TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The following discloses a method and system for hybrid gaming. Hybrid gaming substantially simultaneously involves both virtual and iive gaming.

BACKGROUND

[002] Currently, casinos have physical game tables, slot machines and other gaming platforms so that iive players (who are physically present at the casino) can participate in the live game. Some casinos may also have electronic game consoles located at the casino floor, which allow live players to participate in virtual versions of games (e.g. video slot machines, etc.).

[003] However, playing games using these electronic game consoles may lack realism as all aspects of gameplay are virtual (e.g. virtual dealer, computer-generated game results, virtual cards, roulette wheel, etc.).

[004] Also, live players who wish to participate in live games may be unable to do so if the physical game tables or slot machines are fully occupied by other live players. In such an event, if these live players wish to play any games, they would have to participate in the virtual game instead using the electronic game consoles. However, as mentioned above, playing games using the electronic game consoles may lack realism.

[005] Further, iive players are physically restricted in a conventional casino from betting on multiple games located at different physical sites within a casino or even in affiliated casinos located elsewhere, and they lack the facility to monitor, the trend of game outcomes (e.g. banker / player outcome in a baccarat game; or incidences of "blackjack" / "bust" by the House in a blackjack game; or roulette sector results in a roulette game) at different physical locations within a casino as well as in remotely located casinos. Players generally believe that if their bets are based on statistical analysis of game results (e.g. trends), they may have a higher chance of winning. However, existing solutions do not readily provide customizable alerts on trend.

[006] A need therefore exists to provide method(s) and system(s) for hybrid gaming that seek to address at least the above-mentioned problems. SUMMARY

[007] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for hybrid gaming, comprising: a tracking device configured to capture events that occur during a live game, the iive game being played in a live environment; and a computer system in communication with the tracking device, the computer system configured to; receive the captured events from the tracking device; provide a virtual environment comprising one or more aspects corresponding to the iive environment; incorporate the captured events into the virtual environment to provide a hybrid environment for a hybrid game, wherein the incorporated events in the hybrid environment occur substantially in real-time as the events that occur during the live game; and transmit data associated with the hybrid environment to an electronic device for playing the hybrid game, the electronic device in communication with the computer system.

[008] The tracking device may comprise: a digital image capturing device; a digital video capturing device; a card tracker for detecting an identity of a playing card that is being dealt; or a roulette wheel sensor for detecting a result of a roulette wheel spin.

[009] The events that occur during the live game may comprise one or more of: dealing of the playing card; the identity of the playing card; spinning of a roulette wheel; and/or the resuit of the roulette wheel spin.

[010] The aspects may comprise one or more of: at least a portion of a baccarat or roulette game table; wager(s) placed by a user of the electronic device; and/or remaining credit belonging to the user of the electronic device.

[01 1] The electronic device may comprise: a mobile electronic device; or an electronic table game console.

[012] The computer system may comprise: a streaming server configured to: receive the captured events from the tracking device; and a game and database server configured to: provide the virtual environment; incorporate the captured events received from the streaming server into the virtual environment to provide the hybrid environment; and transmit data associated with the hybrid environment to the electronic device.

[013] The game and database server may be further configured to create an Intranet-enabled virtual environment. [014] The computer system may be further configured to provide a user interface to be displayed on the electronic device for playing the hybrid game, the user interface comprising the hybrid environment.

[015] The user interface may comprise an incident notifier, the incident notifier may be configured to be trigger a notification when a pre-determined incident occurs. The pre-determined incident may comprise a pre-determined trend of results of the hybrid game.

[016] The user interface may comprise an image of a virtual playing card, and a viewing angle of the virtual card may be capable of being varied to provide progressive revealing of the identity of the virtual playing card.

[017] The user interface may comprise an enlarged display of any one of the events that occur during the live game.

[018] The system may further comprise: a plurality of tracking devices configured to capture events that occur during a plurality of live games, the live games being played in respective live environments; wherein the computer system is in communication with the plurality of tracking devices, and the computer system is further configured to: receive the captured events from the tracking devices; provide a plurality of virtual environments, each virtual environment comprising one or more aspects corresponding to each live environment; incorporate the captured events into the virtua! environments to provide a plurality of hybrid environments for a plurality of hybrid games, wherein the incorporated events in the hybrid games occur substantially in real-time as the events that occur during the live games; transmit data associated with the hybrid environments to the electronic device for playing the hybrid games.

[019] The user interface may be capable of concurrently accepting a plurality of user inputs for one or more of the hybrid environments. The plurality of user inputs may comprise wagers of one or more denominations.

[020] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of hybrid gaming, comprising: capturing events that occur during a plurality of live games, the live games being played in respective five environments; providing a plurality of virtual environments, each virtual environment comprising one or more aspects corresponding to each live environment; incorporating the captured events into the virtual environments to provide a plurality of hybrid environments for a plurality of hybrid games, wherein the incorporated events in the hybrid games occur substantially in reai-time as the events that occur during the live games; providing a user interface to be displayed on an electronic device for playing the hybrid game, the user interface comprising the hybrid environments.

[021] The method may further comprise the step of configuring the user interface to concurrently accept a plurality of user inputs for one or more of the hybrid environments.

[022] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic device comprising: a display screen; at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device at least to; display a user interface on the display screen, the user interface comprising a plurality of hybrid environments for an equal plurality of hybrid games, each hybrid environment comprising a virtual environment with events thai occur in a live environment incorporated therein, wherein the incorporated events in the hybrid environment occur substantially in real-time as the events that occur in the live environment; and concurrently accept a plurality of user inputs for one or more of the hybrid environments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[023] Embodiments of the invention will be better understood and readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the following written description, by way of example only, and in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

[024] Figure 1 is a schematic of a hybrid gaming system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[025] Figure 2 shows an exemplary computing device to realize a server for the game & database server, streaming server and/or legacy casino system (DRS) shown in Figure 1 ;

[026] Figure 3 is a schematic of an exemplary wireless computing device that may be utilized to implement the mobile electronic device shown in Figure 1 ;

[027] Figure 4 shows a flowchart depicting steps of a method of conducting a hybrid game, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[028] Figure 5 shows an example of a lobby page of a user interface, according to an embodiment of the invention; [029] Figure 6 shows an example of another lobby page of a user interface, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[030] Figure 7 shows an example of yet another lobby page of a user interface, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[031 ] Figure 8 shows an example of a game page of a user interface, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[032] Figures 9a and 9b shows an example of another game page of a user interface, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[033] Figures 10a and 10b show an example of game pages of a user interface, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[034] Figure 1 1 shows an exampie of game page of a user interface, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[035] Figures 12a and 12b show an example of game pages of a user interface, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[036] Figures 13a - d show an example of game pages of a user interface, according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[037] Figures 14a - b show an example of game pages of a user interface, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DEFINITIONS

[038] Virtual game: A game that is wholly played in a virtual environment, using an electronic device such as a personal computer, tablet computer, smart-phone, etc. The electronic device may provide a user interface that allows a player to interact with the virtual environment. For example, in a virtual roulette game, the virtual environment may include a virtual roulette wheel and virtual dealers / players interacting in a virtual casino. The gamepiay is processed by the electronic device.

