Abstract:
A method of conducting a wagering game using dice is disclosed. The method is ideally suited for video-based machines or Internet-based applications. However, it may be conducted in a live environment. Dice comprising multiple characteristics (e.g., values and colors) are used to generate random outcomes. Players may place wagers on value outcomes and color outcomes. Multiple groups of distinct dice may be used to create a game matrix having multiple pay lines which afford players multiple wager options. In one electronic version five dice are used. A player places a wager and then four of the five dice values are generated and revealed. With four of the five values known, possible winning outcomes are highlighted from a pay table listing all winning outcomes. In this version, there are always possible winning outcomes after four of the five dice have been revealed. Bonus trigger outcomes are also discussed.
Abstract:
A game die for use in playing game wherein the die includes a die body (12) with multiple sides and wherein an electronic timer (22) and timer-responsive visual signal generating device and/or audio signal generating device is/are located on the body (12). A motion sensing device (54) is disposed on the body to activate the timer to start timing when the die is used in playing the game.
Abstract:
An electronic die (40) capable of exhibiting visual and/or sound effects is disclosed. The die retains the conventional dice-action aspect of being rolled to randomly select an upwardly facing facet. The electronic components provide entertainment effects. Electronic displays, which can include light-emitting dots, are located on the sides of the die for showing the visual effects. An electronic circuit, contained within the die, controls output of the displays. One or more batteries are also contained inside the die for powering the displays and the electronic circuit. To ensure that the die is suitable for playing dice games, the displays, electronic circuit and batteries are securely mounted to withstand the die being thrown. The die can have a hollow compartment for holding the batteries and electronic circuit, or alternatively, the die can be formed using injection molding or casting techniques to embed the electrical components in a solid plastic body.
Abstract:
An apparatus (10) for playing the game "Spin the Bottle" comprises a box (20) housing an electronic memory (30), which memory is divided into a plurality of sub-groups. The electronic memory is connected to an output such as screen (40) or a loudspeaker (205). A bottle-shaped pointer (70) is attached via a spindle (60) to a bearing (50) so that the pointer (70) may be rotated about the axis defined by the spindle by the players of the game. A player designated by virtue of the spinning pointer coming to rest facing him depresses one of three buttons (80, 90, 100) on the box (20). Each button accesses a different sub-group within the electronic memory (30), and the electronic memory then displays a question, challenge or forfeit from the various sub-groups of the electronic memory (30) on the screen (40).
Abstract:
A chess-like game includes a gameboard (10) having a central chess board (20). A chess-move storage device stores representations of example moves. A randomizing device (16) is utilized to introduce chance. A captured piece functions as a scoring token. In some playing marker (12) embodiments, playing markers (12) are driven around a game track (30) by dice (14, 16), some having chess piece designations thereon. In a playing card embodiment, playing cards are used as a random generating device.
Abstract:
A system and method for remote players to select the numbers on a bingo card and to have this card played in a local Do-It-Yourself bingo game. Remote players wishing to play use a telephone to select the numbers on a game card that is entered into a remotely located bingo game. This entry process also acquires the players identification information. Billing is provided by a '900' number billing service or by charging a player's credit card account. A computer system plays the randomly selected balls against all the entered game cards, and determines the winners. No game cards are manufactured or distributed as the players create their own cards. Local and remote players are assured that the game is legitimately played as all the remote players' cards are printed out at the game site and stored in lock boxes similarly to the local players' cards as proof of the bingo numbers selected and payment made for game entry.
Abstract:
Game systems, superficially similar to bingo, which employ combinations of multiple variables from different sets (for example colors; symbols such as numbers of letters; and geometric shapes such as circles, diamonds and squares) to increase the number of pattern permutations on individual game faces (100, 120, 140, 160, 180), in combination with random selection apparatus (350). Compared to ordinary bingo, the number of players may be greatly increased without resulting in games that are unduly short, and various version controls allow control over the mathematical probabilities of winning. Each game face (100, 120, 140, 160, 180) has a plurality of individual positions organized as columns and rows. Within each column, the individual positions are filled with a random sequence of elements from each of at least two of the sets, and each column has a unique column designation. Random selection apparatus (350) is disclosed, which is particularly useful when employed in combination with the game faces. The random selection apparatus (350) generates a sequence of calls, where each call specifies an element from each of the at least two sets of different entities, for example a color and a number, such that a game player can designate individual positions on a particular game face which have elements that match the specified elements of a particular call. In addition, a call preferably includes a column designation. The random selection apparatus (350) includes a number of random selectors (352, 364, 366, 368, 370, 372, 384r, 384b, 384y, 384o, 384g, 386r, 386b, 386y, 386o, 386g, 388r, 388b, 388y, 388o, 388g, 390r, 390b, 390y, 390o, 390g, 392r, 392b, 392y, 392o, 392g) related to each other in a particular manner. Also disclosed are systems (200) for generating game faces, and overall gaming systems (600).
Abstract:
Apparatus (Figs. 2, 3) for use with a beverage tap (1) to perform a random selection or game function is disclosed. A triggering means (11) is included for providing an actuation signal (12A, 12B) in response to operation of the beverage tap (1). A random number generator means (13) is coupled to said triggering means (11) for generating a random value in response to a predetermined number of occurrences of the actuation signal (12A, 12B), the random number generator means (13) being further coupled to display means (10) for outputting one or more symbols (10A, 10B, 10C) in response to said random value.
Abstract:
All of the possible bingo numbers are displayed on an electronic reader board in the bingo game room. At the beginning of each game, an electronic random number generator selects a predetermined group of bingo numbers to be "red" numbers for that particular game. Additionally, the electronic number generator also selects a smaller predetermined group of bingo numbers to be "red striped" numbers for that same particular game. All of the other numbers remain "white" numbers for that particular game of bingo. When a player achieves a bingo, the player wins certain preestablished payouts depending upon whether the player has an all "red striped" bingo, an all "red" bingo, an all "white" bingo or any other "mixed color" bingo. The all "red striped" bingo receives the highest payout, the all "red" bingo receives an intermediate size payout, the all "white" bingo receives a smaller size payout and any other "mixed color" bingo receives the smallest payout. A progressive feature can be added to the method of play of bingo in which the player makes a separate, additional wager to be eligible for the progressive jackpot payout. Progressive jackpot pools can be established for an all "red striped" bingo, an all "red" bingo, an all "white" bingo or even for a "case" bingo. "Case" bingos are "near miss" bingos in which a player has missed a bingo by one number and a payout pool can be used to pay "case" bingo winners.
Abstract:
An electronic game device which comprises a control module (20), a plurality of output stations (30), start means (22) to initiate the device, and control means (52-90), responsive to the start means, for randomly providing a signal to one or more selected output stations to elicit a response from the player associated with a selected station. The device described herein can be used to play a variety of parlor games or to aid education.