Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for conducting games.

More specifically, the present invention is a system and method for conducting a game feature at a live, electronic, or live/electronic game by converting game indicia selected and dealt at the live, electronic, or live/electronic game to a data stream for generating a game feature outcome.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Live games, such as live table games, keno, bingo, and the like, are well known in the casino gaming industry. Most of the recent development in live games, however, has been in producing new games, such as Spanish 21™ or Let It Ride™, developing new side bets for existing games, such as the Lucky Ladies side bet for blackjack, or networking live games to produce large, progressive jackpots, rather than using the live game to produce a separate and independent game to draw new players who may be uncomfortable with the live game format.

[0003] Electronic casino games have increased in popularity. With the rise in

popularity, and because electronic casino games are often less expensive to operate, much innovation has taken place in the electronic casino game industry. These include linked and standalone jackpots, community gaming, internet gaming, mobile gaming, server-based gaming, and a myriad of other developments that span a variety of categories. Even when electronic casino games are based on the same or similar mathematical model, computer graphics and animation can make the same game look completely different across different gaming machines. [0004] Thus, it can be seen that there is a need in the art for a system and method for conducting a game feature at a live or electronic game by converting game indicia selected and dealt at the live or electronic game to a data stream for generating a game feature outcome.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention includes a method for conducting a game feature. The game feature is generated for at least one game conducted for a plurality of players. The game utilizes game indicia selected and dealt in the game to generate a game outcome.

[0006] A controller and a display in communication with the controller are

provided. The controller executes program instructions to receive data at the controller representing game indicia dealt in the game. In one optional embodiment, game indicia are represented by physical game pieces. In one such optional embodiment, an optical reader is provided. Optionally, the optical reader may be incorporated into a playing card shoe, a gaming table, or the like. Game indicia are read from the physical game pieces at the optical reader and data representing the game indicia are transmitted from the optical reader to the controller. In another optional embodiment, the game indicia are represented by electronic game pieces at an electronic gaming device. In one such optional embodiment, the electronic gaming device transmits data representing dealt game indicia to the controller.

Optionally, a game history may be stored at a data storage in communication with the controller. The game history may include at least a record of the data

representing the game indicia dealt. [0007] Optionally, a wager is received. Wagers may be received from players in the game or participants who are not players of the game, e.g., back-bettors.

[0008] A game feature outcome is generated based on the data independent of the game in which the game indicia were dealt. Specifically, in an optional embodiment in which data representing game indicia come from a plurality of simultaneous and/or sequential games, the game feature outcome is generated independent of, that is, without regard to, which game the game indicia were dealt. In one optional embodiment, the game is conducted for at least a plurality of players and a dealer and the game feature outcome is generated based on the data independent of to whom the game indicia were dealt.

[0009] The game feature outcome is displayed at the display. Optionally, a reward is issued based on the game feature outcome.

[0010] A system for conducting a game feature includes a display and a controller in communication with the display. The controller is adapted to execute program instructions to receive data at the controller representing game indicia dealt in the game. The controller generates a game feature outcome based on the data independent of the game in which the game indicia were dealt and displays the game feature outcome at the display. In an optional embodiment, the game is conducted for at least a plurality of players and a dealer and the controller generates the game feature based on the data independent of to whom the game indicia were dealt.

[0011] Optionally, the system includes a wagering terminal in communication with the controller adapted to receive a wager and issue a reward based on the game feature outcome. The wagering terminal may receive wagers and issue rewards to players of the game or participants who are not players of the game, e.g., back- bettors. [0012] In an optional embodiment, the system may include an optical reader. In such an optional embodiment, the optical reader reads game indicia from physical game pieces and transmits data representing the game indicia from the optical reader to the controller. Optionally, the optical reader may be incorporated into a playing card shoe or gaming table forming part of the system. In an optional embodiment, the system includes a plurality of optical readers for a plurality of simultaneously conducted games. In one such optional embodiment, the controller receives data representing game indicia from the plurality of optical readers and generates a game feature outcome independent of the optical reader from which the data were received.