[039] Live game: A game that is wholly played in a physical real-life environment. That is, the player is physically present in the environment. For exampie, in a live roulette game, the physical real-iife environment may include a real roulette wheel and real dealers / players interacting in the physical real-life environment, in this case, the gameplay is typically facilitated by the dealer.

[040] Hybrid game: A game that involves aspects of both a virtual and live game. That is, the hybrid game comprises gameplay that is conducted in both a virtual environment and a physical real-life environment. The virtual environment and physical real-life environment co-exist substantially simultaneously such that events that occur in the virtual environment can be experienced in the physical real-life environment at the same time, and vice versa. For example, a hybrid game may have a corresponding hybrid environment, the hybrid environment comprising a virtual environment with events that occur in a iive game incorporated therein. The incorporated events in the hybrid environment occur substantially in real-time as the events that occur in the live game.

[041 J Mobile player: A player that is playing a virtual game. As the virtual game is expected to be played using an electronic device, the mobile player can play the virtual game without being physically present in the physical reai-life environment (e.g. not physically present at the baccarat game table).

[042] Live player: A player that is playing a live game. The player is expected to be physically present in the physical real-life environment (e.g. physically present at the baccarat game table).

[043j Trend (of game results): A series of game results / outcomes which may show the 'biasness' of any trackable game. For example, the outcomes in casino games such as series of Banker / Player outcome in a Baccarat game; series of 'Blackjacks' and 'Busts' of the House in a Blackjack game; and winning numbers / winning sectors in a roulette game. Such outcomes may provide meaningful statistical information to the players to help them make decisions on their next bet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[044] Embodiments wiil be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. Like reference numerals and characters in the drawings refer to like elements or equivalents.

[045] In the following description, two well-known games (baccarat and roulette) are used to facilitate the description of embodiments of the invention. However, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that embodiments of the invention are not restricted to only baccarat and roulette and can be applicable to other games such as blackjack and Sicbo. Moreover, embodiments of the invention are not restricted to casino-type games, and can equally apply to games that may not involve wagering / betting (e.g. solitaire, chess, hearts, contract bridge). [046] HYBRID GAMING SYSTEM

[047] Figure 1 is a schematic of a hybrid gaming system 100, according to an embodiment of the invention. The system 100 comprises three modules: a casino floor module 02, a data centre 140 and a mobile gaming module 160.

[048] For conciseness, the following description may only refer to a single module / component, e.g. one game table, one server, one card tracker, etc. However, it is to be understood that the system(s) described herein can be adapted to accommodate multiple modules / components {i.e. multiple game tables, servers, and card trackers).

[049] The casino floor module 102 comprises components that are physically located at the premises of a casino or gaming facility. The components include physical game tables 104a / 104b, cameras 106a / 106b / 106c / 106d, electronic table game (ETG) consoles 108a / 108b and pit server 109. The pit server 109 is connected to network N and configured to act as a relay server for dealer consoies 1 10a / 1 10b, ETG consoles 108a / 108b and game & database server 144.

[050] Physical game table 104a may be a baccarat game table and comprise a dealer consoie 110a and a card tracker 1 12 (e.g. "Angel Eye®" from Angef Playing Cards Co., Ltd.). The card tracker 1 12 is a card shoe having a card scanner that is able to track the cards that have been dealt (i.e. brought into the game) by the dealer 1 14a. The card tracker 12 and a game & database server 144 are connected to network N via hubs 116 and 156, respectively. The card tracking information (e.g. which cards have been dealt, and when they were dealt) can be sent to the game & database server 144. The dealer console 10a allows the dealer 1 14a to facilitaie the playing of the game. The dealer console 1 10a may provide general functions for the dealer and/or advanced functions for the supervisor. General functions include, but are not limited to: (i) starting a new game, (ii) confirming a game result, (iii) performing a "last call" command (5 seconds countdown), (iv) performing a "no more bets" command, and (iv) pausing a game. Advanced functions include, but are not limited to: (i) voiding a game, and (ii) recalling a game. The dealer console 1 10a is connected to network N via hub 1 16 for communication with pit server 109 so that information between the dealer console 1 10a and the game & database server 144 can be exchanged. Cameras 106a / 106b are installed at appropriate locations to capture video and/or still images of the game that is being played at the physical game table 104a. Cameras 106a / 106b are connected to network N via hub 1 16 for communication with the streaming server 146 so that the captured videos and/or still images can be sent to the mobile devices 162 and electronic table game ^' (ETG) consoles 108a/108b.

[051] Physical game table 104b may be a roulette game table and further comprise a dealer console 1 10b and a roulette sensor 1 13 (e.g. roulette sensor from TCSJOHNHUXLEY™). The roulette sensor is fitted onto a roulette wheel and is able to track the winning numbers / colours. The roulette sensor 1 13 and game & database server 144 are connected to network N via hubs 1 16 and 156, respectively. The roulette sensor information (e.g. what are the winning numbers / colours, and when they were won) can be sent to the game & database server 144. The dealer console 1 10b has similar functionalities as the dealer console 1 10a described above. The dealer console 10b is connected to network N via hub 1 16 for communication with pit server 109 so that information between the dealer console 1 10b and the game & database server 144 can be exchanged. Cameras 106c / 106d are installed at appropriate locations to capture video and/or still images of the game that is being played at the physical game table 104b. Cameras 106c / 106d are connected to network N via hub 1 16 for communication with streaming server 146 so that the captured videos and/or still images can be sent to mobile devices 162 and electronic table game (ETG) consoles 108a/108b.

[052] The cameras 106a / 106b / 06c / 106d (which may be digital image capturing devices or digital video capturing devices), card tracker 1 2 and roulette wheel sensor 1 13 may be collectively referred to as tracking devices. These tracking devices are configured to capture events that occur during a live game (as defined above).

