EP1927088A1

EP1927088A1 - Electronic betting terminal

Info

Publication number: EP1927088A1
Application number: EP06779501A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Steven Wooding
Original assignee: Inspired Broadcast Networks Ltd
Current assignee: Inspired Gaming International Ltd
Priority date: 2005-09-22
Filing date: 2006-09-20
Publication date: 2008-06-04
Also published as: GB2430385A; AU2006293756A1; GB0519382D0; WO2007034182A1

Abstract

An electronic betting terminal for use in a networked gaming system arranged to permit a user to bet on an outcome of a roulette game. Based on predetermined conditions, e.g. the outcome of the roulette game and/or the amount of winnings earned from that outcome, a processing unit in the terminal is arranged to execute instructions to generate a secondary game that is independent of the roulette game. The terminal may permit a user to bet on an outcome of the secondary game, which may be a remote event whose result is communicated electronically to the terminal. A visual feed of the remote event may also be provided to the terminal.

Description

ELECTRONIC BETTING TERMINAL

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electronic betting or gaming terminal at which a user may place bets on one or more events.

Background to the Invention

Electronic betting or gaming terminals can already be found in casinos, where they give the user privacy when participating in games, and in high street betting shops, where they are known as fixed-odds betting terminals. The present invention relates to playing the game of roulette using such terminals.

Roulette is a well known gambling game played in many casinos. A participant places bets on the outcome of each spin of the wheel. One reason for roulette's popularity is the range of available odds for the possible results of each spin, i.e. from simple 50/50 chances (e.g. ball landing in a black/red coloured pocket) to more complicated long shots (e.g. the ball landing in a particular numbered pocket). Each spin is a stand alone bet, with winnings calculated and awarded before the next round of betting begins.

Traditionally, roulette bets were made by participants placing betting tokens on a grid printed on a baize situated close to the wheel. However, in a development in casino technology, electronic betting terminals are used, usually with one terminal per participant. One advantage of this arrangement is to give more privacy to the player and permit a greater number of possible participants by removing the space restriction involved when all players need access to the baize.

Fig. 1 shows schematically a known arrangement of electronic betting terminals used in roulette. A plurality of betting terminals 2 are connected to send and receive electronic instructions and information from a server 4. The server 4 is" connected to the roulette table 6, which is equipped with sensors to tell the server the result of a particular game. Before the spin result, the server 4 collects the data about the bets placed on the terminals 2 so that, on receipt of the result from the table 6, the server 4 can calculate and inform the terminals 2 of their individual results. In other words, the server 4 calculates the result of each individual's bet and communicates it to that individual's terminal 2. To give the participants a visual feel for the game, a camera 8 carries pictures of the table 6 to a screen 10 which can be viewed from the terminals 2.

In one arrangement, the terminals 2 each have a touch screen input mechanism 12 to enable the participant to place bets. Typically, the screen 12 depicts a graphical representation of the baize grid, and the bet is placed by selecting a cash amount and touching the place on the grid where that bet is to be made.

While a physically real roulette table is favoured in casinos because it represents a live event, it is possible for the roulette game to be virtual (i.e. computerised), e.g. based on the output of a random number generator in the server

4. Rg. 2 shows an example of such an arrangement. The server 4 is connected to a plurality of electronic betting terminals 2 as before, but is now connected directly to a screen 14 on which it shows a graphical representation of a roulette table 16. Here the server both generates the game (and its result) for the participants to see and collects and calculates the bets made on the terminals.

In a more compact arrangement, the game may be displayed on the terminal itself. The outcome of the game may be generated by the terminal (i.e. a random number generator or the like may be installed in the terminal, together with computer programming arranged to generate the roulette game on the basis of the output of the random number generator). Alternatively, the outcome may be generated remotely and communicated to the terminal. The latter type of arrangement may be installed in betting shops, where it may not be convenient to have a random number generator installed in the terminal itself.

The terminal may display the roulette wheel on its screen together with the graphical baize grid for placing bets.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention develops the roulette game concept described above. By using the possibilities afforded by electronic betting terminals, the inventor proposes an extension to the game of roulette to increase player interest and satisfaction.

At its most general, the invention proposes a secondary game feature wherein a player may gamble his/her winnings from a primary game (spin) of roulette. Thus, once all bets are settled following the result of a roulette wheel spin, each player who wins may be offered a chance to gamble their winnings.

Traditionally, each spin of a roulette wheel represents a single betting event. However the individual processing ability of electronic betting terminals enables a secondary gamble to be implemented independently of the main roulette game.