[0013] In another optional embodiment, the system includes an electronic gaming device. In one such optional embodiment, the electronic gaming device deals game indicia represented by electronic game pieces. In such an optional embodiment, data representing dealt game indicia is transmitted from the electronic gaming device to the controller. Optionally, a system may include a plurality of electronic gaming devices for a plurality of simultaneously conducted games. In one such optional embodiment, the controller receives data representing game indicia from the plurality of electronic gaming devices and generates a game feature outcome independent of the electronic gaming device from which the data were received.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the system includes a data storage in

communication with the controller. The data storage is optionally adapted to store at least a history of data representing the dealt game indicia.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description

[0022] Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred to by like numerals throughout. The present invention includes a method and system for conducting a game feature for a live game. It is contemplated that the game feature may be applied to any live game. For example, the present invention may be applied to live table games, such as roulette, craps, pai gow, big wheel, live card games, or the like, live selection games, such as bingo, keno, or the like, or any other type of live game. As discussed in greater detail below, the present invention may be applied to games with a live or electronic dealer using live or electronic game pieces. That is, it is contemplated that the present invention includes, for example, a live game in which a computer-controlled dealer deals computer- generated playing cards as well as a live game in which a live dealer deals physical playing cards.

[0023] The game feature may take any form. That is, the game feature may be as straightforward as a fixed or variable payout or may include animation, graphics, and/or interaction from one or more players. In an optional embodiment, player interaction during a game feature may influence the outcome of the game. For example, player interaction may increase or decrease the payout to the player(s). Alternatively, player interaction may entertain the player(s) without affecting the outcome of the game. For example, the payout is randomly determined and fixed independent of any player interaction.

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a method according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented through a system including a controller 102 communicating with a display 104. The controller 102 may take any form, including a general purpose computer, specific purpose computer, server, electronic gaming device, or the like. In an optional embodiment, the controller 102 communicates with an input device 106 for manually or automatically receiving data representing game indicia selected in the game. For example, the input device 106 may take the form of a button panel, keyboard, keypad, optical reader 202

(discussed in greater detail below), communication link, electronic gaming device 302 or the like. The controller 102 may also include a data processor 108. The data processor 108 may take any form, such as a microprocessor or the like.

[0025] The display 104 may take any form. For example, the display 104 may

include a cathode-ray tube ("CRT") monitor, liquid crystal display ("LCD"), plasma display, organic light emitting diode ("OLED") display, or the like. The display 104 and controller 102 may communicate directly or indirectly, such as through a video controller or video card. In an optional embodiment, the display 104 may also function as an input device in the form of a touch screen device. Optionally, the display includes speakers and an audio board to generate or reproduce recorded speech, sound effects, music, or other sounds. It is contemplated that when the display 104 is not controlled to display a game feature outcome, a display 104 may be controlled to produce an attract display, text such as game instructions, prerecorded or live video, or the like, with or without accompanying sound.

[0026] In an optional embodiment, the controller 102 may communicate with a data storage 110. The data storage 110 may be local to the controller 102 or may be remote. The data storage 110 may include magnetic storage, optical storage, flash memory, electrically programmable memory, electrically alterable memory, or the like. As discussed in greater detail below, the data storage 110 may be directed by the controller 102 to store a variety of data including a game history.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the present invention includes a method for conducting a game feature for a game. In an optional embodiment, a wager is received 402. Optionally, a wager may be received from a player of the game or by a participant who is not a player of the game. Such a participant is often referred to as a back-bettor and the wagering is often referred to as back-betting. In such an optional embodiment, the participant (or back-bettor) participates by wagering on the game feature, but does not actually play the game. It is contemplated that the participant (or back-bettor) may be local to the game, e.g., at or near the location of the live game, or may participate from a remote location, such as via Internet, local area network, wide area network, cellular telephone network, short message service ("SMS"), or the like. [0028] Wagers may be received in any manner. In an optional embodiment in which the player and/or non-player participant are local to the game, a wager may be received at a live gaming table, live counter (such as in bingo, keno, or the like), delivered to a live runner, or any other manner. In an further optional embodiment, wagering terminals 112 may be provided. Wagering terminals 112 may take any form, including an interface at an electronic gaming deice, such as an electronic gaming table, video gaming machine, or slot machine, a personal computer, handheld device, cellular phone, or other device networked (locally or via the

Internet, for example) to a system according to an embodiment of the present invention, or any other form. As may be appreciated, such a wagering terminal 112 may include an input device for physically or electronically inputting the wager and, optionally, other data such as the player's identity and the like.