[053] ETG consoles 108a / 108b are connected to pit server 109 and network N via hub 1 16 for communication with game & database server 144. The ETG consoles 108a / 108b allow players who are not physically present at the physical game tables 104a / 104b but who are within the casino premises to participate, in real-time, in games that are being played at the physical game tables 04a / 04b. The ETG consoles 108a / 108b may have display screens and input modules (e.g. keypads) or integrated input/output modules (e.g. touch-screens) capable of displaying user interfaces that allow players to participate, in real-time, in games that are being played at the physical game tables 104a / 104b. Relevant information (e.g. cards being dealt (in the case of baccarat), the winning numbers / colours (in the case of roulette), the dealer's moves, other mobile or live players' moves and bets) received from the relevant tracking devices (e.g. card tracker 1 12, roulette sensor 1 13, cameras 106a / 106b / 106c / 106d, etc) are displayed through the ETG console user interfaces.

[054] The data centre 140 comprises components that may be physically located at the premises of a casino or gaming facility (e.g. at the back office), or located offsite (i.e. remote from the casino or gaming facility). The components include a legacy casino system (DRS) 142, a game & database server 144, a streaming server 146, an administrator consoie 148 and a payment processor server 149. The data centre 140 provides back-end game processing and payment integration to allow processing of bets / winnings and debiting / crediting of players' accounts to facilitate the simultaneous betting in different games being played at different locations within the casino and/or in remote affiliated casinos and/or online (Internet) casinos.

[055] Use of the term 'server' herein may be understood to mean a single computing device or a pluraiity of interconnected computing devices which operate together to perform a particular function. That is, the server may be contained within a single hardware unit or be distributed among several or many different hardware units. An exemplary computing device which may be operated as a server is described below with reference to Figure 2 below.

[056] The legacy casino system (DRS) 142 is typically a proprietary reporting system that puts data into perspective, giving casino management an elevated dimension for decision making. The DRS 142 may include the following sub-systems / modules: (i) table game module, (is) slot module, (iii) treasury module, (iv) casino membership module, and (v) backend report module.

[057] The streaming server 146 (e.g. WOWZA® streaming server) is used for streaming of live and on-demand video, audio, and RIAs (rich Internet applications) over IP networks to desktop, laptop, and tablet computers, mobiie devices, IPTV set-top boxes, internet-connected TV sets, and other network- connected devices such as the ETG consoles 108a / 108b and mobiie electronic device 162. The streaming server 146 can stream to multiple types of playback clients and devices (e.g. mobile electronic device 162) simultaneously, including Adobe Flash player, Microsoft Silverlight player, Apple QuickTime Player and iOS devices {iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch), 3GPP mobile phones (Android, BiackBerry OS, Symbian, etc.), IPTV set-top boxes, and game consoles such as Nintendo Wii, Sony PS3 and ETG consoles 108a / 108b.

[058] The streaming server 146 is connected to network N via hub 156 in order to stream content to ETG consoles 108a / 108b and/or mobile electronic device 162. Video feed from the cameras 106a / 106b / 106c / 106d are sent to the streaming server 146.

[059] The game & database server 144, which is connected to network N, can receive, at least: (i) card tracking information from the card tracker 1 12, and (ii) roulette sensor information from the roulette sensor 1 13. The game & database server 144 can also receive and send data to / from the pit server 109. The game & database server 144 is configured to process and record bet information, game mode (e.g. live, mechanical or random number generator), game results, win allocation and mobile player information. The game & database server 144 is also configured to execute the hybrid gamepiay and control the user interface (e.g. send and receive data to / from the ETG consoles 108a / 108b and/or mobile electronic device 162 to control the user interface). The game & database server 144 may be further configured to collate trend results of selected games which are simultaneously broadcasted to the ETG consoles 108a / 108b and/or mobile electronic device 162 together with the video feed from the cameras. The game & database server 144 may also be in communication with a wide-area progressive jackpot module which manages wide-area progressive jackpots.

[060] In a further implementation, mobile applications ("apps") may be provided for downloading onto the mobile device 162 and/or ETG consoles 108a / 108b to allow mobile players to select which game(s) are to be played simultaneously, and which game events / results are to be displayed on the mobile device 162 and/or ETG consoles 108a / 108b. As the mobile device 162 and/or ETG consoles 108a / 108b may have a relatively small display screen size, there may be provided a user interface with multiple layers of displays / windows.

[061] The administrator console 148 provides an interface for users (e.g. casino operators and gaming administrators) to access the various functions of the game & database server 144. The administrator console 148 may include the following modules: (i) user module, (ii) customer module, (iii) game table module, (iv) cashier module, and (v) configuration module as well as (vi) a wide-area progressive jackpot management module. The user module may provide functions such as account maintenance and access group maintenance. The customer module may provide functions such as card type maintenance and card group maintenance. The game iabie module may provide functions such as game table maintenance, gaming area maintenance and gaming division maintenance. The cashier module may provide functions such as cashier commodity maintenance, cashier location maintenance and cage terminal maintenance. The configuration module may provide functions such as features maintenance, setting of parameters and reporting. The wide-area progressive jackpot management module manages the contribution to the progressive jackpots which may consist of few different jackpot amounts and monitors the outcome of games which may be iocated in a number of different remotely located physical casinos as well as associated jackpot games in online (internet) casinos.

[062] The game & database server 144, the streaming server 146, and the progressive game server / module may make up a computer system. The computer system, as a whole, may be configured to: receive the captured events from the tracking device(s); provide a virtual environment comprising one or more aspects corresponding to the live environment; incorporate the captured events into the virtual environment to provide a hybrid environment for a hybrid game, wherein the incorporated events in the hybrid environment occur substantially in real-time as the events that occur during the live game; and transmit data associated with the hybrid environment to an electronic device (e.g. ETG consoles 108a / 108b or mobile electronic device 162) for playing the hybrid game. In this context, the events that occur during the live game may inciude one or more of: dealing a playing card, the identity of the playing card, spinning a roulette wheel and the result of the roulette wheel spin. The aspects may comprise one or more of: at least a portion of a baccarat or roulette game table, wager(s) placed by a user of the electronic device and remaining credit belonging to the user.

[063] Payment processor server 149 is configured to handle all payment requests. For example, a player could use the ETG consoles 108a / 108b to perform reloading / top-up of credit in their account. In an implementation, players can insert their credit / debit cards into a card reader located at the ETG consoles, or 'tap' their contactless payment instruments (e.g. contactiess payment credit cards) on contactless readers (e.g. near field communication (NFC) readers) Iocated at the ETG consoles. In a further implementation, intranet-based mobile players may use their NFC enabled smartphones to reload / top-up credit in their account at an ETG console with a NFC reader without having to go to a cashier. Internet-based mobile players may reload / top- up credit in their account through payment processor server 149.

