The player continues to play in the primary game but however also repeats the above process in regards to the new playing surface that the invention now offers the player.

Preferred Common rules across the entire invention.

1. If the community cards that players or spectators bet on are not displayed because of all players folding and the community cards are not dealt all bets are returned for that hand of play that did not occur to the players' money/poker accounts.

2. If a player in the main game folds the player or spectators can continue to use their folded hole cards to bet further on each the flop, turn or river that these cards will improve or not improve into any combination.

In an alternative form, the present invention resides in a method for providing betting opportunities on a dealer dealing one or more cards to one or more players including the steps of:

1. a.dealer dealing one or more cards;

2. a player placing a wager before or after any one or more of the cards are dealt, with odds offered for the wager dependant upon at least one of the cards dealt;

3. determining the wager to establish a result for each wager; and

4. paying out on the result if the wager is won and collecting if the wager is lost.

In this embodiment of the game the "player" can be a user that is watching a game being dealt. In this embodiment, there may or may not be a "main game" with main game players whose hands the "player" wagers on. It may simply be that a dealer deals cards and the "player" bets directly on the cards that are or will be dealt.

The present invention can be provided in a physical embodiment as a table game. According to this embodiment, the game play surface will typically include a number of areas marked thereon in order for players and/or spectators to identify the wagers offered and to make wagers.

The present invention can be provided in an electronic embodiment as an electronic game. According to this embodiment, the game play surface will typically include a generated and displayed image simulating a playing surface with a number of areas marked thereon in order for players and/or spectators to identify the wagers offered and to make wagers. Actions in this embodiment will normally be undertaken through use of an indicator device with feedback- given after an action is taken together with a corresponding re-generation and display of an updated image simulating a playing surface with the appropriate changes identified thereon so that the image displayed is current and reflects the real-time stage of the game.

The hardware to put the electronic game into effect is not particularly complex and typically involves the hosting of the gaming software embodying the electronic embodiment of the invention on a server to which one or more players have electronic access. The hardware will typically however involve a variety of interactions and transfer of information between the hosting server and the player's remote machines. Further, the hosting server will be required to undertake data transformation based on the actions taken by the players and generate an up to date image of the simulated playing surface as and when required and transmit this to the player's remote machine as well as accept input from the player's remote machines in order to drive updates of the image of the simulated playing surface to reflect the state of play.

The hosting server will therefore typically include a processor with associated memory to store and process instructions which when executed by the processor causes the processor to perform operations including receiving input from an input device sensitive to user choice, adjusting an generated image in response to said input and according to rules stored in the memory and displaying an output image of a simulated game surface on a display indicating the state of play at any given moment.

Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of a cashier interface display according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a schematic illustration of an entry lobby interface display used in playing a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a schematic illustration of an example of a playing surface used in playing a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a schematic illustration of a wagering interface display used in playing a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 shows a typical playing surface displayed to those players who have been dealt an ace into their hole cards.

Figure 5a shows a typical playing surface displayed to all players to give them the opportunity to place a side wager using the community cards only.

Figure 6 shows a typical playing surface for a player improving on the hole cards and community cards on the turn/river.

Figure 7 shows a typical wagering image display allowing wagering on the outcome of the Flop.

Figure 8 shows a typical electronic playing surface wherein spectators may place an initial bet on hole cards of individual players of the main poker game.

Figures 9 and 10 shows a typical playing surface displayed to players to give players the opportunity to place side bets at the start of the hand on every street of the hand and also a playing surface to give players the opportunity to bet at each street during the hand without being dealt specific hole cards.

Figure 1 1 shows three typical playing surfaces displayed to players to give players the opportunity to bet at each street during the hand without being dealt specific hole cards at the different stages in game play.

Figure 12 shows a typical playing surface displayed to spectators to give spectators the opportunity to place side bets at the start of the hand on every street of the hand and also a playing surface to give spectators the opportunity to bet at each street during the hand without being dealt specific hole cards.