[0029] In an optional embodiment, a wager may designate a particular outcome or may make the player eligible for any winning outcome. For example, in one optional embodiment, the game feature outcome may take any of multiple different forms and the player may designate which of the forms to which the wager is applied similar to a proposition wager. In another optional embodiment, the game feature outcome may take multiple different forms, at least some of which may entitle the player to a reward similar to a slot machine.

[0030] The game is conducted 404 for at least one player, and optionally a dealer, using game indicia. Game indicia may take any form and may be embodied in any manner. For example, game indicia may include numbers or alpha-numeric combinations, playing card values and suits, dice values, roulette values and colors, slot machine symbols, or any other form of game indicia to determine a game outcome. Similarly, the game indicia may be embodied as physical game pieces, such as physical playing cards, physical dice, physical bingo or keno balls, and so forth, or as electronic game pieces, such as electronic playing cards, electronic dice, electronic bingo balls or keno balls, or the like.

[0031] Game indicia used in the game are converted to data which is received 406 at the controller 102. The acquisition and conversion can take any form. For example, as discussed above, an input device 106 may receive manual or automatic input of game indicia.

[0032] In one optional embodiment, game indicia may be manually input. For

example, a user may input a selected game indicium, such as a bingo number, keno number, roulette number, playing card value and suit, dice number, or the like, through a keyboard, keypad, touch screen, or other manual input device.

[0033] In another optional embodiment, game indicia may be automatically

acquired. For example, an optical reader 202 may be embedded in a card shoe, a gaming table, a ball blower, a card shuffler, or the like, which captures 502 an image of the game indicia from a physical game piece. For example, an optical reader 202 may include a camera communicating with a processor running optical recognition software or firmware to determine 504 the game indicia from the image captured by the camera. The software or firmware may output 506 data representing game indicia which are received at a controller 102. As may be appreciated, such a camera could be mounted above a gaming table, in the surface of a gaming table, in a card shoe, in a ball blower, in a card shuffler, a combination of locations, or any other location where the camera can capture an image of the game indicia.

[0034] In yet another optional embodiment, data representing game indicia may be received at the controller 102 from an electronic gaming table, electronic ball blower, electronic roulette table, or other electronic gaming device 302 operated using a random number generator rather than a physical device. In one such optional embodiment, a map correlates numbers or number combinations to game indicia. As the random number generator generates numbers, the corresponding game indicia are determined from the map. In one such optional embodiment, data representing selected and/or dealt game indicia used in the game are transmitted to a controller 102 by the electronic gaming device 302.

[0035] By way of example, an optical reader 202 may be provided on a roulette table where data representing a string of numbers selected in the roulette game are received at a controller 102. For example, a controller may receive a data stream representing roulette numbers 8 23 14 32 34 17 11 28 over eight sequential spins, i.e., eight sequential roulette games. In a further example, a controller may communicate with multiple roulette tables and receives a data stream representing roulette numbers 19 8 14 32 25 from one roulette table and a data stream

representing roulette numbers 27 29 00 12 24 from another roulette table.

Optionally such data streams are combined. The data streams may be ordered according to time or concatenated or otherwise combined into a single data set. Continuing with the example above, in an optional embodiment the data streams from two roulette tables conducting games more or less simultaneously may result in a combined data set representing roulette numbers 19 8 27 14 29 00 32 12 24 25.