[064] Figure 2 shows an exemplary computing device to realize a server for the game & database server 144, streaming server 1 46 and/or legacy casino system (DRS) 142 shown in Figure 1 .

[065] The foilowing description of the computing device 200 is provided by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting . Therefore, one or more elements / components of the computing device 200 may be omitted. Also, one or more elements / components of the computing device 200 may be combined together. Additionally, one or more elements / components of the computing device 200 may be split into one or more component parts.

[066] With reference to Figure 2, the exemplary computing device 200 includes a processor 203 for executing software routines. Although a single processor is shown for the sake of clarity, the computing device 200 may also include a multi-processor system. The processor 203 is connected to a communication infrastructure 206 for communication with other components of the computing device 200. The communication infrastructure 206 may include, for example, a communications bus, cross-bar, or network.

[067] The computing device 200 further, includes a main memory 207, such as a random access memory (RAM), and a secondary memory 210. The secondary memory 210 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 212 and/or a removable storage drive 214, which may include a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, or the like. The removable storage drive 2 4 reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit 218 in a we!!-known manner. The removable storage unit 218 may include a magnetic disk, optical disk, or the like, which is read by and written to by removable storage drive 214. As will be appreciated by persons skilied in the relevant art(s), the removable storage unit 218 includes a computer readable storage medium having stored therein computer executable program code instructions and/or data.

[068] In an alternative implementation, the secondary memory 210 may additionally or alternatively include other similar means for aiiowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into the computing device 200. Such means can include, for exampie, a removable storage unit 222 and an interface 250. Examples of a removable storage unit 222 and interface 250 include a program cartridge and cartridge interface, a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM or PROM) and associated socket, and other removable storage units 222 and interfaces 250 which allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit 222 to the computing device 200.

[069] The computing device 200 also includes at least one communication interface 224. The communication interface 224 allows software and data to be transferred between computing device 200 and external devices via a communication path 226. in various implementations, the communication interface 224 permits data to be transferred between the computing device 200 and a data communication network, such as a public data or private data communication network. The communication interface 224 may be used to exchange data between different computing devices 200 which such computing devices 200 form part an interconnected computer network. Examples of a communication interface 224 can include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communication port, an antenna with associated circuitry and the like. The communication interface 224 may be wired or may be wireless. Software and data transferred via the communication interface 224 are in the form of signals which can be electronic, electromagnetic, optical or other signals capable of being received by communication interface 224. These signals are provided to the communication interface via the communication path 226.

[070] As shown in Figure 2, the computing device 200 further includes a display interface 202 which performs operations for rendering images to an associated display 230 and an audio interface 232 for performing operations for playing audio content via associated speaker(s) 234.

[071] As used herein, the term "computer program product" may refer, in part, to removable storage unit 218, removable storage unit 222, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 212, or a carrier wave carrying software over communication path 226 (wireless link or cable) to communication interface 224. A computer readable medium can include magnetic media, optical media, or other recordable media, or media that transmits a carrier wave or other signal. These computer program products are devices for providing software to the computing device 200. Computer readable storage medium refers to any non-transitory tangible storage medium that provides recorded instructions and/or data to the computing device 200 for execution and/or processing. Examples of such storage media inciude floppy disks, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray Disc™, a hard disk drive, a ROM or integrated circuit, USB memory, a magneioopticai disk, or a computer readable card such as a . PCMCIA card and the like, whether or not such devices are internal or external of the computing device 200. Examples of transitory or non-tangible computer readable transmission media that may also participate in the provision of software, application programs, instructions and/or data to the computing device 200 include radio or infra-red transmission channels as well as a network connection to another computer or networked device, and the internet or intranets including e-mail transmissions and information recorded on Websites and the iike.

[072] The computer programs (also called computer program code) are stored in main memory 207 and/or secondary memory 210. Computer programs can also be received via the communication interface 224. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computing device 200 to perform one or more steps that facilitate the implementation of a hybrid gaming system. The computer programs, when executed, enable the processor 203 to facilitate implementation of a hybrid gaming system. Accordingly, such computer programs may represent controllers of the computing device 200.

[073] Software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into the computing device 200 using the removable storage drive 214, the hard disk drive 212, or the interface 250. Alternatively, the computer program product may be downloaded to the computing device 200 over the communications path 226. The software, when executed by the processor 203, causes the computing device 200 to perform the necessary operations to execute one or more steps that facilitate the implementation of a hybrid gaming system.

[074] Turning back to Figure 1 , the mobile gaming module 160 comprises mobile electronic device 162 and antenna 164. As mentioned above, for conciseness, the following description may only refer to a single mobile electronic device or antenna. However, it is to be understood that the system(s) described herein can be adapted to accommodate multiple mobile electronic devices or antennae.

[075] The mobile electronic device 162 is in communication with antenna 164 for wireless connection to network N. Details of the wireless connection are known and not within the scope of the invention, and therefore will not be elaborated further. Here, the network N may be the casino's local area network (LAN). [076] In one implementation, the mobile electronic device 162 may be connected to the LAN via W!FI. The user of the mobile electronic device 162 is expected to be within the casino's premises in order to participate in the hybrid game. LAN authentication for the mobile electronic device 162 may be tied to Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs) that are configured for various access points. Downloadable mobile applications may be made avaiiabie for the mobile devices to provide an interface for mobile players to select multiple games to be displayed in an customizable / intelligent manner on their mobile device screens, as well as the real-time display of respective trend results.

[077] In another implementation, the mobile electronic device 162 is connected to the LAN via an Internet connection. The user of the mobile electronic device 162 may not be within the casino's premises when participating in the hybrid game. For example, the user can be at home and still participate in the hybrid game. In this implementation, the game & database server 144 may be configured to allow 'external' connections so that mobiie electronic devices can be connected to the LAN via an Internet connection/WlFI. For example, the game & database server 144 may be configured to create an Intranet-enabled virtual environment. Downloadable mobile applications may be made avaiiabie for the mobile devices to provide an interface for mobile players to select multiple games to be displayed in an customizable / intelligent manner on their mobiie device screens, as well as the real-time display of respective trend results.

[078] An exemplary computing device which may be realized as the mobile electronic device 62 is described below with reference to Figure 3 below.