Secondary gamble games are known in themselves, ranging from the simple 'double or quits' 50/50 chances that may be decided by the toss of a coin or colour of a playing card to more complicated bets, e.g. involving rotating clicker wheels with a variety of outcomes (lose, x¹/2, x2, etc.). The application of a secondary gamble increases the options for the player as well as the potential outcomes, thereby presenting a more varied final product.

According to the invention, there is provided an electronic betting terminal arranged to allow a user to gamble on a game of roulette, the terminal having: user input means arranged to instruct a bet on the roulette game; and a display unit for showing the instructed bet; wherein, for certain selected outcomes (e.g. when the user wins) on the roulette game, the terminal is arranged to make in dependence on the outcome a secondary game available to the user, the input means being arranged to instruct a bet on an outcome of the secondary game, and the display unit being arranged to display that instructed bet. In another aspect, the invention may provide a gaming system comprising one or more such terminals, e.g. connected together in a network, e.g. via a common server.

Preferably, participation in the secondary game is optional. Thus, when displaying the secondary game, the user input means may be operable to accept or refuse, e.g. through the selection of an option such as Υes' or 'No', or 'Bet' or

'Collect', etc.

There may be a plurality of secondary games available to the user, i.e. games of different types. The user input means may be operable to select the type wanted by the user, or the secondary game type may be automatically selectable, e.g. depending on the size of winnings or time of day or other predetermined criteria.

The secondary game may be activated only when a certain threshold award level (e.g. cash amount) is won by the user. Preferably, the secondary game is activated for wins at or above a set minimum level. The terminal may be arranged to allow the user to add to (i.e. 'top up') winnings in order to reach the minimum level and trigger the secondary game.-

Preferably, the total accumulated winnings are used for the secondary game. Alternatively, however, the input means may be arranged to allow the user to split winnings into an amount to be used in the secondary game and an amount to be collected (or banked).

Preferably, the display unit includes a screen located in the terminal. The screen may be a touch screen, wherein it may also act as the user input means. Alternative or additional user input means are possible, e.g. push buttons, pull levers or the like.

The display unit is preferably arranged to display the bet instructed on the roulette game during the roulette game play and the bet instructed on the secondary game during secondary game play. In a preferred embodiment, an independent screen (i.e. arranged separately from the display unit) is arranged to show all bets placed on the roulette game. The independent screen may instead be part of the display unit, e.g. in a split or dual screen arrangement. Thus, the user may have a private screen showing only his bets and a general screen showing all bets. The display unit may also show the game itself (roulette and/or secondary gamble game), e.g. on the same or a different (separate or split) screen. Preferably, the terminal generates the secondary game independently of the primary game of roulette. Thus, the terminal may include computer programming arranged to generate the secondary game when certain e.g. predetermined criteria are fulfilled. The secondary game may be triggered by other, e.g. external, events or instructions. Preferably, the primary game of roulette occurs remotely from the terminal.

For example, the terminal may be communicably connected to a server which is arranged to receive or otherwise determine the outcome of the primary roulette game. The server may also be arranged to generate the secondary game. The primary roulette game may be real and comprise a roulette table equipped with sensors for detecting the outcome of each spin. The roulette table may be connected to the server to communicate the detected outcome thereto.

Alternatively, the roulette game may be virtual, e.g. generated by the terminal or server. Thus, the terminal or server may include computer programming arranged to generate a game of roulette. Preferably, the computer programming is arranged to select an outcome of the generated roulette game on the basis of the output of a random number generator. The random number generator may be provided in the terminal or server, or may be housed remotely.

Preferably, the terminal is arranged to communicate the bets placed thereon for the roulette game to the server, which may calculate the result of each bet on the basis of the received or determined outcome and communicate that result to the terminal. Alternatively, the server may communicate the received or determined outcome to the terminal, which may be arranged to calculate the result of each or any bets placed thereon. Preferably, the terminal is positioned to view the roulette game, or visual link of the game is provided to the terminals. The visual link may include a separate screen, independent of the terminal. Alternatively, it may be provided as part of the display unit.

A plurality of terminals may be connected to the server to form a network, wherein a plurality of users can play the same primary game of roulette and then individual secondary games depending on the results of their respective bets. Thus, the network is preferably arranged to present a common primary game of roulette on the terminals and then independent secondary games on those terminals whose users win on the common primary game. As described above, the secondary gamble game may be generated locally, e.g. in the terminal. For example, the outcome may be determined by a computer program on the basis of a random number generator. Preferably, however, the secondary game is based on an event remote from the terminal. This event may be virtual, e.g. generated in the server, or it may be real, e.g. the toss of a coin or colour of a playing card. In one example, the secondary game may be based on the next card drawn in a game of cards e.g. being played in a casino. The card game may be real and independently occurring simultaneously with the secondary game.