Figures 12 and 13 shows a typical playing surface to spectators to give spectators the opportunity to place side bets at the start of the hand on every street of the hand using the community cards only and also a playing surface to give spectators the opportunity to bet at each street during the hand using only the community cards without being dealt specific hole cards.

Figure 14 shows three typical playing surfaces displayed to spectators players to give spectators the opportunity to bet on a chosen player's hand at each street during the hand without being dealt specific hole cards at the different stages in game play.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment.

According to one preferred embodiment, an electronic version of the game is provided.

According to this embodiment, players log onto or enter an online poker room. The Lobby interface is displayed to players so players can select which game they would prefer to play. Generally players can select from various games such as Texas Holdem, Omaha, seven card stud, different forms of these games from tournaments to ring games and also choose different stakes, all from the poker lobby interface. A very simple example is provided in Figure 1.

Players can also deposit money into their poker accounts b registering their details and opening an account. They can then access their poker accounts through a set up similar to a cashier. At this screen players can deposit money, check balances and withdraw money. When players register to play in a game, money is withdrawn from this account and paid into the registered game they have chosen as a buy in. The funds of the buyin are deducted from this account. Also when players leave a table or win a tournament, money is also deposited into these accounts. Figure 2 shows a typical online poker cashier in accordance with the present invention.

As depicted in Figure 1, the account holder or player has a total account balance (10), an in account balance (20) and a using amount (30). The player may use all of their total account balance in each individual game or some of it. As depicted in Figure 1 the player has a total account balance of $1350.00 with $900 in their account and a using amount of $450.

When players have deposited money into their accounts they are redirected back to the Lobby where as explained above they can choose which game they would like to play in. When players choose to participate in a game with the side betting facility included in it, players are presented with a playing surface interface, one example of which is illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 3 illustrates the tabs on the side of the primary play table and also icons next to each player's seats that will direct players to the side bet playing surfaces if either of these two marks are clicked on.

Figure 3 shows a typical electronic playing surface which depicts 8 players (40). Figure 3 shows the choice of the side-bet player having an option of placing a wager as a spectator (50) or a main game player (60).

When players click on the tabs described above the players are presented with the inventions playing surface and side bet options for the start of the next hand as illustrated in Figure 4. At this stage players can place side bets on what they believe the primary game might deal to their hole cards. Note in Figure 4 no cards have yet been dealt. .

Player's Wager ,

15

The player clicks into column A (70) indicated in Figure 4 to indicate what style of bet they wish to place on the cards. For example, a player may place a bet on a pair being dealt into the hole cards. In this situation the player would click into position 71 in Figure 4. The player would then enter the amount to be wagered in the corresponding field in column B (72) of Figure 4. The total amount for each individual bet would be shown in the corresponding column C (73). The player has an option to place the same wager for a number of games by indicating the number of games for which the wager is to be placed in the corresponding column D (74). The player can then place the wager by clicking the corresponding submit link in column E (75).

Once the bet is placed Figure 4 is updated to indicate that a main game player has placed a side wager against their own hole cards (3) or that a spectator has placed a side wager against a players hold cards (4).

The primary game now deals each player their hole cards. Now depending on what hole cards where dealt to each player, one or a combination of the following figures will be displayed to the players depending on their dealt hole cards.

When the side wager is resolved the player receives a message as illustrated in Figure 6 (76) to indicate that the wager has been resolved and indicating the result.

Figure 6 displays a typical electronic playing surface which allows the player the option of converting or continuing the wager based on the cards to be dealt next, depending on what type of wager was placed. For example, in the event that the player has won a side wager wherein they correctly wagered that a players hand would have a pair dealt into the hole cards, the player will have the option to place a wager on cards in the flop whereby the cards in the flop are considered in combination with the pair in the players hole cards for example, they may place a wager on the pair turning into three of a kind when considering the flop cards and the hole cards in combination.