[079] Figure 3 is a schematic of an exemplary wireless computing device 300 thai may be utilized to implement the mobile electronic device 162 shown in Figure 1. The wireless device 300 comprises a keypad 302, a touch-screen 304, a microphone 306, a speaker 308 and an antenna 310. The wireless device 300 is capable of being operated by a user to perform a variety of different functions, such as, for example, hosting a telephone call, sending an SMS message, browsing the Internet, sending an email and providing satellite navigation.

[080] The wireless device 300 comprises hardware to perform communication functions (e.g. telephony, data communication), together with an application processor and corresponding support hardware to enable the wireless device 300 to have other functions, such as, messaging, internet browsing, email functions and the like. The communication hardware is represented by the RF processor 312 which provides an RF signal to the antenna 310 for the transmission of data signals, and the receipt therefrom. Additionally provided is a baseband processor 314, which provides signals to and receives signals from the RF Processor 312. The baseband processor 314 also interacts with a subscriber identity module 316, as is well known in the art. The communication subsystem enables the wireless device 300 to communicate via a number of different communication protocols including 3G, 4G, GSM, WiFi, Wi-fi direct, Bluetooth™ and/or CDMA. The communication subsystem of the wireless device 900 is beyond the scope of the invention.

[081] The keypad 302 and the touch-screen 304 are controlled by an application processor 318. A power and audio controller 320 is provided to supply power from a battery 322 to the communication subsystem, the application processor 318, and the other hardware. The power and audio controller 320 also controls input from the microphone 306, and audio output via the speaker 308. Also provided is a global positioning system (GPS) antenna and associated receiver element 324 which is controlled by the application processor 318 and is capable of receiving a GPS signal for use with a satellite navigation functionality of the wireless device 300.

[082] In order for the application processor 318 to operate, various different types of memory are provided. Firstly, the wireless device 300 inciudes Random Access Memory (RAM) 326 connected to the application processor 318 into which data and program code can be written and read from at will. Code placed anywhere in RAM 326 can be executed by the application processor 318 from the RAM 326. RAM 326 represents a volatile memory of the wireless device 300.

[083] Secondly, the wireiess device 300 is provided with a long-term storage 328 connected to the application processor 318. The long-term storage 328 comprises three partitions, an operating system (OS) partition 330, a system partition 332 and a user partition 334. The long-term storage 328 represents a non-volatile memory of the wireiess device 300.

[084] The touch-screen 304 is capable of displaying user interfaces that allow players to participate, in real-time, in games that are being played at the physical game tables 104a / 104b. Relevant information (e.g. cards being dealt (in the case of baccarat), the winning numbers / colours (in the case of roulette), the dealer's moves, other mobile or live players' moves and bets) received from the relevant tracking devices (e.g. card tracker 1 12, roulette sensor 1 13, cameras 106a / 106b / 106c / 106d, etc) are displayed through the user interfaces.

[085] In the present example, the OS partition 330 contains the firmware of the wireless device 300 which includes an operating system. Other computer programs may also be stored on the long-term storage 328, such as application programs, and the like. In particular, application programs which are mandatory to the wireless device 300, such as, in the case of a smartphone, communications applications and the like are typically stored in the system partition 332. The application programs stored on the system partition 332 would typically be those which are bundled with the wireless device 300 by the device manufacturer when the wireless device 300 is first sold.

[086] Application programs which are added to the wireless device 300 by the user would usually be stored in the user partition 334.

[087] As stated, the representation of Figure 3 is schematic. In practice, the various functional components illustrated may be substituted into one and the same component. For example, the long-term storage 328 may comprise NAND flash, NOR flash, a hard disk drive or a combination of these.

[088] Turning back to Figure 1 , the mobile electronic device 162 and ETC consoles 108a / 108b are configured to display (e.g. on touch-screen 304) a user interface for allowing a player to participate in the hybrid game. Through the user interface, the user can provide gameplay inputs and receive gamepiay outputs. Further details on the user interface will be described beiow. The system 100 allows players that are physically located away from a physical game table (e.g. physical game tables 104a / 104b) to participate, in real-time, in the game being played on the physical game table. One or more tracking devices (e.g. card tracker 1 12, roulette sensor 1 13, cameras 106a / 106b / 106c / 106d) provide information on the development of the game (e.g. what cards have been dealt, which numbers / colours have been won, the dealer's moves, other mobile or live players' moves, etc.) and the information can be displayed on the user interface. The players can input their moves (e.g. in the case of baccarat, bets on whether the banker wins, loses or draws; and the corresponding bet amount) through the user interface.

[089] In the hybrid game according to embodiments of the invention, the events that occur in the physical real-life environment (e.g. moves made by the live dealer and live players at the casino floor) can be fed to the virtual environment so that a mobile player (using his electronic device or an ETG console located away from the physical game table) can participate in the hybrid game in real-time. Similarly, events that occur in the virtual environment (e.g. moves made by the mobile players using the user interface displayed on the electronic device) can be fed to the physical real-life environment: so that a dealer and/or live player can take note of the mobile players' moves. In this manner, the hybrid game comprises gameplay that is conducted in both a virtual and a physical real-life environment. The virtual environment and physical real-life environment co-exist simultaneously such that events that occur in the virtual environment can be experienced in the physical real-life environment, and vice versa. Moreover, as the two environments co-exist simultaneously, any event that occurs in any environment can be seen by ail participants (regardless of environment) in real-time.

[090] Embodiments of the invention allow higher game participation rates as players that are located away from a physical game table can still participate in the game. For example, a user who is at home or having a meal at the casino's restaurant can participate in the game using his mobile electronic device. Further, the game is not a "full" virtual game where the entire gameplay is administered by a computer. Rather, the presence of live facilitators / croupiers / dealers, and the provision of real-time developments of a game that is being played out on a physical game table, allows a more immersive and realistic gaming experience.

[091] Embodiments of the invention can be extended to "wide-area" hybrid gaming, where there is the ability for players to access and bet in different games located at different physical locations within a specific casino and/or other remotely linked casinos {e.g. linked via the Internet), including access to online (internet) casino games. That is, embodiments of the invention can be implemented and integrated across multiple casinos (physical environments). For example, if a casino operator has a chain of casinos in various countries, a mobile player (away from the casino, e.g. at home), can be simultaneously playing a hybrid baccarat game (where the physical baccarat game is being played in Singapore) and a hybrid roulette game (where the physical roulette game is being played in Malaysia). Therefore, although Figure 1 shows a casino floor module 102 with two physical game tables 104a / 104b, it is possible connect multiple casino floor modules (from different casinos) to provide "wide-area" hybrid gaming. A "wide-area" hybrid gaming system can include a wide-area jackpot to facilitate the liquidity of progressive jackpots games shared by a number of physical casinos and/or online casinos. The progressive jackpots may be side bets associated with a main table game such as Baccarat or Blackjack, thus enhancing the chance and player's experience in the casino (with the possibility of striking a wide-area progressive jackpot side game).