Preferably, the result of the real event is communicated electronically to the terminal. A visual feed of the real event is also preferred, so that the user can see the actual outcome. The visual feed may be provided directly to the terminal e.g. to be shown on the display unit. Alternatively, it may be provided on an external screen, e.g. visible to more than one terminal in the network, independently of the terminal(s). The electronic result and visual feed may be communicated via the server or may be provided directly to the terminal. Preferably, the electronic result is automatically generated upon the outcome of the real event, i.e. it is generated in electronic form without the need for manual input. For example, in the case of playing cards, a dealing shoe with a card reader may be connected to the network to provide electronic information about the next card to be dealt. In the case where the terminal does not possess its own random number generator, the secondary game is preferably remote.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Examples of the present invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a first roulette game network suitable for use with the present invention, and is described above;

Fig. 2 shows a second roulette game network suitable for use with the present invention, and is also described above;

Fig. 3 is a screen grab of a first secondary gamble game of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is a screen grab of a second secondary gamble game of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a third secondary gamble game of the present invention; and

Fig. 6 shows a third roulette network that is an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description; Further Options and Preferences

The terminals on the present invention can be connected in a network similar to those shown in Figs. 1 and 2. One difference between these conventional arrangements and the present invention is the provision of computer programming that activates a secondary gamble game on a terminal in response to a win on the roulette game. The entire secondary gamble game may be programmed into the terminal, i.e. the terminal may contain its own random number generator or other suitable device for determining the outcome of the secondary gamble. Alternatively, the outcome of the gamble may be provided from a remote location. In this case, the programming for the secondary gamble game may be in the terminal or at a remote location, e.g. in the server to which the terminals are connected.

Fig. 3 shows a first secondary gamble game. Here if a user wins at roulette, a graphical representation of a roulette table 21 appears on the screen 12 of the terminal 2. The screen 12 has windows 23,25 for displaying the amount won on the previous roulette game and the amount to be bet on this secondary game respectively. A credit window 26 shows the user's overall balance, i.e. sum of funds available and not presently being wagered.

The user may opt whether or not to play the secondary gamble by selecting the 'Bet' panel 18 to play and the 'Collect' panel 20 to bank the winnings. In the embodiment, the screen 12 is of the touch screen type, so the panels 18,20 are onscreen. They could also be provided as push buttons. If the 'Bet' panel 18 is selected, the screen depicts a rotating wheel carrying a ball, the ball eventually comes to rest in one of the pockets 22. Each pair of pockets has a label 24 which indicates a possible outcome of the secondary game. The outcome of the secondary game is the label 24 corresponding to the pocket 22 in which the ball lands. In a virtual game, this result may be determined on the basis of the output of a random number generator located in the terminal or elsewhere.

Fig. 4 shows a second secondary gamble game. Features that are in common with the first secondary gamble game have the same numbers. Fig. 4 shows a graphical representation of a rotating clicker wheel 28 which is divided into segments 30. Each segment 30 has a label indicating a possible outcome of the secondary game. If the 'Bet' panel 18 is selected, the wheel 28 rotates. The outcome of the secondary gamble is the label corresponding to the segment 30 indicated by arrow 32.

Fig. 5 shows a third secondary gamble game. Similarly to the first secondary game, Fig. 5 has a graphical representation of a roulette wheel 31 shown on the terminal screen 12. However, in this arrangement, the pockets 22 have different colours, represented in Fig. 5 as b for blue, r for red and g for green. A betting panel 33,34,35 is provided for each colour. To play, the user selects one of the betting panels 33,34,35. The wheel 31 spins while carrying a ball. If the ball comes to rest in a pocket 22 having the colour corresponding to the user-selected panel, the user wins and receives the prize indicated on that betting panel (x2 for red, x4 for green, x6 for blue). If the ball comes to rest in a pocket that is not the selected colour, the user loses his winnings from the primary game of roulette.

Fig. 6 shows a complete roulette betting network according to the present invention with a fourth secondary gamble game. In Fig. 6, the terminals 2 are connected to the server 4 to send and receive data. The server 4 is also connected to a roulette table 6, which is equipped with sensors to communicate the outcome of the spin to the server 4. Thus, bets placed on each terminal 2 are communicated to the server 4, and the results of these bets are calculated based on the outcome of the roulette game and sent back to their originating terminal 2. As before, a visual feed of the roulette table 6 is provided on a screen 10 via a camera 8 so that the terminal user's may watch the live outcome of the game on which they have placed bets.