[0036] It is contemplated that such streams of data may be collected from any type of live or electronic game. For example, a stream of data representing playing cards dealt on four linked blackjack tables may include 10£? 5 V 5ώ Q 90 J£? 6ώ 30 Αώ 80 8ώ. It is noted that in this optional embodiment, the stream of data does not necessarily represent hands dealt at the blackjack tables, but rather game indicia on the playing cards dealt. Thus, the data representing the game indicia are received at the controller 102 independent of the player to whom the playing card is dealt or, in an optional embodiment, independent of the table at which it was dealt. Moreover, in an optional embodiment, no distinction is made between playing cards dealt to the dealer or players and, thus, is independent of whether the playing card is a dealer card or a player card. Further, in an optional embodiment, the data stream is independent of the game outcome for any particular player or the dealer. For example, in the blackjack example, it may be irrelevant if a card caused a player or the dealer to "bust." Rather, the stream of data only represents the selected

(and/dealt dealt) game indicia. In this regard, it is noted that game indicia may be collected from live or electronic games that are of the same type, i.e., multiple blackjack tables, or different types, i.e., a roulette table, two craps tables, and multiple blackjack tables. As discussed in greater detail below, the stream of data representing game indicia may be used in a variety of ways to generate game feature outcomes that may or may not be apparent to the players and non-player

participants.

Moreover, the segments of data representing each game indicium may not necessarily represent the game indicium outwardly. For example, anA<> may not necessarily be represented by a data string "AD" or "14" if it is the fourteenth card in an unshuffled deck. Rather, it may be associated with any string of data. In this respect, the stream of data representing game indicia may be thought of as a randomly generated data string based on the random selection and/or dealing of game indicia, with the game indicia, individually or as a whole, translated, transformed, or otherwise converted to a stream of data usable, as discussed below, by a controller 102. [0038] As noted above, the controller 102 may communicate with a data storage

110. The data storage 110 optionally receives a game history from the controller

102, including the stream of data representing game indicia. In a further optional embodiment, game history may also include an identification of the source of the data, i.e., where the game indicia were selected and/or dealt, the time the data were received, the time or timing of the selection and/or dealing of the game indicia, and so forth. Such a game history may be utilized by the controller 102 in producing the game feature outcome and to record and verify the integrity of the game feature.

[0039] The game feature outcome may be generated 408 in any manner to determine whether a reward should be issued 410. Generally, the stream of data representing game indicia selected and/or dealt that is received at the controller 102 is used to generate 408 a game feature outcome. In one such optional embodiment, the data are used as a quasi-random number generator. For example, in the above example directed to roulette, the data stream representing the roulette numbers 19 8 27 14 29

00 32 12 24 25 may be mapped to a reward in a map stored at the controller 102.

Thus, when such a data stream of ten roulette numbers is received, the controller may generate a game feature outcome and issue the reward mapped to the set of roulette numbers.

[0040] In another optional embodiment, the stream of data representing game

indicia may be inspected by the controller 102 for a pattern of game indicia or a specific game indicium. For example, in a controller receiving a stream of data representing game indicia received from one or more playing card games, a stream of data may include game indicia of 20 90 30 40 KO 10 J£? 9V A<£> Αώ AV 6ώ. The controller 102 may search for a specific game indicium, such as a specific card (or a non-playable card, such as a blank card, colored card, bonus card, or the like) or a sequence of game indicia (such as six or more suited cards in any set of twelve game indicia). In such an example, the stream of data in the example meets such a criterion. Based on the cards read, the controller 102 may take action to activate a game feature, generate a winning game feature outcome, or the like. In one example, a non-playable card may, when identified from the stream of data, prompt the controller 102 to activate a game feature such as a bonus payout, or eligibility for a bonus payout, for a designated player, non-participant, or the like. In another example, the controller 102 may generate a winning game feature outcome, as distinguished from a losing game feature outcome, such as when a set of twelve game indicia includes a sequence of six or more suited cards.

[0041] In either case, it may not be apparent to the players or non-player

participants what triggered the winning or losing game feature outcomes. For example, where data representing game indicia are received from multiple sources, e.g., multiple optical readers at multiple gaming tables, any one player or non-player participant may not even see the complete stream of data fed to the controller 102.

[0042] Rather, when the game feature outcome is generated by the controller 102, the controller 102 may merely control a display 104 at one or more locations to display a game feature outcome. The game feature outcome, as discussed above, may be as simple as a display indicating that one or more players have received a reward. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 102 may control a display 104 to display graphics, animation, an interactive game, i.e., a game that receives input from players or non-player participants, optionally through an input device or touch screen device, or other dynamic display. [0043] In one optional embodiment, a dynamic display is a pre-recorded sequence that is non-interactive. For example, an animated or static screen may announce a prize amount of five credits (or five dollars) per eligible player.