[092] Embodiments of the invention ailow players to simultaneously bet on different games while waiting for the completion of a particular game cycle. For example, a player can play roulette whiie waiting for the game cycle of a live Blackjack table game to finish because some other players on the same Blackjack table may be deliberating on his/her decision to 'hit' or 'stay' in the Blackjack game. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention allow players to participate in other online casino games while waiting for the game cycle of live games (e.g. Blackjack or Roulette) to be completed in the live casino.

[093] In an implementation, the hybrid gaming system can be further capable of simultaneously broadcasting events and game trends of a plurality of different games to players who may be located in different physically separate casinos. The events and game trends can be displayed on an ETG console or mobile electronic device in an intelligently sorted manner. The display of game trends on the ETG console or mobile electronic device can be player customizable. The hybrid gaming system can also be configured to manage wide-area progressive jackpots which may be incorporated as a side bet to a main game; and also to provide downloadable mobile applications ("apps") for the mobile devices to enable the devices to provide an appropriate interface for the mobile piayers to select multiple games to be simultaneously displayed in an intelligent manner on their devices, as well as for trend results to be. displayed in real-time.

[094] Figure 4 shows a flowchart depicting steps of a method of hybrid gaming. The method includes the following steps as detailed below and described with reference to Figure 1. Step 402 involves capturing events that occur during a plurality of live games, the live games being played in respective iive environments. Step 404 involves providing a plurality of virtual environments, each virtuai environment comprising one or more aspects corresponding to each iive environment. Step 406 involves incorporating the captured events into the virtual environments to provide a plurality of hybrid environments for a plurality of hybrid games, wherein the incorporated evenis in the hybrid games occur substantially in real-time as the evenis that occur during the live games. Step 408 involves providing a user interface to be displayed on an electronic device for playing the hybrid game, the user interface comprising the hybrid environments. The method of hybrid gaming may further comprise configuring the user interface to concurrently accept a plurality of user inputs for one or more of the hybrid environments. The p!urality of user inputs comprises wagers of one or more denominations.

[095] USER INTERFACE

[096] The foliowing description relates to user interfaces that allow players to participate in a hybrid game. The mobiie eiectronic device 162 and ETG consoles 108a / 108b are configured to display (e.g. on touch-screen 304) the user interfaces shown in Figures 5 to 14. Through the user interfaces, players can provide gameplay inputs and receive gameplay outputs.

[097] In an exemplary implementation, the user interface comprises a lobby page and game page(s). The lobby page provides an overview of all the hybrid games that a player is participating in. The game page(s) display one or more sessions of a selected hybrid game in more detail.

[098] Figure 5 shows an example of a iobby page 500 of a user interface. The Iobby page 500 provides an overview of all the hybrid games that a player is participating in. In this case, the user is playing baccarat and roulette, two sessions in each game. Therefore, the iobby page displays four table views {baccarat table RB101 , baccarat table RB102, roulette table 1R221 and roulette table IR222). The overview includes results, status / developments of the game and other critical information. For example, in baccarat table RB101 , it is shown that the banker has won 516 the current round. In baccarat table RB102, the player is prompted to place his bets 518 and the amount of time remaining to place his bets 520 is shown. In roulette table 1R221 , the winning number "24" of the current round 522 is shown. Finally, in roulette table IR222, the player is prompted to place his bets 524 and the amount of time remaining to place his bets 526 is shown.

[099] The Iobby page may also display a player's credit pool (e.g. casino chips). In lobby page 500, casino chips 502 are displayed in the middle of the Iobby page 500. The Iobby page may also display one or more buttons to activate certain commands, options, settings, etc. In Iobby page 500, there are buttons to: encash / cashout the player's winnings 504, read system messages 506, change the user interface language 508 ("ENG" for English), call an attendant 510, or call for help 512. In addition, the Iobby page may also display other information 514, such as credit remaining and non- negotiabie "NN" credit.

[0100] Icon 530 is a "dragon alert" icon which can light up or flash if a certain incident occurs. For example, in a baccarat game, such an incident may be a consecutive winning result (that is defined by the casino) in "Big Road". The "dragon alert' may also be a player-defined dragon alert (e.g. ping-pong dragon). That is, if a ping-pong dragon occurs, the icon 530 may light up or flash to alert the player. History bar 531 may display the winning result of the previous game. Trend results 532 provide "hot" numbers (i.e. most frequent winning numbers) and "cold" numbers (i.e. least frequent winning numbers) based on the results of past games (e.g. statistical data over the last 200 games). Icon 533 can be tapped to display a iist of active tables that can be played.

[0 01] Figure 6 shows an example of a lobby page 600 of a user interface that is similar to lobby page 500. At lobby page 600, a player can place his bets on eligible sessions. In this case, baccarat table RB102 and roulette table IR222 are awaiting the player's bets, as indicated by prompts 618 / 624. In an implementation, the user interface can be configured to support multiple touch points in order for a player to provide multiple inputs (e.g. bets). For example, the user interface can be configured to support ten touch points so that the player can play with both hands (i.e. place ten bets, one bet per finger). At iobby page 600, the player uses two fingers on his left hand 630 to place a bet (of two casino chips 680 of the same value) on a "player tie" for the ongoing session at baccarat table RB102. Subsequently or simultaneously, the player also uses all five fingers on his right hand 632 to place five bets (of one casino chip 680 each, all having the same value) on numbers "13", "15", "18", "21 " and "24" for the on-going session at roulette table IR222. The ability to support multiple touch points allows players to provide a plurality of inputs (e.g. bets), in games such as roulette, where it is common to place multiple bets on the physical game table, the user interface can provide a more immersive and realistic gaming experience to the mobile player by mimicking moves that are performed during a live game.

[0102] Besides facilitating the fast placing of bets using multiple denominated betting chips (i.e. chips with different values), "multi-touch betting" facilitates the 'sprinkling of betting chips' on games such as roulette (where multiple betting options are accepted), thereby making the placement of bets more efficient with respect to multiple betting options as well as multiple denomination betting. In addition, as the Iobby page can support a plurality of inputs (e.g. bets) across different sessions of different games, players are able to concurrently participate in more than one session of more than one game (e.g. two sessions of baccarat and two sessions of roulette, as shown in lobby page 600). This is in contrast to the prior art where inputs (e.g. bets) in relation to only one session of a particular game are accepted at any one time.