One or more players may have been dealt any 2 cards that are jacks or higher into their hole cards. The image of the playing surface will be updated to show this. An image will be generated and displayed to each player who received that particular hand displaying the ability to place a wager on the possibility of the initial hand of two cards both being Jacks or higher in hole cards improving or not improving. A variety of wagering options will be provided with corresponding odds. Typically the wager will be placed on the player's hand improving or not improving on the Flop. The player will be asked to set a wager amount for each of the options selected. Multiple options can be selected. A confirmation of the wager type and/or amount will be required and an action button provided for this purpose. Once the Flop is dealt, the system will compare the wager type to establish success or otherwise and will determine the amount won or forfeited based on the outcome. Any amounts won or forfeited will be credited or withdrawn from the player's individual account.

As well as the above wagering possibilities, the player will typically also be provided with a generated image to allow any player the opportunity to place a side wager using the community cards dealt only. This generated image will typically be provided with all instances of wager options presented to a player.

Other options exist for adjusting the image of the playing surface presented to a player depending upon one or more cards dealt into their hole cards. For example, a variety of options will typically exist and be stored in a database to be presented to a play depending upon one or more cards dealt into their hole cards. Typically different options will be provided depending upon the one or more cards dealt into their hole cards. The wager will basically be dependent upon the cards dealt as the Flop.

Options can include:

i. wagering on the player's hand improving or not improving when the initial "hole card" hand includes at least one Ace;

ii. wagering on the player's hand improving or not improving when the initial "hole card" hand includes a pair of cards with the same face value;

iii. wagering on the player's hand improving or not improving when the initial "hole card" hand are both Jacks or higher "in suit cards;

iv. wagering on the player's hand improving or not improving when the initial "hole card" hand are suited cards;

v. wagering on the player's hand improving or not improving when the initial "hole card" hand are connected cards;

vi. wagering on the player's hand improving or not improving when the initial "hole card" hand are any 2 cards into their hole cards. Figure 6 shows an example playing surface which allows a player to combine the hole cards with flop cards to resolve the side wager. The playing surface revealed depends on the type of initial side wager.

The Flop is then dealt and the wagers made determined. A further round of wagering may be possible after the Flop has been dealt based on a player improving or not improving their hand dependent upon the cards dealt as the Turn.

Options include:

i. wagering on the player's hand improving or not improving when the initial "hole card" hand are two of a kind with a third card in the Flop forming a best hand of 3 of a kind on the Turn.

ii. wagering on the player's hand improving or not improving when the initial "hole card" hand are two of a kind with a third card in the Flop forming a best hand of 2 pair on the Turn.

iii. wagering on the player's hand improving or not improving when the initial "hole card" hand are two of a kind with a third card in the Flop forming a best hand of a straight draw on the Turn.

iv. wagering on the player's hand improving or not improving when the initial "hole card" hand are two of a kind with a third card in the Flop forming a best hand of a flush draw on the Turn.

wagering on the player's hand improving or not improving when the initial "hole card" hand are two of a kind with a third card in the Flop forming a best hand of any five cards on the Turn.

The primary game now deals the turn card and the wagers made determined.

Additional options may be presented to one or more players after the Turn allowing them to wager on hand improving or not improving when the River card is revealed. These options may include:

i. wagering on the player's hand improving or not improving when the best hand is 3 of a kind at this stage of the primary game;

ii. wagering on the player's hand improving or not improving when the best hand is 2 pair at this stage of the primary game.

iii. wagering on the player's hand improving or not improving when the best hand is a straight draw at this stage of the primary game.

iv. wagering on the player's hand improving or not improving when the best hand is a flush draw at this stage of the primary game.

v. wagering on the player's hand improving or not improving when the best hand is any 6 cards at this stage of the primary game.

With reference to a player placing bets in each of these playing surfaces, we use Figure 6 as an example. A player clicks into column A (77) to indicate the style of wager, such as that the pair will turn into three of a kind at the flop. The player would then enter the amount to be bet in the corresponding column B (78) which would show in the corresponding column C (80) as a total. The player or spectator would then click submit to place the wager (81).

Alternatively, if the player is unsuccessful in the initial side wager (or if they are successful in the side wager but do not wish to continue/convert the side wager) they may place a wager on the community cards, as depicted in Figure 7.