The secondary gamble game in Fig. 6 is based on the next card to be dealt in a card game, independent of the roulette game, taking place on a table 40. The card game involves a dealer 41 delivering cards 44 from a dealing shoe 42 to players 43 sat at the table 40. The dealing shoe 42 includes a card reader capable of detecting the next card to be dealt. The shoe 42 is connected to the server 4 to communicate this result electronically. The secondary gamble game is activated on a user's terminal when they win at the primary game of roulette. The screen 12 of the terminal 2 prompts the user to select whether or not to play the secondary gamble, e.g. by selecting a 'Bet' or 'Collect' panel as before. If the user chooses to gamble, they may bet on the next card to be dealt in the card game, e.g. they may bet on its colour, suit, value, etc. A visual feed of the card game is then provided to the terminal 2 via camera 46 and server 4 so that the user may see the outcome. Separately, the outcome is electronically provided to the server 4, which can calculate the result of the secondary gamble and inform the terminal accordingly.

Claims

1. A networked gaming system arranged to allow one or more users to gamble on a game of roulette, the system comprising: a server having a communication interface arranged to receive electronically the outcome of a primary roulette game; one or more electronic gaming terminals in communication with the server, each gaming terminal having: a communication interface configured to send and receive data from the server; user input means arranged to permit a bet to be placed on an outcome of the primary roulette game; a display unit for displaying the placed bet; and a processing unit arranged to execute instructions to cause the terminal to generate, in response to one or more predetermined conditions, one or more secondary games for display on the display unit, the availability of the secondary game or games for play being controlled based on one or more predetermined criteria, wherein the input means is arranged to permit a bet to be placed on an outcome of the available secondary game or games, and the display unit is arranged to display that placed bet, wherein the secondary game or games are generated on the one or more electronic gaming terminals independently of one another.

2. A networked gaming system according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined conditions include one or both of an outcome of the roulette game and a amount of a user's winnings from the bet placed on the outcome of the roulette game.

3. A networked gaming system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined criteria include one or more of the outcome of the roulette game, the bet placed using the user input means, the amount of a user's winnings and the time of day that the outcome was generated.

4. A networked gaming system according to any preceding claim, wherein each gaming terminal is arranged to communicate the bet placed on the primary roulette game to the server, and the server is arranged: to determine for each gaming terminal, based at least in part on the bet communicated from that gaming terminal and the received outcome of the primary roulette game, whether the secondary game or games are to be generated on that gaming terminal; and if the secondary game or games are to be generated at a gaming terminal, to communicate the instructions for execution by the processing unit to that gaming terminal.

5. A networked gaming system according to claim 4, wherein the server is arranged to calculate if a user's winnings from the bet placed on the outcome of the primary roulette game exceeds a predetermined threshold value when determining whether the secondary game or games are to be generated on a gaming terminal.

6. A networked gaming system according to claim 5, wherein each gaming terminal includes credit adding means arranged to permit a user to add credit to winnings in order to increase the winnings to reach the predetermined threshold value.

7. A networked gaming system according to any preceding claim, wherein all or part of a user's winnings from the bet placed on the outcome of the primary roulette game is used as a stake for the generated secondary game or games.

8. A networked gaming system according to any preceding claim, wherein each gaming terminal includes secondary stake control means arranged to permit a user to select a stake amount for the generated secondary game or games.

9. A networked gaming system according to any preceding claim, wherein the outcome of the secondary game generated at a gaming terminal is based on an event remote from that terminal, and wherein the communication interface of each gaming terminal is further adapted for receiving the outcome of the secondary game from a remote location.

10. A networked gaming system according to claim 9, wherein the communication interface of each gaming terminal includes a visual feed arranged to display the outcome of the secondary game on the display unit.

11. An electronic betting terminal arranged to allow a user to gamble on a game of roulette, the terminal having: user input means arranged to permit a bet to be placed on an outcome of the roulette game; a display unit for displaying the placed bet; and a processing unit arranged to execute instructions to cause the terminal to generate, in response to one or more predetermined conditions, one or more secondary games for display on the display unit, the availability of the secondary game or games for play being controlled based on one or more predetermined criteria, wherein the input means is arranged to permit a bet to be placed on an outcome of the available secondary game or games, and the display unit is arranged to display that placed bet.