[0103] Simuitaneous gaming at multiple tables of different games provides more opportunities for players to exploit the odds. Also, novice players can pick up the gameplay faster when playing simultaneous games at mu!tipie tables. Furthermore, simultaneous gaming at multiple tables of different games may increase the gaming revenue for casinos as more bets are placed within a certain period of time.

[0104] Figure 7 shows an example of a lobby page 700 of a user interface that is similar to lobby pages 500 and 600. in an implementation, the user interface can be configured to support multiple simultaneous drag-and-drop gestures so that mobile players can provide a plurality of simultaneous drag-and-drop type inputs. For example, a mobile player can drag different casino chips from his credit pool 702 onto various betting areas simultaneously. At lobby page 700, a player can place simultaneous bets on eligible sessions, in this case, baccarat table RB101 , baccarat table RB102, roulette table 1R221 and rouiette table 1R222 are awaiting the piayer's bets, as indicated by prompts 717 / 718 / 723 / 724. The user interface can be configured to support multiple touch points so that similar to lobby page 600, a player is able to provide multiple inputs (e.g. bets). At lobby page 700, the player uses his right hand 732 to simultaneously place a bet of two casino different chips, one 780 on a "banker tie" and the other 782 on "pearl/smal!/big eye/cockroach/sixth road" for the on-going session at baccarat table RB101. At the same time, the player also uses all five fingers on his left hand to place a bet of one casino chip 784 (that is of different value from the two casino chips above) for the on-going session at rouiette table IR222. The ability to support multiple simultaneous drag-and-drop gestures allows players to provide a plurality of simultaneous drag-and- drop type inputs across different sessions of different games. In games such as rouiette, where it is common to place multiple different bets on the physical game table simultaneously, the user interface can provide a more immersive and realistic gaming experience to the mobile player by mimicking moves that are performed during a live game.

[0105] Now turning to the game pages, the game pages display one or more sessions of a selected game in more detail. In an implementation, the game page may display a single session of a selected game in more detail. That is, if there are multiple sessions of a selected game, the user interface provides multiple game pages of the selected game. For example, with reference to Figure 5, if a player is participating in four sessions (at baccarat table RB101 , baccarat table RB102, roulette table IR221 and roulette table IR222), the user interface provides two baccarat game pages (one for baccarat table RB101 ; and one for baccarat table RB102) and two roulette game pages (one for roulette table IR221 ; and one for roulette table !R222).

[0106] In another implementation, the game page may display multiple sessions of a selected game in more detail. For example, with reference to Figure 5, if a player is participating in four sessions (at baccarat table RB101 , baccarat table RB102, roulette table IR221 and roulette table IR222), the user interface may provide one baccarat game page (displaying both baccarat tables RB101 and RB102) and one roulette game page (displaying both roulette tables IR221 and IR222).

[0107] Figure 8 shows an example of a game page 800 of a user interface. The game page 800 shows the implementation where the game page displays a single session of a selected game in more detail, in this case, game page 800 provides details of one session of roulette. For example, compared to roulette table IR221 of the lobby page 500, the game page 800 provides more information and/or command options on the particular session of roulette, including:

a. video / still images 840 of the game that is being played at the physical game table, such as the dealer's actions, developments of the game (winnings numbers / colours), actions of live players. Cameras 106a / 106b / 106c / 106d capture the video and/or still images

b. statistics 842 or trends of previous rounds that were played at the physical game table

c. result 844 of the last (or current) round that was (or is) piayed at the physical game table. For example, the roulette sensor 1 13 detects the result of the round and sends the result to the dealer console 10b. Assuming that the result is detected correctly, the dealer 114b confirms the result on the dealer console 1 10b. Upon confirmation, the dealer console 110b then sends the result to the pit server 109. The result is synchronised from the pit server 109 to game & database server 44 and/or ETG consoles 108a /108b for display on the game page 800. The game & database server 144 may be configured to send the result to the mobile electronic device 162 and/or ETG consoles 108a / 108b for display on the game page 800. d. countdown 846 of the time remaining to make the next move (e.g. pface a bet)

e. betting options 848 (e.g. different bet denominations)

f. first command options 850 (e.g. to repeat the last action, to double the previous bet, to undo the latest action, to clear all bets)

g. second command option 854 to view the race layout

h. third command option 856 to view the roulette wheel layout

i. view of virtual game table 852, showing either: (i) bets from the user only (e.g. chip 890), or (ii) bets from the user and aggregate bets from other mobile players (e.g. chip 892). Here, "mobile players" refers to players participating in the hybrid game through an ETG console or a mobile electronic device, i.e. not physicaliy present at a physical roulette game table in the casino.

[0108] Figures 9a and 9b show an example of a game page 900 of a user interface. The game page 900 shows the implementation where the game page displays a single session of a selected game in more detail. In this case, game page 900 provides details of one session of baccarat. For example, compared to roulette table RB101 of the lobby page 500, the game page 900 provides more information and/or command options on the particular session of baccarat, including:

a. video / still images 940 of the game that is being played at the physical game table, such as the dealer's actions, developments of the game (e.g. cards being dealt), actions of live players. Cameras 106a / 106b / 106c / 106d capture the video and/or still images

b. limited interactive video images 945 (see Figure 9b) such as the selection of an option for the display of folded cards with an animated card squeezing feature. The video images 945 may temporarily overlay display shown in Figure 9a.

c. indications whether the player wins 942 or the banker wins 944 the current round (see Figure 9b). For example, virtual cards may be displayed at boxes 942 / 944. This may be implemented as follows. The card tracker 112 detects the cards that are dealt and sends the result to the dealer console 1 10a. Assuming that the dealt cards are detected correctly, the dealer 114a confirms the result on the dealer console 1 10a. Upon confirmation, the dealer console 1 10a then sends the result to the game & database server 144. The result is recorded at the game & database server 144. The game & database server 144 is also configured to send the result to the mobile electronic device 162 and/or ETG consoles 108a / 108b for display on the game page 900 {e.g. at boxes 942 / 944).

d. countdown 946 of the time remaining to make the next move (e.g. place a bet)

e. betting options 948 (e.g. different bet denominations)

f. command options 950 (e.g. to repeat the last action, to double the previous bet, to undo the latest action, to clear all bets)

g. display of trends corresponding to a "big road" 954

h. display of trends corresponding to a "pearl/small/big eye/cockroach/sixth road" 956

i. view of virtual game table 952, showing either: (i) bets from the user only, or (if) bets from the user and aggregate bets from other mobile players. Here, "mobile players" refers to players participating in the hybrid game through an ETG console or a mobile electronic device, i.e. not physically present at a physical baccarat game table in the casino

j. option button 953 to enable players to define a chi denomination for use in a particular game session, and upon clock out, the denomination will be reset to minimum denomination of the table.