[0044] In another optional embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a dynamic display is a sequence that receives player or non-player participant interaction, but which interaction does not affect the game feature outcome, that is, the interaction is illusory. For example, a player or non-player participant may be prompted to select a box from an array of boxes each containing a prize. In one such optional embodiment, the prize is the same without regard to the box selected. Thus, whether the first, third, or fifth box is selected, the displayed prize is always the same (although the display 104 may be controlled to display the contents of the other boxes to show the player the unwon prizes. However, the player would be unaware that the unwon prizes were not selectable by the player, but rather were only available when the game feature outcome was generated.

[0045] In yet another optional embodiment, a display 104 may be controlled by the controller 102 to conduct an interactive game in which player input does play a role in the game feature outcome. Such a game feature may be analogized to a secondary game or bonus game, but conducted for a live or electronic game rather than a slot machine or video gaming machine. For example, a hand or cards, a set of slot machine reels, or the like may be displayed and a player or non-player participant may be asked to select one or more cards to hold or one or more reels to lock while the remaining cards are replaced or reels are re-spun, respectively. Such a game may be conducted through an input device such as a touch screen device, button panel, keyboard, or other input device communicating directly or indirectly with the controller 102. [0046] Rewards may be issued based on the game feature outcome. In an optional embodiment, a wager may be required to be eligible to receive a reward. In a further optional embodiment, a player must also select the correct proposition to be eligible for a reward. For example, in a hi-low game feature, a player may, in placing a wager, select "Hi" or "Low." If the game feature is triggered, a player may select a card and the controller 102 may select a card. If the player-selected card is higher than the controller-selected card, players who wagered on "Hi" may be rewarded while players who wagered on "Low" may lose their wagers. If the player-selected card is lower than the controller-selected card, players wagering on

"Low" may be rewarded while players wagering on "Hi" may lose. Thus, it is important to note that the game feature may not always produce winning outcomes for all players, but that wagers may be at risk.

[0047] In another optional embodiment, players in the base game may automatically be eligible for any game features while non-player participants, i.e., back-bettors, may be required to place a wager for eligibility. If the game feature is not triggered, or the game feature results in a losing outcome, the back-bets may be lost. Players, however, may be treated differently from back-bettors by, for example, not losing when a game feature is not triggered or not losing when a game feature produces a winning outcome. Of course, it is contemplated that other variations on this may be provided.

[0048] In this regard, it is noted that eligibility may be measured from game to

game, but in an optional embodiment in which the game feature could span multiple games, such as when a data stream from sequential games on one or more tables is examined for patterns that match a mapped outcome, certain mapped outcomes may include losing game feature outcomes and others may include game winning outcomes, so that the game feature may operate totally independently of the underlying game. For example, in one such optional embodiment, it is possible that a game feature may be triggered in the middle of a blackjack or baccarat game when the stream of data representing dealt cards from one or more tables matches a mapped sequence. Thus, the rewards in the game feature (and any wagers placed for eligibility therefor) may be resolved during a game and the next ensuing game feature may commence immediately after the preceding game feature is completed, thereby starting during a game. It is in this manner that the game feature outcome may be generated independent of the game in which the game indicia producing the data were selected and/or dealt.

[0049] In one application of such an optional embodiment, non-playable game indicia may be introduced into an inventory of game indicia. For example, blank cards, colored cards, bonus cards, or other cards may be introduced into a deck or shoe of cards. When an optical reader identifies the occurrence of such a non- playable game indicium, the controller may be prompted to conduct a game feature. In one example, a game feature may simply include a payout for any bettor who wagered that a non-playable card would occur. In another example, the occurrence of such a non-playable card may signify eligibility for a bonus feature without necessarily triggering an automatic payout. For example, in one optional example, a non-playable card may essentially act as a random number generator to select one or more players who become eligible for a bonus payout if the eligible player(s) win an underlying game. In other words, the occurrence of a non-playable card in such an optional embodiment acts as a selector and as an eligibility trigger.

[0050] While certain embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described it is to be understood that the present invention is subject to many modifications and changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention presented herein.