Figure 7 shows an example playing surface which allows the player to place a bet on the flop cards only. A player clicks into the row in column A (82) corresponding to the wager they wish to place. The player would then enter the amount to be bet in the corresponding column B (83) which would show in the corresponding column C (84) as a total. The player or spectator would then click submit to place the wager, (85).

Once the side wager is decided, at any stage of the main poker game, the player would receive a message to indicate the outcome of the wager (76).

Still further, the image created and displayed may differ depending upon whether displayed for a player involved directly in the game, that is, in playing the main game or whether displayed to a spectator observing the main game. That is, the system of the present invention can be used to allow a spectator to wager based on game play in a main game in which the spectator is not directly involved. Therefore, when a spectator is playing the side wager game of the present invention, the image generated and displayed to the spectator may include any one or more options depending upon the hand of the player chosen by the spectator as the spectator wagering hand.

Spectator Wager

Once a spectator side bet is selected the spectator is displayed Figure 8 showing the Hole Card Side Bet playing surface.

Figure 8 displays a typical electronic playing surface wherein spectators may place an initial bet on hole cards of one or more individual players ("the chosen player(s)") of the main poker game (86).

The spectator clicks into column A (87) indicated in Figure 8 to indicate which style of bet they wish to place on the hole cards. For example, a spectator may place a wager on a pair being dealt into the players hole cards. In this situation the spectator would click into position 87 in Figure 8. The spectator would then enter the amount to be wagered in the corresponding field in column B (88) of Figure 8. The total amount for each individual bet would be shown in the corresponding column C (89). The spectator has an option to place the same wager for a number of games by indicating the number of games for which the wager is to be placed in the corresponding column D (90). The spectator can then place the wager by clicking the corresponding submit link in column E (91).

Once the bet is placed, the playing surface display of Figure 8 is updated to indicate that a spectator player has placed a side wager against a player's hole cards (4).

When the side wager is resolved the player receives a message (76) to indicate that the wager has been resolved and indicating the result.

The displayed image can be updated appropriately to display a typical electronic playing surface which allows the spectator the option of converting or continuing the wager based on the cards to be dealt next, depending on what type of wager was placed. For example, in the event that the spectator has won a side wager wherein they correctly wagered that a player's hand would have a pair dealt into the hole cards, the spectator will have the option to place a wager on cards in the flop whereby the cards in the flop are considered in combination with the pair in the players hole cards for example, they may place a wager on the pair turning into three of a kind when considering the flop cards and the hole cards in combination.

Figure 23 shows an example playing surface which allows a spectator to combine the hole cards with flop cards to resolve the side wager. The playing surface revealed depends on the type of initial side wager.

The options include a generated and displayed image of a playing surface allowing wagers to be placed by the spectator on the spectators' chosen player's hand improving or not improving based on the player's hand including cards of the actual or notional best hand of the spectators' chosen player as outlined above with reference to the player wagering in the main game at various stages in the game.

The spectators will also be provided with an image of a typical playing surface displayed to all spectators at any or all wagering stages to give them the opportunity to place a side wager using the community cards only.

Alternatively, if the player is unsuccessful in the initial side wager (or if they are successful in the side wager but do not wish to continue/convert the side wager) they may place as wager on the community cards.

Figures 9 and 10 shows a typical playing surface displayed to players to give players the opportunity to place side bets at the start of the hand on every street of the hand and also a playing surface to give players the opportunity to bet at each street during the hand without being dealt specific hole cards.

Figure 11 shows three typical playing surfaces displayed to players to give players the opportunity to bet at each street during the hand without being dealt specific hole cards at the different stages in game play.

Figure 12 shows a typical playing surface displayed to spectators to give spectators the opportunity to place side bets at the start of the hand on every street of the hand and also a playing surface to give spectators the opportunity to bet at each street during the hand without being dealt specific hole cards.

Figures 12 and 13 shows a typical playing surface to spectators to give spectators the opportunity to place side bets at the start of the hand on every street of the hand using the community cards only and also a playing surface to give spectators the opportunity to bet at each street during the hand using only the community cards without being dealt specific hole cards.