[0109] Figures 10a and 10b show an example of game pages 1001 and 003 of a user interface. Game page 1001 is similar to game page 900, but has an additional enlarged zoom-in display 1001 a of the video stream / still image 940. Game page 1003 is similar to game page 800, but has an additional enlarged zoom-in display 1003a of the video stream / still image 840. In one implementation, the enlarged zoom-in displays 100 a / 1003a can be activated manually, e.g. by pressing a button (not shown) on the touch screen. Configuring the user interface to provide the option of an enlarged zoom-in displays may result in a better gaming experience as players may be keen to clearly see the outcome of certain critical events (e.g. which cards were dealt).

[0110] in another implementation, the enlarged zoom-in displays 1001 a / 1003a can be activated automatically, e.g. during a certain event. For instance, the enlarged zoom-in displays 1001 a / 1003a can be automatically activated when a dealer starts dealing card (for a baccarat game on game page 1001 ), when a dealer spins the roulette whee! (for a roulette game on game page 1003), or after the dealer activates the "no more bets" command on the dealer console. Configuring the user interface to provide automatic activation of the enlarged zoom-in displays may result in a more exciting gaming experience as players may be keen to monitor the outcome of certain critical events (e.g. which cards were dealt).

[01 11] Figure 1 shows an example of game page 1100 of a user interface. Game page 1 100 is similar to game page 900, but has an additional incident notifier / event alert indication 101. The event alert indication 1 01 can be configured to trigger / appear (optionally with an audio alert, e.g. through speaker 234) when a certain predetermined incident / event occurs. For instance, in Figure 11 , event aiert indication 1 101 shows a dragon icon that represents a "dragon aiert" when the predefined result patterns of a "big road" is matched. This event alert indication 1 101 seeks to alert players of the occurrence of certain events so that action may be taken. For example, the player can tap on the dragon icon in order to access a list of baccarat tables with different "dragons". The game & database server 144 may record and monitor the results of past games; and may be configured to trigger the "dragon alert" when the results of past games match the predefined results pattern.

[0112] Figures 12a and 12b show an alternative user interface of a baccarat game page. The game page 1200a shown in Figure 12a may include the following display items. Display items a. - g. below are similar to those of game pages 900 and 100, and therefore will not be elaborated further.

a. an indication of the credit (normal and non-negotiable ("NN")) remaining 1214

b. an event alert indication icon 1201 that can be configured to appear or Sight up when a certain event occurs, e.g. "dragon aiert" described above. Users may define their own "dragon" pattern or choose to receive an alert based on a pre-defined "dragon" pattern.

c. display of trends corresponding to a "big road" 1254

d. display of trends corresponding to a "small road" 1256

e. view of virtual game fable 1252, showing either: (i) bets from the user only (e.g. 1290), or (si) bets from the user and aggregate bets from other mobile players. Here, "mobile players" refers to players participating in the hybrid game through an ETG console or a mobile electronic device, i.e. not physically present at a physical baccarat game table in the casino

f. betting options 1248 (e.g. different bet denominations), or when applicable, an indication that no more bets are allowed to be placed g. command options 1250 (e.g. to repeat the last action, to double the previous bet, to undo the latest action, to clear all bets)

[01 13] Sn an example implementation, if the event alert indication icon 1201 in game page 1200a appears / lights up and is tapped, the game page 1200b is displayed. Game page 1200b displays various trends or result histories of different hybrid game(s). For example, in game page 1200b, the trends ("ping-pong" and "long dragon") of a particular hybrid baccarat game being played at table Β202" are displayed. The user may also view the trends or result histories of other hybrid games, e.g. the games played at table Β201 " and ΊΒ203". An example user action to toggle between the trends or result histories of other hybrid games may be "swiping" the screen to the left or right.

[0114] Figures 13a - d and 14a - b show examples of game pages of a user interface that allow pfayers to "squeeze" cards. This user interface is suitable for games where cards are used (e.g. baccarat, blackjack, etc). For example, when playing baccarat, players squeeze the cards in order to slowly reveal the value of the card. This may prolong excitement and tension by slowly revealing small sections of the card at a time. Squeezing the cards in baccarat does not change the value of the cards or have any impact over what cards are dealt.

[01 15] Turning to Figures 13a - d, the user interface allows a player to squeeze (i.e. slowly reveal) the value of the card. The person who has the biggest bet may be given the right to squeeze the cards or nominate someone else to open the cards. Alternatively, a "mass card squeeze" can be allowed where all players are allowed to squeeze the cards. In one implementation, a player uses his finger(s) to push the long edge of the card forward in order to cause the Song edge of the card to roll over to slowly reveal the value of the card. Alternatively, the player uses his index finger(s) to press a portion of the card down while simultaneously using his thumb push the long edge of the card forward in order to cause the long edge of the card to roll over to slowly reveal the value of the card. Other possible user actions to "squeeze" the card include: (i) double tapping the card to be "squeezed" and (ii) dragging the card to be "squeezed" from all corners.

[0116] With reference to Figures 14a - b, in another implementation, a player can tap a button (not shown) on the user interface or tap the card itself to automatically squeeze the card, i.e. the value of the card is slowly revealed automatically. For example, the player taps the cards shown in Figure 14a. Over a certain period of time (e.g. 5 seconds), the side of the card that is facing down is slowly revealed automaticaliy, and Figure 14b shows the cards being entirely revealed after the certain period of time.

[01 17] A user interface that allows players to squeeze the cards or automatically squeezes the cards can provide a more exciting and engaging gaming experience compared to a user interface that is only capable of instantaneous card revealing. Squeezing the cards at the physical game table {e.g. baccarat game table) is a common practice and allowing mobile players to mimic "real-life" actions enhances the realism of the game.

[01 18] In an embodiment, there is provided an electronic device comprising: a display screen; at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the device at least to: display a user interface on the display screen, the user interface comprising a plurality of hybrid environments, each hybrid environment comprising a virtual environment with events that occur in a live environment incorporated therein, wherein the incorporated events in the hybrid environment occur substantially in real-time as the events that occur in the live environment; and concurrently accept a plurality of user inputs for one or more of the hybrid environments. The plurality of user inputs may comprise wagers of one or more denominations. The electronic device may be a mobile electronic device (such as a mobile phone, computer tablet, laptop PC) or an electronic table game console.

[01 19] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.