Figure 14 shows three typical playing surfaces displayed to spectators players to give spectators the opportunity to bet on a chosen player's hand at each street during the hand without being dealt specific hole cards at the different stages in game play.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 15 to Figure 15D. This embodiment is particularly directed towards wagering by one or more spectators on a hand which although dealt according to the rules of Holdem Poker, is not based on a main game being played by main game players. Only a single hand is dealt, with all players (the spectators in this embodiment) betting on variations of the same hand.

The interface provided, whether as an electronically generated display on a display device which is adjusted as required or on a playing surface on a table, will typically appear as in Figure 15.

Players (the spectators in this embodiment) can start and stop betting at any stage of the hand but for simplicity in this example, the explanation begins before any cards have been dealt.

1. Before the hand is dealt, players can place a wager by placing (electronically or physically) one or more chips on one or more marks provided in the "pocket bet" box 100 corresponding to their choice. The marks are identified by shapes on the interface and one embodiment of the preferred marks in box 100 is illustrated in more detail in Figure 15A. The marks on the playing surface when displayed, would typically include the indicia illustrated in Figure 15A.

2. The range choices players can make at this stage of the preferred embodiment, is illustrated in detail in Figure 15 A.

3. The dealer then explains "no more bets will be taken" and then turns the 2 pocket cards face up into the pocket cards place 101 provided.

4. The dealer then determines the result of the 2 pocket cards and places an "on" button onto the circle 102 illustrated in the "flop bet" box in Figure 15 corresponding to the cards dealt as the two pocket cards. That is, if the 2 pocket cards are suited cards, the "on" button would be placed on the circle below the "suited pocket" heading in the "flop bet" box 200 illustrated in Figure 15.

5. The dealer then pays the winning bets in the "pocket bet" bo 100 and collects the losing bets.

6. Players can now place bets on the line corresponding to that which the "on" button in the Flop bet box 200. In the example above in which the 2 pocket cards are suited cards, wagers can be placed in the "suited pockets" line (ie boxes in the "flop bet" box 200) which is highlighted because the "on" button is next to this line as per step 4. 7. All the options at this stage are illustrated in the flop bets detail illustrated in Figure 15B with the positions corresponding to the location of the indicia shapes illustrated in Figure 15.

8. The dealer explains "no more bets" and continues to deal 3 cards face up in the provided flop card marks 201.

9. The dealer then determines the result of the 2 pocket cards 101 and the 3 flop cards 201 and places the "on" button onto the corresponding circle in the "turn bet" box 300. For example, if the 2 pocket cards 101 and the 3 flop cards 201 results in a pair, the "on" button would be placed on the "pair" circle in the "turn bet" box 300.

10. The dealer then pays the winning bets in the "flop bet" box 200 and collects the losing bets.

11. Players now place bets on the line which is highlighted because the "on" button is next to this line in the "turn bet" box 300 as per step 9. Full bet options at this stage are illustrated in Figure 15C.

12. The dealer then explains "no more bets" and continues to deal another card into the turn card position 301 provided.

13. The dealer examines the now 6 cards (pocket cards 101, Flop cards 201 and Turn card 301) and places the "on" button onto the corresponding circle in the "river bet" box 400.

14. The dealer then pays the winning bets in the "turn bet" box 300 and collects the losing bets.

15. Players now place bets in the boxes on the line which is highlighted because the "on" button is next to this line in the "river bet" box 400 as per step 13. The full bet options at this stage are illustrated in Figure 1 D.

16. The dealer then explains "no more bets "and continues to deal another card into the river card position 401 provided.

17. The dealer examines the 7 cards and pays out the winning bets in the "river bet" box 400 and collects the losing bets.

18. Back to step 1.

Players can place bets on the 5 community cards only (Flop cards, 201 Turn card 301 and River card 401) by placing bets in the box that represents their choice in the "bet the board" box 500 on the desktop image illustrated in Figure 15. These bets can only be placed before any cards are dealt and cannot be taken back once the hand starts.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.